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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
August 20 - 26, 2011
NATIONAL
Anonymous donor helps preserve coral reefs CORAL reefs long damaged by boat anchors will be better protected in future thanks to the imminent arrival of mooring buoys. The Turks & Caicos Reef Fund (TCRF) is to buy around 25 moorings for use at dive sites across the TCI, thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous benefactor. The $10,000 donation is the largest the organisation has ever received.
Set up predominantly in national parks, the moorings will eliminate the need for dive boat operators to drop anchors which can wreak havoc on the country’s precious and fragile reefs. TCRF chiefs have earmarked the cash to install them at a number of popular dive sites off the coasts of Providenciales, French Cay, West Caicos, Grand Turk and Salt Cay.
Boat anchors can devastate fragile coral.
They have already been in contact with many local dive operators to garner their support and will be working closely with the DECR on the installation programme. TCRF chairman Don Stark said that the project would involve replacing some old moorings as well as setting others up in new sites
New NHIB boss has high praise for Grand Turk hospital GRAND Turk hospital has received high praise from the new NHIB boss who described the facilities as “extremely impressive”. Zaneta Adderley-Burton’s comments came during a fact-finding visit to the InterHealth Canada-run facility. After being shown round by nurse manager, Meleck Cummings, she said: “This is an extremely impressive hospital and the facilities are excellent too. “I have also enjoyed lunch in the hospital restaurant which I have to say was wonderful. “Everyone I have met during my tour has been both friendly and very knowledgeable and the potential here in Grand Turk is huge. “As the service provider, I am looking forward to working closely with InterHealth Canada to ensure that we all meet people’s expectations of their country’s new healthcare system and provide quality healthcare to all. “I am also looking forward to seeing how the Cockburn Town Medical Centre can be utilised further over the coming months and years to the benefit of the community as we work together to provide a centre of excellence here in Grand Turk.” Meanwhile InterHealth Canada chief executive, Roger Cheesman, welcomed Mrs Adderley-Burton to her new post and paid tribute to her
Zaneta Adderley-Burton was described as “dynamic and progressive”.
predecessor, Brian Hogan. He added: “As CEO of InterHealth Canada and a director of NHIB, I welcome Mrs Adderley-Burton on
board. “Brian Hogan has undertaken sterling work on creating the systems of NHIP and steering the organisation through the early days. “Mrs Burton brings a new set of skills and a new conceptual framework to the post of CEO of NHIB and will, I am sure, build on the solid foundations Mr Hogan has created. “In my meetings with Mrs Adderley-Burton I have found her to be a very dynamic and progressive lady and I look forward to working with her in the coming years.” Ms Adderley-Burton officially took over the reins on July 31. Canadian Mr Hogan had been the focus of a number of attacks in the media questioning his integrity and professionalism. Last November, the Weekly News reported of eyebrows being raised over an alleged conflict of interest with Mr Hogan also presiding over the software firm used to hold hospital data, collect contributions and disburse claims. Mr Hogan said at the time, he had declared a “minority interest” in company Mitan from the outset and always excused himself from board meeting discussions about the potential use of the product. But the issue prompted suspicion from some quarters as the TCI’s new multi-million dollar hospitals once again attracted controversy.
to add to the variety of dive sites available in the country. “We know that the shortage of moorings results in dive operators being forced to drop anchor on many sites which can cause damage to coral reefs,” said Mr Stark. “We hope that this project will reduce, if not eliminate, the need to drop anchor on dive sites.” Project plans must first be reviewed and approved by the DECR. The first phase is due to begin before the end of the year. Anchor damage is said to be one of the most important physical threats to corals. Half a centimeter of coral broken off in a matter of seconds can take up to 25 years to grow back.
Mooring buoys have proven to be an effective tool around the world in reducing the problem by providing boaters with a convenient means of securing their vessels. Founded in 2010, TCRF is a volunteer-run organisation that provides funding for education, research and conservation programmes to individuals, groups and agencies working to preserve and protect the TCI’s world famous marine environment. More than 85 per cent of all funds raised through voluntary contributions from divers and snorkellers visiting the country are directed to its programmes. Visit www.tcreef.org for more information.
& CrimeCourt
Couple charged for drugs MAGISTRATE Clifton Warner granted a husband and wife $4,000 bail on Tuesday and told them to return on August 22 for their case to be heard. Jamaican national Keval Williams and his wife Roselene Benoit, originally from Haiti, were jointly charged with possession of a controlled drug and possession with intent to
supply. It was said that on Saturday August 13 in Five Cays the couple had in their possession 386 grams of cannabis. Benoit elected to be tried in the Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to both charges while her husband chose to have his matter heard in the Supreme Court.
Trial for child attack GEORGE Pratt appeared before Magistrate Clifton Warner in Providenciales Magistrates Court for inflicting grievous bodily harm and was granted $5,000 bail. The court heard that on November 17 2010 in South Dock Road, Pratt inflicted
grievous bodily harm on a minor. When asked where he would prefer his matter to be tried, Pratt elected a jury trial in the Supreme Court. He was told to attend on October 7 for a sufficiency hearing.