TC Weekly News April 12-18, 2025

US TARIFFS AND THE TCI

Bailey appointed Commissioner of Police

BY OLIVIA ROSE

Governor Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam has appointed Mr Fitz Bailey as the new Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF).

The appointment, revealed on Thursday, 10 April 2025, comes at a critical juncture as the islands grapple with a rise in gang-related crime. Bailey, known as the “Gangbuster” in Jamaica for his formidable record of dismantling criminal organisations, steps into the role with a three-year mandate to restore order and confidence within the community.

“This appointment signals a renewed commitment to safety, public confidence, and the rule of law in every community,” stated the Governor.

“The security of our islands requires bold leadership, modern policing strategies, and the development of our capabilities.”

Her words underscored the high stakes and the pressing need for a leader capable of addressing the challenges head-on.

According to the Governor’s statement, Bailey’s appointment follows a rigorous selection process, which included a Governor-chaired interview panel, a community panel, and consultation with the Hon. Premier Charles Washington Misick OBE. His extensive experience in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), where he served for 40 years, culminating in the role of Deputy Commissioner of Police with responsibility for Crime, Security, and Intelligence until September 2024, made him a standout candidate.

“I am deeply honoured and

humbled to accept the role of Commissioner of Police,” Bailey declared upon his appointment.

“This experience is more than a professional milestone—it is a profound responsibility to serve and protect the people of the ‘Beautiful by Nature’ Turks and Caicos Islands with integrity, fairness, and dedication.”

Known for his no-nonsense approach and proven ability to dismantle criminal networks, Bailey’s reputation precedes him.

His tenure in Jamaica was marked by significant successes against notorious gangs, earning him the moniker “Gangbuster.”

This track record has raised

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hopes that he can bring similar effectiveness to the Turks and Caicos Islands, where residents have expressed growing concerns about escalating crime.

Bailey, who also served as Acting

Commissioner of the RTCIPF since 22 November 2024, brings a wealth of academic qualifications to his new role, including a Master of Science degree in Psychology and Criminal Investigation from the

University of Liverpool, a Master of Science degree in National Security and Strategies from the University of the West Indies (UWI), and an Associate degree in Accounting from the Management Institute for National Development (MIND).

His dedication to public service was further recognised in 2021, when he received the Jamaica Order of Distinction.

“I have spent most of my career committed to justice, public safety, and strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the communities that I have served,” Bailey affirmed.

“As Commissioner, I will endeavour to uphold these ideals while working alongside the courageous men and women of our police force to ensure a safer and more secure future for all.”

The territory’s new Commissioner acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence in the resilience of the officers and the strength of the people, emphasising the importance of collaboration and trust in building a police service that inspires confidence and unity.

As Commissioner Bailey steps into his new role, all eyes will be on his efforts to deliver on the promise of a safer and more secure future for the islands.

Grace Bay Beach is nominated in the Beaches category, while the overall destination is nominated in the Islands’ and Countries’ category

TCI receives multiple nominations in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards

Turks and Caicos Islands has been nominated in the Conde Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards in the beaches, countries and islands categories.

Grace Bay Beach is nominated in the Beaches category, while the overall destination is nominated in the islands and countries category. Several local hotels have also been nominated in the hotels and resorts categories.

The Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards allows travellers to rate their travel experiences across the globe to offer a comprehensive look

at the places they enjoyed and recommend to others. The Readers’ Choice Awards, with its unparalleled legacy as the travel industry’s longest-running and most prestigious accolades, remain the ultimate symbol and acknowledgement of excellence within the travel sector.

“This nomination is another clear reminder that Turks and Caicos isn’t just in the conversation— we’re leading it,” Minister of Tourism, Hon Zhavargo Jolly said.

“When the people who actually visit our shores vote to rank us among the best in the world, that’s

the kind of validation money can’t buy. It speaks to the quality of our product, the strength of our hospitality sector, and the lasting impression we leave on every guest. These awards don’t just build pride, they drive bookings, create jobs, and grow the economy for our people. That’s why they matter,” he added.

Until June 30, travellers can vote for the Turks and Caicos Islands at https://www.cntraveller. com/article/vote-readers-choiceawards. The 2025 results will be published in the November issue of CNT and online.

Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Fitz Bailey

HE the Governor Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam

The thorny topic of tariffs

When America

BY GEMMA HANDY

Tariffs. They’re the hottest topic in global trade discussions and news headlines, one of Google’s top trending searches, recently surpassing even Taylor Swift, and – according to Donald Trump who triggered the aforementioned trends – “the most beautiful word in the dictionary”.

As the world grappled with sweeping import taxes announced by the US President on April 2, governments across the Caribbean were busy assessing the impact on their already fragile economies and bracing themselves for the domino effect.

The tariffs sent shockwaves around the world, prompted a slew of retaliatory levies and sent stock markets tumbling – before Trump suddenly paused all those above 10% for 90 days on Wednesday.

So what might it mean for the Turks and Caicos? Like almost everywhere else, the TCI is now subject to the new baseline 10 percent tax on all imports into the US, which remains in place despite Wednesday’s volte-face.

Many countries had been stung with far loftier rates – the highest since the Great Depression a century ago – including Cambodia at 49 percent, Vietnam at 46 percent, and the tiny impoverished African nation of Lesotho at 50 percent. Whether those will indeed come into effect in July remains to be seen.

Tariffs are all part of Trump’s plan to encourage US consumers to buy more American-manufactured goods by making imported items more expensive. His contentious ‘America first’ policy is intended to boost the US economy and protect jobs by ending what he views as unfair trade deficits – when the total value of everything the US imports from a country exceeds the value of what it exports there.

To struggling Caribbean countries the region over, it’s a bitter pill to swallow. Not least when – in the case of TCI – the value of goods imported from the States far exceeds anything the Islands’ nominal export sector could ever hope to match.

To put the figures into perspective, in 2023, according to global trade data platform the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), the US exported $352 million worth of goods and services to TCI – mainly in the form of refined petroleum, cars, aluminium structures, furniture, and recreational boats. In turn, TCI exported just $5.51

sneezes, do we fight

million to the US – the bulk of it seafood, such as conch.

Over the last five years, TCI’s exports to the US have seen a steady annual increase of almost nine percent. As TCI’s biggest trading partner, any disruption may be keenly felt.

However, what is of more immediate concern is the impact the global trade war might have on the Islands’ long spiralling cost of living. Hefty import costs, specific locally-imposed import taxes on some items such as mineral water and soft drinks, and limited food production already equate to often exorbitant grocery prices.

“Trump’s tariffs will affect us a lot,” local businessman and certified public accountant Drexwell Seymour told the Weekly News on Monday.

“We buy most of our stuff from America; we import a lot and we go to Florida to shop. The tariffs will impact the price of a variety of things. Trump is trying to get the US to manufacture more but many companies will still go to the international market for raw materials.

“I think we should be very concerned by this as we are directly impacted. The cost of living here is already high; this will exacerbate that even further.”

Seymour believes becoming less reliant on the US will be crucial.

“We need to explore other markets,” he explained. “We need to look more to the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, even Guyana, and locally too.”

The Dominican Republic is currently TCI’s second-largest import market, albeit far smaller than the US, accounting for just $21.6 million in 2023. Italy was next at $14 million, followed by Japan and China at $12.5 million

back or grab a Kleenex?

and $10.5 million, respectively.

‘Recession’ is another word that’s seen a huge uptick in international Google searches in recent days as nervous netizens try to navigate the financial turmoil. Stock markets picked up again considerably after Wednesday’s announcement of a pause in retaliatory tariffs, although the trade war between Beijing and Washington continued to deepen. Trump has imposed 145 percent tariffs on Chinese goods and China has retaliated with 84 percent levies.

“If America heads into a recession, that’s the biggest threat of all to us as our economy is totally reliant on tourism,” Seymour warned earlier this week.

An economy is said to be in recession when the total of everything spent or exported shrinks for two successive quarters.

Seymour is far from alone in his disquiet. Experts from British wealth management firm Rathbones warned investors on Monday that Trump’s measures would increase aggregate consumer prices by one percent to one and a half, with a similar reduction to GDP.

“Although that would not necessarily lead to a US recession, given the relatively high starting point for growth, it certainly increases the probability of one occurring, and corporate earnings will almost certainly come under pressure,” the company said.

“This comes just as there has been a hint of slowing growth in the US and when both consumer and corporate confidence have been declining.

“Neither can we ignore the potentially negative influence of falling stock markets on wealth, the past accumulation of which has been an important factor in

supporting US consumption,” it added.

With less money in their pockets, US vacationers – who make up the majority of TCI’s visitors - could become more reluctant to travel, dealing a blow to the Islands’ economic mainstay.

The fallout would be mirrored across the tourism-dependent Caribbean.

Last Saturday, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne warned that the 10 percent blanket tariff could significantly stymie his country’s economic growth and boost inflation. Antigua’s ambassador to the US, Sir Ronald Sanders, is urging a reassessment of tariffs on the region, decrying their disproportionate effect on small, import-reliant islands.

Potential additional levies of up to $1.5 million per port call in the US on Chinese-built ships is causing further angst. Officials in Barbados are among those warning they will aggravate freight costs and lead to significant hikes in the price of everyday goods given the volume of goods sold in the Caribbean that are manufactured in China.

The Trump administration has been mulling imposing service fees on maritime operators based in China, those with fleets primarily composed of Chinese-built vessels, and those with pending orders for Chinese ships within the next 24 months.

A spokesman for Barbadian import firm Armstrong Agencies Ltd said last week that even sourcing directly from China may not avoid cost increases if the shipping lines happen to stop in the US en route.

Meanwhile, oil-rich Guyana –once one of the poorest countries

in the hemisphere – had been stung with a 38 percent levy on exports to the US, although some of its most valuable goods including crude oil, bauxite and gold were excluded. The US claims it imports more than four times the value the South American nation buys - figures Guyana disputes. Guyanese fish exporters and sugar manufacturers will be among those celebrating the delay.

The old adage, ‘when America sneezes, the Caribbean catches a cold’, will not be far from many regional observers’ minds.

Determining how best to navigate the road ahead is critical. And political commentators have been quick to offer recommendations. Veteran Grenadian journalist and political strategist Michael Roberts places dialogue and negotiations with Washington at the top of the list.

“Regional bodies like Caricom could amplify collective bargaining power,” he wrote in an op-ed in Now Grenada.

Challenging the tariffs through bodies like the World Trade Organisation or partnering with other affected nations could pressure the US to reconsider, Roberts suggested.

He also called for strengthening trade within the Caribbean, along with emerging markets in Africa, Latin America and Asia, to reduce reliance on the US.

“While Trump’s tariffs pose existential risks to Caribbean economies, they also catalyse opportunities for regional unity and economic reinvention,” Joseph said, adding: “The path forward demands urgent collaboration — both within the Caribbean and with global partners — to safeguard livelihoods and foster resilient, diversified economies.”

Conch is among TCI’s export to the US

The implications of the new tariffs could have rippling effects throughout the region, particularly on TCI’s tourism

AUDITOR GENERAL’S “DISCLAIMER OF OPINION” ON PUBLIC ACCOUNTS

Auditor General Sandra Stephens-Malcolm recently issued a “scathing ‘Disclaimer of Opinion’” on the annual public accounts for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024. This was due to a “non-provision of documents” and “pervasive” accounting issues, making it impossible to form a reliable opinion on the government’s financial statements. The Auditor General stated, “Weak accountability increases the risk of failure in the system of financial reporting and undermines monitoring of the use of public funds.” The National Audit Office faced “non-provision of documents for a number of transactions to support payments and receipts,” creating a “scope limitation” on the audit.

What are your thoughts?

Who’s watching the watchdogs?

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Turks and Caicos Islands — led by the Leader of the Opposition — is failing. Despite being responsible for reviewing government financials and ensuring accountability, they’ve allowed serious issues to go unchecked. They have outstanding financials to review year over year.

Auditor General Sandra StephensMalcolm recently issued a “Disclaimer of Opinion” on TCIG’s 2023/24 financials due to missing documents and widespread accounting failures. She warned that weak accountability threatens the entire financial system — and she’s right.

How is it that the same problems are raised year after year, yet no action is taken? Who’s monitoring payroll? Who’s auditing NHIP and NIB? Why are we budgeting if no one’s tracking the money?

We deserve transparency, access to audit reports, and a public forum to question those in power. If the PAC can’t do its job, maybe

form a reliable opinion on the government’s financial statements. She further stated, that “Weak accountability increases the risk of failure in the system of financial reporting and undermines monitoring of the use of public funds.”

The National Audit Office faced “nonprovision of documents for a number of transactions to support payments and receipts,” creating a “scope limitation” on the audit. This calls for the Leader of the Opposition to Convene -Post haste-, Yes “last night” a session of the Public Accounts Committee to demand answers and reasons why there is now a total breakdown in accountability in the Governments’ account and financial systems.

It seems that breakdowns in systems are prevalent. There are reports that the treasury is also “always-down”. Some answers need to be given and heads must roll.

Systemic issues

The pervasive accounting problems suggest deeper systemic flaws within the financial management framework. Addressing these issues will likely require not just procedural changes but also a cultural shift towards greater accountability and diligence.

Resignations

it’s time we question if its members are fit to lead. Hon Harold Charles seems to be the only one who took his role seriously and asked the hard questions that needed to be asked. Perhaps we should create a role for individuals such as him who have the business acumen and business knowhow to spot anomalies in TCIG’s financial reporting.

Heads must roll

This is another gift to those who believe that Turks & Caicos Islanders are “systemically corrupt” and cannot manage their own affairs. How is it that a System that is headed by only Turks & Caicos Islanders (ie, Permanent secretaries and Ministers) for over 49 years, an entire generation, “cannot seem to get it right”? In fact it is more than 49 years as Turks & Caicos were well in the senior ranks of Government before the 1976 onslaught of the Ministerial System.

The Auditor General, with no particular “axe to grind,” finds that there was a nonprovision of documents” and “pervasive” accounting issues, making it impossible to

An accounting chaos of Olympic proportions!

Where is the Governor in “all of this?” As head of the Public Service, where senior accounting officers answer to her, this Governor, it seems, is presiding over an accounting chaos of Olympic proportions. There are many allegations of weak cabinet proceedings when it comes to value for money issues.

It is often alleged that the government would sponsor the purchase of private parcels of land and three times the value, without an independent valuation report and there would be no demand for such a report from the Governor, who is supposed to be “presiding over cabinet” proceedings.

Quite naturally, and as stated by the auditor general, there is then “weak accountability” and one can daresay, at all levels of government, where such findings are made.

This calls for the resignation of the Premier as Minister of Finance. He is ultimately accountable to the people for matters relating to money, finances, and, alas, proper accounting systems in the Government. Further, it behoves the Leader of the Opposition to demand his resignation as minister of Finance. It matters not that the PDM does not have the votes in Parliament to carry the admonition out. The record must be made that the Leader of the Opposition, as the official arm of the Loyal Opposition in the TCI, called for the resignation of the Minister of Finance.

Should the Premier take his Oath of Office and responsibilities to the people seriously, he should not wait to be called on to resign, he would accept responsibility do the right thing and resign.

It is also curious that in the meantime, he is yet to address this public on this most

Auditor General Sandra Stephens-Malcolm

Provo residents stunned as car lands atop resort sign in bizarre incident

In a scene straight out of a surreal movie, residents of Providenciales awoke to the astonishing sight of a car perched precariously atop the Beaches Resorts concrete sign.

The bizarre incident, which unfolded in the early hours of the morning on Saturday, 5 April 2025, along Leeward Highway, quickly ignited social media with pictures, videos, and shocked reactions from residents.

According to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), officers responded to a

report of a single-vehicle accident shortly after midnight.

Upon arrival, they discovered a white Suzuki Swift resting on the Beaches Roundabout sign, facing east. The vehicle had sustained extensive front-end damage, and the engine block was found dislodged.

The police investigation revealed that the driver had initially fled the scene.

However, a male matching the driver’s description, with visible blood stains on his shirt, was later located nearby. He admitted to

vital issue and advise the people of the underlying issues arising.

Clear as day

Reports are coming and after the elections of massive financial and accounting failures in the entire structure of Government. We have the deficit kept silent till after the Feb 7, 2025 elections, the crash of the National Health Insurance Management structure and now this. All roads lead to a lack of accountability and responsibility on the part of Ministers, Permanent secretaries and senior personnel in the Government.

We all saw where a massive unexplained gift of $13 Million Dollars was given to a ‘local’ resort with an international global wealth structure in the Billions and greater than the GDP of the TCI. No word, no announcement or paper trail was given. Again, the absence of accountability.

Then there are the games and the ‘shenanigans’ being played with the taking of Crown land or the Gifts of huge payouts when relatives of the Ministers are selling Land to the Government. Where is the accountability, a paper trail or any report to the Public?

Role of the National Audit Office

The National Audit Office’s inability to access necessary documents points to a lack of cooperation or inefficiencies within government departments. Strengthening inter-departmental communication and compliance with

being the driver and subsequently failed a roadside breathalyser test, registering a blood alcohol level three times over the legal limit. The driver was arrested and cautioned for driving over the legal alcohol limit.

He was transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre for medical examination. The RTCIPF has emphasised its commitment to road safety and reminded the public of the dangers and legal consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol. (Olivia Rose)

audit requirements could be a key step forward.

Blame the whistle-blower

The Public, PDM, PNP, PDA, PPP, Independent or “Politically Agnostic” member of the Public should thank the auditor general for simply coming forward. This is national hero material. She is obviously staying true to the calling of her profession to expose wrong for what it is.

Accountability concerns

The Auditor General’s “Disclaimer of Opinion” underscores a critical challenge in governance—ensuring the proper documentation and reporting of financial transactions. This lack of accountability not only increases the risk of misuse or mismanagement of public funds but also undermines the principles of good governance.

In the absence of reliable financial information, the ability to monitor and assess the effectiveness of government spending becomes nearly impossible. Such issues may lead to overspending, corruption, or inefficient use of resources that directly impact the quality of public services.

It is essential for the government to address these shortcomings urgently by implementing stricter policies and frameworks for financial reporting and management. Transparency and

accountability are cornerstones of public trust, and without them, the government risks alienating its citizens and stakeholders.

Where is the oversight?

The Turks and Caicos Islands might have a large opposition if politics were perfect. This prospect is “pregnant with possibilities” if they want to do the right thing and join themselves to the Report of the Auditor General to demand accountability.

Elected Officials must know that they are not “Cheerleaders” of their Government. Where they are not Ministers or blinded by political rage” they are mandated to call the Government into account. They are Representatives of the people not delegates of the Governing Party.

When elected, they take on a different constitutional character as MPs. So, while emerging from the PNP, they have the duty of calling the PNP Government into account. The ramifications will fall on them if the implications of her findings are proven true. TCI could enter a failed state status, lose its financial rating, a threat to the financial system.

The backbench of the government could also demand answers and promise the Premier that they would not vote or support a budget whose underlying numbers are now questionable. Will they live up to their mandate of accountability or join the cover-up?

When MPs break ranks, call the Government into account, they prove that these islands are ready for greater

powers and constitutional advancement.

London is watching and waiting

Hah! Don’t be surprised. Incompetence, widespread corruption, and a cabinet that does not know how to get control. Washy needs to get a grip before we collapse again into London’s arms. And our main news outlets, including this one, have kept a blind eye for months.

Impact on public trust

Public trust is vital for the smooth functioning of any government, and the Auditor General’s findings pose a significant threat to this trust. A “Disclaimer of Opinion” essentially signals that the financial statements cannot be relied upon, raising questions about how taxpayers’ money is being spent. For citizens, this can create doubt and fear that public funds may be mismanaged or used improperly.

Such perceptions can lead to increased public scrutiny, protests, or even demands for systemic reforms. Moreover, it becomes harder for the government to attract investments and financial support from international bodies as confidence in its ability to manage finances dwindles.

Restoring trust will require visible and tangible efforts to improve accountability, such as publishing detailed financial reports, allowing independent audits, and engaging the public in discussions about fiscal responsibility.

A picture of the white Suzuki Swift perched atop Beaches sign at a roundabout on Leeward Highway shared on social media

TCI takes centre stage at Regional Disaster Preparedness talks

The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) welcomed delegates from across the Caribbean for the 16th Meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).

More than just a picturesque location, TCI’s hosting of this critical gathering underscored its growing role and unwavering commitment to regional disaster management. It highlighted its partnership with CDEMA and its own journey towards resilience.

The opening reception, held at the Shore Club on Tuesday, 8 April, was not merely a formality but a clear statement of TCI’s dedication to the regional effort.

The high-level event saw numerous regional and international dignitaries in attendance.

The visiting delegation was officially welcomed to the territory with cultural performances and musical renditions by TCI youths and the Turks and Caicos Islands

Police Force band.

Tito Lightbourne, Permanent Secretary for Disaster Management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, set the tone early, extending a warm welcome and emphasising the importance of the discussions to come.

He acknowledged the Caribbean’s vulnerability to “hurricanes, earthquakes, flooding and other catastrophic events,” but also celebrated the region’s “incredible strength, camaraderie,” and “ingenuity.”

Lightbourne stressed that disaster management is not a solo endeavour:

“Comprehensive disaster management must be everyone’s business and requires a whole-ofsociety approach. It is no longer just the business of disaster professionals,” he asserted.

This sentiment resonated throughout the evening, reflecting the territory’s understanding that resilience is built through collective action and shared responsibility.

The significance of TCI’s role was further emphasised by the presence and remarks of top government officials.

Acting Premier Hon Jamell Robinson made a strong declaration of support for CDEMA:

“As Acting Premier, I want to reaffirm that the Turks and Caicos Islands government remains firmly committed to supporting CDEMA’s mandate. We stand ready to offer our full support in advancing its objectives and ensuring the safety and resilience of our region,” he stated.

Robinson went further, expressing hope of upgrading TCI’s contribution level: “And hopefully, by now, we would have done all the paperwork to move Turks and Caicos from a tier-three contributor to a tier-two contributor.”

He underscored the Government’s tangible commitment to move beyond words to concrete action.

HE the Governor Dileeni Daniel

Selvaratnam also highlighted TCI’s long-standing partnership with CDEMA. She recalled the agency’s crucial support during the devastating hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017:

“In 2017, when hurricanes Irma and Maria left a path of unprecedented destruction in their wake, CDEMA was the first agency on the ground offering us critical assistance in our darkest hour,” she said.

This anecdote underscored the lived reality of regional solidarity: “That regional solidarity is not just a concept but a lived reality.”

Selvaratnam emphasised that TCI’s hosting of the event was not merely symbolic but a reflection of its commitment to the Articles of Agreement establishing CDEMA:

“It is in accordance with the Articles of Agreement establishing CDEMA that the Turks and Caicos Islands proudly hosts this important event. We do so not just as a participating state, but

as a committed partner in a longstanding relationship with CDEMA that spans more than a decade,” she declared.

Incoming Chair of TAC, Director of the Turks and Caicos Islands Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME), Ms Allison Gordon, further solidified TCI’s leadership role.

During her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to chair the committee for 2025–2026:

“It is indeed an honour for the Turks and Caicos Islands to accept the chairmanship of the CDEMA Technical Advisory Committee for the year 2025 to 2026,” she said. Gordon also acknowledged the support of the outgoing chair and the commitment of the national disaster coordinators: “We thank you for your commitment, which was demonstrated, and we look forward to your continued support

Local and Regional CDEMA officials at the opening reception (Photos: Olivia Rose)

The welcome event held at the conference room at Shore Club on Providenciales, was well attended

The Governor receives as token of appreciation from Executive Director of CDEMA Elizabeth Riley

HE the Governor Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam; wife of Acting Premier, Mrs Yolande Robinson; Acting Premier Hon Jamell Robinson and Minister of Education Hon Rachel Taylor among other ministers and local dignitaries

Govt announces permanent relief measures amidst global economic turmoil

BY OLIVIA ROSE

In a proactive move to shield its citizens from escalating global commodity prices, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government has announced permanent relief measures on essential imports and fuel tax.

This announcement comes amid growing global economic uncertainty, including recent updates from the United States regarding potential tariffs on imports, which have raised concerns about increased costs and inflation.

Although a temporary pause on tariffs was announced, the volatility of global supply chains continues to pose challenges, alongside the potential ripple effects of geopolitical trade wars and the rising costs of everyday goods.

The Turks and Caicos Islands, which are heavily reliant on imports from the United States, face the potential impact of these international economic shifts.

Effective from 7 April 2025, the Customs Import Duty Exemption on Bread and Basket Items, initially introduced as a temporary measure, has now been solidified into permanent policy.

A statement from the government explained that this commitment aims to ensure essential goods remain affordable and accessible to all residents of the islands.

Additionally, the government has implemented a permanent fuel tax reduction, setting the new rate at $0.64 per gallon. This reduction, effective in the Customs management system, ASYCUDA World, since 1 April 2025, will be automatically applied to fuel imports.

The Minister of Immigration and Border Services, Hon.

Jamell Robinson, emphasised the government’s dedication to its citizens, stating: “These changes reflect our deep commitment to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands and reinforce our promise to make daily life more affordable.”

He further asserted: “We are not just talking about making life more affordable; we are taking decisive, permanent action to

deliver real relief to households and businesses. By locking in these reductions on essential goods, fuel, and customs processing, we are strengthening our economy, protecting our citizens, and ensuring that prosperity is shared more fairly across the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Furthermore, the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force has affirmed its commitment to facilitating legitimate trade, safeguarding the nation’s borders, and actively contributing to national efforts to ease the financial strain on citizens and businesses. These permanent measures form part of a broader strategy to enhance economic resilience and improve the standard of living across the Islands.

TCI takes centre stage at Regional Disaster ...

as we build resilient states.”

Executive Director of CDEMA, Elizabeth Riley, also acknowledged TCI’s hospitality and commitment.

She noted her previous visit in June 2024 and the progress made

on commitments discussed then:

“I want to say a special thanks to the government and people for your gracious hospitality and the excellent arrangements and for the agreement to host us. We do

appreciate it,” Riley said.

She also highlighted the tangible support CDEMA has provided to TCI over the years, exceeding US$330,000 in financial support in the past five years.

The hosting of the 16th TAC meeting in the Turks and Caicos Islands is more than just an event— it is a testament to the nation’s growing prominence in regional disaster management.

By showcasing its commitment, partnership with CDEMA, and proactive approach to resilience, TCI has positioned itself as a vital player in securing a safer Caribbean for all.

Minister of Immigration and Border Services, Hon Jamell Robinson

Food items at a local supermarket on Providenciales

A number of regional leaders attended the reception ceremony Students perform a cultural dance and song to welcome the visiting delegation

A tribute to Sister Alice Harvey

A praying and loving woman

INTRODUCTION

This article is a tribute to Mrs Alice Harvey, a sister from our church Community Fellowship Center Assemblies of God (CFC). I know it is appointed unto men once to die, but it still hurts when someone dies, especially if it was sudden death.

On March 26th, 2024, during the final day of our three-day church revival, Pastor Bradley Handfield informed me that Sis Harvey had passed away. I could not believe what I heard. It still feels so unreal.

Sis Harvey left a lasting impact on everyone she met, including my family and me.

SIS HARVEY’S FAMILY

Sis Alice Harvey recently celebrated her 76th birthday on March 2nd, 2025. She was blessed with three sons, Alvin, Kevin and Kimmitt and one daughter, Melissa, two daughters-in-law and many grandchildren and siblings, in particular, Enid, who was always by her side.

Sis Harvey was married to

BY DREXWELL SEYMOUR

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

Calvin Harvey for 55 years and 11 months.

Harvey’s mother was a Dean and her father was a Smith. Sis Harvey was probably related to everybody in the Turks and Caicos, and maybe it is because her greatgrandfather, David Smith, had 21 children.

Sis Harvey was dedicated to her family, especially her daughter and husband. She made sure they were well.

DEDICATED TO THE MINISTRY

Sis Harvey was dedicated in her role at CFC. I admired Sis Harvey for her dedication and commitment

to the early prayer meetings, which she headed for three days a week at 5:30 am.. Too many of us are not carrying out our roles and duties. After COVID, our church started the midnight prayer, and Sis Harvey was always there.

A PRAYING WOMAN

If you ever needed someone to talk to or pray with, Sis Harvey was the person. She was constantly praying.

SHE THRIVED ON LEARNING WHAT WAS NEXT

Sis Harvey was a woman who

thrived on learning what was next. She had a Facebook account. She put one of her apartments on Airbnb and responded to queries from clients. She had her iPad. She was up to date on what was happening in technology. I was so surprised with some of the things that Sis Harvey knew, and it is probably because I have limited technology skills.

SHE WAS A LOVING AND KIND PERSON

Sis Harvey was a loving person. She went out of her way to help others. She would make sure to bring us breakfast or lunch on our birthdays. Even if it is not a special day, she would treat us with food and drinks. In fact, she came to my office a month ago and brought me a whole pan of grits and fish.

Around Valentine’s Day, she would invite couples from our church to our home, and she made sure we celebrated and enjoyed our love with one another with music, food, and drinks.

SHE WAS A GREAT COOK AND A BAKER

Sis Harvey was a great cook and baker. She experimented on many different types of fruits to make different types of cakes. My favourite of course was her cheesecake.

SHE WAS AN ENTREPRENEUR

Sis Harvey was an entrepreneur. She had a thriving sewing shop with the help of her friend, Peggy, who made sure the business remained intact. She also had several apartments that she managed on her own.

CONCLUSION

Sis Harvey will be well missed. Each day, I think about her. I cannot believe she is gone, but I know she is in a better place. She is one woman who believed in God and took everything to God in prayer. Rest on, Sis Harvey. Thank you for all the support you have given to everyone.

Living wisely under the shadow of tariffs

There was a time in my life when I would read the Dictionary. I like words, especially rare ones. Words like modernicide (the act of destroying all things, especially ideas, and customs, that are modern) and condiddle (to steal), and maybe the best of this list flapdoodler (you guessed it, a person who talks nonsense). In recent times, one word that has been on everyone’s lips is tariffs. You may already know what they are, but let me give you a short, according to the internet, lesson on tariffs.

WHAT ARE TARIFFS AND WHY ARE THEY USED?

A tariff is a tax imposed by a government on goods imported from other countries. Essentially, when a foreign product enters a country, the government may charge an extra fee, which raises the overall cost of that item to the consumer. Tariffs can also apply to exports, though import tariffs are more common. Governments use tariffs for several reasons.

KENYATTA E. LEWIS

To protect local industries by making imported goods more expensive, thereby encouraging consumers to buy local products, which in turn supports domestic businesses and jobs.

To generate revenue, as you can imagine, Governments need money to build schools, repair roads, educate their population, and pay their debts, and tariffs are one way in which they can generate income.

To correct trade imbalances, when a country imports more than it exports, tariffs can be used to reduce dependence on foreign products.

And finally, to pressure foreign governments to influence their

behavior and policies to favor you, the country that imposes the tariffs. As you can imagine, tariffs can be a blessing or a burden.

THE PROS AND CONS OF TARIFFS

I have already listed two, if not directly, advantages of tariffs. They generate income for a country, especially if that country does not have an income tax, and they promote economic independence by promoting local manufacturing and reducing a country’s dependence on foreign goods. They can be a form of protecting jobs in specific and key industries. But they also increase the price consumers have to pay

for essential goods, start trade wars as other nations retaliate with their own tariffs, reduce international trade, limit the options consumers have, and harm developing nations who are trying to export goods and grow their own economies. Additionally, local industries can innovate less and become less efficient because they are protected from competition as a result of tariffs. Ok, you could have gotten that from any internet search, but how should we think and act biblically in light of tariffs?

A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE

ON TARIFFS

The Bible commands that there

be fairness in business practices to protect the vulnerable and encourage social righteousness. Look at Leviticus 19:35-36 - ‘You shall do no wrong in judgment, in measurement of weight, or capacity. 36‘You shall have just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin; I am the LORD your God. Tariffs, when used wisely, can serve to protect domestic workers from low wages and other forms of exploitation while maintaining economic justice. How?

Let’s say you have a country that pays its workers very low wages because it has a large workforce and can afford to do so because of high unemployment rates. Plus, it subsidizes products that it makes, which in turn means that it can sell its products for less than others. But is that fair? No, it is not. The playing field is not level, and the local country is the one that loses. Implementing a reasonable tariff on these goods

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

TCIslanders first, Robinson echoes Misick’s call for workplace equality

Dear editor,

The newly Minister of Immigration and Deputy Premier, Hon Jamel Robinson, has hit the ground running. In his first speech to Parliament following the recent elections, he made it clear that the time has come for Turks and Caicos Islanders to take their rightful place in the workforce, particularly in the hospitality sector, which remains the country’s economic engine. Minister Robinson outlined his government’s plan to create more employment opportunities for TCIslanders with a pointed focus on senior and executive positions. He referenced recent discussions with the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, reiterating the government’s firm stance that locals must be prioritised for leadership roles across all sectors.

“We are committed to ensuring that our people are given the opportunities they deserve, especially in senior positions,” Robinson emphasised. This bold stance immediately drew parallels to a moment in history that many remember. Similar sentiments

were once powerfully expressed by former Premier Hon Michael Misick, who also challenged the status quo, and urged for greater

inclusion of Turks and Caicos Islanders in leadership roles. That kind of political courage helped shift the conversation then and it

is encouraging to see that same energy reignited now.

This message is not only timely, it’s essential. It reflects the frustrations of many locals who have seen limited upward mobility within their own country. For too long, the pathway to executive roles has been blocked not because of a lack of talent, but because of a lack of structure, mentorship, and opportunity. That said, we must also be realistic. The fact remains that Turks and Caicos due to its small population, does not currently have enough trained and experienced locals to manage the hospitality industry at all levels. With billions of dollars in new developments underway, the need to import skilled labour will continue and that’s understandable.

However, the more pressing and fixable issue lies in what many locals are seeing every day, a ceiling that exist not in policy, but in practice. Competent, hardworking, qualified Turks and Caicos are hitting invisible barriers often due to the absence of clear succession planning within organisations. Too

many companies are turning to work permits as a default solution, rather than developing local talent through proper training and structured understudy programs. This is where Hon Robinson’s leadership is crucial. He clearly understands the gap and has shown a willingness to address it. But awareness alone is not enough. The government must now implement and enforce policies that require private sector employers to invest in local development, especially when applying for work permits. Every permit should come with a documented plan to train and elevate a local understudy. Let us commend Hon Robinson for his strong opening message. His words signal a shift in tone and intention, and they resonate with a young, ambitious generation of TCIs who are eager to rise. Now, we look forward to the action that must follow. Let this moment be more than just a speech, let it be the beginning of structural change.

Yours respectively, A concerned citizen

Eight must-have photos for your dating profile

Let’s get one thing straight: if your dating profile is not “giving”, you’re either overdue for a glowup or your profile is holding you hostage. But fear not hunny-booboo-child—I got you.

As a seasoned swiper and professional dater (basically), I’ve learned what really works when it comes to creating a killer online profile. And no, we’re not talking about overly filtered selfies or borrowing pics from a friend’s hotter distant-cousin (that’s catfishing, babe—don’t do that).

We’re talking about using your real-life charm, quirks, and charisma to build a photo lineup that’s compelling, authentic, and swipe-right-worthy.

So grab your phone, queue up your camera roll, and let’s dive into the eight essential photos every standout dating profile needs.

1. THE HEADSHOT: SERVE FACE, CONFIDENCE, AND VIBES

Your headshot is your first

BY DAVIDSON LOUIS

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

impression—your digital handshake. It needs to stop thumbs in their tracks and say, “Hey, I’m someone worth knowing.”

NAIL THE SHOT:

• Make sure your face is the star of the show—smile with your eyes (Tyra would love you for that).

• Use natural lighting, a clean background, and wear something that feels like “you” (but polished).

• Think warm, inviting, and confident—not too posed, not too try-hard. Colours.

2. THE FULL BODY SHOT:

SHOW UP AND SHOW OUT

People want to see the full package—and no, not in that way (okay maybe after a few polite conversations). A full-body photo gives potential matches a better sense of your vibe, your energy, and your personal style.

NAIL THE SHOT:

• Pick an outfit that screams you—whether that’s sleek and minimal or wild and eclectic.

• Choose a backdrop that says something about your lifestyle (city streets, a cozy coffee shop, a cute trail).

• Avoid mirror selfies. You’re not at the gym. We can tell.

3. THE ACTIVE SHOT: PASSION LOOKS GOOD ON YOU

Whether it’s rock climbing, whipping up magic in the kitchen, or dancing like no one’s watching—showing what lights you up makes you instantly more interesting and attractive. This is not so difficult, just think of what makes you _ you. And picture that.

NAIL THE SHOT:

• Capture the action (but make sure you’re still the focus).

• Smile naturally, look engaged, and keep the photo high quality.

• Bonus points if it sparks conversation like: “Wow, you do pottery? That’s so cool.”

4. THE SOCIAL PIC: YOU + FRIENDS = INSTANT LIKEABILITY

A photo with friends shows that you’re social, well-adjusted, and, yes, probably fun to be around. It also makes you look more trustworthy and grounded.

NAIL THE SHOT:

• Choose a fun, relaxed moment—think brunch, game night, or a casual hang.

• Make sure you’re clearly visible (and not the blurry one in the back).

5. THE CANDID MOMENT: REAL > PERFECT

There’s something irresistible about a candid—like catching someone mid-laugh or deep in thought. These moments feel raw, honest, and totally human.

NAIL THE SHOT:

• Let someone snap you when you’re not paying attention (or pretend not to).

• The best candids happen when you’re doing something you enjoy—reading, sipping coffee, people-watching.

• Keep the vibe chill, the lighting soft, and the energy 100% you.

Minister of Immigration and Deputy Premier, Hon Jamel Robinson

SENS Department wraps up annual audiology assessments across family islands

The Department of Special Education Needs (SENS) has successfully completed four days of audiology assessments across four major islands of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The assessments, an annual event from March 31 to April 3, are held in partnership with Hearing the Call.

1 World Foundation provided critical hearing screenings and hearing aids to individuals in need - especially youths. The important initiative underscores the TCI’s commitment to early identification and intervention, the department said in a statement on Thursday, April 10.

This year, 158 individuals were screened, including 85 youths under the age of 21. Several individuals were also outfitted with hearing aids, ensuring greater access to education, communication, and quality of life. The department noted that the assessments form a vital part of their broader strategy to provide equitable, timely interventions for children with special educational needs.

The event was coordinated by Lashaunda Skippings, Coordinator of Assessments, who accompanied the audiology team to all islands. Reflecting on the programme’s

impact, she shared: “These annual screenings allow us to not only identify hearing challenges early but also to provide on-the-spot solutions through hearing aids and follow-up care. We are deeply committed to ensuring that every child with a hearing need receives the support necessary to thrive in school and beyond.”

The Director of Special Education Needs, Dr Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, commended the coordinator: “Once again, we see the importance of having strong, organised leadership behind these initiatives. I extend my sincere thanks to our Coordinator of Assessments, whose continued excellence ensures that our interventions are meaningful, timely, and far-reaching. Her ability to mobilise and guide visiting teams helps us meet—and often exceed- our national targets.”

Minister of Education, Hon Rachel M. Taylor, also praised the initiative: “We are proud of the outstanding work being carried out by the Department of Special Education Needs. Partnerships with programmes like ‘Hearing the Call’ are not just one-off eventsthey are tied into a strategic vision of building a strong, inclusive

The Special Education Needs Services Department recently conducted its 2025 audiology assessments across TCI. The department said it remains committed to expanding services, strengthening partnerships, and building capacity to meet the diverse needs of students and families across TCI (TCIG photos)

education system where every child has access to the support they need. I applaud the team for continuing to deliver on this vision with consistency and excellence.”

Living wisely under the shadow ...

CONTINUED FROM  10

can theoretically help local workers be fairly compensated. Since tariffs are a form of tax that a government uses to generate income to improve the quality of life of its citizens, we have to see tariffs as a form of national stewardship. Look at what Romans 13:6-7 says “You must also pay your taxes. The authorities are God’s servants, and it is their duty to take care of these matters. 7 Pay all that you owe, whether it is taxes and fees or respect and honor. Governments are ordained by God, and they can and should collect taxes for the good of society.

If they do not use these monies wisely, they will face God’s judgment and doubly so because of their role in impoverishing their people. Hating God’s people is hating God. Proverbs 14:31 warns, “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker.”

WISE LIVING

CONTINUED FROM  11

6. THE PET PIC: MELT HEARTS IN 3...2...1

Nothing pulls on the heartstrings like a cute humanand-pet moment. Whether it’s your dog, your cat, or your emotional support gecko— this pic adds instant warmth and relatability.

NAIL THE SHOT:

• Go for interaction: cuddling, walking, goofing around.

LET YOUR TALENTS SHINE

Whether you’re musically inclined, a visual artist, or just love DIY home decor— showcasing your creative side adds depth and intrigue to your profile.

NAIL THE SHOT:

• Show yourself in the act— painting, performing, designing, building.

If tariffs are disproportionately used to harm people, then they become instruments of injustice. Ultimately, tariffs, though a potential source of good and benefit to a population, can be undermined by greedy governments and businesses abusing them to line their pockets. So, how do we live wisely under the shadow of a tariff-driven trade war?

tomorrow, it will be something else.

Be content (Philippians 4:11) and practice simplicity. If a tariffed product’s price tag is beyond your budget, do not buy it. Some businesses see their number one goal as making as much profit as possible, not just making a profit. You have a responsibility to be a steward of what you have been given. So be content and live simply. Budget wisely as a good steward of what you have been given (Luke 14:28). Trust God to provide for you (Matthew 6:31-33). Five years ago, Covid was causing all forms of stress and anxiety. Today, it’s tariffs,

There is always going to be something that tries to steal your focus from God. Resist it. Trust God. He is bigger than diseases, wars, and high prices. Become an ethical consumer. It might be cheap, but if it is cheap because workers are unfairly paid and have to work in inhumane conditions, do not buy it. You are not loving your neighbour if you are indirectly contributing to their exploitation.

Find an alternative or do without it. And that applies to local businesses also. If they have ethical practices and support the local community, support them.

Tariffs are powerful economic tools with the potential for both good and harm. As Christians, we are called to navigate such issues with wisdom, compassion, and an eternal perspective— honouring God in how we consume and how we love our neighbors near and far.

• Make sure both you and your pet are clearly visible and in focus.

• Not a pet owner? Borrow one from a friend for an afternoon (with permission, obviously).

7. THE TRAVEL PHOTO: SHOW YOUR ADVENTUROUS SIDE

A well-placed travel shot says: “I’m curious, open-minded, and love new experiences.” It’s a major green flag for anyone looking for a partner who embraces adventure.

NAIL THE SHOT:

• Pick a photo from an iconic or visually striking location—but make sure you are still the focus.

• Smile, look engaged, and avoid the typical “arms out in front of a mountain” pose unless it’s epic.

• Bonus if the pic tells a story or invites someone to ask, “Where was that?”

8. THE CREATIVE SHOT:

• The photo should be dynamic and visually interesting, but still focused on you.

• Let your artistic side be a window into your personality—not just a flex.

FINAL THOUGHTS: BUILD A PROFILE THAT TELLS YOUR STORY

Creating a swipe-worthy dating profile isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real, intentional, and open. These eight photo types give people a well-rounded, compelling snapshot of who you are. The goal? Spark curiosity, start conversations, and attract someone who vibes with you. So go ahead, audit your photo lineup and make those tweaks. Your next great match might just be one scroll away. If you’re still single after adjusting these then the issue isnt the profile babes_ it’s you.

Feel free to tell me what works for you. We can all learn from each other. @Daviid.l2 on Instagram.

Govt hails successful factfinding Bahamas mission as housing crisis deepens in TCI

BY DELANA ISLES

As the housing crisis in the Turks and Caicos Islands deepens, the government said its efforts to bring relief to citizens and residents facing astronomical rental and building costs are bearing fruit. The latest in their efforts is a just-concluded “successful” factfinding mission to the Bahamas.

For the past few years, before the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the world, the small island territory has been facing a major housing crisis, with house seekers finding it difficult to locate affordable apartments, buy land, or build their own homes.

Led by the Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Arlington Musgrove, the delegation took part in a fact-finding exercise from March 26 and 29 in the Bahamas. Aimed at enhancing collaboration, the event also saw the delegates exchanging best practices in housing and infrastructure development.

Speaking on the visit, in a government issued statement, Musgrove noted: “This mission has been essential in identifying effective strategies that can be tailored to our unique context.” He said that by fostering collaboration with its Bahamian counterparts, the TCI can take significant steps towards enhancing housing for its people. Promising: “We remain resolute in our commitment to sustainable development, and we look forward to putting these insights into action.”

Among the events during the three-day mission was a discussion panel with the Bahamian Minister of Housing, Hon. Keith Bell, and his team, focusing on critical housing policies and ongoing projects. The Bahamas already has in place a comprehensive housing policy designed to increase the availability of affordable housing.

Over the years, the Bahamas government has implemented housing policies primarily focused on increasing homeownership,

utilising guaranteed loan programmes and the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation (BMC) to provide affordable housing to lowand middle-income families.

However, while aiming to increase housing supply and affordability, challenges remain

During the session with Bell, Bahamian officials reportedly highlighted challenges such as land availability, regulatory hurdles, and funding constraints, issues that mirror those in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The delegation also met with Robert Cox, Managing Director of the Mortgage Corporation, to explore sustainable housing solutions and public-private partnerships.

Reporting on the discussions following the mission, the ministry said the interactions provided valuable insights into community engagement and the advantages of collaborative development initiatives.

Further to those meetings, the minister and his team met with representatives from the Bahamas Ministry of Works. This discussion emphasized the importance of integrating disaster resilience into infrastructure planning, an essential consideration for the Turks and Caicos Islands given its vulnerability to natural disasters.

According to the ministry, the delegation also visited various sites to observe construction methods and the impact of ongoing projects.

“Site visits to affordable housing initiatives showcased innovative construction techniques that could be adopted in the Turks and Caicos Islands to improve sustainability and reduce costs,” they reported.

The team also noted the use of advanced materials and technologies in ongoing infrastructure projects, which could enhance the durability and efficiency of initiatives in the TCI.

While the government said it remains “committed to enhancing housing and infrastructure for its residents” and to “implementing the insights gained from this

successful mission” on the ground, few tangible measures have been put in place to alleviate the housing situation facing many families. With a severe shortage of

one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments in Providenciales, to landlords taking their properties out of long-term rentals to shortterm holiday rentals, the influx of people on the islands seeking housing has exacerbated the situation. Compounding the crisis is the high and rising cost of living in the entire territory.

Human Rights Commission leads advocacy and action in early 2025

The Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commission (TCIHRC) is charting a bold course for human rights advancement, with a dynamic start to 2025 that has brought advocacy, education, and oversight to the forefront. Through a blend of community outreach, impactful campaigns, and strategic collaborations, the Commission is championing the rights of all residents and setting a transformative tone for the year ahead.

During the first quarter of 2025, the Commission launched a Community Awareness Campaign at Graceway IGA

Supermarket, ran bold billboard initiatives, and leveraged social media to engage residents.

Articles and newsletters covering topics such as prison facility reviews and child rights training ensured human rights issues remained in public focus. The Commission visited detention centres, conducted prison reviews, and reached classrooms across the islands to teach children about their rights.

Collaboration was key, with partnerships involving the Ministry of Health and Human Services, the Department of Gender Affairs, and other government bodies. Internally,

professional development initiatives kept the team equipped for a rapidly evolving human rights landscape.

Looking ahead to 2025–2026, the TCIHRC is set to introduce Human Rights Training Programmes for public sector employees, host Town Hall meetings and open house events, and address critical issues like digital rights, gun violence, and educational equity. Youth empowerment remains central, with interactive sessions planned for students, alongside policy development and legislative reviews to ensure compliance with human rights standards.

The TCI delegation at a housing development in the Bahamas

The TCI delegation with Bahamian Mortgage Corporation (TCIG photos)

Air Canada travellers nominate Grace Bay beach for top award

The world-famous Grace Bay beach has been nominated once again, this time by Air Canada Vacations Travellers for top awards in the beach vacation category.

The awards recognise Canadians’ favourite travel destinations, allowing them to vote for their favourite destinations across 10 categories, from beach escapes and city breaks to unforgettable adventures.

The nominations come on the heels of a successful visit to Canada by Experience Turks and Caicos in March. A contingent led by Chief Marketing Officer Trina Adams showcased the destination at the Canada Outdoor Adventure Show. The team, in collaboration with TCI’s new Canadian marketing agency, VoX International, also hosted a luncheon for Canadian travel

media and travel advisors.

According to a statement from Experience Turks and Caicos, the visit elicited several articles across the Canadian travel media “heralding the return of the Turks and Caicos Islands to the market”.

Minister of Tourism, Hon Zhavargo Jolly: “This nomination is no surprise - it’s a direct result of our renewed presence in the Canadian market and a clear signal that Turks and Caicos is

back on the radar in a big way.”

He added: “Grace Bay isn’t just a beach - it’s a global benchmark for luxury, and recognitions like this reinforce our position at the top. Canada remains one of our strongest source markets, and we intend to capitalise on that with smart, targeted campaigns that convert interest into real visitor arrivals and economic impact for our people.”

Adams said she is pleased at

the nomination, adding that it is good to be back in the Canadian market. “Together with VoX International, we will continue to enhance our relationship in that market to establish the Turks and Caicos Islands as the top Caribbean destination for Canadians.”

Voting for Air Canada Vacations’ Travellers’ Top Picks awards opened on April 7 and runs until June 30.

Scores attend employment law training put on by AG Chambers

The Civil Litigation Division of the Attorney General’s Chambers recently hosted an impactful twoday training seminar - March 31 to April 1 - aimed at identifying common legal pitfalls in employment-related matters in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

These are based on matters arising before the Attorney General’s Chambers from across the public service and wider public sector and provided actionable recommendations to mitigate legal risks.

The event was held at The Shore Club, Providenciales, attracting over 70 participants and focused on legal considerations relating to employment matters within the public service, statutory bodies, and constitutional bodies across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The training covered a wide range of topics such as legal considerations for onboarding, probationary periods, considerations for extension for employment contracts, and termination based on the legal requirements in the Constitution, Public Service Act, Employment Act and other relevant Acts governing statutory bodies and Constitutional bodies as well as best practice based on the common law

Some of the participants who attended the recently held employment law training seminar put on by the Civil Litigation Division of the Attorney General’s Chambers (TCIG photo)

cases.

Presentations were facilitated by three members of the Civil Litigation team: Principal Crown Counsel Clemar Hippolyte, Senior Crown Counsel Khadija MacFarlane, and Crown Counsel Tamika Simms Williams, each of whom brought their extensive litigation experience and deep

understanding of employment law to the forum.

Honourable Attorney General, Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles

OBE KC, expressed her pride in the Civil Litigation Division:

“I am immensely proud of the team for the high standard of coordination and professionalism displayed.” She said the use

of interactive technology and creative presentation techniques reflects the kind of innovation and collaboration that strengthens the TCI’s public legal service.

Presenting at the seminar were the Director of the Training and Development Directorate, Sherrill Poitier, CPTD, and Training Manager, Latoya Morris-Fenton,

within the Office of the Deputy Governor.

The Civil Litigation Division of the AG Chambers said it is committed to enhancing legal knowledge and fostering a culture of compliance within the public service and across the public sector through ongoing training and engagement.

Urgent calls made at CDEMA summit for Caribbean disaster preparedness

BY OLIVIA ROSE

With predictions of an ‘above normal’ hurricane season and dwindling financial support, regional leaders convened in the Turks and Caicos Islands and painted a stark picture of the Caribbean’s vulnerability to disasters.

At the 16th Meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), a resounding call for preparedness, resilience, and regional cooperation echoed through the halls of the Shore Club Resort.

The opening ceremony, while celebratory, served as a platform

for candid discussions about the existential threats posed by climate change and geopolitical shifts, and the urgent need for a united front.

Elizabeth Riley, the first female Executive Director of CDEMA, set a serious tone, highlighting the “diversity and complexity of our hazard experiences in our region.”

She pointed to recent events, including “extensive wildfires on Belize and oil spills off the coast of Tobago, which also presented transboundary threats.”

Riley warned of the increasing frequency of “excess heat” and reminded attendees of Hurricane Maria, “the earliest category five hurricane in recorded history,” all indicative of the “existential threat

of climate change.”

Riley didn’t mince words about the challenges ahead. “On the 3rd of April this year, just last week, the Colorado State University issued its forecast for the Atlantic basin hurricane season, and again, they’ve signalled an above-normal season, forecasting 17 storms, many hurricanes, and four major hurricanes.”

This grim forecast, she stated, “reiterates the need for us to work together.”

However, the threats aren’t just meteorological. Riley also addressed the “geopolitical upheaval” impacting the region.

“Signals are that some previous financial and technical support

arrangements through traditional partnerships are now uncertain,” she revealed.

This disruption, she explained, is affecting “data and information sharing, for monitoring, forecasting and logistics, training and research programmes.”

Riley stressed that the implications are severe and could have an adverse effect on the region’s operational readiness.

Riley emphasised the urgent need for self-reliance. She said that the Caribbean community must lean towards greater self-reliance by “deepening and expanding national and regional capacity and capability, further pooling our resources and engaging new and nontraditional partners”.

She stressed the importance of “timely and full payment of contributions to the regional institutions” to ensure the regional response mechanism’s functionality.

EVERYONE’S BUSINESS

Echoing Riley’s sentiments, Tito Lightbourne, Permanent Secretary for Disaster Management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized the necessity of a “whole of society approach.”

“Comprehensive disaster management must be everyone’s business and requires a whole of society approach. It is no longer just the business of disaster professionals,” he asserted.

He spoke of the region’s “incredible strength and camaraderie” in the face of past disasters, but also acknowledged the work ahead.

“Tonight is about celebrating the progress we have made, acknowledging the work still ahead of us and strengthening the partnerships and friendships that will be essential as we continue to address this evolving challenge of disaster preparedness, response and recovery and may I, may I dare to say, focus on preparedness.”

Major General (Retired)

Rodney Smart, outgoing Chair of the TAC, spoke to the practicalities of the committee’s work. “This meeting also provides leaders with the opportunity to meet with developmental and donor partners in an effort to attract new investments to support countries disaster readiness and resilience building programmes.”

He highlighted the TAC’s role as “the engine room of CDEMA’s system and a most critical body to strengthen the resilience of our region.”

Despite challenges, he reported “an extremely high percentage of the objectives we set ourselves last year” were accomplished, including “strengthening organisational and national readiness and resilience.”

Acting Premier, Hon Jamell Robinson, reaffirmed the Turks and Caicos Islands government’s commitment to CDEMA, stating, “We stand ready to offer our full support in advancing its objectives and ensuring the safety and resilience of our region.”

He also expressed hope of upgrading the country’s contribution level, showing a tangible commitment to the regional effort.

While, HE the Governor Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam underscored the necessity of regional cooperation.

“The true test of leadership is how well you function in a crisis. This truth resonates deeply with all of us who have seen first-hand the increasing frequency and the severity of disasters, disasters that know no borders respect no bounds and affects us all.”

She highlighted CDEMA’s role during past crises, emphasizing that “regional solidarity is not just a concept but a lived reality.”

The Caribbean faces a complex and increasingly dangerous future, however, through collaboration, preparedness, and a renewed commitment to regional unity, leaders believe the region can build resilience and face the challenges head-on.

Acting Premier, Hon Jamell Robinson, reaffirmed the Turks and Caicos Islands government’s commitment to CDEMA

HE the Governor Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam

The first female Executive Director of CDEMA, Elizabeth Riley

New port complex opens at South Dock, honouring legacy of Clinton Wilson

BY OLIVIA ROSE

A new era for maritime infrastructure in the Turks and Caicos Islands was ushered in with the grand opening of the Clinton Wilson Port Complex.

The inauguration ceremony celebrated the completion of this key project, which came in on budget and marks a significant step in the region’s development.

The complex features four rental units for crucial stakeholders and is part of a larger plan to redevelop the South Dock.

“This complex represents our commitment to enhancing efficiency, strengthening our maritime infrastructure, and ensuring the continued prosperity of our islands,” said Project Manager Lynco Williams. “But more importantly, today is about honouring a man whose contributions have left an indelible mark on our community and our ports.”

The late Clinton Wilson, a pivotal figure in the Port Authority’s history, was honoured throughout the ceremony.

Chair of the Port Authority Board of Directors, Tueton Williams emphasised Wilson’s impact, stating: “He was instrumental in setting up the operational framework for the Port Authority. He was also an expert enforcement agent… and the first director of the Turks and Caicos Port Authority.”

Williams added: “It is only right that we name this flagship building after him.”

Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for Five Cays and South Dock, Hon Rachel Taylor, praised the project’s

progress and acknowledged the challenges overcome. “When we came in and we saw that hefty amount that had to go into port, man, I was upset,” she admitted.

“But your tireless efforts have brought us to this exciting moment, and we thank you for your unwavering commitment to improving our nation’s infrastructure.”

Taylor continued: “This port complex is a living testament to the commitment, the collaboration, and faith in progress that have been

poured into everything that you see here today.

“I want to take this opportunity to also say that a part of the development that comes with this project will ensure that the residents and those people, who drive along South Dock Road, will have an opportunity to no longer see or hear what you’re seeing behind us.

“I also look forward to seeing the day when our roads on South Dock Road will also be redeveloped, because when it comes to

development, we must see the overall infrastructure development for the constituents who also will reside within this constituency. So, I’m excited about it.”

Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon Arlington Musgrove, highlighted Wilson’s dedication to service. “Clinton Hugh Wilson… left an indelible mark on this nation, from his early years as a customs officer to his tenure as collector of customs and ultimately the director of the Ports Authority,”

he stated.

“His contributions helped shape the very institution that protects our borders and supports our economy.”

Governor Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam commended the team’s dedication.

“It takes vision, it takes determination, and it takes hard work, rolling up your sleeves to drive delivery,” she said. “It is no small feat to get here, but particularly to deliver major infrastructure whilst you’re also ensuring the day-to-day operations and business continuity of the Port Authority.”

The late widow of Clinton Wilson, Mrs Sheba Wilson expressed gratitude for the honour.

“This moment means more than words can truly express for our family,” she shared. “It’s a reminder that his labour was not in vain, that his sacrifices, his sleepless nights, his unwavering integrity, and his tireless service to this country have not been forgotten.”

Director of the Ports Authority, Mr Delton Jones, outlined the project’s importance in the broader redevelopment plan. “The commissioning of the Clinton Wilson Port Complex marks a significant milestone in the redevelopment of South Dock,” he explained. “This complex… represents a crucial step towards establishing a world-class logistics hub for the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

The ceremony concluded with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for future developments, including further improvements to South Dock and other ports, such as the North Caicos port.

Family, friends and staff of the Ports Authority attended the ceremony

The complex features four rental units for crucial stakeholders and is part of a larger plan to redevelop the South Dock

HE the Deputy Governor Anya Williams; Acting Premier Hon Jamell Robinson; widow of the late Clinton Wilson Mrs Sheba Wilson (5th from left), HE the Governor Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam and Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development Hon Arlington Musgrove cut a ribbon to declare the complex open

Service charge survey extended for two weeks

Residents have two more weeks to have their say about the contentious service charge levied on customers in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ hospitality sector. The survey –set to close on April 11 – has been extended to April 25.

The online survey was initially

launched for four weeks - March 14 to April 11 - by the Inspectorate Unit within the Employment Services and Labour Department.

The survey aims to gather valuable insights from residents, employees, and employers within the service industry regarding the

administration and application of service charges, specifically within the hotel and restaurant sector.

The government said that the findings will play a significant role in informing future policy decisions and ensuring that the application of service charge aligns

Govt warns of rise in AI-generated image scams

The Office of the Premier and Public Policy has issued a warning to the public regarding an increase in fraudulent social media accounts using AI-generated images and videos.

These accounts impersonate government officials, including the Premier, Cabinet Ministers, former officials, and senior executives.

The government states that these posts often feature fake stories designed to attract attention and

encourage clicks, sometimes using false branding of credible media sources like TC Weekly News.

The public is urged to be cautious and avoid sharing, liking, or engaging with such posts.

Clicking on links in these posts may compromise privacy, spread misinformation, or expose devices to harmful content.

The government advises the public to report suspicious posts, verify information through official channels, avoid clicking

on sensational headlines or AIgenerated images involving public figures, and warn others.

Authorities say they are actively working to identify the sources of these posts and hold those responsible accountable.

“The government of the Turks and Caicos Islands takes this matter seriously and is actively working with relevant authorities to identify the sources of these posts and hold those responsible accountable.”

Young lifeguard fined $3,000

for

hiding contraband in prisoner’s food

Twenty-year-old Jimmy Toussaint, a resident of North Back Salina in Grand Turk, has been slapped with a $3,000 fine after attempting to sneak contraband to a prisoner.

Toussaint appeared before the Grand Turk Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, April 9, to answer to the charge of introducing prohibited articles into His Majesty’s Prison, Grand Turk, in breach of the Prisons Act.

Toussaint has until September 30 to pay the fine. Failure to do so will result in one year of imprisonment.

The Back Salina man was formally charged on March 17 and was granted $1,500 bail.

The charge stemmed from an incident on February 23, when

officers at His Majesty’s Prison conducted a routine search of items brought in by Toussaint. During the inspection, contraband was discovered hidden within food intended for an inmate.

Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) were immediately notified and responded promptly. Toussaint was arrested on suspicion and subsequently charged following a police investigation.

Police are reminding the public that introducing contraband into correctional facilities is a serious criminal offence and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is appealing to any member of public who may have any information on any crimes. They can contact Chalk Sound Police Station on 338-5901 or make use of the confidential reporting system through Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477.

with the objectives of the Hotel and Restaurant Service Charge Ordinance Chapter 19.10.

They said the key objectives are to understand public sentiment toward current service charge practices; to identify areas for improvement in transparency and fairness; to assess the impact of Service Charges, consumer behaviour, and business operations; and to gather recommendations for potential policy reforms.

The implementation of the service charge was initiated by the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), which the current Progressive National Party (PNP) Administration vehemently opposed both inside and outside of Parliament in 2018 when the idea was first presented to the public.

Residents can continue to access the survey by way of posters with QR codes across the islands, as well as through links posted throughout communities at local grocery stores and various hotels and restaurants.

The government assures that all responses are confidential and will only be used for research and policy development.

They said they are committed to ensuring that employees receive an equitable share of service charge in the Turks and Caicos Islands, creating an environment that benefits all employees and businesses in the industry.

The survey can be accessed online via the link (https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/9L6DGJ7)

One month after being found guilty of the murder of 21-year-old Sevano Wilson Jr in September 2023, Lukinson Leger was sentenced to life in prison.

The 23-year-old convicted murderer of West Road, Grand Turk, will be required to serve 22 years, six months, and 21 days in prison before he is eligible to apply for parole. The ruling was delivered on Monday, April 7, in the Supreme Court of Grand Turk.

Leger was found guilty of the murder on March 4, 2025.

Wilson was shot on the evening of September 29, 2023, during a celebratory event at Governor’s Beach in Grand Turk. Officers at the scene rushed him to the Cockburn Town Medical Centre, where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

Leger was eventually charged

with murder on October 4, 2023, following investigations and after consultation with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“This case has been challenging, but our officers have remained committed to seeking justice,” Police said in a statement this week.

They further noted: “We understand the pain and loss experienced by many in our community and urge all young people to reflect on their choices. Before making any decisions, consider the impact they could have on your life and the lives of others. Violence destroys more than it solves, and peace can provide a lasting solution.”

To the families still awaiting justice for their loved ones, Police have assured that they are not forgotten, as they remain dedicated to bringing them peace and closure.

Lukinson Leger, convicted murderer

Jimmy Toussaint

Diabetes: An integrated medical approach

WHAT IS DIABETES?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the way the body manages glucose (blood sugar). There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1, usually diagnosed in children and young adults, occurs when the immune system destroys the pancreas cells that produce insulin, a hormone crucial for regulating glucose levels. In Type 2 diabetes, more common in adults, the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels.

The exact causes of Type 1 diabetes are not fully understood, but it is known that genetics play an important role. As for Type 2 diabetes, the risk factors are much clearer. Obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, an unhealthy diet, and genetic predisposition are the main contributors to the development of the disease. Advanced age is also an important factor, as well as stress and some hormonal disorders. If not properly controlled, diabetes can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications.

These include cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes, due to the harmful effects of excessive glucose on blood vessels. Additionally, diabetes is one of the leading causes of chronic kidney failure, neuropathy (nerve damage), and blindness.

The treatment for diabetes varies depending on the type of disease. In Type 1 diabetes, the treatment involves daily insulin administration. For Type 2 diabetes patients, the initial approach focuses on lifestyle changes, such as improving diet and increasing

physical activity. In many cases, oral medications are prescribed to help control glucose levels. Additionally, continuous glucose monitoring is essential to prevent complications.

Although Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, Type 2 diabetes is preventable in many people. Maintaining a healthy weight, following a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity are the best strategies to prevent this disease. In patients with prediabetes, lifestyle changes can delay or even prevent the onset of diabetes.

CONCLUSION

Diabetes is a condition that, if managed properly, does not have to limit the patient’s life. Early diagnosis, continuous monitoring, and commitment to a healthy lifestyle are crucial. As a physician, my goal is to offer a personalized approach that allows each patient to control their diabetes in the best possible way and prevent longterm complications.

All about coconuts

The coconut is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia. Its ability to float has allowed it to spread by sea to tropical countries. Coconut trees thrive on beaches thanks to the sandy soil, warmth, and humidity.

Coconuts can be consumed in different forms: When ready, the coconut water can be extracted and drunk. When ripe, the flesh can be eaten as is, grated, and/or dried (called “copra”) to be incorporated into a recipe. To make coconut milk or cream, the flesh is ground with water and then filtered.

Coconut oil, also called “coconut butter” because it is solid, is extracted from copra or directly from the fresh flesh. Coconuts can be used in both sweet and savoury recipes.

In the Caribbean, where coconut trees abound, coconut is present in many recipes: in the form of coconut milk for curries, rice and peas, coconut shrimps (coconut grit), smoothies, salad dressing, soup or coconut milk instead of heavy cream.

Coconut oil is also good for nourishing your body. You can apply the oil all over your body, apply it after shaving or waxing,

or on your hands, in a nourishing cream and soap. Personally, I apply a product made from coconut butter once a day, hence the secret of my beauty.

Note that there are local companies “Made in Turks and Caicos” that specialize in beauty products made from coconuts oil. There are two main groups of coconut palms: Dwarf and Tall. Dwarf coconut palms rarely exceed 12 meters in height.

They begin to fruit as early as four years after planting and

produce small nuts. There are also different colours, which can be seen in the foliage, but also in the nuts, including yellow, orange, and green. Some varieties have very long leaves, such as the Green Maypen hybrid, which is the most beautiful variety in my opinion. Tall coconut trees can reach 80 to 100 feet in height.

They produce larger nuts and begin fruiting after 7 to 12 years of cultivation, remaining productive for over 100 years. And finally, here’s a simple

COLUMN DENIS BELANGER

Denis Belanger is a landscaper, he trained in Canada in landscape architecture and studied the Art of Garden in Italy. He arrived in the TCI in 2008, where he first worked for a local company before opening his landscaping company. He then had a personal experience with Property Management, and his love and passion for his new experience gave him the drive to open his company Turks & Caicos Villas and Gardens

and delicious recipe for coconut chicken curry. (serves 4)

• 4 chicken fillets

• 400 ml coconut milk

• Turks and Caicos salt and pepper

• Paprika

• Chili flakes

• Curry of your choice

• Pepper of your choice

• Chopped herbs (parsley, basil, mint)

Cut your chicken fillets into pieces. Brown your chicken in a little butter or a drizzle of olive oil. Deglaze your chicken with your coconut milk. Add my spice blend and a pinch of Caribbean

salt. Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Add some herbs and serve over coconut rice.

If you have any questions about property management, or if you are looking for a company to take care of your property, do not hesitate to contact us, Turks and Caicos Villas and Gardens at denisbgarden@ gmail.com you can also visit us at www.turks-and-caicos-villas.com and also on our Facebook page Turks & Caicos villas.

If you are a restaurateur, craftsman, sports company or anything else related to tourism and would like us to write about you, do not hesitate to contact us.

DR LENA SANCHEZ

GENERAL PHYSICIAN, ASSOCIATED MEDICAL PRACTICES

Dr Lena Sanchez is a General Practitioner and a graduate of the Universidad Tecnológica de Santiago (UTESA) in the Dominican Republic. She also holds diplomas in Nutrition and Diet Therapy, as well as in Diabetology and Obesity, awarded by the Central University of the East in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Regional

Despair as death toll from Dominican Republic nightclub collapse rises

Hundreds of rescue workers in the Dominican Republic continue to search for survivors of a roof collapse at a nightclub in the capital, Santo Domingo.

At least 124 people died and more than 150 were injured in the incident, which happened just before 01:00 local time (05:00 GMT) on Tuesday at the Jet Set club, officials said.

Head of Emergency Operations Juan Manuel Méndez estimated that his team had “24 to 36 hours left” to try to find survivors under the rubble.

Hundreds of guests were inside the popular venue attending a concert by merengue singer Rubby Pérez.

Pérez, as well as former Major League Baseball players Octavio Dotel and Tony Blanco, and a provincial governor are among those who have been confirmed dead.

Mobile phone footage recorded inside the club, which has been verified by the BBC, shows Pérez on stage singing while the man recording can be heard talking.

“Something fell from the ceiling” the man recording says, while his finger can be seen pointing towards the roof.

In the footage, Pérez can be seen looking towards the area pointed

out by the man.

Less than 30 seconds later, a noise can be heard and the recording goes black while a woman is heard shouting “Dad, what’s happened to you?”.

It is not clear how many people exactly were inside the popular venue but estimates range between 500 and 1,000 people.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on X that at least one US national, and multiple legal permanent residents, were killed in the roof collapse.

He said that he and his wife, Jeanette, were “united in prayer” and that the US stands “ready to support our Dominican allies amid this difficult time”.

Emergency workers have demolished one of the walls of the club to better reach those still buried under the rubble.

Relatives desperate for news of their missing loved ones have been holding vigils at the scene.

Among them was Pérez’s daughter Zulinka, who is a backing singer in his merengue band.

She described how she had been on stage, singing with her father when the tragedy unfolded.

Zulinka said she was saved by her husband, who shielded her with his body when the roof collapsed, telling her that she had to make it

out “to be there for our son”.

She managed to crawl out from under the rubble and her husband also made it out alive.

Her 69-year-old father, however, remained trapped for hours.

According to Zulinka, he survived the collapse and managed to guide emergency workers to his location.

“They found him singing, he started to sing so they would hear him,” she told local media.

But around 17:00 local time, more than 16 hours after the tragedy had occurred, Zulinka was informed by rescue workers at the scene that her father had died before they could free him.

His manager later confirmed his death.

New migration report says thousands of Bahamians have sought asylum

Thousands of Bahamians have sought refuge abroad, with 2,742 officially registered as refugees or asylum seekers, according to a new regional migration report by the International Organization for Migration.

The report, which tracks migration trends across 21 English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean countries, shows 175 Bahamian nationals classified as refugees and 2,567 as asylum seekers. However, the data offers no detail on where these people are located, why they left, or what circumstances led to their claims for protection.

While other sections of the IOM report highlight countryspecific profiles for vulnerable populations, including Venezuelan, Haitian, and Cuban migrants, there is no corresponding analysis for Bahamian asylum seekers.

The report confirms The Bahamas remains a key destination

for migrants in the region. As of mid-2024, the country hosted 67,493 international migrants — 17 percent of the national population. Haitians account for the largest share, with 17,735 people, followed by Americans (5,325) and Jamaicans (2,582).

Between 2021 and 2024, The Bahamas forcibly returned 7,721 Haitian nationals, according to data collected at border points by IOM Haiti. Of those deported, 61 percent had been employed in the construction sector prior to their removal, while 12 percent had been working in skilled or technical jobs. The majority were returned alone, without family members.

At the time of deportation, 67 percent of people had been employed, and 20 percent were self-employed. According to post-deportation interviews, 87 percent of those returned from The

Bahamas intended to leave Haiti again within six months, citing economic necessity.

The Bahamas also plays a central role in money being transferred between nations in the region. In 2023, migrants in The Bahamas sent $261m abroad — the secondhighest remittance outflow in the Caribbean. Much of that money is believed to support households in Haiti, Jamaica, and the United States.

In contrast, the country received only $42m in incoming remittances, making it a net exporter of funds. Outflows represented 1.8 percent of The Bahamas’ GDP.

The IOM report also notes that The Bahamas is home to 736 Cuban nationals and five Venezuelans considered part of the region’s vulnerable migrant population. These people often live without secure legal status or long-term support systems. (Tribune242)

Nelsy Cruz also survived the initial impact from the falling debris and was among the first to raise the alarm - by directly calling the president of the Dominican Republic.

The first call the 41-year-old governor of Monte Cristi province placed as she lay injured in the debris was to President Luis Abinader, asking him to send the emergency services to save those around her who were also severely injured.

It was only after she had made the call to the president that Nelsy Cruz called her brother, seven-time Major League Baseball All-Star Nelson Cruz, their father said.

She later died in hospital from injuries she had sustained from

falling glass.

Octavio Dotel, a former Major League Baseball pitcher, is also among those who died after being pulled from the debris.

The 51-year-old was rescued alive but died on the way to hospital.

It is not yet clear what caused Jet Set’s roof to collapse.

The club was previously a cinema and had been turned into a music venue hosting regular dance music concerts on Monday ights.

The concerts drew people of all ages and on the day of the collapse, a number of athletes, celebrities and politicians were in attendance. President Abinader has declared three days of national mourning. (BBC)

Colorado State predicts above average hurricane season

Colorado State University hurricane forecasters released their 2025 Hurricane Season Outlook in early April. They’re calling for an above average season with 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes. They’re expecting the season to be active due to warmer than average sea surface temps and a pattern (La Nina or Neutral) that will favour “less wind shear” (which is more supportive for

development).

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration will release its hurricane forecast in May, and CSU will do another update to its outlook in June. Regardless of the numbers, it’s always good to prepare for EVERY hurricane season. It only takes 1 storm to make it a bad season for an area.

Hurricane season begins every year on June 1st, and it lasts until November 30th. (WTOK.com)

tropical cyclone

The University predicts nine hurricanes, including four major hurricanes, for this season

More than 300 rescue workers have spent two days combing through the rubble looking for survivors

Guyana Govt to pay exam fees for all students writing CSEC and CAPE

The President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali announced on Wednesday that his Government will cover the cost of up to eight subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) for students in both public and private schools.

An estimated US$3.3m will be expended on the initiative, which President Ali described as a futuristic investment in the lives of families and communities.

The announcement was made at a community meeting at the West Demerara School on Wednesday. “We are investing in the lives of your children, in the lives of your families, in the lives of your communities… and in building a prosperous, unified

future for every single citizen,” the President posited.

The measure, which will take effect this year, will result in over US$220 in savings.

The Ali Administration has focused heavily on education, from nursery to the tertiary level, since returning to office in 2020.

It has returned ‘Because we Care Cash Grant’ for school students and tripled it over the last four years, while from January 2025, the Government also waived the fee for the University of Guyana, while tens of thousands of Guyanese have benefitted from scholarships provided by the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL).

Guyana is a powerhouse at both CSEC and CAPE.

Caribbean struggles to retain highly skilled talent

The Caribbean continues to be affected by the highest level of brain drain in the world and the “traditional approaches that the region has generally implemented to retain its high-skilled human resources, have literally failed to produce the intended results”.

This was stated recently by Easton Williams, Senior Director, Social Policy, Planning and Research at the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) at he was the launch of the World Bank/PIOJ High-Skill Migration Report addressing the regional brain drain problem, at the Rok Hotel, downtown Kingston.

Williams noted that the Caribbean has been at the centre of inter-regional migration flow since the 1950s.

“Commencing around the mid1960s, high-skilled migration to the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom (UK) from the English-speaking

Caribbean has reflected the highest percentages compared with any other regions globally,” he said.

He told his audience that,

“The proportion of tertiary level trained migrants 25 years and over from the English-speaking Caribbean resident in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, including North America and the UK, ranges from 60 per cent to over 80 per cent of the total number of persons trained at the tertiary level in countries of the Caribbean”. He said that the findings are supported by the current World Bank study and by other studies in the region.

“The major challenge for us today is how to design policies and programmatic responses to make migration, high-skill migration in particular, work for the sustainable development of all our countries,” the PIOJ director said.

He cited that the World Bank multi-country study presented the

opportunity for regional governments to once again re-examine the issue of the loss of high-talented human resources from the region considering the current challenges being faced by our mostly small island developing states (SIDS) for sustainable development.

To contextualize the gravity of the situation, Williams highlighted that “the Caribbean is the fastestageing region in the world”.

“Fertility rates for most of our countries are below the level that can replace the current population. Some of our countries have already started to record absolute decline in their populations,” he said.

Williams told the gathering that included permanent secretaries, heads of agencies, members of the diplomatic community and the World Bank team that “external migration remains at a level that will further challenge SIDs to maintain a viable population structure to sustain development”.

Armed gangs murder two nuns in Haiti

Evanette Onezaire and Jeanne Voltaire, members of the Congregation of the Little Sisters of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, were murdered in Haiti by armed gangs that continue to sow chaos in several cities across the country.

The news was confirmed April 2 by Archbishop Max Leroy Mésidor of Port-au-Prince to the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need, following media reports of the attack perpetrated by members of a coalition of gangs known as “Vivre Ensemble” (“Living Together”).

The group stormed the town of Mirebalais in central Haiti on Monday, March 31, freeing some 500 prisoners from a jail, storming a police station, and setting fire to several homes, although the exact number of homes affected has not yet been determined.

According to the pontifical

Some 28 parishes in the Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince are closed, while around 40 are operating at a reduced level due to gang control in their neighborhoods

institution, when the attack began, the nuns “were forced to take refuge with others in a house. Unfortunately, the attackers discovered their hiding place and

murdered the entire group.”

“During this attack, several murders occurred, including the two sisters from the local congregation of the Little Sisters of

St. Therese of the Child Jesus. All the prisoners have escaped, and the bandits occupy the city,” Mésidor confirmed.

According to the Latin American and Caribbean Bishops’ Council, the spokesman for the Haitian Bishops’ Conference (CEH), Father Marc Henry Siméon, issued a letter expressing mourning and condemnation, stating that they are “assaulted by the injustice and absurdity of a world that seems to be collapsing under the weight of evil.”

The CEH also reiterated its call for reason to “the architects of violence and those involved in crime; this call is also intended to be a call for respect for the life and dignity of this wounded people.”

Haiti continues to be mired in a wave of violence, exacerbated by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, 2021. Since then, the country has faced

a power vacuum, lacked legitimate elected leadership, and suffered the growing influence of armed gangs that control large areas of the country.

Mésidor lamented that the situation also affected life in churches, noting that “28 parishes in the Archdiocese of Port-auPrince are closed, while around 40 are operating at a reduced level due to gang control in their neighborhoods.”

Priests “have been forced to flee, seeking refuge with their families or other clergy. They need help. The archdiocese is also in difficulty,” Mésidor told the pontifical foundation.

“Here in Haiti, our Lent is truly a Calvary, but we offer it in communion with the sufferings of Christ. Haiti is in flames and urgently needs help. Who will come to help us?” he asked. (Catholicnewsagency)

Sisters

Guyana’s President made the announcement on Wednesday

Medical staff are among the highly skilled talent that are decreasing in the region

US top court allows Trump to use wartime law for deportations

The US Supreme Court has cleared the way for President Donald Trump to use a rarely-invoked wartime powers law to rapidly deport alleged gang members - for now.

A lower court had temporarily blocked the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador on 15 March, ruling that the actions under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act needed further scrutiny.

Trump has alleged that the migrants were members of the Tren de Aragua gang “conducting irregular warfare” against the US and could therefore be removed under the Act.

While the administration is claiming the ruling as a win, the justices mandated that deportees must be given a chance to challenge their removal.

“The notice must be afforded within a reasonable time and in such a manner as will allow them to actually seek habeas relief in the proper venue before such removal occurs,” the justices wrote in the unsigned decision on Monday.

“The only question is which court will resolve that challenge,” they wrote.

Monday’s ruling said the challenge - brought by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on behalf of five migrants - was raised improperly in a Washington DC court and not in Texas, where the migrants are

At least 137 people have been deported by the Trump administration under the Alien Enemies Act

confined.

Conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined the court’s three liberal justices in dissenting with the majority ruling.

In the dissent, they wrote that the administration’s “conduct in this litigation poses an extraordinary threat to the rule of law”.

Trump called the ruling a “great day for justice in America”.

“The Supreme Court has upheld the Rule of Law in our Nation by allowing a President, whoever that may be, to be able to secure our Borders, and protect our families and our Country, itself,” he wrote on Truth Social.

The ACLU also claimed the ruling as “a huge victory”.

“We are disappointed that we will need to start the court process over again in a different venue but the critical point is that the Supreme Court said individuals must be given due process to challenge their removal under the Alien Enemies Act,” lead ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt said in a statement to US media.

At least 137 people have been deported by the Trump administration under the Alien Enemies Act, a move widely condemned by rights groups.

The act, last used in World

War Two, grants the US president sweeping powers to order the detention and deportation of natives or citizens of an “enemy” nation without following the usual processes.

It was passed as part of a series of laws in 1798 when the US believed it would enter a war with France.

The Trump administration says all the deportees are members of the Tren de Aragua gang. The powerful multi-national crime group, which Trump recently declared a foreign terrorist organisation, has been accused of sex trafficking, drug smuggling and murders both at home and in major US cities.

US immigration officials have said the detainees were “carefully vetted” and verified as gang members before being flown to El Salvador, under an agreement with that country.

But many of the deportees do not have US criminal records, a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official acknowledged in court documents.

Some relatives of the deported migrants have told the BBC the men have been wrongly swept up in the immigration crackdown, and that they are innocent.

Several other families have said they believe that deportees were mistakenly identified as gang members because of their tattoos.

Monday’s decision vacates an earlier ruling by federal judge James Boasberg, later upheld by a federal appeals court, which had temporarily blocked the use of the law to carry out the deportations.

Boasberg had dismissed the government’s response to his order as “woefully insufficient”. The White House had said the judge’s order itself was not lawful and was issued after two flights carrying the men had already left the US. Rights groups and some legal experts have called the invocation of the Act unprecedented, arguing it has only previously been used after the US officially declared a war, which under the US constitution only Congress can do. (BBC)

Government rejects ‘buy British’ campaign to combat tariffs

Downing Street has declined to officially back a “buy British” campaign in response to Donald Trump’s tariffs.

Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesman said the UK was “an open-trading nation” and the government was “not going to tell people where they buy their stuff”.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves told MPs such a campaign would be “inward looking” and was “not the way forward”, in response to Liberal Democrat calls to encourage the public to buy more British goods and produce.

But ministers are reported to be reviewing Whitehall procurement rules to give an advantage to British firms bidding for government contracts.

The government has repeatedly stressed that it will not be rushed into retaliatory measures after the US slapped a 10% import tax on nearly all UK products entering the US, on top of already-announced 25% levies on aluminium, steel and cars.

The PM told a senior group of MPs the government is keeping its options open for retaliating to US tariffs “if necessary” but he did not think the UK should “jump in with both feet”.

“I think that trying to negotiate an arrangement which mitigates the tariffs is better,” he told the House of Commons Liaison Committee.

During Treasury questions in the Commons, Lib Dem Treasury spokeswoman Daisy Cooper urged the government to show people concerned about the impact on their cost of living that “Britain is not going to take Trump’s tariffs lying down”.

And she called on the chancellor to get behind her party’s campaign for a new “Made in Britain” logo for consumer products backed by an advertising blitz.

Reeves told the Lib Dem MP “ratcheting up barriers to trade, ratcheting up tariffs will not be in our country’s interests, whether that’s in inflation or indeed for supply chains”.

Sir Keir Starmer

She added: “In terms of buying British, I think everyone will make their own decisions.

“What we don’t want to see is a trade war, with Britain becoming inward-looking, because if every country in the world decided that they only wanted to buy things produced in their country, that is not a good way forward.”

The prime minister’s official spokesman also rejected the “Buy

British” campaign but added that the government “is always going to back British producers, British manufacturers”.

In response to a call from Tory MP John Hayes to use government procurement to back British jobs and British products, Rachel Reeves said Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden “has set out new reforms to procurement rules to enable just that”.

She added: “We want more British businesses to win contracts, we want more small businesses in Britain to win contracts.”

In February, the government set out new rules aimed at making it easier for small and mediumsized British companies to bid for government contracts, building on legislation passed by the previous Conservative government. According to the Daily Telegraph, the government will go further when it unveils its industrial strategy and public spending review later this year.

Major public sector infrastructure projects - such as transport, offshore wind and defence - will be told to “Buy British”, the newspaper says.

Asked if she would back a “buy British” campaign, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: “I think we should always buy British.”

But she added: “We won’t be able to buy British if the economy is weakening.”

Farage rejects local Reform UK-Tory coalitions

Nigel Farage has dismissed a suggestion from Kemi Badenoch that Reform UK and Tory councillors could enter into coalitions after next month’s local elections.

Speaking earlier, Tory leader Badenoch told the BBC her party’s local leaders would be free to share power with Reform if it was required to keep councils running.

But Farage later appeared to brush off the idea, saying Reform UK had “no intention in forming coalitions with the Tories at any level”.

He has however left the door open to more informal co-operation, telling the BBC on Wednesday there could be “working relationships” with other parties.

It is not uncommon for different parties to share power locally, with the number of councils not controlled by a single party rising in recent years.

Reform currently holds around 100 council seats, mainly as a result of defections from other parties, but is looking to boost its representation in elections for a clutch of largely rural and suburban council seats in England on 1 May.

The party stood in only 12% of available council seats in local elections last year, but is contesting nearly all the 1,600 council seats up for re-election next month.

Farage has previously said his party is aiming to win hundreds of seats, in a bid to boost its national election chances by gaining a bigger foothold in town halls.

Badenoch has ruled out an electoral pact with Reform on a national level, arguing that Farage is trying to destroy the Conservatives as a party.

But she has faced increasing questions in recent days about whether her party’s councillors would be allowed to do deals with Reform UK to govern locally.

‘BROKE BRITAIN’

Asked earlier whether she could rule out local deals, Badenoch told BBC Breakfast Tory councillors would have to “make the choice about what is right for their councils” after the elections next month.

She pointed out that Tories were already governing locally as part of “various coalitions” with other parties, including Labour and the Liberal Democrats, as well as independent councillors.

“Local leaders need to decide what to do to run their councils,” she said, adding: “People expect their local leaders to deliver.”

She did not specify whether

this applied only to formal arrangements for sharing power, or more informal deals where parties could agree to co-operate on particular policy areas or budgetsetting.

But Farage later said Reform had “no intention in forming coalitions with the Tories” as they “broke Britain nationally for 14 years”.

‘PRAGMATIC AND SENSIBLE’

However, the Reform UK leader has not ruled out more informal routes to share power with other parties.

Speaking to BBC East Midlands on Wednesday, he said Reform had a “responsibility to work with the most pragmatic and sensible people to get things done”.

“We’re not saying that at a local level, there are not groups of independents, for argument’s sake, that we might be able to work with.”

Asked whether his party could enter into formal coalitions with Tories, he replied: “There’ll be no formal coalitions with anybody, there will be working relationships.

“We’ll maintain our independence, but of course, in the

interests of local people we’ll do deals.”

Deals between Reform UK and the Conservatives to share power locally would not be without precedent.

Under its former name of The Brexit Party, it formed a coalition with Tory and independent councillors to take over the running of Hartlepool Council in 2019.

National parties exercise various levels of control over groups of local councillors who wish to do deals to govern locally.

According to the party’s rulebook, Labour councillors require the approval of its ruling National Executive Committee before entering into local tie-ups.

By contrast, the Green Party of England and Wales says local groups are able to make the “final decision” on where and whether to share power.

The BBC has asked Reform UK and the Conservatives to clarify how they would authorise agreements to share power after the local elections.

The Liberal Democrats, who are in coalitions with other parties in councils around the country, have also been approached for comment. (BBC)

King Charles and Queen Camilla pay a surprise visit to recovering Pope Francis during Italy trip

King Charles and Queen Camilla paid a surprise visit to Pope Francis as he recuperates at the Vatican on Wednesday during a state visit to Italy that coincided with the British royal couple’s 20th wedding anniversary.

The pope met privately with the royals, the Vatican said in a statement.

“During the meeting, the Pope expressed his good wishes to Their Majesties on the occasion of their wedding anniversary and reciprocated His Majesty’s wishes a speedy recovery of his health,” the Vatican said.

Buckingham Palace confirmed the meeting, saying that the couple “were delighted the Pope was well enough to host them - and to have had the opportunity to share their best wishes in person.”

The 88-year-old pontiff has been recovering from a life-threatening bout of double pneumonia that landed him in hospital for five weeks in February and March. Charles, meanwhile, has been battling cancer since last year.

Wednesday’s meeting came as a

surprise after the palace announced last month that the royals had postponed a planned state visit to the Vatican to offer the pope more time to recuperate.

A royal source told CNN on Wednesday that Francis had extended an invitation for a private audience to Charles and Camilla after their official visit was canceled, but that the meeting was subject to the pope’s health and only confirmed on Wednesday morning.

The meeting took place on Wednesday afternoon after Charles became the first British monarch to address both houses of Italian parliament. It lasted around 20 minutes and it is understood that the pope took the opportunity to wish the couple a happy anniversary.

The encounter was the third time Charles and Francis have crossed paths - though it was the first since the King’s coronation.

CNN understands there was an exchange of gifts, and Charles can be seen holding a small red box in the photo of the meeting released by the Vatican on Thursday.

Charles and Queen Camilla paid a surprise visit to

Charles previously visited the Vatican in 2019 for the canonization of Cardinal John Henry Newman, the first Englishman to be made a saint since 1970. He also traveled to the Holy See with Camilla in 2017.

Earlier this week, Francis appeared to be in good spirits at his first public appearance since being released from hospital just over two weeks ago.

The pope smiled as he greeted crowds in the Vatican on Sunday,

sitting in a wheelchair and wearing what appeared to be a nasal cannula to help with his breathing.

In a photo of Francis greeting the royal couple on Wednesday, the pontiff was not wearing the breathing aid.

Charles and Camilla are in Italy on a four-day state visit. They received a full ceremonial welcome on Tuesday, meeting President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace before viewing a fly-past

by aerial acrobatics teams from the Italian and British air forces.

Earlier Wednesday, Charles met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The final day of the trip has a literary theme to it. The royal couple will relocate from Rome to Ravenna in northeastern Italy on Thursday, where they will visit the tomb of Italian poet and writer Dante Alighieri, before Camilla tours the Byron Museum to explore the Romantic poet’s life in Italy. The state visit will conclude with a final engagement at Ravenna’s market in Piazza del Popolo, where they will attend a food festival and meet local farmers and producers.

The trip comes less than two weeks after Charles was briefly hospitalized after experiencing “temporary side effects” from a scheduled cancer treatment, according to the palace. While causing him to cancel a day’s worth of engagements, the King’s experience was not out of the ordinary, according to a royal source, and he appeared to recover quickly.

Nigel Farage

King

Pope Francis

BABYSITTER

CLEANER

DOMESTIC WORKER

TRAINING OFFICER

Build annual training program and prepare teaching plans; identify training needs through evaluations; groom employees for career development. The successful candidate must have: Proven experience in designing multiple training events in a corporate or classroom setting – minimum 5 years; Bachelor’s Degree Business Administration or equivalent. Wage: $1,8002,300/m

CASHIER/ CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

Cross-sell company products and services; assist Sales Team in promoting products and services; Interpret and translate for efficient service delivery; record transactions for money transfer; prepare / maintain multiple reports. Skills/Qualifications: Proven certifications and experience for the role. Wage $1,500 - $1,800.00/m

PLEASE SUBMIT APPLICATION LETTER AND RESUME TO: THE CEO, NATIONAL COMPANY SERVICES, PROVIDENCIALES, TCI. EMAIL: HR@NCSFSG.COM BY APRIL 15, 2025. MUST BE AVAILABLE TO WORK ROTATED SHIFTS INCLUDING WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AT ALL NCS BRANCHES ISLAND WIDE BETWEEN 7:00 AM & 7:00 PM. THE POSITIONS ARE CURRENTLY HELD BY OR BEING ADVERTISED FOR A WORK PERMIT HOLDER.

Granny Hill, Five Cays, Providenciales (342-8496,343-0618)

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The Bight, Providenciales (332-1776) LANDSCAPE LABOURER (NEW)

$8.00 dig holes, water plants etc

Five Cays , Providenciales (245-2555)

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CLECIUS NOMINCY (343-0042) Five Cays , Providenciales

$8.00 hourly. General cleaning etc

FANEL DECEIDE (343-3053)

Kew Town, Providenciales DOMESTIC WORKER (NEW)

$8.00 hourly. General house chores etc.

JOSNEL ALTIDOR (345-7331)

Dock Yard, Providenciales BABYSITTER (NEW)

$8.00 hourly. Care for child etc.

MARIETTE JOSEPH

Kewtown, Providenciales (348-9585)

HELPER (NEW)

$8.00 hourly. General cleaning, heavy lifting etc.

EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN

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GAMING MACHINE TECHNICIAN

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of various gaming and electronic equipment, ensuring optimal operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Rebuild, repair, modify and install gaming devices of all types and associated equipment

• Install, remove, set options, repair and troubleshoot online management systems, cash dispensing safes, progressive systems and signs

• Run and terminate CAT 5 and 6, fiber, coaxes and installs patch panels

• Maintains safe working equipment and maintain tidy areas.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable gaming laws and company internal controls, policies and procedure

• Responsible for the execution and recording of preventive maintenance programs as instructed by the slot tech manager

• Complete all paperwork accurately and submit any performed task at end of day.

• Woodworking, laminating, painting, and cleaning, polishing, loading and unloading equipment.

• Provide outstanding guest service in a timely manner to both guests and fellow team members that meets the company’s guest service culture standards

• Maintains all information confidentially.

REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must have some knowledge in the gaming field, machine trouble shooting testing and repair.

• Must show excellent customer service skills and show the ability to communicate efficiently and effectively with customers, subordinates, and management and gaming regulatory organizations.

• Electronics qualifications are a must.

• 3 years minimum experience in a similar role.

• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs and speak, read and write

•

GRACE BAY MEDICAL CENTER

HOUSEKEEPER

CONSTRUCTION HELPER

CLEANER

MECHANIC

LABOURER

DOMESTIC

Madonna says she and Elton John ‘finally buried the hatchet’ after decades-long public feud

Madonna and Elton John have made amends after a notorious years-long feud that saw the two publicly trading barbs against each other since 2004.

As seen on Madonna’s verified Instagram on Monday, the “Vogue” singer went to watch John perform on “Saturday Night Live” this weekend, later sharing a photo posing with him as proof that the pair are now friends.

“We Finally Buried the Hatchet!!!” Madonna wrote

HANDYMAN

in the caption. “Over the decades it hurt me to know that someone I admired so much shared his dislike of me publicly as an artist. I didn’t understand it.”

Madonna wrote that once she heard John was the “SNL” musical guest, she “decided to go.”

“I needed to go backstage and confront him,” she wrote. “When I met him, the first thing out of his mouth was, “Forgive Me” and the wall between us fell down. Forgiveness is a powerful tool. Within minutes. We were hugging.”

he added that John had written a song for her and wants to collaborate.

The legendary pair’s so-

called feud famously stems from a comment John made at the 2004 Q Awards while he accepted the award for classic songwriter, where he accused Madonna of lipsyncing.

The superstars have since traded insults in public fashion.

In 2012, Madonna beat John at the Golden Globes, when she took home the gong for best original song for her track “Masterpiece” from her film “W.E.” over John’s “Hello Hello” from the animated movie “Gnomeo & Juliet.”

Ahead of the show, John was on the red carpet and said that she didn’t “stand a f—ing chance” for

JCB PARTS SPECIALIST

NATURE OF POSITION;

• Assisting technicians with all their parts needs, including but not limited to, looking up parts, ordering parts from their respective vendor, pulling parts out of inventory, and taking parts out to technicians when required to maintain and improve shop productivity.

• Ship parts orders as needed.

• Process vendor returns.

• Fill in for front counter parts employees as needed.

• Answer incoming calls promptly and process telephone orders.

• Determine customer needs and fulfill orders.

• Read and interpret catalogs and e-catalogs to determine replacement part numbers and prices

• Determine replacement parts

required according to inspections of old parts, customer requests, or customer descriptions of malfunctions.

• Examine returned parts for defects.

• Experience with Cat,Volvo,XCMG,Bobcat would be a advantage

• Prepare part sales invoices.

• Assist in management of inventory/stock.

• Establishes and maintains rapport with current customers, always remaining aware of, and addressing their needs.

• Must possess suitable technician background as well of experience within all aspects of automotive mobile services/repaired industry.

Salary: With experience and qualifications salary range $12-$25 per hour.

the award, and while her Madgesty was later on stage delivering her acceptance speech, the camera cut away to John, whose look was pure daggers.

Nowadays, it seems, the two have come together and made peace and instead of slamming John, Madonna is praising his legacy.

“Seeing him perform when I was in high school changed the course of my life,” she wrote in her Instagram post on Monday. “I had always felt like an outsider growing up and watching him on stage helped me to understand that it was OK to be different.”

Later on Monday, John commented on Madonna’s post thanking her for “forgiving me and my big mouth” and acknowledging the “groundbreaking work” she’s done as an artist, as well as nodding to her HIV/ AIDS advocacy work since the 1980s.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex opens up about ‘scary’ condition after childbirth

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has spoken about suffering from postpartum preeclampsia, calling the potentially fatal condition “so rare and so scary.”

Speaking on the debut episode of her new podcast “Confessions of a Female Founder,” released Tuesday, Meghan described her experience of the condition, which is marked by elevated blood pressure and high levels of protein in the urine or other signs of organ damage.

Meghan was speaking to her friend Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder of the Bumble dating app, who also experienced postpartum preeclampsia.

TURKS HEAD BEER

“We both had very similar experiences — though we didn’t know each other at the time — with postpartum and we both had preeclampsia. Postpartum preeclampsia,” said Meghan.

“It’s so rare and so scary,” she added.

“And you’re still trying to juggle all of these things, and the world doesn’t know what’s happening quietly,” said Meghan.

“And in the quiet, you’re still trying to show up for people… mostly for your children, but those things are huge medical scares.”

Wolfe Herd agreed, saying: “I mean life or death, truly. It’s like, really scary.”

TECHNICAL MACHINE OPERATOR (PACKAGING)

• Responsible for the maintenance and reliability of all equipment, utilities, and the facilities

• Works collaboratively with other functional areas to ensure all maintenance related needs are met in a timely fashion.

• Provides support and/or develops programs related to maintenance including preventative maintenance, facility management, budgeting, engineering, and compliance requirements.

• Maintain the equipment, utilities, and facilities.

• Provide support for in house repair and maintenance projects.

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and facilities.

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Salary $52,000 per year or commensurate with experience

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attending the SXSW 2024 Conference and Festivals at the Austin Convention Center in March 2024, in Austin, Texas

Madonna and Elton John

Brand denies allegations of rape and sexual assault after being charged by UK police

UK police have charged British comedian and actor Russell Brand with rape and other sexual offenses against four women.

Brand has been charged with one count of rape, one count of indecent assault, one count of oral rape and two counts of sexual assault, London’s Metropolitan Police said in a statement Friday.

The Met Police added that Brand, 49, will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London early next month. It did not specify Brand’s current whereabouts but described him as living in southern England. A Met spokesperson told CNN a written charge and requisition has been issued.

Police began investigating the comedian, who more recently has repositioned himself as a social commentator, in September 2023 after receiving allegations following a joint investigation led by three British media outletsThe Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4’s “Dispatches.”

According to the Met Police, it is alleged that one woman was raped in 1999 in Bournemouth, southern England; one woman was indecently assaulted in London’s Westminster area in 2001; a woman was orally raped and sexually assaulted in 2004 also in the Westminster area of London; and a woman was sexually assaulted between 2004-2005 in London’s Westminster area.

“We have today authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Russell Brand with a number of

sexual offences,” Jaswant Narwal of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said, according to a CPS press release Friday.

“We carefully reviewed the evidence after a police investigation into allegations made following the broadcast of a Channel 4 documentary in September 2023. We have concluded that Russell Brand should be charged with offences including rape, sexual assault and indecent assault.”

Brand took to X on Friday to respond to the news, echoing his denial of the allegations.

“When I was young and single before I had my wife and family… I was a fool, man, I was a fool before I lived in the light of the Lord,” he said in a video message.

Cinema bans children from Minecraft evening shows

A cinema has banned under-18s from attending evening showings of A Minecraft Movie without an adult, following reports of rowdy behaviour.

The Electric Palace Picture House in Cannock, Staffordshire, said children would not be allowed to watch the film unaccompanied after 18:30 BST.

The film, based on the popular video game, has sparked social media trends of cheering, shouting out iconic lines, throwing popcorn, and fighting with Minecraft swords during screenings.

The cinema apologised, saying: “This decision has not been made lightly.”

“We are aware of a viral trend on TikTok encouraging people to clap/cheer, shout phrases and throw food during the film,” added the cinema in a Facebook post.

“We appreciate you are excited

and have long awaited this film, but for everyone’s comfort and enjoyment we kindly request that you do not take part in this trend.”

The cinema said it had taken the decision due to “disturbances” over the weekend.

It warned anyone caught recording or disrupting showings would be “ejected from the screen without refund”.

The UK Cinema Association said the response from fans to the film’s release last week had been “exceptional”, with audience interaction driven by “the desire of young people to share their experiences on social media”.

Chief executive Phil Clapp said most of the behaviour had been good-natured, but asked fans to be “mindful of the enjoyment of other cinema-goers”.

The Electric Palace is not the first cinema to issue a warning.

Bollywood duo to have statue in Leicester Square

“I was a drug addict, a sex addict and an imbecile, but what I never was, was a rapist. I’ve never engaged in non-consensual activity, and I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes,” he added, thanking people for sending messages of support.

Brand has appeared in numerous Hollywood films and hosted radio and TV shows in the UK. He was also married to US pop star Katy Perry between 2010-2012.

More recently he has gained a large following online discussing wellness - after publicly talking about his battles with drugs and alcohol - and conspiracy theories, particularly on YouTube where he has over 6 million subscribers.

(CNN)

A statue of the “King of Bollywood” Shah Rukh Khan and one of his co-stars Kajol will be unveiled in London’s Leicester Square later this year.

The statue marks 30 years of the longest-running film in Indian cinema, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, starring both actors.

It will join sculptures of Harry Potter, Gene Kelly in Singin’ in the Rain, Mary Poppins and Batman as part of Leicester Square’s Scenes in the Square trail.

Mark Williams, deputy chief executive at Heart of London Business Alliance, said it was “fantastic” to add the “titans of international cinema” to the trail.

‘INTERNATIONAL APPEAL’

“Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is one of the most successful and

important Bollywood films of all time,” Mr Williams said.

He added that it was the first film featuring Leicester Square to be added to the trail.

The film, often dubbed the Romeo and Juliet of Bollywood cinema, follows Raj and Simran’s love story across Europe and India, beginning on a train from King’s Cross station.

Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, which produced the 1995 film, said: “This statue will be a great way to express the international appeal of Indian movies and build bridges amongst communities through cinema.”

Leicester Square’s Scenes in the Square trail is run by Heart of London Business Alliance, supported by Westminster City Council. (BBC)

Earlier this week, a venue in Oxfordshire told people anyone engaging in “anti-social behaviour” would be kicked out without a refund.

Such instances at cinemas have

included the arrival of the Chicken Jockey, which has become a TikTok trend, with some fans shouting and throwing popcorn.

The film - starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black - tells the story

of a group of people pulled into Minecraft’s famous cubic world. Despite underwhelming reviews, it took an estimated $300m (£233m) at the box office during its opening weekend. (BBC)

The statue marks 30 years of the longest-running film in Indian cinema, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge

Russell Brand, 49, will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London early next month

The film, starring Jack Black and Jason Momoa, has been eagerly anticipated by fans of the game

Autism: Early signs of autism that often go unnoticed

INTRODUCTION

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) impacts children’s communication, social interaction, and behaviour. But since ASD is different in each child, sometimes early warning signs can be masked and difficult to detect. Many parents will believe their child is simply developing on their own schedule, not recognizing behaviours that may be related to autism. Detecting these early warning signs is critical since the earlier it is treated, the better the outcomes.

AUTISM SIGNS IN CHILDREN

• Infants normally begin to maintain eye contact with parents during the initial months of life. When a child shies away from eye contact or does not show interest in faces, it might be an early indication of ASD.

• The majority of babies start smiling at social interactions at about six to eight weeks. If an infant does not smile at parents or caregivers often or does not respond to playful interaction, it could be a sign of a social communication delay. By the age of 12 months, children should be able to point at objects, wave goodbye, or extend their hands to be taken. When a child fails to utilise

these gestures, it may indicate a developmental issue.

• Children with ASD can be over-sensitised to loud sounds, reacting with discomfort at the sound of vacuum cleaners, sirens, or noisy environments. Others might seem oblivious even when their name is called, and there can be doubts about their hearing or social sensitivity.

• Some kids with autism might take longer to begin babbling or talking. Others may start to talk and then lose some of the words or sounds they once had.

• Hand-flapping, spinning, or lining toys up in a specific sequence can be an early

sign of autism. Although repetitive activity is typical in young children, persistence or extreme frequency in a child with ASD might be noticeable.

• They may exhibit distress about small changes in daily routines, for example, going home via a different route or changing arrangements for meals. The insistence on sameness is a prominent indicator of autism.

• Instead of imaginative play, a few children with autism might insist on one object or play toys in a repetitive manner like spinning the wheels of a toy car rather than moving it. They can also find it hard to engage in pretend or cooperative play

Author shot by police after backyard stand-off

Best-selling author Jillian Lauren has been shot by police and charged with attempted murder, after getting caught up in a search for hit-and-run suspects.

The shooting occurred amidst a chase through the streets of Los Angeles on Tuesday, as officers tried to find three suspects who were alleged to have fled the scene of a car accident.

Lauren became involved when one of the alleged suspects ended up on the street where she lives with her husband, Weezer bassist Scott Shriner.

The 51-year-old emerged from her house with a weapon and refused to drop it despite “numerous” demands, according

to an LAPD press release. She “then pointed the handgun at the officers,” who shot her in the shoulder.

The shooting took place in the back yard of her home in the hip Eagle Rock neighbourhood in the northeast of Los Angeles.

According to local media reports, Lauren had opened fire at one of the alleged hit-and-run suspects after they tried to break into her property.

After being shot by police, the 51-year-old ran back into her house, where she stayed for approximately half an hour, before coming back outside with her babysitter and surrendering to police.

Both women were taken into custody, and Lauren was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local hospital.

A nine-millimetre handgun was recovered from her house, and she was later charged with attempted murder.

The California Highway Patrol arrested the suspected hit-andrun driver shortly afterwards, according to agency spokesperson Daniel Keene.

The suspect was found wearing nothing but his boxer shorts in the backyard of a home near Shriner’s residence.

News helicopters had previously filmed him removing his clothes and jumping into a swimming

with other children.

Identifying these early warning signs is important, as early treatment can make a big impact on a child’s development.

Communication, social skills, and behavioural strategies therapies can assist children with ASD in developing necessary skills and achieving their full potential.

CONCLUSION

Parents and caregivers, if you observe some of these warning signs, please refer your child to a developmental specialist to be evaluated carefully. Early knowledge and timely

interventions can result in improved outcomes and increased quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum, for parents and families. In Turks and Caicos Islands, we are making strides to provide the resources. Parents can now access Speech Therapist, and Behavioural Therapist at the Departments of Special Needs Services TCIG, and very soon, an Occupational Therapist. For more information on resources and steps to take to get your child assessed, please visit us at Carolina Clinic or contact us at tcipediatricplace@gmail.com or phone 946-4367.

penned two best-selling memoirs, as well as the true

pool, as well as watering the property’s plants, in what appeared to be an attempt to blend into the neighbourhood.

His identity has not been released. The other two suspects are still at large.

Jillian Lauren has

crime book Behold The Monster, about serial killer Samuel Little

Lauren, who also goes by the name Jillian Shriner, is the author of two bestselling memoirs, including 2010’s Some Girls: My Life in a Harem - which described her experiences in the harem of Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei.

BABYSITTER

MECHANIC HELPER

DUTIES: Assist in the repair of heavy

vehicles and equipment. Diagnostic test, analysis and inventory. REQUIEMENTS: Must have Commercial Drivers License and at least 10 years relevant work experience.

$2000.00 Monthly

PERSONAL CAREGIVER

STORE CLERK

(1) Conduct sales in a courteous and appropriate manner.

(2) When shopping is complete they must: total bill accept payment and provide appropriate change and receipt.

(3) Must log all sales SALARY: $8.00 per hour

• Ensuring the accuracy of figures like revenue and expenses

• Tracking inventory and tax obligations.

• Making recommendations to maximize profit.

• Prepared and maintained financial statements, reports, and summaries to support informed decision-making.

•

•

LAB TECHNICIAN

• Follow SOPs to ensure accurate and consistent testing and analysis.

• Conduct in-process fermentation checks: Density, pH, color,

analysis via

• spectrophotometer.

• Perform packaging QA checks, such as luminometry, TPO/CO2/O2, fill weights, and seam inspections.

• Report of non-conformities to appropriate personnel in a timely matter

• Test CO2 tanks prior to production process

• Conduct sensory analysis of finished

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• Maintain accurate records of tests, batch data, and production results.

• Ensure a clean, safe, and organized lab environment while adhering to safety protocols.

• Work with other managers as necessary

• Maintain a safe work environment for all employees.

Salary $45,000

or commensurate with experience

PRIMARY SCHOOL

•

BABYSITTER

2 GARDENERS

LABOURER

LABOURER

COOK

CLEANER

QUALIFIED

Applicant must be fully qualified RIBA part 3 or equal with a minimum of 10 years post-qualification experience; with the ability to travel freely throughout the Caribbean and South America

• Suitable candidate must be able to work under their own initiative and has the ability to see projects from concept to completion.

• Research literature and maintain knowledge of current building materials, structural, mechanical and electrical system codes and methods of application.

TRUCK DRIVER

• Review subcontractor’s shop drawings to ensure compliance with specifications and contract agreements by checking them for technical accuracy according to accepted guidelines.

• Work with customers and clients to gather facts, define design and space planning problems, conceptualise possible solutions and secure approvals of proposals.

• Review product literature, analyse materials and determine appropriateness for application to projects.

• Provide advice and develop design documents to initiate and modify architectural, interior design and space planning solutions.

• Perform drafting of preliminary concept drawings to architectural working drawings and coordination with structural and mechanical information for new construction or refurbishment projects.

• Have advanced BricsCAD and SketchUp skills and intermediate Revit skills. Also, proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel and Adobe Photoshop.

• Have postgraduate Project Management qualification and experience in Contract Administration and Site Inspection procedures.

• Excellent written and spoken English and Spanish essential.

Experience Turks and Caicos is now accepting applications/resumes for the following positions: Only highly self-driven and motivated, personable and professional individuals, whom have the desire to serve others, need apply:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer

Hours: 40 hours

Department: Unit:

Classification: Managerial

Annual Salary:

Reporting Supervisor: Board of Directors

Probationary Period: 6 months

Positions Supervised: N/A

JOB DESCRIPTION

Experience Turks and Caicos is seeking a suitable candidate for the position of Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”). Experience Turks and Caicos, the Tourism Destination Marketing & Management Organization for the Turks and Caicos Islands, ensures the efficient and effective delivery of the tourism product focusing on building a sustainable Tourism Ecosystem. The CEO will be responsible for the leadership and management of all day-today operations of the organization. This highly visible position will interact with key leaders in the community, government, media, and tourism. The CEO will also serve as the key spokesperson for the organization, ensuring ongoing and active communication and engagement with all tourism stakeholders. The CEO will report directly to the Chairman of the Board of Directors, who reports to the Ministry of Tourism.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage “Experience Turks and Caicos” and supervise the activities of the managers/directors of all other Departments and Units composing “Experience Turks and Caicos”.

• Work closely with the executive team and key stakeholders to develop and implement an annual strategic plan.

• Develop relationships with government officials and national and local political representatives to promote the mission of “Experience Turks and Caicos” and advocate for the tourism industry.

• Work with executive leadership to develop the annual operating budget and staffing requirements.

• Leads the decision-making for the executive team and all employee team members within the organization. This includes making decisions related to the recruitment, and performance management of all employee team members.

• Oversee the finance team to ensure sound internal controls, segregation of duties, and development of policies and procedures.

• Assure a workplace culture that is innovative, supportive, inclusive, and rewarding.

• Develop strategies to identify and pursue new sources of revenue or services that will assist “Experience Turks and Caicos” in fulfilling its mission and increasing its funding.

• Ensure that all activities of the organization are implemented and comply with established policies and procedures, regulations, guidelines, laws, and ethical standards.

• Develop marketing strategies and implement programming to support targeted product development.

• Maintain active community involvement to enhance the visibility and reputation of “Experience Turks and Caicos”.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in business administration, public administration, economics, tourism, marketing and communications, or other relevant field required; an advanced degree is preferred; or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that would provide the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the successful performance of the essential job duties.

• Minimum of ten (10) years of leadership or management/supervisory experience in a tourism-related field utilizing the knowledge, skills and abilities listed below.

• Prior hospitality/tourism, association, or economic development experience preferred.

• Prior experience as CEO in a tourism destination marketing, management or development organization is highly preferred.

• In-depth knowledge of marketing.

• Exceptional financial acumen and experience managing budgets.

• Experience developing market-driven luxury tourism products portfolio.

• Experience engaging local communities and tourism SMEs in the development of new tourism products.

• Experience with quality, safety, and sustainable tourism development programmes for tourism services through international standards.

• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.

• Excellent inclusive communication and interpersonal abilities.

CRUISE TOURISM DESTINATION DIRECTOR

Job Title: Cruise Tourism Destination Director

Hours: 40 hours

Department: Destination Development

Unit: Destination Development Unit

Classification: Managerial

Annual Salary: Up to $100,000 per annum

Reporting Supervisor: Chief Executive Officer

Probationary Period: 6 months

Positions Supervised: N/A

JOB OVERVIEW

The Cruise Director will play a critical role in advancing Experience TCI’s vision for the cruise sector. As cruise tourism is a key component of the islands’ overall tourism strategy, the Cruise Director will oversee the operational, strategic, and stakeholder management aspects of the sector, ensuring that all facets of the cruise passenger experience align with the broader tourism offerings of TCI.

The Cruise Director will serve as the primary management representative for Experience TCI in all matters related to the cruise sector. This individual will be responsible for managing relationships with cruise lines, the Port Authority, the Ministry of Tourism, Customs, Immigration, Port Health, and other key public and private sector stakeholders. The role is essential for ensuring the growth and smooth operation of the cruise sector, as well as for upholding the reputation of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier cruise destination.

Experience Turks and Caicos is now accepting applications/resumes for the following positions: Only highly self-driven and motivated, personable and professional individuals, whom have the desire to serve others, need apply: CONTINUED

As the main interface between Experience TCI and the broader cruise industry, the Cruise Director will lead efforts to promote the cruise ports, enhance on-island passenger experiences, maintain high operational standards, and ensure an exceptional cruise passenger experience. The individual will also establish policies and strategies to grow the cruise sector while fostering solid relationships with local, regional, and international stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Stakeholder Management and Community Engagement

• Act as the primary liaison between Experience TCI and key stakeholders, including cruise lines, port officials, police, beach wardens, DECR, Ministry of Finance, port agents, and other organizations.

• Collaborate with public and private entities to protect and promote the island’s cruise sector.

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with cruise lines, port authorities, vendors, and local community organizations.

• Coordinate initiatives with regional and international agencies to strengthen strategic relationships and promote TCI’s cruise product.

• Represent Experience TCI in cruise-related media interactions, public speeches, and events in consultation with the CEO. Cruise Passenger Facilitation

• Work with the Port Authority, Ministry of Tourism, and other stakeholders to ensure high-quality, safe services for passengers using terminal and destination services.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures for port and terminal operations and broader destination passenger service areas.

• Collaborate with local government agencies to develop and ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental policies related to the cruise sector.

• Oversee and contribute to the management of cruise-related activities, including pre- and post-cruise experiences, attractions, and guest services.

• Regularly assess and monitor guest satisfaction at port terminals and other service areas, addressing concerns promptly.

• Increase and diversify cruise passenger product to enhance cruise passenger experience.

• Work with the Product Development Manager to improve visitor experience through current or new product.

• Work closely with the Cruise Ambassador.

BUDGETING, FINANCE, AND GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

• Develop short-, medium-, and long-term strategies for cruise sector growth based on market analysis and research.

• Design and execute comprehensive marketing strategies for the cruise sector.

• Prepare budgets and review operating results to ensure budget goals are met and expenses are controlled, with a focus on efficiency and performance.

• Provide periodic reports to the CEO, including monthly and quarterly performance updates, ensuring full transparency in financial and operational matters.

• Identify and implement revenue-generating opportunities within the port’s operations.

MARKETING & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

• Work with the marketing team to promote Grand Turk as a premier cruise destination.

• Develop new visitor experiences and shore excursions that enhance the island’s tourism offerings.

• Support local vendors, tour operators, and businesses in providing high-quality services to cruise passengers.

• Develop and execute strategic initiatives to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the Grand Turk Cruise Port.

• Identify opportunities for expansion, infrastructure improvements, and investment in port facilities.

• Collaborate with government bodies and private sector stakeholders on development projects.

• Cruise marketing and development for the island of Grand Turk. Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Tourism, Cruise Port Management, or a related field.

• At least 10 years of senior-level experience in Tourism Management or transportation industries. Experience in cruise line or port terminal operations is highly desirable.

• Strong network within the cruise industry and proven ability to maintain professional relationships.

• Exceptional leadership, communication, written, and interpersonal skills.

• Expertise in strategic planning, budgeting, and operational management.

• Project management experience and skills.

• Creative thinking with the ability to generate innovative ideas.

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Passion for travel and promoting tourism destinations. Working Conditions:

• A dynamic work environment

• Interface with relevant government ministries and departments and tourism private sector entities

• Goal accomplishment within a multi-disciplinary, changing and evolving environment

• Work hours may extend to evenings, weekends and holidays

TOURISM STATISTICS SPECIALIST

Job Title: Tourism Statistics Specialist Hours: 40 Hours Department: Marketing Department Unit: Marketing Intelligence Unit Classification: Employee Annual Salary Up to $60,000.00 Reporting Supervisor: Marketing Intelligence Manager Probationary Period: 6 months

Positions Supervised:

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Purpose: As Tourism Statistics Specialist, your role is to collect, analyze, and report statistical data that enables Experience Turks and Caicos to understand and shape tourism demand and offerings in the TCI. The data you gather and analyze will play a pivotal role in crafting and implementing tourism development policies and strategies.

KEY RESULTS AREAS:

• Statistics Database Development and Management

• Marketing, including Market Research and Market Intelligence Essential Duties:

• Collaborate with Tourism Organizations and Research Institutions to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and explore opportunities for collaboration in collecting and analyzing statistical data.

• Collaborate with the Director of the Tourism Intelligence Unit to define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and other tourism metrics.

• Conduct comprehensive tourism analysis, including trend and impact assessments, surveys, data collection, and analysis.

• Assist in the Development and Management Tourism Information Management Systems.

• Identify data intelligence tools to support the CEO and CMO in

Experience Turks and Caicos is now accepting applications/resumes for the following positions: Only highly self-driven and motivated, personable and professional individuals, whom have the desire to serve others, need apply:

developing marketing and promotional strategies to maximize ROI in public relations, marketing, and sales promotions.

• Input data into databases and software programs.

• Prepare and deliver statistical reports on the tourism performance of the destination and Experience Turks and Caicos.

• Identify all sources of tourism statistical data relevant to Experience Turks and Caicos.

• Assist the Tourism Intelligence Unit in preparing the market research budget for surveys and various statistical analyses.

• Ensure the quality and accuracy of Tourism Data through rigorous validation, verification, and cross-checking.

• Assist in compiling reports, charts, or graphs that explain and interpret analysis findings. Collaborate with the Press and Communication Unit to publish statistical reports and news releases.

• Develop and maintain updated databases and archives related to the tourism products, services, and demand in the TCI.

• Work with the Marketing and Sales Unit to identify marketing activities for various tourism markets and segments.

• Provide recommendations to the CEO and Chief Marketing Officer regarding tourism trends in international markets and segments relevant to TCI.

• Stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in the Tourism Industry to identify new opportunities and challenges. Other:

• Create graphs and infographics to facilitate the interpretation of tourism statistics.

• Attend relevant training courses on tourism statistics.

• Participate in international symposiums, meetings, forums, and training courses related to tourism indicators and data programs.

• Fulfill any other duties assigned by the CEO, Chief Marketing Officer, and Marketing Intelligence Manager. Skills/Qualifications/ Competencies:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, Economics, or a related field.

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in statistical data development and analysis, preferably in the Tourism Sector.

• Proficiency in data analysis, problem-solving, and statistical inference.

• Excellent knowledge of statistical programs such as SPSS, SAS, R, or Python, along with data visualization tools like Tableau, Power BI, and Excel.

• Strong oral, written, communication, and presentation skills.

• Exceptional interpersonal and teamwork skills for effective collaboration with staff, service providers, government agencies, and officials.

• Proficiency in MS Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Working Conditions:

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• A results-driven and dynamic work environment.

• Interface with various government ministries, private sector entities, non-governmental organizations, and agencies.

• Occasional travel may be required.

• Flexibility to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed to achieve goals within a changing and evolving environment.

Resumes with current contact information must be accompanied by a cover letter and two letters of reference (one preferably from a Former employer) as well as copies of educational certificates and a copy of the passport photo page. Shortlisted candidates must submit a police certificate.

Applications should be addressed to: Human Resources AND Operations Director, Experience Turks and Caicos, Regent House, Ventura Drive, Grace Bay, Providenciales. Applications can be delivered via email to hr@myexperiencetci.com

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 18th, 2025

REGISTERED LAND ORDINANCE,

NOTICE OF LOST LAND CERTIFICATE

TITLE NUMBER SECTION ISLAND 60702/87 CHESIRE HALL PROVIDENCIALES & RICHMOND HILL

Whereas, JOHN FFOULKES WILIAMS and GILLIAN MARY WILLIAMS care of Miller Simons O’Sullivan, Regent House West, Regent Village, Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies has declared that the Land Certificate for the above mentioned title number(s) registered in the names of JOHN FFOULKES WILIAMS and GILLIAN MARY WILLIAMS was inadvertently mislaid and cannot be found.

Take Notice that I, Lasana Murray, The Register of Lands, shall cancel the Land Certificate for the said title six weeks of date of the first publications of this Notice in a Local Newspaper and the Gazette

Dated this 01 day of 04, 2025

Publicized by order

Registrar or lands

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

BEACH & WATERSPORTS ATTENDANT

H2O Life.Style.Resort is looking for a Beach & Watersports Attendant to join its team. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in an outdoor environment, enjoys physical activity, and is passionate about providing exceptional guest service.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (BUT NOT LIMITED TO):

• Set up and maintain the beach area (chairs, umbrellas, towels, and equipment).

• Assist with launching and landing kites, setting up wings, Hobie Cats, kayaks, eFoils, and paddleboards. Training will be provided.

• Ensure the beach, pathways, and storage areas are kept clean and organized.

• Support instructors with jet ski assistance when needed.

• Greet guests, promote activities, and provide expert advice on weather conditions.

• Ensure all safety protocols are followed and assist with basic equipment maintenance.

We are seeking individuals with strong customer service and communication skills, the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, and the physical capability to lift and carry equipment. Experience in hospitality or watersports is preferred, along with a basic understanding of kitesurfing, paddleboarding, or kayaking. CPR/First Aid certification is a plus, and fluency in English is required (additional languages are beneficial).

In return, we offer a competitive hourly wage plus a monthly service charge, opportunities to learn kitesurfing, wing foiling, and eFoiling, and access to equipment (subject to availability and conditions). Join our dynamic team and enjoy working in a fun, beachside environment.

THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS

• To move 40lbs cases of alcoholic beverages on a daily basis.

• Assist customers loading products into their vehicle.

• Restocking of

• In charge of the daily cleaning and shelf in the store room and retail store.

NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION

Location TITLE: BLOCK 10401, PARCEL 382, BREEZY BRAE GRAND TURK, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS.

Comprises of House -Three (3) bedroom, two(2) bathroom -The subject parcel has been developed with a mediumsized single

residence comprising a

Description

dining room, kitchen, master bedroom and ensuite and two further bedrooms and a bathroom. Externally, there is a covered front porch and a partially fenced garden area. There is also an integral water cistern below the property.

Title Absolute

Proprietor Shirlene Smith

Approximate Area

Ascendancy TCI Ltd. As Chargee, pursuant to its charge and the Registered Land Ordinance, hereby gives notice that it will cause to be sold the property listed below by Public Auction, to be held at the office of STANBROOK PRUDHOE, Third Floor Graceway House, Graceway Plaza, Providenciales ,Turks and Caicos Islands at 10:00am on Thursday April 24th 2025. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION ARE AVAILABLE BY REQUEST FROM

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

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

WRITERS/ PHOTO JOURNALIST

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

FOR MAGAZINES AND OTHER PERIODICALS GRAPHICS PRODUCTION DESIGNER/ PAGINATOR

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

COURT REPORTER

College or high school graduate with at least five (5) years’ experience in community reporting. Ability to drive and use a camera a desirable asset. Salary paid weekly will commensurate with experience.

ADVERTISING SPACE SALES PERSON

House-The approximate gross floor area of this Building is 1,614 sq. ft. Approximate Area: 0.34

or 1-649-946-4300

Candidates must have had actual hands-on experience selling advertising space for newspapers and magazines. Ability to assist clients with the writing of copy for ads and gathering of collateral an asset. Salary is commission based.

JOIN OUR TEAM APPLY NOW

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Facilities Manager (Cockburn Town Medical Centre, GDT)

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelors Degree or Equivalent

• Experience in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

• Experience in Management of Soft Services within a HealthCare Setting

DUTIES:

• Supervising and Managing a diverse team.

• Managing all Facilities Services within TCI Hospital inclusive of:

• Engineering

• Grounds

• Catering

• Housekeeping

• Laundry

• Reception

• Security

• Contracted Services

Salary: $85K full package including benefits.

HUMAN RESOURCE OFFICER

(Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, PLS)

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 2 years within a Human Resource Role

• Associates/Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource or Business Administration

Duties:

• To Control and supervise Human Resource functions within TCI Hospitals

• To Ensure compliance with company policy relating to on- island and expat recruitment, Performance Management, Education, Grievance and Procedures.

• To Ensure Compliance with TCI Labour Ordinance about Employment Law.

• To Ensure Departmental Heads maintain due diligence records and comply with contractual and Key Performance indicators.

Salary: $35K to $45K dependent on experience.

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

(Cockburn Town Medical Centre, GDT & Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, PLS)

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in an Accounting Role

• Strong Organizational Skills

• Proficient in QuickBooks

• Bachelors Degree in Accounts or Finance.

DUTIES:

• Preparation of Reports

• Assisting with Financial Record- keeping

• Data Entry

• Bank Reconciliation

• Invoice Processing

• General administrative Tasks.

Salary: 40K

ENGINEERING

Engineering Manager (Cockburn Town Medical Centre, GDT & Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, PLS)

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.

• Qualifications in Mechanical and Electrical engineering.

• Experience in Project Management

• Comprehensive understanding and producing of SLA’s, KPI’s and Tender process.

• Hospital engineering environment experience.

DUTIES:

• Managing mechanical and electrical engineering teams and external contractors.

• Maintaining and implementing planned preventative maintenance, reactive maintenance and lifecycle programs

• Delivering high technical training sessions to a variety of management levels.

• Responsible for budgetary compliance, HR responsibilities and working to HTMs

• Oversee sub-contractors.

• Out of hours “On-Call” duties

• H&S and Fire & Disaster Management

ASSISTANT ENGINEERING MANAGER

(Cockburn Town Medical Centre, GDT & Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, PLS)

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.

• Qualifications in Mechanical and Electrical engineering

• Qualifications in Health & Safety (NEBOSH/ IOSH), Medical Gas and Safety

• Must be proficient in IT Software

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar role.

DUTIES:

• Effectively running the daily operations of the Engineering department

• Supervising a diverse team of Grounds men, maintenance persons and handymen.

• Ensuring timely completion of work orders, PPM’s

• Reactive tasks and daily operational activity Salary: $65K full package including benefits.

MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

(Cockburn Town Medical Centre, GDT & Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, PLS)

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelors degree of equivalent

• Qualifications in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

DUTIES:

• Prevented planned maintenance on all HVAC, VSD, pumps and motors, valves and strainers

• Reactive works on all plants

• Fault findings and correction.

• Fabric Maintenance of the building

• Handymen tasks if and when required.

Salary: $50K full package including benefits

SENIOR ENGINEER ADMINISTRATOR

(Cockburn Town Medical Centre, GDT & Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, PLS)

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 3years experience within similar engineering administrative role.

• Bachelors Degree Required

• Resource planning

• Preparation of Reports

• Financial control and quality requirements of an engineering department.

• Data Entry

• Administrative tasks

• Team Shift Scheduling

Salary: $45K

DUTIES:

• Procurement

Appointments will be made based on successful interview, positive reference check and a clear Police check. *Previous experience is required for all posts. For full Job Specification, Qualification Requirements, and Package Details, please contact Ms. Zonelle Hamilton for further information and queries on Tel: 941-2800 Ext 71803. Qualified Belongers will be given first consideration. Apply in writing together with an up to date curriculum vitae to: zhamilton@interhealthcanada.tc.

DOMESTIC WORKER

GARDENER

Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Agriculture Technology. Has experience with propagating, planting of all landscape stock, perform regular scheduled pesticides, trimming, weeding, and pruning; be knowledgeable with all types of local and imported flora and fauna to provide guests with tours of the gardens. Must be proficient in speaking English. Salary: $9/hour. Position currently held by work permit holder.

NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION

Ascendancy TCI Ltd. As Chargee, pursuant to its charge and the Registered Land Ordinance, hereby gives notice that it will cause to be sold the property listed below by Public Auction, to be held at the office of STANBROOK PRUDHOE, Third Floor Graceway House, Graceway Plaza, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands at 10:00am on Thursday April 24th 2025.

Location TITLE: BLOCK 10409, PARCEL 96, EAST SUBURBS GRAND TURK, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS.

Comprises of House

•Three (3) bedroom, one (1) bathroom

Description

•The subject property sits on approximately 0.50 acres of land and comprises a single story, three bedroom/one bath residence. The property was extended a few years ago so that the existing front porch was enclosed and a laundry room added.

Title Absolute

Proprietor Vanessa Forbes

Approximate Area

House-The approximate gross floor area of this Building is 1,201 sq. ft.

Approximate Area: 0.50 Acres

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION ARE AVAILABLE BY REQUEST FROM ASCENDANCY TCI LTD

Third Floor Graceway House Graceway Plaza, Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands 1-844-577-8742 Extension 5100 or 1-649-946-4300

GROUND MAINTENANCE KEEPER

Applicant must be pleasant and have good working comprehension of the English language. Must have a basic understanding of grounds keeping and native vegetation. Performs custodial duties such as sweeping, raking of grounds, garbage removal, and ensure grounds are kept up to resort standards. Must have experience working in a luxury resort property. Salary from $8.00/hour. Position currently held by work permit holder. All resumes can be emailed or delivered to:

A Live in housekeeper is needed for a busy family. The Applicant is required to perform a variety of housekeeping duties including but not limited to the following: -

• Maintaining proper inventory of linen and amenities

• Performing a variety of cleaning details such as vacuuming, mopping, surface cleaning, dusting, changing and laundering linen.

• Must maintain professional manners and patience.

• Must be committed to working as a part of the team

• Must have the initiative to work with minimal supervision

• Must be willing to perform any other duty assigned

• Must follow directions both written and verbally

• Must be honest and confidential

• Must be a good communicator

• Attention to detail and some customer assistance and service are required.

This position requires someone with a sunny disposition who can remain calm during stressful situations. The applicant must have a minimum of 2 years’ Luxury housekeeping experience. Applicant may work long hours including weekends and holidays.

Renumeration for this position starts at $1,500.00 per

MANAGER, BRANCH COMPLIANCE

PURPOSE

The incumbent is responsible for Branch Compliance, AML & Internal Control for the Caribbean North Countries, ensuring business strategies, plans and initiatives are executed / delivered in compliance with governing regulations, internal policies and procedures as well as Scotiabank’s Code of Conduct. The incumbent manages the internal review and monitoring program for Retail & Small Business, ensuring gaps identified have management action plans and are followed for closure, inclusive of the Audit remediation program for Retail Banking.

The incumbent supports business leaders with audits issues and the development of management action plans, coordinates activities and makes submissions for audit closure and to escalate concerns or issues to Senior Management with off-track items.

The incumbent leads the implementation of key Compliance, AML and Internal Control initiatives, liaising with Retail & Small Business leaders, including the completion of RCSAs, EMRA/ESRA, AML procedures and training, and responses to Quality Assurance Testing, and Compliance Testing.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads and drives a customer focused culture to deepen client relationships and leverage broader Bank relationships, systems and knowledge.

• Ensures that trends and gaps are identified and implements corrective action to improve compliance in branches.

• Periodically conducts Branch visits and evaluates results of Branch and Compliance Reviews to ensure Compliance and Controls are in place and effective.

• Evaluates the operating effectiveness of internal controls for branches reviewed, by trending issues/ findings and other pertinent information that will assist with the early identification and reporting of possible systemic problems to Branch Management.

• Ensures risk and regulatory requirements are effectively maintained while supporting an excellent customer experience.

• Maximizes operational efficiency and risk management practices by supporting the completion of Compliance status and trending reports, Compliance and Internal Control Self Assessments, ensuring new processes are properly understood and implemented.

• Works with Country management to coordinate and execute proper management controls, tools

and escalation processes with the purpose of monitoring adherence to AML/KYC and Audit requirements and identifying emerging issues and trends.

• Pro-actively identifies potential violations of regulatory requirements, internal policies and procedures, in a timely manner and makes recommendations to mitigate business, compliance and operational risk.

• Coordinates and or conducts ad hoc control reviews as requested by the incumbent’s direct management to address specific issues in branches.

• Remaining current on all operational policies and procedures through controls of the Bank’s manuals / BIBs/ policies, as well as country specific processes that are directly related to the scope of control.

• Prepares and executes Action Plans for the Audit program and provides status updates to Country Senior Management, Regional Audit and 1B Operational Support.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE / OTHER INFORMATION (INCLUDE ONLY THOSE SPECIFIC

TO EACH FUNCTION)

• University degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or Management with a minimum or 5 years of relevant experience, preferable in the branch operational environment.

• Effective leadership and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to influence and motivate others. Must set a positive example of change leadership and encourage others to do the same.

• Strong PC and verbal communication skills are essential.

• The incumbent must be mobile for travel to the branches in the region is essential to conduct reviews.

• Expert knowledge of regulatory compliance related to Privacy, Anti-Money Laundering/ Anti- Terrorist Financing, Know your Customer requirements, FCAC, CDIC and FATCA.

• Thorough knowledge of credit risk/adjudication policies and procedures to enable effective retail and small business compliance review

• Thorough knowledge of people and performance management techniques

• Working knowledge of Canadian code of Practice for Consumer Debit Card Services (Debit Card Code of Conduct).

• Working knowledge of financial products and services.

• Working knowledge of expense control and/or revenue generating techniques/requirements.

CLEANER

PARADISE WAVES TCI LTD

AFFLUENT RELATIONSHIP MANAGER

PURPOSE

Contributes to the overall success of the Branch / Distribution Management in the Country, ensuring that specific individual objectives, plans, and initiatives are carried out or met in support of the team’s business strategies and objectives. Ensures that all activities are conducted in compliance with current internal standards, policies, and procedures.

Interacts with the client both in-person and virtually, with interactions taking place in a physical branch but also communicating with clients in-person, remotely, virtually, or digitally. Availability, clarity, and assertiveness are crucial to strengthen the relationship with clients.

A highly skilled professional in providing personalized financial solutions to high-net-worth clients.

BOAT CAPTAINS

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Safely operate and navigate company boats, ensuring all activities are in compliance with local regulations and company standards.

• Lead boat tours by providing engaging commentary about the local environment, wildlife, and history of the region.

• Ensure all passengers follow safety procedures, including wearing life jackets and complying with onboard guidelines.

• Maintain vessel cleanliness, inventory, and organization, ensuring boats are fully prepared for each trip.

• Supervise and coordinate the activities of any additional crew members (deckhands, guides), ensuring effective team operation.

• Respond quickly and calmly to any emergency situations, with an emphasis on passenger safety.

• Monitor weather and sea conditions to make real-time decisions for the safety and comfort of guests.

• Manage daily logs, including tour details, guest counts, and boat maintenance records.

• Collaborate with management to ensure smooth operations and assist in planning and organizing tour schedules.

• Maintain a strong customer service focus, resolving any guest concerns or issues with professionalism.

• Participate in ongoing training on safety, customer service, and company procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Captain’s License (International or Turks and Caicos Islands certified) and additional certifications (STCW, first aid, etc.) are an asset.

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in operating boats of similar size and type.

• Strong knowledge of marine navigation, weather patterns, and boating safety protocols.

• Comfortable using technology, including boat navigation systems.

• Excellent communication and customer service skills.

• Ability to work independently, lead a team, and interact positively with guests.

• Must be physically fit and capable of performing manual tasks, including lifting and moving equipment.

COMPENSATION:

• Competitive salary based on experience.

• Tips and performance-based bonuses.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE / OTHER INFORMATION (INCLUDE ONLY THOSE SPECIFIC TO EACH FUNCTION)

• Degree in Commercial Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.

• At least 5 years of experience as an Executive for high-net-worth or highincome clients.

• Experience in managing and advising on investments, with knowledge certified by Simple Certification (Full Certification desirable).

• Strong relationship, leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.

• Strong service orientation and portfolio results.

• Intermediate-advanced English language skills.

• High advisory skills to achieve sales and production targets.

• Priority will be given to those with ACIV G2 certification or equivalent and/ or commitment to obtain it within 6 months.

• Experience in managing and advising on investments.

• High capacity to analyze data, financial statements, and balances, and propose personalized business plans based on analysis.

• Methodical in following branch disciplines.

• Experience in developing client-specific business plans.

• Advanced knowledge of Excel and office tools.

• High advisory skills to achieve sales and production targets.

• High capacity to analyze data, financial statements, and balances, and propose personalized business plans based on analysis.

• Leadership and people management skills.

• Methodical in following branch disciplines.

• Experience in developing client-specific business plans.

• Experience in high-value client relationships.

• Desirable experience in company balances.

• Demonstrable experience in managing client portfolios.

• Sufficient knowledge of modern management techniques and best practices.

• Familiarity with all banking sector rules and regulations.

• Excellent relationship skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Works in a standard commercial office environment and/or remote platform occasionally, with assigned client portfolio. The position requires mobility due to office and/or portfolio changes. Includes field visits and occasional travel.

•

•

•

JOB SUMMARY

• Holds pre-shift meetings daily.

• Maintains patron satisfaction by monitoring, evaluating and auditing food service offerings;

• Maintains operations by managing policies and standard operating procedures; implementing production, productivity, quality, and patronservice standards; determining and implementing system improvements.

• Possesses strong leadership skills with the ability to support, motivate and direct cast Members/teams to achieve (Financial and Service experience).

• Monitor bartenders to ensure drinks are prepared properly using ingredients such as liquor, soda, water, and fruit Juice appropriately.

• Monitor bartenders and servers to ensure all beverages are rang properly.

• Interact verbally with all bar guests creating a friendly and upbeat atmosphere.

• Ensures the opening and closing work is fully completed.

• Make correct change and/or complete any necessary charge changes.

• Order necessary stock to ensure the bar has inventory needed.

• Responsible for ensuring proper checkout procedures for all staff.

• Ensure proper staffing and inventory levels are maintained.

• Demonstrate knowledge of department budgetary guidelines, variances and objectives during decision-making and daily operations in all areas of responsibility.

• Update the GM as to status of operations, suggestions, or departmental concerns in a timely fashion.

• Provide positive communication and customer service skills with every patron and co-worker.

• Perform Duties in a safe manner; report any potential safe hazards to management staff.

• Ability to issue F&B comps to qualifying customers in accordance with Elite Gaming’s Comp Policy.

• Performs other work as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• At least 2 years’ experience in a similar role

• Excellent problem- solving skills and the ability to work well under pressure

• Must Show excellent customer service skills and show the ability to communicate efficiently and effectively with customers.

• To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be capable pf realizing every essential task satisfactorily.

• Must have proven leadership and training skills.

• Business. Food service graduate or equivalent work experience.

• Front and Back of house experience along with bar experience required.

• Extensive food and beverage knowledge with the ability to recall ingredients and dishes to inform customer and wait staff.

• Ability to move freely (standing, stooping, walking, bending, pushing and pulling) and lift up to a maximum of fifty(50)lbs. without assistance.

• Must have 1 years’ experience in a similar role.

• Must speak, write and read fluent English

• Must be computer literate in Excel, word and Outlook.

• Must be mobile in all areas of the casino and have the ability to tolerate various levels of noise,

• Temperature and air quality.

•

•

•

PE/ICT TEACHER

You will be required to teach Computer Science and Physical Education across primary and middle school phases. Applicants must hold a Teaching Degree or similar teaching qualification. You must have five years’ experience working within a British National Curriculum School. Salary range is commensurate with experience, from $40,000 – $48,000 per annum (based on 40 hours per week).

This position is currently held by a work permit holder.

TEACHING ASSISTANT

Your responsibilities will include supporting the classroom teacher in caring for, preparing for and teaching a class of Early Years or primary school age children. Applicants must have experience working in a primary school or in an Early Years environment and/or hold an Early Childhood Certificate. Salary range is commensurate with experience, posts of responsibility and qualifications, from $21,000 - $26,000 per annum (based on 40 hours per week or prorata thereof).

This position is currently held by a work permit holder.

CLASS TEACHER

Your responsibilities will include caring for, planning for and teaching a class of primary school age children. Applicants must hold a Teaching Degree in Primary Education or similar teaching qualification. You must have at least two years’ experience working within a British National Curriculum School. Salary range is commensurate with experience, posts of responsibility and qualifications, from $40,000 - $48,000 per annum (based on 40 hours per week).

This position is currently held by a work permit holder

Sports International

How fatherhood inspired a ‘changed’ Pimblett

There’s been a change in Paddy Pimblett. He hasn’t noticed it, but the people closest to him have.

Pimblett’s team-mate Molly McCann, who retired last month, his coach Paul Rimmer, his wife Laura and his parents have all observed the change.

They noticed it after the birth of Pimblett’s identical twin daughters, Betsy and Margot, one year ago.

“It’s given me more motivation. I’m training harder than I’ve ever trained now because they’re in the back of my mind,” Pimblett tells BBC Sport.

“I need to look after them for the rest of my life, I need to put food on the table so yeah, it’s changed me.

“All the people closest to me have said it and to be

honest, I know they’re not gonna lie.”

Liverpool’s Pimblett has been training for the next big test of his career when he faces American lightweight Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in Miami, Florida on Saturday.

Pimblett says he has been in the gym almost “every day” since his statement first-round submission win over Bobby Green in July, preparing for Chandler, but has also had more time to adjust to parenthood.

Because Pimblett’s daughters are identical, the 30-year-old would sometimes get them mixed up, so he’s figured out a way to tell them apart.

“There’s only little things that help me tell the difference but one of the big

things is Margot has a bangle on her left hand and Betty has a bangle on her right hand,” he adds.

Pimblett responds with trademark humour when he is asked what he has learned since becoming a dad.

“Try and just have one

QUALIFIED EXPERIENCED YOGA TEACHER

baby, twins are hard work,” jokes Pimblett.

“One of us can’t just put them to bed, both of us have to be there. If one cries in the car they will wake the other one up. So yeah, it’s a lot harder.”

‘THE WORLD KNOWS WHO MICHAEL CHANDLER IS’ Pimblett is 12th in the UFC lightweight rankings following his win over Green

nine months ago, while Chandler is five places above him in seventh.

The 38-year-old is a former three-time Bellator lightweight champion and UFC title challenger, losing to Charles Oliveira in 2021.

Since joining the UFC in 2021 - although he has lost four of his six bouts - Chandler has developed into one of the most popular fighters on the roster because of his gung-ho fighting style and willingness to trade punches with opponents.

With Pimblett no stranger to fanfare, the stage is set for one of the most highlyanticipated bouts of the year.

“Obviously everyone in the MMA world knew who Bobby Green and Tony Ferguson were, but Michael Chandler - most of the world know who he is, never mind people who just watch MMA,” said Pimblett.

“He’s gonna come out and try and take my head off, I

know he is 100%, and I’ll be using my range against him.

“He’s confident as well as I am, and I’m looking forward to putting on a show for everyone.”

Pimblett has won all six fights since his UFC debut in 2021 and believes he is not too far away from a lightweight title shot.

Russia’s Islam Makhachev holds the championship at the moment, with his win against Renato Moicano in July breaking the UFC record for most defences of the belt with four.

“A win will put me up to rank seven, that’s the main thing. Beat Michael, then fight someone in the top five, then I’ll be fighting for the title next year,” said Pimblett.

“All my fans [believe in me]. And that’s all that matters really - my friends, my family, my team-mates and my fans, I just love proving haters wrong.” (BBC)

Pimblett has finished four of his six opponents in the UFC

Science & Technology

Saliva test may turn tide on prostate cancer, claim scientists

A saliva test may help “turn the tide” on prostate cancer, UK scientists claim.

It analyses men’s DNA to work out who was born with the greatest risk of developing the disease.

Targeting them for prostate biopsies and MRI scans discovered some aggressive cancers that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.

However, the test has not yet been proven to save lives and experts say it will be “years” before such tests could be used routinely.

Around 12,000 men in the UK die from prostate cancer every year.

Calls for the routine testing of healthy men - known as screening - have grown louder since Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy announced he had terminal prostate cancer.

Screening has been rejected in the past because using the current test - which looks for levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the blood - risks causing more harm than good.

This saliva test does not look for signs of prostate cancer inside the body.

Instead it looks for 130 mutations in men’s DNA, each of which can increase the risk of prostate cancers developing.

The at-home test would not require a visit to the GP, and appeared to perform better than current testing methods according to the study

In the study, scientists tested men aged 55-69 and calculated their risk. Men in the top 10% of scores were invited for further investigations. This included a biopsy and an MRI scan.

THE STUDY, PUBLISHED IN THE NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE, SHOWED:

• Out of 745 men with a high score, 468 were prepared to

have the extra tests

• 187 were found to have prostate cancer

• 103 were higher risk tumours that needed treatment, 74 of these would not have been discovered at this stage with current tests

“With this test, it could be possible to turn the tide on prostate cancer,” said Prof Ros Eeles, from the Institute of Cancer Research, London.

The plans to put data centres in orbit and

It sounds like something from a science fiction movie, but Stephen Eisele is confident that one day his company will open a data centre on the Moon.

“The way we see it is that by putting the data centre in space, you’re really offering unparalleled security,” says the president of Lonestar Data Holdings.

Last month, the Florida-based firm claimed to have successfully tested a tiny data centre the size of a hardback book that hitched a ride to the Moon on the Athena Lunar Lander from US space exploration firm Intuitive Machines. This, in turn, had been launched by a rocket from Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Data centres are the vast warehouses that house stacks of computers that store and process data used by websites, companies and governments.

Lonestar says that putting them on the Moon will offer customers secure, reliable data processing, while taking advantage of unlimited solar energy to power them.

And while space-based data

on the Moon

centres may sound far-fetched, it’s an idea that’s really starting to take off.

Part of the reason is rocketing demand and the difficulty of finding suitable sites on Earth.

The ever-expanding use of artificial intelligence (AI) computing has seen a massive increase in the amount of data that needs to be stored and processed around the world.

As a result, the need for data centres has shot up too, with annual demand set to rise between 19% and 22% by 2030, according to global management consultants McKinsey.

New facilities are springing up all the time - but it’s getting hard to find places to put them. Data centres are large and sprawling, and use enormous amounts of power and water for cooling.

And increasingly local people don’t want them built nearby.

Putting data centres in space –either in orbit around Earth, or on the Moon - the theory goes, means they can’t do quite so much harm. There’s more-or-less unlimited

“We can identify men at risk of aggressive cancers who need further tests and spare the men who are at lower risk from unnecessary treatments,” she added.

‘TWO LIVES SAVED’

Dheeresh Turnbull, who is 71 and from Brighton, took part in the trial.

He discovered he was in the highest risk category despite having no family history of prostate cancer. Further examination showed he had cancer.

“I was completely shocked, I would never have been diagnosed at this stage if I hadn’t joined the trial.”

His younger brother was then invited to take part in the study and also discovered he had an aggressive tumour.

“It’s incredible to think that because of this study two lives have now been saved in my family,” Dheeresh said.

‘STILL

A LONG ROAD’

However, the test is not ready to be rolled out.

Prof Dusko Ilic, from King’s College London, said it was “promising” but improved cancer detection “only modestly” when

used alongside current risk factors such as age, PSA levels and MRI scans.

And he said there was still “no direct evidence” of it improving survival or quality of life, which meant more studies were needed.

The research also focused people of European ancestry and work is still under way to adapt it for people from other backgrounds. Black men are thought to have double the risk of prostate cancer.

The research team also say there are questions around costeffectiveness, potential harms and the best time to analyse the risk.

The saliva test will become part of the pivotal Transform trial which is trying to discover the best way of introducing prostate cancer screening in the UK.

Prof Michael Inouye, from the University of Cambridge, said he believes we will look back on this study “as a landmark” that made the case for using genetics to assess risk.

But he added: “This is a big step along the path to clinical implementation, but it is still a long road.”

He said it will “likely be years” before the NHS used such a test. (BBC)

energy available from the sun, for example, and no neighbours to complain about the environmental impacts.

Not only that, space-based data centres could specialise in services for spacecraft and other space facilities, with space-to-space data transfers quicker than from the ground.

Last summer, a European Commission-funded feasibility study into orbiting data centres published its results.

The Ascend report by carried out by Thales Alenia Space - a joint venture between French and Italian aerospace groups Thales and Leonardo - published its results.

It determined that deploying data centres in space “could transform the European digital landscape”, and be “more eco-friendly”.

Thales Alenia Space envisages building a constellation of 13 satellites measuring a combined 200m-by-80m, and with a total data processing power of around 10 megawatts (MW). That’s equivalent to a current mediumsized, ground-based data centre,

with some 5,000 servers.

Based on technologies that already exist or are under development, the satellites would be assembled in orbit.

Damien Dumestier, Ascend project architect at Thales Alenia Space, says that for spacebased data centres to be more environmentally friendly than existing ground-based ones it will be necessary to make the rocket launchers 10 times less emissive over their lifecycles. He says this looks possible.

“But in order to cover the new technology’s developments and the production capacity ramp-up to benefit from scale, we have to

consider larger system capacity, around 200MW, meaning 200 of our envisaged large space infrastructures and 200 launches,” he says.

“The main question is when an adapted launcher will be ready. Depending on the investment and decisions to be taken, this could be done for 2030 or 2035, meaning commercial viability before 2037.”

However, despite this optimism from firms aiming to develop the technology, Dr Domenico Vicinanza, associate professor of intelligent systems and data science at Anglia Ruskin University in the

Data centre firm Lonestar recently sent its test equipment to the Moon on this lunar lander

Science & Technology

Sit-to-stand: The simple test that reveals how you’re ageing

The sit-to-stand test takes just 30 seconds to complete, but its results can provide profound insights into your health.

Getting out of a chair may seem too trivial a task to pay much attention to, but your ability to do so actually reveals a great deal about your health. To assess this, doctors use the sit-to-stand test (STS), which measures how many times you can rise to a standing position from seated within 30 seconds. It’s commonly performed in GP surgeries, or community settings when screening for health issues amongst older people, but it can also easily be performed at home.

“It’s a really helpful test, because it tells us so much about how well people are functioning,” says Jugdeep Dhesi, a consultant geriatrician at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust in London and professor of geriatric medicine at Kings College London, in the UK. “It tells us about their strength, their balance and their flexibility. We know that there’s some studies that suggest that it can help to inform whether people are at risk of things like falls, cardiovascular issues or even at a higher risk of dying.”

All you need to do the test at home is a chair with a straight back and no arm rests, and a stopwatch or timer (most modern phones have this function).

To do the test, simply sit in the middle of the chair, cross your arms and place both of your hands on opposing shoulders. Keep your back straight with your feet on the floor. Then press your stopwatch’s start button and rise to a full

Activities such as gardening are recommended for improving your general strength and fitness – and consequently your sit-to-stand score

standing position before sitting down again. Repeat this for 30 seconds, counting how many times you can come to a full standing position.

While the test is primarily used in older adults over the age of 60, it has also been used in those who are younger.

The US public health agency the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has outlined the average results for different age groups. Scores which are below the average could indicate a risk for poor health outcomes, such as falls. For example, for a person aged between 60-64, the average is 14 for a man, and 12 for a woman.

If you are aged 85-89, however, the average score is eight. However, these average scores do not take into account a person’s medical history – for example if they have recently undergone surgery or have an injury.

The test can also be beneficial

for younger people or those with no health conditions, as it is a good measure of fitness, particularly lower body muscular strength and endurance. Researchers in Switzerland asked almost 7,000 adults to do the STS test and then compared the results. They found that the average score for 20–24-year-olds was 50/minute for men and 47/minute for women. Some of those taking part, however, were able to perform as many as 72 repetitions in a minute.

In another study of healthy volunteers, who had an average age of 21, researchers found a strong association between the results of the sit-to-stand test and a different – but more time-consuming –measure of their aerobic capacity and endurance.

Research shows that how well you perform on the test can also tell healthcare providers a great deal about your underlying health. For example a low score on the test can

The plans to put data centres in orbit ...

UK, says there are numerous big hurdles before space-based data centres can be a viable proposition.

“Even with the contribution and advancements of companies like SpaceX, launching hardware into orbit remains extremely expensive,” he says.

“Each kilogram sent into space costs thousands of dollars.

“Space-based data centres would require not only the data equipment but also the infrastructure to protect, power, and cool them. All of which add up in weight and complexity.”

Cooling the equipment will be a particular problem, because

even though space is cold, conventional cooling systems don’t work well without gravity.

Meanwhile, space weather can damage electronics, while the ever-increasing quantity of space debris puts the physical hardware at risk.

Dr Vicinanza adds: “And fixing problems in orbit is far from straightforward. Even with robotics and automation, there are limits to what can be repaired remotely.

“A big hardware failure might necessitate a costly human mission, potentially making downtime stretch for weeks or months.”

Yet firms like Lonestar are supremely confident, and say that they are responding to

be used to identify people who might be at risk of worse outcomes after surgery or after cancer treatment.

A poor score on the test also suggests that a person’s heart and lungs may not be functioning well, putting them at higher risk of “adverse cardiac events” such as myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke and heart failure.

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if a person scores less on the test than the “average” for their age group then they are also at greater risk of falls.

“What we’re really worried about is that if people don’t maintain their strength, their balance, their flexibility and their cardiovascular health, then they’re more likely to fall,” says Dhesi.

About 30% of people aged over 65 have a fall every year, and that rises to about 50% in people aged over 80 years. Once people have had one fall, they often become scared of falling again, making them less likely to go out, sometimes leading to social isolation.

“If you’re worried about falling, you’re not [necessarily] going to go out and meet people and do other things. So it becomes a bit of a vicious circle,” says Dhesi.

As well as social isolation, falls can cause significant injuries, especially in older people. “Falls are a really big issue, because as well as minor injuries, muscle tears and sprains, there is a risk of significant injuries like hip fractures,” says Dhesi. In the US more than 300,000 people each year suffer hip fractures. “We know that there are 70,000 hip fractures a year in the UK and around 30% of people will die within a year of a hip fracture,” says Dhesi.

demand. “We wouldn’t be doing this if the customers weren’t asking us to,” says Mr Scott. Its next target is to put a small data centre in orbit around the moon in 2027. Meanwhile, other companies are hoping to get there a bit faster, such as Washington state-based Starcloud, which is due to launch a satellite-based data centre next month, and start commercial operations in mid2026.

Lonestar’s Mr Eidele says that space-based facilities offer more security for governments and businesses because their data does not need to be routed through terrestrial networks. Instead the information can be beamed directly from space to a dedicated ground station.

useful prompt to remind you to do all the things that you can do to get better and stay better. So, I think it’s a really good way of empowering people to take control of their own health.”

ACCORDING TO THE CDC,

THE AVERAGE STS TEST SCORES FOR EACH AGE GROUP ARE:

• 60-64 the average score is 14 for men, and 12 for women

• 65–69 the average score is 12 for men, and 11 for women.

• 70-74 the average score is 12 for men, and 10 for women.

• 75–79 the average score is 11 for men, and 10 for women.

• 80–84 the average score is 10 for men, and 9 for women.

• 85–89 the average score is 8 for both, men and women.

• 90–94 the average score is 7 for men, and 4 for women.

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR PERFORMANCE

According to Dhesi, the best way of improving your score is to stay as active and mobile as possible. If mobility is difficult, you can start by doing seated exercises that can be used to build up strength. From there, you could move to standing up perhaps five times every hour or two hours.

If you are able, simply walking up and down your living room and making sure that you are going up and down the stairs at least three or four times a day can also make a difference.

One 2012 study even found that a variation of the STS test was a “significant predictor of mortality” of adults aged between 51 to 80. Individuals who scored low on the test were between five to six times more likely to die over a sixyear period than those who scored highest. However, Dhesi points out that while tests like STS are a good indicator of health, they cannot predict how long a person can live.

“What you can use them [the sit-to-stand test results] to say is –this is something we need to think about, and there are treatments or interventions that we should be doing to try to improve a person’s health outcomes, their quality of life, their independence and to help them to live well for longer, which is the really key bit,” says Dhesi.

“Doing these kinds of tests at home helps you to see where you are in relation to other people of your age and so it can be a really

“You want to avoid ‘bungalow legs’ [i.e. weak legs from living in a single-storey home] – essentially you want to make sure you can carry on going up and down stairs using those muscles, maintaining your balance, and remaining independent,” says Dhesi.

Dhesi also advises people to go out and join exercise classes if they can. Many gyms run exercise programs for seniors at low cost.

“The added benefit there is the social contact on top of the physical contact. And we know that that’s a really important aspect of as you get older – loneliness and social isolation can really be detrimental for your health.”

Finally, other tips include keeping moving and doing housework. For older adults, playing with your grandkids if you have them – getting down on the floor with them, and getting up off the floor with them – can be helpful. Other recommendations include adding simple activities to your day-to-day routine such as getting up and stretching if you’ve been sat down for a while, walking to the shops instead of driving, or doing more gardening. (BBC)

Science & Technology

Heavy drinking linked with lasting impact on the brain, study finds

Heavy drinking is associated with increased risk of a type of brain injury linked with memory and thinking problems. That’s according to a new study in which researchers defined heavy drinking as eight or more alcoholic drinks per week.

This study, which was published in the journal Neurology, comes when clinicians and public health advocates are raising awareness of alcohol use disorder and issues related to excessive alcohol consumption.

To help people think about their drinking habits, given the key takeaways of this report, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr Leana Wen. Alcohol affects the brain, but how much alcohol is too much? How can people recognize signs of problem drinking in themselves and in their loved ones? Is it necessary to totally abstain, or are there ways to have a healthy relationship with alcohol?

Wen is an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at George Washington University. She previously was Baltimore’s health commissioner.

CNN: WHAT DOES THIS NEW STUDY SHOW ABOUT ALCOHOL AND POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO THE BRAIN?

Dr Leana Wen: This study involved a postmortem analysis of over 1,700 people who had an average age of 75 at the time of their death. Scientists examined their brain tissue to look for signs of brain injury, including a lesion called hyaline arteriolosclerosis, which is associated with memory and cognitive problems, and tau tangles, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Separately, the researchers queried family members about

Participants

participants’ alcohol consumption.

The participants were divided into four groups: those who never drank; those who had seven or fewer drinks weekly; those who had eight or more drinks a weekly, which was defined as heavy drinking; and former heavy drinkers who have stopped drinking.

Heavy drinkers had a whopping 133% higher likelihood of having hyaline arteriolosclerosis compared with nondrinkers, and that’s after accounting for other factors that could affect brain health such as smoking. Former heavy drinkers had 89% higher odds of developing this lesion, and moderate drinkers had 60% higher odds.

Heavy drinkers also had a higher likelihood of developing tau tangles. Moreover, these participants were more likely to die an average of 13 years earlier compared with those who never drank.

I think these are compelling results that link heavy alcohol consumption with lasting impacts on the brain. It’s especially telling that former heavy drinkers have evidence of sustained damage, although halting that heavy

drinking does appear to lower risk. There are caveats to this study. It is important to point out that these findings are associations that are suggestive, rather than proof of cause and effect. In addition, one limitation of the study is that it didn’t measure duration of alcohol consumption or distinguish between those people who regularly consumed one or two drinks a night versus those who drank sporadically but heavily.

CNN: WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT HOW ALCOHOL CAN AFFECT THE BRAIN?

Wen: In the short term, alcohol use can disrupt the brain’s communication pathways and make it harder for the brain to control thinking, coordination, balance, speech and judgment. High amounts of alcohol in a short time can lead to such significant impairment that key areas that control breathing and heart rate begin to shut down.

People with alcohol use disorder can have progressive brain changes that affect thinking and cognition. For example, a condition known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

Public Appeal

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is appealing to any member of public who may have any information on any crimes. They can contact Chalk Sound Police Station on 338-5901 or make use of the confidential reporting system through Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477.

that is linked with severe alcohol use can be permanently disabling, with long-term memory loss. Smaller amounts of alcohol have been linked to premature aging and shrinking of the brain.

Given the plethora of studies demonstrating the effect of alcohol use on the brain, the findings from this new study aren’t a surprise.

CNN: HOW MUCH ALCOHOL IS CONSIDERED TOO MUCH?

Wen: Adults of legal drinking age should not drink more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men, according to the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

But these guidelines are controversial. Earlier this year, then-US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy issued guidance that alcohol consumption within the guideline amounts can be linked with elevated cancer risk.

Some people who are following these guidelines could be considered heavy drinkers, according to this new study. A man could consume, say, two drinks a day for five days a week and exceed eight drinks a week, which in this study is linked with signs of brain injury.

Another way to assess for excess alcohol consumption is whether there is binge drinking. Binge drinking is defined as four or more drinks on one occasion for women and five or more drinks on one occasion for men, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People who engage in binge drinking are at higher risk from injuries such as car accidents and falls. Moreover, the large amount of alcohol their bodies are exposed to is thought to cause more stress to their organs than if the drinks were metabolized over time.

CNN: DOES DRINKING A LOT RESULT IN ADDICTION? HOW CAN PEOPLE RECOGNIZE SIGNS OF PROBLEM DRINKING IN THEMSELVES OR IN THEIR LOVED ONES?

Wen: There are two separate but related issues. One is drinking levels of alcohol that exceed recommended amounts, whether over a weekly basis or heavily at once via binge drinking. Either type of excessive drinking can result in long-term problems, including impacts on the brain, heart and liver.

Another issue is physiological dependence from alcohol and problems stemming from a condition called alcohol use

disorder. Alcohol Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness of this disorder, which is the most common substance use disorder in the United States. Nearly 29 million Americans age 12 and older meet criteria for diagnosis, which include loss of control over how much they drink, difficulty fulfilling work and caregiving responsibilities, and physical symptoms when they stop drinking such as nausea and sweating. People can take several different self-questionnaires to screen for problem drinking. They also can look out for signs of alcohol use disorder in their loved ones. It’s crucial everyone knows effective treatment exists for alcohol use disorder. No one should have to suffer alone.

CNN: IS IT NECESSARY TO TOTALLY ABSTAIN, OR ARE THERE WAYS TO HAVE A HEALTHY

RELATIONSHIP WITH ALCOHOL?

Wen: This is an area that is hotly debated among clinicians and public health experts. The consensus is generally that less is better. Medical professionals are not going to tell someone who doesn’t drink to start drinking. Moreover, the consensus is clear that excessive drinking is a problem. Binge drinking is associated with many risks, as is heavy alcohol use.

Where to draw the line on defining heavy alcohol use is not entirely clear. More and more research, including this study, are beginning to show that even alcohol usage within currently recommended guidelines could be associated with negative consequences.

At the same time, I think it’s possible for people to have a healthy relationship with alcohol. One way to assess one’s relationship with alcohol is with sobriety challenges such as Dry January and Sober October. These experiences can help people take stock of exactly how much they are drinking, how they feel when they abstain, and when and why they drink.

For instance, do they drink to mask negative feelings? Are they ashamed or feel loss of control by how much they drink? These are warning signs that people need to seek help from a mental health specialist or their primary care provider. Individuals who drink heavily also should be careful not to stop suddenly because the effects of sudden withdrawal can be dangerous. Those people who wish to cut back should do so under the care of their medical provider. (CNN)

in the new study who were heavy drinkers also had a higher likelihood of developing tau tangles, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease

Sports International

Billie Jean King receives Hollywood Walk of Fame star

Legendary tennis player and social equality advocate Billie Jean King has received a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame.

King, 81, is the first woman to be given the honour in the new sports entertainment category.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame was previously reserved for stars of cinema, television, radio, theatre and music.

“The important thing is, I don’t want to be the last one,” said King.

“My family loved music and movies. My mother would have loved this.”

Her star is the 2,807th to be installed on the Walk of Fame, which began in 1960 and runs along along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Los Angeles.

King one of the greatest female tennis players of all time, winning

LeBron

39 Grand Slam titles in singles and doubles competitions.

She is also an advocate for gender equality and social justice, winning the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match against Bobby Riggs in 1973.

The American is also the founder of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).

King was honoured with the lifetime achievement award at the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year in 2018.

In 2020 the Fed Cup was renamed the Billie Jean King Cup in honour of the former world number one.

Great Britain’s Billie Jean King Cup qualifier against Germany will be live on the BBC iPlayer and Red Button from 13:00 BST on Friday, with text coverage on the BBC Sport website. (BBC)

Teenager Gout Gout breaks 10-second barrier for 100m twice in same day

Australian sprinter Gout Gout, 17, broke the 10-second barrier for the 100 meters not once, but twice in the same day.

The teenager, who had never dipped under the mark before, clocked 9.99 seconds in the under-20 100m heat before recording the same time in the final at the Australian Athletics Championships in Perth on Thursday.

However, neither time will count as his official personal best as both were assisted by illegally high tailwinds.

Going under 10 seconds for the first time is the latest achievement in Gout’s promising young career, which began getting global attention after he ran the 100m in 10.57 seconds as a 14-year-old in 2022.

He has already drawn comparisons with legendary sprinter Usain Bolt and is considered one of the fastest teenagers in the world.

On Thursday, Gout initially blitzed through the heats, easing up over the finish line to save his energy for the final, where he clocked the exact same time.

He didn’t have the best start in the final but quickly raced away from his rivals. This time the teenager didn’t ease up and continued to push before dipping over the line.

His time in the heat was assisted by a 3.5m/s tailwind, while his final time was aided by a 2.6m/s tailwind.

James becomes first male athlete with a Ken doll

LeBron James, one of the most iconic figures in modern sports, has made history once again - this time in the toy aisle.

Mattel has announced the release of a new Barbie in Mr James’ likeness, making him the first professional male athlete to be honoured as a Ken doll.

“We are excited to bring fans a new presentation of Ken,” said Krista Berger, Mattel’s senior vice president of Barbie. She said the doll celebrates “LeBron as a role model,” his ability as an icon to transcend culture and set a “positive example for the next generation.”

The doll features the Los Angeles Lakers basketball player in his pre-game fashion and reflects

his height - it’s an inch taller than the standard Ken doll.

In reality, the athlete is 6ft 9in tall.

The new doll comes as the company is facing financial uncertainty amid President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war with China, where just under 40% of Mattel’s production is based.

Trump announced on Wednesday that tariffs on goods from China would increase to 125%. He accused Beijing of a “lack of respect” after it retaliated and said it would impose tariffs of 84% on US imports.

In the same announcement, Trump announced a 90-day pause for countries hit by higher US tariffs and authorised a universal

“That’s what I was hoping for. I didn’t get the start I anticipated but I just focused on what I needed to focus on, got through my drive phase and kept driving and saw the clock, so can’t be happier than that,” Gout said after the race when asked about breaking the 10-second barrier.

Gout has enjoyed some hot form this year, running a world-leading time of 20.05 seconds in the 200m in March, just 0.01 outside his own Australian record which he set in December.

He then followed it up by becoming the first-ever Australian to break the 20-second barrier for 200m, running 19.98 seconds in the Queensland State Championships.

However, the time also won’t stand as an official record because of illegal wind conditions (+3.6m/s).

The speedy times have thrown Gout’s name into the limelight and he’s been touted as the heir to Bolt’s throne.

For Gout, though, it’s all about taking things one step at a time.

“Obviously there are those moments when the media gets too much but, at this moment, I just let it sink in and focus on training, focus on my race and get the job done,” he said.

Gout will be back at the same track to race in the men’s 200m event on Sunday when he will look to record a new personal best. (CNN)

“lowered reciprocal tariff of 10%” as negotiations continued with roughly 60 countries.

Mattel has said it may have to increase prices and possibly implement changes to its supply chain. Consumer and business groups in the US have warned that the tariffs may disrupt supply chains and lead to higher prices.

The new Ken doll doesn’t show the athlete in his basketball uniform. Instead, he’s dressed in a varsity jacket adorned with “LJ” on the front.

It includes an Ohio patch and a crown patch on one sleeve and the number 23 - his basketball jersey number - on the other. On the back, “LeBron” is boldly printed along with the phrase, “Just a kid from

King, 81, is the first woman to be given the honour in the new sports entertainment category

Gout Gout won the under-20 title at the Australian Athletics Championships on Thursday

Lebron James is one of the best NBA players

the Ohio city where he was born.

Sports International

Would 48-team Women’s World Cup be good for the game?

“Fifa was right.”

That’s how president Gianni Infantino described his organisation’s decision to expand the Women’s World Cup from 16 teams to 32 for the 2023 tournament.

Less than two years later he has announced plans for further expansion.

The women’s tournament is set to follow the lead of the men’s World Cup and become a 48-team competition from 2031.

But is Fifa right this time? BBC Sport looks at the pros and cons of an expanded Women’s World Cup.

WAS EXPANSION A SUCCESS IN 2023?

The 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which featured eight new teams, threw up plenty of surprises.

It was a successful tournament for African nations, with underdogs Morocco, South Africa and Nigeria - ranked 72, 54 and 40 in the world respectively - reaching the last 16.

Morocco’s progression came at the expense of two-time champions Germany, who went out at the group stages a year after reaching the Euro 2022 final.

Zambia, ranked 81st, were the lowest-ranked team to qualify.

While they suffered 5-0 losses to Japan and Spain, they finished third in their group thanks to a 3-1 win over Costa Rica, who were ranked 44 places higher.

Nigeria, 40th in the rankings, lost to eventual runners-up England in a penalty shootout in the last 16.

Of the 32 teams, only three failed to earn a single point - Costa Rica, Haiti and Vietnam - and only Vietnam failed to score.

There were some one-sided scorelines, though, including the Netherlands firing seven past Vietnam and Norway thrashing the Philippines 6-0.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

Only 44 nations have played in a

Women’s World Cup.

With the tournament expanding by 16 teams, there will be more qualifying places allocated to each of the six Fifa continental zones.

That could provide an extra incentive for governments and national football associationsparticularly from smaller nations who have not competed on the world stage - to invest in the women’s game.

US Soccer chief executive JT Batson said the expansion of the 2031 tournament - set to be held in the US - would be “incredible for growing the women’s game”.

“One of the things we hear from folks who lead federations around the world is they view the Women’s World Cup as an opportunity for them to, one, make a World Cup and, two, really go compete in a way that conceivably they wouldn’t be able to on the men’s side,” Batson said., external

“So what this would lead to in terms of spurring investment all around the world in women’s and girls’ soccer, we think would be incredible.”

England manager Sarina Wiegman said she had reservations about expanding from 24 teams to

Cavaliers beat Bulls to seal top spot in East

The Cleveland Cavaliers secured top spot in the Eastern Conference with a 135-113 victory over the Chicago Bulls.

Victory means Kenny Atkinson’s side will have home advantage in next week’s play-offs following the completion of the regular season on Sunday.

Darius Garland top-scored with 38 points as the Cavaliers improved to 63-16 with three regular-season

games remaining.

“You celebrate these moments,” said Atkinson. “I think the guys are super happy in that locker room. We’ve had some ups and downs this past month, but I’m really proud of the guys.

“It’s hard to win 63 games in this league, and it’s hard to be the first seed. So, great accomplishment. We’re hungry for more.”

32 for the 2023 edition.

However, she changed her mind after the tournament, saying more teams “made it more competitive”.

“It will grow the game again in different countries because they have other opportunities to come and still have challenges to overcome,” Wiegman said.

“Some countries are at different stages of their development, so it will empower women in sport, women in football and women in society.”

From a UK perspective, more qualifying places would give the home nations a better chance of reaching a tournament on home soil in 2035.

While England have established themselves as one of the world’s best teams, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland have played in only one World Cup, and Wales and Northern Ireland have never qualified.

Wales and Scotland lost in the play-off finals for the 2023 tournament.

WHAT ARE THE DOWNSIDES?

When it was announced that the men’s World Cup would expand to

48 teams, the immediate concerns were that the competition would be diluted.

The same questions have been asked of an expanded Women’s World Cup and there are worries that one-sided scorelines and a gulf in quality would devalue the women’s game and turn off television audiences.

“There is the fear it might dilute some of the competition,” said former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley.

She also highlighted player welfare and adding to an already busy football calendar as possible downsides to an expanded tournament.

“There’s probably also an element of will the tournament be longer? You’re going to see a massive increase in games,” she said.

“Will there be an increase in rest periods? How is that going to affect the domestic calendar? How is that going to affect the player loading and recovery?”

Qualifying for a World Cup does not guarantee that federations will fully support their women’s teams, with the 2023 edition featuring a number of teams, such as Jamaica,

who faced battles off the pitch and publicly criticised their federation over facilities and preparation.

WHAT IS FIFA DOING TO HELP GROWING NATIONS?

Bardsley said there must be a “real emphasis on developing the game” if the tournament expands to 48 teams.

“There is time but it’s going to have to really be prioritised and accelerated,” she said.

Fifa launched its Women’s Football Strategy in 2018 and set a goal of having 60 million girls and women playing football across the globe by 2027.

Within its objectives, Fifa aims to ensure all 211 of its members have comprehensive women’s football strategies.

Through its Women’s Development Programme, Fifa also offers its members the opportunity to apply for and access additional resources and specialist expertise to develop women’s football.

“It’s going to be a tall order, but if Fifa serious about this investing in the women’s game now, you’ll see a massive benefit by 2035,” Bardsley said.

For the teams who do qualify, Fifa has previously promised to match the prize money on offer at the men’s World Cup for the 2027 tournament.

HOW WOULD A 48-TEAM TOURNAMENT WORK?

The first time we will see a 48-team tournament is next year’s men’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the US.

At first, Fifa suggested a groupstage format that included 16 groups of three teams, with the top two from each group going through.

But that caused controversy because the sides playing in the final group game could play out a result that enabled both to go through at the expense of the other team.

After widespread criticism and a thrilling four-team group stage in Qatar at the 2022 men’s World Cup, Fifa revised its plans.

The 48 teams will be drawn into 12 groups of four with the top two from each - along with the eight best third-placed nationsadvancing to a 32-team knockout stage.

There has been no indication yet as to whether a women’s tournament would follow the same format.

The number of games will rise from 64 in a 32-team competition to 104 with 48 teams, which is likely to mean a longer tournament.

The 2026 men’s World Cup is set to last 10 days longer than in 2022. (BBC)

Spain beat England in the 2023 final to win their first Women’s World Cup

Sports National

Djokovic exits Monte Carlo in ‘horrible’ Tabilo defeat

Novak Djokovic’s wait for a 100th ATP singles title continues after he exited the Monte Carlo Masters in a “horrible” straight-set opening loss to Alejandro Tabilo.

Djokovic, a two-time winner of the event, made 29 unforced errors compared to his 18 winners in a subdued start to the 37-year-old’s clay-court season, resulting in a 6-3 6-4 defeat.

The record 24-time men’s major champion had won the last 10 matches he had contested on clay - including his run to Olympic gold in July.

But Chilean Tabilo, who beat Djokovic on the surface at the Italian Open 11 months ago, replicated that surprise victory to reach the third round.

“I expected myself at least to have put in a decent performance. Not like this, it was horrible,” Serbia’s Djokovic said.

“I did not have high expectations. I knew I’m going to have a tough opponent and I knew I’m going to probably play pretty bad. But this bad, I didn’t expect.

“I was hoping it was not going

to happen, but it was quite a high probability I’m going to play this way.

“A horrible feeling to play this way, just sorry for all the people that have to witness this.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Carlos Alcaraz rallied to a comeback victory over Francisco Cerundolo in the 21-year-old’s first clay match of the season.

Spanish world number three

MS Dhoni will lead Chennai Super Kings for the remainder of the Indian Premier League season after Ruturaj Gaikwad sustained an elbow injury.

The 43-year-old returns to captain the side he led between 2008 and 2024, taking the franchise to five IPL titles.

There has been speculation in recent days that Dhoni might retire after his parents attended Saturday’s defeat by Delhi Capitals.

But he will now take charge of a side who have lost four and won one of their opening five matches, sitting ninth in the 10-team table. The veteran wicketkeeper is

averaging 51.50 with the bat this campaign, largely thanks to three innings where he finished unbeaten, and he has two top scores of 30 at a strike-rate of 153.73.

CSK head coach Stephen Fleming has said that Dhoni, once known as one of the game’s great finishers, now “can’t bat for 10 overs” because of problems with his knees.

“He will gauge on the day what he can give us,” said Fleming.

“If the game’s in the balance, he will go a little bit earlier, and he backs other players when other opportunities are up.

“He’s too valuable and leadership wise to throw him in after nine or 10 overs.”

Australian eighth seed Alex de Minaur came from behind to defeat Czech Tomas Machac, while Russian ninth seed Daniil Medvedev beat Alexandre Muller of France, also in three sets.

Great Britain’s Jack Draper is back in action on Thursday, when the Indian Wells champion faces Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina for a quarter-final place.

DJOKOVIC’S WAIT FOR CENTURY

GOES ON

Alcaraz was unable to match Argentine Cerundolo in the first set but dominated thereafter, winning 12 of the last 13 games for a 3-6 6-0 6-1 victory.

Norwegian fourth seed Casper Ruud beat Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut 6-2 6-1 to reach the third round, while Russian seventh seed Andrey Rublev overcame Frenchman Gael Monfils 6-4 7-6 (7-2).

Djokovic is aiming to become only the third man in the Open era - after Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer - to win 100 Tour-level titles, having reached 99 by completing a career ‘Golden Slam’ at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

But, after being stunned by Czech teenager Jakub Mensik in the Miami Open final in his previous attempt at reaching the landmark, that wait goes on for Djokovic.

Making his 18th appearance in Monte Carlo, the 2013 and 2015 champion made the perfect start by breaking Tabilo’s serve in the

opening game.

But world number 32 Tabilo once again had the measure of the former world number one, against whom he has now achieved the two biggest wins of his career.

The 27-year-old produced an excellent response following his early setback, twice breaking an out-of-sorts Djokovic to turn the first set around.

Tabilo then struck what proved the decisive blow in the third game of set two, with Djokovic conceding on a second break point after inviting pressure with costly errors.

The Serb attempted to hang on, but Tabilo saved two break points to move within one game of victory before sealing it on his second match point.

Set to face Bulgarian 15th seed Grigor Dimitrov next, Tabilo said: “It has been a tough year, so a little bit of the nerves were there.

“I remembered last time what I did well and thankfully I served well today and it helped me a lot. It was an unreal match.” (BBC)

Celebre D’Allen died from ‘post-race infection’

Grand National runner Celebre D’Allen died from a “severe bacterial respiratory infection” that developed after the race, a post-mortem examination has determined.

However, tests found the horse’s immune system was “severely compromised” after the “exerciseassociated episode” during Saturday’s race.

The 13-year-old did not finish at Aintree, having been pulled up after the final fence before collapsing on the track.

After initially showing signs of recovery, Celebre D’Allen’s condition “deteriorated significantly” and he died on Tuesday.

Jockey Micheal Nolan, Celebre D’Allen’s rider, was handed a 10-day suspension after Aintree stewards ruled he had “continued in the race when the horse appeared to have no more to give and was clearly losing ground after the second-last fence”.

But the post-mortem examination found that the effects of the incident had “concluded by the time of death”.

The horse developed pleuropneumonia - a bacterial respiratory infection - after the race.

The infection resulted in the onset of sepsis, which is “likely

to have been a key factor” in the cause of death.

Blood tests taken on the day of the race indicated that the infection had not been present in the horse on raceday.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) said the postmortem examination was just “one part” of their reviewing process of any fatality and that Celebre D’Allen’s death would be analysed in detail.

Celebre D’Allen was a 125-1 shot at the National, which was won by jockey Patrick Mullins on Nick Rockett.

On Tuesday, it was also announced that Mullins has been given an eight-day ban after his

ride was referred to the Whip Review Committee.

The amateur jockey, 35, breached the whip rules during the race, using his whip eight times after the final fence when the limit in jump racing is seven. He will be suspended for eight separate days including 23 and 25 April.

Celebre D’Allen’s death prompted criticism from animal rights groups, with Animal Rising saying the sport of horse racing was to blame for the horse’s death.

Animal Aid said it was “disgraceful” to allow a horse of Celebre D’Allen’s age to be ridden in the “most gruelling race in the country”.

Djokovic, a two-time winner of the event, made 29 unforced errors

MS Dhoni has played for Chennai Super Kings in all but two of his seasons in the Indian Premier League

Dhoni, 43, to captain Chennai after Gaikwad injury

Celebre D’Allen, 13, was the oldest of the 34 Grand National runners

Sports National

FIFA Women’s Football campaign triumphs with Girls Festivals in Turks and Caicos

The Providenciales Grassroots Football Programme celebrated a milestone victory as the FIFA Women’s Football Campaign powered three Girls Festivals across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Taking place on March 15th in Providenciales, March 29th in South Caicos, and April 5th in North Caicos, these events proved to be an inspiration, showcasing the theme ‘+Girls, +Goals’.

Organised by the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) as part of FIFA’s global initiative to promote female participation in football, the festivals aimed to empower young girls through sport. A truly inclusive affair, the programme provided an encouraging environment where girls from various communities learned essential football skills while developing teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence.

TCIFA Director of Women’s Football, Yunelsis Rodriguez Baez, hailed the festivals’ success: “We are thrilled to see such enthusiasm and talent among the young girls in Turks and Caicos. The Girls Festivals were more than just football events— they were about inspiring the next generation and breaking barriers in women’s sports. This initiative

is only the beginning of creating more opportunities and visibility for women in football globally. TCIFA remains committed to empowering young girls and promoting gender equality in sports.”

One of the most notable achievements was the inclusion of girls new to the sport, highlighting the festival’s reach and its ability to inspire

Carlisle Supplies support Providenciales Grassroots Football programme

The Providenciales Grassroots Football Programme is set to continue thriving, thanks to the unwavering support of Carlisle Supplies for a second consecutive year.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA), has been instrumental in equipping young individuals with the resources and opportunities they need to excel both on and off the field.

Prominently branded with logos from both Carlisle Supplies and Kohler, the programme reflects the strength of their partnership and shared commitment to community development and youth empowerment. This collaboration

ensures that the programme remains well-equipped to provide highquality training and resources to its participants, fostering inclusivity and breaking down barriers for aspiring young athletes.

Carlisle Supplies’ continued support highlights its dedication to nurturing young talent and empowering the next generation.

The programme has seen remarkable success, with many participants experiencing increased confidence and a stronger sense of community.

“We are delighted that Carlisle Supplies continues to partner with us,” said Oliver Smith, General Secretary of the TCIFA. “Investing in our community’s future is

something we deeply value, and we truly believe that through their support, we can help foster the next generation of leaders and innovators. Their continued commitment not only enhances the opportunities available to our young athletes but also strengthens the fabric of our community as a whole. Through this collaboration, we create an environment where young people can develop their skills, build strong character, and feel inspired. We are grateful for Carlisle Supplies’ unwavering dedication and look forward to seeing the positive impact of our partnership for many years to come.”

The TCIFA and Carlisle

untapped potential. Their enthusiasm brought an infectious energy to the events, building an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie. These festivals united communities, parents, and young athletes in a shared celebration of sport, with overwhelming positive feedback from participants and supporters alike.

As the final whistle blew on

each event, young players departed not only with enhanced football skills but also with newfound friendships and a stronger belief in their abilities. The festivals left a lasting impact that will resonate for years to come, inspiring dreams of a future where women’s football thrives as an integral part of the sporting culture.

The TCIFA expressed heartfelt thanks to FIFA for their support in bringing these transformative events to life. This collaboration exemplifies a shared vision of empowering young girls through football, demonstrating how sport can lay the groundwork for meaningful change. With initiatives like the Girls Festivals, the journey towards a brighter future for women’s football is already underway, proving that ‘+Girls, +Goals’ is more than just a theme—it’s a movement.

Supplies are devoted to providing a resource-rich and nurturing environment for every young participant to pursue their passion for football. This partnership not only strengthens the local sports infrastructure but also reinforces a sense of unity and shared purpose

within the community.

As the Providenciales Grassroots Football Programme moves forward, it continues to exemplify how meaningful collaboration can create opportunities for youth to achieve their fullest potential in football and personal development.

The South Caicos Girls Festival

The North Caicos Girls Festival

The Providenciales Girls Festival

The future of TCI football

Enid Capron crowned new Primary School champions

The Enid Capron Primary School ended the stronghold of Ona Glinton Primary on the InterPrimary School Track and Field Championships, when the curtains came down on the event last week at the National Stadium in Providenciales.

Enid Capron finished with 335 points, compared to Ona Glinton’s 312.

Eliza Simons Primary finished third on 222.50 points, with Oseta Jolly fourth (216) and Thelma Lightbourne Primary fifth (202.50).

The other schools were Richmond Hill Preparatory (185 points), Adelaide Oemler Primary (126), Ianthe Pratt Primary (116), Community Christian Academy (89), Elite School (47), Ira Stubbs Primary (44), Shining Stars Preparatory (38), Precious Treasures International School (36), Provo Christian School (20), Charles Hubert James Primary School (17), Provo Primary School (12), Wesley Methodist School (12), Doris Robinson Primary (9), M.I.L.L.S. Institute (8) and International School (6).

“Young and talented” team selected for Carifta

Head Coach Randy Ford said that the squad selected to represent the islands in the 2025 Carifta Games is “young and talented”.

Twenty one athletes were selected this week to travel to the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago to compete in the regional track and field competition (April 19-21).

“It is a young and talented team, and I am hoping the more mature athletes will assist in keeping the younger ones focused. We remain committed to digging deep and giving local supporters and those who will travel to Trinidad our best over the three days.”

Although he did not disclose names, Coach Ford said that he is optimistic of three medals.

The 2025 squad contains a number of youngsters, whom Coach Ford said can used this competition to springboard their junior national careers.

“I am hoping some of these younger ones will stay in the sport and even strive to represent the

relays

Turks and Caicos Island in the Commonwealth Games, World championships and other meets and not see age as a barrier to achieving success.”

The other coach is former TCI

Carifta athlete Courtney Missick, with Rosalie Ingram-Hall serving as manager.

Games—Coach Ford

Johnson is set to compete in the 200 metres sprint, 400 metres and 4x400 mixed relay

THE FULL TEAM READS:

U20 FEMALE

Roneisha Johnson (200 metres, 400 metres, 4x400 mixed relay).

Eunice Missick (800m, 1500m, mixed 4x400m relay)

Krysaan Williams (100m, 200m, long jump, 4x400m mixed relay)

U20 MALE

Love Joseph (1500m, 5000m and 4x400m)

Ronaldo Registre (100m, 200m, 4x100m, 4x400m)

Melique Evans (long jump, high jump, 4x100m, 4x400m).

Markey Zephirin (100m, shot put,

4x100m)

Xavier Joseph (200m, 400m, 4x100m, 4x400m)

Jarmal Missick (4x100m, 4x400m)

Miskens Mereus (4x100m relay)

U17 FEMALE

Tanaire Gardiner (400m, 800m, 4x100m relay)

Kelandy King (100m, 200m, 4x100m)

Mellaya Wilson (long jump, 4x100m relay)

Sendia Marcel (long jump, 4x100m relay)

Edna Jeanty (100m, 4x100m)

U17 MALE

Rayvon Black (200m, discus, 4x100m, 4x400m)

Ali Eliasu (400m, 800m, 4x100m relay, 4x400m relay).

Kimani Dean (4x100m, 4x400m)

Dylan Gardiner (100m, 4x100m, 4x400m”

Herwens Guerrier (high jump, 800m, 4x100m, 4x400m)

Daens Saint Hilaire (100m, 200m, 4x100m, 4x400m)

Enid Capron won with 335 points

The new champions celebrate their win

Melique Evans will take part in the long jump, high jump and the 4x100m and 4x400m

Roneisha