Turks and Caicos Weekly News

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Weekly News Volume 27 | No. 14| April 13 - 19, 2013

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Budget plans

delayed – Likely to be presented to House in June, Finance Minister The finalisation of the 2013-2014 Budget preparations continue to be delayed until the Fiscal and Strategic and Policy Statement (FSPS) is agreed to.

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Annual Wine Cellar Golf and Fishing Tournament a huge success  26 PAGE PAGE 

SIPT still working on report on possibility of stamp duty fraud PAGE 

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Hansard an effective tool for the House, Deputy PAGE  4 Speaker

Volunteers scurry to safeguard remnants of damaged coral reef

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 13 - 19, 2013


April 13 - 19, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 13 - 19, 2013

Hansard an effective tool for the House, Deputy Speaker DEPUTY Speaker of the House of Assembly, Josephine Connolly, on her return from a 10-day training, suggests that the use of Hansard would be an effective tool for the House. Connolly was accompanied by House Clerk, Tracey Parker, for the training programme, which focused on the structure and operation of Tynwald , the Parliament of the Isle Of Man Legislature . The Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown Dependency, located in the Irish Sea between the islands of Great Britain and Ireland within the British Isles. The Tynwald is of Norse origin and over 1,000 years old and is the oldest parliament in the world with an unbroken existence. It is also the only Parliament in the world with three chambers: Tynwall Court and its branches, the House of Keys and the Legislative Council. The Legislative Council and the House of Keys, sit separately to consider legislation, but also sit together in Douglas, and annually at St John’s, for other parliamentary purposes. There is no parliamentary party system and decision making is by consensus which promotes political stability. The Deputy Speaker told local media that it was a privilege to be afforded the opportunity to visit a Parliament that is over 1,000 years old. She noted the institution’s age speaks volumes of history and knowledge that can be shared – an effort that will make the jobs of local Parliamentarians more effective. According to her, the professionalism of the Tynwald Parliament was impressive. Connolly said: “The legislative assembly went about its business in an efficient and businesslike manner, its members treating each other with

courtesy and respect”. The local House Clerk, in a press statement, agreed that the Hansard system would benefit the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Parliament. She said: “What I have brought back from the Isle of Man is the operation of their Hansard system, which I thought would be a very useful tool here in the Parliament of the Turks and Caicos Islands; with its effectiveness and efficient way of producing minutes of House and Committees Sittings.” According to her, the entire training experience was enlightening and educational attachment. Parker said: “Although our parliaments are a little different we are still similar...the Isle of Man is the longest standing Parliament and that alone speaks value to knowledge and history and to be given the opportunity to be robe and take part in the sitting of the Tynwald Court and Legislative Council was a delightful experience for me...the other things that open up my eyes while attending this attachment is the way the public was keep abreast of what is taking place in Government by the Information Service department within the parliament. This department keeps an updated website where you can find all of Government day to day activities and decisions. “The Isle of Man to many might have been seen as a place, far away, to which I would agree; however, though far they face similar, if not the same problems as us here in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The economic downturn, Social Welfare issues just to name a few.” In the 10 days Connolly and Parker attended sittings of both the Legislative Council and the House of Keys. Parker accompanied the clerk of the Tynwald at the Legislative

Published by Turks & Caicos News Company Ltd. Cheshire House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales P.O. Box 52, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI W. Blythe Duncanson – Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Vanessa Narine - Senior Reporter Faizool Deo – Sports Cord Garrido-Lowe – Graphics/Production Editor Dilletha Lightbourne-Williams – Office Manager Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@yahoo.com, tcweeklynews@gmail.com (Talk Back) tcweeklynews@gmail.com Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours) Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com

Deputy Speaker, Josephine Connolly, and House Clerk, Tracey Parker, with Tynwald officials

Council and Connolly met with the Speaker, Stephen C. Rodan, among other officials. The Turks and Caicos Delegation also attended the annual general meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Isle of Man Branch where they gave a presentation of the legislative system in the Turks and Caicos

Islands. During the course of the visit the Turks and Caicos delegation was also able to meet with the senior immigration officer, Annie Taylor, the Chief internal auditor, Caldric Randall, as well as observe the committee system in action. The delegation also sat in a private meeting of the Select Committee on

Public Service Broadcasting met with Head of Tynwald Information Service, Joe Corkish, and also had a short interview with the media advisor to Clerk of Tynwald Office, Stepehen Ritch. The training programme was funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). (VANESSA NARINE)

SIPT still working on report on possibility of stamp duty fraud BY VANESSA NARINE THE ATTORNEY General’s (AG) chambers is still awaiting on the completed report from the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) to advance the promised probe into the possibility that stamp duty fraud is being aided by local legal practitioners. Acting Attorney General, Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, told the Weekly News that progress was delayed because of the AG’s illness. “The matter is being investigated. We have not dropped the matter,” Braithwaite-Knowles assured. Shepheard, on August 31, 2011, had asked SIPT to find out if locally practicing lawyers had been illegally arranging land sales to underpay stamp duty owed to the Government. The AG made the request after Supreme Court Justice G.W. Martin ruled in June 2011 that two

companies involved in the 2006 sale of Emerald Cay avoided more than $1m in stamp duty in “a carefully crafted scheme of tax evasion” that would not have been possible without the assistance of attorneys. American billionaire, Timothy Blixseth, who bought the property for $28 million, denied any wrongdoing in the transaction. The attorneys, Timothy O'Sullivan and Gordon Kerr, who, according to Justice Martin, carefully crafted the documents to disguise the true sales price, are members of the law firms of Miller, Simons and O'Sullivan, and Misick and Stanbrook respectively. The firm’s managing partner, Carlos Simons, at the time had not been named as being involved in the deal. At the close of the case against the Emerald Cay buyers, Justice Martin said: “It is disappointing that any attorney should so far neglect his professional obligations as to

become involved. “I invite the Attorney General to investigate and if thought appropriate to consider making a formal complaint to the Bar Council.” The judge asked the AG to investigate the transaction to see if a formal complaint should be made against lawyers under the Legal Profession Ordinance. Because stamp duty is a major source of government revenue, Shepheard said he also wanted “to establish whether the practice of deliberate underpayment has prevailed more widely throughout the TCI and if so, whether there is evidence of the commission of criminal offences.” Shepheard said the investigation will require more expertise than TCI police possess, hence his decision to refer the matter to the SIPT, which has been investigating allegations of corruption in former governments and other matters since 2009.


April 13 - 19, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

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Budget plans delayed – Likely to be presented to House in June, Finance Minister BY VANESSA NARINE THE FINALISATION of the 20132014 Budget preparations continue to be delayed until the Fiscal and Strategic and Policy Statement (FSPS) is agreed to. Finance Minister, Washington Misick, told the Weekly News that the Budget is likely to be presented to the House of Assembly in the first weeks of June, rather than in May. He attributed the delay to the byelections and other circumstances and added that the Ministry also had to revise revenue figures, based on new information received. “Because we had to make the revisions, the FSPS had to come back to Cabinet…we expect that the FSPS will be sent off to the UK next Wednesday (April 17),” he said. Cabinet met on Wednesday and examined in detail the latest version of the FSPS prepared by the Ministry of Finance, which included revised

estimates for expected revenues from existing sources. Cabinet also discussed options for further tax increases necessary to ensure the expenditure plans for 2013/14 and subsequent years are robust and sustainable. These included the legislative and administrative changes required to broaden accommodation tax to other tourist related services, a flat rate property tax and a professional service tax with a view to these measures coming into effect from October 1, this year. Other tax raising options were considered and are expected to be examined in more detail by the Ministry of Finance in April. Additionally, various public bodies and units have notified ministries of an intention to bid for increased expenditure in the 20132014 Budget. Ministries were asked to scrutinise the priority of these requests given

Premier assures of thorough investigation into “realties” of shooting incident PREMIER, Dr. Rufus Ewing, on Monday in a statement, responded to concerns raised over the shooting incident that occurred last Sunday and the possibility of any involvement of the Minister of Immigration and Labour, Ricardo Don Hue Gardiner. And he assured that a thorough investigation is ongoing to ascertain the realities of the incident and the extent of the involvement of the Honorable Minister, if any. The son of the owner of Royal Jewels, Sanjay Tolani, was arrested last Sunday for discharging his firearm on the sidewalk opposite Danny Buoys Restaurant in Grace Bay at about 1.40am. He was taken into custody but later granted bail with surety to return to the police station at a later date. According to police, the 26-year-old shot a single bullet from his firearm on the pavement of the road which resulted in two bystanders, a male and a female, in the vicinity being injured by splinters from the ricochet. They were taken to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries and later released. The Minister, according to

eyewitnesses, was on the scene. According to the Premier, his office is awaiting official reports of the incident from the Commissioner of Police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution. After news of the incident broke, there were calls for the Minister’s resignation. Ewing made it clear that any rumors peddled that Gardiner was fired are false. He said: “The Minister has not tendered his resignation nor has the Premier asked for it to be tendered. We live in a country that must be governed by the rule of law and justice, and as such it is inappropriate for me to harbour any such requests before the investigations have been completed and recommendations have been made in the interest of Good Governance. “I must however reiterate my view which is that persons in public life, including members of Cabinet and of the legislative and judicial arms of government, should conduct themselves throughout, in a manner that is befitting of the offices that they hold.” Up to press time there was no word from the police on the status of the investigations. (VANESSA NARINE)

Finance Minister Washington Misick

the upper limit on financial resources that will be available. Misick maintained that work is on-going as it relates to the budget preparations. According to him, the FSPS is important as it is the not only a policy statement, but the framework on which the Budget is developed. He said: “We have to be doubly sure about the FSPS because once we sign off on those numbers then those are the targets we set for ourselves and we have to be realistic.” Cabinet last reviewed the FSPS on March 20. Before the FSPS is recommended for submission to the Secretary of

State, William Hague, via the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Hugh McGarel-Groves, he has to sign off on the document. The Minister of Finance told the Weekly News that once the FSPS is approved in the UK, it would be brought to the Appropriations Committee. He added that once the Budget is passed in the House of Assembly, his Ministry expects to conduct a revision of estimates in the second quarter to gain a better idea of projected income and expenditure. “The review will give us a better idea of revenue trends and we’ll be able to possibly invest in our social needs…we’d rather be cautious than over optimistic when it comes to the revenue side of things,” Misick said. Turning his attention to this current financial year, the Finance Minister maintained his projection of a modest surplus at the end of the 2012-2013 financial year, which ended on March 31. For the first quarter, April to June, the total TCIG revenue for the period stood at $49.2m versus recurrent expenditure of $35.3m, non-recurrent expenditure of $4.2m, capital contributions of $1.8m and debt servicing payments of $0.3m, resulting in a net revenue account surplus of $8.2m.

In the second quarter, July to September, recurrent revenues stood at $53.2m versus recurrent expenditure of $37.3m, resulting in a recurrent surplus of $15.9m. This surplus was then used to fund non-recurrent expenditure of $6.6m, capital contributions of $1.8m, debt payments of $7.3m and Herzog planned repayments of $0.5m, resulting in an overall net revenue account deficit of -$0.4m for the quarter. However, taken together, the report shows that in first six months of the 2012/13 financial year (AprSep 2012), TCIG enjoyed an overall revenue surplus of $5.72m, which was $0.9m above the Budget and an improvement of $10.0m on the same period last year. By the end of the third quarter, Government revenue rose to $118.5m for the nine month period, up $2.3m (two per cent) against budget forecasts, an increase of $33.0m (39 per cent) on the same period last year (2010/11). Despite this increase, TCIG recorded a deficit of $19.9m for this period. Although this is $7.4m higher than budgeted last spring, it is still $33.5m lower less than for the same period last year.

Over 95 per cent compliance rate among persons in public life, Otuonye Director of the Integrity Commission, Eugene Otuonye, on Monday reported over 95 per cent compliance rate among persons in public life, who were required to file their declarations with the body. Otuonye, in a statement, said: “The Commission is indeed pleased to note that, although the number of persons in public life increased by about 100 per cent during the current cycle, there was more than 95 per cent compliance rate. “This high compliance rate clearly demonstrates the commitment to integrity, honesty and good faith in public life by the people of Turks and Caicos Islands. “The Commission therefore commends all persons in public life in TCI, and is grateful for the continuing public confidence in and support for work of the Commission as an anti-corruption agency.” The Commission’s Director confirmed that there are some 308 persons in public life, including Government Ministers, as at March 31, 2013, who were expected to file their Section 25 Declarations with the Commission. Of that number some 295 persons, including members of the House of Assembly, filed their declarations with the Commission. Section 25 of the Integrity Commission Ordinance 2008 as amended (the Ordinance) requires all persons in public life, to file

with the Integrity Commission (the Commission) declarations of their incomes, assets and liabilities (Sec.25 Declarations) once every two years on or before the 30 June of the year in which filing is required. Thirteen persons are yet to file. In addition to filing their declarations with the Commission, were required to file Statements of Registrable Interests with the Commission. According to the Director, as required by the law, these interests include particulars of directorship or investment in companies; contracts with government, beneficial interest in land, funds to which a member contributes; sources of income; political, trade or professional associations to which a member belongs, etc.

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATES Certificates of Compliance have been issued to 124 persons in public life out of 295 persons who filed their declarations. Otuonye made it clear the examination of other declarations is an on-going process and more Certificates of Compliance will be issued in due course as the Commission is satisfied that full and true disclosures have been made. He said, “No adverse inference should therefore be drawn at this stage against a person to whom no Certificate of Compliance has yet

been issued. Indeed the Commission will not make any adverse decision (including refusal of Certificate of Compliance) without giving the declarant affected the opportunity to be heard.” The Director added that the statements of Registrable Interests filed by members of the House are also being examined, after which they will be compiled in a Register called Register of Interests and published next month, May, 2013. The Register will also be made available for public inspection at the House of Assembly during every sitting of the House. The filing of statements of their Registrable Interests is in accordance with Section 36B of the Ordinance and Section 103 of the Constitution. Unlike Statement of Registrable Interests, Section 25 declarations of incomes, assets and liabilities by persons in public life are strictly confidential and not for the public domain. A breach of this confidentiality obligation is a criminal offence with severe penalties. Failure to file without reasonable excuse, to file a declaration or filing an incomplete or untrue declaration is a criminal offence. The Commission’s Director maintained that the Commission is also committed to enforcing the provisions of the Ordinance in this respect. (VANESSA NARINE)


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April 13 - 19, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

A Weekly News column that puts you on the spot for your opinions on the issues of the day

Delays

THE legal aid battle involving those charged following investigations by the Special Investigations and Prosecution Team (SIPT) continues and a planned appeal to the Privy Council is expected to further delay the trials. And court registrar, David Chetwynd, says that in addition to the expectation that the Privy Council proceedings will take some time, the renovations at the Myrtle Rigby Building are not likely to be completed in April. What are your thoughts on the delay?

A means to an end

All of the delays and dragging of feet is just a technique for the remembrance of the whole thing to fade away – a means to an end. I will say this now that at the end of it all any penalties given out will be far below what's expected anyway; big money crime most times carry small sentences.

Get rich quick scheme

held the trials elsewhere to get the ball rolling? They are locking up small offenders left right and centre for a few hundred or thousands of dollars when the accused are rumored to have stolen millions and walking around scot free. We know that the SIPT investigators are getting paid millions annually. How long is this going to continue? We either need justice or they need to get packing!

Ridiculous

This is just another ploy by the British to continue their get rich quick scheme. They are not looking to try anyone. We may as well drop everything for what this is costing us. Also what does the Myrtle Rigby have to do with trying cases anyway? Couldn’t they have

They cannot give them a trial because the court building is not finished? And these guys need legal aid after the fortunes they stole from the people?

Waste of time

This has become a complete waste of time and

a rape of whatever funds were supposed to be recovered. These investigations are a scam to make them richer. Don't get me wrong, those who did wrong should be held responsible but three wrongs can't make one right. Begin the prosecutions already.

A Sham

First the need for legal aid is a sham. These folks handled millions of dollars and are the best equipped to defend themselves. This is yet another delay in seeing justice done. First Mike Misick put the house of parliament to sleep to avoid a motion of no confidence. Then he tried legal means to stop direct rule and the Privy Council told him that he was wrong and when things started to warm up off he took to Brazil. First he said he would be willing to come home because he was in jail. Now he will not come home because he is roaming free in Brazil. All of these folks had huge bank accounts and businesses and now the people of the country have to pay for their defense it is a slap in our face. Let us get on with the prosecutions.

Set the people free

Set the people and the country free. No wonder we have no investment for all these years we need to get back to a government

Ewing leads delegation to Caribbean Region’s sustainable tourism conference PREMIER, Dr. Rufus Ewing, will lead a two-man team to the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO)’s 14th annual Sustainable Tourism Conference which opens in the Trinidad and Tobago capital, Port of Spain, next week. This will be Dr. Ewing’s first CTO event since he was elected Premier last November. Dr. Ewing also took the tourism portfolio late last month as part of a cabinet reshuffle. In addition to attending the various sessions, the Premier will make a presentation on how the Turks and Caicos Islands and small developing states can continue to advance destination sustainability in the context of the on-going economic downturn and with limited resources. “Rest assured that the Turks and Caicos Islands has a great presentation to make in this regard based on our experiences over the past five years,” Ewing said. The TCI hosted the 10th Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC-10) in 2008 and, at STC-11 in 2010, reported progress in a number of important areas. Ewing will be joined by the head of the secretariat in the Office of the Premier, Ronlee James.

PREMIER, Dr. Rufus Ewing

STC-14 begins with an official opening ceremony which is scheduled to start at 6.45pm on Monday, April 15, at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain. Prime Minister Kamla Persaud Bissessar is scheduled to address the opening, with Carlos Vogeler, the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)’s point man in the Americas, down to deliver the keynote address. Themed, ‘Keeping the Right Balance: Enhancing Destination Sustainability Through Products, Partnerships and Profitability’, the conference will explore ways the Caribbean can enhance destination sustainability and competitiveness in the current global environment by examining a number of critical

issues. The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), with headquarters in Barbados and offices in New York and London, is the Caribbean’s tourism development agency. It comprises membership of more than 30 countries and territories including Dutch, English, French and Spanish, as well as a myriad of private sector allied members. The CTO’s vision is to position the Caribbean as the most desirable, year round, warm weather destination by 2017, and its purpose is ‘Leading Sustainable Tourism - One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean’. Among the benefits to its members the organisation provides specialised support and technical assistance in sustainable tourism development, marketing, communications, advocacy, human resource development, research and information technology. In addition the CTO, in partnership with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, jointly and equally owns the Caribbean Tourism Development Company, a marketing and business development entity dedicated to promoting the Caribbean brand worldwide.

we can trust and this will not happen until these folks are tried because they just may implicate some newly elected members. Set us free from the PNP please God

Get on with it

It seems that this delay is inevitable and a "patience" -somewhere- to see that "justice is done". They must get on with it though because of the fact that these ‘trials and tribulations’ are holding the TCI back, investor patience wearing thin and an apparent inability to move beyond this ‘constitutional trance’ we seem to find ourselves in. It is not clear why the Myrtle Rigby was chosen and why the undue delays in completion. One dare not say this is all ‘orchestrated’ to achieve a desired outcome but for who? I express no opinion on the appeals but wonder if this ‘thing despite its relevance will ever end.’

 Become a contributor Want to become a contributor or have a suggestion for a Talk Back topic for us? What questions do you think we should be putting to the public? And what are your thoughts on it? Call our news team on 946 4664 or email tcweeklynews@gmail.com

TCIG recovers another 50 acres of land TURKS and Caicos Islands Government has recovered 50 acres of land falling within the Chalk Sound National Park and Pigeon Pond and Frenchman's Creek Nature Reserve following legal proceedings brought by the Civil Recovery Team against Holiday Resort Dev., Ltd. In a judgment recently handed down after a trial in February 2013, Justice Ramsey Hale ordered parcel 60300/35 to be returned to TCIG. She also ordered the defendant, Holiday to pay TCIG's costs of the claim. Holiday had entered into a Land Freeze Agreement with the Government in July 2002, which provided it with a right to purchase Crown land if it satisfied certain obligations, including the construction of a road linking the site to the Millennium Highway. It was a term of that agreement that the company would be entitled to set off from the purchase price the costs it incurred in constructing the road. Parcel 60300/35 was transferred to Holiday Resort Dev., Ltd on January 10, 2008. No payment was made by the company and the transfer indicated

that it was in consideration for the work that had been undertaken in constructing the road. The court found that the land had been transferred to Holiday Resort Dev., Ltd. under the mistaken belief that Holiday had satisfied its obligations under the Land Freeze Agreement, when it had not. The court also found that the parties had been mistaken as to the costs incurred in constructing the road, which had been very modest. Accordingly, the Government was entitled to recover the land and parcel 60300/35 will revert to the Crown. Attorney General, Huw Shepheard, said: “We are pleased to have been successful in this case; this is an important site which will now revert to being Crown land. “It is another success for the Civil Recovery programme being run by Edwards Wildman and Chambers together. “This takes the total amount of land recovered under the programme to over 2,500 acres - a very substantial amount of land across the Islands of enormous long term value to the country; and the cash recovered or ordered to be recovered to nearly $19.5m.”


April 13 - 19, 2013

Premier’s message on the passing of Margaret Thatcher IT is with profound sadness that we today learnt of the passing of Great Britain’s longest serving politician and first and only female Prime Minister, Baroness Margaret Hilda Thatcher. Baroness Thatcher was most known for her uncompromising political and leadership style and was the main force behind the Falklands War and the economic recovery of Great Britain in the early 1980’s. Baroness Thatcher would indeed forever remain the icon for women in politics and will continue to be the symbol of leadership that has inspired generations of women as they strive to achieve, against inequality and discrimination.

Volunteers scurry to safeguard remnants of damaged coral reef

On behalf of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, I hereby send condolences to the family of Baroness Thatcher and the people of Great Britain, may the Lord strengthen you during this time of bereavement.

to shatter the glass ceiling in a male dominated field but she stood resolutely earning the title “Iron Lady”. Many of her policies are said to have saved Britain in that era and I believe that history will be true to her and her heart to serve. Her life’s accomplishments and her contributions can never be altered or erased and will live on forever. On behalf of the Peoples’ Democratic Movement, the people of these Turks and Caicos Islands, my family and I, I wish to offer our sincerest condolences to her family and the family of Great Britain on her passing. May her soul rest in peace and rise in glory.

VOLUNTEERS and a group of scientists, who happened to be passing through the Turks and Caicos Islands, have been scurrying to safeguard what remains of a damaged coral reef, off North West Point. Director of the Department for Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA), Kathleen Wood, told the Weekly News that reports that the anchor of a yacht was dragged through the reef reached the department on April 1. She said: “We understand that the vessel was anchored near the area a few days prior to the incident.” Following the damage the window for work to safeguard the reef was a mere few days. According to her, no money has yet been spent as all the efforts have been volunteer-led. Wood expressed her appreciation to Amanyara Resort for supporting the efforts. “Everyone right now is working hard to secure the broken pieces… once that is done we will proceed with the restoration effort,” she said. It is expected the full cost of the emergency work and subsequent monitoring and restoration will be covered in due course from the yacht’s insurers.

The matter was heard in Providenciales Magistrate’s Court on Friday. At Government level, Cabinet

agreed to expedite a swift, limited tender process for the emergency restoration of a sizeable section of the coral. (VANESSA NARINE)

Revenue unit warns businesses to regularise or face penalties THE REVENUE Control Unit, Ministry of Finance, Trade and Tourism, on Thursday, issued a warning to owners, managers and operators of businesses registered within the Turks and Caicos Islands – to regularise their operations by month end or face the penalties. The unit has issued an appeal to all business operators and their agents noting that that as of April 10, 2013, they have 15 days in which to ensure that they are in good standing in relation to the payment of all fees, charges and arrears. Following the expiration of the notice, TCIG will publish the names of those businesses that are not in good standing. In addition, individuals who fail to comply will have their business licences suspended and

revoked under Section 10 and 11 of the Business Licensing Ordinance. Operators of businesses that have ceased operations are required under section 8 and 9 of the Business Licensing Ordinance, to give notice of changes in the particulars of the business, including the date the business ceased to operate. There are penalties for failing to adhere to these requirements which have been expressly provided in writing to all licensee holders. The unit has advised that that this is their final appeal for to owners, managers and operators of businesses to ensure that their business license is current; otherwise TCIG will commence legal proceedings against all defaulters.

Filipino officials apply for voluntary deportation for eight detainees NINE Filipinos are currently being held at the Five Cays detention centre, with eight of those awaiting deportation, after being captured residing illegally in Providenciales on April 4. According to president of the Filipino community in the TCI, Erwin Panga, eight Filipino men no longer have valid worker permits while prior to the arrest, one completed the work permit process and is currently awaiting approval. Panga stressed that he and the local Filipino committee applied for voluntary deportation for the eight illegal immigrants. He said: “The application is still pending, we notified them but we can’t pressure them for an answer right now because they only did their jobs.” If the applications are approved

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– Cabinet agrees to expedite tender process for restoration

Opposition Leader’s message on the passing of Margaret Thatcher HM’s Loyal Opposition of the Turks and Caicos Islands regrets the passing of such a great icon in British History. The Late lady Margaret Thatcher has left an indelible mark on the political landscape of Great Britain and by extension, its Overseas Territories and the world. Her rising to the post of Britain’s first and only female Prime Minister was and remains no small feat. A grocer’s daughter to Prime Minister is in itself an inspiration tale and she must be honored for defying all odds. I have studied her life and salute her for having endured the challenges she faced as she sought

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

the Filipinos are booked to leave on April 21. Panga said: “We went to the travel agency and booked the tickets from last week but we went through with payment on Tuesday just to be prepared in case of anything.” The president noted that he greatly respects the laws implemented in the TCI so he is urging all of the Filipino nationals that no longer have valid documents to voluntarily go home. He said: “We have nothing but respect for the law which is why we are complying with them. “I’m calling on all my fellow Filipinos to go home if your papers are expired instead of suffering these consequences.” The Weekly News contacted the Ministry of Border Control and Labour but received no response up to press time.

Extensive frontal damage received by both the blue car and green truck

Car accident leaves two seriously injured TWO men are currently hospitalised at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre due to a car collision on Tuesday in Blue Hills. A Haitian man who was driving a blue car sustained head injuries

while a Jamaican man who was driving a green truck suffered a broken leg and other minor injuries. According to police reports, the car was coming out of Blue Hills when the truck driver lost control

while heading into that area. He drove into the incorrect lane which caused him to collide with the other man. Both vehicles received extensive frontal damage.


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NEWS

April 13 - 19, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Two men arrested for burglary and assaulting vacationing couple

Shekera Clarke and Latoya Knowles cover their faces with an umbrella after court dismissal

Lashanda Smith secures her face with a Lawyer's robe

Four women accused of credit card scandal committed to trial THREE sisters and a cousin were up in court this week for their alleged involvement in massive credit card fraud. Shekera Clarke, Kiskidee Smith, Latoya Knowles and Lashanda Smith, appeared in Providenciales Supreme Court on Tuesday before Hon. Chief Justice Edwin Goldsbrough. They faced a sufficiency hearing for the alleged theft of a black Visa card around November 24 last year. The four womenhave been slapped with 31 charges - 12 joint and 19 separate charges – including theft, handling stolen goods, attempting to obtain property by deception, theft of a chosen action, forgery, uttering forged

documents and obtaining property by deception. Knowles was represented by attorney Oliver Smith; Kiskidee Smith was represented by Kwame Smith, Clarke was represented by Laura Maroof and Lashanda Smith by Glenda Clarke. Court heard that the owner of the card did not know the whereabouts of his card after last using it on November 23 at the Mango Reef restaurant in Providenciales. On November 24, he received information that someone had used his card at various Providenciales locations including Quality Supermarket, Building Materials, Kishco, Max’s Mini Mart, Miss Moonies, Executive Tours, KB Homes and Danny Buoys. More than $2,000 was spent at Kishco, more than $1,000 at KB

Homes and more than $800 at the Quality supermarket. On March 1, an application was granted for legal aid for two of the Smiths and Clarke, while Knowles remained a private client. Their bail application was extended and the conditions remain the same. These conditions include one surety of $8,000, no contact with any of the prosecution witnesses, surrendering all travel documents and reporting to the Five Cays police station every Monday between the hours of 8am and 8pm. They are scheduled to appear in the Grand Turk Supreme Court on April 26, for a plea and directionhearing where the girls will plead innocent or guilty to the said charges. If they decide not to attend they will be arrested.

THE EMPLOYMENT Services Department of the Turks and Caicos Islands in conjunction with the Hotel and Tourism Association will be hosting an employment registration drive in Providenciales on Tuesday, April 16, at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Centre from 10am to 6pm. The employment registration is part of the department’s efforts to encourage persons who are unemployed to register and utilise the services of the department. Representatives from NHIP and NIB are expected to be at the event to facilitate questions on entitlements those who are unemployed may have. Representatives from the various hotels/resorts will also be on site to bring presentations to familiarise individuals of the opportunities that exist in the industry, the expectations of an employer, what the employer looks for when hiring and opportunities for upward mobility in the industry.

As a means of further encouragement, employees from hotels/resorts represented are expected to share their own personal success stories. The 2013 graduating classes from the high schools on island were also invited to the drive to be preregistered. According to the department, preregistration will better assist the new graduates with summer employment and long term employment for those who remain in the Turks and Caicos. Minister of Immigration, Labour and Border Control, Ricardo DonHue Gardiner, in a prior interview, told the Weekly News there will be several registration drives to encourage persons to assist the Government in tackling the unemployment issue. He stressed that unemployed persons must register with the Labour Department. Gardiner said: “What we need people to do is register. There is an

urgent need for people to register. “If they register then we can know what positions people are qualified for and we can better assess permits that come up for renewal. “It is difficult to make sure we have jobs that go to Turks and Caicos Islanders without the figures. “The unemployment numbers are roughly 1,000 but this is not a real figure because there are persons who are not registered.” “We are also hoping to pull off a job fair soon that will pull together people from the hotel and tourism industry and the construction sector, among others. “This will double as a registration drive. Registration also helps us with regulating NHIP to have it stay current, so to speak.” The Minister maintained that several different initiatives, taken together, will comprehensively address the employment issue in the Turks and Caicos Islands. (VANESSA NARINE)

BY DAISY HANDFIELD

ANTONIO Luciano, 17 and Shamado Hutchinson 32, appeared in Providenciales Magistrate Court on Tuesday in relation to an aggravated burglary on a vacationing couple which occurred on March 6 in the Turtle Tail area. Police received reports that three individuals entered a residence and assaulted the couple before escaping with a quantity of items as well as a motor vehicle. The victims were taken to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and treated for non-life threatening injuries. The men have been charged with aggravated burglary, causing grievous bodily harm, conspiracy and taking a motor vehicle without authority. Hutchinson has an additional

Cullen Johnson

charge for wounding. They were not required to enter a plea but were remanded in custody until a Sufficiency Hearing on June 7 before a judge in the Supreme Court on Providenciales. An additional person is expected to be charged in relation to this matter soon. Luciano also has also been charged with assault and robbery in relation to an incident in the Grace Bay area on March 27 where a vacationing family were robbed by four men in their rented villa. Luciano, a 15-year-old male, WilkieArthur, 38 and Lorenzo Rigby, 21,were remanded in custody and will appear in the Supreme Court in Providenciales on June 7 for that case.

Elaine Whyte

Two alleged Employment registration drive set for Tuesday international fraudsters denied political asylum CANADIAN duo, Cullen Johnson, 64, and Elaine Whyte, 69, who have been in the Turks and Caicos Islands since the latter part of last year, have been denied political asylum. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Border Control and Labour, Clara Gardiner, confirmed with the Weekly News that the two did not qualify and would be extradited to Canada. The two had applied to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for political asylum in September. The two alleged international fraudsters were caught on Providenciales in August and charged with a number of immigration violations. They are said to be wanted in Canada and the United States of America (USA) for money fraud, as well as other possible crimes. Immigration officials in

Providenciales picked up Johnson and Whyte after the USA and Canada issued international warrants for their arrests. They first appeared in court on August 28 with their attorney, Mr. Alvin Garland. The Weekly News learnt that the two were further remanded to the Grand Turk prison for 28 days during an appearance in the Magistrate Court in Grand Turk on September 17, after they told the court that they had made the application to the UNHCR. A source told the Weekly News that the two alleged that their lives are in danger if they are extradited, hence the application for political asylum. Reports are that they had purchased a condominium at La Vista Azul in Turtle Cove, Providenciales, and had settled prior to being apprehended. (VANESSA NARINE)


April 13 - 19, 2013

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

FacetoFace

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with VANESSA NARINE

A series that seeks to engage the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands on issues and act as a medium through which they can hear from prominent personalities on current concerns, including on politics, development and the environment, among others. Send comments to vanessanarine@gmail.com

Plays and pauses BY VANESSA NARINE THE play of politics goes over the heads your average man on the street, the reasoning of actions advanced not truly understood, at least until the results, undesired or not, are realised. But in every play, there are pauses, and the shooting incident in Grace Bay, where two tourists suffered minor injuries, is one of those times that scream for a pause – well several pauses in truth. The son of the owner of Royal Jewels, Sanjay Tolani, was arrested last Sunday for discharging his firearm on the sidewalk opposite Danny Buoys Restaurant in Grace Bay at about 1.40am. He was taken into custody but later granted bail with surety to return to the police station at a later date. According to police, the 26-year-old shot a single bullet from his firearm on the pavement of the road which resulted in two bystanders, a male and a female, in the vicinity being injured

by splinters from the ricochet. They were taken to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre in Providenciales where they were treated for nonlife threatening injuries and later released. And the Minister of Immigration and Border Control, Ricardo DonHue Gardiner, was implicated according to eyewitnesses, but only to the extent of being on the scene. Politicos, and even priests, have weighed in on the matter, calling for the Minister’s resignation. Pause! There has been no official work from the police, who are currently investigating the matter, to implicate the Minister and until then, it would wise to hold off such calls until they can be based on solid fact. Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, commenting on the matter the Minister has not tendered his resignation nor has he been asked for it to be tendered. Ewing said: “We live in a

Public notice The public is hereby advised that where an employer has an employee on a current work permit or a temporary work permit and that work permit has been submitted to the Immigration Department for renewal under section 23 of the Immigration Ordinance, Chapter 5.01, notice of the pending renewal must be submitted to the National Insurance Board in writing. Following which, the

new work permit must also be submitted to the National Health Insurance Board. Failure to inform the National Health Insurance Board of the pending working permit and failure to submit the renewed work permit to the National Health Insurance Board will result in the suspension of medical coverage until such notice is received by the Board.

Crime and Incident Report OFFICERS of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating a number of incidents reported from Tuesday, April 9, to Wednesday, April 10, in Providenciales. They include attempted burglary in the Five Cays area, two motor vehicles interference, a wounding in the Five Cays area, which was nonlife threatening, and theft. No crimes were reported to police in Grand Turk, Salt Cay, North, Middle and South Caicos. Within the same period several arrests were made, including: A male was arrested for the offence of possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply. Two males were arrested on suspicion of robbery in relation to a

report made on April 5. Two males were arrested for the offence of possession of controlled drugs namely cocaine. Two males were arrested for the offence of wounding and one male was arrested for the offence of assault occasioning bodily harm. Police are appealing to the public who may have any information about criminal incidents to call them on 911 or CrimeStoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477. Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either www. crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of CrimeStoppers Turks and Caicos. CrimeStoppers tips are received in the USA.

country that must be governed by the rule of law and justice, and as such it is inappropriate for me to harbour any such requests before the investigations have been completed and recommendations have been made in the interest of good governance. “I must however reiterate my view which is that persons in public life, including members of Cabinet and of the legislative and judicial arms of government, should conduct themselves throughout, in a manner that is befitting of the offices that they hold.” Pause! There is a clear acknowledgment by the current Administration that holders of public office are held to a higher standard than your average citizen. A plus, I would say for the Progressive National Party (PNP) Government, particularly given the fact that the ghost of past misdeeds by a PNP administration still shadows the incumbent. The current Administration has to be wary of incidents like these, which would only serve to undermine the successful repairs, evidenced by the by-election vote, being made to the party’s badly damaged image under Mike Misick’s reign as Premier of these Islands. Anything contrary, and any future acts, would cement the views of their ‘naysayers’ and could sway supporters who are worried about bottom lines such as: being able to put food on the table; sending their children to public schools without worrying that they will not be enough placements that would see them paying through the teeth for

Minister of Immigration and Border Control, Ricardo Don-Hue Gardiner

private tuition; and accessing health care at an affordable cost. Pause! There is another side to this developing debacle, not the local fallout, but the international one – the impact on tourism. Two tourists were injured during last Sunday’s incident, another in a slew of bad experiences that tourists have had in the last couple of weeks: a 56-year-old Canadian was beaten and had to be flown off-Island for medical attention and a family, six hours after arriving, had to endure the horrific experience of being robbed and beaten – the most recent of incidents. The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) has no economic strength other than its tourism base and until the proposals to diversify the economy, with agriculture for example, come to fruition there must be a level of caution exercised to protect the image of the TCI as a tourism destination. A high-end destination, the local industry stands to suffer significantly if the TCI’s image is diminished. Play! More needs to be done to safeguard the tourism industry of the Islands, tangibly, as people are not interested in proposals to make the TCI a place people want to visit, but

are interested in results – result like the fact that those involved in the robbery and assault of the vacationing family were apprehended and their fates decided by the courts. The TCI has to build on successes, such as the most recent accolade of having Providenciales being named the number three top Caribbean island by Trip Advisor in the Travelers’ Choice Awards 2013. Education and awareness would support this, as would examples set by persons in public life; persons who, if found to be delinquent as it relates to the demanded standards of being in public life, should be held responsible and accountable for their actions. That said, those quick to move to condemnation, on the shallow base of hearsay, have a responsibility to consider the wider national interest and put that above plays of politics. National interest, in which justice and fairness are embodied, must come before politics, or risk the repercussions of mischief making. Putting the interests of these Islands first would engender pride among local people in its politicians and respect, as will those who are fortunate to visit and be able to explore the deeper riches of what the Turks and Caicos Islands have offer.

Health coverage for those unemployed over 90 days considered by Cabinet PEOPLE who are unemployed for more than 90 days and are facing challenges with their health insurance coverage could see an improvement in the situation as Cabinet addressed the matter at their meeting on Wednesday. Cabinet discussed the proposal to extend NHIB coverage to persons unemployed for more than 90 days and to returning unemployed graduates. It agreed to consider the issue at the next Cabinet on the basis of further work by NHIB and the Ministry of Finance on the costs of this extension and options for how these costs could be covered. At a sitting of the House of

Assembly on March 14, Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, made it clear that these challenges are not insurmountable. Ewing said: “During the economic downturn, several persons lost their jobs and stayed in country, many persons left the country, the result being a significant reduction in revenue for the NHIP. “A number of these individuals are on NHIP accounts as owing significant outstanding amounts, this dilemma intensifies itself as the unemployed individual is clearly unable to settle this debt. “The current terms of the NHIP exclude those amongst us who are most greatly in need and run counter to its intended design,

which was to afford coverage and enable protection of those most vulnerable. “Mr. Speaker, in addition to extending coverage to those persons who are unemployed beyond 90 days my Government has asked the NHIB to consider the implementation of an amnesty period and the removal of the penalty for delinquency in payment to the unemployed based on determined means, as these simply serve as an impediment to coverage and access to care.” The leader of the Opposition, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, had earlier stressed that the challenge of accessing healthcare is mounting. (VANESSA NARINE)


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April 13 - 19, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

We welcome letters from all members of the public on a variety of topics Please note that all submissions are subject to editing in keeping with defamation laws and newspaper style. Letters should be accompanied by the author’s full name, location and phone number. Names will be withheld if requested.

Trust in the legal system Dear Editor, In reading your fine paper I noted that Mr. David Cadman, a local attorney, has been brave enough to come out with a column, ‘Let’s Talk Law’. This is a big step in the right direction as finally a member of the legal profession is actually talking to the public. He has also explained that the TCI legal profession is making some changes, so that the public may come to have a wee bit of trust in the legal system. I would hope that Mr. Cadman is not just paying lip service but will start addressing specific cases that are in the public interest, such as the fact that a matter of wrongdoing was reported to the Bar and the Bar took months to answer. When they answered they basically said, the letter is not written in the right format so we will not answer your concerns. A second letter was written and to date this letter has never been

answered. F u r t h e r requests for help have been made to the Integrity Council, who basically agreed that the second letter was well written but they could not make the Bar have the integrity to answer, or deal with the matter as they should. Help was also requested of the court itself and the Chief Justice but nothing has come back to the wronged party. Is this normal conduct for a Bar Association Mr. Cadman? The fact that the judge visiting TCI (Judge Harrison) to preside over the SIPT trials in a former ‘very political’ case condemned the very person who had paid in part to bring the case, and along with the other judges wrongly told the world that this person had

We welcome letters from all members of the public on a variety of topics Please note that all submissions are subject to editing in keeping with defamation laws and newspaper style. Letters should be accompanied by the author’s full name, location and phone number. Names will be withheld if requested.

Send letters to tcweeklynews@gmail.com

perpetrated the fraud at the heart of the matter, yet the judges never even heard from the condemned. To this day I cannot, nor will anyone tell me who the defrauded party is, and how much was defrauded. Furthermore in this case Dextra vs. the Bank of Jamaica the record shows that the condemned criminal has been chasing around the police, the judges, and the officials asking if they would be kind enough to explain who he has defrauded and of how much? All so he can work it out on the basis of the truth; but the judges and government officials have all been running away from the condemned criminal. Is this normal conduct for a court Mr. Cadman? These two cases have been widely published in the TCI press, but no one in the legal profession says a word. These and other matters of great injustice can be easily resolved if Mr. Cadman would be kind enough to point out to us the public one point of law, the Magna Carta says, “to no one will we sell (justice), to no one will we delay or deny justice or right”. The question is who is the “we” that the Magna Carta speaks of? As once the public can locate and find the ‘we’ prompt, impartial and fair justice with set rules, can be accessed and this is what the public is asking for, and is promised by the constitution. Over to you Mr. Cadman. Regards,

An almost free university education

Administration and Computer Science. “To date, more than 1,500 students from 136 countries have been admitted. Of the students polled consecutively each term, 95 per cent would recommend UoPeople to a peer. “With its tuition-free online programmes, University of the People is opening access to higher education for all those constrained, as well as building a scalable and replicable model capable of changing the very nature of higher education. “The non-profit UoPeople has managed to succeed in cutting down almost the entire cost of higher education, and does not charge for tuition or books/materials. “All that is asked is for students to pay a one-time application processing fee ($50) and subsequent modest examination processing fees ($100) levied per course. “There are no other fees whatsoever”. No need to thank me. Knowledge is power, and to read more on this, simply visit http://uopeople.org/. Regards,

John D Wildish

Dear Editor, In these scary times we have often wondered where and how we can make ends meet, for beyond high school educational purposes help is available, all you need to do is search! With the advent of technology and specifically the computer (laptops are classrooms where you go) it can bring school to you in your home. Anyone desiring to get a tertiary education and cannot afford the tuition can follow this article and link, and be pleasantly surprised or happy! I link you with the following: “University of the People (http:// uopeople.org/) is the world’s first tuition-free, non-profit, online academic institution dedicated to opening access to higher education globally for all qualified individuals, despite financial, geographic or societal constraints. “Founded in 2009 by educational entrepreneur Shai Reshef, UoPeople is affiliated with the United Nations GAID, the Clinton Global Initiative, and Yale Law School ISP. “UoPeople has signed collaborative partnership agreements with New York University (NYU) to accept students; and with HewlettPackard (HP), through the Catalyst Initiative, to provide student internship opportunities. “UoPeople offers undergraduate programmes in Business

Has anyone read and digested the 8,000 pages? One thing is clear the PNP government who started NHIP and who hired Inter-health Canada cannot be the ones to do the audit. We wonder at those that cooked up this scheme. We have been told openly that the steering committee included Doctor Ewing, Rhondalee BraithwaiteKnowles, Royal Robinson, Denise Saunders and Delton Jones. The names alone make my point. The plan was for everyone to be covered and that turned out to be a farce. Basically only those working are covered. However the government, (the people), are obliged to pay at least two thirds of the plans cost. Therefore our tax dollars are paying for something we don't qualify to receive unless you are working. Who is working? The civil servants and some few folks in private industry. Three per cent of wages is a good

deal for the workers, but they also are kicking in the other two thirds of the high cost program, through their other taxes. In effect they are paying 18 per cent. When you buy anything that was shipped in and had duty applied you are paying taxes. NHIP is now soaking up four out of every 10 tax dollars and your taxes have gone up, up, up! The time has come for serious reconsideration but our Premier is avoiding this health care crisis like the plague. Portia, like Amanda, will not tackle the problem. Can an auditor separate primary care costs at Cheshire Hall Medical Center from secondary care when the two are handled under one roof? Why are referrals to the USA stopped? Can anyone negotiate a deal with Jackson Memorial? The time has come to deal with the fiscal problem as well. Why should the citizens have to

payback hundreds of millions misspent and wasted by only a few people. Is that fair? The whole country is being charged for what someday will be tried in court. We now have to pay for the defense of those charged and they are appealing, delaying the cases before they start, abusing the system. The delays are squarely in the hands of the Progressive National Party who does not seek justice and is avoiding it at our expense. Is this fair? The majority of voters on the two most populated islands said they wanted a PDM government. However everyone voting PDM, the vast majority, are being made to suffer. The audit, fiscal plan and prosecutions must go forward. The time has come the Walrus said...!

Edward E Smith, Providenciales

COMMENTARY

The Walrus THE opening line of the 1872 poem by Lewis Carol is “The time has come the Walrus said,” and that is exactly the point we are now facing. Three years have passed since NHIP came into being using Interhealth Canada as the secondary care provider and we have spent the better part of $200m. The 8,000 page contract reportedly calls for the cost of operations for the first three years to form the basis for charges to our government from this point on. In my opinion this is bad clause. Who has been monitoring the decisions which affected these costs for this three year period?

By David Tapfer What is needed is a hardnosed audit; someone who can dig and sort out what the costs actually were, and if they were reasonable. Who knows what the contract provides for in this audit?

SPACE IS LIMITED!

Please keep your letters to a maximum of 450 words or we may not be able publish it.


April 13 - 19, 2013

continued

Governor, we are wondering why? Dear Editor, The record shows that two elected governments of the TCI supported and endorsed the Conch Farm project for its aim to create jobs, contribute to economic diversification, and promote a green alternative for these islands. The government of then chief minister, the Rt Hon C. Washington Misick on January 22, 1995, nine days before the general elections, granted Trade Winds Industries Ltd, the conch Farm Company, 5.03 acres of land, approved the proposal to fin fish and there entered a development agreement and development order. Then on January 31, 1995, the Rt hon Derek Taylor was elected chief minister and one ought to have thought that this agreement was dead on arrival ‘DOA’ but no! On reviewing the deliberations of the executive council of December 1994, the new Chief Minister, Derek Taylor ratified the decision of the previous PNP government to grant the conch farm the right to farm fish. Chief Minister Taylor, on March 9, 1995, then directed the officials, the AG’s Chambers to develop new agreements and orders to carry this decision into effect. How is it then that some 18 years later, 1995-2013, that this Governor

is attempting to deny the Conch Farm its rights, and the promise of jobs for the local economy and the agreements reached by two duly elected governments, which by the way, the British did not have to remove from office? We are still being met with the misleading position of the governor dipping into what must now be ministerial affairs. Even so, why would the Governor deny this previously established ministerial decision, pretend that the commitment is not there, and bury his head in the sand. This is also a complete and deliberate denial of on-going government policy, ie. that is found in the environmental charter. It is a willingness to defy the agreements made by two elected chief ministers 18 years ago, to impose his will, his lack of a proper policymaking process to undermine the progress made by these islands and the Conch Farm towards sustainable development? This Governor is pretending to ignore pre-existing obligations on the Government for no reason at all. So the motive and reasoning, suspect as they are, remain at issue. Governor, we are wondering why? Yours, Brianca Johnson

Warranties not limited Dear Editor, There is an inaccuracy to general manager of the Butterfield dealership, Ronel Rodriguez’s, comments in Vol. 27 No.13 of the Weekly News, April 6 to 12. On page 11 ‘Butterfield Chevrolet Dealership…’ he states: “We have the longest warranty offered on vehicles on the island which is a guaranteed three year warranty.” This is not a true statement. Since 2003 Land Rover, all models offer three years full factory warranty plus and additional year ‘good will warranty’ cover on all mechanical components and a five year warranty on paint and corrosion. Since 2004 Jaguar offered the

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

same warranty on all models. Since 2003 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge offered a two years full factory warranty and in 2012 introduced a three year warranty with an option for the customer to buy a further two years making a five years warranty on all three brands. Fiat was introduced in 2008 offering a three year full factory backed warranty. To the best of my knowledge Suzuki also offer a three year full warranty since 2003. On the above information it seems that the longest warranty on island is not three years but five years. Yours faithfully, John Phillips

Filipino Embassy delegates visit TCI to assist with renewal of passports OFFICIALS from the Filipino Embassy based in Washington DC arrived in the Turks and Caicos (TCI) on Sunday to assist many from the local Filipino community with the renewal of their passports. The acceptance of applications began on Monday at the Graceway IGA Sports complex from 7:00am to 3:00pm where a number of Filipinos filled out their applications and lined up to get their photos taken. Adult applicants were required to fill out the application forms and provide a copy of their passports, while children were required the same, as well as their birth certificates. Honorary Consul for the Filipinos in the TCI, Enrico Angeles, explained that prior to this undertaking Filipinos had to send their passports off but, now the process required

Filipinos queued at the Graceway IGA sports complex to have their photos taken for their passports

specific biometrics. Angeles said: “In the Philippines we have the electronic passports, now they need to be present so we could get their finger prints, take their picture with a special kind of camera and other details.” Angeles confirmed that there were over 100 applications that were

waiting to be reviewed for renewal. He added that the numbers were smaller this year, due to the fact that delegates assisted with renewals in the TCI last year. Once the applications are reviewed their passports will be sent back to them in six weeks. (DAISY HANDFIELD)


12 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 13 - 19, 2013

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Month launched in the nation’s capital TOP Government officials signed a pledge to end child sex abuse in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, held in Grand Turk at Dylan Hall on Wednesday night, marked Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Month. In attendance were Governor Ric Todd and Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, Deputy Governor, Anya Williams, Permanent Secretaries and other officials. The event was organised by the Social Development Department (DSD). Director of the Department, Annette Joseph, said: “We partnered with UNICEF to not only mark Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Month, but also to launch an initiative under the theme ‘Break the silence, end sexual abuse’. “The event saw us getting 60 pledges and what we have to do now is move ahead with monitoring of the initiative and reporting to UNICEF.” Joseph said the Deputy Governor agreed to oversee the initiative - a welcome show of support from top Government officials. Deputy Governor, Anya Williams, commenting on the efforts to raise

awareness of the problem locally, said: “April is set aside to raise awareness of child sexual abuse and children are abused in different forms every day. “They suffer in silence for fear of different reasons; they are ashamed or afraid of victimisation. “In the Turks and Caicos Islands, we need to send a clear message that any form of child abuse will not be tolerated. “We are committed to working with the department to ensure that they have the support they need to address this problem.” Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Month is an annual campaign to raise public awareness about sexual assault and educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence. Each year during the month of April, state, territory, tribal and community-based organisations, rape crisis centres, government agencies, businesses, campuses and individuals plan events and activities to highlight sexual violence as a public health, human rights and social justice issue and reinforce the need for prevention efforts. (VANESSA NARINE)

Governor Ric Todd, Premier, Dr Rufus. Ewing, and Deputy Governor, Anya Williams, sign pledge to end child sex abuse

Police investigating child abuse incident posted on social networking site A VIDEO of a father abusing his two children is presently under investigation after reports of the brutal incident was brought to the attention of authorities. The video was posted on the online social networking site, Facebook, but was removed soon after, following a report made to the police. The Weekly News spoke to the

Director of Social Services, Annette Joseph, who declined to give an indepth comment at this time. Joseph said: “We do not want to give a comment but we can say that a social worker is on Providenciales investigating the matter and it will definitely be addressed.” No one has been arrested as yet and the police are still investigating the matter.

Keynote speaker, Leo Selver, poses with Nixon Dickenson, master of ceremony and Cherylann Jones, Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture.


April 13 - 19, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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14 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 13 - 19, 2013

Deputy Secretary in Ministry of Government Support Services, Russell Cox, Minister of Education Akierra Missick and Minister of Health and Human Services, Porsha Stubbs-Smith, hold a plaque from Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA)

Students at the Enid Capron practise their hand washing techniques

Partners in education launch health and education exercise BY DAISY HANDFIELD

EDUCATION and health officials have joined forces to launch a new health and safety initiative. The Ministry of Health and Human Services in collaboration with the Ministry of Disaster Management and Emergencies and Government Support Services have partnered with the Department of Education to implement a number of projects to promote health and safety in schools and eventually in the community. On Thursday the Government bodies held a press conference at the Enid Capron Primary School where the initiative was officially launched and where officials from the different sectors commented on the project. Deputy Director of Education and moderator, Mark Garland, spoke about the project. He said: ‘Throughout the last few months some of the residents of the TCI have been experiencing a number of health scares. “We have seen cases of dengue fever, influenza, hand and foot and mouth diseases and the threat of cholera. “There’s always a concern especially considering our close proximity to the countries within the region where there are known cases. “If we intend to insure that the students of this country are successful in their academic pursuit, it’s important that we put measures in place to ensure that they may be healthy and safe. “Research done in most countries reveal that when students are not healthy we can expect poor attendance as a result of frequent visits to the doctors and prescribed sick leaves from school, low concentrations in the class rooms, fatigue and stress. “We as adults know how difficult it is to perform on our jobs when we are down with the flu or suffering from a stomach virus or some other form of illness which causes us pain

or discomfort so just imagine what our little ones go through when they are sick. “Subsequently when students are not safe or do not feel safe, whether it is from bullying or recovering from another major disaster, the consequences are likely to be the same and we can expect very little learning to take place. “The Ministry of Education’s theme for this year is ‘Centres of learning pathways to success through partnerships in education’ and in order for us to accomplish our goals it is important for us to partner with other stakeholders including parents. “We encourage the community of the TCI to partner with us because with your support and cooperation I am sure that the activities that were outlined here today will promote health and safety amongst our teachers, amongst our students and the community in which these schools operate.” Minister of Health and Human Services, Porsha Stubbs-Smith, reiterated the importance of the health and education exercise. She said: “These initiatives are intended to reduce the risk and potential impact of unforeseen incidents and disasters in our schools and surrounding communities. “As we are all aware schools are vital institutions and centres of learning; students spend approximately 1,200 hours a year in a school so it is our responsibility as a society to keep our precious children healthy and safe and create an environment that is conducive to their learning and development. “Like all countries around the world the TCI is at risk from all communicable, critical, natural and manmade incidents. “Children are our future and it is our job to protect them and keep them safe. “It is this reason our ministries have collaborated to implement these laudable projects designed to

build the capacity of our schools, to prevent, prepare for and respond to critical incidents and disasters with the ultimate goal of preventing illness during injuries, loss of life or loss of property.” Minister of Education Akiera Missick, noted that with a collaborative effort, great things can

be done for students. She spoke of the hand washing exercise and hand sanitisation exercises. “It’s important that we have these sorts of initiatives, it’s important that we take care of our children. “The children are the future of the TCI but what type of future do we

want? “Do we want a healthy future, do we want students that can compete academically not only in the TCI but also internationally?” The initiative will be implemented in the various schools and officials are hoping that the initiative will be launched in all the schools by May.

autism awareness Spectrum of hope – By Nicole Cox

Into the looking glass Part 4 THE final installment of Priscilla Scherer’s ‘Is It an Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) or ADHD?’, published in the October/November 2004 issue of ADDitude, looks at working with professionals. Scherer’s article says: Treatment includes a wide variety of exercises that target specific auditory deficits. Therapy can range from computer-assisted software programs like Fast For Word and Earobics to one-on-one training with a speech and language therapist. Here are some common approaches: To overcome sound discrimination problem, a professional trains the child's brain to differentiate sounds — first in a quiet environment, then with increasingly louder background noise. To sharpen auditory memory, an audiologist uses sequencing routines — having the child repeat a series of numbers and directions — to exercise the listening "muscles."

To manage language-processing problems, a therapist will train and encourage a child to ask a teacher, adult, or peer to repeat or rephrase an instruction or comment. The therapist and child might also work on developing a customized notetaking system that enables him to capture the information being taught in the classroom. At school, classroom accommodations can often include: Improving the acoustics — closing a window, shutting a door, adding a rug — can help an APD child "hear" the teacher. Seating a child in the front of the classroom, away from students who might be disruptive, will also enhance a child's ability to listen. Asking a teacher to face a child, speak slowly, and use simple sentences when giving assignments can help an APD student retain the information. Writing instructions on a blackboard or a piece of paper can reinforce what was said. At Home, the following tips will increase your child's ability to listen when he or she is at home: Don't try to have a significant conversation when your child is in another room, watching television,

or listening to music - or when an appliance is running. Before you start a conversation, be sure your child is ready to listen (finished with what she was doing). Also, face her directly and make sure she's looking at you. Speak slowly and use simple, short sentences; pause between ideas. Encourage your child to ask you to repeat something that he doesn't understand. Christina, now 11, has learned to use the latter strategy — asking questions until she grasps what's being said — with friends, parents, and teachers. "It's been successful for her," says Tricia. Eight years of speech and language therapy have helped her daughter accomplish many of her social and academic goals. But Christina did something that her mother thought she'd never achieve — joining the chorus. "There she was, on stage, at the parents' day assembly, singing her heart out, and playing drums,” says her mother, "She was so proud of herself, and I was the only fourthgrade mom with tears streaming down her cheeks.”


April 13 - 19, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Seat challenges against five ministers discontinued – PDM leader hits out at Acting AG FIVE ministers who faced trial over discrepancies in their declarations of interest are off the hook after Acting Attorney General Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles withdrew her challenges. People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) members Derek Taylor, Josephine Connolly, Edwin Astwood and Delroy Williams and Progressive National Party (PNP)’s George Lightbourne will continue to retain their seats in parliament. Despite the good news, PDM leader Sharlene Cartwright Robinson hit out at the Acting AG this week calling her former decision to take action against the members “draconian”. Braithwaite-Knowles filed challenges on the seats of five parliamentarians on Friday, March 8. She also challenged the standing of Amanda Missick as a candidate for the March 22 by-election. The Acting AG claimed that they did not fully disclose contracts and interests with the Government prior to the general elections. In March the challenges were brought to Grand Turk Supreme Court before Judge Edwin Goldsbrough. Attorneys decided that due to the crucial Cheshire Hall and Richmond

Hills district by-election Amanda Missick’s case should be heard first. She was found to be not guilty of the charges and Goldsbrough declared that she followed procedure according to the law. This week it was reported that Braithwaite-Knowles had dropped the challenges against the remaining five ministers. PDM leader Sharlene Cartwright Robinson issued a press release on Thursday in which she expressed her dissatisfaction at the Acting AG’s decisions. She said: “Whilst we are grateful that the Acting AG has decided to discontinue these proceedings against the members, we remain very much concerned as to the decision to bring these proceedings in the first place. “It was always our belief that it was not in the public interest for the AG’s Chambers to take such draconian action to have one third of the democratically elected House of Assembly’s seats vacated. “We maintain that our members never intended to mislead anyone or any institution and we believe that this matter could have been handled differently without the loss of reputation for the individuals and the Chambers and finances for those against whom the action was

brought.” She said it was a learning experience but a discouraging one for those in public life. “We believe that there is need for institutions to provide oversight and legal advice but these institutions should state their positions and legal opinions clearly and not have them appear as reserved or hidden traps for members who act to the best of their information and with guidance notes from other institutions whose position ought to matter.” She said that the political parties discussed this matter with the Integrity Commission prior to the elections and the issue was never raised as a possibility. “The Attorney General’s Chambers must as much as possible settle all these matters and provide their legal opinions to the commission to avoid this happening again on any new issue it may hold to be a contract.” She went on to stress that moving forward there is a need for both institutions to work together on these issues. “It is rather unfortunate that it took some weeks later after such a stirring and unsettling wind locally and overseas that the Chambers is now understanding that there was no intention to deceive and that the pursuance of this action was not in the best interest of this country.”

Response to Munroe being drafted on Governor’s behalf, Braithwaite-Knowles BY VANESSA NARINE ACTING Attorney General (AG), Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, is currently drafting a response to the Executive Director of the National Integrity Action (NIA), Professor Trevor Munroe. Braithwaite-Knowles was asked by the Governor to respond to Munroe on his behalf. Speaking with the Weekly News, she said: “The letter has not been sent yet, but I intend to do so in the next couple of days.” Munroe’s January 24 letter called attention to what he described as inequality as it relates to the laws governing the rich and the poor. The letter followed the announcement by the Special Investigations and Prosecution Team (SIPT) on its $12m settlement with Sandals Resorts International, owned by Jamaican national, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart. In his letter the NIA director said: “The matter dealt with therein involving Sandals and the Turks and Caicos Islands Government is attracting wide spread attention from not only citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands, but as well persons throughout the Caribbean and wider

afield. “One aspect of public concern and attention relates to a fundamental principle of the rule of law and of democratic governance, namely, that there should be one law for the rich and for the poor, one law for the connected persons and for the man in the street. “In relation to this fundamental principle, Caribbean people have been, for decades, distressed at its inadequate application in so far as the perception, and I dare say to a significant extent the reality, is that the full extent of the law is applied to the ordinary citizen while the wealthy and the powerful find ways to get around the law. “Within recent times, the issues of arrest warrants for highly placed politicians and private sector persons by the authorities in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as in Cayman, have provided some reassurance that traditional ‘untouchables’ are not beyond the reach of the law.” According to the Professor, the NIA and every “well thinking citizen” must acknowledge that each individual and entity must be considered innocent until found guilty before a court of law; equally

and that no illegitimate consideration should preclude any individual or entity, however well connected and however much a contribution they have made, from having their day in court to establish innocence or to be found guilty. Munroe stressed the need for reassurance that these fundamental principles, long upheld in the British judicial system, are in no way being undermined by the agreement reached between the SIPT and Sandals, which was without any admission of liability by the company, its directors and/or officers. The Attorney General, Huw Shepherd, in response, told the Weekly News only that the statement of the settlement between SIPT and Sandals was carefully considered. He said: “The principal consideration, as with all related media statements that I have made, is the fact that there are outstanding criminal investigations and charges that place strict limits upon the information that I may provide, either on the decision itself or the supporting facts.” The NIA is a Jamaican nongovernmental organisation (NGO) whose objective it is to build integrity and combat corruption.

April 13 - 19, 2013

Tourist Board adds new skills to its staff complement

THE Turks and Caicos Tourist Board added the experience and expertise of Jameka Williams and Oehleo Higgs, this week, in an effort to further strengthen, develop, and maintain the local world renowned tourism brand, and further expand its talented team. Williams joins as Executive Administrative Assistant bringing several years experience in the hotel industry and in the area of Human Resource Management. She holds a Masters Degree in Human Resource Management and Training from University of Wales. The management veteran has traveled extensively throughout Europe – a growing tourism market for the Turks and Caicos – where she had the opportunity to study the European corporate and social cultures through her internships at various organizations. Williams’ portfolio includes the coordination of human resources, employee relations, technical and office administrative duties. Higgs, prior to joining the Tourist Board, Higgs was the Public Relations Coordinator at Beaches

Turks and Caicos. As Senior Public Relations Officer, he will act as the conduit for the organization to local and international travel press, as well as industry partners. His responsibilities also include the development of social media and representing the Board at trade and consumer shows, seminars and conferences. He has contributed his skills to many successful events, campaigns and initiatives that garnered press coverage locally and in outlets such as The Miami Herald and various American scholastic news sources. Higgs holds a Bachelors of Science in Communications from Florida International University. Director of the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Ralph Higgs, said: “We are very excited to welcome Jameka and Oehleo to our team. The upbeat personalities, wealth of experience and industry knowledge between both have already made them key additions. Their appointments are consistent with our commitment to build capacity in our organization with skilled and experienced personnel.”

Sloop intercepted with 111 on board

ANOTHER sloop was discovered with 111 persons on board on Monday, but 21 people escaped after being taken into custody. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Border Control and Labour, Clara Gardiner, told the Weekly News that officers at the Radar Station alerted the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine Branch, which intercepted the vessel and towed it into the South Dock port. According to her, the individuals were transported to the Detention Centre for further processing and detention. Gardiner reiterated her call for

communities of the Turks and Caicos Islands to contact law enforcement with any information concerning the whereabouts of any illegal migrants or on pending sloop arrivals. Additionally on Wednesday at Cabinet, the Minister of Labour and Border Control, Ricardo Don-Hue Gardiner, addressed the arrangements in place to ensure the Detention Centre is secure following the escape of the 21 individuals. Reports are that repatriation to Haiti of the first batch of the illegal arrivals has already taken place. (VANESSA NARINE)

TCI Education Minister, Director for Youth Ministers Meeting THE MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture, Akierra Missick, and the Director of Youth Affairs, Angela Musgrove, left the Turks and Caicos Islands on Thursday to represent the country at a meeting of Commonwealth Youth Ministers. The eighth Meeting of Commonwealth Youth Ministers (8CYMM) is being held in, Papua New Guinea from April 15 to 19. With 60 per cent of the Commonwealth’s two billion people under the age of 30 years, the meeting's theme is ‘Young People at the Centre of Sustainable Development’. Among the issues to be explored are: The economic, social and political empowerment of young people; The importance and capacity of young people to take on integrated

roles in all aspects of development; Cross border, cross sector, cross generational collaboration leading to greater impact; A new era of youth development; and Challenges faced by both governments and young people and successes achieved. 8CYMM is preceded by the Youth Leaders Forum, April 15 to 16, Senior Officials Meeting, April 16, and a Stakeholders meeting, April 16 to 18. Missick, commenting on the trip, said:”I am looking forward to the opportunities this will provide to build partnerships and to explore avenues to enhance youth development and involvement here on the islands.” The Minister and the Youth Affairs Director will return to the island on Monday, April 24.


April 13 - 19, 2013

World Health Day Message from Minister Portia Stubbs-Smith GREETINGS Turks and Caicos, as the Minister of Health, I am privileged to address you this World Health Day, 2013 celebrated by the World Health Organisation and the world under the theme ‘Control High Blood Pressure’, also known as raised blood pressure or hypertension. High blood pressure is a condition that affects more than one in three adults worldwide. High blood pressure - or hypertension - is often called the "silent killer" because its symptoms remain silent and so many people don't know they have it. It increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure and if left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can also cause blindness, irregular heartbeat and heart failure. There's a common misconception that people with high blood pressure also called hypertension, will experience symptoms such as nervousness, sweating, difficulty sleeping or facial flushing. The truth is that high blood pressure is largely a symptomless condition. If you ignore your blood pressure because you think symptoms will alert you to the problem, you are taking a dangerous chance with your life. Everybody needs to know their blood pressure numbers, and everyone needs to prevent high blood pressure from developing. High blood pressure is preventable, and can be countered by reducing salt intake, eating a balanced diet, avoiding the harmful use of alcohol, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy body weight, comply

Minister Portia Stubbs-Smith

with medication prescriptions and avoiding tobacco use. On April 7, 2013, we in the Turks and Caicos Islands join with the rest of the world in celebrating World Health Day. This day and the rest of the week will be highlighted with various activities and campaigns throughout the world focusing on the causes and consequences of high blood pressure. This week I invite you to visit any of our Primary Care Clinics throughout the TCI and get your blood pressure checked for free. Let us focus our attention on the prevention and control of high blood pressure, as a means of reducing the number of people affected, both now and in the future, by cardiovascular disease World Health Day is celebrated annually on April 7 to mark the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1948. Each year a theme is selected highlighting a priority area of public health concern in the world. This year, the WHO selected controlling high blood pressure as its priority area of global public health concern.

Anti-money laundering seminar set for April 25 THE TURKS and Caicos Financial Services Commission is scheduled to conduct an Anti-Money Laundering Seminar in Providenciales on April 25 as part of its information and education programme. As a member of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), which is itself an associate member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF); the TCI is firmly committed to complying with its international obligations. The Commission has over the last few years invested in its human resources capital and currently prides itself on counting among its staff a number of compliance and anti-money laundering specialists. About 75 delegates are expected to be taking part in this Anti-Money Laundering Seminar. The commission will seek to develop an understanding of the nature of money laundering; the inherent risks associated with money laundering in the TCI; the legal obligations of financial services

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

institutions; and the development of anti-money laundering programmers and systems to assist in reducing the AML risks within the jurisdiction. The one day seminar will be hosted and conducted by anti-money laundering specialists from the commission with contributions from other specialists in the field as well as the Financial Intelligence Unit. While providing a brief overview of what money laundering is, the seminar will also seek to highlight the basic legal obligations of financial institutions and some of the main risks and issues which may be encountered in the TCI. The TCI has a responsibility to comply with international standards of regulation relating to the prevention and detection of money laundering and the combating of terrorist financing. The nation also had a framework of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) legislation since 1988. This framework now includes the Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT).

Governor marks Grand Turk hospital’s third anniversary GOVERNOR Ric Todd visited the Cockburn Town Medical Centre, Grand Turk, to mark the third anniversary of his predecessor, Gordon Wetherall, officially opening the facility three years ago, on Wednesday. The Governor was accompanied throughout his visit by Turks and Caicos Islands Government Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Desiree Lewis. They were joined on their visit by TCIG's Director of Health Services, Dr. Nadia Astwood, InterHealth's CEO, Jill Magri, Cockburn Town Medical Centre Hospital Administrator, Dr. Denise Braithwaite, Engineer Donald Wilson and Internist, Dr. Ravindra. Todd heard how over the past three years the hospital has treated 86,810 accident and emergency visits; 5,914 inpatient admissions; 141,375 outpatient visit; 1,462 inpatient and 1,948 day surgeries. Some of the benefits and improvements of the new hospital over its predecessor include fall in cost of overseas treatment from $60m to $10m each year. The ability to deliver local orthopaedic services with an in-house surgeon has reduced overseas costs; as well as oncology services and

Governor Ric Todd

reconstructive plastic surgery services. It has gained an improved international reputation – the hospital was quoted in a major meeting in Trinidad and Tobago last summer as an example of excellence, and awarded Diamond Accreditation by Accreditation Canada. And it now has a first class diagnostics service, enabling better diagnosis and, where patient required overseas transfer, the provision of clinical information/images essential for the receiving centre. There was no on-island radiologist or pathologist prior to the opening of the hospital.

Other improvements include the development of locally provided urology services using the skills of a UK trained practitioner with a strong regional reputation; high patient satisfaction levels, and the hospitals’ teleconference capabilities support Ministry of Health work between the TCI islands. Todd said: “While the challenges of the cost of healthcare provision are a challenge to governments all over the world, today was an occasion to pause and reflect on how much healthcare has improved here in the TCI in recent times. “What I saw today were happy, satisfied patients and caring, hardworking health professionals doing a great job.” Desiree Lewis also explained to the Governor the TCI Government’s plans for the development of long term care and hospice facilities, which would release the Wellness Centre, located on the site of the previous hospital, to be developed for other uses such as psychiatry. Other developments under discussion include expanding ophthalmology, mammography, echocardiography, neurophysiology, blood donor and transfusion facilities as well as looking to build a medical tourism offering.

Hospitality students learn from visiting lecturer THE TOURISM industry is the primary source of income for many residents in the Turks and Caicos Islands. As a result officials from the Turks and Caicos Community College (TCICC) embraced the opportunity to invite the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Swiss Education Group in Switzerland, Emanuel Douglas Donhauser, to lecture students on the hospitality field. He spoke about the importance of the industry, the opportunities that exist and tried to instil passion in his audience. On Wednesday afternoon, the students sat and listened to Donhauser’s lecture and watched a short documentary, which helped them understand what his Swiss schools offer. The CEO told local media that his students are currently doing internships in the TCI. He said: “One of our teachers is from Turks and Caicos which is one reason why we heard about it and we now have two students coming to the islands. “We have students right now that are at the Beaches resort doing internships. “In September Beaches resort came out to our recruitment forum and three to four weeks ago I heard that about 20 interns will be coming to work at the Beaches here in the fall.” Donhauser also briefly explained to the media what the Swiss Education Group represents.

He said: “We have about 5,000 students a year and 70 to 80 different nationalities. “We provide anything from Bachelor’s degrees to Master’s degrees. “We have a recruitment forum that allows us to place about 2,000 students a year in internships and jobs all over the world. “We’ve been around for about 30 years and we keep on growing. “We have tripled in size in the last seven years and were very proud to continue to be Swiss owned not by cooperation but by single owners.” Vice President of the TCICC Samuel Forbes pointed out that although the school was at its early stages, they learned a few necessary steps to becoming the best. He said: “I feel great, I feel privileged. Mr. Donhauser is coming from the other side of the world, from the best in the industry just to share experiences with us, with our students in particular. “We are still young in the industry; there are persons with so much experience. “We may not reach to Switzerland but it tells us where we need to go in terms of sustaining and developing the hospitality industry not only practically but in terms of academics. “We have established our personal affiliations at this time; he’s not here to sell the institute, I would hope that whether it is by technology, or regular visits, I personally will rely

on him for guidance as we grow our industry here.” Head of the Hospitality Department at the school, Michelle Hosten, said that she felt as if the school was up to par but just lacked the necessary facilities. She said: “I think we are up to par, we don’t have the facilities which is what we are lacking but in terms of the content I think we do have it and one thing we do need more of is guest lecturers, local and international.a “One of the things we plan on doing as of September is work with the Hotel Association to get their managers in different sections to come in; it would be good to get that element as well.” (DAISY HANDFIELD)

Acting Chief Justice sworn in by Governor JUSTICE Margaret Ramsay Hale was sworn in as the acting Chief Justice (CJ) of the Turks and Caicos Islands by His Excellency Governor Ric Todd today, Thursday, April 11. She will remain as acting CJ until the return of Chief Justice Edwin Goldsbrough from annual leave.


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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 13 - 19, 2013

fitness Tip 

Dr. Joe LeMoine, is an Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine physician. He has worked with many international athletes and at many sporting events on the world stage. He currently practices in Providenciales, at Prime Sports Medicine.

The Young Athlete THE benefit of youth sports has been proven time and time again: improved school performance,

Chicken Biriyani Notes

Biriyani is a baked Indian dish of spiced rice combined with chicken, seafood, or other meats. Ingredients • 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper • 3 cup water • 2 teaspoons salt, divided • 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, crushed • 1-1/2 cups uncooked basmati rice • 1 3-inch piece cinnamon stick • 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces • 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil • 1 cup chopped onion • 2 teaspoons Indian curry powder • 1 teaspoon minced peeled fresh ginger • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom • 2 garlic cloves, minced finely • 2 serrano chiles, seeded and minced • 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt • 1/2 cup golden raisins • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro Directions: • Bring water, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and the saffron to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rice and cinnamon stick, cover and reduce heat; simmer 20 minutes or until liquid is evaporated. Discard the cinnamon stick. • Sprinkle chicken with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, sauté 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove chicken from the pan, cover, and keep warm. • Add onion and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the pan. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 10 minutes until lightly browned. Add curry and the next 5 ingredients (through chiles) and cook 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add yogurt, stirring with a whisk, cook 3 minutes or until slightly thick, stirring constantly. Add chicken and raisins. Cook 4 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Add rice; stir well to combine. Sprinkle evenly with cashews and cilantro.

improved social skills and prevention of disease in adults, notably obesity, osteoporosis and some cancers. Any parent who has a child participating in sports can do a lot to help their young athlete achieve their goals. The parents should adopt a supporting role, not a coaching role. For the child it is not important how much their parent knows but it is how much they care. With this in mind there are many things a caring parent can do to help their child. Keep them Safe: Children are not the same as adult athletes; they are growing. This means that they can have more and different injuries than adults. Furthermore children grow and physically mature at different rates; it is important to avoid mismatches amongst the participants. The keys to preventing injury are the same for everyone. Ensure that the child is in good condition and properly fit to play. If the child is sick or fatigued it may be a day to sit the game out. Ensure that the sport is properly organized with coaches and

Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine physician Dr. Joe LeMoine

officials help prevent injury due to the lack rules or their reinforcement. Be sure that any equipment is adapted to the size of the athletes and is proper fitting. There is a good chance that last year’s equipment may now be too small. Go through a proper warm up before starting a game. Healthy Lifestyle: Any athlete will have better performance if they pay attention to nutrition and sleep. A teenager that is growing and training needs to have enough nutrition to meet the needs of grown and exercise. A balanced diet with limited fat, lean protein and complex carbohydrates is key. Probably the most significant factor is ensuring proper hydration; water is the drink of choice and be sure to have an adequate supply before, during and

after play. The amount of sleep an individual needs can vary, usually between six and nine hours. It has been shown for the growing child, for both learning and sports the key element is reproducible sleep. Setting a consistent sleep schedule is paramount. Adjusting sleep by as little as an hour later has been shown to effect performance. Stress-free Sports: The three strongest determinants of stress in the young athlete are a poor past performance, fear of mistake and parental expectations. A certain degree of stress is normal, but when it deters either performance or enjoyment it needs to be identified and corrected. If an athlete is aware of increasing stress levels both the child and parent need to find means to control it. Most often this involves relaxation techniques,

self-talk or visualization and pre game rituals. There are a number of universal traits for all parents, they love their child, they are proud of them and want to support them. But when it comes to their child they are also not objective and it is normal that every parent feels their child is special. All these feelings are correct, so it is important to be aware of them and not unduly increase the stress on the young athlete. Finally even when an athlete does show early potential do not push them too prematurely into a single sport elite program. With all youth the first priority is to ensure a proper education and a well-rounded adult. Let them explore different sports. If a child shows a certain affinity to a sport let them develop their skills and most importantly their love for the sport before anything else.

health Tip 

Using cayenne peppers Fiercely hot and pungent cayenne pepper is one of the widely used spicy ingredients in many cuisines. Cayenne variety of chili pepper plant is native to Central American region where it was used as a spicy ingredient in Mexican cuisines for several thousand years. Although inherently hot and intolerable even in small amounts, cayennes are one of the healthbenefiting spice items concentrated with minerals, vitamins and certain phyto-nutrients. It is no wonder this wonderful spice has been found a place in modern as well as in traditional medicines for its disease preventing and health promoting properties. Cayenne contains health benefiting an alkaloid compound capsaicin, which gives strong spicy pungent character. Early laboratory studies on experimental mammals suggest that capsaicin has anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic and

anti-diabetic properties. When used judiciously it also found to reduce triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels in obese individuals. Fresh cayenne peppers, red or green, are rich source of vitamin-C. Vitamin-C is a potent water soluble antioxidant. It is required for the collagen synthesis in the body. Collagen is the main structural protein in the body required for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs, and bones. Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body protect from scurvy; develop resistance against infectious agents (boosts immunity) and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body. Cayenne chili peppers are perhaps the richest source of vitamin A among spice. In addition, this prized spice is also home for anti-oxidant flavonoids such as carotenes, lutein, zea xanthin and cryptoxanthin. Together, these

antioxidants in capsicum help to protect the body from injurious effects of free radicals generated during stress, and disease conditions. The spice contains very high levels of essential minerals. The spice if even consumed in small quantities regularly would provide sufficient levels of iron, copper, zinc, potassium, manganese, magnesium and selenium. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Selenium is an antioxidant trace element required by the human body for smooth heart and liver functions. Cayenne also provide the dailyrequired amount of potassium. Potassium is an important electrolyte in the cells and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. It thus counters the bad effects of sodium. Cayenne peppers are also good in B-complex group of vitamins such

as niacin, pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), riboflavin and thiamin (vitamin B-1). These vitamins are essential in the sense that body requires them from external sources to replenish. B-complex vitamins facilitate cellular metabolism through various enzymatic functions. Cayenne peppers have amazingly very high levels of vitamins and minerals and supports weight loss, skin problems, sore throats, hair growth and arthritis.


April 13 - 19, 2013

Lifestyle... GARDENING 

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

How does your garden grow

YOUR DIET

ASK TAMIKA

BY TAMIKA HANDFIELD

Tamika graduated from Florida International University in Miami with a Masters degree in Dietetics & Nutrition. She is a registered dietitian with the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and licensed to practice medical nutrition therapy in the state of Florida. Email Tamika via tcweeklynews@gmail.com or tamikahandfield@yahoo.com with your healthy eating questions.

Frangipani Plumeria (Frangipani) is the classic Hawaiian leis tree. Its flowers are the ones used to form the colorful, tropical flower necklaces (lei). Native to Tropical America, from southern Mexico, northern South America and the West Indies, Plumeria is rated a small tree, to about 15-25 feet and is seen in a variety of solid colors. There are more than 300 named varieties of Plumeria. The flowers are about two inches long, arranged in 5 petals, and are waxy and fragrant. It blooms in spring and through all the summer months The tree itself is multi-branched and holds thick foliage. The young tree has green wood on the trunk and branches which become more gray as it matures. Plumeria is related to Oleander, Periwinkle and Allamanda Plumeria has many common names throughout the tropical world including: Dead Man's Finger (Australia), Jasmine de Cayenne (Brazil), Pagoda Tree or Temple Tree (India), Egg Flower (southern China), Amapola (Venezuela) Plumeria-Frangipani is deciduous losing all its leaves in winter. It can look awful without its leaves. If you feel your Plumeria requires pruning you should wait until the dormant period is well along then cut for shape. Water should be at minimum during all dormant months This tree prefers full sun or shifting shade and hot weather during blooming months. Not too fussy for soil conditions, Plumeria can grow fairly close to the beach, but without full wind. Enriched soil is preferred and good drainage should be provided The classic Plumeria is the rubra. Rubra can be found with flowers in various tones of red. Other available

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varieties include: Plumeria alba (white), Plumeria obtusa (white with yellow center), Plumeria obtusa 'Singapore', Plumeria 'Nosegay Frangipani' ,Plumeria rubra 'Tricolor'. The hot Plumeria is the Plumeria pudica (Bridal bouquet) with pure white flowers. Plumeria pudica blooms as many as 9-10 months a year and has only partial leaf drop during winter. Foliage is unique as well, New are the dwarf Plumerias. The best one we have seen was planted in an 18-inch terra cotta bowl set on a pedestal. Because of the plant's full leaf habit and many stems, it looked somewhat like a bonsai plant. In the spring and summer, it blooms like the standard Plumeria. With blooms

at eye level, the dwarf was a real show stopper The Turks and Caicos native Frangipani is a Plumeria obtuse and is common throughout the Islands. It grows on rocky areas and doesn’t seem to mind salty areas. Plumeria species may be easily propagated from cuttings of leafless stem tips in spring. Cuttings are allowed to dry at the base before planting in well drained soil. Cuttings are particularly susceptible to rot in moist soil. Propagation can also be by tissue culture from cuttings of freshly elongated stems or aseptically germinated seed. Pruning is best accomplished in the winter for deciduous varieties, or when cuttings are desired.

Vending Machines, healthy eating and the cost question Many of my articles have been written on healthful eating and providing tips on how to incorporate more colors (in the form of brightly colored fruits and vegetables) into the foods you eat. However, it has been brought to my attention that, for a variety of reasons, a well-balanced meal with the right amounts of carbohydrates, protein and fat may not always be an option for everyone. May be you are a college student and really do not have the funds or you may have a medical condition that requires you to eat on a schedule. Whatever your situation, I am sure you will agree that a vending machine always seem to be right around the corner. Ideally, packing a small snack to take along with you will always be the better option. However, if you need to refuel between meals and a vending machine is your only option, look for these items to help you make the most healthful choice: Small bag of pretzels, peanuts, almonds or trail mix—one nutrient of concern with these would be the amount of salt. Always look for the lower salt or no salt added version. Fat-free or reduced-fat popcorn—a good source of fiber Whole-wheat crackers with peanut butter—peanut butter is a great source of protein and the whole-wheat crackers provide some fiber. Whole-grain granola or cereal bars Graham or animal crackers 100% fruit or vegetable juice—ensure that it is real 100% fruit or vegetable juice and not the juice drinks, aides and punches. These are usually just water, sugar and colorings. Fresh fruit—these may be a rare find but if are lucky enough to find it then choose it by all means. Dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries or apricots—these are great sources of energy and act as excellent additions to nuts and dried cereal. Microwaveable soup or oatmeal—soups are sometimes high in salt but usually have lots of vegetables. You can divide the soup into two servings and add water to lower the sodium content. There are ample amounts of fat, sodium and calorie laden treats in vending machines so it’s important that you choose wisely. As stated before, packing a healthy and affordable snack to take with you is always the best option. Obviously, a vending machine will not be getting any “healthy foods awards” any time soon but if it is your only choice, then this article should help you make wiser choices. Some information adapted from Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics ACCU Medical Nutrition is based at Provo Plaza (old Pizza Pizza Building) No. 5, Providenciales. Call 946 8308, 242 3978 or 442 3978.


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Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Haiti’s finance minister resigns HAITI’S Finance and Economy Minister Marie Carmelle Jean-Marie resigned Wednesday with immediate effect. Jean-Marie, who has been in the post for a year, sent her letter of resignation to Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe. Her resignation comes amidst constant reports that she no longer feels she has the support of her colleagues in her effort to manage the local economy. Dubbed the “Iron Lady,” she worked in Cuba for eight years

before giving up her residency there to return to Haiti in 2010. She is considered by many in Haiti and in the international community as one of the more credible and competent members of President Michel Martelly’s administration. Political observers say her efforts to bring transparency to Haiti’s finances, initiate a large-scale reform of the management of the country’s finances and put the impoverished French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on a path to macro-economic stability have not

April 13 - 19, 2013

Attorney to CCJ: Don’t believe Myrie Marie Carmelle Jean-Marie has resigned as Haiti’s Finance and Economy minister.

been easy. They said the most recent issue creating a stir among donors to the earthquake battered country is a decision by the government to issue US$432 million in no-bid contracts after Hurricane Sandy last year. (Jamaica Observer/CMC)

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Don’t believe the hype! That was the message sent to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) this week by Barbados’ lead attorney in Shanique Myrie’s lawsuit against the Barbados Government. During his closing arguments to the CCJ at its Henry Street headquarters in Port of Spain, lead attorney Roger Forde urged the court to completely ignore any evidence brought forward by 25-year-old Myrie in the last month. “Miss Myrie’s evidence was not credible,” the Queen’s Counsel told the seven-judge panel. “It was laced with inconsistencies, and should be rejected in its entirety,” he added. And Forde doesn’t think Myrie should be granted much money if the CCJ does eventually determine she should be awarded damages. On Monday, Myrie’s lawyers had revealed they would be seeking almost TT$1 million in moral and punitive damages. The lawyer said that the award would include US$400,000 in general damages; J$178,000 (One Jamaica dollar = US$0.01 cents) in special damages as well as legal costs. “If she is guaranteed any damages, they should be nominal, if the hypothesis that her refusal of entry into Barbados was against her fundamental rights,” Forde noted. He added that any other claims regarding if her rights were trampled

Jamaican Shanique Myrie is seeking a large financial compensation.

could not be heard by the CCJ. The Barbadian lawyer also suggested to the CCJ that for damages to be determined, a separate assessment hearing outside of the current case should be convened elsewhere. Regarding Myrie’s evidence, Forde said evidence produced during the Barbados leg of the case had shown the Jamaican woman had been untruthful to Immigration Department officials and which was contrary to what she had provided in statements to Barbadian police. “If you find a witness is telling lies, you can dismiss that evidence in its entirety, even if there are some truths within the testimony. We suggest that her evidence be therefore completely rejected,” Forde urged the court.

Grenada PM names first ever female governor general PRIME Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell has named Dr. Cecile La Grenade, a United States trained food technologist, as the Grenada’s new Governor General. In a nationwide radio and television broadcast on Tuesday night, Mitchell, whose government came to office seven weeks ago after sweeping all the 15 seats in the general elections, said the first ever female Governor General will replace Sir Carlyle Glean “who has expressed the desire to step down at the earliest convenient date. “The government has put the motion in train, with a view to having a new Head of State in place in the very early days of May,” Mitchell said, noting that “with more women in our parliament than ever before, it is fitting that we will have our first female Governor General. “It is also fitting that her appointment will come at a time when we are paying tribute to the country’s’ first female governor Dame Hilda Bynoe, who regrettably passed away this week.” Dame Hilda, who died in Trinidad

Dr. Cecile La Grenade is a trained food technologist.

after a prolonged illness, will be buried in that Caribbean country and Mitchell described her as “this proud daughter of our nation”. He promised that “the appropriate national tribute will be paid to her in the coming days”. (CMC)


April 13 - 19, 2013

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Web shop operators advised to remain open despite court’s ruling LAWYER Wayne Munroe has advised his web shop clients to remain open despite Chief Justice Sir Michael Barnett lifting a conservatory order earlier this week that had prevented the government from shutting down their gaming operations. The injunction was enforced shortly after the Bahamas voted against legalising and taxing the industry. Mr Munroe has filed an appeal and a stay of execution on the decision but in the meantime said it is in the best interest of his clients for the government to shut them down, rather than them closing voluntarily. “My advice to them was let the government make the decision and take the gamble on whether they should shut them down or leave them be until the case is heard. It is up to the government to determine what they will do now. They can interfere with my clients and shut them down, but if we are successful there will be millions of dollars in damages the

government will have to pay them for revenue they lost. Money that will come out of the public purse,” he said. “The court made a decision but they are not ordering or directing the government to do anything. The government can take a risk and take this gamble. But if they lose their bet then the public pays. My clients, in order to get a full measure of damages will have to let the government interfere with them. If they close voluntarily and they win, the government will not have to pay because they can say ‘We did not interfere with their business, they closed on their own’, but if they let the government interfere they can collect damages.” Mr Munroe represents Island Game, Island Luck, FML, Asue Draw, Whattfall and Chances. Attorney Alfred Sears represents Paradise Games. He declined to comment on whether his client will remain open, but did confirm they are also appealing the decision. (Tribune242.com)

More suicides than traffic deaths every year in Suriname EVERY year, more people die of suicide than in traffic, says clinical psychologist and professor at the Anton de Kom University Tobi Graafsma. He believes only a national approach to the high number of suicides can contain this phenomenon. Graafsma acts as chair of the first regional suicide prevention symposium of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), that is to be held in Suriname in May. He considers a national suicide protocol and prevention program as the ultimate goal of this symposium. The report ‘Causes of Death’ published by the Health Ministry provides a good picture of the suicide issue up to 2011. Graafsma and his colleague Widya Punwasi, chair of the foundation Swarnapath/ Mind Console Centre, present this report as a basis for their arguments. A peak occurred in 2008 with 148 successful suicide attempts, while this number dropped to 137 in 2010 and 127 in 2011. Although this points to a decreasing trend, the number of suicides is high compared to the annual average of one hundred traffic deaths. “Suicide is a growing problem in the Caribbean and Suriname. In

case someone has suicidal thoughts, a protocol could help provide the needed assistance.” There is no national suicide plan, but many isolated initiatives and ad-hoc research. “We want to get together and consider a national approach,” Graafsma explains. The most important goals of the symposium include raising awareness about the suicide problem, discuss backgrounds and causes, present results of scientific research and help develop a national policy. This is the first time the IASP, an organization of researchers and clinicians in the field of suicide prevention, co-organizes a symposium in the Caribbean. “This symposium is a unique opportunity, as it brings together internationally renowned scientists from countries including Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, the United States, Canada, Ireland, England, the Netherlands and India,” Punwasi says. The four-day symposium has a national and regional part, with the scientists holding presentations and workshops and sharing ‘best practices.’ Suriname’s participants will include policy makers, the Psychiatric Center Suriname (PCS), social workers, volunteers, the Academic Hospital (AZP) and the Emergency Room. (de Ware Tijd)

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The Bahamas:

Wikileaks: revealed concerns over Pindling link to notorious swindler AS BAHAMIANS basked in the optimistic aura of newly-won independence, US diplomats were already showing concern about a number of worrying trends developing in the fledgling island nation. Prominent among these, according to a new round of embassy cables released by Wikileaks, were the relationship between the country’s first Prime Minister and notorious swindler Robert Vesco, as well as claims that early PLP leaders propped up local businessmen as fronts for their own interests. In 1973, the man Slate.com labelled “the undisputed king of the fugitive financiers,” was wanted in the United States on a number of fraud allegations and was implicated, as part of the Watergate scandal, of funnelling money to disgraced US president Richard Nixon in a bid to evade justice. Of particular interest to US Embassy staff was a Miami Herald story on August 5, 1973, linking Vesco’s firms in the Bahamas with the purchase of a $450,000 home by Prime Minister Pindling. According to one cable, the deal involved the sale of Pindling’s previous home and an office “at inflated prices” to firms controlled by a well-known local businessman closely connected to the PLP. The businessman, according to embassy staff, had risen in a matter of months “from a nobody to owner of several local firms.” All of the businessman’s acquisitions were financed through Vesco’s Commonwealth Bank, the cable noted. “According to unconfirmed reports,” the document said, the businessman “was actually fronting

Sir Lynden Oscar Pindling served as the first black Premier of the Colony of the Bahama Islands, from 1967 – 1973 and as Prime Minister of the Bahamas, from 1973 – 1992, as leader of the Progressive Liberal Party.

for Pindling and other politicians when he bought several businesses.” The cable added: “Figuring prominently in the sale of Pindling’s home and office building is Colombus Trust and Co, Ltd, a Vesco-controlled company.” Another cable noted that in replying to questions posed by FNM MP Cleophas Adderley, Pindling said Vesco’s business activities are being conducted “within the confines of the law.” “Mr Pindling made no comment on whether he thought these activities were detrimental to the country’s reputation. Questions about possible conflict of interest by the PM or his ministers were not answered. When the subject of the possible extradition of Vesco was raised with Pindling at a press conference in July, another cable notes, “the Prime Minister replied that extradition was a judicial and not a political matter,

and that Vesco was being treated as an investor until such time as he was thought otherwise. “Mr Pindling said he knew Vesco socially. He said Vesco was . . . merely one of a long string of US investors active here. ‘I have no reason to view him in a separate light.’ Unquote.” Other cables described a Bahamas working its way to independence as already beset by problems resulting from questionable banking practices. One April cable, entitled: “Banking and corporate activities in the Bahamas damaging to US interests” said the United States is facing a series of “separate but related problems involving the use of Bahamian banks and corporations for illegal and/ or questionable activities which are damaging to American interests”. It mentions banks engaged in “questionable financing or in some cases clearly illegal activities.” The cable said: “In most cases the persons involved have been Americans. Although the banks’ precarious financial condition has become evident, GOBI (Bahamas government) banking authorities have failed to move in good time to conserve assets because of political payoffs.” “The second problem is the use of Bahamian banks and shell corporations for illegal stock manipulation and as a means of avoiding US and other stock regulations. “The most notable example of this is Robert Vesco’s activities and that of IOS before him. Bahamian monetary authorities have declined to cooperate with the SEC and complained that its efforts to conserve the assets of Vesco’s firm constitute interference in Bahamian internal affairs. Again, there is evidence of local political payoffs.”

State appeals against T&T Clico policyholders The T&T State has filed an appeal against the March 12 judgment that ruled in favour of the CLICO Policyholders Group, which awarded the group TT$300 million. The Express was informed that 21 grounds of appeal were filed on Friday. The State has also filed an application for an urgent hearing of the appeal and a stay of execution on payments until the appeal is heard. The hearing for the application’s approval will be next Monday at the Port of Spain High Court. High Court Judge Joan Charles last month ruled the CLICO bailout plan presented by the People’s Partnership Government was unlawful. The State was ordered to pay a group of Executive Flexible

Premium Annuity policyholders all the money they invested in the failed insurance giant, plus interest. The Policyholders Group contended the bailout plan presented by the former People’s National Movement administration amounted to a guarantee policyholders would be reimbursed the funds they held in the cash-strapped conglomerate. Charles agreed, saying in her judgment: “It is declared that the claimants are the beneficiaries of legitimate expectations engendered by representations made to them by or on behalf of the government that (i) the Government would ensure that their funds in CLICO would be safe and that it would guarantee repayment of all monies due to them; and (ii) the Government would make

good the deficit in the Statutory Fund.” “We have no objections and look forward to the appeal being heard expeditiously,” Policyholders Group attorney Ramesh LawrenceMaharaj said yesterday via telephone. Chairman of CL Financial Gerald Yetming was out of the country when the Express contacted him, but said he had “no clue” as to whether the appeal had been filed. Attorney General Anand Ramlogan told the Express yesterday that when the ruling had been passed down, he had given immediate instructions for it to be appealed, and while he was not certain of the date the appeal would have been filed, by now it should have been. (Trinidad Express)


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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 13 - 19, 2013

Spotlight on Salt Cay

What’s in da’ pot ma? By Candy Herwin HOW often do we think about the importance of traditional local cuisine and how it shapes and defines our culture? Probably not often and yet historically the kitchen was always buzzing with activity and every day, mouth-watering aromas wafted from the ‘cooking pot’ and freshly baked bread. Historically the working man’s kitchen was built within the house or in a nearby adjacent building. The whole community was in one way or another engaged in putting food on the table and it was usually in the kitchen where the family gathered to listen to the daily tittletattle of Island life and join together in Morning Prayer and devotions. The day unfolded by the fireplace with the coming and going of family members and friends. Siblings

collected wood to kindle the fire and fetch water from the local rain catch mentor well. They returned home balancing the “kettles” or metal buckets on their head. Excited young boys would proudly display their catch of the day like turbot, grouper, snappers, tangs, grunts, porgies and sprats. From the south and east creeks the lads caught cowfish and jiggled for clams in the shallow waters. Sometimes the children returned with turtle eggs taken from the sandy beaches or fowl eggs from the bush and many a time they strolled into the kitchen with canisters of fresh whelks cracked and cleaned on the rocky shores. All these chores were necessary tasks to feed the family. In the kitchen “grannies” concocted bush teas from flowers, bark and leaves for either ‘coolin’ or ‘heatin’ the body. Catnip and fever grass grew outside the door

and soothing plants were boiled and used as foot soaks for the men folk returning home from long hot days raking salt in the ponds. Other bush medicine remedies were used for babies suffering from skin rash and all sorts of other ailments. Hogs were often kept in the yard and salted pigtail was always put in the pot. This made the most tasty peas and rice suffused with herbs and brimming with flavour The food should never be ‘fresh’ is the saying I learnt from ‘Ma Berry’ which in reality meant that the food had no flavour. ”To cook “Salt Cay style” she insisted, “The pot must be

well seasoned at all times.” The traditional dish of Salt Cay is in fact, Whelk Soup, a rich vegetable broth with whelks that are large edible marine snails purportedly full of goodness. In fact, the local men claim that eating whelk. The ladies served this hot and nourishing soup on special occasions particularly when the men played cricket and the crowd gathered to cheer them on. Personally I love fried sprats for breakfast, the ‘slipperies’ in the pea soup, hashed shark, oxtail stew, steamed conch and corn beef balls, which are all Salt Cay favorites.

Unfortunately I have not mastered the taste of salted codfish, the cooking of which is too fishy and sends me scurrying from the kitchen only to return in time for Johnny cake, sweet buns or coco lumps! There is a fine example of a Bermudan kitchen in the grounds of the historic Government House. Once restored this important building will be an interesting tourist attraction depicting the culture and historic characters of the 19th and 20thcentury on Salt Cay. If you are interested in supporting this preservation project please visit www.saltcaypreservation.org


April 13 - 19, 2013

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 13 - 19, 2013

Increased humpback whale sightings lead to intensive research

CaicuNaniki Sports Adventures’ Ben Stubenberg and marine biologist and whale researcher Lee Munson at the presentation

AN INCREASED interest in whale watching and in water encounters with humpback whales in Salt Cay has prompted investigation on the behavioural patterns of these majestic mammals. A collaboration between Salt Cay Divers and the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) led marine biologist and whale researcher Lee Munson to conduct a study of these amazing creatures. Findings of the study were revealed in an exciting public presentation at the Gansevoort recently, with interesting details and stunning close-up video footage and pictures of the spectacular creatures. Munson, who spent two months this year studying the animals,

Some of the “Tourism Champions” featured in the Ad Campaign

Beaches pushes for more Belongers in the workforce BEACHES Resort has launched an advertising campaign aimed at inspiring Belongers to pursue the multitude of career opportunities available within the tourism industry. The adverts, which highlight local “tourism champions”, give an insight into the endless possibilities and diverse opportunities available within the sector. The campaign consists of ten video advertisements, each featuring an outstanding individual with a unique success story. Beaches public relations manager Elanor Finfin Krzanowski said: “We generated these series of ads and invited several champions in the tourism industry to share their inspirational stories with hopes of inspiring youngsters who be undecided or those who may not know the diversity in job options that are available in the industry.” Some of the stories shared aim to show just how much can be achieved with hard work and dedication if a person is willing to work their way up from the bottom. She said that the hospitality industry has a poor reputation among many in the TCI community, especially with the younger Belongers.

Last year, she and a colleague conducted a survey to better understand the public’s view towards working in the tourism industry. They realised that high school students did not seem too keen to get involved, partly because they were unaware of the host of opportunities available. Krzanowski said the misconception is that the only work available in the industry is that of servitude. “This campaign aims to rectify this misconception and champion hospitality as an industry by highlighting in a very colourful and creative way Belongers who have excelled within the industry in various departments.” “We need different people to run different things to make it successful,” she said, reminding locals that in this small community each individual can cultivate their own passions and find their place within the industry. Krzanowski said: “It is our main industry and the economic engine of the island and if we don’t get people more interested we fear there is going to be an issue. “Beaches is the largest private employer with four villages and

1,500 employees so we are trying to grab as much local talent as we can possibly get.” Often bashed for their high percentage of expatriate workers, she said the ratio between expats and Belongers is the highest it has ever been and the company is working very hard to increase the local workforce. The team hopes that the campaign will serve to promote the hospitality industry by highlighting the breadth of the industry, the success that can be attained within this industry and the many opportunities that working in the industry can springboard a worker to. Some of the “Tourism Champions” featured in the adverts include Tanya Swann - Beaches Resort; Tiersa Hall - The Regent Palms Resort; Stacy Cox – Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association; Fedeline Julian - Beaches Resort and Rommel Forbes - Beaches Resort. Ads are currently aired on PTV, WIV and can also be seen on the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association Facebook page. The ad campaign is only the first step as the resort will be doing more to entice Belongers to become a part of the booming industry. (KH)

completed his second season on Salt Cay investigating the behavioural responses to the whale watching activity. The study shed new light on the humpbacks and greatly added to the knowledge about the intelligent, playful, curious, protective and territorial creatures. On his agenda was the assessment of the response to divers and snorkelers in the water with special attention paid to marine tourism and the kind of national treasure the whales are to the island. Salt Cay is a premier humpback whale watching spot where visitors often experience incredible encounters during the whale watching season which is at its peak in February and March. Monson said that the tiny island is perfectly positioned to see these transient animals in their migration down from their northern feeding ground to the Silver Banks just past Salt Cay where they go to breed and give birth. The whales can also be seen late December and January and there were sightings in Providenciales and also in Middle Caicos. This season the team noted 239 whale sightings also counting repeats. Most frequently seen are mother and calf groups which, when resting, are “the absolute best animal to get in the water with,” said Munson. He pointed out that there was zero aggressive response to the boat

and no aggression response during personal encounters. This he attributes to “the art of the approach” taken to the animals and the awareness that humans need to practice patience, be prepared and be in the right position. He confirmed that he thinks “it’s a very safe thing to do if you approach in a non-aggressive, non-threatening way” and of course “you have to be very aware of the behaviour of each group”. The experienced whale researcher gave tips on when and how to get in the water with the animals along with warnings against touching and flash photography. This season, his team noticed a lot more boats in the area and became concerned that with the increase there need to be regulations. Officials will soon get to work drafting a code of ethics for better, sustainable marine tourism since threats to the valuable and viable animals are a concern. Humpbacks are vulnerable to vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear and suffer mortality from human activities. Sponsors and supporters of the Humpback Whale Study include Salt Cay Divers, Otionos, CaicuNaniki Sports Adventures, Marco Travel, Turks and Caicos Reef Fund and DEMA. Members of the public can help to support whale research by donating to the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund. (KH)

TCIPF receives communications server from Tourist Board

THE Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, on Wednesday, announced the turning over of their internal communications server to the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force. Director of the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Ralph Higgs, said: “We are elated to assist our stable partners with the necessary resources to help them maximize proficiency.” Mr. Higgs continues, “We hope the transmission of this server will help to expedite the services the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force already offer to our visitors and locals alike.” Police Constable, Kevin Clarke, adding his bit, said: “The Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force greatly appreciate the donation of the server. It will be an asset to the I.T. Department. Our line users who require daily use will be more than happy for this donation.” The server will be used for data and storage collection, and to maintain the road safety database. The server will be housed in a secure location to ensure its

The Communications Server donated by the Tourist Board

protection and service longevity. Acting Deputy Commissioner, Rodney Adams, said: “As Senior Police Officer with responsibility for Operations, I am delighted to accept this gift on behalf of the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force and it will certainly go a long way in assisting us from an I.T. perspective “Our partnership with the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board is one that has continued through the years and one that we cherish very much. It is a partnership that I am sure will continue through the years and will be beneficial to law and order, and tourism for the Turks and Caicos Islands.”


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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 13 - 19, 2013

Annual Wine Cellar Golf and Fishing Tournament a huge success

Top model contestants exposed to more self-development training THE TEN contestants preparing to compete in the upcoming 2013 TCI Top Model Contest received additional training, this week, in the run up to this country’s most coveted title event. Marketing executive for the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board, Oneika Simons-Rigby, presented a workshop on ‘Being an Effective Spokesmodel and a Strong Brand Ambassador’. Simons-Rigby informed the contestants that a ‘spokesmodel’ is defined as a spokesperson whose physical appearance contributes to brand equity. She said: “The way you present yourself, the way you are received by the market directly influences the perception, acceptance, loyalty and value that is shared with the brand you represent. “A spokesmodel or a brand ambassador, is a person hired to drive consumer demand for the product by directly interacting with existing and potential consumers; increasing brand and product awareness; providing product information that will make it more appealing; creating an association in the consumer’s mind between the brand and its primary message.” Simons, formerly a news anchor

and news reporter/writer for PTV channel 8 went on to give tips for a good interview. She informed them that they must set goals for every appearance; know that nothing is 100 per cent off the record and that what they say may get used. She added that models must pay close attention to their body language and that of the interviewer; ensure that they present themselves well; stay on track by sticking to their message; and most importantly, always to find a way to share takeaway points that they want the reporter, and, by extension, the audience to walk away thinking about. After the workshop, Simons said: “I enjoyed sharing my knowledge of life in the media and providing tips that these young ladies can make use of during their TCI Top Model journey. “Embracing every opportunity to gain specific skills, mastering how best to present yourself, while staying true to who you are in a contest such as this one, is key to winning the title.” The girls were also exposed to a presentation, ‘Life In The Media: Under the Public Gaze’, by Talisha Simons, a public relations

professional with experience ranging from television and radio broadcasting to community and public relations. Focusing on media interviewing, the corporate communications officer for ForitsTCI informed the ladies that media interviews could be a nerve-racking experience. She said: “Often times spokespeople botch interview opportunities by making the wrong comments, causing serious damage to their company or brand. “However, if you prepare yourself, be knowledgeable about your subject areas, take your time when speaking, and know what topics to avoid, you can make a good interview.” Courtney Robinson, executive producer of the TCI Top Model Contest said: “The additional workshops were fundamentally important, as the winner of the 2013 TCI Top Model Contest will also be the Digicel TCI brand ambassador for a year. “These workshops, along with that which they underwent beforehand, will go a long way into building their intellectual capacity, whether they stay in fashion or wherever life takes them. “It is our endeavour to assist with the development of well-rounded individuals.”

THE WINE Cellar’s annual Golf and Fishing Tournament, which took place last Thursday, April 4 to 7, allowed families and friends to get together and enjoy a few days of wholesome fun while taking advantage of the islands’ various abundant natural resources – sun and sea. Member of the organising committee, Desmond Williams, told the Weekly News that it was a “great event with a great turnout” this year. Thursday saw registrations done and on Friday and Saturday more

than 10 boats participated in the fun. Those who preferred the land over the sea had their fun with the golfing segment of the tournament on Sunday. The funds raised at the tournament will go to the Edward Gartland Youth Centre and the Provo Sailing Club. “We are still calculating how much was raised, but we expect to make the presentation to the charities next week,” Williams said. The event, in its third year, was an action packed weekend and fun was had by all. (VANESSA NARINE)

TCI voted top three Caribbean island PROVIDENCIALES, the tourist mecca of the Turks and Caicos Islands, continues to receive accolades. The destination was recently voted the number three top Caribbean island by Trip Advisor in the Travelers’ Choice Awards 2013. According to Trip Advisor’s vivid description of the island: “Scuba diving, horseback riding, sunbathing, take your pick; Provo offers plenty for the happy couple to do, including picture-perfect coastlines to walk along, hand in hand.”

The reputable travel website further describes Providenciales as relatively tranquil; recommending visitors try Malcolm’s Beach to get even further away from crowds. Grace Bay, Provo Ponies and Sail Beluga are highlighted as don’t miss items for visitors’ travel itinerary. Trip Advisor also lists “85 things to do” while visiting the island. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands was voted the number two top Caribbean island, whilst St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, claimed the overall title of top Caribbean island.


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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Pic-Chairman of the foundation Dr. Carlton Mills and member Sheba Wilson

Grace Bay Resort Community Foundation to host new fundraiser REPRESENTATIVES of the charitable division of Grace Bay Resorts recently revealed plans for a new annual fundraiser to generate cash for further assisting their five adopted schools. The event will be hosted at the Grace Bay Club on May 4 under the theme, ‘Planting the seeds today to build a stronger community tomorrow’. Chairman of the organisation Dr. Carlton Mills said that the venture is “particularly to assist the schools in purchasing school supplies and items that will further enhance the teaching and learning process.” The Grace Bay Resorts Community Foundation, which began in 2009, has adopted five government schools - Charles Hubert James Primary School and Adelaide Oemler Primary School on North Caicos, Marjorie Basden and Iris Stubbs in South Caicos and Ianthe Pratt Primary School in Providenciales. In the past years the foundation has donated backpacks, school supplies and held other activities in an effort to help and encourage the students. Dr. Mills revealed that during the past years the foundation has spent between $75,000 and $100,000 annually in assisting in education. “As a resort we want to give

back to the community and what better way to do it than through education,” said Dr. Mills. Member of the foundation and the planning committee Sheba Wilson said the event’s theme was chosen because “we thought about education and our children and how investing in them today will help us create the kind of community we want to see in the future.” Entry to the fundraiser is free and attendees will receive a complimentary glass of champagne and hors d'oeuvres. During the evening there will be a silent auction with nontraditional, environmentally friendly prizes to bid on. These include fishing charters and a stay on Pine Cay’s nature reserve. All proceeds from the bids along with the cash earned by Grace Bay Club’s cash bar that evening will go towards the foundation. Other highlights of the occasion will include a timeline of the foundations helpful contributions, announcements about the in-house scholarship programme and TCI’s star athlete Delano Williams. Members of the foundation encourage public support and donations to the worthy cause. (KH)

Participants in jump rope competition receive encouragement from the crowd

Returning from the early morning 10k run

Hundreds turn out to Fortis fitness event FOR the past five years Fortis TCI has held its Annual Spring Fun Walk and Run event to encourage people in the community to live healthier lifestyles through better nutrition and fitness. This year’s event, held Saturday, April 6, saw hundreds gather at the company’s cooperate office on Leeward Highway before sunrise. Fortis representative Talisha Simons said the event first started in 2009 “as a means of promoting a balanced healthy lifestyle among employees”. Through the years it has grown and expanded to involve the entire community and has “become one of the largest, if not the largest, walk and run there is in the TCI,” Simons explained. Community members along with persons from corporate companies like Scotiabank and Beaches Resort,

and other organisations like the Provo Roadrunners and the Filipinos biker group, all signed on to join in the fun filled fitness affair. After the early morning walk and run, participants regrouped at the company’s office on Leeward Highway for some additional activities and a healthy breakfast. Participants had the opportunity to compete in exciting activities like jumping rope, sit-ups, push-ups, hula hooping and tire pushing. Winners took away great fitness goodies including yoga mats, fitness DVDs, dumbbells and jump ropes. Prizes were awarded to the first male, first female, first child and first Fortis employee to complete the almost 10k route which stretched from the start location to the Beaches roundabout, down through the Lower Bight, through Turtle Cove, up Suzie Turn and back to Fortis.

The winners received one year gym membership to any gym of their choice in Providenciales along with cash towards athletic gear, while the top child won $100 worth of private tennis lessons along with a tennis racquet and balls. There was no resignation fee for the event, to take part in the games, or for the breakfast. The power company provided the fun-filled event to encourage and remind the public to include fitness in their lives and to live healthy lifestyles. Present at the location were representatives from the Ministry of Health, who were giving free flu shots and offering blood pressure testing and blood sugar testing. The National Cancer Society was also present with brochures on different types of cancer and tips on prevention and healthy eating. (KH)

RTC Top Model Viewers’ Choice Award poll begins RADIO Turks and Caicos (RTC) has once again created an online voters poll for the TCI Top Model competition, allowing the public to rate their favourite contestants. The poll, which can be found on www.rtc107fm.com, allows visitors to cast a vote for their preferred participant and instantly reveals how many votes that contestant has received, along with her average points. Voting began on Monday, April 8, and will close on Monday, April 29. At the end of the polling, the winner will receive the RTC Viewers’ Choice Award and a gift certificate. RTC director Chris Jarrett said: “We continually see some of the hottest models coming out of the Caribbean, US and Europe - strutting down the runways of the most prolific designers, being represented by some of the biggest agencies, and we in the Turks and Caicos are making a mark too.

“RTC has partnered with the TCI Top Model team for the past five years because we believe in our people, we believe in the TCI.” Jarrett said that he sees “the TCI Top Model as giving young talented ladies a grand opportunity to shine”.

 In addition to the online viewers poll, RTC’s radio personality Damain ‘Phantom’ Wilson will be interviewing each of the ten contestants, giving listeners an insight into the real essence of each young lady. TCI Top Model Contest’s director of production, Courtney Robinson said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to continue our partnership with the ‘Nation’s Station’. Collaborating with RTC is important to our event, as we are reaching the entire Turks and Caicos through their high-quality broadcasting medium.” “The RTC online poll is a

2013 TCI Top Model contestants with last year’s winner Washanda Registre (centre)

nationwide initiative that connects the local public and those that tune in online from other countries worldwide to the annual TCI Top Model Contest…it is imperative that we keep pace with the world, by being on the bandwidth and digital

media.” The RTC Viewers’ Choice Award will not play a part in determining the Top Model winner. Contestants are being judged in eight categories, with ten points being the highest score attainable.

To name ‘The Face’ of the Turks and Caicos there will be pre-show assessment as well as judging on the May 4 event. Pre-show judging will evaluate the contestants’ personality, professionalism, models portfolio folder and industry readiness. On the evening of the event, judging will be done on Impact Appeal - initial presence on the catwalk; Rock That Look - Runway Walk; Royele Swim - physical fitness in the swimsuit segment and Fashion Forward - how best contestants showcase the final garment. The 2013 TCI Top Model Contest, themed ‘Royele Couture: LUXE’ will be held at the Williams Auditorium. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 649.344.2502, visit www.tcitopmodel.com or email
tcitopmodelcontest@gmail. com. (KH)


28

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Thatcher’s legacy in focus as UK plans funeral A DAY after the death of Margaret Thatcher, Britain’s first female prime minister, preparations got under way for a funeral to rival those given to royalty -- a farewell welcomed by some in Britain but questioned by others. The news of her death, which prompted an outpouring of reaction from UK and world leaders, dominated British newspapers Tuesday. Pages of tributes and analysis throw up a raft of descriptions: brave, great, fearless, pioneering -- but also divisive, destructive and uncaring. “The woman who saved Britain,” is the Daily Mail headline. “Now give her a state funeral,” it demands inside the covers, citing Conservative MPs who say she deserves the kind of honors in death usually reserved for a monarch. “The woman who divided a nation,” is how the Daily Mirror remembers her. It questions whether Thatcher merits the same “ceremonial” style of funeral as Diana, Princess of Wales, and the Queen Mother. Opposition to Thatcher being accorded the same honors as might be given to the queen one day is

Margaret Thatcher, the first woman to become British prime minister, has died at 87 after a stroke, a spokeswoman said Monday, April 8.Known as the “Iron Lady,” Thatcher, as Conservative Party leader, was prime minister from 1979 to 1990. Here she visits British Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street in London in June 2010.

being galvanized on Twitter through the hashtag #nostatefuneral. An online petition opposing a state funeral has also picked up more than 25,000 signatures. Her funeral, with full military honors, will be held Wednesday, April 17, the prime minister’s office said Tuesday. Queen Elizabeth II will be among

the high-profile guests, Buckingham Palace said. Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg will also be there. Prince William and his wife, Catherine, who’s expecting their first child, will not attend the funeral; nor will Prince Harry, Prince Charles or his wife, Camilla, Buckingham Palace said.

Gay couple accused of raping adopted children will face trial THE case of a same-sex Connecticut couple accused of repeatedly raping and abusing two of their nine adopted boys is headed for trial. Married couple George Harasz and Douglas Wirth of Glastonbury were supposed to be sentenced Friday in Hartford Superior Court under a plea deal, but instead withdrew from their agreement with prosecutors. The men had already pleaded no contest in January to one felony count each of risk of injury to a minor — a reduction from even more serious charges related to sexual assault. But in a surprise turn, the couple’s attorneys pulled them out of the plea in a bid to fully clear their names, according to CBS affiliate WFSB-TV. If Harasz, 49, and Wirth, 45, had continued with the deal, they would have been given suspended prison sentences and probation, WFSB-TV said. But more allegations came to light Friday in the explosive case, and prosecutors said they also want to go to trial. “I think the only proper resolution of this matter is to try it,” said prosecutor David Zagaja, according to the Hartford Courant. Judge Joan Alexander agreed that a trial would be “in the interest of

George Harasz (l.) and Douglas Wirth (r.), a married couple from Glastonbury, Conn., were arrested in November 2011 following allegations by two of their nine adopted children of sexual abuse.

justice. The facts must be shown and must be shown publicly.” Harasz and Wirth adopted nine children — three sets of male siblings — beginning in 2000, and ran a home-based dog breeding business called The Puppy Guy. The couple was arrested in November 2011 following a police and state investigation of sex-abuse allegations. The children were removed from the home. Police said two boys, ages 5 and 15, accused Harasz of sexually assaulting them. Harasz was initially

facing first-degree sexual assault and other charges, while Wirth had been charged with third-degree sexual assault of the 15-year-old boy. Their arrest warrants claimed the couple not only sexually and physically abused the children, but also forced them to sleep in closets. Other children in the home told authorities that they weren’t abused, and prosecutors had agreed to a plea deal because they said a lack of forensic evidence would make it difficult to prove all of the allegations. (NYdailynews.com)

April 13 - 19, 2013

Same-sex marriage: Church of England denies blessings The Church of England has ruled out providing public blessings to samesex marriages in a new report. The move follows the outgoing Bishop of Liverpool Right Reverend James Jones’s questioning of whether the Church should maintain its stance. The Bishop of Coventry Dr Christopher Cocksworth, one report author, said “public forms of blessing belong to marriage alone”. The Church did acknowledge the need for flexibility in dealing with the issue. The report from the Faith and Order Commission, a body formed of bishops, clergy and laity which advises the church on matters of doctrine, reiterated its definition of marriage as: “A faithful, committed, permanent and legally sanctioned relationship between a man and a woman.” DEFICIT OF LOVE It follows an address from the Right Reverend James Jones, outgoing bishop of Liverpool, to the Diocese of Liverpool Synod in March. He said: “If the Church now recognises civil partnerships to be a just response to the needs of gay people then surely the Church now has to ask the question whether or not it can deny the blessing of God to that which is just. “There is such a deficit of love in the world today that it seems to me

The issue of same-sex marriage has been divisive within the Church of England.

that the Church should bless true love wherever such love is to be found, believing what the Bible says that ‘where there is love there is God’.” The report allows that “a degree of flexibility” and “pastoral wisdom” is required. But it says a successful marriage generally, and particularly the ideal raising of children, are reliant upon “the complementary gifts of men and women”. It argues that “biological differences do not simply cease to matter at the level of personal relationship” and challenges the government’s move to legalise samesex marriage. “When marriage is spoken of unclearly or misleadingly, it distorts the way couples try to conduct their relationship and makes for frustration and disappointment.

The biggest march took place in the capital, Bogota.

Colombians march in support of Farc peace talks TENS of thousands of people in Colombia have taken part in marches to support the continuing peace talks between the left-wing Farc rebels and government negotiators. President Juan Manuel Santos called on Colombians to seize the opportunity. “All conditions are set. We need to unite all Colombians and put an end to the conflict,” said Mr Santos at a march in the capital, Bogota. The talks, aimed at ending five

decades of violence, are taking place in Cuba. The demonstrations have attracted large crowds in Cali, Barranquilla, Santander and other Colombian cities. The negotiations are opposed by supporters of former President Alvaro Uribe and big landowners. They say the Farc rebels are just playing for time and have no intention of giving up their armed struggle. (BBC)


April 13 - 19, 2013

World News

29

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Northeast Asia on edge ahead of possible North Korean missile test

Creating a mock gallows and dummy, human rights activists protest outside the Saudi embassy in Beirut on April 1, 2010.

Report: China, U.S. in top five for executions worldwide CHINA, the United States and three Middle Eastern nations carried out the most executions last year, rights group Amnesty International said Wednesday, but a global trend toward ending the death penalty persisted. There were at least 682 confirmed executions worldwide last year, two more than in 2011, according to the group. China is believed to have executed several thousand people last year, Amnesty said, but government secrecy makes it impossible to confirm exact numbers. “The lack of reliable data does not allow Amnesty International to publish credible figures for the use of the death penalty in the country,” the rights group said. “However, available information strongly indicates that China carries out more

executions than the rest of the world put together.” Iran carried out at least 314 executions last year, Iraq at least 129 and Saudi Arabia at least 79. In the United States, 43 people were executed across nine states. Sixth on the list was Yemen, with at least 28 executions. “Methods of executions included beheading, hanging, firing squad and lethal injection,” Amnesty International said. “In Saudi Arabia, the body of one man executed through beheading was displayed in a public ‘crucifixion’ display.” According to the 60-page report, “Death Sentences and Executions in 2012,” there were at least 1,722 newly-imposed death sentences in 58 countries last year, compared with 1,923 in 63 countries in 2011.

COUNTRIES in northeast Asia remained on edge Wednesday amid warnings from U.S. and South Korean officials that North Korea could carry out a missile test at any time. Japan has deployed missile defense systems around Tokyo, some Chinese tour groups have canceled visits to North Korea, and U.S. radars and satellites are trained on an area of the Korean east coast where Kim Jong Un’s regime is believed to have prepared mobile ballistic missiles for a possible test launch. After weeks of belligerent threats and provocative gestures from Pyongyang, the situation on the Korean Peninsula is fragile. Adm. Samuel J. Locklear, the top U.S. commander in the Pacific, said Tuesday that he couldn’t recall a time of greater tension in the region since the end of the Korean War in the 1950s. And Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Wednesday that North Korea has been “skating very close to a dangerous line.” “Their actions and their words have not helped defuse a combustible situation,” Hagel told reporters at the Pentagon. He said the United States and its allies want to see North Korean rhetoric “ratcheted down,” but if that doesn’t happen, “our country is fully prepared to deal with any contingency, any action that North Korea may take or any provocation they may instigate.” Before the two controversial long-range rocket launches that

North Korea might test another missile soon.

North Korea carried out last year, the reclusive regime gave ample warning to the world. But it is keeping everyone guessing about what it might do this time around. Intelligence suggests that North Korea may be planning “multiple missile launches” in the coming days beyond two Musudan mobile missiles it has placed along its east coast, Pentagon officials told CNN. The officials did not have specifics on the numbers of other missiles and launchers. One official said the North Koreans are military “masters of deception,” and may have planned all along to focus the world’s attention on the Musudans while they plan multiple launches of other missiles. That’s a tactic they have used in the

past, the official said. The United States is less troubled about the other missiles, a second Pentagon official told CNN. “We’ve been seeing some launchers moving around. These are smaller and don’t cause us as much concerns,” that official said. “We think these movements are within seasonal norms for their exercises.” But he didn’t discount the possibility that they might launch some of those, as they often do. South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se said at a parliamentary hearing Wednesday that “according to intelligence obtained by our side and the U.S., the possibility of a missile launch by North Korea is very high,” the semiofficial South Korean news agency Yonhap reported.

Canadian teen commits suicide after alleged rape, bullying In his inaugural address, Mr Kenyatta said he would govern for all Kenyans.

Uhuru Kenyatta sworn in as Kenyan president UHURU Kenyatta has been sworn in as Kenya’s new president, following his victory in March against Raila Odinga. Dignitaries and tens of thousands of people witnessed the inauguration at a stadium in the capital, Nairobi. Mr Odinga did not attend the ceremony after his attempt to overturn Mr Kenyatta’s victory in court failed. Mr Kenyatta and his deputy, William Ruto, face charges at the International Criminal Court relating to post-election violence five years ago. They were on opposite sides at the time and both deny the accusations.

Sudanese President Omar alBashir, who faces an ICC arrest warrant over the conflict in Darfur, was not in Nairobi for the inauguration. Mr Kenyatta is the son of Kenya’s founding father, Jomo Kenyatta, and is heir to one of the largest fortunes in Kenya. He served as deputy prime minister, minister for trade, and finance minister under outgoing President Mwai Kibaki The crowd, waving Kenyan flags, burst into rapturous welcome as the 51 year old took the oath of office, becoming Kenya’s youngest president.

A CANADIAN teenager, who was allegedly gang-raped and bullied, has died, her family said. Rehtaeh Parsons, 17, was hospitalized after she tried to hang herself Thursday. The high school student from Halifax, Nova Scotia, was taken off life support Sunday. The teen was bullied for more than a year after the alleged sexual assault in November 2011 when she was 15, her family said. In addition to the sexual assault, a photo taken during the incident was circulated to friends via text and online, and she developed suicidal thoughts as a result, according to her family. She struggled emotionally, especially after a police investigation ended without criminal charges, her mother, Leah Parsons, wrote on her Facebook tribute page. “Rehtaeh is gone today because of the four boys that thought that raping a 15-year-old girl was OK and to distribute a photo to ruin her spirit and reputation would be fun,” her mother wrote. “All the bullying

Canadian teenager, Rehtaeh Parsons, died after attempted suicide.

and messaging and harassment that never let up are also to blame. Lastly, the justice system failed her. Those are the people that took the life of my beautiful girl.” The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said charges will not be filed. “An investigation was conducted into the alleged sexual assault,” said

Cpl. Scott MacRae, a spokesman for the police. “In consultation with the crown, the decision was made that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with charges.” Authorities confirmed that a photograph allegedly showing Parsons having sex with one of the boys was circulated to friends’ mobile phones and computers.


30

Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate

Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Brama Kumaris

FOR RENT

3-bedroom apartment $1100.00 per month it will be available May 1st.

contact: 946-4664

April 13 - 19, 2013

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

ERNEST WILLIAMS Is looking for a

Raja Yoga Meditation Centre Turks and Caicos Islands

Telephone 946-4760 & 332-4101 www.bkwsu.com Email: bkwsu@tciway.tc

FOR SALE

Labourer to work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 343-1095 8042

Construction scaffold and roof tiles for sale CONTACT: 431-1591 OR 231-3788


April 13 - 19, 2013

FOR RENT 1 BEDROOM 1 BATH RICHMOND HILLS FULLY FURNISHED WASHER & DRYER $750.00 PER MONTH

3 BEDROOM 2 BATHROOM FULLY FURNISHED WASHER DRYER 1,200.00 PER MONTH SECURITY SYSTEM FOR SALE OR FOR RENT

1 BEDROOM 1 BATHROOM HOUSE

Dolmen Import & Export LTD dba Dolmen construction

Concrete Pump Operator

Is currently seeking highly qualified applicants in their respective fields:

The Pump Operator will possess competency in the following areas in order to perform his role in a safe, productive, and effective manner

Carpenter Rental equipment Mason Electrician Plumber Painter

Belongers need only apply.

Contact (649) 946-8521 E-mail: rhdolmen@gmail.com

EBONY BEAUTY SALON is looking for a

Cosmetologist

2 BEDROOM 1 BATH

To work 6 days per week from 10:00am-6:00pm Suitable applicant must have at least five years of experience in the cosmetology field Must be a team player and have a good work ethics

CONTACT: 231-3788

Contact: 649-347-3630

CUSTOM DESIGN KITCHEN $800.00 PER MONTH NEWLY RENOVATED $900.00 PER MONTH

CLASSIFIEDS 31

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

8039

PRICE SLASHED

* Drive concrete boom pump on public Roadways * Establish proper base to set up boom truck * Capable of operating four section booms. * Determine concrete mixes to pump under design pressure allowed by pump * Follow manufactured guidelines and safety requirements in operating pump * Capable of setting up pump systems * Must be able to perform Daily Inspections and Daily Maintenance on equipment * Commercial B,C,D,E,H Driver's License

* Clean driving record for the last Five years * Minimum 5 yrs experience operating concrete boom pumps of 36m and more. * Good directional skills * Customer Service Orientated * Must be physically fit and able to handle average weight of 80 pounds * Ability to kneel, stoop, crouch, balance, climb or crawl * Ability to maintain balance * English, Creole & Spanish would be an asset.

Please reply with references and police record to danicbms@tciway.tc or call 941-4398

Amazing Value! Lot for Sale

In Gated/Planned Community in Long Bay. Flamingo Crossing lot comes with full set of House Plans, all underground utilities, etc.

$49,999 o.b.o. Call 231-3788

FOR QUICK SALE PRICE SLASHED $180,000 CASH! House and ½ Acre land Richmond Hill 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Fully furnished

Call: 231-3788

8044

$175,000


April 13 - 19, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS BAY BISTRO

MUDJIN BAR & GRILL

ADVERTISE

is looking for a

IN THIS

BLUE HORIZON RESORT MIDDLE CAICOS Phone: (649) 946 6141 e-mail: reservations@bhresort.com

VACANCIES LEAD SERVER

BARTENDER

Our restaurant and bar requires an energetic, professional staff member who has an excellent track record in hospitality and who thrives in a fast-paced service environment. Excellent communication skills are essential to build a rapport with guests and ability to lead the front of house team.

Duties and Responsibilities

Job Role:

• Basic server requirements: Preparing tables, serving guests, preparing checks and taking payments. • Showing guests to tables during Lunch & Dinner service. Oversea the flow of guests within the restaurant. • Manage the reservations, and team shifts • Liaise between kitchen staff and floor staff • Maintain ambience of restaurant – lighting, music, cleanliness, hygiene ·∙ • Oversea and pro-­actively deal with guest queries and complaints

Job Skills:

• Able to communicate clearly in and possess a good command of verbal and written English. • A minimum of 2 years experience working as Head Waiter/ess, or Maitre’D. • Excellent Customer Service Skills and ability to understand and respond to individual guests needs • A genuine interest and understanding in food and drink – wine and cocktail knowledge is essential • Exceptional communication and presentational skills • Able to organize time effectively, ability to multitask • Ability to work as part of a small team, independently and use initiative* *Applicants must be willing to reside in Middle Caicos *Remuneration based on experience

CHEF / COOK Duties and Responsibilities

• To support and communicate regularly and effectively with the Head Chef • To be responsible for ensuring all kitchen staff are preparing and presenting quality food • To report any issues with food quality and freshness to the Head Chef / Executive Chef • To ensure all kitchen staff follow correct food and hygiene standards • To lead by example for staff ensuring that the kitchen is always presentable • To communicate with the Head Chef on a regular basis regarding all stock levels

Job Skills:

• A minimum of 2--3 years service as a cook in a high volume environment • The ability to work well under pressure • Effective communication skills with a variety of people • The ability to set goals, organize your time and staff • A strong commitment to safety

REMUNERATION BASED ON EXPERIENCE *Applicants must be willing to reside in Middle Caicos

• Serve liquor, wines, and bottles beverages. • Mix cocktails and specialty drinks • Take beverage orders from serving staff or directly from patrons. • Routinely maintain the hygiene and cleanliness of the bar, all its utensils and bar equipment. • Ensure that the bar stock is adequate for the day’s service.

Skills and Specifications

▪ Must have pleasant personality and cheerful disposition ▪ Must have experience working as a bartender for working knowledge on various liquors, wines and alcoholic beverage and how they are mixed ▪ Must have excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills

Education and Qualifications

▪ Course in culinary sciences is an advantage *Pay Rate Based on Experience – Base Rate 8.00 hr *Applicants must be willing to reside in Middle Caicos

WAITER/WAITRESS Job Description:

Serve food and beverages to guests in our dining establishment.

Kitchen Helper

SPACE!

ONLY

must be willing to work weekends, nights and holidays salary negotiable apply with resumes to Bay Bistro, Grace Bay HELP WANTED Belonger only need apply

$33

PER WEEK

CALL ON GRAND TURK 946-4664

Gardener 8041

Duties: general maintenance, carpentry and masonry skills desirable

Housekeeper Duties: Cooking and meal preparation, culinary skills desirable

Both positions applicants must be prepared to work flexible hours and 6 days per week. Salary $5.50 per hour

Contact: 231-5084

or email: sales@turksandcaicosproperty.com

8057

C & J EMPLOYMENT Hereby acting on behalf of our clients:

CHARLES BARBER SHOP Is looking for

ERB Construction, Paradise Entertainment (Philip Hawkins) Cowdrey Lightbourne, Terrell Gardiner

Job Duties:

• Greet and escort customers to their tables. • Check with customers to ensure that they are enjoying their meals and take action to correct any problems. • Explain how various menu items are prepared, describing ingredients and cooking methods. • Inform customers of daily specials. • Prepare checks that itemize and total meal costs and sales taxes. • Present menus to patrons and answer questions about menu items, making recommendations upon request. • Remove dishes and glasses from tables or counters, and take them to kitchen for cleaning. • Serve food and/or beverages to patrons; prepare and serve specialty dishes at tables as required. • Stock service areas with supplies such as food, tableware, and linens.

Job Skills:

• Exceptional communication and presentational skills • Able to communicate clearly and possess a good command of verbal and written English • A minimum of 2 years experience working as server in a fast paced environment • Excellent Customer Service Skills and ability to understand and respond to individual guests needs

PAY:

Base Rate 8.00hr *Applicants must be willing to reside in Middle Caicos

3ToBarbers work 5 days

Mason

– $6-$8 per hour

Mechanic – $7-$9 per hour

Domestic Worker – $5.00 per hour

Contact: 347-2093

8067

per week. Salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 347-6642

8074

32 CLASSIFIEDS

COCO BISTRO Is looking for a

Waitress To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour

• Must have 3-5 years experience • Must have a smiling and pleasant personality whiles serving tables and communicating with others

Contact: 946-5369

8061


April 13 - 19, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

ADITHA BROWN Is looking for a

AGNES SWANN

ANTWANN MISICK is looking for a

Is looking for 5

Artist

contact: 231-2900

8071

To work 6 days per week salary $250 weekly.

Labourers Farm Helper To work on North Caicos must be able to work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

contact: 246-4769

8075

Jewellery

CLASSIFIEDS 33

To work 5 days per week salary $150 per week.

contact: 242-3763 8065

Medical Officer Job Purpose

Medical Officer is responsible for the Operations department and the development and enforcement of policies and procedures as it relates to the NHIP Emergency Overseas Treatment Programme as well as coordinating appropriate cost efficient health care services with best medical practice.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage the Medical Aspects of the NHIP Emergency Overseas Treatment Programme

EXECUTIVE UNIQUE CUTS

Been Construction

Is looking to fill the following positions:

Requires a

Bookkeeper

4 Cosmetologists 2 Domestic Workers 3 Barbers Must have at least 3 years experience in field Salary based on commission, suitable applications Must be able to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays THESE POSITIONS ARE AVAIABLE A.S.A.P.

Minimum of 5 years experience. Salary negotiable depending on level of qualification and experience. Please fax resume to

Tel: 941 7625

8043

LEW 1 SHIPPING LTD. Seeks to fill the following positions:

Labourer

Contact: 241-5099/ 241-4464/344-44748048 MODERN DAY CONSTRUCTION Is looking for a

Domestic Worker Must be willing to work 3 days per week Salary negotiable

Contact: 649-941-5707 Fax: 649-941-5708 8047

• Coordinate the development of a defined Benefit package inclusive of specification and costing • Suggest and implement systems and procedures to facilitate achieving objectives on areas of Health Care

Services and Pharmaceutical Benefits

• Conduct surveys of health providers and facilities to derive baseline data on the availability and quality of services as well as the capacity and readiness to meet demands of NHIB • Convene and take the lead in meetings and other mechanisms aimed at defining criteria for in clusion in the NHIB provider network as well, as developing norms and protocols for quality assurance utilization reviews, access to overseas care; modifications ( inclusion and exclusion) of items in the benefit package; • Collaborate with other members on the NHIB team in the design and implementation of activities related to accreditation of health providers • Collaborate with other members of the NHIB team in defining and developing contractual agreements with local and overseas providers for services in the benefit package; • Assist in the development of detailed terms of reference and procedures for the activities of the NHIB Medical Review Committee • Prepare for and participate in seminars, workshops and public meetings organized by the NHIB

Person specification

To work at a warehouse

Working hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00am5:00pm, Friday 8:00am-4:30pm

• Enforce cost-reduction strategies and recommend options in the management of claimant’s care

Carpenter To work 5 days

per week salary $7.00 per hour. contact: 347-3776

FORBES CONCIERGE

8038

Salary

Salary will commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Is seeking a

Master Sommelier

For immediate employment The successful candidate will have: wine list and the beverage department • A formal sommelier or hospitality based as a whole qualification – this will be advantageous • Be responsible for ensuring the ultimate but not essential profitability of the beverage department • A minimum of five years experience in • Manage the cellar and ensure that fine restaurant or at a luxury five-star stock levels and ordering are handled property efficiently • A strong restaurant and staff • Train the service team on a regular basis management and guest interpersonal • Engage with the chef on offering skills interesting wine pairing • Contactable references • Salary commensurate with experience • A clean police record resume to be received by april 18th, • The successful candidate will: 2013 • Be responsible for maintaining a top shelf

P.O. Box 675 Leeward Highway, email: Obrien@forbesconcierge.com

• Education: Academic qualification at least at the level of Bachelor in Medicine/ Bachelor in Surgery; • Experience: At least 7 years’ experience as a full time practitioner in primary care and hospital settings. • Experience with health insurance operations such as member of medical review panel will be an asset. • In-depth knowledge of the local health sector; • Strong written and oral skills including computer literacy in the main processing, spreadsheet and presentation graphics programs. • Skills in managing meetings, negotiation and consensus building. • Effective, interpersonal, communication and customer services skills

8040

Deadline for Submission is April 12, 2013 All Applications should be addressed to:

Zaneta Burton Chief Executive Officer National Health Insurance Board Salt Mills Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands British West Indies Email: Zburton@tcinhip.tc

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

8033


34 CLASSIFIEDS OCEANVIEW BEAUTY SALON is looking to fill the following positions:

April 13 - 19, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

ROSELEE J. MISICK Is looking for a

REGINALD TALBOT Is looking for a

EVENT CO-ORDINATOR/ FLORAL DESIGNER Requirements:

Must be willing to work 5 days per week salary commensurate with experience.

Contact: 232-5443

8050

per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 231-5170

8049

Salary $2,500 per month.

Contact: 232-7304 8051

NOTICE TO FORD GLENN GROUP INC. STERLING CAPITAL CORPORATION AND EVELINE HOLDINGS INC.

This Notice is placed in this newspaper pursuant to an Order of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Central Region, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, dated March 25, 2013 in the matter of R. v. Kenneth James and Rosemary Cremer (the “Proceedings”). This Notice is directed to the senior officers or acting and directing minds of the following corporations registered in the Turks & Caicos Islands: (a) Ford Glenn Group Inc., (b) Sterling Capital Corporation and (c) Eveline Holdings Inc. (hereinafter, the “Corporations”). In the Proceedings, the Crown (prosecution) intends to bring an Application in the Superior Court of Justice for an Order unsealing and obtaining access to the contents of several documents and banking records associated to the Corporations which were seized under Search Warrants and a Production Order. Those documents and banking records are presently under seal in the secure storage of the Superior Court of Justice. On October 3, 2012, the Superior Court of Justice appointed Scott K. Fenton of the law firm of Fenton Smith, Barristers as a Referee to assist the Court in protecting the interests of any potential privilege holders who may have an interest in asserting solicitor-client privilege over the documents and bank records seized under the Search Warrants and Production Order which remain under seal in the custody of the Court. The contact information for Fenton Smith, Barristers is 445 King Street West, Suite 202, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5V1K5; (office) 416-955-1611 or 416-968-0526; (fax) 416-955-1237; (email) sfenton@fentonlaw.ca. If you are a senior officer or acting and directing mind of any of the Corporations, and you wish to assert privilege on behalf of that Corporation over any of the documents or bank records currently under seal that will be the subject of the Crown’s application to unseal, you or your legal counsel, or counsel for any of the Corporations, should contact the Referee without delay and, in any event, no later than fourteen (14) days from the date of this Notice. If you or your counsel, or counsel to any of the Corporations, wish to assert a claim of privilege over any of the documents or banking records in question, please notify the Referee by calling (416) 955-1611 or 416-955-4551 or send an e-mail to sfenton@ fentonlaw.ca. The Referee will ensure your wishes are conveyed to the Superior Court of Justice and can assist you in explaining the steps required for you or your counsel or counsel for any of the Corporations to participate in the Proceedings in order to assert a claim of privilege. If you wish to obtain independent legal advice about the issues raised in this letter but do not know a lawyer in the Province of Ontario from whom to receive such advice, you may call the Referee at (416) 955-1611 or 416-955-4551 or send an e-mail to sfenton@ fentonlaw.ca. The Referee can refer you to independent counsel qualified to practice law in the Province of Ontario. If you fail to contact the Referee within fourteen (14) days of the publication of this Notice, the Referee and the Court may assume you and the Corporation(s) do not wish to make any claim of privilege over the documents and banking records that will be the subject of the Crown’s application to unseal. In that instance, you should be aware that the documents and banking records of the Corporations may be unsealed by the Court and provided to the Crown for further disclosure and potential use in the Proceedings without further notice to you.”

Please bring all applications to Flowers by Environmental Arts located at U102 Venture Hours, Grace Bay Road, Providenciales or email: Natalie@ enviromentalarts.tc successful applicants will be notified by phone for interview

8055

Hairdresser Domestic Masseuse ToWorker Technician work 6 days

• Minimum 5 years experience as a floral designer with relevant certification • Extensive knowledge of different flowers, foliage and potted plants (names, seasonal availability, lifespan) • Up-to-date on current fashion and styles in floral design while at the same time understanding the traditional use of certain flowers for wedding, funeral etc. • Willing to work outdoors and irregular hours • Comprehensive QuickBooks knowledge • Engaging and outgoing personality who enjoys working with public • Starting salary $1,700 per month

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

JOB ADVERTISEMENT Gansevoort Turks + Caicos is a contemporary luxury full service boutique resort on Grace Bay Beach. We are looking for driven and energetic professionals with Five Star experience and who are committed to achieving excellence by ensuring Five Star standards and services are continuously delivered.

Housekeeping Manager Needed for the Housekeeping Department. The Manager is required to have at least a high school diploma and previous experience Housekeeping experience in a luxury resort environment. Responsible for training new employees and ensuring work schedules are coordinated to maintain the highest level of consistent quality for our guests and owners. The manager will oversee the work of the employees, order cleaning supplies as needed, assign and inspect work. The manager assigns tasks to employees and may make cleaning suggestions to help improve service. Manager must be able to resolve guest issues regarding the cleaning or hotel services. Must be Computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office software and Opera to prepare reports, employee schedules, inventories, budgets as required; should have good communication skills; and MUST be detail-oriented and tenacious.

Housekeeping Supervisor Works with Room Attendants to ensure guest rooms and public areas are maintained to luxury standards. Assists in assigning staff daily tasks according to occupancy. Inspects work and coaches to develop consistent skills, assists in inventory and reporting. At least 2 years experience as luxury resort room attendant and supervisory experience preferred. PC skills required, Opera preferred, must have exceptional attention to detail and consistency in adhering to luxury standards. Salary: $8.00-10.00 Hourly

Laundry Manager 3 years experience in laundry as a Supervisor. Familiarity with presser/folder an asset. Responsible to maintain accurate inventory of linens and towels, forecast reordering, protect assets, train, and coach and manage staff. Must be Computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office software and Opera to prepare reports, employee schedules, inventories, budgets as required; should have good communication skills; and MUST be detail-oriented and tenacious.

Interested applicants can contact our Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm on (649)941-7555. E- Mail cover letter outlining your interest and supporting experience in a particular position along with your Resume or C.V. to hr@wymara.com

8050


April 13 - 19, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NOTICE

EL RANCHO RESTAURANT & BAR

DENTAL SERVICES LTD.

Is looking for a

DENTAL HYGIENTIST Requires the following qualified staff:

I, Craig K. Potts, have applied for a Casino License pursuant Charter 115 of the Turks and Caicos Islands Casino Ordinance. The said Casino is to be operate at 1 Old Airport Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

8064

;; Must be registered either in the UK, USA or Canada at least 4 years clinical experience required ;; Must be prepared to work weekends ;; Salary to be negotiated

Waitress Salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 344-6532

8059

Any person who desires to object to the grant of the license shall send to the Minister before such date, April 27th, 2013, two copies of a brief statement in writing of the grounds of his/ her objection

ONLY BELONGERS NEED APPLY

FLORIST/ ASSISTANT SHOP MANAGER

Contact: Dental Services Ltd., Leeward Highway, Providenciales. Telephone: 946-4321. Fax: 946-5487. www.dentist.tc 8080

bayview motors

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 2 years experience as a florist with relevant certification • Knowledge of different flowers, foliage and potted plants (names, seasonal availability, lifespan) • Up-to-date on current fashions and styles in floral design while at the same time understanding the traditional use of certain flowers for weddings, funerals etc. • Willing to work outdoors and irregular hours • 2 years customer facing experience in retail using POS Systems • English speaking • Engaging and outgoing personality who enjoys working with the public • Starting salary $2,000 per month

Please bring all applications to Flowers by Environmental Arts located at U102 Venture House, Grace Bay Road, Providenciales or email to : Natalie@environmentalarts.tc. Successful applicants will be notified by phone for an interview

Bohio Dive Resort Guanahani Restaurant - Grand Turk

Immediate Opening for

Jr. Sous Chef Requirements:

• minimum 1 year culinary experience in a full service, dining establishment • post-secondary degree or equivalent qualification by experience • must have strong knowledge of kitchen inventory and ordering process and ability to supervise a staff under the direction of Executive Chef • must be able to work mornings, nights and weekends on a schedule • excellent culinary technique and ability to work the line during all meal periods • exceptional customer service orientation complying with company service culture • must be fluent in English, verbal and written forms

Duties will include:

• coordinate the inventory and disbursement of all supplies with F & B Manager • inspect and ensures the proper set up and readiness of each item on menus • supervise daily food preparation • ensure a level of quality, portion control and plate presentation is adhered to consistency • work closely with staff to exceed guest expectation

Interested applicants should apply to:

Bohio Dive Resort with an updated resume or email to info@ bohioresort.com 649-946-2135

CLASSIFIEDS 35

8084

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

RESPONSIBILITIES

Budgets / Forecasts & Reporting • Co-ordinate and prepare annual budgets, including operating and capital expenditure budgets. • Ensure the accurate preparation / reporting of monthly financial results in strict accordance with Group policies. • Ensure that revenue is allocated correctly, taking corrective action where inconsistencies arise • Ensure approved capital expenditure budgets are adhered to at all times. • Analyze business performance / results, providing feedback to Senior Management General Business & Finance Administration • Lead the Finance department team and guide them to ensure the daily operation and the financial close process, including the pre-close and post-close preparation and review of balance sheet accounts reconciliations are complete • Ensure compliance with statutory authority and audit requirements • Ensure the effective management of all taxation and legislative, reporting financial status as needs basis • Implement and ensure appropriate financial and internal controls in compliance with Company Policies and procedures • Account management of loan portfolio • Preparation of financial statement and in house reporting • Supervision & training of accounting department • Bank, A/R, & A/P reconciliation, bank deposit, petty cash management • Purchase and billing audit Asset Management • Ensure the general ledger is reconciled to the assets register, on a monthly basis • Ensure all company assets are monitored and accurately accounted

Skills

Skills and Experience: To be considered for this role you will need to possess: • post secondary accounting degree • 10+ years overall experience in automotive dealerships. • Knowledge of accounting, budgeting, and cost control principles including GAAP financial regulations. • Knowledge of automated financial, accounting reporting systems. • Working knowledge of short and long term budgeting and forecasting, rolling budgets, and product-line profitability analysis • Up to date knowledge of regulations and compliance issues. • The ability to lead change processes and provide financial leadership. • Ability to motivate teams to produce quality materials within tight time frames and simultaneously manage several projects • Professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

Pls forward all resumes to mariec@bayviewmotors.com or pick up an application from Bayview motors between the hour of 8am-5pm 8066


Sales

Representative Must be willing to work six days a week and on holidays. Salary $5 per hour. Duties includes selling, stocking shelves, cleaning and inventory. Belonger only need apply

Contact: 241-3206 Is looking for the following persons:

Is looking for a

– $6.00 per hour

– $8-$10 per hour

Contact: 241-8191

ISLAND VILLA MANAGEMENT Is seeking qualified applicants to fill the following opening for our clients:

DOMESTIC WORKERS/ HOUSEMEN

Domestic

Worker To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 344-5329

LEW & JAN CONSTRUCTION Is looking for a

Labourer Tile Layer

GOLDSMITH

Is looking for 2

Labourer to work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour. Contact: 232-7317

8063

8053

Student Affairs

Duties include: laundry, making beds, cleaning of all room etc. Must have at least 3 years experience in this area. Person apply must be able to read and write English. Must be willing to work weekends, and public holiday. Salary $5.50 per hour

Salespersons

To work 6 days per week

Contact: 946-4445

Contact: Padma 332-1401

8082

ROXY BEAUTY SALON

My Dee’s

MAGASANI ATELIER & UPHOLSTERY

Is looking for a

Is looking for a

Is looking for a

Kitchen Nail Helper Tailor To work 6 days Technician To work 5 days

per week salary $8.00 per hour. contact: 241-9105 8054

per week salary $5.00 per hour. Contact: 649-243-2344

8035

Is in need of a

BAY BISTRO

8081

Basic Essentials

JOSE OVANDO CONSTRUCTION

April 13 - 19, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

To work 6 days per week salary $150.00 per week. Contact: 2457777 or 347-3121

8056

36 CLASSIFIEDS

Internship Title

Waterfront Assistant

Manager

– Center for Marine Resource Studies

The successful applicant will have a proven track record of successful group facilitation, team building, conflict resolution, the ability to foster in students a sense of community and group responsibility, a proactive attitude toward program safety, a respect for local cultures, and an appreciation of the logistically complex nature of being an active participant in a residential, fieldbased, academic program. Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; Masters preferred • Professional outdoor, experiential, and/or field education experience • Significant experience managing student groups in a residential setting • Demonstrated skills in: group facilitation, team building, conflict resolution, outdoor leadership, risk management • Demonstrated community outreach experience and organization • Wilderness First Responder and CPR Certifications, or equivalent • Strong organizational and problem solving skills • Computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and Windows • Desired Qualifications: • Experience living or working in host country or region with appropriate language skills • Previous experience in developing materials for promoting environmental awareness • Life Saving or Emergency Water Safety Certification • Other Expectations: • Ability to work well both as a team member and independently • Live on campus full time • Willingness to work flexible hours and live on-site at the field station with a small team of permanent staff and groups of U.S. undergraduate students • Demonstrated commitment to environmental and community issues • Start Date: August 2013. Location: South Caicos Island, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies

Please submit CV prior to April 30, 2013 to Robert Dake: RDAKE@FIELDSTUDIES.ORG 8077

Job Summary:

The purpose of this position is to provide support in the areas of program delivery, academics, research, group dynamics, logistics, program safety, risk management and site maintenance. Interns assist faculty with various research projects, including planning, data gathering, analysis and report writing. Interns also assist the Diving Safety Officer in the implementation of the dive and waterfront program, activities, and operations including the safe and prudent conduct of SCUBA, snorkeling, swimming, and boating activities conducted at the Center.

Location:

SFS Center for Marine Resource Studies - South Caicos, Turks & Caicos Islands, B.W.I.

Reports to:

Center Director. Day to day supervision may be delegated to Student Affairs Manager, Faculty, Site Manager, or Diving Safety Officer as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BA/BS in Marine Ecology, Marine Resource Management or Marine Policy and Socio-economics • Current First Aid and CPR certifications • Current, active Dive Master certification, including insurance • Experience organizing and facilitating groups • Clean driving record and ability to operate standard transmission vehicles and boats • Small boat handling experience • Demonstrated ability to work as a team member and independently • Demonstrated commitment to environmental issues • Willingness to work flexible hours and live on site at the field station with a small team of permanent staff, groups of US undergraduate students and visiting researchers or programs

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.Sc. in Marine Ecology, Marine Resource Management or Marine Policy and Socio-economics • Successful completion of an SFS or similar international residential program

To Apply: Please send your CV to RDAKE@FIELDSTUDIES.ORG by April 30, 2013.

8078


CLASSIFIEDS 37

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

VIA VENETO

SAIL PROVO

BCS-CS/MAC MOTORS/ FOOTPRINTS/ GLAMOUR GIRL Land Rover Specialist/ Operations Manager

Is looking for a

Is looking for a

Dishwasher

To work 6 days per week including weekends and holidays salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 649-941-2372

8063

REPAIR SHOP MECHANIC Requirements: • Certified in combustion engines • Must have excellent written and oral communication in English • Certified in electrical systems • Must have a minimum of 7 years experience in 2 and 4 cycle engines • Must be a high school graduate • Must have a minimum of 7 years • Experience in Diesel and gasoline engine

• Must hold valid TCI Driver’s license • Must be computer literate • Must have at least 7 years experience in repairing electrical tools • Must be able to work weekends and holidays • Must have a clean police record • Must have knowledge of OSHA • Must have 2 written references from past employers • Salary $400.00 per week

Applicants will be submitted to extensive testing and background checks to confirm above criteria deadline for submission of applicants with resume and references April 26th, 2013. Submit to: info@ptsequipment.net

8083

on behalf of his clients:

A&M Cleaning is seeking employment for the following

Green Keeper

Salary start at $6.00 per hours. Interested candidate may contact A&M Cleaning at 343-3123 for further details regarding employment.

Wilbur Clement Nathaniel Caley is seeking employment for the following:

Green Keeper

Salary start at $5.00 per hours. Interested candidate may contact Wilbur Caley at 232-6898 for further details regarding employment.

Raymond Storin Burey is seeking employment for the following:

Green Keeper

Salary start at $5.00 per hours. Interested candidate may contact Raymond Storin Burey at 2446386 for further details regarding employment.

Estel Plumbing LTD is seeking employment for the following:

Assisting Plumber

Salary start at $5.00 per hours. Interested candidate may contact Estel Plumbing LTD at 241-0397 for further details regarding employment.

"B" Beauty & Health Spa is seeking employment for the following:

Cosmetologist 1 Salon Helper

Salary start at $5.00 per hour. Interested candidate will be subject to work four (4) days a week. Contact number is 242-4528 or visit the salon at the old airport road regarding employment.

Clinton Higgs is seeking employment for the following:

Yard Keeper

Salary start at $5.00 per week. Interested candidate will be subject to work five days a week and on call as requested by the employer. Successful candidate duties will be to keep the yard clean, take out the garbage and cut the trees to a standard level at Club sodax on Leeward Highway, Providenciales. You submit your application through ricardofulford@yahoo.com.

Vilbert Probus 241-2046 is seeking employment for the following: Salary start at $5.00 per week. Interested candidate will be subject to work five days a week and on call as requested by the employer. Successful candidate duties will be to keep the yard clean, take out the garbage and cut the trees to a standard level at the apartments, located at South Dock road, Providenciales.

Interested candidate may also apply through ricardofulford@ yahoo.com. Good look to all interested applicant.

Auto Diesel

Mechanic

BARBERS/ CLEANERS

Must be able to work flexible hours salary commensurate with experience.

Salary $5.00 per hour

MASON

Salary $8.00 per hour

Send your email to branitz@yahoo.com or call (649) 241-1228

Contact: 946-4783

8072

SHARKBITE RESTAURANT Established High Volume restaurant requires

Manager

Qualifications:

Ricardo Fulford Consultant Services

Yard Keeper

• Diagnose and repair cars, light, trucks, heavy trucks and earth moving equipment • Diagnose and repair hydraulic drive systems • Working knowledge of diagnostic tools such as GTR, Dealer • Connect IDS, WDS,Starscan,DRB3,NGS and Tech 2 • Qualified Professional Technician (ASE Certified, Master, L3 and up) • Automotive Service Knowledge • Must have 15 years experience. Salary is negotiable

8057

April 13 - 19, 2013

• At least 7 years experience in the restaurant industry • University Degree • Human Resources & Management experience • Proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, and Quickbooks, as well as POS systems • Applicants with Sales, Advertising and Marketing experience will be given preference • Proven ability to build, strengthen and maintain customer relations

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills • Min 3 years experience in a management position Ideal applicants will have experience in high-pressure situations, with the ability to work independently, and as part of a team. All applicants must have a valid drivers license, and be willing to work 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. Salary $400.00 per week plus depending on experience level

Please send detailed resume and cover letter to bistroshannon@yahoo.com. Only applicants that send a resume will be considered.

8068

PAYLESS WAREHOUSE LTD. Position Available:

Financial Controller Applications are requested for the above mentioned position:

Primary Responsibilities:

;; Detailed cash flow projections and analysis ;; Reconciliation of daily sales ;; Weekly internal audits, with written reports to principals ;; Preparation of monthly financial statements ;; Implementing and documenting policies and procedures ;; Plan and develop systems and procedures to improve quality control and efficiency of all departments ;; Responsible for inventory control ;; Maintain financial records in accordance to U.S. and U.K standard ;; Oversee and manage bookkeepers and cash accountants of company and subsidiaries ;; Applicant must have a minimum of four year higher education degree in Accounting or Finance. ;; Must be proficient with the ability to train others in QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions 8.0 or higher ;; Must be proficient and knowledgeable in the development of extensive financial formulas in Excel and Access with the ability to train others ;; Position requires nights, weekends and possible holiday work schedules ;; Must have strong analytical and organizational skills, exceptional written and verbal skills in English is a must ;; Applicants will be subjected to extensive testing and background checks for confirmation on the above criteria ;; Salary commensurate with experience

Belongers preferred

Interested application are asked to submit your resume/ CV by e-mail to paylesstci@gmail.com


38 CLASSIFIEDS

April 13 - 19, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS TOUCH OF CLASS BEAUTY SALON

The Law Firm of STANFIELD GREENE is seeking one (1) suitably qualified

Attorney

The Tuscany Resort

Is looking for a

Is looking for

A Greenskeeper

The successful candidate will be responsible for the firm’s civil and criminal litigation. Applicants should have at least 10 years experience with emphasis in the field of litigation, should possess good writing skills and have an eye for details. Salary is negotiable and based on experience. Applicants should apply by sending their resume or CV to:

Cosmetologist

8069

UNIVERSAL PRODUCT RECYCLING

1 Kitchen Consultant and Trainer

Is looking for a

$1500.00 per month: must have minimum 10 years experience as an executive chef. Must have experience teaching and training in a culinary environment. Hours as needed.

To work 6 days per week salary $200 per week. Contact: 244-0469

8073

Stanfield Greene PO Box 481, Graceway House Building A, Suite 201, Leeward Highway Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands ATTENTION: Clayton S. Greene. Email: csg@stanfieldgreene.com Belongers only need apply. Only those Applicants that will be interviewed will be contacted.

Taking Applications for Bartenders, Servers and Kitchen support staff; preference given to belongers.

Contact: 649.441.7314 or email: misamigostci@gmail.com for an appointment.

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

TCMillwork ltd.

Architectural woodworking, Cabinetry and Design South dock road, P.O. box 238 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Supervisor To work 6 days per week salary $10.00 per hour. Contact: 441-6669

8056

Paradise Photography

Position: Photographer Contact: info@myparadisephoto.com

Paradise Photography is looking for an experienced photographer with the following: *Minimum 3 years of professional photography experience, which includes working for a photography business/company.*Formal degree (Bachelors in Photography) *Experience with doing weddings as a primary shooter.*Solid portfolio demonstrating experience. *Experience processing images using artistic filters. *Demonstrated experience with portraits and posing groups and individuals.*High level of client relations skills, including experience with on-line postings of galleries and fulfilling client photo orders. *Knowledge of File Transfer Protocols and other internet based mediums.*Design experience *Demonstrated skill in shooting and processing RAW images using professional grade raw processors (e.g., Photoshop). Salary: Commission based Additional: applicant must have professional camera gear and computer equipment/ programs to process files.

Applications must be submitted to: info@myparadisephoto.com

CAICOS CAFÉ LTD.

Millshop Manager Skills Required:

• 5 years minimum in this position • Overseeing operation • Prepare and provide work, supplies, drawings to employees. • Prepare orders for materials necessary for ongoing millshop operations in a timely and prudent manner. • Delegation of work. Quality control. Ensuring the facilities at the millshop operate safely, efficiently and profitably, and are kept in clean working condition. • Overseeing production schedules. • Liaise with Owners, Purchasers, and consultants, site personnel, staff, employees, subcontractors and suppliers of TCMillwork in a professional and courteous manner. • Certificate required: Carpentry-Cabinet making-Joinery • Working knowledge of AutoCAD • High-end technical woodworking skills • Must have excellent leadership and communication skills, multi-lingual preferred • Professional, disciplined, punctual, reliable and affable • Salary at $14.00 per hour

Molder operator Skills Required:

• 5 years work experience in woodworking, joinery and cabinet making. • Trained to operate 5 heads molding machine. • Salary at $8.00 per hour

CNC operator

8055

Skills Required: in Grace Bay

is looking for a

Chef De Partie • Must be able to work weekends, nights and holidays 6 days per week • Must be able to clean the kitchen after service • Must have at least 8 years experience • Good knowledge of general restaurant cooking • Expert in sautéed seafood, shellfish, meat and poultry

7079

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

2 Cooks Must have minimum of 10 years experience in a high volume kitchen specializing in Mexican Food. Fluent in Spanish and English. Pay $7.50/hour

to work 6 days a week. Salary $6.00 per hour. Contact: 941-4667

• Good knowledge of butchery • Good knowledge of sauces, broths and dressing • Expert also in grilling and rotisserie • Must be able to understand and speak English • Must be physically fit, dependable and hardworking • Salary commensurate with experience and quality of work

All resumes CV’s letters of references along with a clean police record must be delivered at Caicos Café, Grace Bay

8060

• 5 years work experience in woodworking, joinery and cabinet making. • Trained to operate CNC machine. • Salary at $8.00 per hour

Skills required for all 3 positions below:

• Individual must have previous experience with manufacture, construction, and installation of high end cabinetry. • Must be familiar with operation of all current woodworking machinery and tools with proper safety practices. • Must be able to read Auto-Cad drawings. • English speaking, bilingual preferred.

Duties:

Operate molder and CNC machine, cabinetmaking, refinishing, and installation. Assist other employees in general millshop operations and maintenance. Must be professional and courteous.

Please send applications to: tcmillwork@tciway.tc contact person: Mario 231-2995 8076


April 13 - 19, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS 39

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Career Opportunities Grace Bay Club is looking for candidates that have the requirements listed along with an outgoing professional manner. They love to work with different types of people, meet challenges with a positive attitude and live the standards of our organization. Their management style is one that balances a commitment to people and their development with business/financial accountability and delivers an exceptional guest experience

Director of Engineering

Restaurant Servers:

Requirements:

Job Overview:

• Masters in Engineering • Minimum 10 years of total experience • Provide leadership and build an engineering team(s) to ensure engineering capability meets program requirements for various maintenance and modification programs and that associated drawings and specifications are accurate so that products are in accordance with proper engineering techniques and applicable specifications. • Previous 5 star luxury opening Resort experience a must. Previous Caribbean and International hotel experience a definite asset. • Previous experience with “Green Initiatives” a definite asset. • Analyze problems associated with development of equipment or systems. • Conduct property surveys to identify hazards to guests & employees recommending corrective actions. • Strong written and oral communication skills. Ability to use MS Office products(i.e. Word, PowerPoint, Excel & Microsoft Project) • Qualified Belongers need only to apply. • Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Thai Cook Requirements:

• Two years experience as a Cook with emphasis on Asian inspired dishes • Must be hard-working, organized, creative and passionate about food and customer service • Must be able to work in a high-pressure, high-turnover environment • Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, be a team player and also able to work unsupervised. • Must be able to work a flexible schedule including days, evenings, weekends and public holidays • Food preparation and cooking, plating, presentation • Kitchen maintenance and cleaning • Maintaining and ordering stocks and supplies • Menu planning • Following food safety requirements • Qualified Belongers need only to apply. • Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Kitchen Helper Requirements: • • • • • • • •

Assist with Food & beverage service Receive and store supplies Stock cupboards, refrigerators and salad bars Clean food preparation and storage areas Assist with food preparation Work with minimal supervision Belongers need only to apply Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

• Qualified individuals should have a minimum of 3 years restaurant experience. Individuals must possess strong work ethics; have a working knowledge of fine dining steps of service, and the ability to provide our guests with an outstanding dining experience. Servers should be industry professionals with excellent food and wine knowledge. • Job Requirements: • Responsibilities include setup, organization and cleanup of service areas. • Responsible for staying current with daily menu items and changing wine lists. • Must be able to work as part of a motivated, high energy team that takes pride in their work. • Lifting of trays loaded with food, plates and glassware required. • Responsible for responding to any situation at any given time in a professional and courteous manner. This may include answering any questions posed by guests • Stack, lift and carry trays in a systematic and safe manner • Clean and retrieve tables in a neat, timely and professional manner. • Receive, process, and present all food and beverage orders according to Grace Bay Club standards • Responsible for using suggestive selling techniques, when appropriate and doing so in a courteous manner to up sell and in turn increase the average check • Qualified Belongers need only to apply • Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Domestic Worker/ Housekeeper Job Requirements:

• Ensure the cleanliness of all hotel areas • Assist in all Housekeeping responsibilities, cleaning of all guest rooms, stocking amenities and linens • physical stamina and mobility including ability to reach, kneel and bend • ability to lift, push and pull required load (usually about 30lbs) • Ensure inventory is used properly and in supply at all times • Possess knowledge of proper cleaning supplies and chemical handling • Qualified Belongers need only to apply • Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Labourer Job Requirements:

• Operate, maintain and repair the property’s heating, ventilation air conditioning and refrigeration systems • Perform Laundry and Kitchen services • Perform preventative maintenance on the hotel’s systems • Pool cleaning, chemical testing, adding chemical as required • Maintain the proper use, cleaning, maintenance and storage of all tools. • Responsible for cleaning grease traps, lift stations, checking & treatment of sewage treatment plant

• Belongers need only to apply • Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Food & Beverage Manager Requirements:

• At least 5 years of 5 star Food & Beverage experience. Caribbean experience considered an asset. • At least 5 years five star restaurant management experience. • Degree in hospitality desirable. • International experience and multi-lingual to assist our International clientele would be an asset. • Knowledge of fine wines. • Energetic, positive visionary leader, dedicated to motivating and developing team members. • Must be competent with a PC and Micros experience is an asset. • Assists with strategy, budgeting, cost management and delivering on objectives. • Exceptional communication and customer service skills and lives the standard of the organization. • Belongers need only to apply • Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Spa Therapists Job Requirements:

• Grace Bay Club is looking for a Massage Therapist/ Esthetician who is an enthusiastic team player with excellent customer service. • The therapist will be responsible for administering professional facial, massage and body treatments to our guests. • Must have a thorough knowledge of the skin with numerous massage modalities. • Must possess a general understanding of body treatments and be willing to train in our spa’s specific facial, massage and body treatment offerings. • Must possess excellent communication skills and be able to learn the product and service knowledge necessary to effectively provide wellness solutions to meet the needs of our guests. • The Therapist will be required to properly care for equipment, perform prep work, clean and restock spa rooms • Assist in all areas of the spa operation as requested by Supervisors or coaches. • Be flexible with your schedule, supporting the needs of the spa. • Build respectful and cooperative relationships with colleagues and leaders. • He/she must maintain the standards of Grace Bay as found in the standard operating procedures of the department, an as they are amended from time to time. • Education and Experience: • Secondary level education is required. Good writing, reading, listening and basic computation skills are necessary. • Previous experience in a 5 star spa is required. • International qualifications (or qualifications equivalent to international standards) are required in Esthetics and Massage Therapy. • Qualified Belongers need only apply. • Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience

Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Department no later than November 1, 2012 @ (649) 946-5050 Ext. 1050. Email: veronica.clare@gracebayclub.com | Fax: (649) 946-5758 P.O. Box 128 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies


40

Entertainment

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 13 - 19, 2013

Beyonce and Jay Z slammed for anniversary celebration in Cuba R&B’s power couple Beyonce and Jay-Z have come under fire for celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary with a trip to Cuba. Popular music’s most prominent young marrieds were slammed for vacationing in the communist Caribbean country by Mauricio Claver-Carone, the Executive Director of Cuba Democracy Advocates in Washington, DC, a group dedicated to promoting democracy in the Spanish-speaking nation. “There are women getting beaten on a daily basis, women who are being jailed for no reason ... people are fighting for their freedom,” Claver-Carone told celebrity website TMZ. “It’s extremely insensitive,” he added, claiming that the American megastars failed to educate themselves on Cuba’s human rights violations before making the trip. Beyonce and Jay-Z, accompanied by their mothers, were photographed in Havana last week, dining at local restaurants including the renowned La Guarida and touring historic locations like colonial Old Havana. At every turn, the celebrity couple was mobbed by enthusiastic Cuban fans and well-wishers, prompting local police to step in to keep the

Patrick ‘Big Pat’ Strickland was a bodyguard for Chris Brown when a brawl with Drake’s entourage broke out in SoHo hotspot W.i.P. last June.

Brown’s bodyguard suing Drake over last year’s brawl Music’s power couple blasted for failing to educate themselves on the communist country’s alleged human rights violations before making the trip. (Credit: newswhip.com)

crowds at bay. The stars declined to speak to reporters, but Beyonce posed for pictures with local schoolchildren while her husband puffed contentedly on a Cuban cigar. It remains unclear why they chose to visit the island to celebrate their April 4 wedding anniversary, or the pretext under which they did so. While Cuba’s state-run website CubaSi called their visit a tourist trip, Washington’s 51-year embargo makes it illegal for United States

citizens to travel to Cuba solely for tourism. Travellers can nevertheless visit the country legally by obtaining a “cultural exchange” license, and can also spend time in Cuba for academic, religious and journalistic purposes. At the time of writing, the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, which approves travel to the country, had not commented on Beyonce and JayZ’s individual case. (Caribbean 360)

Thatcher was a pioneer -Says Meryl Streep HOLLYWOOD’S leading lady paid tribute to Britain’s “Iron Lady” on Monday. Meryl Streep, whose performance as Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady” earned her 2012’s Best Actress Oscar, remembered the 87-year-old former British prime minister as someone who broke gender barriers “by dint of her own striving.” Here is Streep’s statement to the press in full: “Margaret Thatcher was a pioneer, willingly or unwillingly, for the role of women in politics. It is hard to imagine a part of our current history that has not been affected by measures she put forward in the UK at the end of the 20th century. Her hard-nosed fiscal measures took a toll on the poor, and her hands-off approach to financial regulation led to great wealth for others. There is an argument that her steadfast, almost emotional loyalty to the pound sterling has helped the UK weather the storms of European monetary uncertainty. But to me she was a figure of awe for her personal strength and grit. To have come up, legitimately, through the ranks of the British political system, class bound and gender

Chris Brown’s beefy bodyguard is suing Drake and the SoHo nightclub where the hip-hop stars brawled last June, and used filing as an opportunity to take a swipe at the Canadian rapper. Hired muscle Patrick Strickland snidely refers to Drake as “a popular and successful, albeit critically derided, entertainer,” in his lawsuit filed Monday in Manhattan Supreme Court. Strickland, 43, who hails from Queens Village, claims the hot spot, W.i.P., is responsible for the ugly head cut he suffered during the melee because it sat Brown’s entourage and Drake’s crew near each other, even though staffers knew the celebrities were beefing over sultry R&B songstress Rihanna. The seating arrangement created “a substantial and unjustifiable risk that a mass altercation would occur between the two camps,” the suit for an unspecified amount of damages

states. Moreover, the club over-served Drake and his posse, and had an employee hand Brown a note from Drake that read: “I’m f--king the love of your life,” according to the Strickland suit. The note allegedly led to a “verbal altercation” and that caused a “massive bar brawl that involved bottle throwing, possible gunshots and a general state of riot and disorder,” the suit charges. Strickland was hit in the head and required stitches, reports said at the time. The suit says he endured “severe and disfiguring injuries to his face, head and eyes.” The suit, which also names W.i.P.’s sister club, Greenhouse, and various parties associated with the party spots, is the latest in a string of legal actions stemming from the sensational brouhaha. (NYdailynews)

NY Metropolitan Museum of Art receives $1bn donation

Meryl Streep as former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady.” Streep won an Oscar for her portrayal.

phobic as it was, in the time that she did and the way that she did, was a formidable achievement. To have won it, not because she inherited position as the daughter of a great man, or the widow of an important man, but by dint of her own striving. To have withstood the special hatred and ridicule, unprecedented in my opinion, leveled in our time at a public figure who was not a mass murderer; and to have managed to keep her convictions attached to fervent ideals and ideas- wrongheaded or misguided as we might see them now-without corruption- I see that as

evidence of some kind of greatness, worthy for the argument of history to settle. To have given women and girls around the world reason to supplant fantasies of being princesses with a different dream: the real-life option of leading their nation; this was groundbreaking and admirable. I was honored to try to imagine her late life journey, after power; but I have only a glancing understanding of what her many struggles were, and how she managed to sail through to the other side. I wish to convey my respectful condolences to her family and many friends. (NYdailynews.com)

NEW York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art has received a $1bn (£650m) donation of Cubist art from cosmetics executive Leonard Lauder. The heir to the Estee Lauder fortune has pledged 78 works considered one of the foremost collections of Cubism in the world. It includes pieces from Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Juan Gris and Fernand Leger, amassed over 37 years. Museum director Thomas Campbell said the gift was “truly transformational”. In a statement, Lauder, 80, said his gift was for “the people who live and work in New York and those from around the world who come to visit our great arts institutions”. The Met said it had previously “lacked” early 20th Century art, but with Lauder’s donation it would be at the forefront of world collections. “We have long lacked this critical dimension in the story of modernism. Now, Cubism will be

Leonard Lauder amassed the art collection over four decades

represented with some of its greatest masterpieces,” Campbell said. The collection “distinguished by its quality, focus, and depth,” includes 33 Picassos, 17 works by Braque and 14 by Gris and Leger. Lauder built it up over nearly four decades, telling the story of a movement that revolutionised modern art and paved the way for abstraction.


April 13 - 19, 2013

Entertainment

41

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Angelina Jolie’s using jewels to build schools

Adele single “Someone like you” is the most downloaded single of all time.

UK music downloads hit one billion mark led by Adele ONE billion songs have now been downloaded in the UK, according to the Official Charts Company. The milestone was reached on Monday, almost 10 years after legal downloads were launched. Adele’s Someone Like You is the most downloaded single of all time in the UK, followed by tracks by Maroon 5 and Gotye. The Official Charts Company says on average more than three million tracks are now sold every week. In 2012 the number of digital tracks sold continued to rise, with 188.6 million songs being bought. That was up 6% on 2011. Martin Talbot, Managing Director of the Official Charts Company, said: “The explosion in download sales over the past nine years means we are genuinely now living in the digital music age.” Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive of the BPI, added: “As fans increasingly download music on

the move, tablets, smartphones and connected cars will drive another phase in digital music’s expansion.” So far in 2013 an average of 500,000 digital tracks have been bought every day in the UK. Adele’s 21 album is now the fourth-biggest selling album of all time in the UK. The top 10 most-downloaded songs of all time in the UK are: 1. Adele - Someone Like You 2. Maroon 5 ft Christina Aguilera - Moves Like Jagger 3. Gotye ft Kimbra - Somebody I Used To Know 4. Black Eyed Peas - I Gotta Feeling 5. Rihanna ft Calvin Harris - We Found Love 6. Kings Of Leon - Sex On Fire 7. Carly Rae Jepsen - Call Me Maybe 8. LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem 9. Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are (Amazing) 10. Jessie J - Price Tag

Katie Holmes is ‘open’ to a lot of things AFTER divorcing Tom Cruise, her husband of five years, and settling into a new home in New York, Katie Holmes is keeping all of her options open. So when Allure magazine brought up her now-defunct Broadway show, “Dead Accounts,” Holmes explained, “I was open to – well, to whoever wanted me. But it was always my goal to make it back to the stage.” And as far as giving daughter Suri a sibling one day? “I don’t know,” she responded. “I’m open to it.” It would seem that the fashion designer/actress/and mom of one isn’t even shutting down the idea of law school. There have been rumors that the actress was looking to acquire a law degree, which Holmes didn’t wholly dismiss. “Well, my brother and father are attorneys,” she told the magazine,

ANGELINA Jolie has come up with a stylish way to raise funds for an allgirls school in Afghanistan. The actress and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador has launched a jewelery line with Robert Procop called “The Style of Jolie.” Sales from the line will go toward the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, an organisation Jolie co-chairs. The line includes, among other items, an 18-carat rose gold necklace that Jolie wore to the premiere of her 2010 movie “Salt,” as well as a matching bracelet and set of earrings. “Through our collaboration, Angelina has drawn upon her personal inspirations and influences to develop her style,” a statement on Procop’s website says. “The beauty of these creations is matched by the beauty of spirit behind Angelina’s heartfelt mission - to empower children in crisis.” According to E!, Jolie plans to build more schools with profits from the jewelry line. “Beyond enjoying the artistic satisfaction of designing these

Angelina Jolie is trying to raise funds for an all-girl school in Afghanistan.

jewels,” the actress said in a statement, “we are inspired by knowing our work is also serving the mutual goal of providing for children in need.” (CNN) Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead headed for the Top 10 -Song selling since Thatcher’s death AN online campaign has helped Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead chart at number 10 in the Official

Django Unchained won two Oscars at the Academy Awards in February

Django Unchained blood scenes ‘muted for China release’

Katie Holmes is keeping her options open.

“and – we’ll see. I like the practical thinking of attorneys.” If there’s anything Holmes is willing to take a stand against at this point in her life and career, it’s being “mean.”

BLOODY scenes from Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained are to be toned down for its cinema release in China, according to the film’s distributors. Sony Pictures told China’s Southern Metropolis Daily the director had agreed to the “slight adjustments”. Zhang Miao said changes included “tuning the blood to a darker colour” and “lowering the height of the splatter of blood”. However he added it would not affect the overall quality of the film. Zhang said the director viewed the changes as “progress rather than a compromise”. “What we call bloodshed and

violence is just a means of serving the purpose of the film,” he said. “Quentin knew how to adjust that, and it’s necessary that he is the one to do it.” Despite the adjustments, Tarantino’s Oscar-winning slavery epic will keep its full running time of 165 minutes. It is the first of the director’s films to be cleared for release in China where sexually explicit scenes, violence and other topics deemed inappropriate are often deleted by state censors. Other Hollywood films including Skyfall, Cloud Atlas and the remake of Red Dawn, have all recently made changes to appease regulators.

Midweek Charts. Opponents of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher have been buying copies of the song following her death on Monday. Thatcher was age 87.

Campion to be presented with Cannes director honour

NEW Zealand filmmaker Jane Campion is to be presented with the Carrosse d’Or from the Society of Film Directors at next month’s Cannes Film Festival. The director is the only woman to have won the coveted Palme d’Or - or best film prize for her movie The Piano. Campion will be at the festival as president of the Cinefondation and short film jury. Launched in 2002, past winners of the Carrosse d’Or or Golden Coach - include actor Clint Eastwood. Last year’s winner was Turkish director Nuri Bilge Ceylan - whose film Once Upon a Time in Anatolia was selected as Turkey’s official submission for the best foreign language film Oscar. In 2011, the jailed Iranian director Jafar Panahi won the award. Panahi, who also won the Camera d’Or at Cannes in 1995 for The White Balloon, was convicted in Iran of making propaganda against the ruling regime and jailed for six years. Campion’s first short film, Peel, won the short film prize at Cannes in 1986. In 1993 The Piano won the Palme d’Or with actress Holly Hunter named best actress. The film earned Campion a best director nomination at the Oscars and she won the Academy Award for best original screenplay.


42

April 13 - 19, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Sports International

Masters 2013: Tiger Woods aims to win fifth Green Jacket following an equipment switch and is looking to add a first Masters to his two previous majors. Britain has been without a winner since Nick Faldo took his third Masters in 1996, but Englishmen Justin Rose, Luke Donald, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter are high in the rankings and have all played well at the revered Augusta venue. The Masters, the year’s first major and youngest of the big four tournaments in golf, has become one of the most iconic events in sport since its inception in 1934. This year marks the 50th

VIA VENETO

PAUL A. GARDINER

Is looking for a

is looking for a

Sous Chef Must have at least 7 years experience in Italian cuisine. Must be customer service oriented. Willing to work weekends and holidays

Supervisor contact: 232-5262

Louisville beats Michigan in epic game to clinch NCAA men’s basketball title After reclaiming the top spot Tiger Woods not feel confident of a fifth Green Jacket.

anniversary of Nicklaus’s first of a record six Masters wins, while Chinese 14-year-old Tianlang Guan will become the youngest ever competitor after winning the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship. He has been the talk of Augusta after playing practice rounds with Woods and twotime champion Ben Crenshaw, who he will again partner on Thursday and Friday. “I think all of us are asking ourselves, ‘What were we doing at 14?’,” said Crenshaw, 61, who won the Masters in 1984 and 1995. “You can tell he breathes golf. It was fascinating to see him play.” Woods, 37, has dominated the game since winning his first Masters title in 1997 at

8065

To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

8062

Contact: Via Venteto at: 649-941-2372

Laundry

The Louisville Cardinals are the 2013 NCAA Division 1 men’s basketball champions.

TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS NATIONAL INSURANCE BOARD

TENDER NOTICE FOR PROVIDING SECURITY SERVICES

the age of 21, but his game deteriorated after scandal in 2009. Four knee operations and other injuries have also affected his career and he dropped to 58th in the world in November 2011 while undergoing swing changes with new coach Sean Foley. However, he has won three of his four strokeplay events this season and six in his last 20 and says he is confident he will soon add to his major haul.

THE Louisville Cardinals defeated the Michigan Wolverines, 82-76, to win the NCAA Division I men’s basketball championship Monday night in Atlanta. The showdown was one for the ages, with a dazzling array of airborne theatrics, jawdropping dunks and 3-pointers from well behind the line. The Cardinals surged from a double-digit deficit in the first half to lead during much of the second half and finally clinch the victory. Louisville Head Coach Rick Pitino said his team was able to top the Wolverines’

“absolutely incredible” performance “probably because I have the 13 toughest guys I’ve ever coached.” The Cardinals played without Kevin Ware, the sophomore guard who suffered one of the most grotesque injuries in college sports while playing Duke on March 31. During a routine block attempt, Ware landed awkwardly and snapped his right shin, drawing gasps of horror as the bone protruded through his skin. Ware joined his teammates during the championship trophy presentation on crutches.

Animal Kingdom scoops richest prize in racing ANIMAL Kingdom roared into the record books at Meydan Racecourse Saturday, blowing away the rest of the field to become only the second Kentucky Derby winner to triumph in the Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest race. The giant chestnut started strongly and tucked in behind the early pace setter, Royal Delta, before being unleashed in the straight by jockey Joel Rosario. He held off a final gallant challenge from the globetrotting Red Cadeaux to win

Animal Kingdom, seen here winning the Kentucky Derby in 2011, has won the the Dubai World Cup, world’s richest horse race.

by four lengths. Planteur reprised his third place finish from last year,

while the Andrew Baldingtrained Side Glance ran the race of a lifetime to finish fourth.

PRITON DEVELOPMENT LTD.

The National Insurance Board hereby invites tenders from established Security Companies with experience of at least five years in the field to provide Security Services for its offices on the Islands of Grand Turk and Providenciales. CONTACT INFORMATION Interested eligible bidders should contact the National Insurance Board for detailed specification for tendering at the following address:

MISS RHESA CARTWRIGHT, DEPUTY DIRECTOR CORPORATE SERVICES NATIONAL INSURANCE BOARD HILLY A EWING BUILDING, PROVIDENCIALES TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS Tel: (649) 941 5806/5906. Fax: (649) 941 5854 Each bid should be submitted no later than 12 Noon on Friday 26 April, 2013. 8061

SEEKS

Labourers ;;Must have at least 3 years experience and be able to work with little supervision. Salary start at $6.00 an hour and is based on experience. ;;Deadline for applications is April 25th 20113 ;;Salary is based on experience

Interested persons should be dependable and send applications via fax at (649) 941-4034. C/o Alliance Realty Ltd.

8060

TIGER Woods is favourite to collect a fifth Green Jacket and win his first major title since 2008 when the 77th Masters begins at Augusta on Thursday. Woods, the 14-time major champion, is back at world number one after scandal, injury and swing changes derailed his career, and is showing the sort of form that could reignite his quest to pass Jack Nicklaus’s record of 18 major titles. Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, who Woods usurped at the top of the rankings, seems to have put an earlyseason blip behind him


April 13 - 19, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Ministry of Finance Revenue Control Unit

PUBLIC NOTICE

Owners, Managers and Operators of businesses registered within the Turks and Caicos Islands are advised that effective April 10, 2013 they have 15 days in which to regularize their operations. The Revenue Control Unit in the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Tourism is therefore appealing to all businesses to regulate their status within 15 days of this notice, to ensure that they are in good standing in relation to the payment of all fees, charges and arrears. Following the expiration of this notice, TCIG will publish the names of those businesses that are not in good standing. This is to alert the community of all legitimate businesses operating in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Revenue Control Unit Town Centre Mail, Providenciales Tel: 649-946-2801 Ext 80901 Fax: 649-941-9649

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS Financial Services Commission

CLASSIFIEDS 43

In addition, individuals who fail to comply with this notice will have their Business Licenses suspended and revoked under Section 10 & 11 of the Business Licensing Ordinance. Operators of businesses that have ceased operations are required under section 8 & 9 of the Business Licensing Ordinance, to give notice of changes in the particulars of the business, including the date the business ceased to operate. There are penalties for failing to adhere to these requirements which have been expressly provided in writing to all Licensee Holders. This is the final appeal: Ensure that your Business License is current; otherwise TCIG will commence legal proceedings against all defaulters. For further details, please contact:

Revenue Control Unit Hisbicus Square, Grand Turk Tel: 649-946-2801 Ext: 42002 Fax: 649-946-2686

Tender Request for Construction Services-Interior Redesign

The Financial Services Commission invites proposals from suitably qualified contractors to undertake a remodeling of the Commission’s offices at Caribbean Place known as Unit C7/C8. The brief scope of the works is as described below: • Remove existing partitions; • Supply of new partitions, fixtures and fittings according to the design specifications; • Installation of new partitions, fixtures, fittings and furniture according to design specifications; • Replace existing flooring with new raised surface and installation of tiles and carpeting as indicated; • Upgrading and improvement of plumbing, electrical and air conditioning systems; • The installation of permanent hurricane shutters; • Repainting of finished surfaces and the removal of debris. Interested parties may pick up a copy of the design drawings and specifications, which will be provided at a cost of $50, between the hours 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm Mondays to Fridays as well as to view the property in question. Interested parties are required to submit their bids in writing to the Commission at its office at Unit D7/D8, Caribbean Place, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos no later than 2:00 pm Thursday, April 25, 2013. Late tenders will NOT be considered under any circumstance.

Tenders must be accompanied by the following: i. Valid business licence for the appropriate category of construction work; ii. Certificate of Good-standing from the Companies Registry (for companies) or Business Names Registration for partnerships and individuals; iii. List of personnel who will be involved in the execution of the works and their qualification and or experience; iv. Details of at least two (2) references for which similar works have been carried and v. Reference letter from the bankers of the interested parties. Tenders should be submitted in ordinary form to include detailed description of the service provider and setting out the timeframe for carrying out the works. The original and one copy of the Tender proposal should be placed in a sealed envelope and delivered to the Commission’s office. The envelope should be addressed to the Managing Director of the Commission and clearly marked “Tender for Construction Works”. The tender will be opened after the expiry of the deadline by a panel of officers of the Commission. The Commission does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender. Financial Services Commission: 01/2013 April 11, 2013


44

Sports National

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 13 - 19, 2013

Island Fire Supplies Girls’ Soccer League:

Three teams in final race for title WITH just one week of games remaining the Island Fire Supplies Girls’ Soccer League is heading for an exciting climax as all three teams are capable of claiming the title. The Provo All Stars are currently in first place, but the Eastern Eagles and the Western Wolverines are in hot pursuit. Last week’s games were all closely fought affairs as each team seemed evenly matched. In the opening clash the Provo All Stars scored a late goal through Sarah Cenary to overcome a stern Wolverines’ defence. Both teams fought hard and the game appeared to be heading for a stalemate until Cenary capitalised on a defensive error and raced through to place the ball beyond the reach of Chrystal Stirling. The Wolverines fought hard in an effort to rescue the game, but some stern defending from Alyssa Laing and Willandra Elliot kept them at bay. In the second game the Wolverines and the Eastern Eagles battled to a tense and competitive 0-0 draw. Both teams fought hard in the midfield with few chances being created. Yarielca De La Cruz and Gaya Smith had some good long range efforts for the Wolverines, but the best chance of the game fell to the Eagles’ forward Amise Phanord. Yarileny De La Cruz had dribbled past three

Alvirto Smith represented the TCI at the workshop.

CANOC workshop in Haiti:

Smith and other Caribbean delegates make strong recommendations

Action in the penultimate week of play.

Wolverines defenders before she played a perfect pass across the face of the goal to Phanord who hesitated before shooting which allowed Yarielca De La Cruz to make a heroic sliding tackle and deny Phanord the chance to score. In the final game two goals from Cenary saw the Provo All Stars to a 2-0 win against the Eagles. The All Stars dominated the game with Laing and Elliot commanding the defence and Kadine Delphin and Monae Gooden passing the ball around in midfield. Cenary’s first

goal was a great solo effort as she dribbled through several defenders before striking into the top corner. Her second goal was created through a nice passing exchange between Gooden and Delphin whose delicate pass allowed Cenary to glide through and place the ball calmly into the bottom corner. All teams will be fired up for the final day’s play knowing that nothing is guaranteed and that everyone has a good chance of lifting the championship trophy.

National athletics coach Alvirto Smith joined 15 other delegates across the Caribbean in pledging to adopt policies agreed upon at a Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) two-day workshop in Haiti this week. The workshop under the theme, “Sports for All, National Sports Policies and Programmes” ended with the body strongly recommending to the governments of the Caribbean that they adopt a fundamental developmental policy of Sport for All throughout their institutions and those regional institutions to which they belong. Sport for All is defined as the systemic provision of physical activities accessible to all citizens. It is seen by CANOC members as a fundamental and desirable development policy. Sport for All promotes good health, community participation, educational advance, gender equity and economic

productivity and combats inactivity, non communicable diseases, social exclusion and segregation and physical and mental illness. CANOC further recommends that funding be allocated for the promotion of this policy by each national government and regional institutions in annual budgets. Funding will also be sought from the Inter American Development Bank and other international agencies and sponsors to promote Sport for All through the hosting of workshops, educational programmes and public outreach activities. The workshop which was held in Petion Ville, Haiti, had delegates from Aruba, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Turks and Caicos Islands, US Virgin Islands and Virgin Islands UK.

Josh for Sports

Track and field is dead!

I SHALL never write on the sport of track and field in the TCI again. Why should I keep bashing my head against the wall? Can you imagine that after 36 years we can hardly win a medal at CARIFTA? When our medal winners become too old we have no other athletes to take their place. To top that off our medal winners have been coached by foreigners. We must take our hats off to these foreign coaches. On the contrary we do have native world class coaches. Our native coaches are not supported, appreciated or respected and as a result they become turned off and do not contribute to the preparation of our athletes. I do not blame them. Personally, I’m discouraged to the point where I’ve withdrawn my willingness to coach another athlete in this country. I don’t

By Joshua Gardiner need the aggravation or unnecessary stress. Harden head birds don’t make good soup. I am still reeling from the shock that Kivarno Handfield is still in the TCI working at a hotel when I personally got him a full four-year scholarship to attend the University of Tennessee. This young man is not serious about his advancement in life. The value of that scholarship is

about $100, 000. Can you imagine he allowed others to undermine him, by convincing him to go to another school? A bird in the hand is worth two in the bushes. One of the defects in the TCAAA is that the persons at the head were never among the top in the world at the senior level. Thus they have no idea of the dedication, commitment or vision that is required to survive in a modern world in international sports. To further complicate the matters and leading to our national/ international demise is the fact that we don’t instill the correct mindset among our track and field athletes. You don’t become an international star by training 1-2 months before an international championship. EXAMPLES If you were to take a look at most of the past presidents of the BahamasAAA you would

discover that all were international stars. Some of them I coached in some point of their careers. Such persons include: Michael Sands, Hon Desmond Bannister. I coached Rupert Gardiner, coach of the Golden Girls. I also coached Pedro Valdez, Sheldon Barr, Rudy Levarity and William Johnson among numerous others. Dr. B.J Nottage and I were on the same team that represented the Bahamas in Scotland in 1970. That was the last time that Tommy Robinson ran for the Bahamas. In Jamaica Donald Quarry won Olympic medals. I watched him run 21.3s in the 200M at Boys’ Champs. He was 16 and in class II. I was in class I and I won the triple jump. THE TRUTH HURTS, BUT LIBERATES Some persons have foolish/false pride. Such negative attributes will lead to stagnation, counter

productivity and destruction. That is the state of track and field in the TCI at the national level. I take it as my inherent privilege to analyse with unbiased constructive objectivity. For it was I who, 36 years ago, created the TCAAA. I was 26 years old. Something is surely amiss. To win a medal 36 years ago and barely able to scrape one now is not real. But that is where puffed up pride steps up to the plate hitting a home run and destroys all possibilities of meaningful, sustainable progress. ENOUGH Enough is enough, at age 62 I don’t need to bash my head against any wall. But unless we wake up and smell the coffee we are going no place soon. There are other sports that are making continuous progress. I shall write about them instead!


April 13 - 19, 2013

Sports National

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Fighting TCI beaten by Canadian rugby team THE national senior rugby team, the Flamingos, fought hard, but was unsuccessful against the SteAnne-De-Bellevue men’s side from Canada. The established Canadian team emerged victorious 29-7 in the final game of the club’s (both male and female) one week visit to these islands. In front of a capacity crowd at the Meridian Field, the two teams battled a competitive affair despite the scoreline. The Flamingos got off to a great start thanks to an opening try to debutant standoff Randy Schultz in the first quarter. After converting his own score Schultz continued to lead the strong TCI backs against a slick SAB backline. Having conceded first points the SAB side then turned up the heat with some strong running from inside centre Rice (SAB and game Man-ofthe-Match), fullback DeGraff, and the powerful SAB forwards. Their ongoing continuity of play and direct running saw the TCI side stretched wide, and a score was inevitable despite some ferocious defence. Two tries, to Ste-Annes’ Hayden and Jazz, saw the visitors take a 15-7 lead into the half time break. Turning into the wind the Flamingos had a lot of work to do

It was a fierce battle between the visiting Canadian team and the local side. (Photo: rugby.TC)

but felt confident they were only a quick score away from getting back into the match. Strong running from Tait and Walker (TCI Man of the Match) caused problems for the SAB backs, and U-19 star Lincoln Outten combined well with TCI speedster Alex Williams to make some impressive runs. Sadly, it seemed as the gaps were opening up, a knock-on always seemed to kill the momentum and the Flamingos will go into their summer break looking to work on tightening their basic skills.

The continuity of the SAB side was an impressive example for the TCI players to try to emulate and underscores why they are one of the top clubs teams in Eastern Canada. The depth of the SAB squad was apparent, as when they rang the changes it was with quality replacements. With limited propping resources and the loss of TCI

Captain Sean O’Neill to injury, the scrums went uncontested. The Flamingos continued to put up a fight and with the wind behind them the visitors camped out in the TCI half with some strong running and an intelligent kicking game. Eventually the continuing pressure told and SAB replacement Milligan crossed twice, with DeGraff converting both from wide out, to take the score out

to 29-7. In a release the TCIRFU extended their gratitude: “to Ste-Anne-DeBellevue for all the gear they have donated for our club members. It’s been a real pleasure to host such an enthusiastic rugby club, and the SAB fraternity should be proud of their players and supporters - they are great ambassadors for the game and Canada.”

WIV Provo Premier League:

Cheshire Hall retain title

CHESHIRE Hall emerged champions again when the curtains came down on the WIV Provo Premier League recently. A cool 3-1 win over the SWA Sharks was enough to secure the title. Haitian team Rozo had to settle for second place with 19 points, two points below the winner’s tally. Rozo had threatened the defending champions all throughout the league and with 3-0 wins against the Teachers last week and the Sharks on Tuesday; they would have taken the title if the defending champions had slipped up. The Sharks finished third with 10 points while AFC Academy claimed the fourth spot with seven points and Teachers the fifth spot with one point. In their final game Cheshire Hall were a goal down early, but hit back with a hat-trick from Michael Bremmer to claim victory.

Anthony Cash had 20 or more points in both quarter final clashes for the Flyers.

PABA Night League: Cheshire Hall defended their WIV Provo Premier League title.

The teams are now set to compete in the President’s Cup which kicks off on Saturday, April 13th, with Cheshire Hall going up against the Sharks and Rozo challenging the AFC Academy.

WIV PROVO PREMEIR LEAGUE:

P W D L F A GD Pts Cheshire Hall FC 8 7 0 1 27 7 20 21 Rozo FC 8 6 1 1 19 11 8 19 SWA Sharks FC 8 3 1 4 17 20 -3 10 AFC Academy 8 2 1 5 20 20 0 7 Teachers FC 8 0 1 7 7 32 -25 1

Harbour Boys and Flyers to reach in semis NEMISIS South Caicos Harbour Boys and defending champions the Flyers will reach in the best-in-five semifinals of the Provo Amateur Basketball Association (PABA) Night League. The two teams, who battled in the final, last year, breezed through their quarter final best-in-three games. When the playoffs tipped off last Friday night at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex, the second seeded Harbour Boys defeated the seventh seeded Cobras 68-56 with D. Dean making a huge double-double 22 points and 15 boards. Jonathan Paul led all scorers with 23 points. One night later Cobras lost by 10 points 54-44. Kirk Adams and Alvardo

Parker were the main contributors for Harbour Boys with 17 and 11 points respectively. Gino Agenor had a game high 18 points for the Cobras. The third seeded Flyers also won two straight games against the sixth seeded Steelers. On Friday night Flyers won 71-62 with Anthony Cash leading the attack with 21 points while C. Campbell had a double-double (16 points and 11 boards) The reliable Cameron Henry and E. Missick had 17 points each for the Steelers. On Saturday night Henry made a huge 27 points and Missick added

13, but it was not enough as the defending champs won 85-78. Cash had 20 points and S. Williams added 14. STILL FAVOURITES The favourites and number one seeded team GT Stallions, whipped the eighth place Knights 110-45. Kino Williams had 23 points and R. Harris 18. In the other quarter final clash the fourth seeded Predators lost to the fifth seeded Police team 65-59. Kijana Doughty led the Lawmen with `18 points and 11 rebounds while S. Jermain was equally impressive with 17 points and 14 boards.


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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 13 - 19, 2013


April 13 - 19, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

47

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

April 13 - 19, 2013


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