Weekly News Volume 34 | No. 33 | August 15-21, 2020
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BLUE HILLS NAMED COVID-19 HOTSPOT
Blue Hills has emerged as a Covid-19 hotspot with 30 percent of all recorded cases in the Turks and Caicos Islands coming from the community
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Grace Bay is region’s number 8 one beach PAGE
TCI’s most famous beach – Grace Bay – has been named as the best beach in the Caribbean and the second-best beach in the world in Tripadvisor’s 2020 Travelers’ Choice Awards.
HURRICANE SEASON UPDATED TO ‘EXTREMELY ACTIVE’ SUSPICIOUS DEATH BECOMES TCI’S 15TH MURDER RESORT GROUP BLAMES TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS FOR LAYOFFS
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
August 15-21, 2020
August 15-21, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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NEWS
August 15-21, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Hurricane season updated to ‘extremely active’ BY OLIVIA ROSE FORECASTERS have updated the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season outlook from ‘above normal’ to ‘extremely active’. On Thursday, August 6, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a division of the National Weather Service in the US, made the announcement. It said atmospheric and oceanic conditions are primed to fuel storm development in the Atlantic, leading to what could be an extremely active season. In a statement the NOAA said: “This is one of the most active seasonal forecasts that NOAA has produced in its 22-year history of hurricane outlooks.” During an address to the nation on Tuesday (August 11), Cartwright Robinson urged residents to do their part by getting prepared early and remaining vigilant during this period. “This very busy and potentially less predictable Atlantic hurricane season - being ready to take action when necessary - let us pray that God will continue to spare us the wrath of mother nature.” Forecasters have now predicted 19 to 25 named storms, seven to 11 hurricanes and three to six major hurricanes. “Not only are they expecting more storms but the storms seem to be developing earlier than usual,” the premier said. “A record-setting nine named storms have been recorded so far, compared with the normal average of two. “For example, the earliest J storm on record was Jose, which formed August 22, 2005.
Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson urged citizens to stay prepared
“What this means is that as a country we cannot afford to become complacent. “We cannot afford to say to ourselves that given the fact that the last tropical storm Isaias did not cause massive destruction in the TCI that other storms will not negatively impact the TCI as well. “We must prepare as if we are expecting a category five storm directly impacting the TCI,” she stressed. The premier called on residents not to become complacent during this time as many tropical storms continue to form in the Atlantic basin. In retrospect, she reminded the populace of the trail of destruction tropical storms that impacted the TCI in the past left in their wake. “Nor can we say to ourselves
The 2020 Atlantic tropical cyclone names selected by the World Meteorological Organisation (NOAA)
that we do not need to prepare for tropical storms, it is only a tropical storm. “This is the time to put measures in place to protect your business, home and family. “Do not wait until the TCI is under warning to begin your preparations. Storms are unpredictable and may catch you off guard.” She stressed that tropical storms can be as deadly as a major hurricane. “We do not need to look too far for examples of destruction caused by tropical storms. “The Christmas trough (2013) that resulted in 15 deaths in St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica and St Lucia, tropical storm Isaias (2020) after leaving the TCI left at least 5 dead in its path, locally tropical storm Hanna, Cristobal, Joaquin all caused
massive flooding, destruction causing millions in dollars,” she added. According to the NOAA, current oceanic and atmospheric conditions that make an extremely active hurricane season possible are warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The NOAA explained that reduced vertical wind shear, weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds and an enhanced west African monsoon are expected to continue for the next few months. Gerry Bell, lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Centre, said: “This year we expect more, stronger and longer-lived storms than average, and our predicted ACE range extends well above NOAA’s threshold for an extremely active season.”
On Thursday (August 13), tropical storm Josephine formed in the Atlantic Ocean. The storm, which is the 10th named storm of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph up to press time. Josephine shattered the earlyseason formation record for the J-named storm in the basin: The previous record belonged to Jose, which developed on August 22, 2005. According to meteorologists, in an average hurricane season, the 10th named storm doesn’t form until the end of October. A main climate factor behind these conditions is the ongoing warm phase of the Atlantic Multi-Decadal Oscillation, which reappeared in 1995 and has been favouring more active hurricane seasons since that time.
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 Olivia Rose - Senior Reporter Faizool Deo - Sports Editor (At Large) Cord Garrido-Lowe - Graphics Consultant (At Large) Dilletha Lightbourne-Williams - Office Manager Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@gmail.com Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours) Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com Follow us on: Facebook: facebook.com/tcweeklynews Twitter: twitter.com/tcweeklynews1 The updated 2020 Atlantic hurricane season probability and numbers of named storms (NOAA)
August 15-21, 2020
NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
On Thursday (August 13), the number of total cases recorded since the start of the pandemic skyrocketed to 241 with 192 active cases up from 182 active cases on Wednesday
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National Epidemiologist Dr Shandey Malcolm said health protocols are “there for a reason”
Blue Hills identified as Covid-19 hotspot
BY OLIVIA ROSE
BLUE Hills has emerged as a Covid-19 hotspot with 30 percent of all recorded cases in the Turks and Caicos Islands coming from the community. This was revealed by National Epidemiologist Dr Shandey Malcolm who joined Minister of Health Hon. Edwin Astwood at a press conference on Friday, August 7. Dr Malcolm said the territory has seen an alarming spike in coronavirus cases in a very short period of time and most of the cases are community based transmissions. During the press conference held at the Premier’s office in Providenciales, she explained that Blue Hills, one of the TCI’s larger residential areas, is a virtual hotbed for the disease. “The locality with the most cases is still Blue Hills, about 30 percent reside in this locality but Kew Town and Glass Shack also report a significant amount of cases,” she said. The epidemiologist explained that of all of the confirmed cases only four percent are being considered as imported. About 55 percent of those who tested positive are contacts of confirmed cases while 40 percent have an unknown source of
infection. “This last group is the most worrisome because it points to some level of community spread and it has caused us to summarise that the virus is circulating in the community,” she said. Half of the cases recorded fall within the ages of 24 to 44, while other cases are between the ages of one month and 73-years-old. Given the rapid increase in cases, Dr Malcolm stressed the need for residents to take precautions to slow the transmission rate especially in communities with high positivity. “With the increase in the numbers and also the high likelihood of community spread, I would like to take this opportunity to remind you to adhere to all of the Ministry of Health’s protocols. “They are there for a reason, they are there to protect you and I and they are also there to prevent and to control the spread of this disease,” she added. IRRESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR Health Minister Hon. Edwin Astwood during his remarks explained that a number of factors continue to impact the spread of the virus at the community level. These factors include a serious lack of compliance with established Covid-19 rules especially as it
relates to social gathering and mandatory mask wearing. “We have a problem with some young people and social gatherings, and also some churches. “We get the reports, we see the videos - these behaviours are not intelligent and we have to crack down on it.” He stressed that these reckless practices are not only “disrespectful and irresponsible” but they are also illegal. “Some people are having unsafe parties and social gatherings throughout all our communities, not just in Provo, but now is not the time for that and if you do socialise simply wear your face mask, face shield or other face coverings. “Just suppose one person at the gathering is positive and infects ten others, who then takes it home and infects a parent or relative who then dies.” Astwood reminded residents that although the borders have reopened and life has resumed some semblance of normalcy, the virus is still prevalent in the territory. He called on the populace to continue to adhere to preventative measures at all times. Last week, on August 5, the TCI recorded 13 new cases of Covid-19 which brought the number of active cases to 87 – and total number
recorded to 129. On Thursday (August 13), the number of total cases recorded since the start of the pandemic skyrocketed to 241 with 192 active cases up from 182 active cases on Wednesday. Seventeen new cases of Covid-19 were recorded within 24 hours - 11 of those cases are contacts of known confirmed cases and six cases with no clear epidemiological link. According to the Ministry of Health’s latest dashboard update, there were also seven new
recoveries which brings the total number of recoveries to 46. Two of the confirmed cases are under hospital care and no new Covid-19 related deaths have been recorded. The total of Covid-19 related deaths remains at two. The ministry stressed that aggressive contact tracing and control measures in relation to all active cases are ongoing. To date, the territory has recorded a total of 1,567 test results, with 1,326 confirmed to be negative.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
August 15-21, 2020
Suspicious death becomes TCI’s 15th murder Victim named as Dale Taylor Junior POLICE are now treating the suspicious death of a man in Grand Turk last week as a murder. Dale Taylor Junior was found on the roadway near a bar in the West Road District on Thursday, August 6, according to the police press office. Emergency services were informed of the discovery at about 12.04am and rushed to the scene where the young man was pronounced dead. The homicide is the 15th in the TCI this year – the highest ever recorded in the territory. Just one day earlier 38-year-old Matthew Florez was shot dead in a drive-by near Thomas Stubbs roundabout in Providenciales sometime before 11.19pm. The last murder recorded before that was on June 24 when Bursley Dolcine, 20, died from a gunshot wound which he had received a week earlier in his Kew Town home on June 16. Hurd Harvey, 51, was stabbed to death in The Garden in North Back Salina, Grand Turk, on June 20. Twenty-year-old Garfield Dennie died on June 5, weeks after sustaining gunshot wounds in a shooting in Blue Hills,
Man arrested over illegal gun TWENTY-three-year-old Evenx Pierre was arrested on Sunday (August 9) after being found with an illegal gun and ammunition. The police press office said that during a stop and search operation at about 12.45am in Five Cays, police pulled over a champagne coloured Chevrolet Trax. Officers found that Pierre had an illegal firearm with one round of ammunition on his person. He was arrested on suspicion of possession of firearm and ammunition. Anyone with information can call 911 or contact Crime Stoppers confidentially on 1-800-8477.
Providenciales, on May 23. Pierecine Petite, was fatally shot off South Dock Road in Providenciales shortly after 4pm on June 5. Nine-year-old Samardia Karioka was killed in her Grand Turk home on May 20. Her mother Najaj Karioka, 42, has been charged with her murder. Percy Williams, 77, was shot dead in his Blue Hills home on May 3 as he tried to protect his family from armed robbers. A murdered man, who is yet to be identified, was found at Blue Hills dump site on April 18 after reports were made of shots being fired in the vicinity. On April 13, Martin Barga, a 44-year old construction worker from the Dominican Republic, was tragically shot and killed on Millennium Highway in Blue Hills. On March 18, Acyjeune Brunorlien, 57, was shot dead
during a home invasion in Five Cays, making it the third murder in just over a week. Godly Petiote, 21, died in hospital on March 12 after he was shot several times on International Drive in Providenciales. Sheen Dean, 26, was shot dead on Bay Road in Blue Hills on March 10 - in an incident that left two others with serious injuries. Twenty-two-year-old Horace Wignal Junior, known as DJ Spookie, died from gunshot wounds on January 21 following a home invasion in Long Bay, Providenciales, earlier that month. The first murder of the year was that of 29-year-old Fritz Gerald Mossoul who died in Providenciales from gunshot wounds on January 17. Anyone with information on any incident can call 911 or contact Crime Stoppers confidentially on 1-800-8477.
Grocery store and bar robbed in Grand Turk TWO masked men entered the front door of a grocery store in Back Salina, Grand Turk, on Monday evening (August 10) and demanded money from the shopkeeper. According to the police press office, the incident happened sometime before 8.45pm. The thieves took an unknown amount of cash along with a black handbag that contained a wallet, identification cards and other personal items.
The day before two masked men, one armed with a gun, robbed a bar on Fritz Street, Back Salina. Sometime before 8.30am the men entered the bar and demanded money. They stole cash and slot machine tickets before fleeing on foot. There were no injuries reported in either incident. Anyone with information can call 911 or contact Crime Stoppers confidentially on 1-800-8477.
Gov’t department temporarily closed THE PUBLIC Works Department in Providenciales closed on Monday (August 10) until further notice. Members of the department can be contacted on their government email addresses, a press release from the Office of the Deputy Premier said on Monday.
Urgent queries can be directed to Director Garvin Thomas at glthomas@gov.tc “The public will be advised of the reopening of the department as soon as that information is available,” a spokesperson from the Office of the Deputy Premier said.
The damaged ATM at Providenciales International Airport
Thieves attempt to steal airport ATM THREE masked men attempted to remove an ATM from Providenciales International Airport on Monday (August 10), significantly damaging it in the process. At about 11.19pm, police officers were dispatched to the airport after reports that the men, who were
driving a red vehicle, were trying to steal the cash machine. The offenders were unsuccessful and fled the scene towards Airport Road into Kew Town, the police press office said. Anyone with information can call 911 or contact Crime Stoppers confidentially on 1-800-8477.
Murder victim named as US-born Matthew Florez T H I RT Y- e i g h t - y e a r - o l d Matthew Florez has been named as the 14th homicide in the TCI this year. The Florida-born man was shot dead in a drive-by near Thomas Stubbs roundabout in Providenciales on Wednesday, August 5. According to the police press office, officers were informed of the shooting at about 11.19pm. They were told that masked men driving a dark vehicle approached two men changing a tyre along Leeward Highway and opened fire. Nikira John from TCI Hospital told the Weekly News
that the man “never made it to the hospital”. Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said: “I along with members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force express our condolences to the family of the deceased. “We acknowledge the impact this tragedy will have on the community as a whole.” Police press officer Takara Bain was unable to confirm if the victim was a tourist or a TCI resident. Anyone with information on any incident can call 911 or contact Crime Stoppers confidentially on 1-800-8477.
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Curfew reinstated as Covid-19 cases climb BY DELANA ISLES A RAPID rise in Covid-19 cases last week propelled the Government to reinstate the night time curfew for three of the family islands and tighten social gathering restrictions. On Friday, August 7, Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson addressed the nation after Covid-19 cases made a leap from 99 active to 128 in the span of 24 hours. Previously, the number had swelled from 87, and to date the cases continue to rise. On Thursday afternoon (August 13), the Turks and Caicos Islands had recorded 192 active cases. This brings the overall number of positive cases to 241 since the beginning of the pandemic, 46 of which have recovered, two died and one left the country. As a result of these rising numbers, the Government took several measures to manage a potential eruption in the territory
which has about 37,000 residents. On Monday, August 10, the islands of Providenciales, North Caicos and Parrot Cay were placed under curfew for the second time. Providenciales’ is from 10pm to 5am each day, and from 8pm to 5am on North Caicos and Parrot Cay. The curfews will stay in place until August 30. Parrot Cay reported last week that it suspended new arrivals to the island when a positive Covid-19 case was discovered on North Caicos, where a large percentage of the resort’s staff resides. The premier commended the resort: “We note the management of Parrot Cay’s decision to suspend arrivals and we commend this establishment for putting people first.” She also emphasised that there is no new case linked to a tourist. Just one case had been discovered two days after the TCI reopened its border on July 22. The premier also reported that
in spite of a report from the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), the Government is unaware of a tourist who may have contracted the virus while in the TCI. “We note the CDC’s advisory and recognise it for what it is,” she said. “We are open and will remain open but will respect those who take the decision to suspend travel.” She maintained that the territory’s pre-arrival protocols are working and remain among one of the strictest in the region. Other measures taken include a restriction on domestic travel, except for essential purposes only. The health team has instituted a domestic travel clearance system that will check to ensure a person is not the subject of any Covid-19 contact tracing or a suspected case. Screening is also being done at airports and seaports/landing sites, and registration with the Department for Environment and Coastal Resources is now required prior to travel and for return to the
island by local boatmen. Social gatherings have been restricted for the next three weeks, with Providenciales, North Caicos and Parrot Cay restricted to 10 people, and all social gatherings on the other islands to 25. Churches and funeral service attendance have also been shrunk to no more than 25 people, and this restriction is to stay in place for the next two months. Residents are also required to observe social distancing guidelines on all public beaches, with no gathering of more than four adults outside of the same household and no alcohol except for compliant commercial vendors. There will also be no team sports on beaches, except individual fitness activities. Meanwhile, the Government is again advising residents who are 65 years and older and those with underlying medical conditions on the three affected islands to shelter in place.
The premier said the Government felt the need to take these measures having seen 44 new cases in the span of three days, and then 29 more just 24 hours later. She revealed that the surge in cases was due to a work event - the second of its kind that has produced a large cluster of cases. “This means that protocols failed. We cannot let our guards down even in comfortable settings.” She said that of the numbers on North Caicos two are age six, four of them between the ages of 15 and 24, two 17-year-olds, one 20-yearold and the others 22 and 29-yearsold. “We must protect our children and youth - you must adhere to proper protocols. “These numbers are young and tells another story. Young people we must take greater care. This is not an old man or old woman’s virus and you must follow the protocols.”
Mother charged with daughter’s murder A GRAND Turk mother has been charged with the murder of her nineyear-old daughter. Najah Karioka, 42, of North Creek, Grand Turk was arrested after Samardia Karioka was found dead from a gunshot wound on May 20. At about 10.07pm on the evening in question, the police control room received a call about an incident involving a minor. Upon visiting the Karioka family home, first responders found Samardia unresponsive with head injuries. She was transported to the hospital, but succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at 11.26pm. Najah Karioka was formally charged over two months later on August 5. Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said: “This case remains a tragic incident that touched the lives of many throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands because it involved a minor. “While the details of the case are still sensitive, I would like to thank the investigators for the speedy arrest. “The charges brought today were possible because of diligent and professional police work and a commitment to finding out what
Nine-year-old Samardia Karioka was found dead in her home
The child’s mother Najah Karioka has been charged with her murder
happened that night. “I would like to express condolences to everyone who knew and loved the child.” The death brought the homicide count to nine in the TCI at the time,
and be the eyes and ears of your community. “Do not hesitate to report suspicious activity to 911. The force needs even more community cooperation to continue combating
and was the fifth murder since the territory was placed under lockdown. Commissioner Botting said: “I would also like to use this opportunity to ask the residents of Grand Turk to please remain vigilant
the scourge of violent crime lately on the island.” Anyone with information on any incident can call 911 or contact Crime Stoppers confidentially on 1-800-8477.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
August 15-21, 2020
Grace Bay’s powder white sand and warm turquoise water lands it top spot
Grace Bay named as region’s number one beach TCI’s most famous beach – Grace Bay – has been named as the best beach in the Caribbean and the second-best beach in the world in Tripadvisor’s 2020 Travelers’ Choice Awards. Taylor Bay beach and Mudjin Harbour were also named among the region’s top 25 and Providenciales was one of the ten most popular destinations in the Caribbean. Six of the territory’s resorts were also given awards in the popular contest run by the world’s largest travel platform, a press release from the TCI Tourist Board revealed on August 5. Pamela Ewing, director of tourism for the TCI Tourist Board, said: “The TCI combines stunning
natural beauty with exceptional hospitality and care to deliver world-class vacation experiences. “We are proud that travellers recognise this commitment to excellence and are honoured to receive more than a dozen Tripadvisor 2020 Travelers Choice Awards.” Tripadvisor’s 18th annual Travelers’ Choice Awards celebrated travellers’ favourite hotels, restaurants, and airlines around the world. Winners were calculated based on the quality and quantity of the millions of reviews, opinions, and ratings collected on Tripadvisor in 2019, prior to the pandemic. Grace Bay beach, located off Providenciales, is a pristine
12-mile beach renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and powder white sand. The 38-square-mile island is also home to other unspoiled beaches such as Long Bay, Sapodilla Bay, Blue Hills Beach, Pelican Beach and Taylor Bay. Taylor Bay beach, situated on the south coast of Providenciales near Chalk Sound and west of Sapodilla Bay, was named the 16th best beach in the Caribbean. On Middle Caicos, Mudjin Harbour, voted number 25 best beach in the Caribbean, is renowned for its dramatic coastline with high limestone cliffs and ocean swells.
Many of the TCI’s resorts were also recipients of the Tripadvisor 2020 Traveler’s Choice awards in the following categories: - Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa – Top 25 Hotels for Families in the Caribbean -Seven Stars Resort and Spa – Top 25 Hotels and Top 25 Luxury Resorts in the Caribbean -The Somerset on Grace Bay – Top 25 Hotels for Families in the Caribbean -The Tuscany – Top 25 Hotels and Top 25 Hotels for Service in the Caribbean -The Venetian – Top 25 Hotels in the Caribbean
-Wymara Resort and Villas – Top 25 Hotels for Romance in the Caribbean The Turks and Caicos Islands is a coveted five-star luxury vacation destination for leisure, business, and notable guests from around the globe. With nine main islands and about 40 small islands and uninhabited cays, the destination features a stunning outdoor environment, privacy, spacious resort accommodations and unique portfolio of extraordinary private villas and private island vacations. Grace Bay was named world’s best beach in 2016 and 2018.
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ANYONE wanting to travel between the islands and cays for essential purposes will have to apply for travel authorisation and undergo a temperature check before leaving. On Monday (August 10), Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson announced that all nonessential travel is to be halted between the TCI’s sister islands. Essential travel includes travel for the purpose of banking, certain businesses, doctor and hospital visits, funerals, movement for international travel, emergencies and cargo. A member of the House of Assembly may also travel from another island to attend a meeting of the House of Assembly in Grand
Turk. The new rule, in accordance with the Public and Environmental Health (Covid-19) (Control Measures) Regulations 2020, will be in place until August 31 or until further notice. Under the regulations, noone can offer for hire or seek to travel on any interisland private or commercial air or sea transport that is non-essential. This is provided that an airline or a boat shall reduce the number of people travelling on interisland transportation to permit physical distancing. A person who intends to travel interisland will before undertaking the travel apply to the Ministry of Health for travel authorisation.
They will complete the Interisland Travel Authorisation Form set out on the Ministry of Health website and subject themselves to a temperature check prior to their travel. The travel form can be found at the Ministry of Health’s website on www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus/ resources/forms Completed forms must be submitted to localtravel@gov.tc at least 48 hours prior to intended travel for approval. Proof of approval should be submitted to the airline or ferry before travel. “Every person travelling interisland shall adhere to all health protocols relevant for domestic travel,” a Ministry of Health spokesperson said on Tuesday.
August 15-21, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS
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Partygoers who ignore Covid-19 rules may face stiff penalties BY OLIVIA ROSE PARTYGOERS who ignore social distancing and mask wearing measures could face stiff penalties, as the Government is currently drafting laws to clamp down on reckless behaviour. The penalties when brought into fruition are intended to discourage large gatherings at restaurants and bars, beaches and other hangout spots. They are also aimed at keeping the citizens adhering to mandated Covid-19 practices. This comes after several videos of parties were posted on social media last weekend. The videos, which were subsequently removed, showed many attendees of large boat and restaurant parties breaching social distancing and mask wearing rules. Some were even seen wearing masks around their wrists while interacting with others instead of wearing them to cover their noses and mouths. Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson during a national address on Tuesday (August 11) said violations of the Covid-19 health
and safety rules is a serious public health threat. She stressed that even as the infection rate continues to rise in the TCI, there remains a “flagrant disregard” for the law, especially among partygoers. She revealed that the Attorney General’s Chambers is currently working on laws that will bring stiffer penalties and make the breach of protocols a ‘ticketable’ offence. “We watched with horror the recordings of parties over the weekend and the reckless behaviour exhibited,” the premier said. “After repeated appeals to us, there can only be one response and the behaviour justifies the response. “We are concerned though that a small minority continue to flout the regulations and the protocols. “Some people are still engaged in relatively large social gatherings; others are either refusing to wear masks or doing so not properly. “This is no time for complacency or reckless behaviour and so I implore the whole population to remain vigilant.”
“If you continue to disregard the law, you must and will be dealt with” - Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson
The premier stressed that although these actions are being carried out by a small minority, given the nature of the virus it threatens the wellbeing of the majority. “These actions are not only dangerous, but they are also selfish. Now more than ever we need to be other brothers’ and our sisters’ keeper,” she said. “We can only beat back this pandemic challenge with a disciplined and united approach - refusing to chance anything and refusing to take short cuts.” She stressed that it is not a governmental responsibility but it is a very personal one and added
that she wanted to once again appeal to everyone to follow the rules. “As persons/businesses cannot or do not seem to want to grasp the serious and urgent requirement set out in law to wear masks or social distance or observe other regulations, we must penalise the actions of the few for the greater good of all. “Human behaviour determines how we come through this pandemic and we are prepared to use whatever is at our disposal to achieve the best of us. “We as a people must remain vigilant, as we are confident, that our people and our economy will
emerge and thrive in this new environment.” The territory’s leader underscored that these measures are not meant to criminalise but to encourage better behaviour. “If you continue to disregard the law, you must and will be dealt with,” she added. In an effort to slow the spread of Covid-19 in the territory, the Government mandated social distancing protocols and the wearing of masks. All citizens are required to stay a safe distance, preferably six feet away from others and to wear a mask or an improvised face coverings when engaged in public.
Sexual offences bill to protect children against sex crimes BY DELANA ISLES PROSTITUTION, the hosting of brothels, possession of child pornography and joining online child sexual abuse rooms are just some of the acts criminalised in a new sexual offences bill. The bill came up for a second reading in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, August 5, and was presented by the Attorney General Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles. The AG said the bill, which makes provision for a sexual offenders’ register, seeks to realise the rights of children who are victims of sexual violence and abuse. The proposed legislation is one of a series of bills written by an external drafter engaged through a UK programme. It is designed to address identified needs of the Royal TCI Police Force to enact important
reform to the criminal justice system in the Islands. Particular support is offered to law enforcement in clause 43 of the bill where children are protected from online sexual exploitation. It criminalises perpetrators who act alone but also link in with other like-minded individuals to accept and share indecent images or sexual abuse of children. The bill seeks to introduce, replace and amend laws related to sexual offences in the territory, creating a comprehensive suite of provisions. In addition to criminal offences, it also provides schemes of notification requirements, sexual harm prevention orders and sexual risk orders together with new measures to protect the anonymity of victims of sexual offences. Clauses in the bill cover areas such as penetrative and non-
penetrative sexual offences, rape and other offences against children under 13, abuse of positions of trust, familial child sexual offences, sexual exploitation of children, and having indecent photographs of children. It criminalises possession of indecent images of children outlining that anyone who knowingly accesses indecent images of children is guilty of an offence. They will be liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for five years and on summary conviction to imprisonment for three years. Any person who accesses indecent images of children, even if it was not downloaded or saved, will also be guilty of an offence. There are also provisions for sexual offences against people with mental disorders, sex with an adult relative, prostitution, causing
prostitution of under 16 girls and keeping a brothel for the use of prostitution. An important aspect of the bill is the comprehensive listing of sexual offences committed in the Turks and Caicos Islands - a sexual offenders’ register. The attorney general stated that this list can, if desired, be used as a reference point in other legislations. She said this will enable the police to keep a check on the whereabouts of sexual offenders. These offenders will be required to notify the police if they intend to change addresses, or intend to leave the country. She said this list will be under constant review by the commissioner of police for determination as to whether continued monitoring of offenders is needed.
If a person fails to comply with the notification requirement, an offence is committed and police can seek a warrant for entry into that person’s home. The attorney general stated the governor will be authorised under the ordinance to establish a responsible body to assist the police in these endeavours. The bill saw robust debate in the House of Assembly last week, receiving full bipartisan support from members. Many commended the wide and detailed provisions for the various sexual offences in the legislation. On Monday (August 17), the House of Assembly resumes and the proposed law will go to the committee of the whole for further review by members and possible amendments. Following that it will go for passage and later enactment.
10 NEWS OPINIONS
August 15-21, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
TCI with Covid-19: Historical lessons SITUATED 575 miles south-east of Florida, nestled in brilliantly coloured coral reefs and white sandy beaches, caressed by unprovoked turquoise waters - the TCI was poised to become one of the world’s leading tourist destinations and an economic powerhouse. But the likelihood of achieving these accolades seems grim. Ambushed by a dangerous and relenting health crisis twisting the world upside down and creating drastic changes, the TCI is forced to regroup. Citing the World Health Organisation, [at time of press] the total number of confirmed cases had risen to nearly 20 million and an astounding death toll of more than 716,000. At first glance it appeared the world would recover from this pandemic, however after observing the lockdowns and reopening and lockdowns again, coupled with soaring body counts and heightened confirmed cases, I’m thinking this pandemic might not go away. It is possible however, with scientific endeavours there will be a vaccine and therefore I am optimistic about a near future curative. It was British historian Niall Ferguson who
BY D MARKIE SPRING D Markie Spring, a TCI resident of 15 years, is an expert in law enforcement. He worked as a detective in the Royal TCI Police Force and was director of security at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
said that history informs us about the present and helps us to think critically about the future. Throughout history, we have experienced similar pandemics which gravely devastated the entire world. First, the ancient Antonine Plague of 165 to 180 AD that the Roman troops contracted from the ‘near east’ and spread across the Roman Empire which claimed more than five million lives. At the time, the crisis effectuated radical social and political changes inside the Roman Empire and reshaped numerous phenomena, not withholding art and literature. Similarly, the Black Death which originated in central Asia is the world’s deadliest crisis in human history. It resulted in deaths of between 75 and
200 million people in Eurasia and North Africa during the mid-14th century. Like the former, the Black Death induced religious, social and economic upheavals with sweeping impacts on the trajectory of Europe’s history. Undoubtedly, Covid-19 posed a real threat to the TCI - profoundly transforming the travel industry and impacting national security, culture, democracy, policies and processes, and the overall economy. Already, the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) is restructuring its approach to suit the changing times and recommending policies for action, focusing on sustainable development. This requires a full narrative of current and future economic, social and environmental
impacts, tackling the needs of visitors, the industry and host countries. The UNWTO is committed to putting people and their well-being first. They’ve approximated a 30 percent decline in the 2020 global international tourist arrivals – spurring monetary losses up to $50 billion. Among other ideas, the UNWTO is promoting ‘responsible travel’ - however, like other governing bodies they stopped short of detailing viable responses to navigating the health crisis. Nonetheless, there are a host of activities the TCI Government can engage. Negotiate with financial institutions for stimulus packages to aid accommodation and transport. Prepare for crises, forge resilience, and ensure tourism is a part of the national emergency apparatus, in addition to, investing in market intelligence systems and digital transformation. Too, it must develop guidelines on regulations, regarding the current situation and rigorous communication campaigns to help prevent further spread of the virus. Tourism is an important facet of the national economy - it must be preserved.
COMMENTARY
Life is living and learning THIS old codger has finished his eighth decade of life and is well started into his ninth. The cancer that is trying to consume part of this old body is just aggravation in the way that disables me. It does offer one thing I never had before though, the time to think about life in general. I always spent lots of time planning. Planning projects. Projects connected with my employment or our private life. Those that plan in depth some worthwhile project is doing the right thing. It minimises mistakes and costs. Let someone else plan your project for you and you will pay in dollars and results. The way the Chinese bat virus has destroyed modern life in general makes planning more an exercise in survival all over the world.
BY DAVID TAPFER
David is a retired mobile hydraulic engineer and business executive. He has been married to Middle Caicos native Yvette Robinson Tapfer for 30 years and has lived in Conch Bar, Middle Caicos, since 2002. David formerly served as branch chairman of the PDM from 2008 to 2011
This is especially true in our neighbours in economics - the USA. One thing I always consider is the mistakes made by government. I am alive today because I was not wearing a legally required seat belt when I smashed up my car about 60 years ago. I was thrown clear of the wreckage. Nevertheless, I recommend wearing them in today’s unit body lightweight vehicles.
The airbag is another matter. New cars have five of these at a cost of $500 each - $2,500 total. Records indicate they have smothered as many people as they have saved. Once the USA laws required them, the government loafs along and does not consider making them an option despite their neutral safety record. The cell phone is a wonderful gadget but it distracts from normal life. How many car accidents has
the cell phone caused? Before we leave things auto, while the computer controlled fuel injection and ignition are superior improvements the old carburettor and point ignition were much easier to fix. The TV has programmes dedicated to shops that refit old cars for folks who love them for this very reason they were understandable. They were built strong enough to be rebuildable. I knew early in life that having the right partner in life was important. Nothing is more important. You will not find the perfect person but I have come close. Yvette is a gem! Yvette is her working name and most people, including yours truly, call her Yvette or ‘Vette’. Her actual official given name is Bethsheba. David and Bethsheba - what could be more
biblical? Yvette’s ambition from early in life was to be a nurse. She trained in Nassau and Barbados. In her youth, she served all over the TCI. She served years in the USA medical system. Now she looks after me. The cancer has limited my freedoms. With the virus afloat everyone’s freedoms are limited. I expect that someday a vaccine will be found. Then this virus can join the other medical problems that used to haunt mankind. I wonder if we have learned anything. The massive and horrible wars of the last century taught us little. If only we could spend our worldwide resources finding cures for cancers, diabetes, multiple sclerosis instead of making wars - conventional, nuclear or bio technical.
August 15-21, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS 11
Thinking creatively about the uncertain end of the pandemic PART TWO SO FAR, the region has few examples of alternative thinking about responding to the likely longevity of the pandemic and the need to capture the imagination of a quite different type of visitor. Earlier this month Barbados’ prime minister Mia Mottley said the country would introduce a ‘Barbados Welcome Stamp’. This allows visitors to stay for 12 months working remotely from hotels, rental properties, villas, and other forms of accommodation. The idea is that those able to work in this way can for a fee of $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a family, if approved, reside on the island for a year but not engage in work locally. The concept – Bermuda has developed a similar proposition and Cayman is also focusing on high net worth, health conscious travellers – is intended to obviate the health issues and provide a sustainable economic
BY DAVID JESSOP
David Jessop is a consultant to the Caribbean Council. He has worked on Caribbean issues for over 40 years. David is the editor of Caribbean Insight and Cuba Briefing publications. He can be contacted at david.jessop@caribbeancouncil.org
stimulus to tourism and the wider economy. While this will not provide the large numbers of visitors that the Caribbean visitor model requires, it does play to the way the world of work is changing. Covid-19 has proved that multiple functions undertaken in offices in developed economies can be delivered from home or almost anywhere that has stable high-speed broadband, good facilities for streaming, and excellent mobile signal coverage. This means that not only has it become apparent to employers that multiple workplace roles can be undertaken remotely
without a loss of efficiency or productivity, but also that many managerial and technical functions require less personal interaction. The consequence is that all sorts of companies and employees have begun to reassess how they work, commercial office space in city centres has become much less attractive, and greater thought is being given to what a more amenable work life balance might be. This is occurring just as it is becoming apparent that the Caribbean has a huge amount of fixed inventory and investment in hotels and other forms of visitor accommodation which for some years yet
may be hard to fill. Barbados’ initiative and global trends suggest there might be other ways to build on the presence of very long stay visitors to develop for example what might be described as a ‘give something back - citizen of the world programme’. This could be aimed at encouraging and utilising the longer-term presence of entrepreneurs, creatives and tech savvy designers to mentor and help develop the region’s under recognised but real services sector talent. Well-conceived, researched and targeted programmes of this kind aimed at individuals overseas would in the long run be infinitely better than the one-off sometimes questionable purchase of citizenship by investment by those who rarely make any further national contribution. The likely longevity of the pandemic suggests that what is now required is innovative, out-of-the-box thinking that accepts that full Caribbean tourism recovery is largely outside of the region’s control.
Remember this is all temporary I KNOW 2020 so far has been an uneventful year for all of us. Despite what you are going through and despite how there seems to be no end to your circumstances, rest assured that whatever you are going through will not last forever. This is temporary. STORMS ARE TEMPORARY The hurricane season is temporary and is from June to November. However, when we go through an actual hurricane, it feels like it will last forever. Likewise, the four seasons of spring, summer, fall and winter are temporary but when they occur it feels like forever. PANDEMICS ARE TEMPORARY We are currently facing the Covid-19 pandemic but Covid-19 is temporary. The Spanish flu pandemic lasted from February 1918 to April 1920 and the point is, it was not permanent. ECONOMIC CYCLES ARE TEMPORARY The economic cycles of the world are temporary. You will go through periods of economic boom, recession, slow down and recovery. The economic challenges that we are facing today primarily as a result of Covid-19 are temporary. Don’t look down on individuals and businesses that do not have much now. I have seen many tides turned in that those
DREXWELL SEYMOUR
Drexwell Seymour is a certified public accountant and is the managing partner for HLB TCI. His favourite hobby, however, is writing. He has a personal website, www.drexwellseymour. com, where all of his writings are posted. He also has a YouTube channel where you can find inspirational videos. Drexwell has a BA in Accounting and an MBA in Finance.
who were poor became rich and those who were rich became poor. YOUR TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS ARE TEMPORARY Many of us are facing trials and temptations but these things are temporary. The key thing is you need to know is how to deal with them. Remember they do not last forever and the word of the Lord says consider it joy when you face trials of many kinds. YOUR LIFE ON THIS PRESENT EARTH IS TEMPORARY As adults, we go through a life cycle from a baby to a child then to an adolescence and eventually an adult. The expected life span of an adult is 70-years-old, however individuals die at different stages of their lives. CONCLUSION
I hope by now you will agree with me that everything in life is temporary. Storms come, storms go. Pandemics come, pandemics go and trials come, trials go. In order to live through these temporary situations, be patient and be prepared. BE PATIENT Because our situations are temporary we
have to learn to be patient. James 2:3-4 states that “because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” As a result of being patient, you will be able to relax and make sound decisions. Hopefully you will not worry because you will know what you are going through is temporary. BE PREPARED In all of our situations, be prepared even though some of our situations come upon us surprisingly. Be prepared by giving your life to the Lord. Be prepared by eating healthy. Be prepared by not spending everything you have. Be prepared by following the advice of professionals and of course the word of God.
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12 NEWS
August 15-21, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
A call for immigration reform PART ONE IN THE early 2000s the Turks and Caicos Islands were on the brink of the biggest expansion of its economy. The existing workforce was being enlarged and strengthened in preparation for the peak of the boom, mainly by inward migration from labourers and skilled individuals throughout the Caribbean. Those individuals predominantly being from Haiti, Dominican Republic and Jamaica. Many of them would have been on the islands for 10 plus years already, have had children in the Islands and would consider it home for themselves and for their children. Children, that were engraved into the education system and children that would have been a crucial component of the youth collective that propels these Islands to becoming the pearl of the Caribbean. One day this all changed. WHAT HAPPENED? Many Turks and Caicos Islanders have never heard of what many would call an ‘immigration apartheid’ that took place in these Islands between the years of 2002 and 2003, nearly two decades ago. Children, many born in the
BY LAWRENCE SAINTANGE
Lawrence, was born in Grand Turk to Haitian parents and raised in Five Cays, Providenciales. He attended Enid Capron Primary School and British West Indies Collegiate. Lawrence is going into the final year of an undergraduate accounting and finance programme at the University of Lincoln in the United Kingdom.
TCI and others that came here at a very young age, birthed to legally residing parents in the country were denied access to education. Consequently, dozens of parents that were unable to afford exorbitant private education tuition were faced with the hard decision of separating with their children for them to access an education. These measures were done condescendingly and resulted in many children being wedged out of our education system, and for many, out of our society; despite being legal, despite being born here. This is an event that has seemingly been erased from our history, yet this policy was endorsed by the Government at the time. Why was this policy enacted? Some may argue that it was an effort to ‘cleanse these Islands of foreign nationalities and heritage’ or simply an act of xenophobia. Regardless, this act impacted
and continues to impact the Turks and Caicos today. Shortly after this tragic policy was put in place, the United Nations exerted pressure on the United Kingdom as it was a clear violation of internationally accepted child rights laws. Due to this pressure, the United Kingdom and a cadre of well-meaning Turks Islanders, turned the mounting pressure towards the TCI Government to repeal the policy in order to be in compliance with the Conventions on the Rights of a Child, which states that: “28. Every child has the right to an education. Primary education should be free. Secondary and higher education should be available to every child.” And article 9: “Children should not be separated from their parents unless they are not being properly looked after.” (United Nations, 2020). As a result of these coordinated
efforts, in 2003, the policy was reversed, but like all significant policy decisions, its impact would remain for decades.
RELEVANCE TODAY
What makes this event so relevant today, is the way it is still hindering a large cross-section of the TCI demographic. Many of those students who were affected are still unable to successfully transition to modern TCI life. Despite subsequent attempts to provide a route to integrate these students into our local economy, these initiatives carry with it an unreasonable, exorbitant cost, and a built-in ineligibility criteria. A requirement under our immigration act requires a child to have lived in these Islands for the first 10 years of their life to be able to register as a British Overseas Territories Citizen or complete both primary and high school to avoid the work permit scheme. Due to some of the gaps that would have existed as a result of the 2002 ‘heritage apartheid’ those that had left and returned faced issues becoming eligible as their absence would have affected their first 10 years in these Islands. Those that weren’t sent away, regrettably stayed at home for at least a year, innocently peering their eyes through their windows in the mornings as they watched their
friends leave for school. Eighteen years later, some students continue to struggle, despite finishing high school, as they are faced with unreasonably high costs to PRC status and/or the newly enacted freelance work permit. One can only imagine the psychological effects that this would continue to have on our Turks and Caicos resident families. The remanences of the event are still prevalent in our society today, more so on a social level, as those unable to acquire proper documentation have no purchasing power which can have a cascading effect that ripples throughout the economy. Many of those affected, feel less than individuals there interact with on a daily basis. This sparked further divide amongst various groups in our nation and arguably part of the reason for the wider divide that exists in our nation to this day. Furthermore, a plethora of resentment has been built from those that were affected as they are now aware of the misfortune. Resentment alone is never a good thing, ‘built up’ resentment is a cause for caution. Caution for the possibility of so many bright, young and talented individuals to leave our society because they feel less than in a country they call home.
New Youth Policy drafted and ready for consultation BY DELANA ISLES A YOUTH Policy has been drafted and will soon be out for consultation with stakeholders. The document has been created by Henry Wallice Charles, an internationally recognised youth and policy development expert, with over 30 years of experience in the field. He currently serves as the lead consultant for the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) first Youth Policy and Operational Strategy. Charles arrived in Providenciales in March this year and has been working since that time with the Department of Youth Affairs on drafting the document. During a press conference on Tuesday (August 11), Minister of Education Hon. Karen Malcolm said the document is prepared, while disclosing some intended principles of the policy. “This is an important initiative as we widen our net to include all youth,
attached and unattached and collating all the information I would have received during our listening tour,” the minister said. Beginning in November 2017 and throughout 2018 and 2019, the Government conducted several listening tours across the territory. A framework was developed to guide the tours by providing the rationale for the topics, with the focus being to tackle the underlying issues of social and cultural factors influencing the youth. During these tours, young people were asked about the challenges they face and solutions they envisioned from their communities, families and schools. Those who attended the listening tour sessions provided a variety of perspectives on youth affairs, with many advocating for continued youth engagement and involvement in programmes and activities at all levels of youth development. This new policy intends to establish a framework within which young people
can be supported to pursue and achieve their goals and support the needs outlined during the tours. The minister stated that there are several core values and implementing principles of the new youth policy. These include embracing human rights, positive youth development, youth mainstreaming, social inclusion and intersectionality, gender equality and equity and inclusive and active youth participation. The policy also includes seven pillars. Pillar one entails enhancing young people’s economic participation and economic empowerment. Pillar two – building resilience and harnessing youth social and intellectual capital development assets. Pillar three – facilitating inclusive and active youth participation in the TCI’s democratic and community life. Pillar four – creating safe places, peaceful communities and environments.
Pillar five – positively impacting youth health and wellness in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Pillar six – supporting positive youth action on climate change, environmental sustainability, disaster mitigation and food security. Pillar seven – enhancing policy environments, legislative and institutional frameworks for positive youth development. The minister said the policy is a comprehensive one and cannot be shelved. She encouraged everyone to support youth development and be a part of the critical investment in the future. Consultations will begin in the coming weeks. The current Youth Policy defines youth as an individual between the ages 10 and 35-years-old, an individual “who has passed through the dependent stage of childhood and transitioning from adolescence to adult maturity”.
August 15-21, 2020
NEWS 13
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Scotiabank closes as employee tests positive for Covid-19 BY DELANA ISLES SCOTIABANK has closed its Leeward Highway location for deep cleaning after one of its employees tested positive for Covid-19. On Thursday (August 13), the bank issued a press statement advising the public of the closure, from midday Thursday and all of Friday. The bank said it is working closely with the public health team to have all its frontline staff members tested. “Our highest priority at this time is the health and safety of our staff
and customers and we are working closely with MOH officials to ensure that all safety guidelines and best practices are followed,” managing director of Scotiabank TCI, Curtis Knight said. Customers are being advised to use Scotia Online Banking or the Scotia Mobile app to conduct their transactions for free, 24 hours per day. They can check account balances and monitor account activity, transfer funds to accounts held with Scotiabank, pay bills, pay credit cards, and business customers with online cash management services
Customers are being advised to use Scotia Online Banking or the Scotia Mobile app to conduct their transactions for free, 24 hours per day
can make wire payments online. The bank said all of their automated banking machines will be available for use, but that there will be delays in processing deposits at this time. “We are strongly encouraging
all customers to sign up for online banking which will allow them to conduct their banking transactions remotely.” Any customer who wishes to do so can sign up for online banking or call the bank at 941-7774 for
assistance. “Scotiabank regrets any inconvenience these changes may cause and thanks our customers for their understanding as we take the necessary steps to promote health and safety,” the statement read.
CABINET MEETING SUMMARY REOPENING of schools, a watersports beach park in Long Bay and a new public cemetery were all discussed at the 30th meeting of the Cabinet. Governor Nigel Dakin chaired the meeting on Thursday, August 6, by videoconference. All members were present, except Hon. Ralph Higgs, Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage and Culture. AT THIS MEETING CABINET:
- Noted Minister of Health Hon. Edwin Astwood’s and Chief Medical Officer Dr Nadia Astwood’s update on the Covid-19 situation and approved new recommendations by the minister to implement urgent control measures to further control the spread of Covid-19. The new control measures came into force on August 10. - Approved a Ministry of Health policy to deal with people who arrive in the TCI without meeting the requirements set out in the relevant health regulations. - Noted the Ministry of Education’s proposed options for the return to schools, with the start of the new academic term in September 2020 which will be sent out for consultation. - Approved an increase in the term of the licence granted to Island Trams to five years from September 2019 with an option to renew, over parcel 10307/22, for a concession to operate a restaurant and bar at Central, Grand Turk.
- Approved the revised valuation of rent on the grant of a lease to Jill Swann over parcel 61112/281 and a licence over parcels 61112/49 and parcels 61112/ 6 and 9 on Long Bay Providenciales, for the establishment of a beach park facility for kiteboarding and windsurfing activity on Long Bay. - Approved an increase in the term of a long-term lease to 50 years over parcel 60804/142 consisting of 1.83 acres on Providenciales to Hugh Marvin Henfield for the development of an entertainment and conference centre. - Approved an application from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing, Planning and Development, to use parcels 60400/293, and a portion of parcel 60400/366 for the public purpose of establishing a nature trail and community park at Chalk Sound, Providenciales. - Approved an application from the Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Resources, to use parcels 60602/272 and 60602/277 for the purpose of developing a Farmer’s Market at Norway and Five Cays, Providenciales. - Approved a licence being granted to Liquid Caicos for 0.015 acres of accreted Crown land located adjacent to parcel 60812/57 subject to the payment of mesne profit, for the purpose of regularising the area as a dining deck for a restaurant. - Approved the mutation of parcel 60003/231 to facilitate the
disposition of a five-acre portion of the said land by way of a lease, subject to certain conditions, to Bethany Baptist Church, Providenciales, for the purpose of developing a public cemetery. A post Cabinet statement for the 16th meeting on May 8 was issued late on June 27 because it needed to be checked for accuracy, according to the Governor’s Office. Governor Nigel Dakin chaired the meeting by videoconference. All members were present. AT THIS MEETING CABINET:
- Were updated on preparations by the civil service and other public bodies for returning to work on a phased basis, delivery of new medical equipment form the UK and planned work to increase the bed capacity at the hospitals. Members also discussed the nation’s response to the lifting of the daytime curfew. - Confirmed the approval of amendments to the Emergency Powers (Covid-19) (No. 4) Regulations 2020 providing clarity for attorneys on remote working, conditions for exemptions from night curfew and custodial visitation. - Discussed policy proposals led by the health, immigration, infrastructure and tourism ministries to enable Islanders and residents abroad to return to the TCI. - Approved the drafting of an amendment to the Emergency Powers (Covid-19) Regulation
2020 to allow frontline emergency workers involved in the Covid-19 response to enter TCI, subject to strict public health protocols. - Noted waivers granted for the fourth quarter, January to March 2020 under the Public Procurement Ordinance. - Noted and discussed an information paper outlining the 2019/2020 Procurement Programme for high value projects. - Approved proposed changes to a draft Memorandum of Understanding on technical cooperation on border control between the TCI Government and the government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, and a shiprider agreement between the TCI Government and the Government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas with regard to maritime law enforcement for onward transmission to the UK and further negotiation with The Government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. - Approved the extension of opening times for takeaway food facilities only from 5pm to 6pm. Discussed steps for the next phase of businesses reopening and ongoing work to allow for a safe and controlled return of tourists to TCI. - Were updated on the roles that may be carried out at sea by UK marines currently in quarantine in TCI. - Were updated on the imminent payments under the financial stimulus package.
14 NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
August 15-21, 2020
Resort group blames travel restrictions for layoffs BY OLIVIA ROSE A DRASTIC decline in occupancy rates coupled with stringent Covid-19 travel requirements triggered hundreds of layoffs last week, according to Turks and Caicos Collection. The group of all-inclusive resorts temporarily let go of some 250 workers and made others redundant as it struggled to cope with the impact of the coronavirus crisis. In a statement to the media issued on Sunday (August 9), the company said it was a “difficult decision” to implement layoffs and restructure operations. “Many hotels internationally and domestically have experienced a severe decrease in occupancy as Covid-19 has caused a major disruption for countless travellers,” it said. “The virus has also forced numerous countries, including the Turks and Caicos Islands, to implement drastic measures to contain the spread of the virus.” The TCI Government implemented a travel authorisation policy requiring proof of a negative PCR Covid-19 test at least five
days prior to arrival as well as travel insurance. The resort group said these measures adversely impacted travel which in turn led to transient accommodation. “Either through cancelations of flight, inability to access testing within the specified time frame, prohibitive costing of a travel package and with respect to Canadian travellers, the unwillingness to quarantine for 14 days post return to their country, demand is severely down.” Turks and Caicos Collection manages Ambergris Cay, Alexandra Resort, Beach House Resort and Blue Haven Resorts. During the early onset of the pandemic all four of the hotels were closed as countrywide lockdown measures were initiated. Alexandra Resort and Ambergris Cay reopened its doors to guests on July 22 when the territory’s borders officially reopened. However, the overall occupancy levels for both resorts were far too low to sustain operation costs. The company said: “A desire to have staff return to work full time and the need to stem financial losses led to our decision to reopen
Beach House is one of the all-inclusive resorts managed by Turks and Caicos Collection (photo by Beach House)
the Alexandra Resort immediately upon the reopening of the borders. “Unfortunately, in the two weeks since reopening, it became clear that the bookings necessary to maintain operations have not materialised. “We therefore took the difficult decision to temporarily close once again, lay off staff and place others on reduced hours.” The resort group said team members who had just returned to work were understandably disheartened having to face another period of either layoff or reduced hours. “We wish to assure them that we value their commitment and hard work and have kept their individual and collective viability at the forefront of all of our decisions,”
it said. “We understand that when we reopen, it is only with their assistance that we will be able to provide our guests with a Turks and Caicos experience like only the Turks and Caicos Collection can.” Workers were told last week that they would be laid for a period of eight weeks commencing on Monday (August 10). However, the Turks and Caicos Collection said it cannot announce a reopening date due to the fluidity of the situation “We will continue to monitor demand over the upcoming months and we are confident that when we reopen, we will do so stronger and more resilient than ever.” The resort company added that the events of the past few months
forced them to take a closer look at the structure of their operations. “In order to secure our long-term viability in what we expect will be uncertain and challenging times, we have had to take the equally difficult decision, in making some positions redundant. “In every case, we have ensured that those affected by the redundancy exercise received their full statutory entitlements” the statement added. The travel and hospitality industry has been one of the hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. Even though the Government has reopened the borders and significantly relaxed lockdown restrictions, the sector is still struggling to revive as travellers trickle in.
Opinions sought on National Chamber of Commerce BUSINESS minded residents have until September 4 to add their comments on how a National Chamber of Commerce for the TCI should be established. Providenciales Chamber of Commerce launched a public consultation on the governance of the new territory-wide chamber on August 5. The 18-page consultation document outlining the proposed governance structure was released on the chamber’s new website, www.chamber.tc Opinions, suggestions, support and collaboration from all interested parties are welcome to better assist with the chamber’s initiative for business unity and
Ronald B Saunders, president of Providenciales Chamber of Commerce, said a national chamber will stand as “one voice” for business community members
advocacy across the country. President Ronald B Saunders presented the official introduction of the consultation. He said the intention of establishing a national chamber is to stand as “one voice” for business community members. “We take our role as advocates seriously and will work on your behalf to lobby for beneficial change to aid in the development, growth and sustainability of all businesses throughout the TCI,” he said. The proposal outlines additional governing bodies which would be democratically established within the chamber to allow for proper business representation of all
islands. It also summarises the criteria and process of establishing a governing body on any island or cay, how funding for a district is distributed and their respective powers. The proposed new logo displays the national bird, flower, national colours and even includes the first verse of the national song. “It can be seen as a clear representation of the chamber’s commitment to transition to the National Chamber of Commerce in the TCI and of being the voice of our national business community,” a statement from the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce said on August 5.
All individuals and businesses, whether part of the Providenciales Chamber of Commerce or not, are invited to submit written responses. They can be sent via email at consultation@chamber.tc or by letter to: Head Office, Unit B203 Graceway House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. Anyone interested in making oral representations can email consultation@chamber.tc with the subject ‘Request for Meeting’ and a time and place will be arranged. Further information on joining the Chamber of Commerce is available by emailing contact@ chamber.tc or online at www. chamber.tc
August 15-21, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS 15
THE SALT CAY NOTE
A canon, corona and the onslaught of irresponsible imbecility Salt Cay’s struggle not to become the party island for Covid-19 protocol dodgers IT WAS only a matter of time. For over two decades an 18th century British canon stood on Salt Cay bluff as a key landmark and tourist attraction. The canon, which was found in 1996 and lovingly restored, was given pride of place on top of the cliffs at the bluff. As time and the sea eroded the shoreline the canon moved closer and closer to the edge until its foundation finally crumbled, and it plummeted into the sea below. As the first photographs of the shattered landmark started making the rounds, people expressed their sadness and regret over the loss of this Salt Cay attraction. “Couldn’t something have been done earlier?” was one much repeated question. The answer is of course, yes. And yet, in the words of the US commander-in-chief: “It is, what it is.” I can’t help but think that the lamentable demise of the canon is a metaphor for the times we live in. Ever since Covid-19 arrived on these shores, Salt Cay and its inhabitants have prided themselves for being coronavirus free. Doing their utmost to protect themselves and their island home gave them, rightly, a sense of achievement. The wearing of face coverings has become mandatory on the fabled Salt Cay Ferry and in public places. Everyone on the island makes sure that especially the elderly and vulnerable are kept safe, be it in church, an island store or indeed in their homes. All on island see it as their obligation during this crisis to be ‘our brother’s keeper’. A recent Salt Cay Note sums up the attitude on the island quite well: “There is a school of thought
BY TITUS DE BOER
Titus was born in Hamburg and has lived in the Turks and Caicos Islands since 1989. He works as a general business consultant and has been based in Salt Cay since 2016.
on Salt Cay that celebrates its unique ‘splendid isolation’ during these past months of pandemic, lockdown and reopening. “An isolation that, through its unique geographical position, has kept Salt Cay safe and yes, coronavirus free. “Is it really any wonder that few wish to sacrifice this good fortune on the altar of careless and overly hasty commercialism? “Then again, that’s not what Salt Cay has ever or, as far as I am concerned, will ever be about. “And so, it’s goodbye splendid isolation and hello ‘new normal’ - for better or worse.” As the country opened up again for business, Salt Cay residents, whether they greeted the decision with cautious optimism or concerned scepticism, agreed that we here had done our best to stay safe. Like the country as a whole, Salt Cay has eased out of the lockdown and made all the necessary precautions to provide a warm welcome back to our visitors. In return, we ask them to adhere to the protocols in place and act responsibly. For a moment, all seemed well as
Former District Commissioner Patricia Simmons aboard the Salt Cay Ferry
a handful of ‘staycationers’ from Providenciales arrived and even the odd, very discrete, foreign visitor was spotted. Then the party crowd arrived and with it the adverse attention which Salt Cay never wanted or encouraged. Commented one native observer on social media: “Salt Cay has become the new playground for law breakers determined to continue their wilding and partying. “Yesterday there were three boats of young people in Salt Cay for the day. This is exactly what’s causing the rapid spread of Covid-19 in this country. “This doesn’t happen in Salt Cay. Salt Cay is a peaceful island - the population is mainly seniors whose lives are put at risk by these ‘don’t give a damn’ youngster! “Where are the authorities? Where are the police?” It is sad that a group of fun loving, carefree kids can’t just jump in a boat and come over to Salt Cay for the day. Of course, it is! But let’s face it, this is the new reality we live.
We all have to accept it, especially given what we all continue to learn about Covid-19, its long-term effects, mutations and infectiousness. Ever since this health crisis unfolded, I have been in the ‘err on the side of caution’ faction. To put it bluntly, an outbreak of Covid-19 on Salt Cay would be catastrophic, especially if, heaven forbid, it infects one of the elderly residents on the island. I come back to the metaphor of the canon on the cliff’s edge. We all knew it was going to crumble and fall someday. And it did. Now, as we face the challenges from an invisible foe, let’s stay safe and let’s not expose our vulnerable and elderly residents to this threat. No one on Salt Cay would be able to say we didn’t see it coming. We did. And it’s everyone’s responsibility to prevent this from happening. Some say, party like there is no tomorrow - we would retort, be careful what you wish for. So, to the party animals out there, please stay away – at least for now.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
August 15-21, 2020
Schools review protocols for reopening BY DELANA ISLES THE MINISTRY of Education is awaiting the views and recommendations of public and private school administrators on the best way to learn in the new school year. The options put forth are e-learning learning, the resumption of in person schooling, or blended learning which is a combination of the prior options. To guide their views, the ministry has provided schools with a draft document of protocols that will govern the resumption of school for review, before finalisation by Cabinet. Minister of Education Hon. Karen Malcolm updated the public on the measures being explored by her ministry during a Facebook live streamed press conference on Tuesday (August 11).
She said that also drafted by her team are e-learning guidelines to aid parents and teachers in the new landscape of learning the world has now been thrust into. Malcolm said the document sets out: The minimum guidelines to govern the continuation of remote teaching and learning using an online modality with a view to achieving consistency of operation of remote teaching and learning across schools. Establishing a common platform for the delivery of remote teaching and learning. Standardising the deliverables expected of teachers across the education system. Standardising assessment strategies across schools so that students are treated with equity and fairness as they progress through the system and
transition from primary to high school and from high school to tertiary education or the world of work. And reducing the burden on students and households with limited access to devices and internet connectivity. GUIDELINES FOR RETURNING TO SCHOOL The draft protocols for the resumption of school are organised under broad headings dealing with reception of students, class sizes and timetabling, virtual classes, psychosocial support and closing the learning gap, the physical infrastructure, cleaning and sanitising, and personal responsibility. Additionally, protocols have also been developed that addresses entry requirements for students and visitors, guidelines for assembly,
devotions, canteen, guidelines for transportation on how students will be transported to school, guidelines for conducting physical education classes and procedures to follow in the event students or staff test positive for Covid-19 The minister stated that the ministry has begun consultation sessions with stakeholder groups with a view to having the approved guidelines ready for representation to Cabinet. “In light of the current outbreak being managed, we will rely on the Ministry of Health as per usual as to the next step,” the minister said. She added: “Let me be clear, we must ensure that our children are receiving educational instructions. “The decision as to how or which modality for learning would be
implemented (online or classroom face to face) will be made as we approach the date.” She said she will not pre-empt the required consultation which is in its final stage. “As such we urge parents to make the necessary preparation for both options.” In the case of online learning where students would be at home, parents are urged to ensure that their children have access to wifi if they can purchase an inexpensive tablet. “Now is the time to do so, and also start making plans for how they would ensure that their children are monitored at home if they must report to work, start having the conversations with their boss about working from home on some days”, the minister advised.
Insurance company receives top rating A PREMIER insurance rating agency has awarded Massy United Insurance, which operates in the TCI, a financial strength rating of A- (excellent) with a stable outlook. AM Best gave the rating based on the strength of the company’s balance sheet, which it said is reflective of its risk-adjusted capitalisation being at the strongest level. The company’s balance sheet is also supported by a comprehensive reinsurance programme that limits exposure to natural catastrophe events. It has adequate reserves and ample liquidity, according to a company press release on Monday (August 10). Randy Graham, chief executive officer of Massy United Insurance, said: “We are very happy to receive this news as the past few years have been challenging.” He said the company paid more than $260 million in claims from hurricanes Maria and Irma in 2017 and navigated the default of the Barbados government bonds in 2018. It also settled around $25 million in claims in 2019 from hurricane Dorian and is now
dealing head-on with Covid-19 in 2020. “That we have been able to maintain our rating despite all this, speaks to the financial strength and stability of this company and the knowledge and experience of the Massy United team,” Graham said. He stressed that customers can be confident the company remains able to provide the necessary support to settle claims quickly in the event of any catastrophe. With its headquarters in Barbados, Massy United Insurance has more than 40 years’ experience providing general insurance protection to the Caribbean. The company offers a comprehensive range of products and services for home, motor, business, marine, accident and travel insurance and operates in 19 territories throughout the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean. The financially strong and reliable company is part of the Massy Group, a regional group of over 60 companies. Massy United Insurance is represented in the TCI by NW Hamilton Insurance Services and CSC Insurance Brokers.
August 15-21, 2020
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
GARDENING
The teens encourage and support each other during the two-day event
The bottle palm’s small size and striking appearance enhances formal or eclectic landscapes
Bottle palm Attendees create a personal covenant to succeed
Forum helps teens create a positive future TWENTY teenage boys attended a leadership forum this summer to steer them away from a life of violence and towards a successful future. The free annual ‘From boys to men’ event at HJ Robinson High School in Grand Turk was held over two days from July 27 to 28. It was a “life changing experience” for the teens aged 14 to 19, according to a press release from the Department of Youth Affairs. Some of the topics covered included the importance or personal identity and culture, family and family structure, educational empowerment, and national pride. The group also discussed the importance of financial literacy and money management, and avoiding criminal enterprise and
the criminal justice system. There was a round table and sounding board session, breakout sessions where the young men dealt with case scenarios and the attendees also created a personal covenant to succeed. “Violence against youth is still an everyday reality in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” the department press release read. “Social service professionals are the first ones to come into contact with youths who are victims of violence. “But they are still not necessarily properly identifying, reporting or referring cases to ensure an appropriate response to the issue.” The event facilitator was Dr Bernard Anthony Young, the managing director of Genesis Business Leadership Consultancy.
I JUST love the bottle palm, named for its uniquely shaped trunk and that it’s a very happy tree here in our Caribbean islands. This palm is an outstanding accent palm for garden beds or sheltered entry areas. Its small size and striking appearance enhances formal or eclectic landscapes. The fronds are few but long and graceful, and the crown shaft (the area above the trunk) and leaf stems (petioles) have an attractive reddish colour that fades as the palm slowly matures. Most often seen as a single specimen, bottle palms are also available as novel, eye-catching multi-trunk specimens, usually with two or three trunks. Contrary to popular belief, the swollen trunk of this mini palm tree is not for water storage. Though it can be moderately drought-tolerant once it’s established, this palm does need regular irrigation during dry spells. Bottles are slow growing palms that can end up about 10 foot at maturity - but maturity takes many, many years. Most specimens in the landscape
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average only five to seven feet tall. Bottle palms like full to part sun locations. They can be grown in partial shade as well, but if there’s too much shade the crown shaft will grow elongated and lean toward the light, turning unique into just plain ugly. These palms are highly salttolerant making them ideal for coastal plantings. Plant in an area where the soil drains well, like a beach environment. This palm does not like an overly wet area. Add top soil to the hole if you planted in sandy soil. Bottles aren’t self-cleaning but due to their slow growth rate you’ll rarely have to trim off an old frond. This is not a hungry palm so fertilising with a slow-release granular three times a year, once a season in spring, summer and autumn is more than enough. Bottles are fairly drought tolerant once established though a regular watering keeps them looking their best.
Because of the slow growth rate, it’ll take an entire season to produce and grow the next beautiful three or four fronds. The limited number of fronds keeps them from competing with one another so these palms can be planted in groups or in a line as close as four to six feet apart. But come out from the house at least six feet to prevent the fronds from touching the wall. Multi-trunk bottles should be positioned well away from any structure, since their swollen bases keep the trunks fanned out fairly far apart. This is an excellent container palm since it grows so slowly. Landscape uses for bottle palm: Specimen for small to large garden beds, in the centre of a circular drive, lining a drive or walk, at the entry - as long as there’s enough space for fronds to spread out, in the pool cage planter or as a container plant for a sunny patio.
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August 15-21, 2020
Bahamas’ PM and deputy PM enter selfquarantine over possible Covid-19 exposure PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest voluntarily entered selfquarantine “out of an abundance of caution” on Tuesday after someone who works at the Cecil WallaceWhitfield Centre tested positive for COVID-19. The news came as the country recorded forty-four new cases of the virus, including 26 on New Providence, ten on Grand Bahama, two on Abaco and one on Inagua. Inagua’s first case comes days after Dr Minnis announced that restrictions there and on several other islands will be removed and that limited inter-island travel will resume given the absence of cases there. In addition to Dr Minnis and Mr Turnquest, Education Minister Jeff Lloyd also entered self-quarantine this week despite a negative test result for the virus. He was tested after being exposed to a positive case. Cabinet Office’s statement said the Ministry of Health’s Surveillance Unit has initiated contact tracing “to determine the level of exposure to employees and visitors” to the Cecil Wallace-Whitfield Centre. “At this point there has been no
Neither Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis (left) nor Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest have tested positive for the virus.
Cayman’s last two positive results were reported on 13 July and there have been no active cases since 24 July.
confirmation that the prime minister or the deputy prime minister has been exposed,” the statement said. “Out of an abundance of caution, the prime minister and the deputy prime minister will voluntarily enter into selfquarantine until further instructions from the Ministry of Health.” Other employees at the centre have been encouraged to quarantine as well. In an interview with ZNS on Tuesday, Dr Minnis said he is feeling well. “I was told that an individual
Cayman’s COVID level moves from ‘sporadic’ to ‘no cases’ after 30-day lull
in the office, not my immediate vicinity but in my complex, tested positive and staff members may have communicated with that person and subsequently entered in my office and therefore out of an abundance of caution they just asked me to quarantine until further notice. I feel 100 percent fit, well. I followed doctor’s orders, came home and since I was unable to exercise, I just completed coming off of treadmill, ensuring that I stayed in shape to continue to guide us through this COVID infection or pandemic.”
Trinidad and Tobago poll: Governing party claims victory
CAYMAN officially marked 30 days of no new COVID-19 cases Wednesday and with it came a change in the Pan-American Health Organization’s transmission level for the country from ‘sporadic’ to ‘no cases’. Cayman has now become the third British Overseas Territory in the Americas region to achieve the ‘no COVID-19 cases’ transmission level. The other two territories are Anguilla, which has recorded a total of three cases, and Monserrat, which has reported 13.Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee on Wednesday
reported that 111 COVID-19 tests had been carried out in Cayman since his last report on Tuesday afternoon, and all returned negative results. The total number of people currently in isolation, either at a government facility or in their homes at the request of the Public Health Department, is 158. Cayman’s last two positive results were reported on 13 July and there have been no active cases since 24 July. A total of 203 cases of coronavirus were reported in Cayman since the virus was first confirmed locally in March.
– Opposition wants recount in several constituencies PRELIMINARY results in Trinidad and Tobago’s general election suggest the governing People’s National Movement (PNM) has won 22 of the 41 seats. If confirmed, the results mean incumbent Keith Rowley will serve a second term as prime minister. His rival for the post, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has demanded recounts in several constituencies. Her party, the United National Congress, won 19 seats. The United National Congress (UNC) needed to win at least three more seats than the 17 it had in the 2015 election in order to unseat Mr Rowley. The preliminary results suggest that it only managed to wrest one seat from Mr Rowley’s party and another from the third party, Congress of the People, leaving the PNM with 22 seats and the UNC with 19. The party with the most seats chooses the prime minister. Mr Rowley gave his victory speech at 22:30 local time (02:30
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his running mate Kamala Harris are hoping to defeat President Donald Trump in the upcoming US elections.
Jamaicans joyful as Biden picks Kamala Harris for VP Incumbent Prime Minister Keith Rowley claimed victory.
GMT). In a reference to the coronavirus pandemic, he told a small gathering of supporters that the PNM had prevailed “against all odds, in the most difficult situation”. Trinidad and Tobago has had a relatively low number of confirmed cases, 281, and only eight deaths, but the pandemic nevertheless changed the way the campaign was conducted. Campaigning was low-key with
rallies cancelled and replaced by motorcades. Supporters were urged not to come to the PNM’s headquarters but celebrate at home to avoid the spread of the virus. The governing party had been praised for its handling of the pandemic but in the two weeks before the polls, the number of infections rose compared to the previous weeks.
“ECSTATIC!” “The best choice!” “Very proud!” Those were the effusive praises from expatriates to news that Joe Biden, former United States vice president and presumptive Democratic nominee for president, had selected Jamaica-descended California Senator Kamala Harris to be his running mate in the November 3 election. Irwine Clare, community activist and head of Caribbean Immigrant Services, described Harris’ selection
as a historic moment. “As a woman with Jamaican roots, her elevation shows that as a country, Jamaica has developed many nuggets who have made their mark on the global stage,” Clare told The Gleaner on Tuesday. Dr Basil Wilson, former lecturer, said that he was not surprised at her selection. “As a Jamaican, it is another recognition of the impact Jamaicans have had on the global scene,” he said.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Bahamas confronts ‘Sir Stafford Sands Moment’
New Providence and Grand Bahama have dominate the cases.
Bahamas Covid-19 cases now over 1,000 THE number of COVID-19 cases has surged past the 1,000 case milestone with 47 new cases reported by health officials on Wednesday. This brings the total number of cases to 1,036. Of the new cases, 40 are in New Providence, five are in Cat Island, and one case each in Abaco and Exuma. Coronavirus cases continue to climb as the government struggles to support current payroll demands and
staff shortages due to COVID-19. According to a minute paper issued on Tuesday, all supervisors at the Ministry of Health have been advised to roster staff on a shift system. The document obtained by Eyewitness News pointed to the exponential rise in cases of the virus, noting a “large number” of employees have been exposed and are currently in quarantine.
COVID-19 has created “a Sir Stafford Sands moment” for The Bahamas to transform its economy and “leap” into the 21st century, an ex-Cabinet minister argued on Tuesday. Alfred Sears QC, a former attorney general, told Tribune Business that the country needed to seize a oncein-50-years opportunity to overhaul its economic “architecture” for the new global realities it will face in a post-pandemic world. Suggesting that The Bahamas has “a fantastic opportunity to develop a number of niche industries” using its proximity to the US, including the creation of an aviation hub, farming, seafood harvesting and light manufacturing. Mr Sears, who represents a number of web shop operators, also argued that the government could “with a stroke of a pen” boost the country’s export earnings and its own tax revenues by allowing local gaming providers to accept foreign providers while licensing their games to third parties overseas. While advocating a full embrace of the digital economy, the former attorney general acknowledged that the economic transformation he envisages will be impossible without reliable, lower cost energy and the greater penetration of renewable sources. He also called for a “unity government” to lead The Bahamas’ recovery from COVID-19, adding that neither of the two main political parties has a monopoly on the experience, expertise and ideas required for the task of rebuilding an economy and jobs where unemployment is presently at least
The late Sir Stafford Sands helped create the Bahamas’ tourism industry and is credited with being an architect of Bahamian post-war prosperity.
40 percent. “It is imperative that we use this pandemic as an opportunity to realign our economy and our governance, and to build greater resilience and sustainability,” Mr Sears told Tribune Business. “In a nutshell, this is a fantastic moment for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; an opportunity to do what Sir Stafford Sands did in the 1950s. “That kind of transformed the architecture from seasonal tourism, fishing and subsistence farming to year-round tourism and financial services. We have that opportunity to affect the same kind of leap, and also to reform our political process to be more inclusive, transparent and fair.” Despite widely being viewed as a chief architect of The Bahamas’ present economic system, Sir Stafford has always been a controversial figure for many because of his politics and perceived beliefs. However, Mr Sears said the
construction of the current economy involved significant “collaboration” between Sir Stafford and Henry Milton Taylor, the then-Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) leader and chairman. He added that the duo “travelled together on at least four occasions promoting the new paradigm” due to political consensus on the way forward - something lacking today. “We have a precedent where there was bi-partisan co-operation during a period of massive transformational change,” the ex-attorney general said. “I think the Bahamian people are looking for that kind of collaboration on a vision and a new architecture for this new global economy we have to find our way in.” Mr Sears argued that The Bahamas has little choice but to transform its economy given that its traditional tourism market, which has relied heavily on upper-end and middle class Americans to provide 82 percent of its visitors, will be “depressed for at least another two years” due to COVID19’s “profoundly disruptive” effects on jobs and incomes in that key source market. “I think the uniqueness of our country offers us the opportunity to pivot in some way where we do not have to completely invent architecture. The foundation is already here; we just need to have the strategic vision,” he added. The former attorney general pointed to the creation of a Bahamian aviation hub as one such example, noting that the country was already blessed with multiple airports and international gateways plus its proximity to the US.
Bermuda government rolls over debt, sells new bonds THE Bermuda Government is buying back up to $500 million of its bonds from investors and selling new debt. The move is part of the Government’s plan to restructure existing debt, with the aim of securing more favourable interest rates, and issuing new debt to meet the next two to three years of borrowing needs. The tender offer for up to $500 million of the existing US dollar bonds, with maturity dates between 2023 and 2029, started on Monday, according to a statement issued by PR Newswire. The offer applies to holders of the $475 million issuance of 4.138 per cent senior notes due 2023; the $550 million issuance of 4.854 per cent senior notes due 2025; the $665 million issuance of 3.717 per cent senior notes due 2027; and the $620
Finance Minister Curtis Dickinson said that told the House of Assembly last month that the Government was planning a bond issuance of between $1 billion and $1.25 billion this year.
million issuance of 4.75 per cent senior notes due 2029. The tender offer will expire at 8am Eastern Standard Time on August 17, with settlement scheduled for
August 20. The offer is conditional on the closing of an offering of new Bermuda Government bonds, which is “intended to settle prior
to or concurrently with” the tender offers, the statement adds, without giving details on the size of the new issuance. Asked about the new issuance, a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Finance said yesterday: “In accordance with guidelines from counsel, to ensure compliance with securities laws, we are unable to comment on this matter.” Curtis Dickinson, the finance minister, told the House of Assembly last month that the Government was planning a bond issuance of between $1 billion and $1.25 billion this year, with some of the proceeds being used to refinance existing debt at more favourable interest rates. MPs approved the raising of the debt ceiling by $600 million to $3.5 billion last month, a level intended to allow the Government to meet
borrowing needs and fund economic recovery efforts over the next two to three years, the finance minister said. Mr Dickinson said at the time: “This borrowing strategy will allow the Government to lock in historically low rates, potentially reduce our interest expense on some of our current bonds and take advantage of strong current global demand for investment-grade assets.” He added that the proceeds from the bond sale were intended to finance the anticipated deficits for fiscal years 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23, refinance the credit facility associated with the Caroline Bay project and other credit facilities for general liquidity needs as well as Covid-19 emergency measures, and, depending on market conditions, to “liability manage tranches of existing indebtedness”. (Royal Gazette)
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IGA opens new supermarket in Grand Turk
First set of shoppers at the new Graceway IGA in Grand Turk wait in line
GRACEWAY IGA has opened a new grocery store in Grand Turk - forging ahead despite the challenges of the pandemic to create a safe shopping experience for residents. When the store unlocked its doors for the first time on Thursday, July 23, there was no traditional opening celebration due to social distancing measures. The event was instead marked by a blessing led by Pastor Dennis Swann, president of Pastors Fraternal, Grand Turk, and a ribbon cutting by building owners Mr and Mrs Carlis Williams. Pastor Swann in his brief remarks quoted from an email of seven years ago from former owner, the late Clive Stanbrook confirming Graceway’s commitment to Grand Turk. It said: “We are keen to move back into GT – not least of all because our customers there keep asking us to open up, and my early roots in the TCI were in GT and in many ways, I would prefer to still be there.” Managing director Chris
Phillips, store manager Jessrell Kadusale and operations manager Terrance Hibbert together with managers of the Providenciales stores welcomed customers. Some even manned the cash registers in solidarity with the Grand Turk team. Deputy Governor Anya Williams, Attorney General Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles and Hon. Edwin Astwood, parliamentary representative for Grand Turk, also attended. Shoppers were treated to goodies including ‘Covid-19 essential kits’, fruit baskets, wine, Graceway branded cakes and gift certificates. Planning and communications manager Etosha Guess told the Weekly News that in honour of the new Grand Turk store, more than 50 families in Grand Turk received food care packages. She said: “Graceway Communities intends to build a strong presence in Grand Turk and is committed to helping the local community, giving back to those in need.”
ENTERTAINMENT
Harry, 35, and Markle, 39, moved to California earlier this year after transitioning out of their royal duties in England at the end of March.
Prince Harry and Markle buy home in Santa Barbara, Calif. and are now settled in PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle have found their new palace. The star-powered duo recently purchased a home in Santa Barbara, Calif., People reported. A rep for Harry and Markle told the magazine that the pair moved into their family home in July of this year. “They have settled into the quiet privacy of their community since their arrival and hope that this will be respected for their neighbors, as
well as for them as a family.” Harry, 35, and Markle, 39, moved to California earlier this year after transitioning out of their royal duties in England at the end of March. They have been married since 2018 and are parents to a 1-year-old son, Archie. Santa Barbara, which is located on the California coast, is about 95 miles northwest of Los Angeles, where Markle grew up. (NYDailynews)
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ENTERTAINMENT
The American sitcom television series premiered on September 24, 2014
‘Anti-Trump’ episode of ‘black-ish’ finally available two years after being pulled by Disney A NEVER-AIRED episode of the ABC’s “black-ish “made nearly three years ago is finally seeing the light of day — thanks to Hulu. The episode, titled “Please, Baby, Please,” tackled racism in America, ranging from the Charlottesville protests to kneeling in the NFL. A week before it was set to air in 2018, Disney shelved it The episode is now available to stream on now Hulu, which is owned by Disney. The 19-time Emmy Award-nominated sitcom’s
creator Kenya Barris opened up about the controversial episode, which the network jettisoned because of “comments that characters made about President Trump, not to the football storyline,” Variety reported. “In November 2017, we made an episode of blackish entitled ‘Please, Baby, Please.’ We were one year post-election and coming to the end of a year that left us, like many Americans, grappling with the state of our country and anxious about its future,” he wrote on
his on Instagram and Twitter accounts. “Those feelings poured onto the page, becoming 22 minutes of television that I was, and still am, incredibly proud of,” he shared. “‘Please, Baby, Please’ didn’t make it to air that season and, while much has been speculated about its contents, the episode has never been seen publicly… until now.” On Hulu’s website, the episode is summarised as: “Dre reads a crying Devante a bedtime story.”
NOTICE REGULATION 8 OF THE PHYSICAL PLANNING (DEVELOPMENT PERMISSION) REGULATIONS, 2014 An Application, REGISTERED PR 14943, by BBF Cooper Jack Ltd. for the development of Beach Creation and Stabilization Works, 150 ft. Pier and Dredging. Has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Outline Development Permission on parcels 60721/85 – 99, 60720/93 & 100, Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill, Providenciales. Anyone wishing to make representation(s) may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk or through the Department of Planning, Emily House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, within twenty-eight (28) days of publication of this Notice. Date: July 24th, 2020 14943
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Sotheby’s and United Way TCI launch feeding campaign BY DELANA ISLES
United Way TCI’s chairman Mark Fulford accepts the first donation from Sotheby’s Bianca Harvey-Joseph
THE COVID-19 global crisis shows no sign of abating, hitting the world’s vulnerable the hardest with hunger, job losses and other societal issues. In the Turks and Caicos Islands private sector companies and charities have for months been doing their part to help the territory’s most affected. On Wednesday (August 12), Turks and Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty joined up with United Way TCI to give back a portion of those gains to the poor. The two organisations launched a ‘Strength to Love’ campaign aimed at raising money through United Way TCI’s website to fund the food distribution programme. Suring the launch at Sotheby’s Grace Bay headquarters, president of the real estate company Joe Zahm made an opening gesture of a $10,000 donation to the programme. “We are so happy to be working with executive director Claudine Ewing, chairman Mark Fulford and their team at United Way TCI to do our part to help those in need in the community as we get back to business in TCI,” Zahm said.
Ewing welcomed the collaboration, stating: “We are pleased to be partnering with Joe, United Way board member Nina Siegenthaler and their team on this important and inspiring project. “Every donation helps to feed someone in need, and we encourage our community to give generously.” To further encourage donations from the public, Zahm, who is also songwriter and producer of ‘Everyman’ and ‘Beautiful by Nature’, produced an advertorial to be played on the local airwaves and social media platforms. “I basically curated much of the song from the amazing Martin Luther King book of his best sermons. “It seems timelier than ever and is incredibly powerful and inspiring,” he said of the accompanying song. Zahm is encouraging others to give generously to the campaign so that those in the community can eat and sleep better during these trying times. Sotheby’s reported huge gains in the local real estate industry earlier this month despite the pandemic. Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can visit www.unitedwaytci. org/
ENTERTAINMENT
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to be rebooted as gritty drama THE Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - played by Will Smith in the beloved 90s sitcom - is coming back in a reboot. But this time the story of the streetwise teen who moves in with his upper-class uncle and aunt will not be a comedy, according to US reports. The new version will be based on a viral YouTube trailer that reimagined the series as a hardhitting drama. Smith is working on the series with Morgan Cooper, who created the alternative trailer last year.
Will Smith starred in the original series, and will executive produce the new version.
At the time, the actor praised the trailer as a “brilliant idea, the dramatic version of The Fresh Prince for the next generation”. Smith’s company Westbrook Studios will make it with Universal TV, while Netflix, HBO Max and Peacock are among the platforms bidding to stream it, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Dwayne ‘the Rock’ Johnson is highestearning male actor DWAYNE “the Rock” Johnson has been named the highest-paid male actor for a second year in a row, according to wealth magazine Forbes. The former wrestler reportedly earned $87.5m (£67m) between 1 June 2019 and 1 June 2020, including $23.5m for the Netflix thriller Red Notice. He also made money from his fitness clothing line, Project Rock. The 10 top earners combined made $545.5m this year - more than a quarter of that from Netflix, Forbes said. Johnson’s Red Notice co-star Ryan Reynolds was the secondhighest paid actor, with earnings of $71.5m. Among his movie deals were $20m, also for Red Notice, and $20m for Six Underground, another Netflix film.
Third on the list was actor and producer Mark Wahlberg, who earned $58m, while Ben Affleck came in fourth and Vin Diesel fifth. Indian actor Akshay Kumar was the only Bollywood star in the top 10. He came in sixth place with earnings of $48.5m, which Forbes said mostly came from product endorsement deals. Also on the list were Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, actors Will Smith and Adam Sandler, and veteran movie star Jackie Chan. The highest-paid female actors for the same period are released as a separate list, and are yet to be announced. Last year, Scarlett Johansson topped the list with an income of $56m - less than that year’s seventh-placed male actor. (BBC)
Nick Cannon said that the show was created by his idea and original thought.
Nick Cannon reportedly suing Viacom for $1.5B over ‘Wild ’n Out’ rights ALMOST a month after ViacomCBS severed ties with Nick Cannon following anti-Semitic remarks, the comedian and actor is suing the media conglomerate for $1.5 billion over the rights to the popular improv comedy series “Wild ‘n Out.” “It is just that simple, ‘Wild’N Out belongs to Nick!” the turbanwearing TV host told The Shade Room. “The show was created by Nick Cannon with his idea and original thought,” a statement attributed to Cannon read to the Black celebrity gossip website. “Wild’N Out has brought billions of dollars in revenue to Viacom since 2015.
And Nick deserves and has earned everything it is worth.” The statement continued: “From the platforms he provides for other entertainers, the jobs he creates for black youth, the time he gives to mentoring incarcerated men and women, to the money he gives back and puts into communities, homelessness, and people less fortunate, he is constantly evolving both spiritually and mentally, as well as, taking action in learning, education and bridging the gap within the Jewish and African American communities, so that it will allow us to build relationships, work together and learn from each other in order to move forward in equality.”
Dwayne Johnson - commonly known by his wrestling name “the Rock” - earned $87.5m in a year.
ENTERTAINMENT25
26
World News
August 15-21, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
UK crashes into deepest recession of any major economy UK economic output shrank by 20.4% in the second quarter of 2020, the worst quarterly slump on record, pushing the country into the deepest recession of any major global economy. This crash in GDP in the AprilJune period, compared with the first quarter, is the worst since quarterly records began in 1955. Industries most exposed to government lockdown measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic — services, production and construction — saw record drops. “Today’s figures confirm that hard times are here,” UK finance minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement. “Hundreds of thousands of people have already lost their jobs, and sadly in the coming months many more will. But while there are difficult choices to be made ahead, we will get through this, and I can assure people that nobody will be left without hope or opportunity.” Compared with the end of 2019, UK economic output fell by a cumulative 22.1% in the first six months of 2020, a worse outcome than Germany, France and Italy, and double the 10.6% fall recorded in the United States, the Office for National Statistics said.
Britain imposed a strict lockdown two weeks later than Italy, 10 days after Spain and a week after France, despite swelling coronavirus cases. That meant it took longer to get the spread of the virus under control.
Among the remaining G7 economies, the decline in GDP is also expected to be less severe than in Britain. Canada’s statistics agency said it expects second quarter GDP to shrink 12% on the previous quarter, while economists surveyed by Reuters predict a 7.6% quarteron-quarter contraction in Japan. “The larger contraction primarily reflects how lockdown measures
have been in place for a larger part of this period in the UK,” the ONS said. China, meanwhile, has already returned to growth, meaning the world’s second largest economy dodged a recession following its worst start to the year in decades. Britain imposed a strict lockdown two weeks later than Italy, 10 days after Spain and a week after France, despite swelling coronavirus
cases. That meant it took longer to get the spread of the virus under control, which prolonged the need for restrictions that kept many businesses closed. For example, Italy allowed restaurants, cafes and hairdressers to reopen in the middle of May, whereas the United Kingdom waited until July 4 to do the same. Germany allowed some shops, such as bookstores, bike shops and car dealerships, to reopen as early as April 20, almost two months before nonessential retail outlets reopened in the United Kingdom. That relaxation of restrictions in June delivered an immediate boost to the UK economy, with GDP increasing 8.7% on the previous month, according to the ONS. The UK economy is heavily reliant on services and household spending, both of which posted record declines in the second quarter, as consumers who were holed up at home spent less money and saved more. In addition, millions of workers were furloughed and many have now been laid off. About 730,000 jobs have been shed since the coronavirus pandemic shuttered British businesses in March, with the young, the old and
the self-employed bearing the brunt of the unemployment crisis. Kallum Pickering, a senior economist at Berenberg, said the UK GDP figures do not bode well for the rest of the year. “Typically, recession data are subject to heavy revisions,” he said in a research note. “Nevertheless, taken at face value, the bigger-thanexpected contraction suggests some downside risk to our call of a 9.5% contraction in full year 2020.” The main business lobby, the Confederation of British Industry, said a “sustained recovery is by no means assured” given the ongoing pandemic and the cashflow constraints hobbling many companies. Continued uncertainty over the nature of the future UK-EU relationship isn’t helping. “The dual threats of a second wave and slow progress over Brexit negotiations are also particularly concerning,” Alpesh Paleja, lead economist at the CBI, said in a statement. The UK government has so far failed to replicate most of the trade deals between the EU and third countries that will no longer benefit British exporters at the end of 2020. (CNN)
Coronavirus: Russia calls international concern over vaccine ‘groundless’ RUSSIA has dismissed mounting international concern over the safety of its locally developed Covid-19 vaccine as “absolutely groundless”. On Tuesday, it said a vaccine had been given regulatory approval after less than two months of testing on humans. But experts were quick to raise concerns about the speed of Russia’s work, and a growing list of countries have expressed scepticism. Scientists in Germany, France, Spain and the US have all urged caution. “It seems our foreign colleagues are sensing the specific competitive advantages of the Russian drug and are trying to express opinions that... are absolutely groundless,” Russia’s Health Minister Mikhail Murashko told the Interfax news agency on Wednesday. He added that the vaccine would be available soon. “The first packages of the medical vaccine... will be received within the next two weeks, primarily for doctors,” Mr Murashko said. Russian officials have said they plan to start mass vaccination in October. The announcement on Tuesday was made by President Vladimir
Putin, who said the vaccine had passed all the required checks and his daughter had already been given it. But the World Health Organization (WHO) said it was in talks with Russian authorities about undertaking a review of the vaccine, which has been named Sputnik-V. It is not among the organisation’s list of six vaccines that have reached phase three clinical trials, which involve more widespread testing in humans. The progress Russia says it has made on a coronavirus vaccine has been met with scepticism by health officials and media outlets in the US and Europe. On Wednesday, Germany’s health minister expressed concern that it had not been properly tested. “It can be dangerous to start vaccinating millions... of people too early because it could pretty much kill the acceptance of vaccination if it goes wrong,” Jens Spahn told local media. “Based on everything we know... this has not been sufficiently tested,” he added. “It’s not about being first somehow - it’s about having a safe vaccine.” Elsewhere in Europe, Isabelle
Imbert, a researcher at the French National Centre for Scientific Research in Marseille, said promising a cure too early could be “very dangerous”. “We do not know the methodology or the results of their clinical trials,” she told Le Parisien. And in the US, the country’s top virus expert, Dr Anthony Fauci, said he doubted Russia’s claims. “I hope that the Russians have actually definitively proven that the vaccine is safe and effective,” he told National Geographic. “I seriously doubt that they’ve done that.” Meanwhile the Moscow-based Association of Clinical Trials Organizations (Acto), which represents the world’s top drug companies in Russia, urged the health ministry to postpone approval until after phase-three trials. Acto executive director Svetlana Zavidova told the Russian MedPortal site that a decision on mass vaccination had been carried out after combined first- and secondphase tests on 76 people, and that it was impossible to confirm the efficacy of a drug on this basis. But some countries have reacted more positively to Moscow’s announcement.
The vaccine is yet to complete a larger study involving thousands of people.
In the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte offered to test the vaccine himself. “I believe the vaccine that you have produced is really good for humanity,” he said. “I will be the first one to be experimented on.” And Israel said it would enter negotiations to buy it if it is found to be a “serious product”. Russian scientists said earlystage trials of the vaccine had been completed and the results were a success. The Russian vaccine uses adapted
strains of the adenovirus, a virus that usually causes the common cold, to trigger an immune response. But the vaccine’s approval by Russian regulators comes before the completion of a larger study involving thousands of people, known as a phase-three trial. Experts consider these trials an essential part of the testing process. Despite this, Mr Murashko said on Tuesday the vaccine had “proven to be highly effective and safe”, hailing it as a big step towards “humankind’s victory” over Covid-19. (BBC)
August 15-21, 2020
World News
27
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris say Trump has left US ‘in tatters’
The Queen Victoria Hospital car park, in Kirkcaldy, Fife, flooded.
UK heatwave: Severe storms forecast after scorching temperatures WARNINGS of severe thunderstorms are in place across much of the UK after some areas saw the longest stretch of high temperatures since the 1960s. An amber storm warning has been issued for most of Wales, the West Midlands and parts of the North West. Flooding, damage to buildings, travel disruption and power cuts are expected in those regions. It comes after torrential rain and lightning lashed large parts of Scotland on Tuesday night. A yellow storm warning meaning there is a small chance of flooding and travel disruption - was issued for the rest of Wales and most of England for Wednesday night, and extends to more of the East and South East and most of Northern Ireland on Thursday. The yellow warning applies for Wales and the majority of England until Monday night next week. The Met Office also warned of potential damage to buildings from lightning strikes or strong winds, and 30 to 40mm of rain falling in less than an hour in some places. Forecaster Greg Dewhurst said the high temperatures triggering the thunderstorms could cause flooding. “If rain is falling on places that have been quite hot and dry, and the ground is quite hard, the rain doesn’t have anywhere to go, and from that we can see flash flooding,” he added. Thunderstorms are expected to clear overnight, while temperatures could remain above 20C, he said. “It’s still going to be warm and humid and that could then trigger some thunderstorms across parts of England and Wales through the afternoon and evening [on Thursday],” he added. “Generally, the rest of the week remains unsettled with showers, some of them thundery and heavy, but there will still be some warm, sunny spells at times too.” “It’s not often we get temperatures
this high over several days, and that is triggering thunderstorms across parts of England and Wales.” Three people died after a passenger train derailed near Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire. It is thought the train hit a landslide after heavy rain and thunderstorms. A major incident was also declared in Fife. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said it received more than 1,000 emergency calls on Tuesday night due to the severe weather. The Environment Agency said 10 properties in Lancashire were also affected by flooding following storms. It has issued flood alerts for certain areas in England and Scotland, which are separate from the weather warnings issued by the Met Office. The warnings and alerts follow scorching temperatures in the UK. The Met Office said temperatures surpassed 34C in central London for the sixth day in a row - the first time that has happened since at least 1961. St James’s Park in the city saw a high of 34.6C. Devon and Cornwall Police warned the south west of England is “full to capacity”, leading to “unprecedented demand” for 999 services. The force said it saw an increase in anti-social behaviour and public order offences on Saturday and Sunday. Assistant Chief Constable Jim Colwell said the weekend’s events, spurred on by the hot weather, had forced officers to attend a “plethora of different incidents”. And in Sussex, more homeowners had water supplies cut off or restricted on Wednesday. At least 300 householders had already been without tap water since Friday. Steve Andrews, head of central operations for South East Water, said more than 150 million litres of extra water were being pumped into the network as the UK heatwave continues. (BBC)
DEMOCRATIC presidential candidate Joe Biden and running mate Kamala Harris have attacked “whining” President Donald Trump as an incompetent leader who has left the US “in tatters”. The pair held their first campaign event together, a day after Mr Biden unveiled Ms Harris as his number two. President Trump hit back, saying Ms Harris had “dropped like a rock” in her own presidential bid. Mr Biden will face Mr Trump, a Republican, in November’s election. Wednesday’s event in Wilmington, Delaware, was not open to the public, with Mr Biden, 77, citing coronavirus prevention needs. Both candidates walked on stage wearing masks to address a socially distanced group of masked journalists. About 75 people gathered outside in a light rain before the event to catch a glimpse of the two candidates, according to Reuters news agency, although some of the crowd were critics of Mr Biden. Speaking from the gymnasium of the Alexis I DuPont High School, Mr Biden noted that Ms Harris, a California senator, was the first woman of colour to serve as a presidential running mate for a major US party. Mr Biden said: “The choice we make this November is going to decide the future of America for a very, very long time.”
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris held their first campaign event together on Wednesday.
He continued: “Donald Trump has already started his attacks, calling Kamala, quote, nasty, whining about how she is, quote, mean to his appointees. “It’s not a surprise because whining is what Donald Trump does best, better than any president in American history. “Is anybody surprised that Donald Trump has a problem with a strong woman, or strong women across the board?” He also attacked Mr Trump’s
handling of the coronavirus pandemic, climate change, the unemployment rate and “his politics of racist rhetoric that appeals to division”. Coming to the podium next, Ms Harris said: “I am ready to get to work.” The 55-year-old former prosecutor told reporters: “This is a moment of real consequence for America. Everything we care about, our economy, our health, our children, the kind of country we live in, it’s all on the line.”
China launches ‘Clean Plate’ campaign against food waste CHINA has stepped up measures to reduce food waste, after President Xi Jinping called the amount wasted “shocking and distressing”. The “Clean Plate Campaign” comes after Mr Xi highlighted that Covid-19 had “sounded the alarm” on food waste. He added that China had to “maintain a sense of crisis about food security”. It also comes after weeks of mass flooding across southern China which left farms wrecked and ruined tons of produce. However, Chinese state news agency the Global Times said these factors would not lead to a food crisis, but that food wastage should be taken seriously anyway. State TV also criticised livestreamers who filmed themselves eating large amounts of food. Following Mr Xi’s message, the Wuhan Catering Industry
Chinese President Xi stressed the need to maintain a sense of ‘crisis’ around food.
Association urged restaurants in the city to limit the number of dishes served to diners - implementing a system where groups must order one dish less than the number of diners. So under this system dubbed “N1”, a group of 10 people can only order 9 dishes. But it’s likely the system will take time to get adjusting to, in a country
where it is seen as polite to order more than the amount needed. In a group setting, empty plates are sometimes seen as a sign of a bad host - signifying that an insufficient amount of food was ordered for guests. The “N-1” idea faced some criticism online, with some pointing out that it was “too rigid”. “What if one person goes to a restaurant alone? How many dishes can he order? Zero?” asked one person on microblogging site Weibo. Others said that most restaurant diners did not normally waste much food, pointing instead to extravagant banquets thrown by officials. Chinese state agency CCTV also called out livestreamers who typically film themselves eating large amounts of food. Known commonly as “Mukbang” - such livestreams are popular in many parts of Asia including China.
28 CLASSIFIEDS Y-A-3B
ARI & KISHANTA COMERT
Acting on behalf of
Unit #4 Turquoise Ridge Town Home, Providenciales Is seeking to employ a
TEN & SANCHEZ LTD
#12 Bronze Lane, Long Bay 341-4752
LABOURER - $7 HOURLY
Minor maintenance and cleaning
CHERRY’S FAST FOOD RESTAURANT
#1 Phase 2, Blue Hills
WAITRESS - $6.25 HOURLY
Serve orders
BAKER - $9 HOURLY
Bake desserts and breads 341-1380
DOMESTIC WORKER
• Child care, assist with cleaning and cooking. • 5 days a week. Salary: $6.25 hourly
CONTACT: 244-3840
DESTINY BOUTIQUE
#6 Morris Plaza, Airport Road
SHOP ATTENDANT - $7 HOURLY
Serve customers. 342-1450
Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board. Renewals
22161
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. This position is currently held by a work permit holder
August 15-21, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS COX LABOUR SERVICES 854 Leeward Highway, Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands
LABOURER
Cleaning and maintaining of Provo Golf Club and the Grace Bay Strip. Be willing to work weekends and holidays. Belongers are encouraged to send resumes to the Labour Department as this position is currently held by a Work Permit holder. $6.50per hour 649-231-6710 MERVCO.ACC@GMAIL.COM
22120
DELLA COLLYMORE Front Street, Grand Turk Is seeking to employ a
CAREGIVER
• Duties: Light housekeeping duties, such as dishes or folding laundry. Plan, prepare and monitor meals. Run errands. • To work 6 days a week. SALARY: $6.25 per hour.
CONTACT: 232-5157
Belongers are encouraged To send a copy of their Resume to the Labour Board. This is a renewal of work permit application. 22022
ELITE SECURITY
30 Reo Drive Limited, Juba Sound, Providenciales Is seeking a
SECURITY OFFICER
VALERIE J. CHARLES
Palm Grove, Grand Turk
DOMESTIC WORKER
• Must have over five (5) years’ experience. • Secures premises and personnel by patrolling property; monitoring surveillance equipment; inspecting buildings, equipment, and access points; permitting entry. Obtains help by sounding alarms. Salary: $7 hourly
Duties: Regular housekeeping Which includes Cleaning mopping Dusting, sweeping and Assisting with cooking and any other chores. Salary: $6.50 per hour.
CONTACT: 649-231-0047
Belongers are encouraged to Send a copy of their resume To the Labour Board. This Position is currently held by a work permit holder. 22155
Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board A work permit holder currently holds this position
CONTACT: 231-7034
GTC LIMITED/BELLA LUNA
P.O.Box 543, #6 Grace Bay Road, Providenciales. Is seeking to employ a
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
COOK
THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS
- $10 HOURLY
• Must have 5 years experience on the line with Italian Cuisine. • Must be willing to work weekends, evenings and holidays. • Must be available 6 nights a
week. • Must speak, read and write English. • Must work well with others and work well under pressure. • Must have a clean police record.
CONTACT: 331-6763 Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. This position is currently held by a work permit holder. Application deadline: August 21st, 2020 22137
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Head Butler
TCA Handling Flight Services Ground Handlers for American Airlines and JetBlue is currently seeking qualified Belongers to fill the following vacant positions.
Customer Service Coordinator
REQUIRED TO WORK AT A LUXURY VILLA
JOB DESCRIPTION:
• Establishing safety policies, procedures and working conditions that affect the employee on the job. • Must communicate all safety policies and procedures within their operation. • Direct and coordinate activities to provide a safe environment for employees while maintaining fast and efficient services. • Must be able to conduct flight audits, station audits and "at risk" behavior audits. • Participate in company safety training. • Able to communicate and instill safety awareness in all employees including new hires. • Work in conjunction with Customer to determine manpower requirements for group movements, peak travel holidays, out of scope and flight schedule changes.
REQUIREMENTS:
• 5yrs experience in Customer Service Aviation • 4yrs experience in a Supervisor/Management Role • Ability to work with a diverse team/Must be customer focus • Must have a clean Police Record • Must be able to travel regional and internationally • Must have strong verbal and written communication skills • Must possess computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Suite preferred • Must be able to work weekends and Public holidays Salary Scale: $33,600.00 to $42,000.00 per annum based on qualification and experience Application giving full details of qualifications and experience should be addressed to:
The Human Resources Manager TCA Handling Ltd. Town Centre Mall Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: • Responsible for the Training of all Butlers and Supervisors • Maintain proper inventory of food supplies, utensils cutlery, and table linen • Must have the Initiative to work efficiently with minimal supervision and is capable • of multitasking. Serving welcome drinks, escort guest to assigned rooms. • Consistently provide thoughtful, caring and sincere service and work as part of the team • To assist with any plans or arrangements the guest intends to make during their stay • Must be fully aware of chef’s menu in order to answer any questions and communicate with Chef • Ability to follow directions both written and verbally • Must be honest and confidential • Must be able to remain calm during stressful situations • Must be a good communicator • Must be Serv Safe & Kosher Training Approved • Must be willing to perform any other duties assigned by the Property Manager This position requires a person who has previous experience working as a butler in Luxury Villas with training in Kosher Standards, is well presented, must be able to perform First Aid and or CPR, have dependable transportation to and from work and is extremely self-motivated. This person will be required to work weekends and holidays. Renumeration for this position starts at $2,000.00 per month.
and should reach no later than August 21, 2020 for further information/appointment you can contact us at Tele:649-941-5969/941-5353 and/or email hr@tcahandling.com.
22118
Please note that this position is currently held by a work permit holder. Email all resume’s to hr@thesource.tc. Interested persons are encouraged to drop off a copy of their resume to the Department of Labour 22123
August 15-21, 2020
CLASSIFIEDS 29
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
GRACE BAY MEDICAL CENTER
Neptune Plaza, Providenciales TCI. Is seeking to employ a
PHYSICIAN
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS • Must have a M.B.B.S. or a Medical Doctor Degree from an accredited University • Minimum 5 years work experience in a Primary Health Care setting • A minimum of 5 years as a registered Medical Practitioner on a register of a recognized Medical Board. MAIN DUTIES • Perform physical examinations, consultations • Manage and treat acute
chronic illnesses • Order laboratory and diagnostic tests • Perform minor procedures • Patient health education • Expected to be part of practice management and administration • Liaise with healthcare professionals and hospitals • Perform basic ultrasounds • Computer knowledge Salary $8500.00. Belongers only apply. Position is held by a work permit holder.
Email: cynthia@gracebaymedical.com Phone: 649-941-5252. Fax: 649-946-8243
22121
CHURCH OF GOD ABUNDANT LIFE
CONTACT: 241-8730
# 111, Regent Village Grace Bay, Providenciales 333-5034
KITCHEN HELPER Sweep or scrub floors, clean food preparation areas, clean meats & vegetables. Clean garbage cans with water or steam, transfer supplies, equipment between storage & work areas, wash dishes. Salary: $ 6.25 per hour
Renewal, Belonger will be given first preference
22139
NICOLA ROBERTS
Palm Circle, Leeward Palms Is seeking to employ a
EBEN-EZEN /DENISE SMITH
LABOURER
Clean yard, water plants, cut grass. Salary: $6.50 hourly
CONTACT: 241-2043
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position 22129
• Completing preventive maintenance such as, engine tuneups, oil changes, wheel balancing, and replacing filters. • Must have 3 years’ experience. Salary: $11 hourly
CONTACT: 333-1505
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board 22126
LUX RENT A CAR
1267 Market Place, Leeward Highway. Is seeking a
CUSTOMER SERVICE ATTENDANT
Greets customers, receive payment by cash, checks and credit cards, Issue receipts, and change due to customers. Count money in cash drawers to ensure that amounts are correct and that there is adequate change. Salary: $6.50 hourly
CONTACT: 244-2327
Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board A work permit holder currently holds this position 22110
SALON SPA MIA FIVE CAYS, PROVO Is seeking a
MASSAGE THERAPIST
• Perform therapeutic massages of soft tissues and joints. Massage and knead muscles and soft tissues of the body to provide treatment for medical conditions, injuries, or wellness maintenance. • To work 6 days a week. Salary: $10 hourly
CONTACT: 247-8600
Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position
22125
6 days a week @ $6.50 per hour. Minimum 5 yrs relevant experience in reputed organization.
FUN CRUISE
LABOURER
LE BOUCHON DU VILLAGE
CASHIER WANTED ALEX FREITES, 110 FIVE CAYS RD, LIZ BAKERY BLDG. FIVE CAYS 332-5690 WORK PERMIT RENEWAL
MECHANIC
22138
CARPENTER - $400 WEEKLY
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position 22132
CLOSE TO BLUE HAVEN, GRACE BAY Is seeking to employ a
Keeping the church clean and tidy between various church activities, clean the yard remove trash, trim the trees. Cleans the sanctuary after services, including vacuuming. clean windows, including stained glass. Empties the wastebaskets and removes any other debris in communal areas. Scrubs restrooms after every service and events. cleans the Church bus before each service through the week. Renewal. Belonger will be given first preference
#29 Norway Road, Apt #2 Kew town. Is seeking a
BABYSITTER
Ensuring a safe environment, preparing and giving meals, bathing and dressing children, administering medicine, doing housework, and disciplining children when necessary. Salary: $6.25 hourly
Kew Town, 241-0452
Pay: 6.25 per hour
Church of God of Prophecy
ARTHUR DEAN
#47 Dock Yard, Kew Town Is seeking to employ a
TCI INDUSTRIAL SERVICES LTD
#30 Parrot Cut ave., Discovery Bay Is seeking to employ a
PAINT SPECIALIST Wallpapering, stucco repair, able to do Venetian plastering, pricing charts and interior and exterior finishing. Salary: $800 per week
CONTACT: 941-4051
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position
22130
22135
#5 LOWER BIGHT, LEEWARD HIGHWAY Is seeking to employ a
MAINTENANCE MAN
• Fix and maintain mechanical equipment, buildings, and machines. Tasks include plumbing work, painting, flooring repair and upkeep, electrical repairs, heating, and air conditioning system. • To work 6 days per week Salary: $9 per hour
CONTACT: 341-6493
Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board A work permit holder currently holds this position
22131
• Cut and measure wood. • 5 days a week.
EVANGELIST - $400 WEEKLY
• Create culture, environments and training to facilitate evangelism through new and existing ministries inside the Church. • 5 days a week CONTACT: 241-2962
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. These positions are currently held by work permit holders
DELUXE MAINTENANCE
Dawkin Lane, Juba Sound Is seeking to employ a
CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY Conch Bar, Middle Caicos Is seeking to employ a
LABOURER
• Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and door frames. • To work 5 days a week. Salary: $6.50 hourly
LABOURER
Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and door frames. Cares for garden Salary: $6.25 hourly
CONTACT: 241-4072
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position
22127
22140
CONTACT: 246-3062
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position 22128
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS THE WINE CELLAR IS SEEKING TO HIRE AN
ACCOUNTANT
• Prepare, examine and analyze accounting records, financial statements and other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness and conformance to reporting and procedural standards. • Establish tables of accounts and assign entries to proper accounts • Ensure accurate and appropriate recording and analysis of revenues and expenses • Establish and monitor the implementation and maintenance of accounting control procedures. • Compile and analyze financial information to prepare entries to accounts, such as general ledger accounts and documents business transactions • Analyze financial information to
recommend or develop efficient use of resources and procedures, provide strategic recommendations and maintain solutions to business and financial problems • Responsible for generating a monthly payroll run (including the relevant PAYE, National Insurance and National Health Insurance deduction) for all employees • Knowledge of Counterpoint System and QuickBooks are a must • Accounting designation of ACCA or CPA • WSET Level 1 qualification • Apply general knowledge of applicable information technology to meet work needs • Performing any other accounting related task SALARY depending on experience
This position is for work permit renewal qualified Belongers are encourage to submit their resume to the Labor Department
Please send Resume to: Discount Liquors/ The Wine Cellar Fax: 649-946-4871 or email: info@winecellar.tc NO PHONE CALLS
22119
30 CLASSIFIEDS ISLAND CLUB
GRACE BAY Is seeking to employ a
HOUSEKEEPER
• Cleaning condo complexes. • Full time/part time housekeeping staff required. Starting Salary: $9 hourly
Email: admin@ islandclubturks.com
Belongers are encouraged to apply 22124
ISLAND LANDSCAPING
JAMESSON BRUTUS
PROVO STEVEDORING LTD
LABOURER Cleaning outside the
DOMESTIC WORKER
MECHANIC
South Dock Road Is seeking to employ a
property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and door frames. Salary: $6.25 hourly
CONTACT: 342-5808
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board 22114
August 15-21, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS Miss D Yard, The Bight Is seeking to employ a
Sweeping the house, mopping the floor, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework. Salary: $6.25 hourly
CONTACT: 342-9207
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board A work permit holder currently holds this position
22116
South Dock, Provo Is seeking to employ a
CONTACT: 332-4078
CONTACT: 244-2327
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position 22134
PAINTER
GARDENERS
– 5 years’ experience Full time position maintaining the beauty and health of plants, flowers, outdoor spaces and trees on Pine Cay. General maintenance tasks include designing, producing, renewing and preserving outdoor spaces. In depth knowledge of plant species, pests, fertilizer, pruning and water guide.
2 FRONT DESK AGENT
5 years’ experience in a Luxury Resort environment. POS experience a must. Night audit or accounting knowledge would be an asset. A second language would be preferred but not mandatory. Some shifts may require you to stay on Pine Cay.
HOUSEMAN
for Housekeeping Department: 5 years’ experience in a Luxury Resort environment. Knowledge of related cleaning products and the correct usage. Assist in the daily operation of Hotel Housekeeping duties. May be some heavy lifting involved. Some shifts may require staying on Pine Cay.
2 – FINE DINING SERVERS
5 years’ experience in a Fine Dining Restaurant environment. Must have good communication and customer service skills. The individual must be self- motivate, punctual and organized with a vast knowledge of wine and pairings. Always ensure a superior level of service to our guests. Be able to memorize orders of food and beverages. Know the proper table arrangements of plates, utensils and glasses willing to work as a team player and able to overcome the challenges associated with the F & B Industry. This position requires the individual to stay on Pine Cay during scheduled shifts.
BARTENDER
5 years + experience in a Luxury Resort environment. Individual should have good communication and customer service skills. Perform bar set-up/ close, restock, inventory control and responsible for the continuous sanitation of bar area. Must be able to stand for long periods of time. Vast knowledge of bar beverages both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. Ongoing development of new recipes will be required. May be required to serve foo at the bar area. This positon requires the individual to stay on Pine Cay during scheduled shifts. Applicants must have a good employment record and a clean police record. Some positions require the individual to stay on Pine Cay during the scheduled shifts. Only short-listed candidates will be contracted. Interested applicants can submit their resumes to:
resort@meridianclub.com
LABOURER
• Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and door frames. • To work 6 days a week. Salary: $6.25 hourly
Of Grand Turk
2 – LABOURERS
1267 MARKET PLACE, LEEWARD HIGHWAY Is seeking to employ a
Keeps equipment available for use by inspecting and testing vehicles; completing preventive maintenance such as, engine tune-ups, oil changes, tire changes, wheel balancing, and replacing filters. Salary: $16 hourly
E & V CONSTRUCTION
for Maintenance Department: Willing to start immediately, minimum 5 years’ experience. Must have a professional attitude and work ethic, individual must be skilled in tiling, carpentry, and operate numerous types of equipment. Wage will reflect with the level of experience. Understanding of the English language essential.
RONALD STORE
Duties: Scraping, cleaning, Priming and painting Buildings. SALARY: $10.00 per hour.
CONTACT: 242-1358 Belongers are encouraged To send a copy of their resume To the Labour Office. This Position is currently held by a Work permit holder.
22150
FERGUSON WILLIAMS
Moxey Road, Grand Turk Is seeking to employ
KITCHEN HELPER
Duties: Help the cook, Clean Dishes, Mop and Clean floors. SALARY: $6.50 per hour.
CONTACT: 241-5759
Belongers are asked to Send a copy of their resume To the Labour Board. This Position is currently held by A worker permit holder. 22141
HILDA FULFORD HOSPITAL ROAD GRAND TURK
DOMESTIC WORKER
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position 22112
CHAMESE SIMMS
Waterloo Road, Grand Turk
DOMESTIC WORKER
Duties: Regular housekeeping Which includes Cleaning mopping Dusting, sweeping and Assisting with cooking and any other chores. Salary: $6.50 per hour.
CONTACT: 332-8383
Belongers are encouraged to Send a copy of their resume To the Labour Board. This Position is currently held by a work permit holder. 22143
GERMAN CIGAR PUB
East Suburbs, Grand Turk
BARMAID
Duties: Mix and Serve drinks. Keep counter areas and tables clean. Salary: $6.50 per hour
CONTACT: 241-4979
Belongers are encouraged to Send a copy of their resume To the Labour Board. This Position is currently held by a work permit holder.
22147
RAYMOND SIMMONS
Moore’S Alley, Grand Turk
LABOURER
SEAL SECURITY LTD.
Thompson Cove, Provo Is seeking to employ a
MASTER CHARGE CLERK
• Must have knowledge of QuickBooks, accounting and spreadsheets. • Must be willing to work 6 days per week. Salary: $1,200 per month
CONTACT: 442-6220 Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board This position is a First Time work permit holder
22113
CAREY SKIPPINGS NORTH BACK SALINA Grand Turk
LABOURER
Duties: To clean maintain Premises, dispose of garbage and any other duties as necessary. SALARY: $7.50 per hour.
CONTACT: 346-9276
Belongers are encouraged To send a copy of their Resume to the Labour Board. This is a first time work permit application.
22148
GLAMOUR M & R BEAUTY SALON Over Back, Grand Turk
HAIRSTYLIST
Duties: Braiding, Weaving, Relaxing, Loc, grooming And maintenance, cutting And trimming and styling. Salary: $7.50 per hour.
CONTACT: 242-0957
Belongers are asked to send A copy of their resume to The Labour Board. This position is Currently held by a work permit holder. 22151
SARAH SIMMONS Off Osborne Road Grand Turk
KITCHEN HELPER
Duties: Regular housekeeping. Which includes Cleaning mopping Dusting, sweeping and Assisting with cooking and any other chores. Salary: $6.50 per hour.
Duties: To clean maintain Premises, dispose of garbage and any other duties as necessary. SALARY: $7.50 per hour.
Duties: Help the cook, Clean Dishes, Mop and Clean floors. SALARY: $6.50 per hour.
CONTACT: 242-1678
CONTACT: 241-9340
CONTACT: 242-2480
Belongers are encouraged To send a copy of their Resume to the Labour Board. This is a first time work permit application. 22152
Belongers are encouraged to Send a copy of their resume To the Labour Board. This Position is currently held by a work permit holder. 22144
Belongers are asked to Send a copy of their resume To the Labour Board. This Position is currently held by A worker permit holder. 22146
August 15-21, 2020
CLASSIFIEDS 31
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
SHA CLEANING COMPANY
Blue Hills, Millennium Plaza Is seeking to employ a
CLEANER
Cleaning, mopping, etc. Salary: $6.25 hourly
CONTACT: 649-243-8962
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board 22115
BETTY CAROL PENA
THE LUX CAR WASH
1267 Market Place, Leeward Highway. Is seeking to employ a
CAR WASH ATTENDANT
To wash, scrub and polish the interiors and exteriors of car suv’s and buses. Task; vacuum, clean and maintain vehicles. Salary: $6.25 hourly
CONTACT: 244-2327
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position
22111
TIKI HUT
North Back Salina Grand Turk
#136 Turtle Cove Marina Is seeking to employ a
DOMESTIC WORKER
RESTAURANT CAPTAIN
Duties: Regular housekeeping Which includes Cleaning mopping Dusting, sweeping and Assisting with cooking and any other chores. Salary: $6.50 per hour.
CONTACT: 242-6772
Belongers are encouraged to Send a copy of their resume To the Labour Board. This Position is currently held by a work permit holder.
22142
• Arrange schedule, placing orders and supervise staff. • Must be willing to work 6 days a week. Salary: $7 hourly
CONTACT: 941-5341
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board A work permit holder currently holds this position
D&S WAVE DANCER/ BERARDINO & SHIRLEANE Turtle Cove Marina Is seeking to employ a
LABOURER
• Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, door frames. Cares for garden. • To work 5 days a week. Salary: $300 weekly
CONTACT: 342-0156
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position 22156
ADVERTISE
IN THIS SPACE!
SHANETTA THOMPSON
Waterloo road, Grand Turk
DOMESTIC WORKER
Duties: Regular housekeeping, Which includes Cleaning mopping Dusting, sweeping and Assisting with cooking and any other chores. Salary: $6.50 per hour.
CONTACT: 243-4598
Belongers are encouraged to Send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. This Position is currently held by a work permit holder. 22145
STEPHANIE BEAUTY SALON Over Back, Grand Turk
Over Back. GRAND TURK
HAIRSTYLIST
NAIL TECHNICIAN
Duties: Braiding, Weaving, Relaxing, Loc, grooming And maintenance, cutting And trimming and styling. Salary: $7.50 per hour.
CONTACT: 241-5785
Belongers are asked to send A copy of their resume to The Labour Board. This position is Currently held by a work permit holder. 22149
$33
CALL 946-4664
Blue Heron Drive, South Dock Is seeking a
Belongers are encouraged to Send a copy of their resume To The Labour Board. This Position is currently held by a Work permit holder.
22153
LABOURER Duties: To clean maintain Premises, dispose of garbage and any other duties as necessary. SALARY: $7.50 per hour.
CONTACT: 241-1155 Belongers are encouraged To send a copy of their Resume to the Labour Board. This position is currently held By a work permit holder.
Contact: 941-3966 Email: reservations@sixt.tc
Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board A work permit holder currently holds this position 22160
22158
CONTACT: 241-5785
Palm Grove, Grand Turk
• To wash, scrub and polish the interiors and exteriors of car suv’s and buses to protect their appearance • Vacuum, clean and maintain vehicles. • 6 days a week Salary: $6.25 hourly
PER WEEK
Duties: to design paint and refill, Nails, to do Pedicures and manicures. SALARY: $9.00 per hour
WEALTHY SAUNDERS
CORE MOBILITY DBA SIXT RENT-A-CAR
CAR WASH ATTENDANT
ONLY
STEPHANIE BEAUTY SALON
22154
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS
KEECHIE
Acting on behalf of Good Life in TCI LTD #62 Long Bay Hills, Providenciales
ASSISTANT MANAGER
GRACE BAY MEDICAL CENTER Neptune Plaza, Providenciales TCI. Is seeking to employ a
RESPONSIBILITIES
PHYSICIAN MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
• Must have a M.B.B.S. or a Medical Doctor Degree from an accredited University • Minimum 5 years work experience in a Primary Health Care setting and a minimum of 3 years working in a Secondary Health Care institution. • A minimum of 5 years as a registered Medical Practitioner on a register of a recognized Medical Board.
MAIN DUTIES
• Carry out patient consultations in the Clinic. • Perform physical examinations. • Diagnosis and treatment of illnesses.
• Building positive relationship with customers. • Assisting with generating new businesses • Identifying opportunities for great profits.
JOB BRIEF
• Order laboratory and diagnostics tests. • Perform minor procedures. • Be proactive with patient health education. • Expected to be part of practice management and administration. • Liaise with other healthcare professionals and/or hospitals. • Ability to perform basic ultrasounds an asset. • Computer knowledge-experience using EMR files. • Bi-lingual will be an asset. Monthly Salary $6500 to $8500 depending on experience. Belongers only apply. A work permit holder holds position.
Email: cynthia@gracebaymedical.com phone: 649-941-5252. Fax: 649-946-8243
22133
• To build and preserve trusting relationship with or customers. • We rely on you to find ways to outperform or competition and maintain our company’s positive image. • To an excellent communicator, able to work with sales & marketing team. • Be a strategic thinker, strong-minded problem solving skills. • Requirements • Must be fluent in English, French, Spanish • Proven experience as a client manager, excellent communication skills. • Knowledge of customer relationship management practices. • Teamwork and leader ship skills. • BSC in Business Administration or similar field • To work 6 days a week. Salary: $4000 per month
CONTACT: 241-5286
Applicants must send their applications to acoolgray@hotmail.com Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board A work permit holder currently holds this position
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS
32 CLASSIFIEDS A1 AUTO TACT
#13 Parade Ave, Down Town Is seeking a
LABOURER Set up equipment, run
lines for power tools, erect scaffolding, lay out tools, and hand tools to workers, remove all debris, and cleaning. Salary: $6.25 hourly
CONTACT: 231-0098
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position 22168
ABOVE THE REST CLEANING
#13 Mary Jane Lane, Blue Hills. Is seeking to employ a
CARPENTER
Follow blueprints and building plans to meet the needs of clients. Install structures and fixtures, such as windows and molding. Measure, cut, or shape wood, plastic, and other materials. Salary: $8 hourly
CONTACT: 346-7956 Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position
22171
DAYNE PRATT
ALBERTHA PRATT
600 C leeward Highway, Providenciales. Is looking for a
GARDENER
Duties: clean and maintain yard. Plant trees and flowers. Disposing of debris. Applicant must be hard working and honest Salary $7/hr. PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION TO PRATTALBERTHA@HOTMAIL. COMOR CONTACT 2446900
Turks and Caicos Islanders are encouraged to also forward an application to the labour department and Immigration board. Position currently held by a work permit holder 22217
Shamrack Plaza, Industrial Park, Providenciales Is currently looking for a suitably qualified person to the role of:
HANDYMAN
AUTO MECHANIC
CONTACT 2474507 This position is for work permit renewal Belongers are encouraged to submit a copy of their resume to the Labour Department
22177
• At least 6 years or more experience as an Auto Mechanic. • Must be able to perform all vehicle diagnostics and updates using diagnostics equipment. • Able to maintain vehicle functional condition by listening to customers’/ operator complaints, conduct inspections, repair engine failures, repair mechanical and electrical systems malfunctions and replace parts and components according to manufacturer standards specially Japanese vehicles.
AUTO PARTS SPECIALIST
• Must have 5 years or more working experience on Japanese Automotive Industry. • Mechanical aptitude and understanding of industry equipment. • Capable to assists customers with selecting required parts and suggest
related parts. • Able to multi task, answer phone calls, provide quotes and other information. • Assist service technicians in selecting parts needed for repairs in process. • Knowledgeable on inventory and stock leveling Basic Salary is $12 hourly
Contact: (649) 941-7387. Email: dnbautoparts@tciway.tc
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position 22173
BERNADETTE BENJAMIN Bible Street, Blue Hills 341-3682
GARDENER/ LABOURER
To care for the garden, plant trees, water plants including soil cultivation, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, clean the yard with sweeper, lift garbage bags and cans into garbage truck during collection, pick up yard waste and tree limbs. Salary is 6.25 per hour RENEWAL, THIS POSITION IS HELD BY A WORK PERMIT HOLDER. BELONGER WILL BE GIVEN FIRST PREFERENCE
22213
• Keeps shop equipment operating by following operating instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, maintaining supplies and perform preventive maintenance. • Must hold a valid driver’s license with a clean, insurable, driving record, must be able to drive manual and automatic transmissions. • Knowledge of tools and equipment required to conduct all repairs. • Basic wage is $9.00 per hour
DENISE SMITH #33 Bible St, Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a
LABOURER
22172
DIVA’S BEAUTY SALON Unit #12 Morris Plaza, Airport Road Is seeking to employ a
4 COSMETOLOGISTS
Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, door frames. Salary: $6.25 hourly
Shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. Makeup, dress wigs, perform hair removal, nail and skin care services. Salary: $6.25 hourly
CONTACT: 241-6493
CONTACT: 232-5007
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position 22162
LAS BRISAS
#533 Chalk Sound. Is seeking to employ a
COOK
• Must set up workstations with all ingredients and cooking equipment. • Preparing ingredients for use in cooking (peeling and chopping vegetables, cutting meat, etc.) 6 days a week Salary: $600.00 per week
CONTACT: 946-5306 Interested Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. This position is a renewal Belongers are encouraged to submit resume to Labour Department 22179
CONTACT: 242-3875
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board This position is currently held by a work permit holder 22211
SECURITY
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board
D&B AUTO LTD
DOMESTIC WORKER
• Sweeping the house, mopping the floor, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other house work. • To work 5 days per week Salary: $6.25 per hour
Palm Grove, Grand Turk Is seeking to employ a
Tel: (649)941-8438. Email: dnbautoparts@tciway.tc
Shamrack Plaza, Industrial Park, Providenciales Looking for a suitably qualified person to the role of an
IVENA BROOKS
BREEZY BRAE,Grand Turk Is seeking to employ a
WATCH 21 SECURITY LTD.
D&B AUTO LTD
#8 Turquoise Lane, Long Bay, Providenciales is looking for a
Salary $6.50 per hour. Monday to Saturday. Duties: cleaning and yard maintenance
August 15-21, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Secures premises and personnel by patrolling property; monitoring surveillance equipment; inspecting buildings, equipment, and access points; permitting entry. Obtains help by sounding alarms. Salary: $7.00 per hour
CONTACT: 241-2518
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. This position is currently held by a work permit holder 22212
ELVERA (NELL) ELIZABETH WILLIAMS OFF LEEWARD HIGHWAY, JUBA SOUND Is seeking to employ a
GARDENER
• Soil cultivation, digging, and forking, mulching, watering, raking, weeding, edging, pruning, seed sowing, bed preparation and planting. • To work 6 days a week. Salary: $6.50 hourly
CONTACT: 231-0051
LESHUN SEBASTIAN MISSICK Palm Grove, Grand Turk Is seeking to employ a
PLUMBER
Installs pipes and fixtures, such as sinks and toilets, for water, gas, steam, air, or other liquids. Installs supports for pipes, equipment, and etc To work 5 days a week. Salary: $7.00 hourly
CONTACT: 232-9541
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. This position is a First Time work permit holder 21729
THOMAS SWANN
BREEZY BRAE, Grand Turk
MAINTENANCE MAN (RENEWAL)
Duties: To fix and maintain Yard Painting and cleaning, Repairs as necessary. SALARY: $7.50 per hour
CONTACT: 232-1022 Belongers are encouraged To send a copy of their Resume to the labour Office.
22210
GABRIEL UNISEX BEAUTY SALON #3 FIRST FLOOR, SAM’S BUILDING, DOWN TOWN Is seeking to employ a
DOMESTIC WORKER
Clean the store, dusting, sweeping, mopping, clean ceiling vents, restroom cleaning, stock shelves, pick, pack, receive and restock products inside the store. Salary: $6.50 hourly
CONTACT: 3348849 OR 341-3517
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board A work permit holder currently holds this position
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board A work permit holder currently holds this position
LAS BRISAS
LUMPY CONSTRUCTION
MASTER JANITORIAL CLEANING & SUPPLIES
22182
Chalk Sound Is seeking to employ a
WAITER Take orders and serve food and beverages to patrons at tables in dining establishment. Salary: $500 per week
CONTACT: 946-5306
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. This position is currently held by a work permit holder Belongers are encouraged to submit a copy of their resume to the Labour Department 22180
22184
#26 Tana Road, Five Cays Is seeking to employ a
2 LABOURERS
Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and door frames. Salary: $6.50 hourly
CONTACT: 241-2478
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board 22157
22169
#8 Turquoise Lane, Long Bay Providenciales, is looking for a
JANITOR/ CLEANER
40 hours per week. Duties: providing cleaning and maid services. This position is for Work Permit renewal. Salary $6.50 per hour
CONTACT 345-9986
Belongers are encourage to submit a copy of their work permit to the Labor Department 22178
August 15-21, 2020
CLASSIFIEDS 33
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
BAY BISTRO RESTAURANT
BOHIO DIVE RESORT Grand Turk
CHEF
#2 Princess Drive, The Bight
2 LABOURERS
Prepairing oversee the daily running of the restaurant’s kitchen.
KITCHEN HELPER
RICHARD GIBBS
Clean and Polish our restaurant on a daily basis.
#81 Sissl Rd., Long Bay Heights
FISHERMAN
2 COOKS
To assist the head chef in various food preparation for service time.
Deep-sea fishing.
MAINTENANCE MAN Regular repair work. $6.25-$10 hourly
Contact: 242-8792 for further details Email: tameralemount@hotmail.com Belongers can also apply. Renewals
SAMMY'S CONSTRUCTION GRAND TURK Is seeking to employ a
CARPENTER
Duties: Follow blueprints Built from plans to meet clients needs. Install Structures and fixtures, Doors Windows, must be able to use electrical tools. Salary: $13.00- $ 14.00 per hour.
CONTACT: 243-2928
Belongers are encouraged to send copy of their resume to the Labour Board. This position is currently held by a work permit holder. 22190
22040
General cleaning of kitchen and storage rooms, assist with food preparation, wash floors , walls, utensils and dishes English - verbal & written working hours Monday Sunday including Holidays based on shift schedule. Must be available to start at 6 am. Hours based on weekly schedule. $6.25 per hour This position is for a work permit renewal PLEASE EMAIL : INFO@ BOHIORESORT.COM 22176
MONETTE WILLIAMS
LYNDON H. LEWIS
DOMESTIC WORKER
LABOURER
GRAND TURK Is seeking to employ a
His job is to sweep the house, mopping the floor, clean bathrooms, toilets, living room, laundering sheets. Salary: $7.50 per hourly
CONTACT: 232-3220
Belongers are encouraged to send copy of their resume to the Labour Board. This position is currently held by a work permit holder. 22194
Address: Grand turk Is seeking to employ a
C&S PROFESSIONAL
Acting on behalf of Darlington Higgs Kew, North caicos Is seeking to employ a
DOMESTIC WORKER
Back Salina, Grand Turks Is seeking to employ a
• Supervise. • Salary based on experience
CONTACT: 2411057 OR 245-2291
CARPENTER
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position 22164
DONALD KNOWLES Back Salina Grand Turk Is seeking to employ a
LABOURER
Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, door frames. To work 6 days a week. Salary: $7.50per hourly
CONTACT:431-8150
CONTACT: 245 64 39
Belongers are encouraged to send copy of their resume to the Labour Board. This position is currently held by a work permit holder 22191
• Unload containers, clear trash, clean store, stock shelves, wood work in yard, digging. • Must be willing to work 6 days per week. Salary: $6.50 per hour
STEEL ERECTOR
• Erect steel. • Salary based on experience.
CARIJIN BELLVUE STORE Aviation Dr., Down Town Is seeking to employ a
LABOURER
SHEET METAL FOREMAN
Clean house, cook, wash & Iron. Salary: $6.50 hourly
Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, door frames. To work 5 days a week. Salary: $7 per hourly
Belongers are encouraged to send copy of their resume to the Labour Board. This position is currently held by a work permit holder. 22189
CADS CONSTRUCTION
MASON
• Lay blocks • Salary based on experience. • Cut wood • Salary based on experience.
CONTACT: 343-7536
LABOURER
• Cleaning the construction site. • Salary based on experience
CONTACT: 241-2515
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board
22136
DAVID SMITH
Grand Turk Is seeking to employ a
LABOURER
Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, door frames. To work 5 days a week. Salary: $7 per hourly
CONTACT: 242-0771
Belongers are encouraged to send copy of their resume to the Labour Board. This position is currently held by a work permit holder. 22192
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position 22183
CEAQUEZ VASQUEZ
SOUTH BACK SALINA, GRAND TURK Is seeking to employ 2
DOMESTIC WORKER
His job is to sweep the house, mopping the floor, clean bathrooms, toilets, living room, laundering sheets. One during the week and other in the week end. Salary: $7 per hourly
CONTACT: 3480851
Belongers are encouraged to send copy of their resume to the Labour Board. This position is currently held by a work permit holder 22193
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS
NOTICE NOTICE
Regulation 8 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 2014
Schedule 2 Regulation 8 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 2018
An Application, REGISTERED PR 14943, by BBF Cooper Jack Ltd. for the development of Beach Creation and Stabilization Works, 150 ft. Pier and Dredging. Has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Outline Development Permission on parcels 60720/93,94,95,96,97,98,99,100 & 60721/92,124,125,141,142,143,1 44,145, Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill, Providenciales.
An Application, REGISTERED PR 14931, by BBF Cooper Jack Ltd. For the development of Residential Community has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Outline Development Permission on 60720 / 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99,100 & 60721/92, 124, 125, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill on Providenciales. The application as submitted seeks planning consideration for a the development of ThirtyOne (31) Town Homes, Nine (9) Single Family Dwelling Homes, Thirty-One (31) Residential Boat Slips, Restaurant, Storage Building, Gym, Beach Bar, Swimming Pool, Swimming Pool Cabanas, Club House, Back of House and Beach T-Head Pier.
Anyone wishing to make representation(s) may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk or through the Department of Planning, Emily House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, within twenty eight (28) days of publication of this Notice. Date: August 12, 2020
Anyone wishing to make representation(s) may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk or through the Department of Planning, Emily House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, within twenty-eight (28) days of publication of this Notice. Dated Posted:
14943
22207
34 CLASSIFIEDS
JOB OPPORTUNITY
with housekeeping and maintenance at a villa. Salary is $2,000.00 a month. This job position is currently held by a work permit holder.
SUNSET HOME AND BABY AIRPORT ROAD, PROVIDENCIALES Is seeking to employ a
SALES/RECEIVING CLERK packages up to 65lbs. • Must be willing to work weekends and holidays as required. • Ability to speak a foreign language (e.g. Spanish and Creole) would be helpful. Salary: $1,600 per month
This position is for a work permit renewal
CONTACT: 232 0918
All applicants must be able to present
a clean Police Record if offered a position. Wage commensurate with experience. Individuals must be willing to work holidays and weekends on a flexible schedule dictated by business demands. This position is currently held by someone with a work permit.
Applications available at Ocean Club or Ocean Club West. Only those receiving an interview will be contacted. 22174 S & B CONSTRUCTION
OVERBACK, GRAND TURK
CONSTRUCTION LABOURER
Help equipment operator, carpenters, and other skilled labour when necessary. Load or unload construction materials. Put together and take apart temporary structures, such as scaffolding. Perform site clean-up. Salary $7.50 per hour/ 6 days per week
CONTACT: 231-6432
This position is for a first time applicant Belongers are encouraged to submit a copy of their resume to the Labor Department
22195
22105
InterHealth Canada is currently recruiting for a Key Senior positions within TCI Hospital. Successful candidate will be offered excellent packages depending on experience and development and training opportunities within the organisation.
Manicures, gel nails, nail fills, nail repair, and nail polishing. Pedicures and acrylic nails.
4 HAIR STYLISTS - $6.25 HOURLY
Shampooing, cutting, and styling hair, hair treatments, deep conditioning, hair coloring, and weaving.
CONTACT: 347-3121
Belongers are encouraged to apply at The Labour Board These positions are work permit Renewals 22170
Facilities Manager
HANDYMAN -$6.25 hourly
Fixing plumbing systems, providing repair guidance, cleaning and remodeling community spaces, and performing repair assessments.
CONTACT: 231-0984 EMAIL SMITHCOTCI@ GMAIL.COM
– Facilities Management (Cockburn Town Medical Centre, Grand Turk).
40 hours per week, based in Grand Turk - Candidate must be qualified to Bachelors Degree or equivalent, hold qualifications in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (Healthcare) along with relevant experience of management within a Healthcare PPP setting. Responsible for a team of 30 and managing all Facilities Services within the Turks & Caicos Island Hospital including Engineering, Grounds, Catering, Housekeeping, Laundry, Reception, Security and Contracted Services. This roles include full responsibility for budgetary management and control, due diligence, legislative and contractual compliance and personnel management for respective staff within respective teams. Roles include requirement to travel to sister sites to complete work tasks and project work as required by the organisation and 'on-call responsibilities' for FM services, and in the event of Disaster and Emergency situations.
Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board. These positions are currently held by work permit holders. 22219
CONTACT NO: (649) 344-3480
This position is for work permit renewal Belongers are encouraged to submit a copy of their resume to the Labour Department 22175
DOMESTIC WORKER
Salary: Negotiable, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
CONTACT: 242-0957
22167
LABOURER
(Maintenance Guy) – Minor repairs. Salary: $1,00.00 a month ($250.00 per week). Days of Work: 5 days (per week)
HAIRSTYLIST
Qualified Belongers will be given first consideration.
dpinnock@interhealthcanada.tc
Over Back, Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands
RASHENA FORBES
Duties: Braiding, Weaving, Relaxing, Loc, grooming And maintenance, cutting And trimming and styling. Salary: $7.50 per hour.
Apply in writing together with an up to date curriculum vitae to:
SYMADIA S. INGHAM C/O DATSORAVEN VARIETY STORE
GLAMOUR M & R BEAUTY SALON Over Back. Grand Turk
Belongers are asked to send a copy of their resume to The Labour Board. This position is Currently held by a work permit holder. 22219
PLEASE APPLY IN WRITING AND DELIVER TO PROJETECH LTD. OFFICES LOCATED AT PROJECT HOUSE ON LEEWARD HIGHWAY. 22209
LOCATED, 13 MARY JANE LANE, BLUE HILLS.
4 NAIL TECHNICIANS - $6.25 HOURLY
SMITHCO
Reporting to the chief engineer. Renumeration to be in accordance with qualifications and experience.
ABOVE THE REST CLEANING
ROXY BEAUTY SALON
46A AIRPORT ROAD, #4 OSSLE SIMONS BUILDING NEXT TO CAICOS COIN LAUNDRY Is seeking
#84 INDUSTRIAL PARK ROAD, FIVE CAYS
CLOSING DATE: 28th August 2020
MECHANIC
GARDENER L ABOURER Involves strenuous physical labor, which requires being able and willing to perform heavy lifting, and other physically demanding functions outdoors. Must be able to speak English fluently.
All suitably qualified TC Islanders are requested to submit resumes/ portfolios to PO Box 560, Regent House West, Regent Village, Grace Bay, Providenciales, TCI or send by fax to 946 4663. Prospective TC Islander applicants are also free to lodge a copy of their applications with the Labour Board. 22196
IS LOOKING TO RECRUIT A FULL-TIME
is looking for qualified applicants for the positions of:
FOR A PRIVATE VILLA IN PARROT CAY OPERATED BY RCI LTD.
DUTIES INCLUDE WILL INCLUDE: • Sales processes, inventory receiving, managing, stocking, displaying of goods. • Must be able to drive, transport and lift unassisted boxes and
AUTO REPAIR SHOP
OCEAN CLUB RESORTS
HOUSEKEEPER REQUIRED Experienced Live in Housekeeper is needed to work six days a week. Applicants must speak English, must be fit and able and must have at least ten years’ experience
August 15-21, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
SOUTH EAST SUBURBS Grand Turk
Duties: Regular housekeeping Which includes Cleaning mopping Dusting, sweeping and Assisting with cooking and any other chores. Salary: $6.50 per hour.
CONTACT: 231-1664 Belongers are encouraged to Send a copy of their resume To the Labour Board. This is a first time work permit application.
22218
CARPENTER - $7 HOURLY
Follow blueprints and building plans. Install windows and modeling. Measure cut or shape wood plastic and other materials.
CONTACT: 649-346-7956
Only interested Belongers need apply with Labour Employment Services. Positions are held by Work Permit Holders. 22171
HELP WANTED
Roland Gula Long Bay Hills We are looking for a
GARDENER
keep outside surrounding clean, trim trees
HOUSEKEEPER
all household chores Wage starts @ $6.25 per. hr.
THIS POSITIONS ARE FOR RENEWAL BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOR DEPARTMENT PLEASE CONTACT ROLAND GULA LONG BAY HILLS AT 941-5802 22188
CCD CONSTRUCTION
LONG BAY BEACH DRIVE, PROVIDENCIALES Is seeking to employ a
MAINTENANCE MAN
• Fix and maintain mechanical equipment, buildings, and machines. Tasks include plumbing work, painting, flooring repair and upkeep, electrical repairs, heating, and air conditioning system. • Must be willing to work 5 days a week. Salary: $7.50 hourly
CONTACT: 442-0820 Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board
22215
August 15-21, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
PORTS PROJECT ENGINEER
POSITION AVAILABLE
PRESSER • Minimum of 5 years experience in garment pressing with emphasis on specialty items; wedding gowns, cocktail dresses, drapes, suits etc. • Excellent finishing quality and efficiency is required. • Must be able to stand for long hours and manage hot
working conditions. • Must be fluent in English and be a team worker. • All applicants will be required to demonstrate skills. • Pay is dependent on pieces pressed per hour, approx $12/hr.
The Ports Authority of the Turks and Caicos Islands is seeking an outstanding professional to serve in the role of Ports Project Engineer OVERVIEW: The Ports Authority of the Turks and Caicos Islands is a self-supporting public statutory body established in 2008 for the management of maritime affairs. The port system consists of three international ports on Providenciales, South Caicos and Grand Turk as well as domestic ports at Bellefield Landing, North Caicos and Dean’s Dock, Salt Cay. The port system is important for international and domestic connectivity. It is essential that all facilities are operated in compliance with local regulations and international standards. This position seeks to ensure port infrastructure is properly maintained to support efficient and effective port operations; and planning and timely implementation of port improvement projects throughout the ports system.
Qualified applicants should email CV to info@pioneertci.com or deliver to Pioneer office, #11 Village St, Grace Bay. Please fax/deliver copy to TCI Labour Office: 649-946-4164
POSITION:
MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR experience. • University Certificate required. • Work flexible shifts including nights. Emergency on-call. • Must be fluent in English. • Must have exceptional computer and diagnostic skills. • Must be self-motivated, hardworking and reliable. • Pay rate: $18.00/hour. • Currently work permit holder
Location: #11 Village St. Grace Bay, Provo Email resumes to info@pioneertci.com or call 432.1797. Please deliver or fax copy to TCI Labour Office: 649-946-4164
22167
• Responsible for establishing complete maintenance program for all electronic Commercial Laundry, Dry Cleaning and affiliated equipment such as boilers, compressors, hydraulic pumps etc. • Minimum 10 years experience mechanical and electrical maintenance. • 5 years Supervisory
SUNNY FOODS RETAIL & WHOLESALE LTD Is now interviewing for the following positions:
LABOURER
• Responsible for doing Manuel work • Loading and unloading Container • Assisting in stocking shelves • Should be physically fit to lift products 50lb or more . • Being able to work at heights • Committed to work flexible hours, days, nights, weekends and holidays. • Salary $6.50 per hour.
CONTACT: 941-8112
This Position is for work permit renewal interested Belongers are encouraged to submit a copy of the resume to the Labour Department. 22011
DEOMARDO V. CLARE
ERB CONTRACTOR
#45 Stemmers Run, Moses Ave., Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a
#4B North Side Cl., Millennium Hgwy, Blue Hills Is seeking to employ a
CONSTRUCTION LABOURER
MASON - $12 HOURLY
Set up equipment, run lines for power tools, erect scaffolding, lay out tools, mixing concrete, hand tools to workers, and cleaning work site. Salary: $6.50 hourly
CONTACT: 348-1197
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board A work permit holder currently holds this position 22197
CLASSIFIEDS 35
Mixes mortar; lays bricks and plastering
LABOURER - $6.25 HOURLY
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Under general direction of the Director of Ports, the Ports Project Engineer shall plan, organize, integrate and oversee the engineering/construction work of the Ports Authority of the Turks and Caicos. • The holder of the post will provide expert professional assistance and support on engineering, construction and major maintenance, and related facilities matters; and performs related duties as assigned. • He/she will be responsible for basic engineering designs and concepts, project management, surveying, consultancy and construction contract administration, construction inspection, scheduling and quality control, cost estimating, and overseeing maintenance programs. • The holder will have to travel within the Islands to undertake works throughout the ports system. • The post holder will work closely with PWD in carrying out the job responsibilities. • The incumbent is expected to support high-level decision making within general policy guidelines and utilize exemplary and analytical skills on matters that are critical to the operational success of the Ports Authority. PROJECT SPECIFIC DUTIES TO INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: • Prepare regular condition reports on facilities and port infrastructure to inform capital budget formulation • Prepare project concepts, scope of works and cost estimates as inputs to preparation of business cases and project proposals • Prepare terms of reference, assist with contracting and oversee inputs of external engineers engaged by the Ports Authority from time to time • Review and approve the design drawings on behalf of the Ports Authority to ensure compliance with the designs of projects. • Assist with the preparation of Contract Documents
using FIDIC conditions of contract. • Oversee facilities modification, including obtaining estimates on equipment, labour, materials and other related costs and requirements. • Review testing methods and materials in the lab when necessary. • Monitor and approve construction progress. • Preparation of Engineer Certificates for progressed work. • Liaise with the Public Works Department to implementation of work plans • Provide weekly/monthly (or as determined) progress reports of projects to the Director and Deputy Director of Ports as inputs to Operations Report to be sent to the Board • Engage and manage subcontractors and service providers to ensure minimal interruptions. • Be a standing participant of the Infrastructure Subcommittee of the Board of Directors and provide secretariat service by preparing action reports and follow reports on outcome for such meetings. LOCATION: The incumbent is expected to work at ports throughout the TCI for his/her home base. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: • Knowledge and experience in planning and managing port related projects • Knowledge of Contract management and FIDIC Conditions of Contracts • Knowledge of public procurement processes highly desirable • Knowledge of Planning Ordinance Regulations and Building Codes of the Turks and Caicos Islands • Knowledge of AutoCAD and other costing and design software will be an asset • Knowledge in MS Project would be an asset Minimum Requirements Training and Experience: Under Graduate Degree from a recognized university with a major in civil engineering or a closely related field; and at least seven years of responsible management experience in the design, construction and maintenance of diverse and complex public facilities, with civil engineering and construction experience. Qualification/Certification in Project Management would be an asset. Salary and Allowances: $72,000 per annum. Interested persons should submit a resume, along with their contact information, cover letter, two letters of reference (one preferably from a former employer), certified copies of educational certificates, a Police Certificate and a copy of the Passport photo page.
Cleaning worksite
Applications should be addressed to:
Cut, position, and bolt down steel bars to reinforce concrete.
Director, Ports Authority of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands Envelopes should have the subject “Ports Project Engineer” clearly marked on the front and can be delivered to the Ports Authority Office at South Dock, Providenciales, or
STEEL MAN - $12 HOURLY
CONTACT: 3311067 OR 231-4162
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board Work permit holders currently holds this position 22202
Emailed to: HR at dsimms@portstci.com. The subject line in the email should read “Ports Project Engineer”. Deadline for submission: August 31, 2020. We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only persons selected for an interview will be contacted. A full job description is available on our website at www.portstci.com.
36 CLASSIFIEDS
JOAN BENNETT
#14 Farm Lane Kew Town seeks a
FARMER
Must have 5 years experience in animal husbandry, plant management from seed to harvest and slaughtering. Duties include feeding and cleaning out of pigs, goats, rabbits, chickens, planting weeding, harvesting, watering.
D’DIVA SALON
#56 WALTER COX DRIVE, KEW TOWN Is seeking to employ a
BARBER
Cutting, trimming, shampooing, and styling hair, trimming beards, or giving shaves. Clean and sterilize scissors, combs, clippers, and other instruments. Salary: $6.25 hourly
CONTACT: 345-8242
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board 22206
22225
KENNETH HANDFIELD DISCOVERY ROAD PROVIDENCIALES Turks and Caicos Islands Contact: 649-242-8558
GARBAGE COLLECTOR • Applicant will be required
to work from 8am-5pm Mon-Fri • Salary will be $6.25 per hour • May require some heavy lifting • Belongers only are encouraged to apply, position is held by a work permit holder. 22228
2 OMEGA LANE, LEEWARD HIGHWAY Is seeking to employ a
BABYSITTER • Ensuring a safe
environment, preparing and giving meals, bathing and dressing children, administering medicine, doing housework, and disciplining children when necessary. • To work 6 days a week. Salary: $6.25 hourly
CONTACT: 241-6050
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this 22186 position
R.C.N.M CONSTRUCTION
LUIS A. FREITES
NEON HOLDINGS LTD.
#87 Marby Drive, Juba Sound Is seeking to employ a
#2 TRANQUILITY LANE, LEEWARD, PROVIDENCIALES IS SEEKING TO EMPLOY A
DOMESTIC WORKER
• Sweeping the house, mopping the floor, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework. • To work 5 days a week. Salary: $6.25 hourly
CONTACT: 343-6168
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position 22200
ROSAM’S CONSTRUCTION
43 BOLL WEEVIL AVENUE, FIVE CAYS Is seeking a
#12 Musgrove Hill, Kew Town Is seeking a
FINISH MASON
– $10 hourly Install materials on floors, walls, ceilings, countertops. Level the surface with a layer of mortar or plywood.
-$9 HOURLY Repairs, maintains and alters buildings, retaining walls and other brick or stone edifices. Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones and/or concrete sidewalks; makes and repairs steps and plasters.
CONTACT: 342-1964
Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board 22208
VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!
THE LARGEST READERSHIP IN THE TURKS & CAICOS GRIFFITHS & PARTNERS On behalf of its clients TC BEGB, Ltd requires a
V.I.P. BUTLER, FAMILY ASSISTANT AND VALET
TILE LAYER
MAINTENANCE MAN
- $7 HOURLY Fix and maintain mechanical equipment, buildings, and machines. Plumbing work, painting, flooring repair and upkeep, electrical repairs, heating, and air conditioning system.
CONTACT: 649-342-2511
Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board
22199
ISLAND FARMS
Position currently held by permit holder. Salary $7 per hour. 54 hours a week. whatsapp 231- 2366
August 15-21, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
ADRIAN WILLIAMS #57 PALM WELLS, LEEWARD PALMS Is seeking to employ a
HELPER
• Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, and door frames. • To work 6 days a week. Salary: $6.25 hourly
HOUSEKEEPER/ DOMESTIC WORKER
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD CHORES, IRONING, MOPPING, LAUNDRY AND WINDOW WASHING MUST BE ABLE TO WORK 6 DAYS PER WEEK, WEEKENDS AND SOME HOLIDAYS SALARY $7.50 PER HOUR
CONTACT: 941-7923
THIS POSITION IS FOR WORK PERMIT RENEWAL BELONGERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT A COPY OF THEIR RESUME TO THE LABOR DEPARTMENT
22221
SAIL PROVO
VIOLETTE DORVIL VICTOR Kingston Rd, the Bight Is seeking to employ a
CARETAKER
Help the patient get dressed, eat, bathe and complete light housekeeping duties, such as dishes or folding laundry. Plan, prepare and monitor meals. Run errands, remind patients of medications. Salary: $6.25 hourly
CONTACT: 343-2676
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board A work permit holder currently holds this position 22216
SAM’S SHOP
GRACE BAY 7 STAR ROAD, GRACE BAY Is seeking to employ a
#12 Musgrove Hill, Kew Town Is seeking to employ a
• Fix boats and boat engines. • To work 5 days a week. Salary: $11 hourly
Cleaning outside the property with sweeper, pick up yard waste and collect leaves, dispose of trash, clean windows, door frames. Salary: $8 hourly
MECHANIC CONTACT: 331-3184
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position 22181
KYLY EWING
Cruise ship Port, Grand Turk Is seeking to employ a
HAIR BRAIDER
• Braiding clients’ hair near beach. • Must be willing to work 5 days a week. Salary: $6.50 hourly
CONTACT: 231-5459
LABOURER
CONTACT: 342-2511
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board A work permit holder currently holds this position
22198
VACANCIES Acting on behalf of
THE CHICKEN SHACK 576 Blue Hills
2 COOKS
-$8-10 hourly Prepare & Cook food. Contact: 649-347-2093
BLUE HILLS CONSTRUCTION
#11 Wilson Circle, Blue Hills
CONSTRUCTION HELPER
-$6.25-8 hourly Assist mason, carpenter, etc. Contact: 649-346-0002
WILLIAMS CONSTRUCTION
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position 22230
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position 22234
M&L RETAIL STORE
MARGELLA BENOIT MASCARY 21B Boodle Way, Blue Hills Is seeking a
#708 Banana Boat, Turtle Cove Is seeking to employ a
STORE ATTENDANT
BABYSITTER
DOMESTIC WORKER
CONTACT: 243-0282
Miracle Cl., Blue Hills
LABOURER
-$6.25 hourly Clean yards, lift heavy things, etc. Contact: 649-347-2093 Renewal Work Permit
BELONGERS ONLY APPLY
22203
The successful candidate should possess the following:
• a minimum of 5 years’ experience within the high-end villa industry as a Butler with suitable qualifications/training commensurate with being a V.I.P. Butler • an extensive knowledge of housekeeping standards, food and wines and an ability to cook, serve and attend to the needs of a large and active family • a B1/B2 US visa and have the ability to travel at short notice and to work overseas and on luxury yachts • a willingness to work extensive hours including weekends and holidays as may be required • a valid driver’s license • a willingness to live in on-site villa accommodation when guests are in residence and be on call 24/7 and to oversee personal and property security • an excellent command of English • a flexibility and willingness to multi-task and perform varied duties as may be required • a knowledge of food and wine pairings • Salary is $2,500 per month. Turks & Caicos Islanders and PRC Holders with the right to work will be given preference. Interested applicants may apply to Griffiths & Partners, 82 Cherokee Road, or by email to ar@griffithsandpartners.com, and also to the Labour Department. This is a new position. 22220
642 Bible Street, Blue Hills Is seeking a
Selling products and providing customer service. Greet customers and guide them in finding products they want to buy. Maintain the outlook of a store by cleaning and restocking shelves. Salary: $6.25 hourly
CONTACT: 2427796 OR 346-2674
Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position
22231
-$6.25 HOURLY Taking care of child, and doing housework.
DOMESTIC WORKER
-$6.25 HOURLY Sweeping the house, mopping the floor, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework.
CONTACT: 242-7796
Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board A work permit holder currently holds this position 22232
TROPICANA UPHOLSTERY
- $6.25 hourly Sweeping, mopping the floor, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, and other work necessary.
CARPENTER
- $6.25 hourly Follow blueprints and building plans. Install windows and molding. Measure, cut, or shape wood, plastic, and other materials
CONTACT: 649-244-7033
Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position 22233
August 15-21, 2020
37
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Science & Technology
Experimental nasal spray could prevent COVID-19, scientists say WHAT if you could fend off a coronavirus infection with a prophylactic nasal spray instead of a mask? Scientists at the University of California in San Francisco revealed this week they’ve invented a new molecule that should be able to short-circuit the virus before it gains entry
into the cells lining lungs and airways. Called “AeroNabs,” the synthetic molecule in aerosol form could be selfadministered once a day via a nasal spray or an inhaler, the UCSF researchers said. “Far more effective than wearable forms of personal
protective equipment, we think of AeroNabs as a molecular form of PPE that could serve as an important stopgap until vaccines provide a more permanent solution to COVID-19,” co-inventor Peter Walter, PhD, said in a statement on UCSF’s website. The UCSF team, led by
343 FRONT ROAD, NORTH SIDE BLUE HILLS
#13 MARY JANE LANE, BLUE HILLS Is seeking a
LYNN EWING CHASE
PROVO FRAMING
LABOURER • Cleaning and painting
DOMESTIC WORKER
FRAME MAKER
RAW DEAL/ GEORGE SOLON Is seeking to employ a
the boat. • Must be willing to work 5 days a week. Salary: $6.50 hourly
CONTACT: 344-9209
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position 22204
- $6.25 hourly Sweeping the house, mopping the floor, clean bathrooms, toilets, kitchen, living room, laundering sheets, towels and personal clothing and other housework.
MASON
- $10 hourly Mixes mortar; lays bricks and stones; makes and repairs steps and plasters
CONTACT: 346-7956
Belongers are encouraged to apply to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position
22222
CONSTRUCTION LTD
HOWARD GARDINER
Paradise Road #25, Cooper Jack Drive Providenciales 2311803
Unit#9 Storage Office Building Long Bay Road, 2314519
- Salary $6.25 per hour Clean apartment/ house yard, weed grass etc.
3 Construction Labourer - Starting Salary $6.50 - $9.00 per hour Clean construction sites, tools, equipment etc
LABOURER
J&W
3 LABOURER
BELONGERS MAY APPLY WITH LABOUR EMPLOYMENT SERVICES/LABOUR DEPARTMENT. Positions are held by work permit holders and new work permits 22221
26 Parrot Cut St., Cheshire Hall, Providenciales Is seeking to employ a
• Measuring, cutting, and assembling wooden parts to form a frame. • Must be willing to work 5 days a week. Salary: $6.25 hourly
CONTACT: 241-7968
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board 22221
VR SUPERMART
#6 MILLENNIUM HIGHWAY, BLUE HILLS Is seeking to employ a
CLEANER
• Stocking and supplying designated facility areas, dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, mopping, restroom cleaning etc. • Must be willing to work 5 days a week. Salary: $6.50 hourly
CONTACT: 346-0002
Belongers are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board. A work permit holder currently holds this position 22215
GARDENERS/ LABOURERS NEEDED Applicants must be able to work outdoors performing manual and physical labor. They must be able to operate a jackhammer, lawn mower and chainsaw. They will be asked to dig holes, mix and spread
topsoil/cow manure and plant. They must be able to speak and communicate in English. Starting salary is $ 6.50 / hr and may be required to work on weekends and holidays if needed.
Interested applicants including Islanders/Belongers can send applications to Services by email to yvonne@eagrouptci.com. EA located at #65 Beechwood Road, Grace Bay, Providenciales. Successful applicants will be notified by phone for interview. This position is currently held by work permit holders. 22229
graduate student Michael Schoof, said it’s already in active discussions with commercial partners to ramp up clinical testing and manufacturing of AeroNabs. The goal is to eventually sell AeroNabs as an inexpensive, over-the-counter medication to help prevent infection, the scientists said. The researchers published the experiments backing up their claims in a new paper made available on the preprint server bioRxiv. (NYDailynews)
Scientists at the University of California in San Francisco said that the synthetic aerosol can be administered once a day via a nasal spray or an inhaler.
ROUSTABOUT REMILLIEN
TCI PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS SERVICES QUALITY UPHOLSTERY
LABOURER
(Assist professional to repair sofa, chairs, & interior Design) Old Airport Rd #12 Provo $7 Hourly, Position Held by work Permit Holder 342-4655
MINISTRIES OF JESUS CHRIST INTERNATIONAL
MUSICIAN
(Plays music at the church & music lessons) $7 hourly, 347-3520 Blg #1 Bay Road, Blue Hills, Provo Position held by work permit holder
#10 YELLOW ELDER ROAD THE LOWER BIGHT, PROVIDENCIALES TCI TELEPHONE 242-4614
CECILY EWING
CLEANER
(dumping trash, keep yard clean) #2 Bay Rd, Blue Hills, Provo $6.75 hourly, 243-8342 Position held by work permit holder 22226
DOMESTIC WORKER
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD CHORES. 6.25 hour Renewal 22227
PUBLIC NOTICE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS APPLICATION (SECTION 4(3) OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDER STATUS ORDINANCE) Take notice that I, Nigel Dakin, Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands in exercise of the powers conferred in me by Section 6(4) of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance intend to grant a Certificate of Turks and Caicos Islander Status to Lindsay Lynette Wright-Morley by virtue of marriage to a Turks and Caicos Islander.
38
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Science & Technology
August 15-21, 2020
Low vitamin D levels may be linked to a higher chance of dying from the coronavirus THERE’S no evidence that vitamin D alone prevents or cures the coronavirus. But some research suggests that people who don’t have enough vitamin D may have a higher chance of suffering severe cases and even dying. An Italian study published Sunday in the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation found that after 10 days of hospitalisation, 50% of patients with severe vitamin D deficiencies died, compared with just 5% of patients who did not have severe deficiencies. Similarly, July research from the Philippines, which hasn’t yet been peer-reviewed, found a significant correlation between how high a COVID-19 patient’s vitamin D levels were and how likely they were to have a mild case of the illness. And a May preprint study — also still awaiting peer review — showed that people in countries with high rates of mortality from COVID-19 had lower vitamin D levels overall, compared with people in countries that weren’t as hard-hit. VITAMIN D STRENGTHENS PARTS OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM Vitamin D is both a hormone our bodies produce and a nutrient found in some foods; it helps the body absorb other critical nutrients, like calcium and phosphorus. Deficiencies can increase your risk of bone disorders like rickets and may even influence
Vitamin D is very important, because it strengthens parts of the immune system that fight viruses.
the likelihood of other diseases, like cancer and diabetes. Vitamin D strengthens parts of the immune system that fight viruses, like white blood cells, and can also help quell cytokine storms. That’s when the immune system overreacts, flooding the bloodstream with messenger proteins that lead the body to attack its own cells rather than just the virus. Many patients with severe COVID-19 cases experience cytokine storms, which can destroy lung tissue and cause fatal pneumonia. In June, three health organisations in the UK published reports detailing what we know (and still don’t) about the role vitamin D might play in coronavirus cases. They
advised people to ensure they’re getting adequate amounts of vitamin D through supplements and sun exposure, though they concluded more research was needed. The latest study offers more evidence that vitamin D may be a factor to pay attention to. As the Italian researchers saw more patients, they wrote, they noticed many people with severe COVID-19 cases were also vitamin D deficient. That prompted them to study a possible connection. They looked at data from 42 patients with COVID19-induced respiratory failure and found that 34 of them had low levels of vitamin D, while a smaller group had severe deficiencies.
Scientists think they found the coronavirus’ weak spot SCIENTISTS think they’ve identified a weak point in SARSCoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. And just like shooting torpedoes down the Death Star’s exhaust shaft, they think they can exploit this critical weakness to make new treatments. It all comes down to a tiny region right next to the virus’s spike proteins, which latch onto new host cells, according to research published last week in the journal ACS Nano. Explaining the weakness requires a little bit of a primer on biochemistry, so bear with us, but the Northwestern University scientists suggest targeting this weak point could render the virus inert. Here goes: It can be difficult to conceptualise, but the microscopic interactions among molecules, proteins, and cells interact really boil down to electrostatics. Opposite charges attract and like charges repel each other, just like on a magnet. Well,
The weak spot is a tiny region right next to the virus’s spike proteins, which latch onto new host cells
this tiny region on the coronavirus, located just 10 nanometers from the part of the spike protein that gloms onto a victim’s cells, has a positive charge. Because the receptors on our cells that the virus targets have a negative charge, the two are pulled together by this electrostatic force and create
a tight bond that ultimately allows the virus to infect the cell. This weak-spot region had been hiding in plain sight: 10 nanometers is impossibly small to humans but a fairly large clearing when it comes to electrostatic interactions, so other researchers may have assumed it was just too far away to matter.
Teens who smoked and vaped were also five times more likely to report coronavirus symptoms.
Vaping makes teens up to seven times more likely to catch COVID-19: study A NEW study links vaping to a “substantially increased risk” of COVID-19 in teens and young adults. The national sample of more than 4,000 participants conducted in May found that people who vaped were five to seven times more likely to become infected with the novel coronavirus, compared with those who did not vape. Among the subjects tested for COVID-19, those who had ever used e-cigarettes were five times more likely to test positive for the virus than the non-users. And those who had used both e-cigarettes and conventional tobacco cigarettes within the last month were 6.8 times more likely to be diagnosed with the disease. Teens who smoked and vaped were also five times more likely to report coronavirus symptoms, including coughing, fever, tiredness and difficulty breathing, compared with those who never smoked or vaped. And this same group was about two to nine times more likely to get tested for the virus than nonvapers and non-smokers, probably because they were more likely to exhibit symptoms. “Young people may believe their age protects them from contracting the virus or that they will not experience symptoms of COVID-19, but the data show this isn’t true among those who vape,” the study’s lead author, Dr. Shivani Mathur Gaiha, wrote in a statement. “This study tells us pretty clearly that youth who are using vapes or are dual-using [e-cigarettes and cigarettes] are at elevated risk, and
it’s not just a small increase in risk; it’s a big one.” Some limitations include the fact that the study relied on self-reports from online surveys, and it also didn’t offer a reason why vaping would make young people more susceptible to the virus that has infected at least 20 million and killed 743,599 and counting worldwide as of Wednesday morning. A recent University of San Francisco report did suggest that smoking, including e-cigarettes, doubled the risk of young adults (ages 18 to 25) getting severely ill from COVID-19, however. “A key finding is that the most prevalent factor conferring medical vulnerability to severe COVID-19 illness among young adults is smoking,” the authors wrote. And previous research has suggested a link between vaping and both lung and heart disease. The American Heart Association also recently recommended that people “not smoke or vape any substance, including cannabis products, because of the potential harm to the heart, lungs and blood vessels.” (Market Watch) Research has also warned that e-cigarettes actually encourage teens to try traditional cigarettes, even though the products are often marketed as an alternative to cigarettes and a means to quit smoking. In fact, the odds of ever smoking a cigarette were four times higher if the teenager used an e-cigarette as their first tobacco product, one study of 6,000 young people found. (Market Watch)
August 15-21, 2020
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Science & Technology
New dinosaur related to T. rex discovered on Isle of Wight
One of the oldest organic tools in the world. A bone hammer used to make the fine flint bifaces from Boxgrove. The bone shows scraping marks used to prepare the bone as well as pitting left behind from its use in making flint tools.
Europe’s earliest bone tools found in Britain ARCHAEOLOGISTS say they’ve identified the earliest known bone tools in the European archaeological record. The implements come from the renowned Boxgrove site in West Sussex, which was excavated in the 1980s and 90s. The bone tools came from a horse that humans butchered at the site for its meat. Flakes of stone in piles around the animal suggest at least eight individuals were making large flint knives for the job. Researchers also found evidence that other people were present nearby - perhaps younger or older members of a community - shedding light on the social structure of our ancient relatives. There’s nothing quite like Boxgrove elsewhere in Britain: during excavations, archaeologists uncovered hundreds of stone tools, along with animal bones, that dated to 500,000 years ago. They were made by the species Homo heidelbergensis, a possible ancestor for modern humans and Neanderthals. Researchers found a shin bone belonging to one of them - it’s the oldest human bone known from Britain. Project lead, Dr Matthew Pope, from UCL’s Institute of Archaeology, said: “This was an exceptionally rare opportunity to examine a site pretty much as it had been left behind by an extinct population, after they had gathered to totally process the carcass of a dead horse on the edge of a coastal marshland. “Incredibly, we’ve been able to get as close as we can to witnessing the minute-by-minute movement and behaviours of a single apparently tight-knit group of early humans: a community of people, young and old, working together in a co-operative
and highly social way.” The researchers were able to reconstruct the precise type of stone tool that had been made from the chippings left at the site. However, the humans must have taken the tools with them - as they had not been recovered. At the inter-tidal marshland, which was on what would have been Britain’s southern coastline, there was a nearby cliff that was starting to degrade, producing good rocks for knapping - the process of creating stone tools. Silt from the sea had also built up here, forming an area of grassland. “Grassland means herbivores and herbivores mean food,” explained Dr Pope. Dr Pope added that it was still unclear how the horse ended up in this landscape. “Horses are highly sociable animals and it’s reasonable to assume it was part of a herd, either attracted to the foreshore for fresh water, or for seaweed or salt licks. For whatever reason, this horse - isolated from the herd - ends up dying there,” Dr Pope told BBC News. “Possibly it was hunted - though we have no proof of that - and it’s sat right next to an intertidal creek. The tide was quite low so it’s possible for the humans to get around it. But shortly after, a high tide comes in and starts to cover the site in fine, powdery silt and clay. It’s so low energy that everything is left as it was when the hominins moved away from the site.” The horse provided more than just food. Analysis of the bones by Simon Parfitt, from the University College London (UCL) Institute of Archaeology, and Dr Silvia Bello, from London’s Natural History Museum, found that several bones had been used as tools called retouchers. (BBC)
A NEW species of dinosaur has been discovered on the Isle of Wight. Palaeontologists at the University of Southampton believe four bones found at Shanklin last year belong to a new species of theropod dinosaur. It lived in the Cretaceous period, 115 million years ago, and is estimated to have been up to 4m (13ft) long. It has been named Vectaerovenator inopinatus and belongs to the group of dinosaurs that includes Tyrannosaurus rex and modern-day birds. The name refers to the large air spaces found in some of the bones from the neck, back and tail of the creature - which is one of the traits that helped the scientists identify its theropod origins. These air sacs, also seen in modern birds, were extensions of the lung, and it is likely they “helped fuel an efficient breathing system while also making the skeleton lighter”, the University of Southampton said. The fossils were found in three separate discoveries in 2019 and handed in to the nearby Dinosaur Isle Museum at Sandown, where they are being displayed. Robin Ward, a regular fossil hunter from Stratford-upon-Avon, was visiting the Isle of Wight with his family when they made their discovery. “The joy of finding the bones we discovered was absolutely fantastic,” he said. James Lockyer, from Spalding, Lincolnshire, was also visiting the island when he found another of the bones.
A CGI image has been created of an impression of the final moments of the Vectaerovenator inopinatus.
“It looked different from marine reptile vertebrae I have come across in the past,” he said. “I was searching a spot at Shanklin and had been told, and read, that I wouldn’t find much there. “However, I always make sure I search the areas others do not, and on this occasion it paid off.” Paul Farrell, from Ryde, added: “I was walking along the beach, kicking stones and came across what looked like a bone from a dinosaur. “I was really shocked to find out it could be a new species.” ‘DELICATE SKELETON’ Chris Barker, who led the University of Southampton study, said: “We were struck by just how hollow this animal was - it’s riddled with air spaces. “Parts of its skeleton must have
been rather delicate. “The record of theropod dinosaurs from the ‘mid’ Cretaceous period in Europe isn’t that great, so it’s been really exciting to be able to increase our understanding of the diversity of dinosaur species from this time. “You don’t usually find dinosaurs in the deposits at Shanklin as they were laid down in a marine habitat. You’re much more likely to find fossil oysters or drift wood, so this is a rare find indeed.” It is likely that the Vectaerovenator lived in an area just north of where its remains were found, with the carcass having washed out into the shallow sea nearby. The university findings are due to be published in the journal Papers in Palaeontology and co-authored by those who discovered the fossils. (BBC)
Coronavirus: Asymptomatic cases ‘carry same amount of virus’ PEOPLE with symptomless Covid-19 can carry as much of the virus as those with symptoms, a South Korean study has suggested. South Korea was able to identify and isolate asymptomatic cases through mass testing as early as the start of March. There is mounting evidence these cases represent a considerable proportion of coronavirus infections. But the researchers weren’t able to say how much these people actually passed the virus on. People with a positive coronavirus test were monitored in a community treatment centre, allowing scientists to look at how much of the virus was detectable in their nose and throat swabs.
The study showed that the virus could be detected in asymptomatic people for a significant period.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Sports Interational
Fabio Jakobsen had been in a coma since a high-speed crash on 5 August. Fans got close to Rory McIlroy at Augusta National in 2019 but there will be none at the event in 2020.
The Masters will take place in November without fans at Augusta National THE Masters will be played without fans in attendance at Augusta National when it takes place from 12 November. The event - usually golf’s first major of the calendar year - was postponed in April because of coronavirus. Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, said a spectator-free event was “deeply disappointing”. “We determined that the potential risks of welcoming patrons and guests to our grounds in November are simply too significant to
overcome,” he said. “Augusta National has the responsibility, however, to understand and accept the challenges associated with this virus and take the necessary precautions to conduct all aspects of the tournament in a safe manner. “We look forward to the day when we can welcome all of our patrons back, hopefully in April 2021.” The US PGA Championship became the first major to be played in 2020 last weekend and was won by American Collin Morikawa behind closed doors.
The US Open is set to take place from 17 September but The Open Championship which was due to take place at Royal St George’s Golf Club in England in July - was cancelled for the first time since the Second World War. The Masters - won by Tiger Woods in 2019 - will therefore be the last of the three majors to be held in 2020. The event officially gets under way on 9 November, with play beginning three days later. (BBC)
Fabio Jakobsen returns home after Tour of Poland crash THE condition of Dutch rider Fabio Jakobsen is “evolving favourably” after a crash at the Tour of Poland and he was expected to return to his homeland on Wednesday. Jakobsen had been in a coma following the high-speed crash on 5 August. The 23-year-old has already had five hours of facial surgery in Poland. His Deceuninck-QuickStep team said: “Fabio Jakobsen’s condition is evolving favourably, to the extent that he will be transferred to hospital in Leiden.” The team added that “further
follow-up treatment will take place” after he is moved. In the days after the accident, Deceunick-QuickStep said Jakobsen would face a “long and arduous” recovery. Jakobsen’s compatriot Dylan Groenewegen, who caused the crash, was suspended by his JumboVisma team pending the outcome of a disciplinary by the UCI, cycling’s governing body. Groenewegen, 27, apologised for the crash and has since been visibly upset when discussing the incident in an interview. (BBC)
Thompson picks Bucks to win 2020 NBA Championships GOLDEN State Warriors All-Star shooting guard Klay Thompson believes the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers will meet in the 2020 NBA Finals. Thompson, a three-time NBA champion, is predicting the Bucks to beat the Clippers in seven hardfought games. The Bucks have the best record in the NBA for the second straight season. They got to the Eastern Conference Finals last season but lost to the Toronto Raptors in six games after taking a 2-0 series lead. The Clippers, meanwhile, are in second place in the Western Conference standings. The franchise is looking to win its first championship in franchise history. However, they’ll have to get through the Los Angeles Lakers in the West first, as LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Co. have the top record in the conference. Thompson will be searching to get back to the NBA Finals next
The player showed no symptoms and has been quarantined at his home.
Barcelona player tests positive for Covid-19 Klay Thompson predicts a LA Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks finals.
season after missing the entire 201920 campaign. The sharpshooter used this year to recover from his ACL injury. Thompson has been cleared to train without restrictions since June and is in the gym splashing shots left and right. While the Warriors did have the worst record in the NBA this
season, they should at least be playoff contenders next season with Klay Thompson back in the lineup alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins. Klay may have the Bucks winning it all this season, but that tune will change in 2020-21 when the Dubs are back at full strength. (Clutchpoints.com)
BARCELONA say an unnamed squad member has tested positive for Covid-19. He was one of nine reporting for pre-season training, showed no symptoms and has been quarantined at his home. Also on Wednesday fellow La Liga side Athletic Bilbao said six players had tested positive as they returned for pre-season training. Valencia confirmed two cases of Covid-19 this week, while Atletico
Madrid reported two positive tests before their Champions League quarterfinal. Barca say he their player has not been in contact with any senior players, who travel to Lisbon on Thursday to prepare for their Champions League quarter-final. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Champions League is concluding with a ‘final eight’ tournament in Lisbon, comprising single-leg games held behind closed doors.
August 15-21, 2020
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Sports Interational F1 delays deadline for teams in World Championship FORMULA 1 has delayed the first of two deadlines for teams to sign up to be part of the championship from 2021. Teams were in line to receive a bonus if they committed to F1 by 12 August, but that deadline has been moved back six days to allow time for more talks. F1 said: “We have received some final small legal comments that are being considered so the early signon deadline has been moved to 18 August.” The final deadline for teams to commit remains the end of the month. Ferrari, McLaren and Williams said at the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix last weekend that they were ready to commit to the next contractual period from 2021-25 on the terms currently on offer.
However, Mercedes have made it clear there are still some outstanding issues it wants to resolve before it will sign up. F1 has restructured the sport so that there will be a more equitable split in prize money between the teams. That will reduce the huge disparity between the big teams and less successful ones - created by former chief executive Bernie Ecclestone in the current contracts, which were negotiated in 2011. Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff said last Friday that the company had “legal, commercial and sporting issues” with the new contracts. He added that he had not seen any willingness to compromise from F1. F1 responded by saying it had “engaged with all the teams in a collaborative and constructive way” and that the agreement would “not be
delayed any further”. On Sunday, Wolff said: “What F1 wants to achieve is that it’s not being dragged out any further. “They have set the deadline and made it clear that we have to get on and sign the Concorde Agreement. I don’t think that if anyone fails to meet the 12th or large corporations need more time, this is going to be an issue. “This is a partnership; they need the teams and we need a strong commercial rights holder. “I know why they put a line in the sand to get everyone acting, and they have been pretty successful with that. “I would not pin it down to a day or two or a few weeks. It is a matter of getting the assurances and the buyin and commitment from the teams to move on and settle it quickly.” Mercedes is committed to F1 and
Ferrari are the only team to have remained in F1 throughout since the launch of the championship in 1950.
wishes to stay involved but Wolff’s comments betray an unhappiness with the terms on offer. Under the new agreement, the massive bonuses paid to the big teams have been removed. These saw Ferrari last year earn about an additional $110m (about £84m), Mercedes and Red Bull more than $70m (£53.7m), McLaren about $30m (£23m) and Williams $10m
(£7.7m). The new system will see Ferrari earn $40m (£30.7m) for its longterm commitment to the sport as the only team that has been in the championship since its inception in 1950. The engine manufacturers will each receive payments of $10m (£7.7m) a year in recognition of their support for the sport. (BBC)
Late goals lead PSG into Champions League semis PARIS St-Germain scored two late goals in a sensational comeback against Atalanta to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 25 years. A night of frustration for PSG forward Neymar looked set to ensure more continental disappointment for the French champions as unfancied Atalanta led through Mario Pasalic. But the Brazil forward then laid on a 90th-minute equaliser for Marquinhos and substitute Kylian Mbappe teed up former Stoke striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to slide in the winner. On the 50th anniversary of the club’s founding, it looked like being a familiar tale of failure for PSG on European club football’s biggest stage. Neymar, the world’s most expensive player, was all too often the only bright spark for Thomas Tuchel’s side, but was also guilty of two glaring misses. But the introduction of Mbappe the world’s second-most expensive player - proved crucial as his pace and quality finally undid the stubborn Atalanta rearguard to provide an astonishing finale to the first onelegged quarter-final in the re-shaped competition. PSG will now face either RB Leipzig or Atletico Madrid in the first semi-final next Tuesday night. THE £200M MAN DELIVERS PSG have made a habit of finding improbable ways to lose in the Champions League since their emergence as a global force off the
moment he stepped onto the pitch - glided past their defence again to lay on a tap-in for Choupo-Moting, a free transfer from the Potteries two years ago. It was only a third win in 11 quarter-final matches in the European Cup for the French side. Could they now go all the way and claim the prize they covet most?
PSG will now face either RB Leipzig or Atletico Madrid in the first semi-final next Tuesday night.
pitch - with Barcelona’s comeback from 4-0 down three years ago perhaps the most notable. And Tuchel could well have joined Unai Emery, Carlo Ancelotti and Laurent Blanc in paying for that failure with his job with another letdown in Lisbon. Champions League debutants Atalanta undoubtedly kicked-off as underdogs but have been superb all season, scoring 98 goals in Serie A and playing attractive, fluid, attacking football. Neymar had already missed one
glorious chance - running clean through on goal but shooting wide - when Pasalic capped a typically stylish Atalanta attack with a brilliant left-footed curler to give the Italian side the lead. Neymar - whose salary was reported this week to be equal to that of the whole Atalanta squad - blazed wide again when well placed. But to his credit the former Barcelona man, brought to Paris largely to deliver in this competition, continued to work hard for his side, driving them forward all night.
His 16 completed dribbles were the most in a Champions League game since Lionel Messi for Barcelona against Manchester United in April 2008. He was always likely to produce PSG’s decisive moment if one arrived, and Marquinhos got on the end of his dangerous ball across goal to poke in the equaliser just as a tired Atalanta looked poised to record a huge shock. Their heads understandably went down as extra-time loomed but the fit-again Mbappe - majestic from the
‘IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO ELIMINATE US’ Neymar: “I never thought of going home. From the warm-up to the end, we believed in it. We never gave up. No-one will take this desire to go to the final away from me. “We are a great group, we are a family, so we know that with this state of mind, it is impossible to eliminate us.” Thomas Tuchel: “I thought about elimination, after 88 minutes at 1-0, I am realistic. But I didn’t have the feeling that we weren’t going to score. “I told my assistants that if we scored a goal we would win. After this match, these efforts are absolutely deserved.” Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini: “We came very close, it was very close. It looked as if we could do it, pull off a great achievement. “Mbappe coming into the game, combined with the presence of Neymar, changed things for PSG. He gave an energy to PSG, who were losing the match - it was fundamental because of what he brought to the game.” (Late goals)
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August 15-21, 2020
TCI senior men’s football team excited about WC Qualifiers
WITH the advent of the Concacaf Nations League, teams from around the Caribbean have experienced improvement at many levels and one of those nations, Turks and Caicos Islands, is eager to return to the field with the start of Concacaf World Cup Qualifying for Qatar 2022. “We can’t wait. We are really excited to start playing again and being together; traveling again and just being back on that platform means so much. We honestly can’t wait,’ said Turks and Caicos Islands DF Jepthe Francois in an exclusive interview with Concacaf.com. “It’s really special to play a World Cup Qualifier because there are not too many people that get to have that opportunity to represent their country in a World Cup Qualifier. I’m grateful and privileged to be able to do that. It’s really important to me and it means a lot,” added Francois. EXPOSURE In their history, Turks and Caicos Islands have been involved in five different Concacaf WCQ cycles, all ending with a first round elimination after a home and away leg. But Concacaf’s new single game round-robin format for the first round of WCQ for Qatar 2022 will offer a chance to give Francois and his teammates a crack at some of the bigger teams in the region. “It’s really motivating to think that you have that broad exposure. We’re from a small island, we’re really not on the map, not really
Concacaf’s new single game round-robin format for the first round of WCQ for Qatar 2022 will offer the national team a chance at playing some of the bigger teams in the region.
known globally for soccer and stuff, so being able to play on that platform against quality teams is really good,” said Francois. POSITIVE ENERGY If there is one certainty when it comes to the National Team though, it is a strong bond felt between all the members of the squad. “The atmosphere is great, there is a lot of positive energy. There is a lot of motivation. The guys lift each other. We really help each other when one of us is slowing down or lagging or lacking in some areas and try to lift each other up. It’s great to have that energy again, playing the sport that we love together, representing the country that we love. It’s really nice and a great feeling,” said Francois. That brotherhood was on full
display in November 2018 during week 3 of Concacaf Nations League Qualifying. After suffering two defeats to open CNLQ against Cuba and Guyana, Turks and Caicos Islands looked set to cruise to three points with a 2-0 lead over Saint Vincent and the Grenadines heading into the final 10 minutes. Yet Vincy Heat turned the tables and scored two late goals to pull level, 2-2. But with just minutes to spare, Turks and Caicos Islands struck back with Francois tallying the winning goal in the 89’ for a momentum-shifting 3-2 triumph. “Obviously in that game I remember my winning goal, but in that game, we went into it with the motivation of saying, ‘Hey, enough is enough. It’s time for us to put on some grown-man pants and give it our all and play hard, play for each
other.’ At the end of the game we got tired legs and that’s what caused us to concede the two goals. But we dug deep and in the final moment I got lucky enough to score a last-minute goal and we got the three points,” said Francois. AMAZING FEELING It almost didn’t happen for Francois and Turks and Caicos Islands, as Francois’ initial attempt was a header off the post. However, FW Billy Forbes pounced on the rebound and fed a cross to Francois, who swept the shot into net. For the 21-year-old, it was his first goal with the National Team and a moment he’ll never forget. “It was an amazing feeling. I could feel all the energy from the crowd. It was so overwhelming. When I first made the header and it hit the post
Caicos United Premier League assists local community with food drive THE Caicos United Premier League took part in a successful food drive last Saturday in Kew Town. The football group assisted some 300 persons with hot meals and dry goods. Secretary of the league, Clara Lightbourne, told the Weekly News that the idea was to give back. “We understand that this pandemic is no joke, people are suffering during this time.” Lightbourne noted that more help is needed.
“I asked those who are able to help, please reach out to the local community because they need our help and those who have been helping to continue, God will reward us for the good deeds, this movement brought joy to our hearts.” The Haitian league promises to continue assisting the community. President of the league John Peter Relis and Vice President Livinie Ellis were also a part of the distribution. Meanwhile, Adophe Jacques from the Haitian Consulate assisted the initiative.
Some 300 persons benefitted from the food drive.
and it came off, I said, ‘Oh my God,’ but when I got the cross and tapped it in, everything was just amazing. I loved the energy. It was just perfect,” said Francois. It was fitting that Forbes kept the play alive for Francois’ matchwinner. As the all-time leading scorer in Turks and Caicos Islands National Team history, Forbes is respected for the leadership he brings to Francois and the other younger players. “Billy is really competitive. He has motivated us to push ourselves and go to the next level. He pushes us and keeps us going even if we want to give up. He is really important for us,” said Francois. Turks and Caicos Islands completed CNLQ with four points and continued that momentum into League C of the 2019-20 CNL, finishing Group D with a 2W-0D-2L record. The ability to have regular competition through the CNL is a notion warmly welcomed by Francois and he hopes it stays intact for years to come. “I think the Nations League was a great idea. It gives us a lot of exposure and it shows that the Caribbean has lots of talent and young athletes that are ready to go to the next level. I think it’s a great initiative and that helps young athletes like myself give us exposure to the world, so that we can make a career and living out of the sport and have a greater future. I think it’s a great initiative and I hope it continues for a long time,” concluded Francois. (CONCACAF)
August 15-21, 2020
Sports National
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
The young athletes learnt how to protect themselves against Covid-19. (Gertrude Saunders-Forbes photos)
The Provo youngsters were able to sharpen their skills on the track.
Young Provo athletes told to practice safety protocols – Sharpen skills at TCAAA and Sports Commission Summer Camp YOUNG athletes in Providenciales were told to lead from the front when it came to their overall protection as the Turks and Caicos Islands continue to fight the Covid-19 respiratory virus. The youngsters took part in the Provo-leg of the TCI Sports Commission and Turks and Caicos Amateur Athletics Association
(TCAAA) organised Summer Camp. The five-day athletic camp, which started last Tuesday, attracted 49 participants. Along with learning how to protect themselves against the disease, the athletes used the camp, which was held at the National Stadium, to learn new or sharpen existing skills in various techniques, including jumps,
sprints, middle distance running and throws. Director of Health Promotion and Advocacy Mrs. Aldora Robinson implored the youngsters to take the pandemic seriously. She told them to practice the necessary safety protocols to protect themselves and their families. “Our numbers are rising and it’s
not because people are coming into our country, but it’s because we ourselves are not doing what we are supposed to do.” The Director told the gathering, which included both primary and high school students that following the prescribed rules in dealing with the virus save lives. She warned them about dropping
their masks under their noses, about sharing too much with their colleagues and about the importance of staying indoors. “It is very important that you do not socialise as you normally do.” The camp was one of many organised by the sporting bodies, and as on the other islands, Covid-19 protocols were in place.
Fenelus lifts football club to top spot in Taiwan Football Premier League – Beats former club in process SINCE returning from injuries, Marco Fenelus has been the talisman for his Tainan Football Club in the Taiwan Football Premier League in the East Asia nation. The TCI national footballer has also scored in his last three games, which has helped pushed his new club from fourth to first in the rankings. The 6-0 run by Tainan to finish round two tied for first place was iced last weekend with a victory against Fenelus’s former
club, Tatung FC. The defending champions are currently fifth in the eight-team ranking. “It was a very intense game. Obviously, it was nice to see some of my old teammates again. It wasn’t easy to face them after spending four years and having won three league titles together, but I’m glad that we got the win and are able to keep our winning streak alive.” The win was no easy task, Tatung had rallied to a 2-0 early lead, but Fenelus took control in the 41st
Marco Fenelus has scored in his last three games.
minute. He collected the ball from centre field and danced his way into the box before he was taken down, he was successful with his spot kick
and his teammates became inspired as they answered with two additional goals for a 3-2 finish. With the win, Tainan FC now sits
on top with two other teams on 30 points each from 14 games. The third and final round is scheduled to start in September.
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August 15-21, 2020