Weekly News ‘MISICK NOT A VICTIM’ Volume 29 | No. 50 | December 12-18, 2015
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- Mitchell
– Trial of Michael Misick and exGovernment ministers gets underway PAGE
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CHILDREN CELEBRATE MIGRATORY BIRD MONTH PAGE
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FRAUDSTER DAVID SMITH APPLIES FOR CONFISCATION ORDER TO BE DISMISSED PAGE 4
CJ’S RULING ON HIGH RISE BUILDINGS COULD DETER INVESTORS
REMEMBERING
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– MINISTER OF INFRASTRUCTURE
SERNO
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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Fraudster David Smith applies for confiscation order to be dismissed BY OLIVIA ROSE CONVICTED Ponzi scheme operator David Smith who cheated thousands of Caribbean nationals, mainly in Jamaica and the Turks and Caicos Islands, out of about a quarter of a billion dollars, has applied to the court for his confiscation order to be dismissed. Smith appeared before Chief Justice Margaret Ramsey Hale in Providenciales Supreme Court for his confiscation hearing on Monday (December 8). The Jamaican fraudster is being represented by attorney Oliver Smith. According to explanations given in court, prosecutor Shayone Gardiner is from the Attorney General’s Chambers, but it is now a matter for the Director of Public Prosecution. So DPP John Masters was also in court on Monday. David Smith’s attorney started off the proceedings and applied to the court for the confiscation order to be dismissed. The confiscation order is an order made by the Crown to have D Smith repay $20 million, part of what he defrauded from people, or serve time. He was ordered by the court to pay since October 2012. The purpose of the confiscation order is to deny Smith the benefit of
property derived from his criminal activities. The defendant can choose to pay the order voluntarily, but if payment is not made, compulsory enforcement action can or will be taken. Attorney O Smith asked the court that if it is not willing to dismiss the order entirely, to reduce the amount of the confiscation order from $20 million. He told the court that the delay in enforcing the order should factor into the dismissal of it. He said too that the DPP acted illegally in not appointing a receiver to collect the money to be repaid. O Smith also claimed that the “unjustifiable and unreasonable” three years delay in bringing the confiscation order is an abuse of process by the Crown. He said that even if the prosecution had no obligation to impose the confiscation order, the law protects defendants from undue delays, which he claims this was. The Crown, represented by Shayone Gardiner, argued that D Smith should serve the time for the unpaid $20 million. She told the court that D Smith has not shown to the prosecution that he has made any attempt to repay the money. She mentioned his house in Chalk Sound, which has little value since it was damaged by fire in 2012 and the land it sits on, which is valuable.
Published by Turks & Caicos News Company Ltd. Cheshire House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales P.O. Box 52, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI W. Blythe Duncanson - Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Daisy Handfield - Staff Reporter Faizool Deo - Sports Editor (At Large) Cord Garrido-Lowe - Graphics Consultant (At Large) Dilletha Lightbourne-Williams - Office Manager Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@gmail.com Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours) Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com Follow us on: Facebook: facebook.com/tcweeklynews Twitter: twitter.com/tcweeklynews1
Gardiner said that O Smith could have gotten a valuation of the land on his client’s behalf to show the court that the value of it has either decreased or increased, but no attempts were made to do so. She said they had their own valuation done, and they know the value of the house has decreased, not the value of the land. She said that D Smith paid $450,000 for the land, the true value of which was $150,000, and is now worth $200,000. Gardiner also told the court that D Smith gave approximately $8.2 million or $8.5 million to the Jamaican Labour Party (JLP) and the Progressive National Party (PNP). This sum is included in the $220 million he had to repay to people he defrauded, and the Crown stated that D Smith has not written to these two parties to try to recover the money. According to Gardiner, D Smith had told them that the money was spent on political activities. The Crown told the court that the defendant had indicated to them that absent a lawsuit, he would be unable to recover the money from the parties. She also said that at the time the confiscation order was made the $8.5 million could have been recovered. O Smith clarified that at that time; his client was cooperating with the federal authorities, and had consented to the recoverable amount of $20 million, but that agreement has since fallen through. However, the Crown claims that
Convicted Ponzi scheme operator David Smith
D Smith knew at the time the order was made that the money from the two parties was not recoverable and he should not have included that in the order. The CJ chimed in and stated that the money should never have been included by any party to the agreement (the defendant and most importantly the authorities) as they are considered tainted gifts, and it is contrary to the law and the statute to include tainted gifts in a confiscation order. She cited the law and noted that a tainted gift is made if the defendant transfers property to another person for a consideration whose value is significantly less than the value of the property at the time of the transfer.
And where such monies included in such order have to be money that could be realised. Meanwhile, Gardiner responding to O Smith’s arguments on the delay in enforcing the order stated that the delay did not impact or violate any of D Smith’s rights as he was already in prison and as such did not suffer undue delay. She also told the court that the prosecution had written to the JLP and PNP themselves, seeking to recover the monies that D Smith gifted to them, but got no response or payments from them. She also noted that the Crown does not now and did not then have CONTINUED
Reasons for police transfer are unclear – PDM leader THE PDM party expressed its concerns over the transfer of police officer from Grand Turk to Providenciales this week. In a press release on Tuesday (December 8) party leader Sharlene Cartwright Robinson said that the reasons behind the move were unclear. “On hearing the news of the number of officers transferred, we wrote a letter to the head of police asking for a confirmation of the number among other information.” She added: “We understand that transfers are a normal process - the needs in Providenciales, the desire of officers for greater
exposure and the needs of the force to make available further training. “However without an in depth knowledge, it gives the perception that there is not a proper balancing.” The press release went on to say that the party has informed Police Commissioner James Smith of members’ concerns which have arisen due to the spate of robberies and burglaries, the increased number of tourists and “other pressing issues that are brewing”. “The police has responded and informed us this decision was
taken after extensive and careful consideration to our policing needs across the Turks and Caicos Islands together with the need to strengthen our presence in some areas,” the release read. “…and further stated that they wish to reassure [us] and the community of Grand Turk that the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force remains committed to providing all communities across the Islands with effective policing services 24/7.” The PDM has informed the police that they plan to make further representations on this matter.
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Prosecutor Mitchell begins his argument
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– Trial of Michael Misick and ex-Government ministers gets underway BY OLIVIA ROSE LEAD Prosecutor Andrew Mitchell began his argument in the long awaited corruption trial of former Premier Micheal Misick and several former Government ministers this week. He told the court that Misick is not and was never a victim of political prosecution but rather a man who “abused his powers while in office”. Proceedings finally got underway on Monday (December 7) at the Myrtle Rigby courthouse and the first few days were spent debating the practicalities of the case. On day one, lawyers underwent training on how to access trial documents on iPad devices during the trial, which will allow for the electronic presentation of evidence. The iPad Air 2 devices which are being used in the trail were configured in such a way that information cannot be added or removed to prevent any tampering with the legal documents uploaded. Acume Forensics is charged with securing the iPads in a special vault daily and uploading information throughout the duration of the trial. Day two saw Queen’s Counsel Ralph Thorne of Barbados, who is representing the former Premier Michael Misick, make submissions before Justice Paul Harrison who is both judge and jury in the trial. He said: “The specialty argument implies that if the Turks and Caicos request the extradition of Mr Misick on the basis of one charge, it becomes a breach of trust between Brazil and Turks and Caicos if, after his return, they charge him with additional offences. “That is wrong, the law regards
that as being entirely wrong.” The specialty rule is a principle of international law that is included in most extradition treaties, whereby a person who is extradited to a country to stand trial for certain criminal offences may be tried only for those offences and not for any other preextradition offences. Once the asylum state extradites an individual to the requesting state under the terms of an extradition treaty, that person can be prosecuted only for crimes specified in the extradition request. QC Thorne also argued that Misick’s charges are ‘political persecution’. Thorne propounded the fact that Misick was on one charge after considerations by the Brazilian court but later escalated to 17 counts. INFORMATION SECURITY On day three questions and concerns over the security of sensitive information and evidence stored on the iPads was the focal point for the day’s proceedings. Lawyers declared their unease over the manner in which information is stored, how that information will be backed up, how it will be destroyed and who will have access to it. Paul Cooper, Lillian Boyce’s lawyer requested that the defence have their own passwords on the iPads to ensure greater security. McAllister Hanchell’s lawyer Queen’s Counsel Jerome Lynch firmly said: “I don’t want them available to the court. “I don’t want my annotations available to anyone who is a part of the court’s service.” There was no opposition from
Queen’s Counsel Ralph Thorne of Barbados
Justice Paul Harrison
Defense Attorneys make their way to the court
lead prosecutor Andrew Mitchell on those points. Floyd Hall’s lawyer Queen’s Counsel Earl Witter reiterated that Justice Paul Harrison, who serves as the sole judge for the juryless SIPT trials, should not have access to witness statements prior to the commencement of the trial. Witter proclaimed: “I thought the court will not have on its iPad witness statements beforehand because of the jury functions which
your lordship will be called upon to take for these proceedings.” Witter was adamant that Justice Harrison who he called “judge and jury man” should not have those statements, stating that nowhere in the tribunal should this be allowed. Harrison disagreed on the notion that he must have those statements because of his functions. Ralph Thorne, Queens Counsel for Michael Misick, said: “If the jury does not have that power, the court
does not have that power.” Andrew Mitchell finally conceded and noted that while this may create some delays, the redacted version of the witness statements will be given to the judge. Three days into the hearings it is evident that challenges still loom as already there have been several petitions before the court. Michael Misick charged CONTINUED
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
CJ’s ruling on high rise buildings could deter investors – Minister of Infrastructure BY OLIVIA ROSE MINISTER of Infrastructure Amanda Misick said the ruling handed down by Chief Justice Margret Ramsay-Hale which halted construction plans for a 12 storey development in Grace Bay could potentially scare off investors. The Supreme Court a few weeks back shot down construction plans for a 12 storey high rise building after a joint complaint was filed by the proprietors of The Tuscany and The Venetian luxury condominiums in Grace Bay, Providenciales. During an exclusive interview with the Weekly News yesterday, (Thursday, December 10) Minister Misick said she as awaiting some independent legal advice on the judge’s ruling before proceeding. She noted: “What we are trying to do is see how best we can resolve this and expedite this in a manner not to scare developers away.” The Infrastructure Minister disclosed that the Government is exploring all of its legal options and is looking to take the Planning and
Development Bill to the House of Assembly to see how soon the matter can resolved. “We’re taking a bill to the house to validate previous development above one storey. “To tell the truth I don’t agree with the ruling, because what she’s saying is that any building above one storey in this country is illegal and that can’t be right.” When asked if the CJ’s ruling could have severe consequences for the Ritz-Carlton hotel project where the Government has already inked a $224 million deal, she said: “As it stands now based on her ruling she shut the whole country down, nothing. “Planning cannot move forward because they were advised not to process any application. “The country has been shut down, the country is on hold.” The minister adamantly stated that the CJ’s ruling “cannot be right”. She added that “this is something that we really don’t want to have a serious impact on development in the country.”
Minister of Infrastructure Amanda Misick
Meanwhile former Premier Michael Misick during a recent address to the nation made it clear that Islanders cannot travel to other countries and dictate their domestic affairs so, that behaviour should not be condoned in the TCI. “We can’t go and tell them whether they should have sky rise or high rise or not so we don’t expect people to come here and tell us what type of development we want.” The owners of The Tuscany and The Venetian filed a joint complaint after they were made aware of an application to construct a 12 storey development on land adjacent to The Venetian in November 2014 by notices sent to them and notices published in the Gazette. Judgment was recently handed down by Chief Justice Margaret
Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay Hale
Ramsay Hale giving them victory in the case. According to official court documents obtained by the Weekly News, “This moved caused some consternation as they considered that property investors are drawn to properties such as the Venetian and the Tuscany by Grace Bay’s outstanding natural beauty. “And that the upmarket tourism which Providenciales enjoys is a product of its low density high value development. “In their view, a 12 storey development on that land would lead to substantial decrease in the value of their condominium properties and that the decline in value would be in the order of 30 percent. “They also believe that their rental and letting income would be similarly affected.”
The document also outlined that The Venetian and The Tuscany border the southern boundary of the princess Alexandra land and Sea National Park on Grace Bay beach. The boundary of that park is the high water mark on Grace Bay beach - the character and enjoyment of Grace Bay and the condominium properties at The Venetian and The Tuscany would change. In particular, the applicants asserted such developments would literally cast a shadow over the beach and marine park and threaten its amenity and cast a shadow over the reputation and enjoyment of the Islands whose motto is ‘Beautiful by nature.’ In the course of inquiries it was discovered that a proposal for CONTINUED
Fraudster David Smith applies for confiscation order to be dismissed CONTINUED FROM
Aerial view of The Venetian (far right) and The Tuscany
the money to appoint a receiver to trace D Smith’s bank accounts and properties. Gardiner argued that D Smith should not be given any further discount since he actually defrauded $220 million and only has to repay $20 million. The prosecutor also pointed out that D Smith is actually getting a deal, as they are only asking that he be sentenced to no less than eight years, when in actuality what the law allows is for him to be sentenced to 10 years for every one million,
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which would be 10 years times 20. Smith was convicted of multiple counts of wire fraud and money laundering in the TCI and the US in 2010 and 2011. Smith ran Olint as a foreign exchange outfit that promised people high returns that averaged 10 percent per month. But in reality Olint was a massive Ponzi scheme that raked in more than $220 million from more than 6,000 investors. The CJ will hand down her ruling in January.
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Prosecutor Mitchell presents his argument CONTINUED FROM
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the hearings are unfair and unconstitutional and that the prosecution is all over the place. Other defence claimed they are still without charges and many question the security of the evidence being stored by the prosecution on the new iPads being used in trial. MISICK ‘ABUSED HIS POWERS’ On day four Lead Prosecutor Andrew Mitchell took the floor to present his argument. He told the court that former Premier Michael Misick is not and was never a victim of political prosecution but rather a man who “abused his powers while in office”. In his rebuttal to Queen’s Counsel Ralph Thorne’s specialty rule and abuse of process arguments, Mitchell told the court that the specialty rule has no basis because it does not exist in TCI’s domestic law because a specialty rule is a matter of international law. Mitchell made it pellucid that there is no provision in TCI law that incorporates a specialty rule. The lead prosecutor denied claims that the charges were politically motivated. “You couldn’t get further than politicised allegations than the ones before the court, the receiving of money for preferential treatment, the receiving of money to give people advantages which meant that the Government and citizens suffered a loss because revenues are lost is far removed from politics than one could get.” Mitchell presented evidence against the former Premier showing how Misick and his co-defendants allegedly received numerous bribes from developers while in office sometimes using third parties such as Clayton Greene and Chalmers Misick. Mitchell produced evidence relating to the alleged dealings involving Seven Stars Developer Jak Civre as an example of the extent of the conspiracy - showing how Civre’s company allegedly made several payments to Michael Misick, Floyd Hall, the PNP and other senior PNP members through his shell company. In 2009 Misick and members of his Cabinet were fingered in widespread corruption in the Sir Robin Auld report. THE CHARGES Floyd Hall, McAllister Hanchell, Jeffrey Christoval Hall, Clayton Greene, Thomas Misick and Lisa Hall, are alleged to have conspired together and with others to receive bribes between August 1, 2003 and August 31, 2009 to enable Michael Misick, Floyd Hall, Hanchell and Jeffrey Hall to accept inducements by unlawful corrupt payments or
other rewards while they were serving as ministers of Government. In another count, Floyd Hall, McAlliser Hanchell, Jeffrey Hall, Lillian Boyce, Clayton Greene and Thomas Misick were charged with conspiring between August 1, 2003 and August 31, 2009 together with Michael Misick and others to defraud the Government and/ or the Belongers of the Turks and Caicos Islands whilst they – with the exception of Greene - were ministers of the Crown by acting in a way that was contrary to the economic interests of the said Government and/or Belongers in respect to Crown land. In this count the Crown alleges that contrary to the Crown Lands Policy, they agreed that Crown lands be sold to particular Belongers at a value or in circumstances that were disadvantageous to the TCI Government and Belongers. The Crown also accuses the six of agreeing that particular Belongers become owners of Crown land at a value disadvantageous to the TCIG knowing that said land was not owned by the particular Belongers on terms consistent with the relevant and prevailing Crown Land Policy. In the same charge, the six are further accused of agreeing to the sale of Crown land at an undervalue thereby reducing the revenue to be obtained from the sale including the stamp duty. The Crown further alleges that they agreed that planning permissions and/or development rights would be granted to prospective developers on terms and conditions adverse to the interests of the TCIG and Belongers. Another count names Floyd and Jeffrey Hall, Lillian Boyce, Samuel Been and Melbourne Arthur. They are accused of conspiring together between January 1, 2004 and June 30, 2006 with Michael Misick and other persons to defraud the TCIG by arranging the transfer of Crown land at North West Point on terms that were contrary to the economic interests of the Crown. A similar count of conspiracy to defraud has been laid against Clayton Greene. That charge alleges that between January 1, 2004 and July 31, 2008 he conspired with Michael Misick and other persons to defraud the TCIG by arranging the transfer of Crown Land at Juniper Point on terms that were contrary to the economic interests of the Crown. Yet another count of conspiracy to defraud has been laid against Floyd Hall and Thomas Misick. The Crown alleges that between January 1, 2006 and August 31, 2009 they conspired with Michael Misick to defraud the TCIG by arranging the lease of a Gulfstream jet on the basis that this was for the benefit the Government when in fact it was intended that the jet would be for the personal use of Michael Misick. A final count of conspiracy to defraud names Floyd and Jeffrey
SIPT Prosecutor Andrew Mitchell
Hall, McAllister Hanchell, Lillian Boyce and Thomas Misick. They are charged with conspiring with Michael Misick and others between July 1, 2002 and August 31, 2009 to defraud the Progressive National Party (PNP) and its members. In this charge the five are accused of seeking and procuring donations in the name of and for the benefit of the political movement when in fact and truth the donations were applied for their own personal benefit. Alternatively or in addition to that accusation, the Crown alleges that they received and used the donations procured for a purpose which was not for the benefit of the political party. MONEY LAUNDERING CHARGES Meanwhile, a charge of conspiracy to disguise the proceeds of crime was slapped on Floyd and Jeffrey Hall, McAllister Hanchell, Lillian Boyce and Thomas Misick. In this charge they are alleged to have conspired together with Michael Misick and others between August 1, 2003 and August 31, 2009 to disguise the proceeds of crime namely: payments to the PNP purported to be political donations but which were in fact and in truth bribes paid into the PNP account for their own benefit with a view to avoid the making or enforcement of a confiscation order or avoiding prosecution for unlawful conduct contrary to the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Ordinance 1998. Additionally, Clayton Greene and Floyd Hall are jointly charged with conspiracy to conceal or transfer the proceeds of criminal conduct between February 20, 2006 and August 31, 2009. The Crown alleges that the duo conspired together and with Michael Misick and others to conceal or transfer the proceeds of criminal conduct knowing it to represent the proceeds of criminal conduct by the
former Premier. Clayton Greene is charged separately with two other offences – acquiring the proceeds of criminal conduct and entering into or becoming concerned in a money laundering arrangement. In the first charge Greene is accused of acquiring $20,000 knowing or suspecting it to be the proceeds of criminal conduct of an arrangement to defraud the TCIG on or about April 24, 2006. The other charge states that the former PNP leader on or about May 19, 2006, entered into or became otherwise concerned in an arrangement whereby he facilitated the retention or control of $1 million - which was the proceeds of another person’s criminal conduct - by or on behalf of that person, knowing or suspecting that the other person was engaged in criminal conduct or had benefited from criminal conduct. In another count, Greene and Thomas Misick are separately charged with acquiring the proceeds of criminal conduct. The details of that charges state that Greene and Misick, on or about March 17, 2008, acquired $12,500 knowing or suspecting that it was the proceeds of criminal conduct of an arrangement to defraud the TCIG. Thomas Misick is further accused of conspiring with his brother Michael Misick and others between August 1, 2003 and August 31, 2009 to conceal or transfer criminal proceeds knowing it to be the proceeds of Michael Misick’s criminal conduct with a view to avoiding the making or enforcement of a confiscation order or avoiding prosecution. A charge of converting or transferring the proceeds of criminal conduct was laid against Floyd Hall. It reads: Between February 5 and 16, 2006 he converted or transferred property which he knew or had reasonable grounds to suspect represented his proceeds of criminal conduct namely, the total sum of $375,000 received from Richard Padgett and others for credit for
Paradigm Limited for the purpose of avoiding prosecution or the enforcement of a confiscation order. Meanwhile, Jeffrey Hall is charged along with Melbourne Wilson with converting or transferring property between May 22, 2006 and June 30, 2006, which they knew or reasonably suspected represented their proceeds of criminal conduct namely $1.8 million for the purpose of avoiding prosecution and the enforcement of a confiscation order. Lillian Boyce is charged with acquiring $1million knowing or suspecting it was the proceeds of criminal conduct of an arrangement to defraud the TCIG, on or about May 19, 2006. She is also charged with entering into or becoming concerned with an arrangement whereby the retention or control by or on behalf of Michael Misick, the proceeds of Misick’s criminal conduct. The charge said she facilitated him knowing or suspecting that he was engaged in criminal behaviour. Lisa Hall is also charged with a similar offence. The Crown alleges that Hall, between March 1, 2004 and November 8, 2011 she converted or transferred $425,000 knowing or reasonably suspecting it to represent the proceeds of criminal conduct of Floyd Hall for the purpose of assisting him to avoid prosecution or to avoid the enforcement of a confiscation order. She is also accused of using $50,000 knowing or suspecting that it represented the proceeds of criminal conduct of Floyd Hall for the purpose of purchasing, in both their names, a parcel of land 10103/61 on Grand Turk between April 1 and May 31, 2006. Earlson Robinson is charged with acquiring $1 million, knowing or suspecting it to be the proceeds of criminal conduct, namely an agreement to defraud the Government on or about May 15, 2006. Quinton Hall is similarly charged with receiving the same amount of money on or about the same day as Robinson, for the same purpose. Floyd Hall is further charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice between January 1, 2008 and August 2009. The charge against him is that he and Richard Padgett along with other persons conspired to pervert the course of public justice knowing that a judicial public inquiry was announced into possible corruption or other serious dishonesty in relation to past and present elected member of the TCI Legislature in recent years. It added that they agreed on a course of conduct that would have led to the presentation of false or forged documents to the commission designed to mislead it into believing that payments made for a corrupt or dishonest purpose were in fact for honest means.
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Decmeber 12-18, 2015
Remembering Serno THIS week sees the anniversary of the death, nine years ago, of Serno Augustin, a 16-year-old boy who was shot and killed by the police when he and two others were running away from an apparent ambush. Since that time, one of the other youths, who was also shot, but survived, has received handsome compensation from HMG, yet for Serno, there has not even been an inquest. The Weekly News managed to get an exclusive interview with Patricia Duff, a social activist and children’s rights campaigner, who was mentoring Serno at the time. HOW DID YOU FIRST MEET SERNO? One Friday evening in May, 2005, I ran into the Crown counsel and he asked me if I knew that there was a child locked up at the police station. Clearly this was a contravention of the rights of the child, but it was too late to do anything constructive that evening. The next morning after I called social services for permission to obtain his release I went to the police station to find him. He had been held in that horrid, stinking, cement bunker of a jail for a week. Having charged the 15-year-old with stealing a car (a charge for which he was not convicted) the police could find no adult to stand bail for him as he was an orphan; and no one had thought to contact social service to get assistance. He came out from behind the thick iron door and stood there, thin and shivering, and asked if I would help him. SO WHERE HAD HE COME FROM, WHAT WAS HIS BACKGROUND? Serno told me he had lived in Grand Turk for as long as he could remember, that his father had been dead a long time and that his mother had become sick and had died when he was about 10-years-old. Indeed one of the police officers told me he had known Serno as a child playing in the streets in Grand Turk and it was on his evidence that I made application for Belonger status for him and it was approved in November that year. After his mother died someone had brought him over to Provo where he did odd jobs to survive.
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? Well, having secured his release, I took him to see his friends so they would know he was okay. On our way out of the police station his first question to me was if I would help him go to school; this request was echoed by his friends. I could tell by the things he asked me and the way he thought about things that he was a bright child, but his basic skills were poor through a lack of education. He told me he had used some of the money he’d earned working as an electrician’s helper to pay for attending school, but had not been able to keep up the payments and had to leave. As I had been raising money for years to help children attend private schools, it was relatively easy to find someone to sponsor his education and someone else to pay for his uniform. DID YOU GET OTHER HELP? I tried very hard to get foster parents for him. That was my biggest failure. The Department of Social Development insisted it was difficult to place a teenager in a home and were unable to find anyone to foster him themselves. He ended up living with the mother of one of his friends at the far end of Wheeland, and while he was getting basic shelter, he was totally lacking in adult supervision. He was left to attend to his clothes, most of his meals and his transportation by himself. The Social Services Department were requested to pay the customary $50 per week allowance to assist in feeding Serno, and for his transportation, but they said that there were no funds with which to do so! It was shocking, really. Without a home where he would have the care and attention he needed it is not surprising that he ran afoul of the police. What is surprising is that he was highly motivated to educate and better himself. Every day he would walk all the way from Wheeland to school in Butterfield’s Square and all the way home. No one made him, he was really keen and tried hard to improve
himself. YOU SAID HE RAN AFOUL OF THE POLICE, WHAT HAPPENED? He felt he was being picked on, he was sometimes stopped on his way to school by the police and searched. Once they arrested him for allegedly possessing marijuana. He told me that he had been sitting with a group of friends on the deck of the Wheeland shack when a police vehicle pulled up. Some of his friends threw packets of marijuana into the surrounding bush and ran off. Serno, knowing he had nothing to hide and believing he had nothing to worry about sat where he was; as did another boy. But, instead of chasing the boys who ran off, the police picked up the thrown packets and arrested Serno and the other boy, claiming they had been the ones to throw packets into the bushes. Serno told me he was not at all worried about the charge because he knew that fingerprint tests would show he had not touched the packets. He was angry that the police had not attempted to follow the real culprits but had picked on him when he was only a spectator. It followed there were no charges. WAS THAT THE ONLY TIME? No, about a couple of months later I got a call to say he was arrested for stealing a car. When I got to the police station I found that he had been locked in the cell and questioned without an adult present - even though he was only 15 – totally against regulations. It appeared that when I had dropped him at the Blue Hills roundabout, the night before, he had been given a lift by some friends in a car they’d stolen. When I explained to the investigating officer that Serno had spent the whole evening at Brayton Hall as a volunteer helper with about 30 people, it was clear that he’d not been involved in the theft. Nevertheless, he was not released immediately and I was told to return to collect him at lunch time. Serno was very upset because
Serno Augustin was shot and killed by police at 16-years-old
he’d miss his basketball practice. When I returned to collect him I found that he’d been handcuffed to a generator and had suffered a beating at the hands of a police officer. He was very resentful. Another juvenile who had been beaten at the same time had to be taken to hospital. The injustice he’d suffered over this and the marijuana incident did not help Serno’s attitude to the police. WHAT HAPPENED TO SEND HIM TO HM PRISON IN GRAND TURK? Just over two weeks later, he was stopped for driving a car without a licence (he was underage). But it turned out to be more complicated than that - in a nutshell, he and his friends thought a drug dealer who used to visit the shack was also an informer because it seemed to them that every time he had been to the shack to sell ‘weed’ the police showed up soon after. Supposedly the youngsters had decided that they would see if they could follow him and find out where he kept his stuff and tell the police. Apparently a couple of days before he had seen the dealer walking into the bush had followed him to a shack.
He waited until the man had gone and then went to look inside. He found a black bag with a lot of money in it and several plastic packets of weed. He stole the bag and ran away. The next day he arranged to buy a car and then he took the day off school and went to buy a large set of speakers for his ‘ride’. Later that afternoon he had just parked the car in a yard in the Bight when he was stopped by the police and questioned. He showed the police where he had found the bag. When he was asked what he proposed to do with the packets of ‘weed’: if he was planning to sell them, Serno answered with incredulity. It seemed it had never occurred to him to do that. He answered that he didn’t know - that he probably would have given them away to his friends it seemed he had not really given the question any thought at all. Who knows what the truth may have been? He was a kid who was desperate for a ‘ride’: finding the money was like a dream come true - and with no thought of the consequences he went straight out and bought himself a ride and a stereo to make lots of noise, just like the big boys.
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Patricia Duff, social activist and children’s rights campaigner
DO YOU THINK THAT WAS AN OFFENCE TO WARRANT PRISON? It wasn’t - at his court appearance the magistrate asked social services if they had found a home for the child. They replied they had not. The woman who’d been looking after him had died in October and her daughter felt, because she worked two jobs, that she could not provide the home he obviously needed. The magistrate said that clearly Serno was a child “at risk”. He said Serno would be remanded for “his own protection and welfare”. He said that his options were “drastically limited” that “children’s facilities were woefully lacking in this jurisdiction”. The magistrate said it was “regrettable” that he had nowhere to send him other than the prison in Grand Turk and that if Social Development found an alternative place in which to keep him they could bring the matter back to court without delay. DO YOU THINK IT WAS OKAY TO SEND A CHILD TO PRISON BECAUSE NO HOME COULD BE FOUND FOR HIM? It was shocking. Clearly two facilities for juveniles were badly needed, a home or half-way house for teenagers at risk and a detention centre where young offenders could be rehabilitated and above all kept apart from adult criminals. The magistrate said he’d been asking for such for years. So I began a campaign to bring this to the Government’s and to the public’s attention using Serno’s plight as a concrete example.
Over the years, so many promises have been made. Of course a children’s home has now opened but it’s only this year, 10 years on, that a juvenile detention centre has been established in Grand Turk. DID YOU VISIT SERNO IN PRISON? Oh yes ... I went several times. The first was just before Christmas. I took with me reading books and jigsaw puzzles and a couple of games. He was kept with four other juveniles in a wing separated from the adults, they were not supposed to mix with the adults, but I was told they were not segregated at meal times. Their quarters lacked any interior area for recreation so it was difficult to find a space in which to make the jigsaw puzzles and worse still, there was no education or rehabilitation programme at all. So I petitioned hard and a room was found and a teacher appointed. The school room has been running since that time. DID SERNO CARRY ON LEARNING? Actually, by the time he was released a few months later, his reading and writing had really improved. He went back into school and, as he was 16, when the summer came, I found him a job at the sports centre which he loved. When he left to become a full time electrical apprentice the manager wrote: “Serno was polite, hardworking and consistent in his duties. “He responded well to authority and was capable of executing the necessary tasks required of him. “I would be delighted to recommend him, and more than happy to have him serve with us
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The burial site of Serno Augustin at the Bight Cemetery
again.” He was really doing well and was attending evening classes and pre-college classes in English, maths, computer and physics at the Community College. His attendance record was excellent and he worked hard to improve himself and said he felt he was ready for his end of term exams. His electrical work was going well and his boss was pleased with him. Everyone felt he was on the right track. BUT IT DIDN’T LAST? I went to Europe for November (2006) to visit my mother, when I returned on December 6 I was shocked to find he’d been shot and killed by the police and his body left for four days in the bush. THAT MUST HAVE BEEN AN AWFUL TIME FOR YOU. It was. I was advised to become his administratrix so I would have access to all records. But it took me six years to get the whole picture. It soon emerged that two police officers had fired 57, yes, 57, rounds at three youths as they fled away from them. One got a bullet through his arm, from the back to the front, and Serno got a bullet in the back of his leg. He bled to death, at 16, alone in the bush. There was quite an outcry at the time and calls for an independent inquiry - but it never happened. Apparently the officers involved were not even suspended. There was an internal investigation which took about four months; then two officers from the Bahamas came to conduct a further investigation. I was finally allowed to see their report in 2012, almost six years after
the event, and the missing pieces of the puzzle fell into place. SO CAN YOU TELL US WHAT HAPPENED? I can tell you what appears to have happened. The Bahamian police report suggested the incident was a police set-up. There had been quite a few burglaries around that time; it’s been suggested that an officer approached a known criminal and offered him a deal that if he handed them a couple of burglars, to make them look good, they would drop certain charges against him. It appears this man thought that if he selected three youths without any previous convictions it was unlikely that they’d be given a prison sentence. It would seem that he had got to know Serno while he was detained in Grand Turk and so Serno was one of the three encouraged to be part of the group. So this ‘agent provocateur’ dropped the three by a car near the cemetery in Blue Hills, right into a police ambush - presumably not knowing the police would be armed. As soon as the three realised the police were there they started to run away - the police then opened fire, firing 57 rounds. IT SEEMS EXTRAORDINARY. Much of the story came out in the court case CR18/07. The judge’s summary is available online and makes interesting reading. (part 1 : http://1drv.ms/1N16yVb & part 2 : http://1drv.ms/1IlHn2V). Of course there should have been an inquest as is normal for an unlawful killing; I’m really not sure why it’s never happened. We held a memorial for him in
February of 2007 - (photos online: www.our-event.org/TCI/SA). Many young people attended and some performed rap music and special written songs and poetry. He would have loved it. I’ve since taken the poem ‘Unforgotten’ by Daniel Turner and had it engraved into a plaque on his tomb (photo) in the Bight cemetery. WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE JUSTICE DONE? Frankly, I’m not sure what justice is anymore. The man or men who set this up and the men who fired will have to live with Serno’s death all their lives. That’s quite a burden to sustain. I would like to see systems strengthened especially our welfare or social system as well as law enforcement. No young person at risk should ever be treated as he was - you could say his fate was sealed when he was orphaned at 10 and left abandoned by our system of care; or when he was sent to prison “for his own protection”. He was an impressionable and immature boy. Had he been placed, from the outset of his contact with the social and legal systems, in a foster home with a mother and a father, or in a children’s home with appropriate role models, I am sure his life would not have ended in such horrible circumstances. From 2001-2010, Patricia Duff ran DAYLITE a foundation which assisted disadvantaged youngsters to obtain education, verify their status and obtain jobs. She continues to visit HM Prison in Grand Turk a couple of times a year taking books and educational supplies to the inmates and prison school.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
During business related conversation Singh enjoyed an Indian style lunch with a small group of Indians and co-owner of the Precious Treasures International School, Allan Hutchinson
Indian high commissioner Pratap Singh (fourth from left) met with the Indian community in the Turks and Caicos Islands
Indian high commissioner visits TCI BY DAISY HANDFIELD THE INDIAN high commissioner responsible for Indian residents in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Pratap
Singh, recently met with government officials and touched base with the Indian community. Singh is based in Jamaica and is responsible for affairs relating
to Indians in Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas and the British Virgin Islands. The Weekly News met with him on Monday (December 7) where he
MILLS MUSES
Political education for politicians? WHEN you peruse the Caribbean media, you will notice that the issue of having qualified people in politics is a constant one. Caribbean people have over time become further enlightened politically and are demanding that their representatives have some kind of credential so they can bring a certain level of knowledge to issues affecting their country. This requires that aspiring and office-holding politicians be formally trained in political education, beyond what the party offers. This view of having politically educated persons contesting office, particularly the next generation of leaders, is expressed by Andre Poyser in an article in the Jamaica Gleaner. He states that there is a concern that young political aspirants are being schooled in the old partisan politics, which results in their behaviour reflecting that of the traditional politicians they will replace. This is because apart from their connection to a political party, no formal structures exist which would politically educate them. As a result they take on the values of the party machinery and become like the others before them. Poyser argues that if a different kind of politics is to be fostered then strategies must be forged
BY OLIVER MILLS
Oliver Mills is a former lecturer in education at the UWI Mona Campus. He holds a BA (Hons.) UWI, an M.Ed. Dalhousie Univ., an MA University of London, and a Postgraduate Diploma in HRM and Training, Leicester Univ. He currently writes a Column for the TC Weekly News.
that will produce young politicians without purely partisan leanings. I share these views of the writer. We live in a world where knowledge counts more than ever. It enables individuals to demonstrate competence and objectivity. Aspiring politicians and those in office have a complex set of issues to deal with, for which they are accountable. Professional political knowledge is therefore required to solve problems, formulate policy in a non-partisan way and arrive at new perspectives. This further benefits the country, since the normal party position would be replaced with new, workable solutions. Politicians attend international events where they discuss issues of governance, the economics of development and its implications. Being politically educated would prepare them for this, beyond partisan politics. They will also have the skills
to defend the positions of their government and provide intelligent clarification on matters they may be queried about. Not being politically educated in the issues of the day results in inflexibility to the detriment of their countries. This new kind of education in politics could involve, problem solving strategies, interpersonal relations and political skills for effective negotiation. It could further consist of the principles of political management, critical and creative thinking, and a full programme in the elements of modern political science and ethics in government. With this knowledge, the electorate would have no need to doubt their representative’s competence, since he or she would be tooled to manage for results, beyond partisan politics and so effectively contribute to the realisation of the vision of the country.
expressed great gratitude to have been granted the opportunity to visit the TCI for the first time. He said: “This is my first visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands and so far it is going quite well. “The kind of support that I have received from local authorities has been excellent. “I am too happy to be here, I did not have this beauty in mind that the Turks and Caicos would be so beautiful, but I am really fascinated by the place. “I have enjoyed my three night stay here in a very extraordinary manner.” The high commissioner said that he met with Premier Rufus Ewing and discussed issues that they were facing in relation to their consulate. He added that immediate plans were being made to have the problems rectified. Although all upcoming ideas were not shared, Singh did confirm
that plans included designating particular individuals in the TCI to look out for the best interests of members of the Indian community. He said that the matter was under the consideration of the president of India and that it would take some time for finalisation. He concluded that he was looking forward to revisiting the TCI in May of 2016 with more concrete plans. According to a survey undertaken by Indian officials in the TCI, about 200 Indian nationals currently reside in the country. Pratap Singh is a post graduate in political science and has also obtained a law degree. He is a published writer and poet. His first collection of poems in Hindi titled Shanti Manjusha (Basket of peace) was published in 1999 and his first novel in English titled, ‘A View from the Margins’ was published in 2011.
Beaches to host apprentices HIGH school graduates can apply for an apprenticeship programme with Beaches Resort and Spa starting next year. The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Library Services has negotiated with the company to conduct a Youth Apprenticeship Programme aimed at high school leavers from 2014 to 15. Interested graduates must be willing to begin classes with Beaches Resort in February 2016. The duration of study for the apprenticeship programme is six months and students will receive a stipend on a biweekly basis, to assist with their upkeep. All interested graduates from across the Islands and who meet the criteria outlined are invited to apply. Apprenticeships may be awarded to those who satisfy the following criteria: Have completed secondary
education at any of the high schools in 2014 or 2015. Currently not attending the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College or an A-level programme. Must be willing to comply with the policies and procedures including standards of appearance of the company. Application forms will be available from the Ministry of Education in Grand Turk, the Education Department and Youth Departments in Providenciales, the Labour Department and District Commissioners’ Offices throughout the Islands. All applications along with high school leaving certificates should be forwarded to the Ministry of Education, Grand Turk on or before January 31, 2016. Successful applicants will be responsible for their living arrangements during the six months.
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
CJ’s ruling on high rise Under the tree buildings could deter ... CONTINUED FROM
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a change in building height was considered by the Cabinet on June 4, 2014, which agreed to open a consultation on increasing the height limit of building in Providenciales to 14 storeys (150ft). The consultation was to be co-ordinated by the Ministry of Home Affairs as was limited to a consultation with persons and entities who were identified as stakeholders. No notice was given or served to the applicants. On September 25, 2014, the Cabinet met and advised the first respondent, the Governor, to amend the development manual to increase the maximum height of buildings on Providenciales to a maximum of 12storeys (150ft). On February 2, 2015, the third respondent, the Director of Planning, issued the notice amending the development manual, giving legal effect to the Cabinet decision. That notice was gazetted on February 6, 2015. The applicants applied for a judicial review of what they described as the respondents’ decision to change policy in the Islands by increasing the allowable height of apartments, condominiums and hotel buildings from the current maximum of seven floors to a
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
By Benneth Williams
maximum of 12 floors. By means of that notice of amendment to the Turks and Caicos Islands’ development manual. Chief Justice agreed with The Tuscany and The Venetian that there was a breach. The CJ ruled that their legal costs also be covered by respondents in the case. The case was evidently won by The Venetian and The Tuscany proprietors based on the fact that there was insufficient public consultation. The CJ said that while the Director of Planning and the minister, who is in this case Amanda Misick are given certain authorities, those authorities should be executed by thoroughly ensuring people who will be affected by are informed and given the chance to make due representation. “Public consultation must be bona fide in that it should undertake at a stage where there is scope to influence the outcome and not after a decision has been reached. “The Government’s decision to have a second consultation was tacit acceptance, in my view that the first consultation was inadequate as alleged by the applicants.” This proper process, according to Ramsay-Hale, did not happen.
COMMENTARY
Shame on who?
NOT long ago the Supreme Court proclaimed that a 12 storey building change was not in accordance with proper existing zoning laws. The case was brought by two existing and knowledgeable developers. They won, the PNP lost. Now the people of the TCI have to shell out for the plaintiff, defence and court costs. The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) said: “Shame on the progressive party”. We say it’s a shame to call that party progressive. Since 2003 they have and will cost the people of the TCI hundreds of millions of dollars. The debts and obligations they have laid on the folks while enriching themselves will keep the TCI down for decades to come, if they stay in power. Is that progress?
BY DAVID TAPFER
David is a retired mobile hydraulic engineer and business executive. He has been married to Middle Caicos native Yvette Robinson Tapfer for 25 years and has lived in Conch Bar, Middle Caicos, since 2002. David formerly served as branch chairman of the PDM from 2008 to 2011
The PNP Cabinet has now reapproved the same 12 storey illegal law, adding the requirement of a five acre parcel. Will another legal case be brought and fail costing the people and taxpayers more dough? When we consider the footprint 12 storeys requires, five acres is simply not enough. Are 12 storeys ‘Beautiful by nature’? St Charles Place, North Caicos, was built without a proper foundation. It is less than 12 storeys
and it is leaning. A PNP owned and promoted project, it must be bulldozed. Construction failures are a hallmark of the ‘progressives’. The same, now bankrupt, construction company built the hospital at three times the normal cost. Who deserves this shame? The PNP headquarters, built illegally, was taken from the progressives by then Attorney General Shepheard. When leader Rufus Ewing
publicly demeaned the AG, the TCI progressive government was sued for libel. Ewing went to London and settled the case for an undisclosed amount of the people’s money. Who do the people shame? After making small business licences three times as expensive and generally harassing small entrepreneurs, progressives find themselves on the eve of an election. Now they announce the possibility of duty concessions and the PNP giving advice for small businesses. Is this the blind leading the victims? Let the shameful PNP election games begin! Our young premier, a medical doctor, moved from his early career dispensing healthcare to buying care from an inexperienced contractor. Work permit holder’s health
certificates went from a cost of $25 in Myrtle Rigby days to 250 dollars under Rufuscare. Now expensive medical certificates will be disregarded as this medical doctor turned Premier wants to admit people with HIV. What’s next on his agenda? Imported tuberculosis and the bubonic plague? Is this good for the people or ultimately shameful? When Minister Gardiner and Minister Misick drew attention for their spontaneous nasty disparaging remarks against our Haitian community and other proud nationalities it obviously reflected an ingrained progressive party prejudice. Hundreds of these folks crowded the voter registration desks. Will they vote to shame the PNP?
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
Children celebrate Migratory Bird Month IN A region that seems blessed with eternal summer, one of the most noticeable signs of autumn is the arrival of countless migratory birds. Leaving their summer breeding grounds in North America, they transform Caribbean wetlands and forests with their colours and songs. The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DEMA) and the National Trust hosted a number of events celebrating these birds and their miraculous migrations during International Migratory Bird Month from October 19 to November 30. On Monday (December 7) DEMA announced the winners of the Primary School colouring competition. Amy Avenant, DEMA’s environment outreach coordinator, said: “Many entries were received, and although it was a tough decision as we were particularly impressed by the submissions, a decision had to be made.” The winners are Janear Forbes of BEST Institute, Trisha Duncan of Ianthe Pratt, Daquant Duncanson
of Richmond Hill Prep and Brooke Rivers of International School of the Turks and Caicos Islands (ISTCI). A number of bird monitoring activities were also undertaken by DEMA throughout the month. In addition the National Trust hosted a number of awareness activities. Posters were displayed in the Town Centre Mall and for the duration of the festival and colourful ‘Bird Buddy’ wrist bands were distributed during the exhibition. DEMA and the National Trust attempted to highlight habitat restoration through the planting of mangroves at Wheeland Pond wetland in Providenciales on November 20. Four schools, Provo Primary School, Oseta Jolly Primary School, BEST Institute and the ISTCI, helped plant about 50 red mangrove seedlings. However in a press release on Monday DEMA reported that upon monitoring the site, the plants had been pulled out just a week later.
Children plant mangroves at Wheeland Pond wetland
“Although the culprit is at large, it is very disheartening to see our conservation efforts, and the efforts of the young children, be literally ripped from the ground,” Avenant said.
“Wheeland pond is very important ecological site for migratory birds and other marine species, and we can only hope that with persistent education that all will learn to value and conserve this natural Provo gem.
Youngsters tidy the banks of the pond
“Along with birds, native trees are the most iconic features of the Caribbean landscape, and their roots are deeply intertwined with both the wildlife and the cultures of the region.”
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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Annual art expo SIPT lawyers to get paid biggest so far for non-sitting days BY DAISY HANDFIELD ABOUT 40 vendors participated in the annual art exposition orchestrated by the Turks and Caicos Friends of the Arts Foundation (TCFAF) in an effort to raise funds to promote the development of youth in the TCI. The event was held in the Salt Mills Plaza parking area on December 5 and 6 and featured a number of items, mainly created by hand, and items which represent the TCI culture. On the day of the event organiser of the cultural art exposition, Emma Halliday, said that the idea for the expo began after a group was discussing the lack of local arts and crafts on the island. Halliday said that it was disappointing that everything had to be imported as opposed to being made on island, so the group decided to put on the exposition. She said: “We started this some six years ago and this is our biggest one yet.” Vendor of Exclusive Accessories, Wellington
Williams, said that he was an annual regular of the event and every year he enjoyed it more than the previous years. He said: “I feel really nice to be selling my products at a charitable event and also these products are also made with real Turks and Caicos sand, starfish and sand dollars. “All of my products reflect Turks and Caicos and it is all about taking the beach with you but in a fashionable way.” A vendor even went as far as using recycled home goods to create products such as mirrors made out of clothes pins. The booths are rented out to people who are interested in displaying their product and the funds benefit youth through the arts foundation. The main objectives of the TCFAF is to facilitate local drama, music and dance groups, provide instruments and other resources to groups that promote music, provide scholarships to study performing arts and visuals and to facilitate the coordination of artistic exhibitions, festivals and performances.
Dominican electoral delegates update IDs BY DAISY HANDFILED THREE Dominican electoral delegates were recently in the Turks and Caicos Islands updating the identification cards for Dominican nationals. They prepared them in case they are interested in voting in the upcoming 2016 elections in the Dominican Republic. During the first day of the process, assistant consul for the Dominicans living in the TCI, Edwin Hernandez, told the media that the president of the Dominican Republic, Danilo Medino, wanted to confirm that every Dominican citizen globally was able to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming elections. Hernandez added that prior to the process, Dominican residents had an old voter’s card which was not digital and not as up to date as the current one. Member of the electoral board for the Dominican Republic, Juan Karlos Saladin reiterated that they were present in the TCI giving
Dominicans the opportunity to vote. He said: “We are bringing in their new ID because the ID is the proper identification to vote and there are many Dominicans that have been here for so many years and they have old documents which are not possible to vote with. “So we are trying to update their documents so that they can vote abroad from the Turks and Caicos.” The electoral board officials say that the process is a much needed step in keeping off-island nationals abreast of the changes happening in their hometown. The upgraded system has also allowed for a proper count on how many Dominican nationals are living in the TCI as well as any concerns they may have. The process was conducted from Wednesday (December 2) to Saturday (December 5) at the Jehovah church behind the Downtown Ball Park in Providenciales. Others were present but the majority of the work was carried out by the three electoral delegates.
BY OLIVIA ROSE APPEARING before the Appropriations Committee last week, Chief Justice Margaret Ramsey Hale declared that the lawyers working on the SIPT corruption trial, involving former Premier Michael Misick and some of his ministers, may not be given additional time. Instead, as they will need to remain in the country, the Government will grant them payment for days they have not worked at home. The Chief Justice explained that a number of these attorneys will be travelling from overseas, but during the break they will need to review documents, which means they will be unable to return to their respective jurisdictions to earn. “We have taken lawyers from their practices in their home countries,” she said. “When the court goes on a week’s break, these lawyers can’t go back home and earn money because they are back here four days later. “They continue to work on the arguments even when they are not in the course of a trial. So we do pay for non-sitting days, and that is the arrangement that has been made.
“They get paid for days when they appear in court and they also get paid for certain number of non-sitting days because they continue to work even though they are not in a court.” She also justified her office’s request for supplementary funds totalling $1.9 million. This is in addition to the $2.9 million already provided. “What has happened, because the trial is two years late, we have had to build back up to the strength of the allocation in 2014. “So what you really see here is trying to get back to where we were before, so we can afford the trial that is now on. “Has it cost us more money overall? Yes. Unfortunately, there is no way of science to it. “We can’t predict how many motions would be taken, how many days would be used in argument. “The lawyers submit their bills, they are taxed and they are paid according to the work, which is done. “We are perhaps a little over what we had estimated, but it is still the most effective approach to legal aid. “It is one of the most costeffective ways of delivery.” The original allocation to the
Legal Aid Office, she noted, was some $6 million when it was expected that the trial would have begun in 2013. She further explained to the committee that $4.5 million of that amount rolled over to 2014/2015, however some was used this year. “So this year we only had $2.9 million, because in this year the trial should have been finished. “And of course, we have to estimate that if there was a conviction we would need a further sum of money for what we call confiscation proceedings that would follow. “So that $2.9 million is never intended for the trial of these matters. It was intended for the ancillary or consequential matters, if I may say, and for other satellite matters that arose during the course of investigations.” Ramsay-Hale made it clear that her office is very mindful when spending these public funds. She is in agreement with the Governor’s appointee John Phillips that since about $4 million will be used during the first few months of the trial, then an additional $4 to $5 million can be included in the estimate for 2016/2017.
Charity golf tournament raise nearly $40,000 BY DAISY HANDFIELD MORE than $35,000 was raised during the second annual Corporate Charity Challenge golf tournament last weekend at Provo Golf Club in Providenciales. Director of golf at the club, Dave Douglas, said that the funds will benefit the culinary arts programme at the Community College in Providenciales, the Provo Children’s Home and a football team from the Turks and Caicos Islands that will be competing overseas. The festivities began on Friday (December 4) with an optional practice round for all participants at the golf course, followed by a 7pm opening cocktail party at Fairways Bar and Grill. The actual tournament took place on Sunday (December 6) with a 1pm shotgun, with a dinner party and trophy presentation at Fairway Bar and Grill. The tournament saw the participation of 18 teams totalling 72 players. This year’s champion was the company Carlisle Supplies, second place was Waterloo Investments and third place was HAB Group. In an interview with Douglas on Tuesday (December 8) he told the Weekly News that he considered the event to be a huge success in terms of participation and funds raised.
Funds raised from golf tournament to benefit charity
As emphasised in a previous interview, he reiterated that the event is both to have fun and to provide a great opportunity for the local business community to join in on such a collaborative effort. He said: “It was a huge success with great support from the businesses on island and a lot of clean and good fun.” The tournament was initiated two years ago by CEO of Gilley’s Enterprises, Galmo Williams and a couple of other committee members who got together and decided that
they wanted to get involved with different businesses on island to identify a worthwhile cause and raise funds for it through a golf tournament. Among other businesses that participated were Herzog Construction, Scotiabank, Coxco Construction, Miller Simons O’Sullivan, Seven Stars, Lime, Beaches resort, Dickenson Insurance, Turks and Caicos Water Company, Casablanca Casino, Hartling Group, M and S Trust Company, Opus and Hemingways.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Science & Technology Men’s self-image puts them in danger of dying from AIDS, research shows
“Good news for the grumpy,” said Sir Richard Peto, one of the authors of a study of one million middle-aged women in Britain for 10 years published Wednesday.
Happiness doesn’t bring good health, study finds GO ahead and sulk. Unhappiness won’t kill you. A study published on Wednesday in The Lancet, following one million middleaged women in Britain for 10 years, finds that the widely held view that happiness enhances health and longevity is unfounded. “Happiness and related measures of well-being do not appear to have any direct effect on mortality,” the researchers concluded. “Good news for the grumpy” is one way to interpret the findings, said Sir Richard Peto, an author of the study and a professor of medical statistics and epidemiology at the University of Oxford. He and his fellow researchers decided to look into the subject because, he said, there is a widespread belief that stress and unhappiness cause disease. Such beliefs can fuel a tendency to blame the sick for bringing ailments on themselves by being negative, and to warn the well to cheer up or else. “Believing things that aren’t true isn’t a good idea,” Professor Peto said in an interview. “There are enough scare stories about health.” The new study says earlier research confused cause and effect, suggesting that unhappiness made people ill when it is actually the other way around. The results come from the so-called Million Women Study, which recruited women ages 50 to 69 from 1996 to 2001, and tracked them with questionnaires and official records of deaths and hospital admissions. The questionnaires asked how often the women felt happy, in
control, relaxed and stressed, and also instructed them to rate their health and list ailments like high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, arthritis and depression or anxiety. The researchers included questions about happiness “because it’s something a lot of people were interested in,” Professor Peto said. When the answers were analyzed statistically, unhappiness and stress were not associated with an increased risk of death. It is not clear whether the findings apply to men. Professor Peto said particularly important data came from 500,000 women who reported on their baseline surveys that they were in good health, with no history of heart disease, cancer, stroke or emphysema. A “substantial minority” of these healthy women said they were stressed or unhappy, he said, but over the next decade they were no more likely to die than were the women who were generally happy. “This finding refutes the large effects of unhappiness and stress on mortality that others have claimed,” Dr. Peto said. Unhappiness itself may not affect health directly, but it can do harm in other ways, by driving people to suicide, alcoholism or other dangerous behaviors, he warned. This type of study, which depends on participants’ selfassessments, is not considered as reliable as a rigorously designed experiment in which subjects are picked at random and assigned to a treatment or control group. But the huge number of people in this study gives it power.
MEN’S self-image as strong, sexually active risk-takers means they are more likely to die from HIV/AIDS than are women, experts said on Wednesday, calling for more HIV workplace testing to reach men and greater efforts to change gender norms. Although six out of ten Africans with HIV are women, men are 25 percent more likely to die from the disease, according to research by the Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies in South Africa, which has the world’s biggest AIDS epidemic. “A lot has been achieved in the AIDS response, but we will be more successful if we put greater emphasis on engaging men and boys,” Dean Peacock, founding director of South African advocacy group Sonke Gender Justice, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. “The majority of people who don’t access services are men - and that’s bad for everyone.” Men are less likely to test for HIV, less likely to start or adhere to antiretroviral therapy (ART) to manage the disease and more likely to start treatment late and die, Peacock said in a paper he co-authored and presented to United Nations program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) on Wednesday. Men will soon make up almost 70 percent of AIDSrelated deaths in some highprevalence countries, the paper said, even though rates of HIV infection among women aged 15 to 24 are twice as high as those of men the same age. Women are more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS because their lower social status, poverty and violence often mean they cannot choose whether to have sex or use a condom. As a result, health services have focused heavily on ensuring women get tested, usually when they are pregnant, and take ART to prevent transmission of the virus to their babies. To end the HIV pandemic, there needs to be a greater focus on testing and treating men, Peacock said, by offering male-friendly services in the workplace or open on weekends with male staff. When men do not know their HIV status, they are less likely to use a condom to protect their sexual partners, research shows. Similarly, if they do not take ART,
their viral load remains high and they are more likely to transmit HIV. The World Health Organization recommends everyone with HIV should start ART as soon as possible to safeguard their health and reduce the risk of transmission. “Men are socialised to see health-seeking as a sign of weakness,” Peacock said. “Many men feel they can only access health services when something is broken or falling off.” Men often avoid HIV tests because they assume they are positive and drive long distances to clinics where they will not be recognised, the
Although six out of ten Africans with HIV are women, men are 25 percent more likely to die from the disease.
paper said, citing research in Malawi. “We want to make sure that there are education efforts -- from the classroom to the
television that people watch at night (and) the billboards they drive past -- that promote a different set of norms about gender,” Peacock said.
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Lifestyle... 18
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW
BY DENIS BELANGER - NATURE SPLENDOR
Denis is a passionate landscape architect who enjoys the creative process and his clients’ joy when projects come to life. Contact Denis at Nature Splendor for your landscaping, installation or garden maintenance needs. For more information call 332-3381 or email denis@naturesplendor.net.
Christmas tree – fake or real? EACH Christmas season, there seems to be a lot of focus on the socalled debate over real vs artificial Christmas trees. Overall people should feel free to choose either type of tree. Both types of Christmas trees have very distinctive characteristics and a recent life cycle analysis concluded that neither tree has a significant negative impact on the environment. It really comes down which kind of
tree or trees best fits your lifestyle. The Christmas season should be a time of celebration not a platform for debate. So if a Christmas tree is part of your holiday celebration, relax and celebrate with the Christmas tree of your choice. To help clear things up, here are some answers to the most common tales. Maybe you’ve heard some of
these or even had these very same thoughts yourself. Either way, it may be worth your time to read on: Artificial trees aren’t part of Christmas tradition: If your holiday traditions began before the 1960s, there’s a good chance you are right. However, a recent survey conducted that more than 80 percent of American households with Christmas trees are celebrating with an artificial Christmas tree. Artificial trees don’t look real: It’s ironic, there are also people who say that artificial Christmas trees look ‘too perfect’ to be real. In any case, many testify that their artificial trees appeal to even the most scrutinising of relatives.
Admittedly, artificial trees in the past looked nothing like the real thing, but now they appear like genuine Christmas trees. Advances in artificial-tree design have helped many obtain the perfect tree for the holidays – without looking too perfect. Artificial Christmas trees harm the environment: This is the myth that does the most harm to the wellmeaning, environmentally conscious consumer. A study concluded that there was no significant environmental impact from the use of either an artificial or a real Christmas tree. Consumers should feel great about choosing either kind of tree
and many consumers are choosing to display both kinds throughout their homes and in their outdoor Christmas displays. Now that’s the Christmas spirit. Artificial Christmas trees don’t smell as nice: On the surface, this is a fair point. But along with that fresh pine smell comes nearly 10 times the amount of mould normally found indoors. For those predisposed to allergies, this is no small matter. A study conducted shows that after two weeks of being indoors, a live Christmas tree emitted significant amounts of mould spores into the air. The truth is that fresh pine smell can be replaced with a special fresh pine scent and scented ornaments.
POLICE SAFETY TIPS
Men are being abused as well WHILE the majority of domestic violence victims are women, abuse of men happens far more often than you’d probably expect. Typically, men are physically stronger than women but that doesn’t necessarily make it easier to escape the violence or the relationship. An abused man faces many obstacles, especially when it comes to gaining custody of his children from an abusive mother. No matter your circumstances, though, you can overcome these challenges and escape the abuse. If you’re a man in an abusive relationship, it is important to know that you’re not alone. It happens to men from all cultures and all walks of life.
Men are often reluctant to report abuse by women because they feel embarrassed, or they fear they won’t be believed, or worse, that police will assume that since they’re male they are the perpetrator of the violence and not the victim. An abusive woman may attack you physically or destroy your possessions. To make up for any difference in strength, she may attack you while you’re asleep or otherwise catch you by surprise. She may also use a weapon, such as a gun or knife, or strike you with an object, abuse or threaten your children, or harm your pets. Of course, domestic abuse is not limited to violence. Your partner may also verbally abuse you or humiliate you publicly.
Be possessive, act jealous, or harass you with accusations of being unfaithful. Take away your car keys or medications; try to control where you go and who you see. Try to control how you spend money or deliberately default on joint financial obligations. Make false allegations about you to your friends, employer, or the police, or find other ways to manipulate and isolate you. Threaten to leave you and prevent you from seeing your kids if you report the abuse. Many people have trouble understanding why a woman who is being abused by her boyfriend doesn’t simply just leave him. When the roles are reversed,
By Audley Astwood Audley, a former police detective and broadcaster, is currently the press officer for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. His main focus is on crime prevention and community policing. For more information call 941-4448 or visit www.tcipolice.tc.
and the man is the victim of the abuse, people are even more bemused. However, anyone who’s been in an abusive relationship knows that it’s never that simple. Ending an abusive relationship is rarely easy. Many men feel great shame that they’ve been beaten down by a woman or failed in their role as protector and provider for the family. Just as with female domestic
violence victims, denying that there is a problem in your relationship will only prolong the abuse. You may believe that you can help your abuser or she may have promised to change. But change can only happen once your abuser takes full responsibility for her behaviour and seeks professional treatment. For more information, please visit www.tcipolice.tc.
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
Lifestyle... ECO TIP Lynn Robinson has lived in the Turks and Caicos Islands for 12 years and works at Big Blue Unlimited as a diving instructor, eco guide and boat captain. She is passionate about the environment and does regular beach clean ups while walking her three potcakes. Her other passion is running and can often be seen training for marathons and ultra-marathons.
By Lynn Robinson
THE DENTIST AND YOU Mark Osmond BDS (Lond) LDS RCS (Eng). Mark Osmond Dental Clinic - (649) 432 3777, drmosmond@gmail.com or Find us on Facebook
By Dr Mark Osmond
Caring for teeth over the holiday period
Say no to straws EVERY two weeks I rack my brain to come up with something new and inspiring to write about while trying not to repeat myself too many times. This week inspiration came while leaving a popular beach spot on Grace Bay and being faced with plastic, single use straws stuck in the sand. Myself and a friend took it upon ourselves to pick up the straws, along with a couple of plastic forks, and retrieved no less than 40 of these useless pieces of plastic that have slowly crept into our lives. Pretty much every bar and restaurant automatically puts one (or sometimes two) into your drink without even considering the implications on the environment. Just recently a video was released online which went viral within a matter of hours showing a group of concerned citizens trying to prise something out of a distressed turtle’s nostril. That something turned out to be a plastic straw, just one of many hundreds of thousands that end up in our waterways and oceans. The thing that amazed me the most about the majority of the straws I picked up from outside Flamingo Bar (aka Ricky’s) was the close proximity to the bin and the fact that they looked like they had purposely been stuck upright in the sand. This and the fact that everyone else that day had walked right past them without any thought of cleaning them up. Plastic straws are in the top 10 of marine debris and it is estimated that over 500 million are used every day in the US alone, enough to fill 46,400 school buses every year!
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
This is a huge waste of resources and an even bigger problem on the environment, and yet something that is so simple to avoid. Bars and restaurants can choose to stop automatically serving straws with drinks or give out a paper biodegradable straws if a customer insists on one. It is also up to each and every one of us, as the consumer, to politely ask for our drinks without a straw, or take your own reusable steel or glass straw with us if your drink really calls for one. Please help to keep this planet clean and green and say no to the plastic straw. “Health to the ocean means health for us” - Sylvia Earle.
WHETHER you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or something else, the holiday time is when we all want to celebrate the season, kick back a bit, enjoy a break and treat ourselves and our loved ones. For most of us this includes indulging in rich party foods, candy, chocolate, and the odd tipple (or two!). I’m certainly looking forward to my Christmas lunch, mulled wine and mince pies! However, inevitably the holiday period can be quite tough on your teeth. The extra treats, the candies being passed around work, the box of homemade cookies given to you by your neighbour, the glass as wine at a friend’s house are all additional times when your teeth are vulnerable to attack from dental decay. From a dental health perspective, you might be surprised to know that it is less about how much you eat (the volume) and more about how often you eat (the frequency). It is much healthier to eat three balanced meals a day than have seven to 10 snacks throughout the course of the day - even if you are actually eating the same amount and types of the food. The reason for this is that every time you eat anything that contains sugar, your teeth are under acid attack for up to one hour afterwards.
The sugar in your food is broken down by the (normal, healthy) bacteria in your mouth and acid is produced. It is this acid that attacks the enamel of your teeth and over time causes tooth decay. Acidic foods and drinks (such as orange juice, diet soda, citrus fruits, yoghurt, even lager) can be just as harmful to your teeth. And also remember that sugars can be present in foods even when it might not be so obvious; for example, fruit (fresh and dried), bread and many sauces. As the acid attacks the teeth, the enamel of the tooth is destroyed and over time this becomes a hole or cavity in the tooth. Initially it is likely that you will experience sensitivity. If the decay is allowed to continue it will lead to tooth ache. At this point the tooth will require a filling or, if left untreated for long enough, you may have to lose the tooth (an extraction). So, how can you avoid these problems and yet still enjoy the holiday treats? It is advised that you enjoy your sweet treats - cake, mince pies, chocolates, sweet or fizzy drinks
- at meal times rather than spread them out throughout the course of the day. And if your children are having candy, encourage them to eat it in one sitting rather than keep returning to the bag and having one every hour or so. Brushing your teeth at the end of the day, just before you go to bed, is vital in ensuring that sugar and food debris is removed from the teeth. However, brushing teeth immediately after you have finished eating something acidic is not advised. Straight after you have eaten, the enamel is softened and if used at this point, the abrasive action of the brush and toothpaste will remove this layer of enamel. This erodes the teeth and makes them sensitive and vulnerable to decay. It is therefore advised that you wait 30 to 60 mins after eating or drinking acidic foods before brushing your teeth. A simple mouth rinse with water immediately after can help to wash away the acid in the mouth. Sugar-free chewing gum can also help as it makes the mouth produce more saliva which helps to cancel out the acid in your mouth from eating or drinking. Easy steps to take to look after your teeth and ensure that you enjoy a happy, healthy holiday! Season’s greetings everyone!
Weekly Recipe
Chicken curry
INGREDIENTS • 1 large onion • 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped • 1 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 tsp chili flakes • 1tsp Garam Masala • 1 tsp turmeric • 400g can chopped tomatoes • 8 chicken thighs, skinned, boneless • 250ml hot chicken stock
METHOD • Roughly chop onion, fry in one tbsp oil together with garlic,
until soft. • Add tomatoes and simmer for five minutes. • Cut the chicken thighs into 3cm chunks and add to the pan once the tomatoes have thickened to a paste. • Add masala, turmeric and chili flakes. • Cook for five minutes to coat the chicken in the masala and seal in the juices, and then pour over the hot chicken stock. • Simmer for eight to 10 mins without a lid until the chicken is tender and the masala lightly
thickened – you might need to add an extra ladleful of stock or water if
the curry needs it. • Serve with Basmati rice.
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Regional News
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Bahamas: Activists say 11 Jamaicans forced to urinate on floor TWO Bahamian women’s rights groups are urging Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade to launch a probe into the arrest and detainment of 11 Jamaican women amid allegations that the group was forced to urinate on the floor of the cell where they slept on cardboard boxes. The groups believe the women were victims of “misconduct” by officers who allegedly discriminated against them based on their nationality. It is also alleged that the women were not allowed phone calls and were threatened while police held them for 36 hours. During a press conference on Tuesday, representatives from non-profit organisations Bahamas Women’s Watch and the Bahamas Crisis Centre called on the Royal Bahamas Police Force and all state agencies, including the Department of Immigration, to cease and desist the reckless and unconstitutional practice of discrimination against Jamaicans, and more broadly, immigrant women who suffer the indignity of systemic discrimination because of their nationality. The watchdog groups said the officers’ alleged behaviour must be investigated and condemned in the strongest manner by Commissioner Greenslade. They are also requesting an urgent meeting with the commissioner to discuss how he plans to eradicate what they say is the systemic practice of discrimination against vulnerable immigrant women within the police force.
Lifeline for CLICO in Barbados CASH-STRAPPED CLICO has been pulled from the brink of liquidation and given a new lease on life by the High Court. But there could yet be another hurdle in the way following judicial approval of Government’s “Barbados-first” restructuring plan, with lawyers representing the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) now seeking leave to appeal the decision. That matter is expected to be
heard within the next two weeks. On Thursday last, following three months of deliberation, Justice William Chandler gave the green light for the proposed reconstruction of CLICO International Life Insurance Limited (CIL) as submitted by the Ministry of Finance and endorsed by judicial manager Deloitte Consulting Limited and the Barbados Investors and Policyholders Alliance Inc. (Barbados Nation)
The watchdog groups said the officers’ alleged behaviour must be investigated and condemned in the strongest manner by the Police Commissioner. Photo: (Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff)
The groups are in the process of drafting a formal complaint to submit to police. According to police reports, the Selective Enforcement Team went to a nightclub on East Street near East West Highway around 2am on Saturday and arrested 11 women from Jamaica on suspicion of solicitation for prostitution and breach of the Immigration Act. The women were released on Sunday evening without any charges. Noelle Nicolls, communications co-ordinator, said the women who were arrested were paying patrons of the establishment. She said several of the women were attending a private birthday party being held in the upstairs section of the bar, while two of the others were there having a drink, catching up as one recently
came to the Bahamas to visit her friend. They had not been inside the club for more than 15 minutes before this raid occurred, she said. As previously reported, one of the women arrested is a complainant in a rape case against an immigration officer. The woman fears this incident was an attempt to harass and intimidate her specifically. Ms Nicolls said: “Bahamas Women’s Watch condemns the unwarranted arrest of 11 Jamaican women on the weekend in a police anti-crime operation at a sport’s lounge in New Providence. Police claimed the women were at the sport’s lounge for the purpose of solicitation for prostitution and suspected they were in breach of the Immigration Act; however, these claims were proven to be completely unfounded.
Bermuda banking on casinos to boost tourism Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission (BCGC) executive director Richard Schuetz believes that casinos will not only boost the island’s tourism, but will be a major job creator providing employment for thousands of Bermudians. Using the Singapore model, Schuetz expects the casino industry to generate 22,000 direct jobs and 40,000 related jobs, with most being taken by trained Bermudians. “And there is a whole variety of jobs,” Schuetz indicated. “You may say you want to be a dealer, but there’s got to be someone to carry the chips. There’s got to be a pit assistance keeping tracks on the games. There’s going to be surveillance, generally food and beverage. Slot technicians. “It’s amazing the number of jobs. Casinos are labour-intensive products, so they need a lot of bodies.” Casino gaming is now legal in
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
The casino industry is expected to generate 22,000 direct jobs and 40,000 related jobs, with most being taken by trained Bermudians
Bermuda after the act permitting the operation of casinos passed in December last year. According to the legislation, no more than three casinos can be in operation, but BCGC chairman Alan Dunch has confirmed that
“exploratory talks” were taking place with five major international casino operators. According to Bermuda’s Tourism Minister Shawn Crockwell, the Casino Gaming Act of 2014 “represents a significant and critical adjustment to our tourism product and to Bermuda as a destination.” The minister also expressed hope that the first casino would open in time for the 35th America’s Cup in 2017. The process has come one step closer to fruition with legislation setting out how casino locations will be selected being put before the House of Assembly. The Royal Gazette reports that The Casino Gaming (Designated Sites) Regulations 2015, tabled by Crockwell, details the process through which property owners can apply to make their property a designated site where a casino could be housed.
Prominent Bahamian attorney had said that while “flogging” people may appear to be brutal, it would effectively serve as both a physical and psychological barrier for people seeking to continuously enter Bahamas illegally.
Bahamian attorney’s comments on flogging immigrants ‘despicable’ BAHAMAS Bar Association President Elsworth Johnson this week blasted recent calls from prominent attorney Wayne Munroe to flog illegal immigrants, saying the “despicable” comments are “diametrically opposed to the preservation of human dignity”. Mr Johnson said Mr Munroe’s statements show a lack of regard for “the views or ideas expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights”. He added that as a senior member of the Bahamas Bar and an officer of the court, Mr Munroe should refrain from making statements that run contrary to the country’s international “obligation to protect the rights of people.” However, Mr Johnson told The Tribune that he does agree with what he believes was the basis of Mr Munroe’s statements, which Mr Johnson said is stricter enforcement of the country’s immigration laws. On Sunday, Mr Munroe, QC, told The Tribune that officials in this country should begin caning minors and flogging those over 18 who are caught entering the country illegally. Mr Munroe told The Tribune that while “flogging” people may appear to be brutal, it would effectively serve as both a physical and psychological barrier for people seeking to continuously enter the country illegally. Mr Munroe, on Facebook, also
said he believes that the “price is too low” for immigration offences in the Bahamas and suggested that if illegal immigrants – particularly Haitians – believed “we tortured and killed them, they might not come.” “I am diametrically opposed to the suggestion made by Mr Munroe,” Mr Johnson told The Tribune on Tuesday. “I am of the view that it’s contrary to the views or ideas expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child, and all of the international human rights conventions, especially the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women. “And so I know that our Constitution does not support flogging of people when they’re leaving the country. Our Immigration Act is explicit and fully expresses what is to be done to individuals who enter the country illegally, and to my mind it is in conformity with our Constitution and all of those fundamental rights provisions. More importantly, lawyers are officers of the court, and I want to highlight that because the court is responsible for protecting the rights of persons regardless of origin, language, sex, and we are very much a part of that. “So I don’t know what was labouring on his mind, but that is not something that the Bar supports.”
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
Regional News
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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DR’s top court reinstates Cayman Premier unmoved total abortion ban on beneficial ownership A DECISION by the Dominican Republic’s constitutional court to reinstate a total ban on abortion is putting women’s lives at risk, rights groups said. Reforms last year to amend the country’s criminal code to allow abortion in cases of rape, incest, a deformed foetus or when a woman’s life is in danger, were passed by congress and approved by President Danilo Medina. The reforms, a result of years of debate over the abortion ban in the predominantly Catholic and socially conservative Caribbean country, were set to take effect on Dec. 27. But after an appeal by religious and conservative groups who said the country’s laws and constitution must protect the rights of an unborn child at all costs, the court on Wednesday ruled changes to the criminal code dating back to 1884 were unconstitutional. “This decision takes women’s and girls’ human rights back to the 19th century,” Erika Guevara, Americas director at Amnesty International, said in a statement on Thursday.
“Its impact will be catastrophic for women and girls in the Dominican Republic who will continue to be criminalised, stigmatised and forced to seek out unsafe abortions because they are denied access to safe and legal medical treatment.” Bishops from the country’s influential Roman Catholic Church have publicly criticised moves to overturn the abortion ban. Rights groups say blanket bans on abortion are a leading cause of maternal mortality because they force women to undergo dangerous backstreet abortions. Sergia Galvan, spokeswoman for local rights group, the Women and Health Collective, said the court’s decision “continues to place Dominican women, even those who long to be mothers, in a dilemma – to die or go to jail – when they require health services, such as abortion”. The Dominican Republic’s absolute ban on abortion has led to more than 90,000 unsafe abortions occurring in the country each year, according to the U.S.-based Center for Reproductive Rights. (Reuters)
Same-sex partners in Bermuda to get rights in February SAME-SEX partners of Bermudians will get the same right to reside and seek work as spouses of Bermudians in less than three months. Chief Justice Ian Kawaley this week declined the Bermuda Government’s application for the declaration to be delayed for at least four to six months to allow wideranging legislative changes. Dr Justice Kawaley said the ruling would come into effect on February 29, 2016. The decision comes less than two weeks after Dr Justice Kawaley ruled in favour of the Bermuda Bred Company — a group of binational same-sex couples — in a civil case against the Minister of Home Affairs and the Attorney-General. Dr Justice Kawaley found that the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act had to be read in conjunction with the Human Rights Act, which forbids the denial of services based on marital status or sexual orientation. As a result, Dr Justice Kawaley ruled that the applicant was entitled to a declaration that the offending sections of the immigration legislation were inoperative to the extent that they authorise the minister or deny the permanent same-sex partners of persons who possess Bermuda status residential and employment rights comparable to those conferred on spouses by the legislation. The Government subsequently
sought to have the courts suspend the declaration from coming into effect for 12 months, arguing that a broad range of legislation would have to be amended in order for Government to comply. During a court hearing morning, lawyer Phil Perinchief said a suspension of at least four months was needed, stating that both the approaching Christmas season and budget period would impact progress. He said the broader approach was required to prevent a “piecemeal” approach determined by further court cases, which would be more costly and time consuming. During arguments, however, Dr Justice Kawaley questioned why government had not moved forward with amendments following a February judgment regarding adoption legislation, saying: “The reality is that the other areas could have been addressed as soon as the decision of Justice [Stephen] Hellman was handed out.” While Mr Perinchief directed the court to several rulings in the Canadian courts that demonstrated the ability of the courts to suspend a declaration, Peter Sanderson, representing the Bermuda Bred Company, argued that in all of the cases presented, the declaration left a void in the law, whereas the present case merely required that the existing legislation be read in a certain manner.
THE Cayman Islands and other U.K. Overseas Territories have agreed to implement centralised registers of beneficial owners of companies or “similarly effective systems” at the Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council Meeting this week. However, the registers will not be accessible by the public and the media as originally demanded by the U.K. Premier Alden McLaughlin said, “Our position on beneficial ownership, and our zero tolerance position on corruption and illicit activity, remains unchanged.” The U.K. started to call for the implementation of centralized registers in its Overseas Territories in 2013. The registers should detail the individuals who control or benefit from companies registered in Cayman to prevent the abuse of anonymity for financial crime, corruption and tax evasion. Britain will launch its own register at the beginning of next year. It will identify people who control at least 25 percent of a U.K.-registered company’s shares or voting rights. The Cayman Islands government has rejected the proposal, arguing that its existing system, whereby beneficial ownership information is collected and maintained by corporate service providers, was working well and a centralized
register would cause security and privacy issues. The Joint Ministerial Council communiqué, which followed the meetings between U.K. ministers and Overseas Territories leaders this week, said: “We agreed to hold beneficial ownership information in our respective jurisdictions via central registers or similarly effective systems.” At the meeting, the Overseas Territories and U.K. law enforcement authorities discussed the technical details of developing a timely, safe and secure information exchange process. However, the details and, in particular, what constitutes a “similarly effective system” remain unclear. In a statement, Mr. McLaughlin claimed the communiqué recognizes the appropriateness of Cayman’s regime to tackle the global issue of serious crime, including corruption and serious fraud. The statement also noted there was “no agreement to public registries” and “no agreement to direct access to information by foreign law enforcement, tax or regulatory authorities.” However, Overseas Territories Minister James Duddridge, who was pressed on the issue in the U.K. Parliament on Thursday, said progress had been made. “Often there are quite extensive discussions and
sometimes quite robust discussions, but late last night we got there and we have a shared understanding and it moves us further forward.” Quoting the Joint Ministerial Council statement, the minister told members of parliament, “We agree that addressing this issue will be given the highest priority and that progress on implementation will be kept under continuous and close review.” The complex process of obtaining beneficial ownership information through tax information exchange agreements, as well as legal challenges to information requests in Cayman and other jurisdictions in the past three years, have raised questions whether the U.K. would consider Cayman’s existing systems as effective as a centralized registry for law enforcement purposes. Cayman’s system requires in civil proceedings that taxpayers are notified and given the opportunity to challenge a request. In criminal proceedings, the Tax Information Authority, which ensures that a request complies with the underlying tax information exchange agreement and Cayman Law, has to obtain a court order before a service provider can be compelled to disclose the identities of beneficial owners of a registered company.
All past and off-duty officers in Grenada called out in search for missing Canadian THE search for missing Canadian woman Linnea Moore-Venoitte continues, with all past and off-duty officers being called into action. But there are conflicting reports about whether the apparently abducted woman was hit by a car as police reported. Lawmen said Tuesday that they had launched a hunt for the 36-year-old mother of two – who was working in Grenada at St. George’s University – after she went for a Sunday morning run with the family dog, Nico, and never returned. They said it appeared both Veinotte and the dog were struck by a vehicle. The dog was left on the side of the road but Veinotte was nowhere to be found. According to police, there would be damage to the front, right side of the vehicle that struck the two and “the driver is thought to have also incurred a flat tire in the incident and would have had to change it somewhere nearby”. But in a statement posted on the ‘Find Linnea Veinotte in Grenada’ Facebook page, a message attributed
Linnea Moore-Venoitte went for a Sunday morning run with the family dog, Nico, and never returned.
to the missing woman’s husband, Matt, stated that there was no evidence that she was struck by the vehicle. The husband has offered an EC$100,000 (US$37,037) reward
for information on his wife’s whereabouts. “I would like to ask anyone who might have any information to please come forward. I just want my wife to come home; my boys need their mother. Linnea’s mother and sister are with me now and both my brother and sister are here too. We all ask that if you know anything that will help, however insignificant it might seem, please call me or the police,” he said. The Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) said in a statement that it was working diligently to solve the case. “The RGPF continues to work steadfastly on this unfortunate and senseless occurrence. This matter is deeply disturbing to the commissioner and he continues to give it urgent priority as it is needed. For the first time in over 25 years all past and off duty police officers were called in to deal with a missing person report,” it said. Police thanked the public for its help thus far, saying that the support “has been absolutely tremendous and first class”. (Caribbean360)
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Entertainment
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
Time names Merkel Person of the Year TIME magazine Wednesday named German Chancellor Angela Merkel as its Person of the Year 2015, hailing her leadership during Europe’s debt, refugee and migrant crises, as well as Russia’s intervention in Ukraine. “For asking more of her country than most politicians would dare, for standing firm against tyranny as well as expedience and for providing steadfast moral leadership in a world where it is in short supply, Angela Merkel is Time’s Person of the Year,” wrote editor Nancy Gibbs. The venerable American magazine lauded Merkel as the indispensable player in managing the prospect of Greek bankruptcy threatening the eurozone, and the migrant and refugee crisis. Time named Abu Bakr alBaghdadi, leader of the Islamic State extremist group, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, America’s Black Lives Matter activists campaigning against inequality against African Americans and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani as its runners up. Trump responded in what else but typically Trumpian fashion. The bombastic 69-year-old billionaire real estate mogul was unrepentant even as criticism rained
US President Barack Obama was jamming to Kendrick Lamar’s “How much a dollar cost”, while his wife’s favourite was Bruno Mars’s “Uptown Funk”.
Obama names favourite song, book and movie of 2015 Angela Merkel was lauded as the indispensable player in managing the prospect of Greek bankruptcy threatening the Eurozone, and the migrant and refugee crisis.
down from the White House and as far afield as Ottawa, London and Cairo, where Egypt’s official religious body Dar al-Iftaa denounced his “extremist and racist” comments. Trump has called for banning all Muslims from entering the United States. So, how did this foreign policy tin drum get to be a runner-up for Time person of the year, which he claims he should have won? The Economist puts it best in its latest issue to hit the stands: “By
far the most common explanation for this strange loyalty was that Mr Trump “tells it like it is”. That seemed to confuse plain language, which Mr Trump is good at (“Listen you motherf***ers, we’re going to tax you 25 percent” is how he would talk to China), with plain speaking. He does not go in for that. Not even he could believe the nonsense he spouts. Yet for most of his supporters, Mr Trump’s larger-than-lifeness bridges the credulity gap.
KENDRICK Lamar’s “How Much a Dollar Cost” is tops in the White House. President Barack Obama says the song by the Grammy-nominated rapper from Compton, California, is his favourite song of 2015. In an interview with People magazine that was released Wednesday, Obama also shared his favorite book and movie of the year. They are “Fates and Furies,” a novel about a marriage by Lauren Groff, and “The Martian,” starring Matt Damon. Groff seemed flabbergasted upon learning of Obama’s book
selection. “Never, even in my most grandiose dreams, did I think the president would read my book, let alone like it,” she said through her publisher, Riverhead Books. Groff’s book was a finalist for the National Book Award and has appeared on numerous lists of the year’s best books. Obama’s wife, Michelle, revealed her picks, too, telling People that she can’t get enough of Bruno Mars’ song “Uptown Funk.” She and a troupe of dancers performed to the lively song earlier this year on “Ellen.”
Lamar tops Grammy Awards nomination TAYLOR Swift left anything but a “Blank Space” in the nominations for the 58th annual Grammy Awards, receiving nods in the Big Three categories -- album, record and song of the year -- though hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar outdid her for overall nominations. Lamar topped everybody with 11 nominations. Swift earned seven, as did producer-singer the Weeknd. The nominees for album of the year are “1989” (Swift), “Beauty Behind the Madness” (the Weeknd), “To Pimp a Butterfly” (Lamar), “Sound + Color” (Alabama Shakes) and “Traveller” (Chris Stapleton). The nominees for record of the year are “Blank Space” (Swift), “Uptown Funk!” (Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars), “Thinking Out Loud” (Ed Sheeran), “Can’t Feel My Face” (the Weeknd) and “Really Love” (D’Angelo and the Vanguard). The nominees for song of the year -- a songwriter’s award -- are “Thinking Out Loud,” “Blank Space,” “Alright” (performed by Lamar), “Girl Crush” (performed by Little Big Town) and “See You Again” (performed by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth).
Borat (a character of Sasha Cohen) said he does not believe that US presidential hopeful Donald Trump is a real person. Kendrick Lamar led the way with 11 nominations.
The nominees for best new artist are Sam Hunt, Meghan Trainor, James Bay, Tori Kelly and Courtney Barnett. The Grammy attention reaffirms Lamar’s importance in the wake of what happened two years ago when his debut, “good kid, m.A.A.d city,” came out. He was critically praised then -- and nominated for seven Grammys -- but came up empty for awards. Now he’s topped Eminem as the hip-hop artist with the most nominations in a single year.
“Lamar’s achievement is all the more impressive because he did so with ‘To Pimp a Butterfly,’ a rap album so challenging and musically complex that fans and critics are still chewing on it nearly nine months after its release,” the Los Angeles Times’ Gerrick D. Kennedy wrote. Recording Academy President/ CEO Neil Portnow praised the diversity of the field. “Artists are pushing boundaries in exciting ways, making it an exceptionally strong year for music,” he said in a statement.
Borat claims Trump is a Sasha Cohen character BORAT is back and he has an urgent message about Donald Trump—he’s not real. The infamous comical character created by Sacha Baron Cohen took the stage Wednesday night on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to deliver some unexpected news to the latenight host, including the fact that his “frivolous nincompoop” creator is up to his old tricks by adding a new character to his improv lineup. “This man is a real pain in my exit
hole,” he said of Cohen. “His characters are very, very offensive, Ali G, Bruno and his new one Donald Trump.” Jimmy Kimmel was quick to jump to Borat’s remark. “You’re saying Donald Trump is a Sacha Baron Cohen character?” “Yes, and a very unbelievable one,” Borat responded. “The only person who would ban Muslims is someone with a brain like a female chicken. It is clearly a parody of a rich American racist.”
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
Entertainment
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Adele tickets selling for more than £3,000 for Belfast shows
19-year-old Breslin was nominated for her breakout role in Little Miss Sunshine.
Breslin to star in Dirty Dancing TV remake THE 1987 classic movie Dirty Dancing is to be remade for TV, by US network ABC. Oscar-nominated actress Abigail Breslin, who shot to fame in Little Miss Sunshine and currently stars in horror comedy show Scream Queens, will play the lead role of Baby Houseman. The three-hour adaptation will be directed by Wayne Blair, the Australian
behind 2012 film The Sapphires. An airdate has not been specified and no other cast members have been announced. Set in the summer of 1963, Dirty Dancing is the song-and-dance love story about 17-year-old Baby, originally played by Jennifer Grey, who falls for her working-class dance instructor, Johnny Castle played by Patrick Swayze.
PROMOTERS warned against the selling on of tickets for inflated prices, but that hasn’t stopped touts who are now selling tickets to see Adele in Belfast at an eye-watering £3,626,76. Adele is kicking off her world tour in Belfast and, as predicted, tickets sold out in just 20 minutes. It’s the star’s first tour in five years after she burst back on to the music scene with her album 25 and the smash-hit Hello. And demand for all things Adele have rocketed sky high - including ticket prices. Official ticket sites crashed as the impact of those in their droves flocked to the sites - but many missed out. Social media was a mix of happiness and devastation as fans shared their attempts at getting their hands on tickets. Aiken Promotions issued a strong warning to those who missed out not to buy from unofficial outlets. Ticketmaster and the SSE Arena Box
Adele is kicking off her world tour in Belfast and, as predicted, tickets sold out in just 20 minutes.
Office are the only official ticket sellers. Adele took matters into her own hands as she attempted to control sales for her 2016 tour by selling tickets through her own site. The Independent reports that Adele has rescued 36,000 tickets from the hands of touts according to an industry analysis. It says that working with the
ticketing website Songkick, Adele and her management team were able to identify accounts they believed belonged to touts. Adele’s manager at September management, Jonathan Dickins, said that more than 18,000 “known or likely touts” were de-registered before the UK pre-sale tickets were made available. (belfasttelegraph)
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Decmeber 12-18, 2015
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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Depp’s wife pleads not guilty to illegally importing pets in Australia AMBER Heard has pleaded not guilty to illegally importing her pet dogs into Australia. The 29-year-old actress - whose husband is Hollywood star Johnny Depp - is “looking forward” to fighting the charges after she was accused of violating the nation’s biosecurity laws by bringing the couple’s pet dogs, Pistol and Boo, into the country by private jet in May. Amber, who is also charged with producing a false document, said in a statement via her lawyers: “My decision to defend these charges, as will become apparent in the appropriate forum of the court, is not intended to in any way diminish the importance of Australia’s laws. “I look forward to attending the hearing of these matters ... Whilst I am unable to comment on the specific matters before the court I would like to say that I respect the importance of Australia’s laws.” The blonde beauty’s case was adjourned for the fourth time at Southport Magistrates’ Court in Queensland, Australia on Monday,
The Bollywood superstar, Salman Khan, was originally sentenced to five years for driving over and killing a man sleeping on a pavement.
Amber Heard, left, and Johnny Depp pose took their dogs to Australia on a private jet without the knowledge of relevant authorities.
and a five-day trial is to be heard next year. Amber’s lawyers revealed her husband might appear at the case but he doesn’t want “his presence to be disruptive of this court”. The actress is yet to appear in court and said in the statement that her lawyers had told her “there has been no necessity for me to attend court to date despite my willingness to do so”. Amber faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail if she is found
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guilty. Johnny recently joked he would “assault” Australian agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce if his wife is sent to prison. After the couple were allegedly caught committing the crime, Joyce wasted no time in addressing the matter publicly, which involved him threatening to kill the dogs. “It’s time that Pistol and Boo b*****ed off back to the United States,” Joyce declared.
Bollywood actor cleared in hit-and-run incident The high court in the Indian city of Mumbai has overturned Bollywood star Salman Khan’s conviction for a 2002 hit-and-run case. In May, a lower court convicted him of culpable homicide and sentenced him to five years in jail for driving over and killing a man sleeping on a pavement. But the appeals judge ruled there was not enough evidence. Khan is one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, appearing in more than 80 Hindi films, and has a huge fan
following. It was only when the judge insisted that Salman Khan must be present before the verdict was read out, that the actor hurried to the court in south Mumbai on Thursday, the BBC’s Yogita Limaye reports from Mumbai. “The appeal is allowed and the decision of the trial court is quashed and set aside. Salman Khan is acquitted of all charges,” news agency AFP quoted the Bombay high court judge Anil Ramchandra Joshi as saying.
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
Entertainment
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS:
Mirren and Elba lead British charge Dame Helen Mirren and Idris Elba have both scored three nominations at the 2016 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) awards. Dame Helen is nominated for her roles in The Woman in Gold and Trumbo, while Elba is nominated for Beasts of No Nation and BBC drama Luther. Eddie Redmayne, last year’s SAG best actor winner, has been nominated again for his performance as transgender pioneer Lili Elbe in The Danish Girl. The awards are often seen as key indicators for the Oscars. For the past 10 years, the winner of the best actor category has gone on to triumph at the Academy Awards. If Redmayne was to triumph, he would be the first actor to win twice in a row since Tom Hanks in 1994 and 1995. Dame Helen is nominated for best actress in The Woman in Gold in which she plays real-life Jewish World War
Two survivor Maria Altmann, who fought the Austrian government over Gustav Klimt paintings stolen from her family. She will compete against Saoirse Ronan for Brooklyn, Sarah Silverman for I Smile Back, Brie Larson for Room and Cate Blanchett for Carol. Dame Helen is also nominated for best supporting actress and as an ensemble cast member for Trumbo, about the real life Hollywood screenwriter Dalton Trumbo. In the best supporting actress category, she is recognised alongside Rooney Mara for Carol, Rachel McAdams for Spotlight, Alicia Vikander for The Danish Girl and fellow Brit Kate Winslet in Steve Jobs. As well as his ensemble cast nomination for Beasts of No Nation, Elba receives a best supporting actor nod for his part as the charismatic but ruthless Commandant in the film, who keeps his young recruits in his thrall in the African warfare picture. He is nominated alongside
two more Brits - Mark Rylance in Bridge of Spies and Christian Bale for The Big Short, alongside Michael Shannon in 99 Homes and nine-year-old Jacob Tremblay for Room. Elba’s other nomination is for his starring role in Luther, recognised in the TV movie/ miniseries category. Redmayne has been nominated for a second consecutive year in the best actor category. The star is nominated alongside Michael Fassbender for Steve Jobs, Leonardo DiCaprio for The Revenant, Bryan Cranston for Trumbo, and Johnny Depp for Black Mass. Trumbo, The Big Short, Spotlight, Straight Outta Compton and Beasts of No Nation are all nominated for their ensemble cast performances. In the television categories ITV’s Downton Abbey received two nominations best ensemble drama series and best actress for Dame Maggie Smith for her role
West and Kardashian name son Saint WORLD, meet Saint West. Reality TV star Kim Kardashian and her rapper husband, Kanye West, have named their infant son, who was born Saturday -- several weeks before Kim’s due date. Kim announced the name Monday afternoon in a tweet that said only, “SAINT WEST,” along with emojis representing all four members of the growing Kimye clan. Saint weighed in at 8 pounds, 1 ounce and joins older sister North, born June 15, 2013, in one of the world’s most scrutinized celebrity families. Even by the eccentric standards of celebrity child names, Saint West was already raising virtual eyebrows on Twitter for its uniqueness and virtuous connotations. While some hailed the name, other jokesters were wondering aloud whether the famous couple are prematurely canonizing their child.
Kim Karsashian and husband Kanye West now have two children together. The infant son is not in picture.
Saint’s name may also disappoint fans hoping for another directional moniker, including those on the Internet who had urged the couple to
name the boy “Easton” or “South.” Kardashian, 35, and West, 38, have been married since May 2014.
Both Mirren and Elba have received three nominations.
as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham. Other British stars who received nods included Sir
Ben Kingsley in Tut and Mark Rylance for BBC Two drama Wolf Hall. The best ensemble drama
category features Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey, Homeland, Mad Men and House of Cards.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
World News
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
US House votes to restrict visafree travel after Paris attacks THE House of Representatives has voted to tighten visa-free travel to the US following the Paris attacks. The measures would bar people who travelled to Iraq and Syria after March 2011 from the visa waiver programme. People who have visited Iran and Sudan - which the US accuses of supporting terrorism - would also need a visa. The White House-backed bill was proposed because the Paris attackers could have travelled to the US without a visa. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has called for far greater restrictions, proposing that all Muslims be barred from entering the US until further notice. But his comments - made after a deadly mass shooting in California by Islamist sympathisers - have been condemned by politicians from across the political spectrum. The House voted 407 to 19 in support of the proposed change to visa-free travel. “In an abundance of caution, we will now require those individuals to apply for a visa and go through the formal visa screening process,” said House Republican Candice Miller,
Emmanuel and Antan Edet were both found guilty of ill-treating a young person, holding him in servitude and assisting unlawful immigration.
West London couple who enslaved a man jailed for six years
US officials fear European extremists could try to enter the country to launch an attack.
the bill’s main sponsor. There are 38 nations currently included in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). US officials say about 5,000 Europeans, including many from VWP nations, have travelled to Syria and Iraq to fight with extremist groups such as the socalled Islamic State and pose a risk to the US.
If the bill passes through the Senate and is signed into law, it would also require all travellers arriving in the US under the VWP to have electronic passports containing biometric data from next April. The bill also calls for countries participating in the VWP to share more information about suspected terrorists and criminals. (BBC)
A TRAINED doctor and his wife, a nurse at Ealing Hospital, have been given six-year sentences after they kept a man as a slave in their west London home. Emmanuel and Antan Edet were both found guilty of ill-treating a young person, holding him in servitude and assisting unlawful immigration. Ofonime Sunday Inuk, now aged 40, worked up to 17 hours a day unpaid. He cared for the couple’s children, and also cooked and cleaned the house. He was about 14 years old in 1989 when he left his native Nigeria with Emmanuel Edet, now 61, and his wife Antan, 58. They changed Mr Inuk’s name and added him to their family passport when they first brought him to the UK.
He believed he would be working as a paid ‘houseboy’ and receive education in the UK. But the couple, whom he referred to as ‘Sir’ and ‘Ma’ in diaries, gave him only occasional ‘pocket money’ and forced him to eat his meals alone and sleep on the hallway floor of the house in Perivale. Judge Arran told the Edets: “The most serious aspect of your behaviour towards him was that it went on for an exceptionally long period of time, robbing him of the opportunity of leading a normal life. “He has found it difficult to adjust.” Mr Inuk told Harrow Crown Court he had not seen his passport for more than a decade and once tried to join the Army, but was rejected because he did not have the document.
Former US president Carter says cancer gone from brain Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter delivered an unexpected message on Sunday to the several hundred people gathered at a Baptist church in Georgia for his Bible lesson – his latest brain scan showed no sign of cancer. Carter, 91, started treatment in August for melanoma that had spread from his liver to his brain. A previous MRI test showed the four spots of cancer that had developed on his brain were responding to treatment, he said. “When I went this week, they didn’t find any cancer at all, so I have good news,” Carter told the crowd at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, according to a video from NBC News. The former Democratic president, known for his unassuming style, offered a quick smile as people who had come for the Sunday School class he teaches gasped and clapped. In a brief written statement afterward, Carter confirmed his most recent brain scan “did not reveal any signs of the original cancer spots nor any new ones.” He said he would continue to receive regular doses of pembrolizumab, a new treatment that is part of a promising class of drugs that harness the body’s immune system to fight cancer. The immunotherapy is manufactured by
Farook and Malik were photographed arriving in Chicago from Saudi Arabia in 2014. The former US president delivered the unexpected message on Sunday to the several hundred people gathered at a Baptist church in Georgia for his Bible lesson.
Merck & Co under the brand name Keytruda. While about 30 percent of patients treated with the drug experience significant shrinkage of their cancer, only approximately 5 percent experience complete remission, said Dr. Marc Ernstoff, director of the melanoma program at the Cleveland Clinic’s Taussig Cancer Institute in Ohio. On average, the immunotherapy treatment extends a recipient’s life expectancy by a year and a half. “But people that are in complete
remission tend to live significantly longer,” said Ernstoff, who is not involved in Carter’s care. Carter, who said after his diagnosis last summer that his fate was “in the hands of God,” has defied expectations before. Critics derided his 1977-1981 presidency as a failure, although he played a key role in negotiation of the 1978 Camp David peace accord between Israel and Egypt. He lost his 1980 re-election bid to Republican Ronald Reagan. (Reuters)
San Bernardino attacks: Couple radicalised before online dating THE couple behind the San Bernardino attack that killed 14 people were radicalised before they started dating, the director of the FBI has said. James Comey said Tashfeen Malik and husband Syed Farook spoke of jihad and martyrdom during conversations on an online dating service in late 2013. The FBI believes the duo were inspired by foreign terrorist organisations, but said the investigation is ongoing.
Last week’s massacre was the deadliest terrorist attack in the US since 9/11. The couple were both killed in a shoot-out with police hours after the attack. Speaking during a Senate hearing in Washington, Mr Comey characterised the couple as “homegrown violent extremists”, and said that precise nature of the foreign influence is still under investigation.
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
World News
Trump: ‘I’m doing good for the Muslims’ More than half of the 10.1 million people expected to need emergency food assistance are children.
In Ethiopia, millions face weatherrelated food shortages, aid group says ROUGHLY one in 10 people in Ethiopia, or more than 10 million people, will not have enough food to eat next year due to the effects of a crippling drought made worse by the El Nino weather phenomenon, Save the Children said on Monday. Fields growing sorghum, maze and teff, an important local grain, across much of the landlocked east African nation have dried up due to the successive failure of seasonal rains, said John Graham, Save the Children’s country director. More than half of the 10.1 million people expected to need emergency food assistance are children, he said. El Nino is a warming of ocean surface temperatures in the eastern and central Pacific that occurs every few years, triggering scorching weather in east Africa and in Asia as well as heavy rains in South America. Experts say the impact of El Nino, which has begun and will stretch into
2016, could be the worst on record since 1997-98. Its effects have been particularly punishing on pasture areas in the east and crop land in Ethiopia’s north and east, Graham said. In his 18 years working in Ethiopia, “this is the worst drought I’ve seen,” Graham told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in a telephone interview. Necessary aid to Ethiopia could cost an estimated $1.4 billion, he said. Ethiopia suffered an infamous famine in 1984 that killed hundreds of thousands of people and crippled the country. In 2011, a severe drought that effected Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Djibouti caused severe malnutrition and the widespread death of livestock, according to Oxfam International, a Britishbased confederation of anti-poverty organizations.
Lee Rigby murderer suing over teeth lost in prison ONE of the men who murdered Fusilier Lee Rigby is seeking compensation after he lost two front teeth when he was restrained by prison officers. Michael Adebolajo claimed five prison officers assaulted him at London’s high-security Belmarsh prison two years ago, but they were cleared of blame. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said it would “robustly defend” the claim. Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale are serving life for killing Fusilier Rigby near a London barracks in May 2013. The Sun newspaper, which first reported the story, said the size of the compensation claim against the Prison Service was not known but similar cases had topped £20,000. Adebolajo, 32, lost his teeth while he was being held at Belmarsh on remand after the killing near Woolwich barracks, and claimed he had been assaulted by the prison
Michael Adebolajo lost two front teeth out while he was held in Belmarsh Prison.
officers. The officers were suspended from work, but were later told they had no case to answer. The Prison Officers’ Association insisted only approved techniques had been used in restraining Adebalajo.
FACING harsh criticism for his proposal to temporarily halt Muslim immigration to the U.S., Donald Trump on Wednesday said he was acting in the Islamic community’s best interests. “I’m doing good for the Muslims,” Trump told Don Lemon in an interview for “CNN Tonight.” “Many Muslim friends of mine are in agreement with me. They say, ‘Donald, you brought something up to the fore that is so brilliant and so fantastic.’” Among those reaching out to thank him, the Republican frontrunner said, was “one of the most important people in Middle East” — Trump didn’t reveal the name — who called on Wednesday to say, “Donald, you’re doing a great service.” “I have many friends who are Muslims,” Trump told Lemon. “They’re phenomenal people. They are so happy at what I’m doing.” The feeling, he said, is mutual. “I love the Middle East,” Trump declared. “I love the people of the Middle East.” Trump also said his plan had been misrepresented and explained that the immigration ban may not last long. “It could go quickly, but it’s a subject that has to be discussed,” he said, adding that there would be
Donald Trump proposed to temporarily halt Muslim immigration to the U.S.
exceptions for Muslim athletes and diplomats. Trump pinned the fierce backlash that followed his call for “a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States” on Republican establishment figures and his primary opponents. “The group that is not criticising me,” he said, “is the public. The public agrees with what I said. They saw those two animals last week go out and shoot people (in San Bernardino).” Trump said he was not likely to wage a third-party candidacy, but the billionaire businessman would not
rule it out. “I think it’s highly unlikely unless they break the pledge to me, because it’s a two-way street,” Trump said. “They said they would be honourable. So far, they, I can’t tell you if they are, but the establishment is not exactly being very good to me.” He added, “If they don’t treat me with a certain amount of decorum and respect. If they don’t treat me as the front-runner...If the playing field is not level, then certainly all options are open. But that’s nothing I want to do...I’ll know that over a period of a couple months. We’ll go through the primaries. We’ll see what happens, and I’ll make a determination.” Trump said the comparisons, which have become increasingly direct, did not upset him. “You know where things bother me?” he asked. “If things are true. If that were true, it would bother me tremendously. But of course if you were a racist you probably wouldn’t care. But if things are true, it would bother me. But if it’s so false, and honestly I don’t hear it often.” Trump was harshly critical of the President’s strategy for fighting ISIS. “We have a president who is a stupid person,” Trump said, slamming Obama for making public his plans to send special forces to Kurdish-held territory in Syria near the Iraq border
Venezuela election: Opposition ‘supermajority’ confirmed VENEZUELAN electoral authorities have confirmed that the opposition has won a key two-thirds majority, enabling it to challenge President Nicolas Maduro. The opposition said it would work to release jailed opposition leaders and address the country’s economic crisis. Mr Maduro has announced a cabinet reshuffle but vowed to veto any amnesty law for jailed politicians. The election result is the worst for the Socialist movement founded by late leader Hugo Chavez in 1999. The majority means the Democratic Unity coalition can now make sweeping changes, including calling a possible referendum on Mr Maduro’s leadership. It also wants the release of one of its leaders, Leopoldo Lopez, who was given a 13-year prison sentence for inciting violence - a charge critics say was politically motivated. But Mr Maduro said he would block any amnesty law. “The murderers have to be prosecuted and have to pay,” he said in a televised address.
Opposition supporters have been celebrating their side’s victory.
He said his Socialist Party would hold an “extraordinary congress” to find out what went wrong at the election. The opposition meanwhile warned of looming food shortages for Venezuelans. “We urge the government to stop crying and start working,” opposition leader Jesus Torrealba said. “We’re just a few weeks away from a very serious problem in terms of food,” he added.
The elections were widely seen as a referendum on President Maduro, the handpicked successor of Hugo Chavez, and the governing PSUV’s socialist policies. The opposition accused Mr Maduro’s party of mismanaging the economy and of squandering the country’s oil wealth. Venezuela has been hit hard by the continuing low price of oil, its main export. It also has the continent’s highest inflation rate.
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JOB LISTINGS SERVICES AUTO SALES REAL ESTATE
Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
946-4664 Fax: 946-4661
Email: tcnews@tciway.tc
Website: tcweeklynews.com
FLOWER GIRL
WANTED URGENTLY
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Must have thorough knowledge in the floral business with 3-5 years experience.
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Construction scaffold and roof tiles for sale CONTACT: 431-1591 OR 231-3788
Is looking for a
B & B SERVICES Is looking to fill the following positions:
CONTACT: 649-341-1683
CONTACT: 245-6962
A & J WALK IN VARIETY STORE
GOLD JEWELRY PAWN SHOP
11419
11700
To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.
LABOURER
CASABLANCA CASINO
E & V EQUIPMENT LIMITED
DICE DEALER
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
Is looking for a
Is looking for the following positions:
2 LABOURERS 1 MAINTENANCE PERSON 1 DOMESTIC WORKER 1 BEAUTICIAN 1 BARTENDER 1 KITCHEN HELPER
Is looking for a professional
Salary $12.00 per hour WAITRESS Salary $11.00 per hour
AND A
LABOURER/ KITCHEN HELPER
Salary $8.00 per hour All candidates should have at least 3-5 years experience in the same field. Must be willing to work on weekends, night shifts and holidays.
per week salary $6.25 per hour
JEWELLERY REPAIRMAN To work 6 days per week salary according with the experience.
FAX RESUME: 649-941-3338
PNK SPENDLESS SUPERMARKET
BERNADINO ADDERLEY
11716
CONTACT: 341-2357
Is looking for a
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11679
CONTACT: 332-9039
VAN’S RIMS TIRE & AUTO SERVICE Is looking for a
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11621
11692
Is looking for a
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FR CONSTRUCTION
ERB CONTRACTOR
11705
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Is looking for the following
2 CARPENTERS – $8.00 per hour
TEACHER
To work 6 days per week salary commensurate with experience send resumes to: alcesdor@ yahoo.com 11703
TILEMAN – $8.00 per hour
CARPENTER HELPER – $6.50 per hour
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LABOURER To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour. CONTACT: 331-1067
DANIEL CALCANO Is looking for a
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MECHANIC To work 6 days per week salary $10.00 per hour
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STORE CLERK to work 6 days
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Please drop off CV’s at the Casablanca Casino, addressed to Human Resources
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CLASSIFIEDS 31
11702
ALBERT HIGGS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
PORTS OF CALL RESORTS Job Vacancy:
HOUSEMAIDS HOUSEMAN PART-TIME BEACH ATTENDANTS PART-TIME KITCHEN STAFF FRONT OFFICE CLERK Person must be able to work holidays and weekends and be willing to work as a part of a team.
RESUME CAN BE EMAIL TO INFO@ PORTSOFCALLRESORT.COM
DOMESTIC WORKER SKILL REQUIREMENTS: ;;Must be consistently punctual for work. ;;Maintain a clean workstation throughout shift. ;;Must maintain a clean, well-kept appearance upon arrival and through out shifts. ;;Must be able to multi task in a fast pace, high-pressure environment. ;;Be able to stand on ones feet for 8 hours and be comfortable lifting 25 pounds or more without physical restrictions. ;;Be available to work holidays and weekends with a flexible schedule ;;ssist management when vendors receive orders ;;Must be able to communicate in English ;;Must be polite and cordial to co-workers and guests at all times ;;Participate in the overall success of the kitchen by completing tasks assigned by the Executive Chef or General Manager ;;Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: ;;Work with staff members to assure that the restaurant is clean and well maintained throughout the duration of their shift. Support dish area and kitchen by doing the following tasks: Washing dishes, Basic food preparation such as portioning items or peeling vegetables Participate in daily cleaning duties as per scheduled by the Chef or other Management personnel to maintain a clean, safe environment for all employees to work in.
BELONGERS GIVEN PREFERENCE, APPLY IN PERSON WITH CV TO BE CONSIDERED
11704
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
32 CLASSIFIEDS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
TURKS AND CAISOC ISLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ADVERTISEMENT Request for Proposals to Conduct Salary Review of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College Salaries and Allowances The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College invites proposals from interested individuals, firms or companies for a Consultancy Undertaking to review salaries and allowances of its entire staff.
INTRODUCTION
In 1994, the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) was established by Ordinance 25 (1994), with a vision to provide quality education for all sectors of the Turks and Caicos Islands community. Having been in existence for over two decades, the institution continues in its thrust to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills and dispositions that would enable them to access existing and emerging opportunities, prudently exercise their civil responsibilities, enhance their social and cultural lives and become productive citizens. The mission, therefore, encompasses, inter alia, post secondary and continuing education for the school leaving and adult population; it facilitates the promotion of personal and professional development, and the economic growth and development of the Turks and Caicos Islands. TCICC has two campuses, one each located on Grand Turk and Providenciales. The College offers a myriad of programmes, inter alia: Short/Interest courses; one semester courses; Upgrade courses; Full time programmes of two to three semesters culminating in Certificates, Advanced, Certificates, Associate and Bachelors Degrees. Similar to other institutions in the region, and critical to the effective delivery of programme offerings, the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College relies upon the local and overseas recruitment of highly qualified and experienced faculty and staff. Recently, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government conducted a Public Service Salary Review, inclusive of education professionals. Whilst a number of education personnel were reclassified and benefitted from varying degrees of salary increases, the review did not include statutory bodies; therefore, faculty and staff at the TCICC did not benefit from the review, and hence, salaries are purportedly lagging behind those of professionals in similar workrelated fields. Notwithstanding that, the TCICC continues in its mission to fulfil its objective of strengthening organizational development, through the strengthening and promotion of employee recruitment and retention strategies. In this context then, the salary review is critical and is intended to bring a level of equity to salaries and other benefits for its entire staff. With this in mind, the TCICC seeks to engage a consultant/consultants to review and propose a revised salary structure for all categories of staff, and explore the feasibility of linking remuneration to job performance.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
The successful consultant/s will be required to: • Undertake a detailed briefing with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College Board of Governors to lead and guide the salary review process on behalf of the institution;
• Review existing documentation as it relates to salary scales, job descriptions and contractual documents to get a full understanding of the scope of the consultancy; • Conduct interviews with several comparator organizations to confirm the salaries, allowances and benefits offered; • Assess the existing remuneration structure of the TCICC vis-à-vis comparator institutions and identify if, and where, gaps exist; • Consider any necessary revision to the salary structure and propose any necessary adjustments for the various categories of administrative and professional staff; • Explore the feasibility of introducing performance-related pay structure; • Present to the Board of Governors a draft report of the findings, and recommendations; • At an agreed time and venue, submit to the Board of Governors and other relevant stakeholders, a final report that reflects the suggestions/ recommendations/amendments emanating from the draft report.
ANTICIPATED OUTCOME
The development of a salary scale that is consistent with other comparator organizations in the Turks and Caicos Islands market; one that reflects equity; is consistent with corresponding local labour market and prevailing levels of pay for similar services, similar contract conditions and similar positions in other statutory bodies in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
DURATION OF THE CONSULTANCY AND DUTY STATIONING
The consultancy is expected to be completed within six (6) weeks from the date of signing the contract. The successful consultant/s shall not be required to be present in the Turks and Caicos Islands, but may work in his/her/their own office with coordinated visits to the TCI as necessary.
REPORTING LINE
The work of the consultant will be supervised by the Board of Governors of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College or its designate, and as such, the confirmation of the acceptance of the final report, authorization of payment disbursements, and evaluation of work performance will be undertaken by that entity.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Proposals are to include the following: Individual’s/Firm’s/Company’s Profile Consultant’s/Consultants’ CV/s Years of experience undertaking similar assignments Methodology to be used for the consultancy Work Time Plan Reporting Cost Expressions of interest are to be sent to: The President, Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands or by email to tcicomc@tciway.tc on or before 18th January 2016.
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
CLASSIFIEDS 33
GOVERNMENT VACANCIES SCHOLARSHIP OFFICER
DEPARTMENT: Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports & Library Services LOCATION: Grand Turk Salary: Grade 6- $32,600.00 per annum. JOB SUMMARY To provide administrative support and services to the Scholarship Secretariat/ Unit. To ensure that correspondence are acknowledged, responded and dispatched in a timely manner. To ensure that accurate and up-to-date information is available to policy and senior decision makers in a timely manner.
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
DEPARTMENT: House of Assembly LOCATION: Grand Turk SALARY: Grade 5 - $26,000.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: The incumbent in this post will be responsible for preparing appropriate documentation for approval, ensures all transactions are properly recorded. The incumbent will also manage databases, systems for filing and secure all documents.
CLERICAL ASSISTANT
DEPARTMENT: Human Resource Management Directorate LOCATION: Grand Turk SALARY: Grade 3 - $16,300.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: The incumbent in this position will be responsible for clerical and administrative tasks to support the daily functions of the Office.
GRADUATE/SECONDARY TEACHER
LOCATION: Providenciales and South Caicos SALARY: Grade 2 - $35,050.00 per annum plus allowances FIELD OF STUDY: Special Education Teacher JOB SUMMARY This is a specialist position which has unit level responsibility for the teaching of one or more of the school’s curriculum subjects to students.
STREET CLEANER
DEPARTMENT: Public Works Department LOCATION: South Caicos SALARY: $6.25 per hour JOB SUMMARY: The post holder is responsible for the cleaning of the streets, as assigned, of debris and any other waste and dispose of debris properly or as instructed. The incumbent in this position will be assigned to a particular area or street that he / she may be responsible for solely or as part of a small team and will be required to change areas or help with cleaning of additional areas as requested by the superior officers.
TANK ATTENDANT
DEPARTMENT: Water Undertaking LOCATION: Grand Turk SALARY: Grade 2 $14,300.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: The successful candidate will be
responsible to manage and operate the water issue points assigned to, by issuing water and collecting associated fees.
AIR CONDITIONING SUPERVISOR
MINISTRY: Infrastructure, Housing and Planning DEPARTMENT: Public Works Department/ Project Management Division SALARY: Grade 5 $26,000.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: The post holder responsibilities include the installation, maintenance and repairs to all air conditioning and refrigeration units in government buildings. Working along with the electrical supervisors, The A/C supervisor will assist in determining work programmes, job costing and in carrying out joint inspections with user departments prior to undertaking work.
COMMERCIAL LEGAL COUNSEL – TCIG REPRESENTATIVE
DEPARTMENT: Contract Management Unit LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: Grade 9.4 - $65,350.00 plus allowances JOB SUMMARY: This professional position has responsibility for providing accurate and timely legal advice to the Contract Performance Management Unit. The Commercial Legal Counsel/TCIG Representative is expected to generate satisfactory results when the legal advice provided is credible and rarely results in litigation against the government.
For more details regarding this position, kindly refer to the attached documents or visit www.gov.tc. Please ensure that all applications submitted by email clearly states the Job Title in the subject line of the email and all applications received via hard copy is clearly marked with the Job Title.
ASIAN CHEF OFFICE MANAGER NEEDED Seeks to Employ:
PHONE: 331-4900
CHEF WANTED
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, assumes the most senior responsibility for all aspects of the business. This individual will be recruiting staff, performing office and administrative functions, promoting the business activities, customer interaction, vendor relationships. Must have a vehicle, valid drivers’ license and be willing to work holidays and weekends. 4 year college degree with a related field, 5+ years’ experience in a business of this nature or similar to. Safety & occupational health certificate is required. Strong computer/POS, organizational and analytical skills. Detail oriented, excellent communication skills, cooperative attitude, hands on work ethic. Salary: $30,000 + per annum, depending on experience. Email resume to: mph@tciway.tc or Contact Us: 649.946.5414 Apply before: 16th December 2015 111696
BETTY UNISEX
BETTY COX
Is looking for a
DOMINIQUE JEAN Is looking for a
LABOURER LABOURER To work 6 days To work 5 days per week salary $6.25 per hour
CONTACT: 231-0098
per week salary $6.25 per hour.
CONTACT: 341-5029
ELITE GAMING
ROUTE TECHNICIAN
Grand Turk restaurant seeking a chef. Ocean Front restaurant. Starting immediately
BARBER
PLEASE CALL 9462827
CONTACT: 346-0230
Is looking for a
11667
To work 4 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.
CARIBBEAN MANAGEMENT SERVICES LIMITED
Is looking for a
DOMESTIC WORKER
To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour. CONTACT: 346-0230 11666
PAPS AIR CONDITIONING REFRIGERATION & APPLIANCE
Caribbean Management Services Limited is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Corporate Administrator. Key responsibilities include: Liaising with clients Incorporation of corporate entities Post-incorporation activities Implementing KYC requirements Effectively communicating with the Financial Services Commission
The successful candidate will have at a minimum a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a business-related field and have at least five years corporate management experience with a corporate management firm. An additional professional qualification (such as STEP) would be an asset. The candidate must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and QuickBooks accounting software and have strong analytical and organizational skills as well as strong written and verbal communication skills. Salary will be dependent upon skills and experience. Applicants should send their details and résumés to the Managing Director at INFO@CMSTCI.COM OR BY FAX TO 941-8362. CLOSING DATE: 23RD DECEMBER 2015
• Minimum 5 years experience in slot machine operations • Must be able to repair and maintain all types of slot machines • 6 days a week/ shiftwork • Days/ nights, weekends and holidays • Salary $10 per hour
CONTACT: ELITETCI@GMAIL. COM OR 649-331-6076 11708
¿TIENES PROBLEMAS
CORPORATE ADMINISTRATOR • • • • •
SAMUEL HARVEY
CON LA BEBIDA?
BRAHMA KUMARIS WSO RAJA YOGA CENTER MEDITATION MUSEUM Is looking for the following:
HAY ESPERANZA Vacancy for
AIR CONDITION & APPLIANCE TECHNICIAN Salary $400 Weekly. Please contact us at Tel#: 649-2444332
REUNIONES DE ALCOHÓLICOS ANÓNIMOS MIÉRCOLES 8:00PM & DOMINGO 10AM TOMAS 247-8628 POR DETALLES
• Yoga Teacher Instructor • Personal Assistant Salary negotiable
CONTACT: 231-4101
11718
Grand Turk B&B needs an Asian fusion chef. Start immediately
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
11704
34 CLASSIFIEDS
Paralegal Required A local law firm requires the assistance of a paralegal who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law with experience working in a law firm for a minimum of three years. Experience working in a courthouse or legal aid will be a plus. The successful candidate must possess strong knowledge in judicial clerkship, various divorce matters, breach of contract, division of property, employment contracts and disputes and wills and affidavits. Duties will include but not be limited to drafting of pleadings, powers of attorney and agreements for sale, filing of various court documents, preparation and filing of various applications including bail, custody and legal guardianship of children and assisting to draft legal opinions and judgements for civil and criminal matters. Only Belongers Need Apply. Resumes must be sent by email with copies of credentials and TCI status to info@ karammissick.com no later than December 18, 2015. Unscheduled visits and calls are not welcomed. Please submit copies of your resume to the Labour Department.
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
ELEGANT BEAUTY BRAIDING SALON
CLASSIFIEDS 35
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
LOTIE HARVEY
PROVO STORAGE
NURSERY COORDINATOR
Is looking for a
Is looking for a
REQUIREMENTS:
HAIRDRESSER To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.
11665
CONTACT: 241-4404
LABOURER To work 5 days
per week salary $6.25 per hour.
CONTACT: 241-9730
is looking for a
SEAFOOD PROCESSOR To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.
CONTACT: 344-0689
11706
Email resume to: ewatkin19@gmail.com or Contact Us: 649.946.5414. Apply before: 24th April 2015 11695
CONTACT: 231-1612
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS
CBMS
MARIE DELCAME JOSEPH FORBES
TCI CONCIERGE SERVICE
LABOURER
GARDENER/ PROPERTY CARETAKER
Is looking for the following:
HAIRDRESSER
NEEDED To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour send resume to: Misick & Stanbrook Leeward Highway Providenciales Tel: 946-4732. Fax 946-4734 Email info@ misickstanbrook.tc
To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour
To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour.
CONTACT: 2417902 OR 347-7259
11709
CONTACT: 649-442-1349 11699
EXECUTIVE PASTRY CHEF At The Meridian Club on Pine Cay
Caribbean Building Materials & Services Ltd. 131 South Dock Road, PO Box 611 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI Phone 649-941-3400 Fax 649-941-3401
SALARY:
$10-12/hr or more depending upon training, experience, work record and capability.
DUTIES:
Heavy Duty Mechanic w / Hydraulic Specialization
must be able to create a large variety of tasty desserts, breads and pastries from scratch (4-5 different dessert offerings must be available each day for lunch and dinner and pastries for breakfast). Must be able to do other food preparations and assist in meal preparation. Must assist Executive Chef in overseeing and training kitchen staff, as needed.
Applicant should have specialization of all aspects of equipment hydraulic systems, able to read schematics & trouble shoot hydraulics on all types of heavy equipment. Must have a minimum of 5 years experience in diesel Trucks, bulldozers, excavators etc. Ability to weld & fabricate, possess own tools & transportation, and be able to work without supervision. Applicant must be prepared to work late days, evenings, and weekends as the job dictates.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
- - - - -
Must have degree in culinary arts from an accredited college or university Minimum of 3 years experience as Pastry Chef in 5 star restaurant. (or equivalent) Must be skilled in handling all duties specified. Must be willing to reside on Pine Cay, a small private island on a full time basis. Must furnish health certificate or be willing to undergo medical examination to ensure freedom from communicable disease. - Must be willing to work weekends, nights and holidays
Equipment Operators
Applicant must have substantial experience in all aspects of earth moving equipment operations. Seven years minimum experience required. A mechanical aptitude would be beneficial. Applicant must be prepared to work weekends and evening as required.
Starting Date: Dec. 1, 2015
Labourers
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFORMATION:
Debbie Keller, Resort Manager. Fax to 649-941-7010 or email to manager@ meridianclub.com a copy of resume with your contact information (mailing address, e-mail address, phone number) Resume must include min. of 3 references with contact information and how you know these people. Also include copy of passport, police report. All qualified applicants will be interviewed within 2 weeks. Please submit applications no later than Dec. 4, 2015
Applicant must be prepared for heavy work, breaking cement bags, loading trucks and stevedoring of cement and gravel. Applicant will also be required to assist mechanics as needed. Applicant must prepare to work long hours. Evenings and weekends as required. Please apply with references, clean police and driving record to CBMS Ltd. Or call 941-3400
11701
Is looking for a
Seeks to Employ:
Position is to be based on site managing the process of Internal Finishing as well as being able to carry out works at times where necessary Have the ability to order materials, price and deal with variations, deal with necessary paperwork and liaise with the Client / Main Contractor with regard to change orders and Ability to use Microsoft and Outlook would be advantageous. Must have 5 plus years onsite experience. Be fluent in both English and Spanish Work six days a week; including holidays and weekends. Clean Police Record and Driving License.
To work 6 days per week salary $12.00 per hour.
11707
SNAPPER ON THE BEACH
INTERIOR FINISHING SUPERVISOR
STEEL BUILDING FABRICATOR
Please bring all applications to Flowers by Environmental Arts located at W102 Venture House, Grace Bay Road, Providenciales or email to: admin@environmentalarts.tc Successful applicants will be notified by phone for interview Please provide relevant references from previous employer
11698
Is looking for a
• Minimum 4 years experience in operations/ coordination role • Excellent English verbal and written skills • Comprehensive experience using QuickBooks for financial accounting, reports and analysis • Willing to work outdoors and irregular hours including weekends and holidays if needed • Preferable to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Law • Relevant qualification in Environmental studies or protection • Understanding of plants in indigenous environmental application • Starting salary $2,400 per month
11713
11697
36 CLASSIFIEDS
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
YUMMY FOOD Is looking for a
We take great pride in creating an EXTRAORDINARY work environment in which our people can excel. Digicel brings together smart, dedicated and energetic people from all walks of life. With 92 different nationalities represented, we are a truly global organisation. Whether working within our technology, commercial or operational areas Digicel life is always engaging, dynamic, and above all rewarding. Our people are always looking to challenge the status quo and understand how we can be better for the good of our customers and our communities. Sound good?
VACANCY Human Resources Manager
Reports To: CEO This is a great opportunity for a proven HR Manager to be part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to help shape, drive and deliver the HR strategy needed to deliver the goals of becoming the total entertainment provider and to be an employer of choice. You’ll need to be able to manage all aspects of the employee lifecycle to deliver an efficient service to the team whilst driving initiatives that will make Digicel an employer of choice. This is a stand-alone role where you’ll need to be flexible in your approach to balance the strategic initiatives as well as the day to day operational elements of the role. You’ll be great at building effective relationships within the market as well as across the wider HR network.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Work with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to define the HR strategy for the market to support company strategy and drive employee engagement, recognition and communication • Lead and implement the initiatives defined in the HR strategy • Ensure HR Operations activities are managed to ensure an effective service to the market • Provide efficient administration around all aspects of the employee lifecycle whilst ensuring legal compliance, effective reporting and maintenance of records • Work with the CEO and SLT to lead on effective resource planning • Lead on how we attract current and future talent to Digicel Turks and Caicos • Be responsible for Recruitment and Selection for the market and recommend innovative and proactive recruitment campaigns • Manage the work permit process for our international staff whilst ensuring an effective relationship with the labour department is maintained • Support in developing the organization to ensure career development goals are met for our staff and succession planning is in place • Ensure effective on-boarding for all staff joining the team • Support and deliver on Company-wide HR Programmes related to engagement, development, succession planning and performance to support the company ambition to become an employer of choice
• To drive a culture of high performance through effective goals setting, management, performance and development reviews • Maintain a pay plan by conducting periodic pay surveys; scheduling and conducting job evaluations; preparing pay budgets; monitoring and scheduling individual pay actions; recommending, planning, and implementing pay structure revisions. • Conduct training needs analysis across the team and work to develop training needs to deliver against these needs • Offer expert legal, generalist and best practice HR advice to SLT, Managers and line staff • Manage employee relations in the market to minimize risk and support positive company culture • Build effective relationships across the HR network to share best practice
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
• Degree in Human Resource Management or equivalent combination of education and experience. • No less than 8 years experience in Human Resource Management. • Track record in effective HR Management ability to manage in a fast paced environment • Excellent knowledge of Employment Law and HR best practices. • Excellent communication and influencing skills Proven ability to deliver in a matrix environment • Proven relationship building skills • Proven project management skills • Strong attention to detail • Proven experience of leading all aspects of the employee lifecycle • Proven contract negotiation and budget management experience Certificates, Licenses, Registrations SHRM-SCP or SHRM-CP Certification preferred. Deadline: Interested applicants should forward their Resume and Cover letter to hrtci@digicelgroup.com on or before 24th. December, 2015 Qualified Belongers of the Turks and Caicos are encouraged to apply.
To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour. CONTACT: 231-0092
PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF GOD
ROMAINA TALBOT Is looking for a
DOMESTIC MINISTER/ WORKER MISSIONARY To work 3 days Is looking for a
Salary negotiable
CONTACT: 241-3462
11691
per week salary $6.25 per hour. CONTACT: 332-3022 11689
DOLPHINS SPORTS BAR AND GRILL/ K.C. BAR & GRILL is looking for
WAITRESSES PEARL BAR & RESTAURANT is looking for
COCKTAIL/ BARMAID KPW CONSTRUCTION COMPANY is looking for a
GARDENER MASON LABOURER CONTACT: 331-6364 RICHMOND HILL PREPARATORY SCHOOL Is looking for a
TRAINED PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER With a minimum of 10 years experience. Please apply in writing to: richhillprep@yahoo.com
11678
Since our launch in Jamaica in 2001, Digicel has expanded rapidly and now spans 32 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific. In recent years we have evolved into a Total Communications and Entertainment provider by broadening our products and services to include Cable TV and Broadband, Digital Advertising and Business Solutions. We are proud to serve our valued customers across a number of different platforms at home, at work and on the go. Employing over 6,500 people we have invested more than US$5 billion in our business worldwide to bring leading edge technologies and services to the countries in which we operate.
SALES PERSON/ KITCHEN HELPER
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
ATTORNEYCORPORATE/ COMMERCIAL Solicitor or Barrister required with a minimum of 15 years post-qualified experience and with the following additional qualifications:
TURKS AND CAICOS TOURIST BOARD
VISITOR RECEPTIONIST
- Extensive experience in financial services, international taxation and trusts - Experience in large commercial transactions - Proven ability to manage a team of professionals and willingness for training of junior colleagues and other technical staff - Must be called to the TCI Bar or eligible for admission - Willingness to travel to and possibly relocate to the firm’s other international offices and assume a leadership position in establishing new offices. - Knowledge and dealings with Middle Eastern and Latin American markets an asset
An exciting opportunity awaits you in the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board in the post of Visitor Receptionist. This position is based in Providenciales and the successful candidate will provide exceptional customer service and accurate tourism information to guests arriving via Providenciales International Airport. The incumbent in this position will respond to communication requests as well as visitor complaints. The successful candidate’s key result areas are: • Visitor Reception • Information Resource Development • Customer relations
Belongers are particularly encouraged to apply. Apply in writing, with CV and cover letter to Christian Papachristou via fax to (649) 946-4484 or cp@ bpandp.com with a copy to the Labour Office, Providenciales.
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS
TECHNICIAN NEEDED
For a private property in Providenciales. • Certified electrician with minimum five year’s professional experience. • Must possess at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. • Must be fluent in English and Spanish and have a working knowledge of Italian. • Must be Fit and able. Required to work 6 days a week. • Salary is $4,000.00 a month. Required to live on property. Applicant must be able to do the following: • Provide technical maintenance and repair services to property • Assist with general maintenance of the property as needed • Ability to use and safely operate tools and machines common to the electrician trade • Must be skilled in electrical and plumbing repairs • Must be computer literate • Must have excellent communication skills, both written and oral. • Possess valid driver’s license with clean record
If you fit the above qualifications please send via facsimile your resume to (649) 946-4663. An experienced Belonger is required for this position. Deadline for Resumes is 9 December 2015
CLASSIFIEDS 37
ESSENTIAL DUTIES Visitor Reception • On a daily basis, greet incoming visitors arriving by air travel to TCI • Provide accurate tourism information on accommodations, tourist sites, culture, activities, dining, transportation and other relevant information. • Distribute TCI tourism information including brochures, magazines, CD’s etc. • Maintain favorable working relationships with tourism partners, immigration and customs officers, taxi drivers and car rental agents. • Assist as needed in completing all functions necessary to ensure positive guest reception at the airport. Information Resource Development • Regularly research tourism information to ensure information provided is accurate, timely and up to date. • Maintain a high level of awareness of TCI tourism products, programs, activities and events. • Monitor information queries and complaints about the TCI tourism product/ services and respond promptly; report such complaints to superior or relevant authorities as appropriate. Customer Relations • Assist in resolving poor customer service situations and reports incidents to superior with a view toward minimizing repeat incidents. • Recommend ways to enhance the customer experience at the airport. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE • High School graduate, two years of relevant experience, and thorough knowledge of the Turks and Caicos Islands tourism product. Tertiary education a plus. • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. • Exhibits initiative, responsibility, flexibility and leadership. • Excellent social and interpersonal skills. • Problem-solving skills. • Good health and high energy level. SALARY Salary for this position is commensurate with qualifications and experience. For consideration please submit the following documents to chairman@ turksandcaicostourism.com or submit to The Chairman, Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Stubbs Diamond Plaza, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: • Cover Letter • Current Resume • Two (2) reference letters • Current Police Record • Resident Status ONLY PERSONS SHORTLISTED FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED IN THIS REGARD. APPLICATION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 31ST 2015
11680
11676
38 CLASSIFIEDS
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Digicel prides itself on its customers and people. As the number 1 provider of Mobile, TV and Broadband to both Consumers and Businesses here in TCI, we are always looking for the best local talent who will put our customers at the heart of everything they do. As part of our continuing success we are looking for the next cream of the crop. Are you passionate about customers and going 10 out of 10 every day. Interested in technology in a fast paced rewarding environment. Then Digicel is the place for you!
Digicel prides itself on its customers and people. As the number 1 provider of Mobile, TV and Broadband to both Consumers and Businesses here in TCI, we are always looking for the best local talent who will put our customers at the heart of everything they do. As part of our continuing success we are looking for the next cream of the crop. Are you passionate about customers and going 10 out of 10 every day. Interested in technology in a fast paced rewarding environment. Then Digicel is the place for you!
VACANCY
VACANCY
CUSTOMER CARE AGENT JOB SUMMARY
Customer Care Agent is a position that facilitates interactions with customers in a way that is in accordance with the Digicel’s service delivery strategy. Establishes rapport and promotes effective relationships, upholding Digicel commitment to the customer experience. The incumbent promotes Digicel products and services and makes recommendations that meet customer needs. Relates well to the customer, demonstrates favorable image of the Organization through effective use of soft skills (including active listening and problem solving skills), professional communication and internal/external customer interactions. He or she exercises sound judgment within the scope of his or her empowerment, and acts in the best interest of both the customer and company.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Demonstrates functional skill in communicating and explaining customer account information with focus on first-call resolution. • Must be able to accurately calculate and communicate taxes, fees, one-time charges, and/ or recurring monthly fees. Explains billing cycles, processes, and prorates effectively to ensure that customers understand their statements. Corrects discrepancies on customers’ billing statements, and researches customer billing situations as necessary. • When appropriate, follow established escalation procedures to expedite prompt resolution and customer satisfaction. • Ability to multitask between multiple tools and systems (knowledge base, team meetings, supervisor) and apply information and knowledge to customer situations. • Demonstrates awareness of company policies and procedures while applying sound judgment within scope of their empowerment. • Prepares work orders, processes payment information, and attempts to collect delinquent account balances. • Begins to act as a product consultant, articulating product features and benefits and making recommendations based on customer needs/interests. • Identifying buying signals and asking for the sale, upselling and delivering a quality customer experience. • Educates and promotes self-service options by directing customers to website • Fundamental understanding of competitive environment and begins to position Digicel’s products positively to our customers. • Interacts with customers via telephone, e-mail, or face-to-face to assist with a variety of customer inquiries and issues.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
• One year’s experience in Billing and providing exceptional Customer Service in a demanding, fast-paced environment. • Experience with resolving customer issues. • High School Diploma. • Ability to speak French-Creole and/or Spanish would be an asset. • Excellent computer-literacy skills.
CONDITIONS:
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, structured, dynamic and high-transaction environment. • Must have the ability to maintain composure in stressful situations and manage and diffuse angry or upset customers. • Regular, consistent and punctual attendance. • Must be able to work on holidays, weekends, and overtime when necessary. • Works under supervision when needed. Interested applicants should forward their resume to hrtci@digicelgroup.com No later than, December 18th. 2015. Qualified TCI nationals are encouraged to apply.
RETAIL STORE MANAGER – GRAND TURK.
MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB: To oversee and direct, within the limits of established Digicel policies and procedures, the sale of phones, SIMs and accessories and to ensure that the store delivers quality service to all customers. To manage the provision of Cable and internet services. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: • Reports directly to the Retail Sales Manager • Provides functional assistance and direction to the Sales Experience Representatives. • Interacts with individuals outside the store, including but not limited to, customers, suppliers, and Digicel representatives. RESPONSIBILITIES AND KEY ACTIVITIES: • Supervises the function of all store employees and contributes to maximizing the overall profit of the store. • Monitors Customer satisfaction • Stock availability and reconciliation • Monitors the appearance of the store • Creates the environment for quality customer service. • Ensures that employees are trained for the job. • Monitors dead stock and slow moving items. • Ensures inventory carried forward is kept at the minimum. • Daily sales reconciliation and deposits • Cash handling procedures • Meets Sales Targets. • Implementation and adherence to sales strategies (e.g. WOU) • Attends and contributes to meetings • Dispatches and coordinates customer cable and internet installations; service calls with technicians ensuring customer “Best in Class Experience”. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED: • Associate Degree Level in Business or related field. • Three years of experience in a supervisory capacity • Experience in a Telecommunications environment would be an asset. • Strong analytical, organizational and communication skills. • Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite • Good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively WORKING CONDITIONS: May be required to work beyond normal working hours Works on Saturdays and Public Holidays on a rotational basis. Must be willing to respond to call out demands outside working hours when required Interested applicants should forward their resume to hrtci@digicelgroup.com No later than, December 18th. 2015. Qualified TCI nationals are encouraged to apply.
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
CLASSIFIEDS 39
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
GORDON SUPPLY
EXPLORER VENTURES (TCI) LTD.
EPHRAIM CONSTRUCTION LTD.
SALES CLERK DIVE INSTRUCTOR CARPENTER To work 5 days Liveaboard scuba vessel seeks an experienced English-speaking
With active teaching status, significant experience leading dives, and strong customer service skills. PADI and STCW-95 Basic safety certification preferred. Previous liveaboard experience and the ability to speak multiple languages would be a plus.
CONTACT: 649-946-4726
PLEASE EMAIL RESUMES TO DIANA@ EXPLORERVENTURES.COM
SUPER CLEANING SERVICES
SPOTLESS CLEANING SERVICES is looking for a
THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS
Is looking for a
To work 6 days per week salary $6.25 per hour
per week salary $6.50 per hour
CONTACT: 245-8939
11678
CONTACT: 649-941-3338
ATLANTIC STONE SYSTEMS 2015 LTD.
ACE PLUMBING
Is seeking
Is looking for a
LABOURER
GENERAL MANAGER Must be “HANDS
SEND CV & REFERENCES TO MCCOLLUM & NEWLANDS BELONGER ONLY NEED APPLY. INTERESTED PERSON PLEASE CONTACT US ON 649 339 6100.
11677
11668
ON” With extensive relevant international experience And qualifications of minimum 15 years In similar roles.
BAYVIEW MOTORS LTD. We are currently seeking to employ a
LABOURER Who will be responsible for the daily maintenance of the building and its surroundings. Duties include washing of cars. Salary is in the range of $6.25 per hour. • All applicants must possess a valid driver’s license • Willing to work with little or no supervision • Must be willing to work weekends and holidays
CONTACT: TODD 649-431-1265
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
CLEANER SUPERVISOR CASHIER To work 6 days
To work 5 days per week salary $6.25 per hour CONTACT: 245-8046
11663
CASHIER
per week salary $13.00 per hour
11665
MAX’S MINI MART
Is looking for a
• Must be able to drive manual vehicle and a range of vehicles including buses • Must be computer literate • Must be courteous at all time • Must be willing to carry out duties assigned • Must have excellent customer service skills BELONGERS ONLY NEED APPLY
PLEASE SUBMIT ALL APPLICATIONS BETWEEN 8AM-5PM MONDAY-FRIDAY AT BAYVIEW MOTORS LTD., LEEWARD HIGHWAY, PROVIDENCIALES OR VIA EMAIL AT HR@TCIAUTOGROUP.COM
11564
Assistant Cook SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
• • • • •
Must be consistently punctual for work. Maintain a clean work station throughout shift. Must maintain a clean, well kept appearance upon arrival and though out shifts. Must be able to multi task in a fast pace, high pressure environment. Work the pass and salad station on the hot line, during service when needed, executing food to order in an ala minute kitchen according to the ticket in a timely manner. • Be able to stand on ones feet for 8 hours and be comfortable lifting 25 pounds or more without physical restrictions. • Be available to work holidays and weekends with a flexible schedule PREPARE MEATS, VEGETABLES AND FRUITS ACCORDING TO STANDARDIZED RECIPES UTILIZING THE FOLLOWING SKILLS: • Knife skills – dicing, chopping and slicing of various products to achieve a uniform result to promote consistency in accordance with recipe standards • Prepare a variety of dressings, salsas, and sauces based on standardized recipes • Finish and plate cooked items on the pass station on the hot line quickly and efficiently. • Prepare items on salad station quickly and efficiently. • Execute proper sanitation procedures to insure that high quality food is served that accurately represents the Café
DUTIES:
• Be a self starter that can be one of the first people in the kitchen in the morning or one of the last to leave the kitchen at night. Prioritizing and executing prep items based on needs. Properly labeling foods with the date and prep item name and assuring they are rotated, and stored for future use. • Work with other kitchen staff members to execute food, prioritize steps and contribute to the overall team atmosphere of the kitchen. • Demonstrate a positive attitude. • Participate in daily cleaning duties as per scheduled by the Chef to maintain a clean safe environment for all employees to work in.
Belongers given preference. Please submit CV, references in person at: Somewhere Cafe and Lounge, Coral Gardens Resort or email to: chefamy@somewherecafeandlounge.com
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Decmeber 12-18, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
IMMEDIATE OPENINGS
Maintenance Manager
Duties and Responsibilities: • Establish goals, measurements and results for the department along with the General Manager. • Involvement in the preparation of the Maintenance Operating and Capital budgets. • General operational and preventative maintenance of systems including: Boilers and heating systems; make up air and HVAC systems; Pool facilities; and General plumbing issues. • Maintain hotel guest rooms and public areas by performing routine maintenance jobs and repairs. • Troubleshoot and perform minor repairs on heating, cooling and ventilation systems. • Troubleshoot and perform minor repairs on plumbing systems, electrical systems and appliances. • Maintain the hot tub by ensuring a safe chemical balance through frequent testing. • Organize, implement and track all maintenance projects for guestrooms and public areas. • Monitor and revise as needed, departmental health & safety tools including training programs, policies and practices. • Ensure a safe work environment is maintained at all times and that all colleagues are committed to working safely. • Partner with Front Office Manager to ensure safe guest evacuation during emergencies (i.e. Fire Alarm). • Motivate, train and lead maintenance personnel by personal example with a philosophy of work conduct, enthusiasm and personal development that leads to maximum performance and job satisfaction. • Effective scheduling, vacation planning and department productivity to budget. • Effective and timely interaction with all Hotel & Restaurant departments and positively impact guest experience by effectively and efficiently resolving maintenance concerns. • Effective and timely interaction with HR regarding payroll (i.e. set up new hires, etc). • Occasional maintenance to staff residence as required. • A positive contributor to the leadership team of the hotel. Knowledge, skills and abilities: · Prior Maintenance Management and/or supervisory experience within a operation equal in size and facilities. · Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Proven ability to motivate and lead employees in a busy, high quality environment. · Background in electrical and or plumbing are essential. · Good English communication skills (both written & oral). · Ability to respond quickly in a dynamic and changing environment. Ability to handle multiple requests in a fastpaced environment. · Good training, coaching and mentoring skills are essential. · Proven experience with budgets and payroll process is essential. · Completion of high school and technical training required. · Majority of work shift requires standing or walking 90% of the work day · Many tasks require sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, and/or positioning to accomplish tasks · Able to lift and carry up to 50+ lbs. is common and up to 150 lbs with assistance · Reaching is required at all levels throughout the work period · Climbing of stairs is required and may require up to 50% of the time · Previous hotel maintenance experience preferred
· Able to work efficiently under time constraints · Able to work independently and with others Starting salary $45,000-$55,000 per annum not including service charge
Head Chef Requirements: • 3 to 5 years culinary experience in a full service, fine dining establishment as Head Chef • Post secondary degree or equivalent qualification by experience • Must have strong knowledge of kitchen inventory and ordering process, staffing, expediting and ability to supervise the staff and kitchen operations under the direction of the Executive Chef • Excellent culinary technique and ability to work the line during all meal periods • Exceptional customer service orientation, complying with company service culture Duties Include: • Recruit and select qualified candidates, provide training and communication performance expectations • Coordinate the inventory, purchasing and disbursement of all supplies with the purchasing manager • Inspect and ensures the proper set up and readiness of each item on menus • Supervise daily food preparation for assigned areas. • Ensure that the level of quality, portion control, and plate presentation is adhered to consistently • Work closely with staff to exceed guest expectations • Maintain product consistency by conducting inspecting or seasonings, portion and appearance of food. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Butler
The butler will provide the highest of penthouse service to our guests. The Butler’s primary goal is to create an ambiance of superior luxury by anticipating each individual guest’s needs.. This is accomplished through moments of surprise and delight that our guest would never have experienced before. Also ensure guest familiarities to frequent guests visiting the hotel. Requirements: • Minimum of 3 years experience in food and beverage fine dining as a personal Butler • Must possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written • Strong knowledge of a variety of cuisines and wines/ beverages • Must possess local knowledge in order to respond to all inquiries from guest, such as restaurants information • Must possess basic computational ability • Must possess basic computer skills • Must be able to follow through all the guest requests and communicate them to the appropriate departments and management in an efficient manner • Must be have attention to details second to none ability, superior interpersonal skills and desire to provide exceptional service to our guest • Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 8 hours in length • Must be able to exert well-paced, ability to reach other departments and locations in a timely manner • Must be able to exert well-paced ability in limited space • Must be able to bend, stoop, squat and stretch to fulfill cleaning tasks.
• Must be able to bend and squat and lift up to 25 lbs • Must be able to push and pull equipment weighing up to 75 lbs • Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions. Bending, climbing, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity. • Requires manual dexterity to use and operate all necessary equipment • Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Starting salary $6.25 per hour.
Cook Requirements: • Experience with, and comfortable preparing a variety of different cuisines in a fine dining environment • Understand the importance of consistency • Knowledge of food preparation techniques and health/ safety Duties Include: • Prepare all food items according to recipe cards and correct handling procedures. • Maintain highest quality and appearance of all foods sent from kitchen and make sure plates are clean and appetizing. • Maintain orderly and clean refrigerators and work areas. • Rotate all foods and correctly fill out production charts. • Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Starting salary $6.25 per hour not including service charge.
Houseman Requirements: • Ability to work with heavy cleaning machinery. • Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Duties include: • Ensuring that standards of cleanliness and organization are met at all times in assigned areas. • Responsibility for care and maintenance of all equipment and machinery • Restock linens and amenities on carts • Run needed items to guest floors • Assist housekeepers as required Starting salary $6.25 not including service charge.
Retail Manager Requirements: • Experience in retail management, purchasing, controlling, pricing, sales and marketing, and merchandising retail inventory. Duties Include: • Oversee the day to day operations of the resort retail outlets with responsibility for profitability and emphasis on revenue generation and payroll efficiencies. • Source products that match with guest needs and meet luxury standards. • Prepare financial and other business reports as requested to include, but not limited to, annual budgets, daily sales reports, 90-day and annual reviews, monthly financial review, etc. Salary/Wages Commensurate with Experience, Education and Training.
Interested applicants should apply to The Palms, Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday, and bring along an updated resume, or by emailing your resume to kitchandra.penn@thepalmstc.com, no later than end of day Friday, December 18th, 2015.
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Science & Technology
Scientists create infertile mosquitoes The beagle and cross-bred beagle-cocker spaniel puppies were born to a surrogate mother. They were all from the same litter but have three sets of parents.
World’s first IVF puppies born to surrogate mother dog THE world’s first IVF puppies have been born after years of attempts, say scientists in the US. The in-vitro fertilisation advance paves the way for conserving endangered breeds and could help in the fight against human and animal diseases, say researchers at Cornell University. The seven beagle and cross-bred beagle-cocker spaniel puppies were born to a surrogate mother. They were all from the same litter but have three sets of parents. Frozen embryos were implanted in a female dog using techniques similar to
those used in human fertility clinics. Problems with freezing embryos have caused difficulties in the past, but the group say they have perfected the technique. Lead researcher Dr Alex Travis, from Cornell’s college of veterinary medicine, said: “We have seven normal happy healthy puppies.” He added: “Since the mid1970s, people have been trying to do this in a dog and have been unsuccessful. “Now we can use this technique to conserve the genetics of endangered species.”
UK scientists say they have reached a milestone in the fight against malaria by creating a genetically modified mosquito that is infertile. The plan is to wipe out the insects that spread malaria to people via bites, Nature Biotechnology reports. Two copies of the mutant gene render the malariacarrying female insect completely barren. But one copy is enough for a mosquito mum or dad to pass it on to offspring. This should perpetually spread the infertility gene throughout the population so the species dwindles or dies out. However, the Imperial College London team say more safety tests are needed, meaning it will be a decade before the mutant mosquitoes can be released into the wild. CHEATING NATURE The mutant mosquito can still carry and transmit malaria to people via bites. But their genetic make-up means they should breed with
CORIATS (CARIBBEAN) LIMITED Licensed Trust Company
BUSINESS SYSTEMS ANALYST With 10+ years’ experience in management. Must have familiarity with integrated line of business/ERP systems (including ViewPoint) and design of business process workflows. Proven ability to specify, implement and troubleshoot new systems, as well as conduct staff training. Duration: 6 months only. TCI Belonger preferred; excellent working environment. Applications with full CV to Marcella Malcolm, CORIATS, The Centre, P.O. Box 171, Providenciales. Fax (649) 946-4850. E.Mail office@coriats.com 11681
ACA/ACCA/CA
An opportunity exists for three fully qualified accountants who possess a minimum of four years professional experience gained within a “Big Four” public accounting firm. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. If you wish to be considered for these opportunities please apply in confidence by sending details of your experience and qualifications to either: KPMG Ltd. or The Labour Commissioner, P.O. Box 357 Labour Office The Village at Grace Bay Butterfield Square Providenciales Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands Turks & Caicos Islands
Or fax your particulars to 946-4619
and replace other malariacarrying mosquitoes. Any offspring with one copy of the gene would carry on passing the trait to future generations, while any female offspring that inherits both copies would be unable to reproduce.
The plan is to wipe out the insects that spread malaria to people via bites, Nature Biotechnology reports.
POSITION AVAILABLE CERTIFIED JAGUAR /LAND ROVER TECHNICIAN • Must be a certified level 2, 3 or 4 Jaguar & Land Rover Auto Technician with minimum 5 years of experience, with expertise to work on our other Brands • Must be able to perform vehicle diagnostics and updates using SDD, IDS, Chrysler wiTECH, Starscan, DRB III, Tech 2, NGS, and Fiat Examiner Diagnostic equipment • Maintains vehicle functional condition by listening to customers / operator complaints; conduct inspections; repair engine failures; repair mechanical and electrical systems
malfunctions; and replace parts and components according to manufacturer standards • Keeps shop equipment operating by following operating instructions; troubleshooting breakdowns; maintaining supplies; performing preventive maintenance; calling for repairs. • Must hold a valid driver license with a clean, insurable, driving record; must be able to drive manual and automatic transmissions
REMUNERATION COMMENSURATE WITH EXPERIENCE. CONTACT MAC MOTORS LTD ON 649-339-3841.
BIG BLUE UNLIMITED: PARROT CAY WATERSPORT ACTIVITIES
Parrot Cay/Big Blue Unlimited Sales and Reservations Agent or Manager Full time – At Parrot Cay from 7:30 am to 5.30 pm Monday through Sunday or as required Base salary Sales commission
GENERAL
• Have a thorough knowledge of all tours, staff and resources available for guests including Parrot Cay exclusive. • Good knowledge of Turks and Caicos culture/history, attractions and tourism industry • Must have excellent written and verbal communication, be highly organized and have attention to detail • Be available via phone from 7am to 8pm + • Be able to keep detailed records of tours and enter all sales, service charges and tax amounts • Have an outgoing, dynamic personality with strengths in building relationships with guests, co-workers, and hotel staff to maximize customer service and sales. • Understanding the importance and ensuring phone and email inquiries are answered and any follow up is done in a timely manner. • Need to be flexible, think on your feet and outside the box and above all reliable • Pay will commensurate with experience, Belongers highly preferred.
Please forward resume to Big Blue Unlimited in person or by email at info@bigblueunlimited.com
11712
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Sports Interational
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
Webb officially booted from Cayman football THE Cayman Islands Football Association has formally ousted Jeffrey Webb from his position as president but the acting CIFA president, Bruce Blake, will remain at the helm until elections take place at a planned congress next year. CIFA’s Executive Committee has also hit out at the sports minister, who has expressed concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the accounts. Denying that financial statements have not been supplied, they made it clear that they think government has no business interfering with CIFA’s leadership elections. Sports Minister Osbourne Bodden has hit back, pointing to the unanswered questions surrounding massive cash donations from FIFA and the failure to explain the irregularities in the sports association’s books. Given the circumstances, the minister said, he has every right to withhold government cash and call for answers. Following the guilty plea by Webb last week in the US for fraud and money laundering, CIFA’s Executive Committee held an emergency meeting Monday and in a release Tuesday they issued a release to say that he had been removed as president, though little else appears to have changed. “It has been determined that he is not fit for office of president of CIFA and as such his position as president of CIFA is officially vacated,” the association’s
Following the guilty plea by Jeffrey Webb last week in the US for fraud and money laundering, CIFA’s Executive Committee held an emergency meeting Monday decided to officially remove him as president.
officials said in the release. “Elections will be held at the earliest congress in 2016 for the president’s position, along with any other positions that are vacant. Although not yet formally notified, CIFA expects that FIFA and CONCACAF will follow suit in due course.” However, the association appeared more concerned about the issues that have been raised by the sports minister than the conviction of Webb for racketeering, although Minister Bodden’s sentiments about the management of the association and serious questions
about their financial statements have been broadly echoed in the wider community. Rather than addressing the many questions surrounding how cash from FIFA, government and donations has been managed or the leadership controversies, the association has gone on the attack. “CIFA is appalled by Minister Osbourne Bodden’s statements,” the committee said. Bodden, who has pulled around $128,000 of government funding from CIFA because of the concerns, has said he wants to see a full forensic audit of the association’s books to
determine exactly how it has spent its money, including FIFA grants. “CIFA has consistently provided annual audited financial statements to his ministry over the years,” CIFA officials maintained, saying that those audited financial statements were already in the ministry’s possession. The release claimed that Bodden’s comments were “erroneous and misleading” and “not in the best interest of football”. The committee said it would deliver copies of the annual reports, which include audited financial statements from 2001 to present, to the ministry today. The officials said they were still awaiting outstanding agreed funding from 2014/2015, which was already spent on domestic leagues and youth programmes, which were “now in jeopardy. Blaming the minister rather than the much bigger issues surrounding the association, the CIFA officials also took aim at Bodden’s comments that government would not support the association until it demonstrated it had cleaned up its act and elected new leaders. “Any interference with a democratic election process demonstrates a lack of understanding of constitutional law and is
unwarranted,” CIFA stated in response. “The minister cannot dictate to any national association who should or should not serve on its executive committee by interfering in an election process, which is determined by its membership. “CIFA is guided by its constitution, and individuals who have expressed strong opinions in the press who somehow feel aggrieved should accept that they did not have the constitutional support to run for office and are only damaging football in our country by their continued negative remarks of Cayman football.” A meeting has been requested with the minister, the officials said, so that they can address concerns and outline the reforms that they claimed have been put in place to get back the annual grant. However, in an emailed response Tuesday the sports minister took the CIFA committee to task, pointing out that he was seeking a forensic audit to show exactly where the US$2.2m received from FIFA for infrastructure development had been spent. He accepted that CIFA sent statements to support the government funding but said there were far wider issues to be addressed.
French prosecutors to probe Eugene 2021 World Championships bid HAVING been dragged through the mud over doping allegations, athletics has run into a new crisis over the award of its most prestigious global competition. French prosecutors have confirmed they are probing a decision by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to hand the 2021 World Championships to Eugene. The city, in the U.S. state of Oregon, was awarded the event in April this year without the usual bidding process that is associated with awarding big events even though the Swedish city of Gothenburg was also interested. Now the French authorities have told CNN Sport they are investigating the decision to anoint Eugene, as part of its investigation into former IAAF president Lamine Diack. It said: “The national financial prosecutor ... has opened a preliminary investigation in order to determine the conditions under which the city of Eugene was designated and whether corruption, money laundering, criminal conspiracy
offenses have been committed in France on this occasion.” Sportswear giant Nike has its origins in Eugene -- it was founded by two former University of Oregon students, Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman, in 1964. The company still has links with the university and did have with IAAF president Seb Coe until recently when he relinquished an ambassadorial role. French prosecutors said an email between a “marketing executive of a sporting goods company” to a member of the Eugene bid team had been the starting point for its investigation, launched on December 1. It said the email related to the support of one of the vice-presidents of the IAAF, who was “also ambassador of the above mentioned sporting goods company.” The IAAF told CNN Sport it would reopen the bidding process should any corruption be uncovered by the French but insisted it stood by its decision to award the games to Eugene. The organisation has been under
siege since French police announced they were investigating Diack on corruption and money laundering charges in early November. It is alleged the Senegalese accepted around $1.9 million from the Russian athletics federation to conceal positive doping tests. CNN was unable to reach Diack for comment. A report from former IAAF president Dick Pound released in November claimed Russia had effectively run a state-sponsored doping programme and that the IAAF had adopted an “inexplicable laissez-fair policy.” Russia has subsequently been suspended from athletics and may not now be able to compete at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Eugene’s 2021 bid leader and head of Tracktown USA in the city -Vin Lananna -- was not immediately available for comment, nor was Nike. But USA Track and Field (USATF) told CNN it stood behind the “merits of the bid, and our actions and efforts followed all ethical standards and norms for presenting bids.” (CNN)
Tyson Fury now holds just two versions of the world heavyweight title after being stripped of the IBF belt.
Fury to explain controversial comments to British Boxing Board TYSON Fury has been summoned by the British Boxing Board of Control to explain his recent controversial comments. World heavyweight champion Fury, 27, who expressed views on women, abortion and homosexuality, has been asked to attend a meeting in the new year. The BBBofC met to discuss the matter on Wednesday before informing Fury that he must meet with the board. The Briton has denied he is a homophobe and claimed he is “uniting the world”. No exact date has been confirmed for the meeting. Police are investigating an allegation of hate crime against Fury, following comments he made about homosexuality on the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire
programme. The Manchester fighter has also been quoted as saying a woman’s “best place is on her back”. He subsequently said: “Tyson Fury loves his fellow humans. He doesn’t hate anybody.” Fellow BBC Sports Personality of the Year nominee and long jump champion Greg Rutherford had planned to withdraw from this year’s event over Fury’s comments, before reversing his decision. Fury, who won the WBA, IBF and WBO titles on 28 November by beating Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko in Dusseldorf, was stripped of the IBF belt on Tuesday after choosing to face Klitschko in a rematch instead of the IBF’s mandatory challenger, Ukrainian Vyacheslav Glazkov. (BBC)
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
Sports Interational
43
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Benzema suspended from France team over blackmail inquiry
Holly Holm (left) knocked out Rhonda Rousey in the second round in Australia on Nov. 14 to claim the UFC women’s bantamweight title.
Holm-Rousey rematch targeted for July 9 in Las Vegas THE UFC has a target date and location in mind for the Holly Holm-Ronda Rousey rematch, USA TODAY Sports confirmed Thursday July 9 in Las Vegas. The rematch, however, hasn’t been solidified. The respective Holm and Rousey camps both must agree on the date and that hasn’t happened yet, a person with knowledge of the negotiations who is not authorized to speak publicly told USA TODAY Sports. That’d be a long wait for fans to see how Rousey responds to her first professional loss. Holm knocked out Rousey in the second round in Australia on Nov. 14 to claim the UFC women’s bantamweight title.
The Los Angeles Times, the first outlet to report that the rematch could occur this July, reported that Holm’s manager, Lenny Fresquez, doesn’t feel the ninth-month layoff would be enough time for Rousey. “I’m not sure Ronda will be ready for a July fight,” Fresquez told the newspaper. “She took a severe beating and I don’t think it’s in her best interest to take the next fight so fast. They told me she’s been ready and cleared, but … .” Holm expressed interest in fighting sooner and is ready to defend her belt against an opponent other than Rousey. But UFC president Dana White said that Holm’s next fight would be against Rousey. (USAToday)
Amir Khan (in picture) was hoping for a fight with Manny Pacquiao.
Khan might fight Brook in 2016 - not Pacquiao EDDIE Hearn, the Matchroom Sports promoter, has claimed that Amir Khan will not be fighting Manny Pacquiao in 2016, and talks have begun for a welterweight showdown between Khan and the International Boxing Federation champion, Kell Brook, in a stadium fight next summer. Khan’s team have been in talks to fight Pacquiao since August, in the Filipino’s final professional fight. However, Hearn told The Daily Telegraph: “Khan is not getting the Pacquiao fight. We are talking of a summer fight between Kell and Amir and I’m very hopeful of getting the
fight signed.” Brook must first make a mandatory defence of his IBF crown against Canada’s Kevin Bizier, with the fight anticipated to take place in early 2016. In the meantime, Khan would likely take a tune-up fight around the same time, having fought only once in 2015, defeating Chris Algieri in the United States. However, Hearn has also stressed an urgency in agreeing the BrookKhan fight, to put the machinery in place for the contest to happen, with Wembley Stadium being discussed as a venue.
KARIM Benzema has been suspended from the France team until an investigation into his alleged part in a blackmail and sex tape case has been resolved. The 27-year-old striker could miss Euro 2016, which starts in France in June. Benzema has been placed under formal investigation by a French judge over an alleged bid to blackmail France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex video. The Real Madrid forward denies any wrongdoing but if found guilty, could face a minimum of five years in prison. France Football Federation president Noel le Great, who had previously supported Benzema, said it was a “heart-breaking” decision to suspend him. But he added: “I have decided that he is not available for selection.” According to French media, Benzema mentioned the tape to Lyon midfielder Valbuena, 31, during a national team training session at Clairefontaine on 5 October. Benzema, who scored a hat-trick for Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, told police he was advising a friend about what to do in a difficult situation. But he was handed preliminary
Karim Benzema has been placed under formal investigation by a French judge over an alleged bid to blackmail France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena over a sex video.
charges of complicity in attempted blackmail and participation in a criminal conspiracy by the judge in November. When a suspect is placed under formal investigation, a judge will then determine whether there is sufficient evidence for the suspect to be formally charged. The case has drawn further interest after phone transcripts of a phone call between Benzema and a friend, Karim Zenati, on 6 October were leaked by French police to Europe 1 radio.
During the conversation, the player describes what happened when he spoke to Valbuena the day before. Benzema’s defence team has already said the leak was “selective” and left out parts that might help prove he is not guilty. Former France goalkeeper Bernard Lama said the case was “terrible” for the players and the national team. “It’s not a good image,” he told BBC World Service, but added he did not believe it would affect France’s chances at Euro 2016.
Rosberg unsure how he beat Hamilton in late 2015 run NICO Rosberg says he does not know how he managed to turn the tables on Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton and end the season with a run of success. Hamilton won the title with three races to go, all of which Rosberg then won. Rosberg said: “Qualifying, he did a better job - up to the point he won the title it was 12-three or something. “That was my strength last year. Strange it turned around. Tough to understand it. I don’t know exactly why; I just need to keep it going.” Hamilton won the title in 2014 despite qualifying behind his teammate more often than not, passing Rosberg on track a number of times to take 11 wins to the German’s five. But Rosberg believes that Hamilton’s run of 11 poles in 12 races at the start of this season was the key to the Briton’s third championship, in which he won 10 of the first 16 races before Rosberg’s late run of form. “Lewis did a great job this season, he was more consistent,” said Rosberg, the son of the Finnish 1982 F1 world champion Keke Rosberg. “All the parts have to fit together to beat Lewis. If I’m always qualifying behind him, that is going to make it very difficult. “It’s not about good fortune in
Nico Rosberg has finished runner-up to Lewis Hamilton for the past two F1 seasons.
qualifying. There is no fortune in that, especially when it’s 12 times. It’s just not being quick enough. “I just need to find some more pace. Which I did. I will continue to push, of course, because half of me is a Finn, and in Finland it’s the Finnish sisu, which is always the fighting spirit all the way.” Rosberg’s remarks came in an exclusive interview for the BBC F1 Review show, in which he commented for the first time on the incident after the title-deciding US Grand Prix which has come to be known as ‘cap-gate’. Rosberg had also been annoyed by what he considered Hamilton’s over-aggressive driving in taking the
lead at the start. And he was angry at himself for making a mistake late in the race that cost him the lead and handed victory - and the title - to Hamilton. In the pre-podium room following the race, Hamilton tossed the second-place cap to Rosberg, only for the German to throw it straight back at his team-mate. Rosberg said: “It’s our usual games. He passes me the cap; I pass it back in my frustration.” At the time, Rosberg described Hamilton’s move in pushing him wide at the first corner and causing him to lose places to both Red Bull cars as “extremely aggressive and we hit each other. Or should I say Lewis came into me”. (BBC)
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Sports National
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
Fast and Furious win TCIFA Women’s Speed Soccer League IT came down to penalty kicks at the National Academy ground on Sunday last and when the dust had settled, Fast and Furious were crowned champions over rivals Mozzies in the final of the Turks and Caicos Islands Women’s Speed Soccer League. Six teams had entered the competition, which started on November 15, and the two best progressed to the championship game, which pitted attack against defence. The Fast and Furious females were relentless with their strikes and the Mozzies defended accordingly. At the end of regulation, neither team had scored, which forced spot kicks 11 metres from the uprights. After five rounds Fast and the Furious claimed a 2-1 win. In terms of individual accolades, senior player Joan Whent proved that she is still a dominant factor after picking up her second Top Goal Scorer trophy. Anika Siden and Christina Louisy were rewarded for being the youngest and second youngest players, respectively, whilst Gillian Vernice won the oldest player award. Natalie Zaidan was honoured for producing a team with the largest number of non-football players
For his match-winning 65, Nuwan Bodhinayake received the man-of-the-match honours.
Graham dominates, but Rum XI fall to Super Kings Joan Whent (right) scored the most goals for the second consecutive year. In this photo she collects her award from General Secretary of the TCIFA, Candia Ewing.
(the Mozzies), while Yanike Lee was rewarded for a dominant performance in her very first footballing experience—she scored twice during the league. Additional prizes and gifts were presented for the most creative
player, the mums who attended the largest number of games, etc. Candia Ewing, General Secretary of the TCIFA was on hand to assist Candace Hanchell, Executive Director responsible for women’s football with awards and prizes.
A SOLID all-round performance from former national Barbados cricketer Marlon Graham was not enough to lead Rum XI to victory against a revamped Quality Super Kings in an All-Star T-20 cricket clash at the Downtown Ball Park on Sunday last. Batting first after winning the toss, Graham led with a captain’s knock of 75* (8X4s and 2X6s), but he had little help and his team succumbed for 133-8 from their allotted 20 overs. Winnick Caleb was the next best scorer with 19 runs. The Super Kings had an all-round
bowling attack with Pawan Kumar, Smijo Devassey and Lloyd Lynch capturing two wickets each. Eventual man-of-the-match, Nuwan Bodhinayake, who was in exceptional form last season, led the Super Kings’ attack with the bat as the side charged to victory in just 14.1 overs. The Sri Lankan born, who is one of the most dominant T20 players in TCI’s history, spanked 65 runs, with eight fours and three sixes. He did this while Graham was picking off his teammates. Graham finished with three wickets for nine runs in three overs.
Honours even in final rugby match of 2015
Inaugural winner of the Inter-Island Cup, the Provo based SWA Sharks. (Photo compliments of Grandturkevents.com)
Sharks beat GT United to claim inaugural Inter-Island Cup A keenly contested clash at the Parade Ground last Saturday for the inaugural Inter-Island Cup, ended with Provo based team, the SWA Sharks claiming victory after a penalty shootout against home team Grand Turk. The Sharks took the lead after ten minutes with a powerful looping Jordan Wiley header, which caught the keeper off his line. The visitors then doubled the lead with a Paul Collis penalty after a push on Dady Aristide. GT United got back into the game
after the ball rolled into the goal from a tackle outside the Sharks’ area and then they equalised with a superb 20yard free kick by 17-year-old Jose Elcius, a TCI national team hopeful. Both teams battled out an even second half, although the Sharks hit the woodwork three times. With a 2-2 fulltime score, the game headed to penalty kicks and the Sharks proved unstoppable, winning by a 5-3 margin. Provo Premier League President Steve Kendrew said he was
impressed with the home team and will make attempts to get them involved in next month’s league. Kendrew added: “Credit to Gary St Rose and Winston Quelch for organising this event and the game was well refereed by ex TCI national team player Mr. Charles. There was a real family atmosphere at the Parade Ground with children and women’s games before the main game, plenty of parents watching, with over a 100 spectators and some impressively loud support for the home side!”
THE Turks and Caicos Islands Rugby Football Union ended their season with a hard hitting match at the Meridian Field two Fridays ago. The President’s XV came from behind to claim a 17-17 draw with the Captain’s XV with a last second try from Franco Mompremier. The humid, damp conditions made for a tight game and the Captain’s XV began the match camped in the President’s half, but the rigid defence refused to budge. Clearing kicks from Gareth Butler gave some release for the President’s XV but the Captain’s XV would not relent and a long striking pass from Luis Turbyfield found Deandre Glinton, who raced in for the opening try of the match. The President’s XV rallied and it was only the last efforts of Sholone Robinson that stopped Kelano Palmer from busting through for a try. Referee Anthony Wilkinson deemed Luis Turbyfield guilty of making an early tackle and Franco
Mompremier bowled over for a try. The Captain’s XV front row of Aaron Williams, Dan Willis and Sean O’Neill began to boss the scrum and made life difficult for CJ Outten, the President’s scrum half. The scrum forced the President’s players to retreat and Levardo Talbot tackled Gareth Butler out of the dead ball area. The Captain’s scrum marched forward and Trevor Walkin took the ball over the line to bring the Captain’s XV within two points. After the ensuing kick-off Butler again kicked the ball deep. Norben Williams took the ball and Jayson Smith put in the tackle of the match, but Norben played the ball back to Turbyfield who tip toed down the touch line to score the go ahead try, which he converted. With one minute to go the President’s XV regained possession and Mompremier crashed over to level the game. Gilbert Alfreda was unable to make the conversion leaving matters square.
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Decmeber 12-18, 2015
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Decmeber 12-18, 2015
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Decmeber 12-18, 2015