Turks & Caicos Weekly News

Weekly News Volume 26 | No. 10 | March 10 - 16, 2012

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Simons calls for Greene to RESIGN

– States his intention to contend for leadership 5 – Greene says Simons is disingenuous PAGE 

QUEEN’s Council (QC) Carlos W Simons this week lashed out at Progressive National Party (PNP) Leader Clayton Greene, calling his behaviour “outrageous”. inside

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Centre pages

Prosecuting Fearon not in the public interest – AG Clement Howell High School Principal Lloyd Fearon will not be prosecuted following a decision from the ...

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Severance scheme was over subscribed, Boyle

The Voluntary Severance scheme was oversubscribed, according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Patrick Boyle...

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TCI teens in London

The essay winners outside Downing Street in the UK.

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March 10 - 16, 2012

March 10 - 16, 2012

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NATIONAL

Guest Editorial Reproduced with the kind permission of the TCI Journal

Of mice and men

T

he “Moral Authority” under which the Governor was installed as the top executive in these islands was the need that emerged to correct the rampant corruption and illegality present during the period 2003-2009.

The corruption involved ex-pat attorneys, local politicians, “effectively stateless” billionaires, and negligent and narcoleptic if not corrupt Foreign and Commonwealth Office employees (such as the previous attorney general).

The corruption was not limited to one race, or one nationality. It was a societal disease that threatened the very fabric of life in the TCI. It was primarily a disease caused by the abuse of power. Monetary power, political power, and/or administrative power.

It is thus why when Governor Ric Todd appears to sanction or permit the abuse of power in his administration, he undermines the very heart of the moral authority that underlies his position and the very reason he is the chief executive today.

One must realize that it was almost a mortal blow to this interim administration, morally, when it entered into a secret deal with the Shore Club developers.

The interim administration’s actions of preventing natural checks and balances from operating within the TCI has led to additional erosion of its moral authority.

Preventing the Consultative Forum from looking into the events surrounding the failing of the TCI Bank, and more recently by preventing it from looking at alleged unethical and illegal activity by the executives and board of the TCI Airport Authority has lead to a further erosion of the interim administration’s moral authority.

Internally saying that an improper stevedoring contract was costing the TCI public $4 million a year and yet not acting on this assessment for three years is another sanctioning of corruption by negligence, and this too has led to a further sense of erosion in the interim government’s moral authority.

Refusing to speak truthfully and acknowledge that a spade is a spade when it comes to the corrupt hospitals and Interhealth contract has further eroded the moral authority of the interim government.

No-one is rationalizing away the mind boggling corruption of Michael Misick and his band of merry men (and women), of the various expat and local attorneys, of the arrogant billionaires or of the “plain dumb” administrators; but we, apparently naively, expected a certain morality to be present with this current administration.

Robert Burns’ once stated in his famous poem, “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men / Gang aft agley.”

It is not too late for the Interim Government, Colin Roberts and Governor Ric Todd to see the error of their ways, keep the Attorney General in check, and ask the Consultative Forum to help assist it in the repair of the moral authority of this government.

Morality is a word that has often been high-jacked by religious zealots to refer only to sexual or religious behaviour.

Most people realize however, intuitively if not consciously, that in deeper terms morality is a term describing the very essence of all human interactions and is a fundamental organizing principle at the very heart of any and all civil societies.

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 Faizool Deo – Sports Samantha Dash-Rigby – Court Cord Garrido-Lowe – Graphics/Production Editor Dilletha Lightbourne-Williams – Office Manager Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@yahoo.com, (Talk Back) tcweeklynews@gmail.com Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours) Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com

Principal Lloyd Fearon, centre, with his wife, right, and lawyer Mark Fulford, left

Prosecuting Fearon not in the public interest – AG – Victim’s father to file civil suit against Fearon and government

By Vanessa Narine Clement Howell High School Principal Lloyd Fearon will not be prosecuted following a decision from the Attorney General’s Chambers that it is not in the public interest to institute criminal proceedings against him.

RATIONALE According to a statement from the AG’s Chambers, it is the opinion of the Attorney General, in the exercise of powers under section 39 of the Constitution, that the course of action decided on is the best.

“This decision has been reached following a full investigation of the facts and circumstances; including the background of a highly volatile and disruptive gathering of students, the lack of intent to cause injury on the part of Mr. Fearon, and the requirement on him to maintain order and discipline in a hostile environment,” the statement said.

Explaining the rationale behind this decision, the statement went on to point out that: • The Clement Howell High School has a student population of over a thousand students. There are at least six security personnel employed at the school to keep order and to carry out searches of students, as required.

• On February 8, 2012, a violent fight broke out attracting over a hundred students to observe, many of whom formed a barrier to stop the guards from stopping the violence.

• Eventually the two students involved in the fight were brought to the Principal’s office. The students outside remained unruly.

• Mr. Fearon requested that all students return to classes. This instruction was not complied with. As a last resort, he began swinging the cane to move the students to their classrooms. The student, subject of the complaint, was hit in the leg once with the cane causing a welt.

• Witnesses described the student subsequently following behind Mr. Fearon and challenging him in what was described as a threatening and derogatory manner. The student did not comply with repeated requests to return to class, and was struck with the cane for a second time before returning to class.

• Upon going home at the end of the school day, the student’s father reported the matter to the police. A report was taken and the student was brought to hospital for consultation. Two bruises were recorded and no medical treatment was administered at the hospital.

At a press conference on Thursday, Fearon defended his record at the school, pointing out that the school has made significant progress in the past few years.

He said, “I believe that through the combined efforts of myself, the teachers, the students and the parents, we have made significant progress at the School. I am proud of this achievement. There is of course much more work still to be done.”

According to him, he has served as Principal since 2005, as well as served as a teacher for 24 years, with a total of 11 years in the position of Principal.

“I am deeply committed to my students and improving the standards of education wherever I teach,” he said.

EXCESSIVE When asked whether his approach to discipline was something that he needed to reconsider, Fearon stated that in any organization people will disagree.

However, he stressed disagreement does not mean it is wrong; disagreement on his approach to disciple, according to him, does not make his make his approach abuse.

The fact that there are many people who disagree with his approach to discipline was pointed out to Fearon.

The Principal responded by saying he will give “serious consideration” to how he goes forward administering discipline.

He said, “I believe that all children should have access to a good education in an orderly environment where they can reach their true potential. I have always strived to achieve this goal.”

The Principal added that this incident has adversely affected his staff, since many of his teachers are hesitant to administer discipline; however, he maintains that this is just a “bump” in the road.

Fearon also referred to the inconvenience this matter has caused him, saying, “This is a huge relief to me and my family who have been under immense stress and pressure over the last four weeks.”

The Principal declined to articulate what his position on corporal punishment was.

His lawyer, Mark Fulford, limited questions fielded to one per media house.

UNJUST Justin ‘Quick’ Williams, father of the 15-year-old boy from Clement Howell High School who was flogged by the Principal Lloyd Fearon, when contacted, told the Weekly News that this is not the end of the matter.

“Something needs to be done,” he said.

According to him, his lawyers are in the process of filing a civil lawsuit against Fearon and the government.

He declined to comment further, adding that he is expecting the Ministry of Education to take some form of disciplinary action considering.

“Fearon went overboard and I think at the level of the Ministry something should be done…whether or not they do, though, I will still be pushing forward with the lawsuit,” Williams said.

The Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Association (CAPAA), adding their voice, have also spoken out against the incident.

March 10 - 16, 2012

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NATIONAL

Simons calls for Greene to step down as PNP leader – States his intention to contend for leadership – Greene says Simons is disingenuous

By Vanessa Narine QUEEN’s Council (QC) Carlos W Simons this week lashed out at Progressive National Party (PNP) Leader Clayton Greene, calling his behaviour “outrageous”.

Simons, in a letter, has called for the PNP Leader to resign as the party’s head and made clear his intention to contend for the PNP leadership again.

He put in his bid last year for the leadership post, but was unsuccessful.

“Calling a spade a spade, the leader’s behaviour is outrageous… just as the charge against him has been made publicly, he must now publicly offer his resignation and leave it to the party to decide whether or not to ask him to stay on until a new leader can be elected in an orderly way.

“The matter might be different had there been a deputy leader, but thanks to the leader, and contrary to the constitution of our party, there is no deputy,” Simons said.

The QC pointed out that it has been one month now since Greene has been charged with a serious criminal offence.

Simons said: “He protests his innocence. He promised after he was first arrested and released on police bail that he would ‘consider’ the issue of resignation - if he was charged.

“He protested his innocence then as he does now and what

consideration of resignation there might have been is anyone’s guess.”

According to Simons, Greene has not procured a meeting of either of the two governing bodies of the party (the NEC and the NGC) to report on his position; and there has been no indication that he intends voluntarily to step down.

SHOCKED However, the PNP leader, in response to Simons’ call, expressed shock at the QC’s attack.

“Carlos’ position to me, privately of course, was that the interest of the party would be best served by me staying on until a successor could be elected in an orderly manner,” Greene said.

He added that if Simons genuinely reconsidered or if he genuinely had any concern for the country or the PNP, he should have indicated such.

“Simply put he speaks out of two sides of his mouth depending on who the listener is… clearly he is being dictated to or is prepared to sacrifice the party for his own selfish interest… his time could be better spent helping to expose the atrocities that are being meted out to the people of this country at the hands of the British on a daily basis,” Greene said.

The PNP leader added that whenever the British want to divide and rule they will find someone.

“Unfortunately it is usually someone that is weak with an exceedingly low self-esteem and that can only measure their self-worth by the yard stick of the British and build

QC Carlos W Simons

Royal S Robinson

PNP Leader Clayton Greene

themselves up by beating others down,” he said.

Greene made it clear that he is never going to be one of those people.

“I shall continue to champion the cause of the people of this country without fear of favour. “ I have said before and I say again – what our country needs right now are people of courage, people with backbone, people that refuse to be anybody’s puppet or pawn, people that are driven by a love of country above self,” the PNP leader posited.

Greene added that he has no desire to get into a personal fight with Carlos, adding that it is not in the interest of the party.

well aware of the party’s constitution, which provides that the only way that the leader can be displaced is through a duly constituted NGC meeting held specifically for that purpose.

“If you really felt so aggrieved, all you had to do was to collect the appropriate number of signatures of members of the NGC and ask the Chairman to convene such a meeting with that issue on the agenda,” Robinson said.

He pointed out that Simons’ agenda was laid public, but neither the party leader, the chairman of the party nor any senior party functionary received his letter.

“That gave rise to my coming to the conclusion that your letter was one of total mischief making and intended to ingratiate yourself with this unlawful and unholy interim administration.

“Given what took place in the forum today, your letter has not stood you in good stead with the membership of the party, but will serve to further alienate you from the rank and file and therefore make any chance of a successful bid for the leadership of the party totally impossible,” Robinson said.

The party member lashed out at Simons, calling his actions “the most self-serving act” that he has seen from a person of stature and ability.

Robinson said: “Your actions today only display your true

egotistical and selfish nature to the members of the great PNP party and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“I must make it abundantly clear, that in my opinion, you have lost every ounce of respect that you may once have had within the rank and file of the party, and in no uncertain terms, that I am disappointed and feel betrayed by your actions.

“You say in your letter that you are committed to the party but your actions belie that commitment which now rings hollow.

“The really choice words that I would like to express to you, protocol dictates that I refrain from committing them ‘to paper’.

“But you have known me for some considerable time now and know exactly to what I am alluding.”

He added that neither the British, nor that small faction of the party that call Simons ‘Prince’ can elect him leader or make him electable.

“You seem to have buried your head in the sand like the ostrich, and like that bird, the posterior part of your anatomy is completely exposed!...your stocks in the party have completely dwindled by your actions and there is nothing that you can now do as far as damage control is concerned to revive some semblance of your becoming a viable candidate; so don’t try your usual pandering,” Robinson said.

REPREHENSIBLE PNP member Royal S Robinson also added his scathing criticisms of Simons’ call, noting that the move was reprehensible.

“Nothing is wrong with your taking this stance…what is reprehensible from my stand point is the manner in which you made such a public pronouncement,” Robinson wrote.

He made it clear that Simons is

Governor reaffirms elections likely this year – Has not committed to PDM’s August 1st deadline Governor Ric Todd reaffirmed that elections are likely this year.

And the Governor’s Spokesman Neil Smith said that the UK ministers will have to make an announcement at least by the end of June this year, to facilitate preparations for the hosting of national elections.

The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) last week called for elections to be held on August 1st this year.

However, on Wednesday the Governor declined to commit to the PDM’s August 1st, other than to say that elections will be held before the end of the year.

Todd told the media that Interim Administration is working towards having elections held this year.

He stressed that the government is working assiduously to meet the milestones, adding that significant progress has been made to reach the eight targets.

“We are making much progress in meeting the milestones and in some cases we have almost met them,” Todd said.

PDM’s Leader Derek Taylor said the date proposed was a realistic one and stated that the TCI people have had enough.

He maintains that it is past

time that the will of the people be expressed.

Taylor contends that the milestones, whose completion the Governor maintains is the benchmark for a return to elected power, is at the discretion of the United Kingdom’s ministers, while the will of the people is not heeded.

He made it clear that the PDM has a record of accomplishment to stand by and noted that what the TCI needs is a clear path for the development of the people, development that happens in an environment that reflects honestly, accountability and transparency.

CORRECTION Andrew Ashcroft did not resign from BCB In our March 3 – 9 edition, on page 5, under the heading: “Andrew Ashcroft resigns from BCB” we reported that Michael Aschroft had resigned his post as managing director of British Caribbean Bank.

Since that publication, Ashcroft’s lawyers have pointed out to us that our report was inaccurate.

In a letter to this newspaper dated March 5, 2012, his attorneys wrote: “As your article suggests, Mr Ashcroft had indicated last year his intention to resign from a different entity, BCB Holdings. That was announced some time ago and has come to pass.

However, Mr Ashcroft remains and continues to be the Managing Director of and also a director of the Bank.”

The Weekly News regrets the error and apologizes for any inconvenience that the article may have caused.

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

Is religious education essential?

In the European-funded White Paper, which proposes new and amended pieces of legislation for the TCI, the question is raised about the importance of Bible knowledge in public schools.

The paper makes a thinly-veiled suggestion that religious education, which includes prayers, be removed from the curriculum.

Should we remove religious knowledge and prayers from our schools?

Unwise decision Sure! After all, they removed it at Columbine, until the shooting.

We should take cultural lessons where they are being taught by example rather than having to learn them by experience.

If Christianity is a hallmark of our culture, it should remain so.

If anything introduce religious education so other religions may be comparatively studied, but when persons choose to become members of our culture they should be willing to tolerate if not accept the various facets of our culture.

This includes the often demonised and

VERY misunderstood (mostly by its own proponents) Christianity and tenants thereof; namely prayer.

What is the harm?

The vast majority of our people are Godfearing people.

We teach our children about God as soon as they understand they are alive.

We teach them to say their prayers before they go to sleep.

We carry them and send them to Sunday school.

In many places in the world the ten commandments are on courtroom walls because God has set the rules for man to live by.

What harm can school prayer cause?

Ask yourself what harm will be done if it is ended!

If you check it to see who is guilty of crime it was those who did not receive religious instruction on their mother’s and father’s knee and ignored school prayer or in many cases ignored school altogether.

Once they get to prison they find God so let us not withdraw God from our schools.

In countries that have gone this route the results were not good.

As a Godly nation we have prospered let’s not change what works.

They say there are no atheists in fox holes with shells and bombs bursting around them.

That tells you something about the human soul and its dependence on the Almighty.

Stand firm I do not think it is wrong to stand firm on what we believe.

Unfortunately, since we signed on to the UN convention on the Human Rights, it forces us into this situation.

However, I, as do countless other TC Islanders, consider this country to be a God fearing Christian nation, and as such we cannot compromise with the world.

This is our country; we do not have to conform to the large multinational countries.

We have a right to protect our culture, beliefs and way of life.

Catholic schools teach Catholicism, Seventh Day Adventist teaches their beliefs.

Around the world Chinese learn about Buda, Indians about Muslim or Hindu beliefs.

I think it is amazing that hundreds of years ago they introduced Christianity to us with the belief that we were uncivilised otherwise; knowing that to be Christian you can serve no other God because Jesus Christ is the way.

To ask us to denounce that and take on the worlds view is a travesty.

The Government needs to realise that God is above them. He is the ultimate law above all.

No way

No, we should not.

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VAT will definitely happen, Governor Todd – To be effective April 1st next year

By Vanessa Narine

The damaged building

Thieves target ATM machine

DETECTIVES have recovered the vehicle they believe was used in the attempted theft of an ATM in Grace Bay. Three masked men entered the car park of the IGA Gourmet at 2.40am on Wednesday in a white van, which they used to smash a large window in the foyer.

They then removed tables and chairs from a seating area outside the building before reversing the vehicle at speed into a large window on the side of the entrance area.

The culprits, who were all dressed in black, then tried to drag the International Bank ATM out of the supermarket with a metal chain tied to the bumper.

They were unsuccessful in their bid and escaped empty-handed,

however the registration plate from the vehicle was left at the scene.

The culprits made off in the vehicle before police arrived.

Investigations revealed the van, a white Chevy, belonged to the Seven Stars Resort and was stolen from the complex shortly before the attempted theft.

Police officers on patrol later discovered a white Chevy van with smashed rear windshields and a chain tied to the bumper, abandoned in the Long Bay area.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 911 or Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477. Tips can also be left in English, French or Spanish at www.crimestoppers. tc or by becoming a friend of Crimestoppers TCI on Facebook.

Governor Ric Todd, at a press briefing on Wednesday, made it clear that the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) will definitely happen, giving April 1st , 2013 as the date from which the new tax will be effective.

“The legislation to introduce VAT will be passed this year,” he said.

The talk of more taxes has not found favour with the local people, expressly given the current local economic conditions.

However, the Governor maintains that the introduction of VAT will simplify the tax system, as it is a replacement tax – once implemented VAT is expected take the place of several other taxes.

Todd said the taxes that will possibly be replaced are those on imports.

According to him, contrary to the belief that VAT will cause prices for commodities to spike, he noted that some products may actually be priced at a reduced cost.

Governor Ric Todd

The Governor acknowledged that there is much work to be done in the area of public education and noted that a group of individuals are working assiduously on the logistics of getting VAT in place.

“We have done much work within the government,” he said.

The Governor pointed out that VAT has worked in many countries successfully throughout the Caribbean and expressed his optimism that the new system will

bode well for the economic stability of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

He added that the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) has been in touch with regional experts, whose opinions are positive on the introduction of VAT. When asked what stage the implementation of the VAT system is at, Todd stated that there is still much work to be done, for example with deciding the rate of VAT and what exemptions would be allowed in the system, among other logistics.

The Governor admitted that there are concerns raised over the implementation of the new tax system, particularly by small businesses, but pointed out that VAT will not adversely affect many of the small businesses.

He added that the Interim Administration and other stakeholders will continue to be in talks over the implementation of the new tax.

Todd added that the Advisory Council is backing the TCIG on this initiative.

The Governor maintained that VAT’s implementation is in the interest of developing the economy.

March 10 - 16, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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NATIONAL

Severance scheme was Latest legislations on the over subscribed, Boyle table central to TCI’s advance

– $2.7M paid out as 72 salaried staff first to go – Civil service could be reduced by 18 per cent

By Vanessa Narine The Voluntary Severance scheme was oversubscribed, according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Patrick Boyle, who added that the amount of money allocated for the scheme may have to be increased.

The budget for the administering scheme, including payments to applicants, is $6.8M and a total of 700 expressions of interest were received.

At a press briefing on Monday, Boyle said, the applications came in from across the board, but at the end of the day, the decisions made were based on both the need to reduce the numbers in the civil service ranks and maintain a standard in service delivery.

According to him, the restructuring of the civil service has to keep in focus the need to maintain capacity to ensure proper delivery of services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).

The Turks and Caicos Island Government (TCIG) has paid out some $2.7M so far to civil servants who have opted to take the severance package, with payments ranging from $13,000 to $94, 000.

Seventy-two salaried staff left in February and approximately 150 applications are being processed for March.

Boyle stated that by the end the financial year the numbers in the civil services are expected to drop to between 1,800 and 1,900 from 2,300; this would mean a maximum 18 per cent reduction of the initial

– $3M EU grant to be accessed once laws are past

By Vanessa Narine

Patrick Boyle

civil service numbers.

To date some 20 individuals who opted for severance had their applications rejected and Boyle explained there is a need to ensure that certain skills are retained for a proper continuum in the delivery of services.

He stated that persons possessing specialist skills, those in the environment, planning department, state management and health are some of the people who are being kept on the TCIG payroll.

Boyle noted that people have the option of receiving their monies in a lump sum or in installments, but so far, no one has chosen the latter.

TCIG’s CEO added that going forward, affordability is an issue to be considered, but noted that progress is being made in the overall restructuring.

The campaign to reduce the civil service was a cost cutting measures resorted to by the Interim Administration in order to balance the budget – a major milestone that would see fresh elections staged.

The new Public Financial Management and National Audit Office Bills, which are currently on the table for discussion, are central to the advance of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

This was according to Governor Ric Todd, at a press briefing on Wednesday, where he added that the laws are expected to be in place by the end of March.

He noted that one of the reasons the reasons for pushing forward with the passage of these laws was to ensure that TCI is better placed to access funding, which would support the improvement of the country’s economic situation.

The Governor disclosed that once in place the TCI will be able to apply for a $3M grant from the European Union (EU).

He explained that this grant will be made possible once the right logistics are in place and, if successful, the TCI can expect to benefit from an initial $3M grant in the next financial year.

Todd stressed that the bills take from prior legislations and both strengthens and improves them.

He added that both bills are the product of extensive consultation and noted that the Advisory Council (AC) had made several recommendations, which will be taken into consideration when the Consultative Forum further discusses the bills.

The two drafts of the Bills were issued to members of the Advisory Council and Consultative Forum

since mid February, and views have been sought from TCI Government Accounting Officers and the UK National Audit Office.

The Advisory Council had their second review on Wednesday, and the Consultative Forum is expected provide their final input at their meeting next week, concluding consultations.

The Governor pointed out that apart from better positioning the country to access much needed funding, the bills are a part of the milestone targets and are necessary for the return of an elected government.

Todd contends that legislating for good governance and the strongest possible financial management processes for the TCI will place the country in good stead for the future .

HIGHEST STANDARDS The Governor maintains that once in place TCI will benefit from some of the highest standards of public financial accountability in the Caribbean Region.

UK’s National Audit Office has already noted that the National Audit Office Bill is exemplary and could be used as a benchmark for all UK Overseas Territories, even other Caribbean nations.

The Public Financial Management Bill sets out the high standard of public financial management framework that the UK expects from its Overseas Territories.

This includes measures to strengthen the management of public finances; improve medium term fiscal planning, to put value

TCIB customers to get cash back – Liquidators say they will pay 20 per cent TCI Bank customers who lost out when the bank went bust two years ago will soon get their first cash repayment.

Liquidators Deloitte and Touche Bahamas this week announced that they have recovered enough money to make the first dividend payment of 20 per cent.

Most of the cash came from collection of outstanding loan repayments while more is expected to be gathered following the sale of vehicles, equipment and furniture.

In a press release from joint liquidators Anthony S Kikivarakis and Mark E Munnings, they explain that they have made an application to Supreme Court to

distribute the funds.

Creditors whose proof of claim forms are accepted will be awarded 20 cents on each dollar accounted for.

“As the company’s official joint liquidators, we have focused our attention on converting the company’s assets into cash, mainly through the collection of payments on outstanding loan balances,” they write.

“In this regard, our efforts have proven fruitful and we have collected adequate funds to date, to make a dividend of US$0.20 on the US$1.00 to customers whose proof of claim forms have been accepted in the company’s liquidation.”

TCI Bank shut its doors permanently in April 2010 and went into liquidation six months later on

October 29.

That November TCIB’s 4,500 account holders were warned they risked losing up to 90 per cent of their money and that it could be years before any cash was recovered.

In June last year creditors were asked to submit their proof of debt claim forms, on or before August 15, 2011.

“Nevertheless, if you have not submitted your proof of debt claim form as yet, we urge you to do so

by March 24, 2012, to avoid being excluded from this first dividend payment,” the release reads.

“Please note that we wish to ensure that all creditors have the opportunity to lodge their proof of debt in the company’s liquidation.”

Further collection of payments on outstanding loan balances will continue, and those unable to make

payments are urged to contact the liquidators.

“Non-compliance with this request will result in foreclosure and sale of properties and/or other collateral and repossession of vehicles.

“Please note that we have assisted many customers in refinancing their loans through other commercial banks and look to do the same with you.”

Those still needing to submit their proof of debt claim forms can visit the liquidators’ offices at F203 Regent Village, call 941-7500 or visit www.tcibpliquidation.com.

Attempts made by the Weekly News to contact the liquidators for further details proved futile, as they were unable to say how soon the monies will be paid out or add any other detail.

for money first, to limit borrowing, and to deliver greater public sector accountability to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

In addition to the strengthened public financial management provisions, the enactment of the NAO Bill will allow for the new National Audit Office to be established for the TCI providing a further layer of oversight and required accountability for the spending of public money.

Enactment of both Bills before the start of the new financial year will allow ample time for implementing the laws and embedding new higher standards of public financial management and oversight ahead of new elections planned for later in 2012.

Todd said, “The enactment of these Bills will help the TCI to continue to recover from its deep financial and political crisis of 2008, to the point that it achieves a fiscal surplus, begins to reduce its national debt, and eventually no longer requires the $260m loan guarantee provided by the UK Government.”

FUNDING According to the Governor, TCI is not cash strapped, but the Interim Administration is always looking for possible opportunities to access funding.

He noted that the a surplus is likely in the next financial year, adding that it is still too early to get an estimate of how much that surplus might be.

However, Todd pointed to the factors that indicate a surplus; the reduced numbers on the civil service payroll, well performing taxes and the reduction in the number of registered unemployed persons from 1,200 to 641 in seven months.

Government revenue is up nearly 40 per cent, according to a report earlier this month, a welcomed improvement despite the multimillion-dollar deficit remains.

Recently released figures show that the country’s income is even better than predicted souring by tens of millions.

Records for the third quarter of the 2011/12financial year, the period ending December 31, 2011, show an increase in revenue of $33m or 39 per cent on the same period the year before. This saw government income rise to $118.5m for the nine-month period - up $2.3m or two per cent against budget forecasts. However, despite this increase TCIG recorded a deficit of $19.9m for this period - $7.4m higher than budgeted last Spring but still $33.5m lower than for the same period the year before.

Chief Financial Officer Hugh McGarel-Groves said, “The finances of the Turks and Caicos Islands under the interim administration are definitely moving in the right direction.”

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March 10 - 16, 2012

NATIONAL

Chamber members get help with competing against ‘free’ – Focus on brand, service and value, Saunders What if a new competitor enters your market and offers a product or service very similar to yours, but with one key difference. It is Free!

What if all your competitors then follow this trend. What do you do?

These were the questions members of the Chamber of Commerce were brought face to face with at Monday evening’s meeting held at the Windsong.

Businesses are increasingly having to compete against ‘free’ in a competitive market where prices get pushed further down and customers get more for their money, but competing businesses find it difficult to remain relevant in a highly competitive environment.

However, members were told that they do not have to keep pushing prices down to the marginal cost of offering their goods and services.

In an informative presentation, the Chamber’s Vice President, E. Jay Saunders, told the gathering that in a highly competitive market, proprietors can focus on brand, service and value.

He stressed that these factors can be capitalized on to create a successful brand, which differentiates your products/services from the competition without having to compete on price.

Saunders pointed out that a brand has substantial equity for a business and coupled with the right customer service strategy and a product of real value, businesses can remain competitive on the markets.

“The trick is how you can create a brand that is recognizable that people will turn to and one way you can do that is offer a great service and great value…give people a reason to come to you,” he said.

Saunders pointed out that competitors can easily copy services, but a brand cannot be taken away.

According to him, a strong brand is one of the few things businesses can use to keep competitors at bay.

He added that sharing this information is very valuable to local companies.

“Everyday we have people waking up wondering how am I

going to keep business going, how am I going to bring customers in and that is what we tried to address,” Saunders said.

“This is an innovative way to keep customers coming,” he said.

Advisor to the Chamber, Mr. Allen Hutchinson, added his bit and noted that many businesses are finding it very difficult to survive because of the state of the local economy.

“We are hearing about taxes and more taxes and it is threatening the very lifeblood of small businesses….this presentation is helping to better equip us to cope,” he said.

Hutchinson stressed the need for local businesses to be creative and innovative if they are to remain relevant on the markets.

“Our aim is to help our members survive this environment,” he said.

He added that this presentation sets the pace for a series of workshops ‘Marketing and Communication Online’ later this month.

The first session is on March 15th and the second on March 19th at the Windsong and are expected to cover topics such as Search Engine Optimize (SEO), Constant Contact, Social Network, Website Sponsorship, Blackberry, etc.

Yacht runs aground off TCI FOUR sailors were forced to abandon ship when their yacht ran into reef off Middle Caicos during rough seas at the weekend.

Kent Fisher and his three crew members took to a raft which was spotted by a member of the public floating about three miles off the Blue Horizon Resort.

Police were alerted and a full scale rescue operation was launched involving the Marine Division and the US Coastguard.

The coastguard helicopter located the raft and the quartet - Captain Fisher, David Stain, Penny Spiers

and Bianca Evans – were winched to safety and all found to be in good health.

Meanwhile, PC Winston Grant and District Constable Brody Forbes, who are both based on Middle Caicos, headed out to inspect the yacht in a small motorised boat.

Unable to get close to the vessel, the two officers anchored some distance away before swimming to the craft, which was taking on water and in danger of sinking.

Once on board, the pair recovered a large number of items including laptop computers, cameras,

Persons residing at dumpsite advised to immediately vacate The Environmental Health Department, through the Ministry of Health is working tirelessly to improve the management of the main waste disposal sites (dumpsites) on Grand Turk and Providenciales.

In this regard, the department is keen to transfer management of the sites to the successful bidder for the solid waste project.

However, one of the main impediments to this transfer is the large number of persons residing at the Providenciales site.

It is the Turks and Caicos Islands Government’s intention to

ensure that all persons so residing at the waste disposal sites be removed and that all unauthorized access to the site is restricted.

In this regard, the Environmental Health Department wishes to advise those persons who are currently residing at the site that they are to immediately leave or vacate these sites. Failure to do so may result in their being forcefully evicted from these sites or further actions being taken according to the Public Health Ordinance. All persons who are residing at the sites are asked to ensure their compliance with this notice.

navigation equipment, medicines, clothing and telephones.

Captain Fisher said: “What these two police officers did was beyond the call of duty and I am really grateful to them for going the extra mile.

“They were forced to swim from their boat to the yacht in rough seas in a bid to save some of our personal items and that really was an act of professionalism, kindness and bravery.

“I would like to thank PC Grant and DCst Forbes for what they did.

They and all RTCI Police personal we dealt with were really helpful and efficient.”

The 42-feet yacht, named Dubber Snr Duffour, was en-route to Tortola in the British Virgins Islands from Miami when it ran aground. Earlier it had called into Providenciales to refuel.

The vessel remains stuck on the reef although preparations are being made for it to be towed into harbour to assess the damage.

Royal TCI Police Deputy Commissioner, Brad Sullivan, added: “This was an operation involving multi-agencies and one that was very effective. The most important thing is that all those on board were found safe and well and without injuries.

“The police officers involved carried out their duties both efficiently and effectively and I too would like to add my praise for the work done by PC Grant and SPC Forbes in particular.”

The DECR’s rainbow boa, Delilah, was a hit with the students

Education Week ends on successful note – Science fair the main highlight – Howell says more students interested in pursing the sciences The Education Department’s 2012 Science Fair kicked off Wednesday and Education Director Edgar Howell noted that the impact of the science fair is visible, adding that more students are interested in pursing the sciences.

Held at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex under the theme ‘Exploring the scientific method’, the two-day fair saw the participation of seven schools from across the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).

Howell told the Weekly News that students participating are given the opportunity to come up with a concept, develop a scientific method that follows it through and make the connection as to how it applies to everyday life.

“We want our students to develop this as a general principle in dealing with everyday life,” the Education Director said.

He added that this is the third science fair to be held and the impact is clear, as more students are leaning towards the sciences.

“We have a full complement of science teachers,” Howell said when asked about the ability of the local schools to meet the increasing interests of the students.

Corporate Communications Officer Talisha Simons from Fortis TCI, which was the main sponsor of the science fair, added her bit and noted that it is quintessential for students to appreciate science, an opportunity they have by working on these projects.

This time round, compared to last year’s fair, the students had a far better handle on what they were presenting and were enthusiastic to be sharing what they learned.

The Holy Family Academy’s Food Preservation caught the eye of many, while HJ Robinson High’s ‘Save our land’ had an appeal for those interested in the cause of the environment.

Clement Howell High School’s ‘Going Green’ had some success in encouraging those who passed the

exhibit to save the environment.

Other exhibitions were put on by the Department of Health, Fortis TCI and the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR); the latter holding most of the attraction with the appearance of pet rainbow boa named Delilah.

The science fair was the main event for the Education Department, which marked Education Week this week.

An exciting range of activities for schools across the TCI was planned by the Department of Education, under the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture.

The week was observed under the theme ‘Centres of Learning: Our Heritage, Our People’.

Activities throughout the islands included: • A talent show; discussion; and music from the past, on Salt Cay • National day; parents day; and international day, on Grand Turk • Open House; teachers appreciation day; and staff seminar, on South Caicos • A Career tour; visits by members of the community; and a students/ teachers mentoring group show and tell, on North Caicos • Speech and art competition; culture day; and presentation of National Hero, on Middle Caicos, and • Career day; students’ projects display; field trips; and studentstake-charge-of-school, on Providenciales.

Howell, speaking about this year’s packed programme, said, “A number of activities are planned by individual schools to highlight this year’s theme…it is anticipated that, during the week of activities, our children will be able to demonstrate what they are learning in formal and informal learning centres. We also expect that our students will take advantage of the opportunities to learn about their heritage and honour the people who have helped to build the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

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NATIONAL

& CrimeCourt

Shooting accused cleared of all charges

By Samantha Dash-Rigby A YOUNG man who faced gun charges in the Providenciales Supreme Court this week before Judge Joan Joyner and a sevenmember jury panel was freed of all the allegations.

Evens Petite was accused of possession of unlicensed firearm, possession of unlicensed ammunition, discharging firearm and wounding.

It was alleged that around 4am on December 25, 2010, at a full moon party at Horse-Eyed Jack in Blue Hills, Petite shot and wounded Markenson ‘Bones’ Pierre.

Defence attorney Guy Chapman represented Petite and Senior Crown Counsel Leonard Franklyn led the prosecution.

Pierre testified in court that he and his friend former policeman Cudaro Missick were leaving the party when he heard Missick say “duck”.

He saw his friend duck and run and then he heard a loud “boom”.

Instantly he felt something “sting” him and when he looked at his hand he saw blood coming out his right pinkie finger.

However, under oath, Missick told a different version of the events after refreshing his memory from his witness statement.

He first claimed that he had a few drinks while having fun at the party and could not remember most of what happened that day.

Then he told the jury that he was the driver of Pierre’s car. A young man and his female companion entered into the backseat of the car and Pierre got into the front passenger seat.

He, Missick, made several unsuccessful attempts to start the car and eventually turned the headlights on.

It was then that he saw three young men standing in front of the car. He looked at them for about 20 seconds.

First, he said that he remembered seeing one of them earlier that night and that the man looked like Petite.

Then, under cross-examination, he admitted that he could not see the men’s faces nor could he positively identify any of them for sure.

Yet, he gave Petite’s name to the police after the incident.

He testified that Petite raised and pointed a shotgun at the car and he (Missick) told everyone to duck.

After about three seconds, it appeared that Petite had dropped something and bent down to retrieve

it.

Missick claimed that he did not look in the gunman’s direction anymore until after he heard a gunshot.

He said that he was parked under a light and could have seen the three male figures. However, he was not sure if he saw two or three guns.

He did not see where the shot came from.

After the prosecution closed their case, Petite took to the witness box to tell his version of the story.

He said that he had just bought his car and while at the party he was constantly worried about it because he had parked it a far distance away.

So, he left the party and returned in his car which he parked in front of Horse-Eyed Jack.

After parking his car, he saw Jimmy Harris. He gave him a ride and they picked up Stephen Joseph, Petite’s cousin.

They then drove back to the party and the two men got out of the car and ran into a nearby alley.

Petite claimed that he then parked the car and went into the alley calling for the two men but got no response.

Suddenly he heard a noise in the nearby bushes and then he saw the two men squatting.

He looked closer and realised that Harris had a gun in his hand. The man tried to give him the weapon but “I did not touch it”, Petite told the jury.

Then Joseph took the gun from Harris and aimed it at a crowd of people standing outside the nightspot.

Petite said he tried to stop his cousin and talk him out of it but the man ignored him and continued to focus on the crowd.

He pulled the trigger but the gun jammed and then the defendant realised that his cousin was serious of his intent to fire into the unsuspecting crowd of people.

So, he quickly walked away and as he was about to get into his car, he heard someone shout his name.

He looked and saw Pierre who said to him: “Petite tell your boys chill.

Two police just walk up the road.”

It was then that he heard “boom”.

He walked quickly to his car and left.

However, a defence witness said that after the loud boom Petite gave him and another man a ride home.

After a brief site inspection, the jury returned the unanimous not guilty verdict.

Both Harris and Joseph were also charged along with Petite but the prosecution withdrew the charges against them before the trial began.

A day for women to unite

By Samantha Dash-Rigby

MARCH 8 marked a phenomenally important day for all women around the world to stand up for women, to celebrate women, and to pray and offer support for those sisters who need help.

It was International Women’s Day, a day set aside globally to recognise and applaud women’s achievements as well as to observe and highlight gender inequalities and issues.

In the TCI women gathered at different sites throughout the nation and a small gathering of women showed up at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Centre in Providenciales to rally in solidarity with their counterparts all over the world in the Join Me on the Bridge Campaign.

The call to assemble was sent out by the Gender Affairs Department under the Ministry of Health, Home Affairs and Road Safety to support gender equality under the theme ‘Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures’.

Though the turnout was poor at the Providenciales sports centre, those present hung on every word of hope and inspiration that was delivered with much conviction by influential and affluent women of society.

Inspector Irene Butterfield, head of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Unit, said: “It gives me great pleasure to be here to mark this international day set aside for women.

“I thought that more women and young girls should have attended but I am thankful for those who came out and supported.”

She said she felt confident however, that she can depend on the “impressive gathering” and others who have consistently rallied around the cause to help take the message out.

Such women as Rita Gardiner, Karen Delancy, Lillian Boyce, Doreen Quelch Missick, Barbara Handfield , Carolyn Dickenson, Sharlene Cartwright Robinson and many others.

“Given that women make up half of humanity and given the importance and relevance of women’s issues for global progress, more women must get involved and we will see a radical change for the better,” the police inspector said.

She thanked all the women throughout the TCI for their courage, selflessness and dedication which make an impact on women and societies as a whole and help women to find their voices and advocate for change.

Barbara Handfield, deputy coordinator of the Gender Affairs Department, said: “The idea of meeting each other on the bridge shows solidarity and love.

“It gives us as women a voice.

It shows that we are in tuned to our sisters’ plights and successes, whether we are in the TCI, in the Congo, England, Rwanda, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, the United

Holding hands in solidarity for the women in Rwondan, the Congo and all over the world

of States of America, Jamaica or anywhere else in the world.

“We know for a fact that we are our sisters’ keepers”.

The Join Me on the Bridge Campaign was birthed out of the suffering of the women in two African countries.

Rwanda and the Congo are two neighbouring countries that have been torn apart by the worst atrocities of war that the world has seen in recent years.

The rape and torture of women as a weapon of war is commonplace.

The women from the opposing sides of war in these communities came together to say: “No to war and yes to peace,’ and to show how they could build the bridges of peace for the future.

The struggle for women’s rights began as a Suffragette movement in the 1900s, campaigning for women’s right to vote.

The first International Women’s Day event was held in 1911 making this year 101 years of celebrating International Women’s Day. Handfield explained that over the course of 100 years the rights of women have progressed and encompassed change.

“This change,” she said, “has come to mean many things for women.

“Seeing their rights as human rights - a right to vote, a right to an education, a right to speak and to let our voices be heard.”

And in doing so, the young women of today gain the courage to learn and to speak up.

“We know that having a voice is a powerful thing,” Handfield added.

The deputy coordinator felt that the change also meant the need to promote empowerment among women, advocating change to improve women’s lives through social justice, equality and equity in labour and earnings.

Championing causes such as domestic violence, trafficking in girls and women, reproductive rights for women, the stigma of mental health, the feminisation of HIV/Aids, poverty eradication among women and the participation of women at the highest level of decision-making, also made list of positive changes.

“As women we need to advocate for change. To see change we have to be proactive and champion for what we believe in,” Handfield said.

“We also celebrate women’s

achievements in all areas in our community today; women in politics, sports, church, education, health and in business.”

One such woman was entrepreneur and businesswoman Josephine Connelly.

From her roots as a supply clerk to office skill building at a secretarial school, Mrs Connelly fostered and built a successful car rental business all in under 20 years.

“So as a woman in business I can tell you the things that have helped me and some of the traps to avoid,” she addressed the gathering.

The successful businesswoman named personal integrity, a positive attitude and the good sense to surround yourself with positive, energetic staff with the appropriate work ethics as traits needed to be successful in business.

“As a native woman, I think it is important that where possible we should provide a support network for each other.

“We should try and use local businesses and hopefully local businesses will use us,” she shared.

She said she felt optimistic that though things have been rough during the last three years, positive change is in the air for the TCI. “As the economy grows, we as women need to make sure that we make the most of the opportunities.

“An expanding economy gives us a chance to grow with the country, let’s not miss it,” Mrs Connelly urged.

Coordinator of Gender Affairs Carolyn Dickenson said: “Women play an important role in every aspect of civil society and are therefore the lifeline in the TCI, let us empower ourselves so we can make a difference in the economic and social welfare of our women and girls in the future.”

She continued: “While we stand in solidarity with our sisters we also want to highlight some of the issues facing women and girls in the TCI such as domestic violence, unemployment, women in poverty, neglect, child abuse disenfranchisement of women, forced labour, physical and sexual abuses and many other challenges that plague women and girls every day.”

The Gender Affairs Department will be carrying out various activities throughout the month of March, which will serve to uplift and empower women and girls in the TCI.

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March 10 - 16, 2012

We welcome letters from all members of the public on a variety of topics.

Letter of the week

Looking at the bigger picture

Dear Editor, The recent incident which took place at the Clement Howell High School involving the principal and a student has sparked a number of public debates.

However, the particular issue is being investigated and therefore I do not have much to comment on the matter.

As a principal of a high school, I have gotten to know all the other high school principals on the island.

We do make mistakes sometimes, but no one should use an isolated incident to discredit the hard work and dedication of our school administrators.

The bigger picture to be addressed is the issue of indiscipline and violence among our students.

Our students have mirrored the violent culture in our society and are not learning how to solve conflicts in constructive ways.

Many students are not trained how to behave when there are fights and quarrels.

Instead of calming down the situation, most students set fuel to the

fire thus making the situation worse.

The common use of drugs and weapons in our society has now spilled over into our schools.

In order to maintain discipline in our institutions, those problems must be addressed by all concerned.

Ten to 15 years ago, no one in the Turks and Caicos Islands would imagine that any of our schools would have to be guarded by security officers or that we would have to resort to the use of metal detectors to check students at the school’s entry point.

Can we imagine what could be done with the money that is used to pay for such operations?

It could be better spent on providing more buildings, more materials and equipment to enhance the teaching learning process.

It is therefore, incumbent on all stakeholders in education, parents, teachers, education officials, churches, government and students to come together and take back our schools from violence and drugs.

Various policies, plans and systems must be put in place to hold especially parents and teachers accountable

for the indiscipline and violence in schools.

Appropriate punishment and rehabilitation measures must be administered to help.

We do not want our society to become like many developed countries where principals and teachers have no control over the discipline of our students.

What has gone wrong with our educational system whereby incidents that happen in our school can no longer be settled by the school, the parent and the education department?

If the court is now going to be used to settle grievances in schools, it is going to have serious repercussions.

Many administrators, teachers and people in authority are going to throw in the towel and indiscipline and violence in our schools are going to escalate.

Please remember the saying:‘Don’t kill the goose that lays the golden egg.’

Reinford Trail Principal, Maranatha High School

Saint Patrick’s Day

Dear Editor, For most people St Patrick’s Day is a day of parades, parties, leprechauns and green beer.

But just as Christmas is about more than commercialised fun, so too does St Patrick’s Day have a deeper meaning.

St Patrick’s Day began as a religious holiday honouring St Patrick - a holy bishop sent to Ireland in 433AD by Pope Celestine I to draw its people into the fold of Christ’s universal church.

Upon his arrival at Ireland’s shores, St Patrick encountered many setbacks and persecutions by the superstitious Druids who had employed magicians to maintain their sway over the Irish race.

Despite severe trials St Patrick was able to convert all of Ireland and conquer paganism.

He is thus credited with driving the

Celtic ‘snakes’ out of Ireland.

St Patrick is credited with many miracles and is responsible for the building of several Catholic schools, monasteries and churches throughout Ireland.

He is known for his powerful expositions of the principles of the Catholic faith.

He even employed the ordinary, little, three-leaved shamrock plant to teach people about the Blessed Trinity.

He was called to his heavenly reward on March 17, 461.

St Patrick was a humble, pious, gentle man, whose total love, devotion and trust in God should be a shining example to each of us.

With respectful and cordial best wishes, I remain, Sincerely Yours, Paul Kokoski

Investment climate a cause for concern

Dear Editor, TCA Handling Co (TCAH), a local aviation ground service provider in the Turks and Caicos Islands for past 21 years, is releasing this statement to bring to the attention of the Turks and Caicos Islands business community, and the world that the TCI is fast becoming a country that is no longer a fair and competitive environment to invest and conduct business.

On February 27 the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA), a statutory body corporate of the TCI Government, released a press statement announcing that it has entered into a joint venture with Servisair SAS, an international aviation ground service provider with its North America headquarters based in Houston Texas, to provide ground handling services at the Providenciales International Airport.

As expressed in the TCIAA’s press statement, they are completely within their remit to enter into such joint ventures. This is unfortunately correct.

The current Airports Authority Ordinance - revised edition as of 31st August 2009 empowers the board of directors of the TCIAA with unlimited wide reaching powers to do whatever they choose to do without first seeking

approval from the government that holds the oversight authority over the TCIAA. However, all decisions and actions taken by the TCIAA must be done with the board’s majority consent, and pursuant to the ordinance.

TCAH is not objecting and will not object to the introduction of new competition to the industry. Fair competition is good for any industry.

However, what we are objecting and protesting is the United Kingdom’s interim administration and its local Advisory Council for having consented to and allowed its statutory government agency to enter into a joint venture for the express purpose of directly competing against local business enterprises.

This creates an unfair and uncompetitive business environment within the industry at a time when the TCI’s local economy is at rock bottom and local enterprises are struggling to keep persons employed and their doors open.

All local business enterprises are currently fighting to meet their financial obligation, coupled with all of the newly introduced taxes, fees and surcharges that have come into effect within the last three years, We all are bracing ourselves for

LETTERS SHOULD BE KEPT TO A MAXIMUM OF 450 WORDS

additional taxes, fees and surcharges, which are to come into force within the coming years.

Therefore, how is it possible for local business enterprises to effectively compete with a government joint ventured entity, when the government does not pay, or have to pay the same taxes, fees and surcharges that the local business enterprises have to pay?

When the government is bound by statute to pay its fair share to another agency within the government, the government still does not pay when it is required to pay; the bills are deferred for a later date and when the bills accumulate, to the point where the government is unable or unwilling to pay, the government has the ability use its powers to enact legislation to have the amount forgiven.

A clear example is of the Interim Government enacting the National Insurance (Waiver of Additional Charge) Ordinance 2011 in November in order to waive and forgiven the penalties that was levied on the TCI Government for non-payment of its National Insurance contributions.

Whereas when local business enterprises are not in a position to pay their taxes, fees and surcharges, the government takes the local business

enterprise to court under statute to force it to pay and to embarrass the management.

As such, the government joint venture entity’s overheads will be much lower than that of the local business enterprises, and in addition, the government joint venture entity is now in the position when soliciting clients’ business, to claim the fact that the TCI Government’s Airports Authority is their joint ventured partner and that they could offer various concessions.

In light of the above mentioned, the business environment within the industry has now become noncompetitive and unfair.

This government joint ventured entity will eventually force the current local business enterprises out of the industry by making it impossible to compete fairly, which will result in the local business enterprises having to dismiss all of its employees and close its doors.

From August of 2009 when the UK intervened and imposed direct rule over the TCI and ensuing, installed an interim government to administer the affairs of the country, the local economy has gone from bad, to worse, to an environment of survival of the fittest.

Things are getting worse by the day.

What is more frightening and tragic is that this UK interim government administration is allowing the Turks and Caicos Islands to become an economic failed state.

Also troubling and perplexing about this administration, is how out of touch the local Advisory Council is when it comes to the cries of the TCI people.

They seem to have no clue as to what is happening on the ground within the TCI or what to do in order to correct the problems because, if they did, a lot of the decisions that were taken over the past three years would have been different.

Such as consenting to the decision made by the TCIAA’sboard to enter into a joint venture to directly compete against local business enterprises to force us out of the business.

Therefore, in the interest of fair, honest and transparent competition we are calling on the local Advisory Council and HE Governor Todd to end this government joint venture, and focus their efforts on trying to stimulate the local TCI economy, instead of doing everything possible to further destroy the TCI. Albray Butterfield, Jr

Please note that all submissions are subject to editing in keeping with defamation laws and newspaper style. Letters should be accompanied by the author’s full name, location and phone number. Names will be withheld if requested.

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Letters Islanders also responsible for unemployment dilemma

Dear Editor, If you want to get a work permit, simply ask a Turks and Caicos Islander!

For the months of September, October, and November 2011 there were more than335 permits issued in Provo, and almost 90 per cent came in as a result of TCIs applying for them.

That statement brings back memories and for that I must apologise to the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of Border Control for slighting her.

What happened during the Pathway to Citizenship - she was asked a question about the high level of work permits being issued and her response was:“You TCIs apply for them, so what do you expect.”

I thought that was irresponsible, but in hindsight, she was right.

TCIs are partly responsible for the unemployment dilemma that we are in today.

It gives much pain to write this post in that from all indications it will be inferred that I am attempting to double-cross fellow TCIs, but that state is furthest away from my mind.

What is very dear and close is the vision of pain and suffering that I see among the less fortunate.

The very sad thing about this is that our very own, under the many disguises, are betraying our own people!

Who would believe that the likes of community ‘look-ups’ of Bishop Brian Cox’s wife, Rufus Ewing MD, Carol Skippings, Oswald Simons, Art

Robinson, Rueben Misick, Robert Hall, Carlton Mills EdD and Sonia Misick, are all one and the same, deceitful!

As per a release on the TCIG labour/ immigration portal, attached, their names are all listed as having applied for, approved and received work permits for ‘foreign’ persons when their fellow TCIs are all unemployed!

What a shame. I am ashamed.

Perhaps this may be my last writing, this can be inviting ham to myself and family.

It seems that this is a losing battle.

Who would believe that the CSA strike and walk-out was held right at the Labour Department but in the meantime the leader of the strike had just slipped through the back door to pick up a work permit for one of his workers when that same job could have been given to one of the potential laid off persons.

It shows where true allegiance lies.

In the pockets of some!

I honestly do not know what to make of this.

The churches, lawyers, doctors, notary publics, professionals, politicians, gun slingers and housewives, and I’mashamed to say, even some scholars.

All have come home to roost and gone to hell in a basket.The news is out for all to see.

Edward E Smith Leadership scholar practitioner

On public sector reform, CSA leadership needs some sense of responsibility Dear Editor, The islands are now involved in public sector reform which largely means that some persons will be voluntarily resigning from the public service at the request of the government.

Others will eventually be told to ‘go home’.

There is a difference between this voluntary process of reform and the mandatory reform of sending people home.

The common feature between both reform exercises was that each government, the PNP government of Washington Misick in 1992, and the interim government of 2012, is the saving of monies.

The real issue is this: there are some 65 per cent of the members of the public service who are efficient and actually do their jobs.

In this regard we have commitment, dedication, professionalism and persons who are genuinely serving their country.

The idea of a majority of the public service genuinely serving the country came to an end in 2003 when the former PNP government used public funds and resources to campaign with, hiring cronies,

supporters and persons who were simply there to collect a cheque.

The ranks swelled to over 2,000 people.

This also led the debt and the deficit and by extension the severe increase in taxes by the interim government.

Their tax increases are not justified but one can see where they came from.

The interim government is saying that the reduction in public service payrolls is justified.

They do need to promise and make plans to reduce taxes when they send the people home.

However at a time when there is recession, a weak economy, suffering, these cuts in the public sector payroll are badly timed.

There is also the concern that those who took the package did so in anger against the interim government fuelled with anger drummed up by the leadership of the CSA. Many persons will get the money but will have nothing else to do.

Most members of the CSA leadership are set for life and others have not taken the package that they have encouraged others, who can

Exporting God!

least afford it, to take.

Again since 1992 and now the government of the TCI is paying millions to send people home.

What guarantees are there that a future government will not pad the public service with unemployable supporters again causing a new round of debt, increases in taxes and perhaps another British intervention to right things as they see fit.

There are certain things that are true here.

It is not fair for the public to pay for a public service through higher taxes while 35 per cent do not really perform, leaving the other 65 per cent to do all of the work.

There was no need to increase these merciless taxes on the backs of all.

There needs to be some sense of responsibility from the leadership of the CSA on this issue instead of the misleading text messages that they are sending around.

Despite these text message people are still going home, people are still suffering, people are still paying higher taxes but the CSA leadership are not offering any solutions.

Samsune Taylor

COMMENTARY

The call enough is enough has not quite taken hold when referring to the British prolonged take over.

The reason is the everrevealed mess unfolding before our eyes. With so many politicians headed to court and so many illogical, in-your-face distractions people have just not had the motivation to start or join one of the protest moves.

The airport road protest just dried up and blew away after every gold coloured supporter stopped by and saw the inane actions of mister shoes, mister blaze, doctor resignation and the conflicted ones.

Now the British have hit a nerve and overstepped their

By David Tapfer mandate by a mile. They touched on the issue of gay rights. That was the first tingle, but since tolerance is a watchword in the TCI this was added to the long list of things imposed that will be washed away with the tides of time and self-determination.

Now however the take over has

gone off course, left the field of explained logic and has begun to tamper with the soul.

Why mess with God? I have witnessed prayer in school here. I have witnessed prayer at public meetings and at social and political functions. Haitians are Christians as are Dominicans and Filipinos. No problem!

The few Chinese, East Indians and Jewish folks here have not complained. After all when in TCI do as the TC Islanders do. They are free to raise temples to address God in their own way.

My understanding is that most religions of the world accept that there is only one God, Jehovah, Allah; so why has eliminating prayer in schools arrived on the top of the

agenda.

What milestone was turned over when this jumped out? Why bring it up? The fact it has come up raises the larger question.

Are the British trying to kill religion and tamper with indigenous culture?

Where was this in the Commission of Inquiry? Systemic weakness?

Bull feathers! The strongest nations of the world have been the Christian Nations. When in London in March 2010 the place was swarming with Mid Easterners, Muslims all. Does this somehow play into the TCI. I think not. Maybe this is just the atheists rattling their sword. If so let them stand up and be counted.

We understand Mr. Jones has bought into the idea of killing prayer

in school. Now we know for sure we can permanently assign him a well-earned title earned under two premiers and two governors: “Master Appeaser” When Stalin and Hitler took over Russia and Germany they stopped prayer in school and later closed the churches. The results are obvious.

They say you never stop learning.

It is time for the British advisers here and in London to learn something from the TCI. The first lesson applies anywhere in the world... Jesus said: “do to others as you would have them do to you.”

Stop trying to import atheism and take our Christianity back home with you!

14

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 10 - 16, 2012

NATIONAL

autism awareness

Digicel offers chance to star alongside world’s fastest man TELECOMS company Digicel has launched a massive regional competition giving customers the opportunity to star in TV and newspaper ads with Usain Bolt.

The campaign calls on customers to upload images of them running to a specially-designed Facebook application.

Selected photos will be used to form the advertising alongside the Digicel brand ambassador from June.

The marketing campaign symbolises the idea of Caribbean people uniting behind Bolt in his pursuit for glory at the Olympics, which take place this summer in London.

Usain Bolt said: “What we want is people just taking pictures of themselves in all kinds of running shots from all across the Caribbean.

“Just make sure you’re running and not in my pose! It’s going to be a great ad.”

Customers simply need to upload a photo of themselves in the running position to the campaign’s Facebook app (visit Digicel group for more details) over the next eight weeks.

Kieran Foley, Digicel’s group marketing operations director, said: “At Digicel we are always looking

The marketing campaign symbolises the idea of Caribbean people uniting behind Bolt in his pursuit for glory at the Olympics

for the most innovative ways for ways to engage our customers.

“As such we are thrilled to be giving our customers this once in a lifetime opportunity to feature in an iconic ad campaign which is all about symbolising the Caribbean people’s unity in The Run to London.

“A first for Digicel we are calling on fans from all across the region, from every walk of life, to upload their photos and be in with a chance

to be part of this unique experience.

“In addition, customers who send in their photos are also in with a chance to win prizes from Digicel.”

To support the campaign Usain Bolt has recorded a number of messages calling on fans to join him in the run to London.

The video messages will be posted on all Digicel Facebook pages in the Caribbean and Central America on a regular basis.

Pupils learn local law STUDENTS at Ianthe Pratt Primary School now know all about how to be law abiding citizens, thanks to the Royal TCI Police.

Officers visited the school to give a presentation entitled Rules and Laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Subjects covered included road safety, crime prevention, when to call the police and general personal safety.

Pupils were also given an insight into the workings of the police service and there was careers advice on offer for those interested in becoming officers in the future.

CAPAA C o r n e r

In 1994 the Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commission signed onto The Convention of the Rights of the Child. There are fifty four (54) Articles in this Document.

Bi-weekly CAPAA will update you on one of these rights with a comment.

RIGHT 12 THE RIGHT TO NATIONALITY

All boys and girls have the right to have

Inspector Nigel Couch, head of community policing, said: “The visit to Ianthe Pratt School was really enjoyable and both us as officers and the children get a lot out of these sessions.

“There is more to policing than just catching the bad guys and presentations like this are vital in terms of passing on information and educating young people.

“Our theme is always working together with the community and that includes the schools.

“The pupils were really enthusiastic and knowledgeable and

it’s great that we have been able to pass on lots of information about the rules and laws of the TCI.” During the presentations, which were carried out by Inspector Couch and a team of community officers, youngsters were able to inspect police equipment such as batons, pepper spray canisters and handcuffs.

One young would-be police officer said: “It is so exciting to have the police visit the school and I have learned so much.

“I want to be a policeman in the future because I think it’s a very responsible job.”

Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Association Your source for information on the rights and protection of children a nationality. We have the rights to keep, for all our lives, the nationality of the country in which we were born.

We also have the right to acquire the nationality of the country where our parents were born.

The country of our nationality has a duty to protect us at all times and in every place, to assure that our human rights are respected.

But we must also identify with our nationality, with our culture, and our people, along with national customs,

traditions, and our own language.

CAPAA Comment All boys and girls must have a nationality in order to identify with who they are.

States must ensure that all live births are accurately recorded and that documents are provided to enfranchise children born within their respective countries.

Any questions please call National Youth Hotline @ 1800-534-8256

By Nicole Cox, a mother living with autism

Josiah, aged four

Sibling rivalry!

PART ONE

Some of you who have been following this article may have at one point or another thought, ‘Wow. It must be so difficult to raise a child with special needs’.

Well, that statement is more true on some days than others, but I can say that the only thing more challenging than raising a child with special needs is raising the SIBLINGS of the child with special needs!

Josiah is flanked on either side by a sister; our eldest is Michaiya and our youngest is Adaiya. Both of our girls are very observant and it has not gone unnoticed to either one of them that something is “different” about Jo. Michaiya was 4 years old when she informed me quite matter-of-factly at the breakfast table, “Mommy, there’s something wrong with Jojo.”

I managed to remain very calm and asked her what she meant. She replied in a slightly flustered tone, “Well…he won’t play with me, he won’t talk to me and he doesn’t like a lot of things…something is wrong with Jo.” I smiled at her and silently thanked God for opening this door for “The Talk”. I was grateful because these things are easier to explain when a child displays a natural concern for the differences they notice rather than simply brushing their sibling aside.

I told her that Jo has something called “Autism” and had her repeat the word so she could pronounce it and memorize it. Then I explained that children with autism had a very hard time learning the things that she can learn and sometimes they cannot learn them at all!

Her eyes were wide with surprise. Then I told her that because of Jo’s autism, we have to try very hard to teach him all the things he needs to know. That is how we show him we love him.

She then hit me with the million dollar questions: “Why did God give Jo autism?” I had been waiting for that question since the day Jo got his diagnosis. I replied, “I am not sure, Honey. But I think He let Jo have autism and THEN let US have JO because He knows that we can be patient and He trusts us to take care of him.”

She reached for her orange juice and then turned back to me with a rather enlightened expression. “I won’t let God down!” Wow. I was not expecting that type of resolve. I was not expecting anything actually. I was just tossing spaghetti at the wall and waiting to see what would stick!

I chalked that one up to success!

Now has everyday since then been one Hallmark card after the next of love, laughter and learning? Are you kidding me? Of course not! Kids are just kids and should be expected to act accordingly!

Understanding a concept and the discipline to apply that concept are two COMPLETELY different levels of development in a child.

Your typical 6 year old is not going to stop to think, “Oh! I shouldn’t slug my kid brother in chest even though he won’t give me back my favorite stuffed animal because he has autism!” But the key point I want you to take from this is that the first step in diffusing sibling rivalry in a household of typical and special needs kids is to explain that, YES, they are different and, YES, there are some things (not all things) that will be different because of it.

Teach the real names to the challenges. Teach the other children to say them and understand them. This is the first step in dispelling ignorance within your own household. That is where dispelling ignorance starts.

More about autism go to http://dawnprogram.blogpot.com and http:// iloveaba.blogspot.com Next Week: “Sibling Rivalry!” pt.2

March 10 - 16, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

15

NATIONAL

this week

Friday, March 9 to Thursday, March 15

 If you’re looking for a serene and relaxed way of starting your weekend, bring your yoga mat at Graceway Sports Centre every Saturday at 9am and let David Bowen lead you into the wonderful world of yoga!

Amazing fees for an amazing class!

More info at 442-6348”

FURRY FUN: The Cookie Monster with Sandals Foundation volunteers and Enid Capron Primary School’s kindergarten class

Cookie Monster is a big hit at school MORE than 150 kindergarten pupils were treated to a fun surprise this week when Sesame Street’s furry blue friend paid a visit.

The Cookie Monster went along to Five Cay Community Centre to host a reading session and share some of his favourite cookies with the kids.

An excited group of youngsters from Enid Capron Primary School gathered for the tale of Happy and Sad, Grouchy and Glad.

During the interactive session they read along with the story and identified colours, shapes and numbers.

The event, which was held to celebrate the 2012 Education week, is a part of the Sandals Foundation literacy programme.

The programme aims to create a fulfilled learning environment where children are taught the importance of reading while being rewarded for their efforts.

Principal Rachel Taylor said: “Our students really look forward to the storytelling event with the sesame street characters, and it’s the highlight of their Education Week experience.

“It’s an exciting treat for them to be able to move away from the traditional classroom setting to a fulfilled learning experience with the help of their favourite character.”

The Five Cays based primary school is the second Sandals Foundation adopted school in Providenciales.

The foundation is committed

to making an impact in the school through creative education.

Beaches public relations manager Elanor Finfin Krzanowski said: “Reading to kindergartners with the help of Cookie Monster creates learning in a fun interactive way.

“We are very grateful that we were given the opportunity to incorporate our partner Sesame Street into our sponsored school learning curriculum to give the kindergartners an interactive reading experience while sharing delicious chocolate chip cookies to enhance the experience.”

The foundation also hosted two appreciation lunches for 103 teachers from both Enid Capron Primary and Clement Howell High School at their Lavish restaurant Guiseppes in French Village.

Credit card charity boost for kids A BIG boost in funds for Provo Children’s Home has come courtesy of a local bank.

For two months CIBC First Caribbean committed to saving a percentage of all credit card receipts gathered across the region.

This portion of net retail sales made on the Visa Classic and Visa Gold credit cards then went to charities in each of 15 territories across the Caribbean.

In the Turks and Caicos Islands, Provo Children’s Home was adopted as the special charity to receive funds.

Country head Sherma Hercules explained that the home held special meaning to the organisation.

“We at CIBC First Caribbean recognise that being the bank of choice for Turks and Caicos Islanders means that we must do our part in nurturing our societies and lending a hand in the development of our communities.

“This donation to the PCH is a very small way for us to contribute to a very vital charity here in the TCI. “I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all

our clients who conducted business and made purchases using their credit cards over the Christmas season.

“Without their continued support, this donation would not be possible.”

Tanis Wake-Forbes, director of the Provo Children’s Home (PCH) and chair of The Build Group, was presented with the cheque at the CIBC First Caribbean branch on Leeward Highway.

She said: “I am absolutely delighted and thrilled to receive this donation for PCH. “CIBC First Caribbean has always supported PCH and this latest incentive by the bank has been a tremendous boost to PCH and the children.

“As always, 100 per cent of any donation goes straight to PCH’s operating expenses and special programmes.

“In this case we will put this generous donation towards a new vehicle that we are currently trying to raise funds for to allow all the children and staff to travel in one vehicle to the various schools, events and special outings.

“I would like to thank CIBC First Caribbbean Bank and Sherma Hercules in particular for their thoughtfulness and kindness to PCH.” The PCH cares not only for orphans of the Turks and Caicos Islands, but all children in need of a safe environment.

Ms Wake-Forbes added: “Provo Children’s Home is a safe therapeutic environment for all children in need in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“The PCH Build Group built the home to provide the children with enriching experiences in educational, emotional, physical and spiritual support and care.”

PCH accepts through the courts and DSD any and all children who are orphans and children-in-need from five to 16-years-old.

It is a transitional home where the children will be safe and secure while rebuilding their self-esteem and confidence.

Meanwhile DSD works with parents, foster carers or adoptive parents for final placement into a loving family unit.

Friday, March 9  Danny Buoy’s is Provo’s premier live music and sports destination, serving lunch and dinner daily from 11:30am.

It is the perfect place to escape from the heat and hang with friends, all in smoke free air-conditioned comfort.

Happy Hour specials from 4-7pm Monday-Saturday

 Mums and Tots Dance Party classes are held every Saturday at Graceway Sports Centre for mothers and their little ones.

Mothers, bring your little ones to dance, jump, twist and shake! Children have fun learning movement basics to fun music and mums get a light exercise while spending quality time. Mums and Tots classes begin at 10am and cost just $10. Dads are welcome!

Call Shara Bowen on 244-1103 for more details.

Sunday, March 11  Rotary Bingo has a new home at CLUB PILLOWS in the Bight next to Smokey’s (Opposite Veranda Resort) EVERY SUNDAY! Doors open at 7:00 pm

 Get into the weekend mood with the intense and electrifying Tae-Bo class at Graceway Sports Centre from 6pm to 7pm. Free for fitness members, $12 for non-members.

Visit www.gracewaysports.com for more information or call 442-6349.  Craig Archibold gets the party started at the Regent Palms from 7pm on Friday nights with the sound of classic Caribbean and Motown tunes. Call 9468666 for details

Wednesday, March 14  Rotary’s Eye testing at Oseta Jolly School in Blue Hills, from 9:00hours to 15:00hours Volunteers supporting the effort include Dr. Julian Petrucci, H. Hinderaker, Kanzy Dillon and Charles Williams, as well as Mary Hamilton am and Karen Biker.

The testing continues on March 21st at the Ianthe Primary School in the Bight at the same time.

Other Rotarians willing to help out are asked to not hesitate in offering their support.

Saturday, March 10  The Weekly Community and Farmers’ Market organised by TCI Red Cross is on at the organization’s headquarters, opposite Lime on the Leeward Highway in Providenciales, from 10am to 2pm.

Persons will be able to purchase freshly grown produce and locally sourced items.

For more information on the Weekly Community and Farmers’ Market call (649) 247-8911. With regard to the TCI Red Cross’ services or how you can volunteer or donate, contact our Provo office on (649) 941-8056 or email redcrossprovo@tciway.tc OR for Grand Turk call (649) 946-2761 or Email:tciredcross@tciway.tc

Thursday, March 15  Weekly Foreign a Fare night every Thursday at the Bohio Dive Resort (Grand Turk) from 6:30 p.m. Each week different dishes from a different region in the world.

Previous nights have included: Italian, Spanish, English, Indian, Chinese, Moroccan, South African and Thai.

For details, call 946-2135 or go to www.bohioresort.com946-2135

Got an event you wish to advertise?

Call us on 946 4664 or email tcweeklynews@ gmail.com for a free listing.

Lifestyle...

16

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 10 - 16, 2012

fitness Tip 

When to train for muscle gain Should you workout in the morning, afternoon or at night to gain muscle?

A lot of people recommend that you should train first thing in the morning, after a good nights rest.

Others suggest that you train later in the day when your body is fully awake.

Everyone’s body is different.

Many people like to train right after they wake-up, while others prefer to train later in the day. You should schedule your workout based on your personal preferences.

Pineapple Easter Eggs

FITNESS EXPERT Anca Vasile

When it comes to working out for gaining muscle, you should listen to your body and workout accordingly.

The truth is when it comes to working out for gaining muscle, there is no perfect time. The best time to workout is going to depend on your personal needs. If you are a morning person, you probably enjoy training in the morning, while others feel more comfortable working out later in the day.

Myself personal I like to train later in the day. This is when I feel the strongest and have the most energy to handle weights when training in the gym. While I love doing cardio first thing in the morning, I feel I get out more from my workouts in the evenings.

There is no proof that either morning or evening workouts gain more muscle then the other.

What is more important is making sure you are getting the proper nutrients and rest needed to gain muscle. A lot goes into gaining muscle and there are many components that come into play. You want to make sure you are getting in 5-7 solid bodybuilding style meals per day. At the end of the day, if you want to gain weight and pack on muscle you need to eat more calories than your burn throughout the day.

If you do not get enough quality protein, carbohydrates and fats per day, you will not grow any muscle.

Probably the most overlooked factor of gaining muscle is proper rest. When you workout you put your body under significant stress and break down the muscle fibers.

Rest permits energy to return to the muscles and allows the nervous system to bounce back. Rest gives you a chance to re-feed the muscles with protein to restore a positive protein balance thus progressing

health Tip 

If pineapple isn’t your favorite candy flavoring you could substitute coconut, maple-flavoring or even maraschino cherries and juice for the pineapple and pineapple juice.

Decorate the eggs after the chocolate has cooled if you’d like.”

Ingredients: • 1 (16 ounce) package confectioners’ sugar • 1/2 cup margarine • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, juice reserved • 8 (1 ounce) squares semi-sweet chocolate • 1 tablespoon shortening Directions 1. In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, margarine and crushed pineapple.

Stir in a small amount of pineapple juice if the mixture needs more moisture. When the mixture is well blended shape it into two 1/2 pound eggs (or a bunch of smaller eggs). Freeze for one hour.

2. While the eggs are freezing, cut semi-sweet chocolate into small pieces and place in top of double boiler with shortening. Melt over medium heat, stirring frequently until smooth. Stick a long-tined fork in top of each pineapple egg, dip it in melted chocolate to cover then drain on waxed paper.

(Nutritional Information: Amount Per Serving Calories: 257 | Total Fat: 11.7g | Cholesterol: 0mg)

Had your pineapple today?

Readers, it is time to read again, but just before you begin reading, allow me to say how thankful I am to the Creator for his love and, his mercies that I continue to experience from day to day.

Likewise, I say thanks to you as always for your attention each week. As you continue to follow my writings from research, and as I’ve been writing for the past two years, two of my basic beliefs that I can share with you quickly is that: ‘All of life is a constant education’ and ‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams’.

Ok, now on to the pineapple tree.

Research says that: The Pineapple tree is actually native to Paraguay in South America and spread by the local Indians up through South and Central America to the West Indies. Later it was brought to Spain when Columbus discovered Americas’ in 1493.

Pineapple is an excellent source

By Phillip Simmons of Vitamin C and manganese. It also offers a very good source of fiber, Vitamin B6 copper, and magnesium.

Fresh pineapples are rich in bromelain. The protein-digesting enzymes in bromelain are effective for digestion and reducing inflammation and swelling, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. The enzymes also break down mucus in respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, and bronchitis, and have effective anti-cancer properties.

Since pineapple provides an excellent source of manganese, it is beneficial in energy production and antioxidant diffuses.

muscle strength, size and endurance.

Drink water, and lots of it! One of the most overlooked factors of muscle gain is water consumption.

Since water makes up about 70% of our bodies, this should be a nobrainer. If your body is dehydrated, your muscles will also suffer as well.

It is important to drink water through

the day and get even more during your workout.

The key to successfully gaining weight is eating enough calories, training hard, resting and water consumption.

However, most important is, not to give up!

Looking forward for your questions at ancafitness@live.com

March 10 - 16, 2012

Lifestyle...

GARDENING 

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

How does your garden grow

17

YOUR DIET

ASK TAMIKA

BY TAMIKA HANDFIELD

Tamika graduated from Florida International University in Miami with a Masters degree in Dietetics & Nutrition. She is a registered dietitian with the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and licensed to practice medical nutrition therapy in the state of Florida.

Email Tamika via tcweeklynews@gmail.com or tamikahandfield@yahoo.com with your healthy eating questions.

Fill out the puzzle using the codes provided

Catering to the little people in your home The Lignum Vitae is almost impossible to be transplanted from their natural soil. It is therefore important that we should protect them if we are fortunate enough to have one on our property.

Lignum Vitae If you happen to look into the bush and see a tree with purple flowers, it would be a Lignum Vitae. The name means “long life” in Latin, which is why it is commonly referred to as the Tree of life. This tree is very slow growing with extremely hard, heavy, resinous wood with many special uses. In the past, it was used to make ball bearings because of its extremely high resin.

Another place that Lignum Vitae were used was in courtrooms, where the judge’s gavel was traditionally made from its fine wood.

It is a hard, dense and durable wood that easily sinks in water. It ranks as the second hardest of all the trade woods.

Lignum Vitae bark mixed with Maubi bark has been used in traditional bush medicine as an aid in relieving the symptoms of fish poisoning. As well, tea made from the flowers and leaves is reputed to be an excellent energy restorative.

Elsewhere, there is abundant anecdotal evidence that the resins of the lignum vitae are effective anti-inflammatory agents and have been used to treat arthritis, gout, and

BY DENIS Belanger - NATURE SPLENDOR For all your landscaping, installation or garden maintenance needs, please call or write for a free estimate: 332-3381 or naturesplendor@yahoo.com

sciatica.

The collecting of this valuable and endangered plant has led to its disappearance in most parts of its original habitat, and now that is rare and endangered it is protected some areas other than Turks and Caicos.

Therefore, we should be aware of how very lucky we are to have this native tree growing most everywhere in the Islands and many of them are few hundred years old.

Their blooming season is February and March, but with good fertilization the blooming season will lengthen for few months and encourage the growth rate. Their blue flower is a rare and esteemed color in the landscape. It is recognized as a star-shaped, five petaled flower, ¾ inch across and appears single or in clusters at the ends of the branches.

The yellowish fruits split and expose red flesh and black seeds which, with its growing rate and a lot of patience, is the way to propagate this tree.

The evergreen leaves are compound, with three to five pairs of shiny, dark green, oval, pointed leaflets each about one inch long.

This tree could reach up to 30 feet tall, but you will mostly see some that are about 10 to 15 feet tall. It is best to plant Lignum Vitae in tropical seaside settings. It is resistant to salt spray and tolerant to drought, so it is a good choice for dry, sandy soils.

The Lignum Vitae is almost impossible to be transplanted from their natural soil. It is therefore important that we should protect them if we are fortunate enough to have one on our property.

At the beginning of March, I did an inventory of sorts on all the articles I have written up to this point; it occurred to me that very few articles were dedicated to the little people who live among us.

Having a little person myself, I understand the importance of teaching them how to make healthy eating a part of their life as they grow. Many of us seem to understand the importance of good nutrition in our adult life, but teaching our children to choose healthy foods is equally important. Children need many of the same nutrients as adults (only in smaller amounts) to support and promote good growth. In some cases children may require more of a particular nutrient.

Research has shown that when children are fed healthy diets they are better able to concentrate in school and may even be better behaved.

As parents, it is part of our parental obligation to ensure our children are eating as clean and healthy as possible. They are taught from a very young age what to like and not like; so, if we focus on fruits and vegetables earlier on in their lives, the chances of them continuing to like those foods are greater. We sometimes expect children to prefer eating junk food so we stock their environment with these empty caloric foods such as chips, cookies, doughnuts, cakes and candies. They live up to our expectations and end up loving these foods then we wonder why childhood obesity is such an issue.

Therefore, as we continue to celebrate March as Nutrition month, I am dedicating this article to all the children who love solving a great puzzle.

ACCU Medical Nutrition is based in Graceway IGA Plaza, Providenciales.

Call 946 8308, 242 3978 or 442 3978.

18

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 10 - 16, 2012

Jamaica’s PM welcomes Prince Harry Prince Harry pays – but wants to replace

tribute to the Queen in Jamaica

his grandmother

JAMAICAN Prime Minister, Portia Simpson Miller, has chosen the diamond jubilee visit of Prince Harry to the Caribbean island to reiterate her plans for the country to become a republic.

Simpson Miller said Jamaica’s people should take full charge of their destiny and replace the Queen with a home-grown head of state, severing ties with the British monarchy. However, she gave no timescale for any referendum.

Simpson Miller also suggested that Britain might want to apologise for the “wicked and brutal” years of slavery.

“No race should have been subjected to what our ancestors were subjected to,” she said in an interview with the BBC. “We gained our freedom through the sweat, blood and tears of our ancestors and we are now free. If Britain wishes to apologise, fine with us, no problem at all.”

Her comments came just hours before the arrival of Prince Harry, who is representing his grandmother, the Queen, on a tour of Belize, the Bahamas, and Jamaica. The third in line to the British throne, later met Simpson Miller at a private lunch reception.

If that encounter had required the 27-year-old prince to employ some diplomatic tip-toeing, he was

Prince Harry had a ball of a time with the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt. Photograph: Tim Rooke / Rex Features

earlier given the perfect opportunity to practice dextrous footwork of a different kind – a race against Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man.

Prince Harry took on the Olympic 100m and 200m champion at the University of the West Indies track in Kingston, and showed him a clean pair of heels after jumping the start gun. “He cheated,” said the world recordholding sprinter as the two struck his trademark “lightning bolt” pose for the cameras.

Bolt later tweeted: “Good Jamaican vibes hanging with the Prince Harry … See you at the Olympics.”

Jamaica is the final stop on the prince’s week-long tour. Given

Simpson Miller’s sentiments, could it be the final visit by a member of the royal family as representative of the head of state?

“I am not going to say that,” she said. “Even if the Queen does not remain head of state the Queen at any time will be welcome to visit.

“It’s not about getting rid of the Queen – who could get rid of the Queen? She is a wonderful, beautiful lady. The decision to become a republic shouldn’t be taken in the context of us wanting to get rid of the Queen.”

But, she added, as Jamaica prepares to celebrate 50 years of independence in August, it was an appropriate time in our history to be looking at changes. (The Guardian)

Violent crime has spiked in Haiti’s cities – Study

HAITI has seen a dramatic increase in violent crime in the shanties of its major cities over the past six months, helping undermine faith in the country’s police force, according to a study released Sunday.

The preliminary findings in the report titled “Haiti’s Urban Crime Wave?” speak to rising concerns among Haitians that their country is entering a period of political turmoil that could thwart efforts to help rebuild in the aftermath of the powerful January 2010 earthquake.

Homicides in the heavily populated areas of Haiti’s biggest cities appear to have increased sharply from August 2011 to last February, according to the study authored by social scientists Athena Kolbe and Robert Muggah, and backed by the Canadian government’s International Development Research Centre and the Brazil nonprofit, the Igarape Institute.

While the homicide rate in Portau-Prince is lower than that of some other Caribbean cities, Haiti’s capital saw 60.9 murders per 100,000 residents over the year leading up to February 2012, the highest recorded murder rate since 2006, according

Haiti’s crime has skyrocketed in recent months.

to the study. For example, the Bel Air district of Port-au-Prince saw homicides jump from 19 per 100,000 people in 2010 to 50 per 100,000 people near the end of 2011.

“This murder rate is not just high - it’s enormous,” Kolbe said.

In comparison, New York City’s homicide rate was less than 7 per 100,000 in 2011, while Oakland,

California, had 23 homicides per 100,000 residents.

The bulk of the Haiti murders happened in densely populated areas in the cities where there are high levels of social marginalization and poverty, which included CapHaitien, Les Cayes, Gonaives, among others. (www.portalangop. co.ao)

PRINCE Harry has paid a personal tribute to the Queen, describing her as a “wonderful, caring grandmother” to whom he is utterly devoted.

He was addressing a banquet in Jamaica, where he is representing the Queen on a visit to mark her Diamond Jubilee.

Harry spoke of his admiration for his grandmother, whose devotion to others he described as an “inspiration”.

The prince has already travelled to the Bahamas and Belize in honour of the monarch’s six decades as head of state.

The state banquet was held at King’s House in Kingston, the official residence of the governorgeneral of Jamaica, Sir Patrick Allen.

‘GOOD WISHES’ During the event Harry, who is third in line to the throne, said:

“If I may, just for a moment, I would like to take this opportunity to pay a personal tribute to my grandmother.

“For me, as for millions of people around the world, her lifetime’s service to others is truly an inspiration.

“But she combines all her virtues as a leader and as a head of state, with those of being a wonderful, caring grandmother to whom we, her grandchildren, are utterly devoted.”

And, making reference to Jamaican music legend Bob Marley, he also said: “I count it a great privilege to be standing here tonight, representing the Queen in Jamaica on her Diamond Jubilee.

“Her Majesty has asked me to extend her great good wishes to you all and is sorry that she can’t be here - so you’re stuck with me!

But ‘don’t worry, cos every little thing gonna be all right’.” (BBC)

‘More homes built in five years under PLP than by FNM in 15’ UNDER the PLP’s “aggressive” Housing Programme, more homes were built in five years than the FNM built in 15, according to party deputy leader Philip “Brave” Davis.

Speaking at the opening of the Golden Gates constituency office Tuesday night in support of incumbent Shane Gibson, Mr Davis said Mr Gibson and the PLP have a “stellar record” with Bahamians.

“Your ambitious, hard-working MP has continued the promise of the PLP - to wipe every tear from every eye,” he said. “In 2002 we began an aggressive housing programme across the country. And by the end of 2007 more than 1,400 homes were built by your PLP government.”

Mr Gibson headed that programme and moved thousands of families from “paying rent to being homeowners” for the first time, he said.

“In fact, the record shows the PLP government built more homes for the Bahamian people in five years than the entire FNM government built in the 15 years while in government.”

Mr Davis asked constituents to look around New Providence and name a subdivision that was built and completed by the FNM since they came into office five years ago.

“They cancelled Dignity Gardens Number Two and made it painfully

difficult for persons to move into their homes after having paid their money,” he said. “They don’t care about the Bahamian people, you know.”

When the PLP took office in 2002, they turned around a “depressed economy,” Mr Davis claimed.

Unemployment figured were in the double digits, revenue had declined, crime had “drastically” increased, and tourism arrivals had plummeted, he said.

“The national debt, over $700 million, was like a runaway train with no good fiscal management plan. And the list went on and on.

“Things were so bad under that failed Ingraham government back in 2002, you fired them and elected Shane and the PLP as the government to fix the country. And fix it we did!”

The PLP implemented an “award-winning” Urban Renewal Programme that brought “order” and “spirit” back into communities, they created investment opportunities and “substantially” grew foreign investments, he said.

Mr Davis also said in five years the PLP increased government revenue by 56 per cent, PLP leader Perry Christie “did not raise a single tax” on Bahamians, and they slowed growth on the national debt and reduced unemployment to less than eight per cent. (Tribune242.com)

March 10 - 16, 2012

Regional News

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Stanford found guilty of vast fraud Convicted of 13 of 14 counts he faced; appeal expected ALLEN Stanford was convicted on Tuesday of running a $7-billion Ponzi scheme, a verdict that caps a riches-to-rags trajectory for the former Texas financier and Caribbean playboy.

It was a vindication for the U.S. government, which closed down Stanford’s financial empire in February 2009 but had failed for years to address signs that the business was built on air. The Stanford case was the biggest investment fraud since Bernard Madoff’s.

Stanford was found guilty on 13 counts of a 14-count criminal indictment, including fraud, conspiracy and obstructing an investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. He was found not guilty on one count of wire fraud. The charges carry a possible prison sentence of nearly 20 years.

As Stanford, 61, was led out of the courtroom after the verdict, he touched his fist to his heart and looked at the bench where his mother and two daughters sat. He has been jailed since his June 2009 arrest.

“We’re disappointed in the outcome,” said Stanford’s defence attorney Ali Fazel. “We do expect an appeal.” He said he expects sentencing in several months.

The verdict came less than a day after a Houston federal jury said it could not reach a decision, and U.S. District Judge David Hittner instructed jurors to keep deliberating.

Still, the verdict may prove only a moral victory for Stanford’s victims, most of whom have received none of their money back.

“For all the investors, I think there is a sense of relief that they weren’t just fools” said Cassie Wilkinson, a Houston

Belize votes in an election focused on the economy BELIZE is holding a general election that could significantly affect the country’s financial future.

The centrist United Democratic Party is seeking a second term from the Central American nation’s 178,000 voters.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow has staked his campaign on renegotiating the terms of a $500m (£318m) bond.

Repayments are set to amount to $46m over the next year. The opposition says it will meet debt obligations by pursuing economic growth.

Francis Fonseca, leader of the

opposition People’s United Power party, said he would seek to boost the £1.25bn economy, which is largely dependent on tourism.

Belize is the 13th most indebted country in the world and faces a schedule of rising interest rates over the next 12 months.

Ratings agencies have already downgraded its credit rating to “junk” status.

New debt restructuring could damage the country’s economic reputation further, correspondents say.

Mr Barrow’s governing party currently holds 25 of the 31 seats in parliament. (BBC)

Caribbean Airlines cuts staff SEVERAL Caribbean Airlines employees in Montego Bay and Kingston are to lose their jobs as the Trinidadian-based organisation outsources its customer service operations.

The airline says its employees were informed by the vice president of human resources and executive manager airports, today.

“Caribbean Airlines will provide and assist, where feasible, in obtaining alternate employment for persons affected by this process and employees will be remunerated in accordance with industrial practice,” acting chief executive officer, Robert Corbie stated in a media release this evening.

He said the organisation was

committed to providing a quality service, and was confident that this decision would impact positively on its operations.

“We will emerge even stronger as a leader in regional aviation,” he said.

It wasn’t clear how soon the persons affected would be sent home, however, the airline says it expects to continue normal business operations throughout the reorganisation process and sought to reassure the public that this action should not affect its operations as all flight schedules and reservations remain intact throughout the Caribbean Airlines and Air Jamaica networks.

(Go-Jamaica.com)

Allen Stanford was found guilty of conspiracy and fraud charges by a federal jury on Tuesday for leading a $7-billion Ponzi scheme from his offshore bank in Antigua.

(Photograph by: RICHARD CARSON , REUTERS)

investor in Stanford funds who attended the six-week trial. “There was a jury of 12 people who found the same thing – that we were just conned.”

Stanford’s unravelling was one of the most closely watched fraud cases since Madoff’s. Madoff, 73, pleaded guilty in 2009 to orchestrating what prosecutors have called a $64.8-billion Ponzi scheme. He is serving a 150-year prison sentence.

‘PERSONAL ATM’ Stanford’s personal fortune was once valued at $2.2 billion.

At trial, prosecutors told how Stanford repeatedly raided the bank he owned in Antigua, Stanford International Bank, using it as his

“personal ATM.” He bought a castle in Florida for one of his girlfriends and his oldest daughter lived in a milliondollar condominium in Houston.

He wore custom-made suits, lived in luxury homes and on a yacht in the Caribbean and bankrolled a $20-million prize for an international cricket tournament.

The government’s star witness, former Stanford aide James Davis, testified that he and Stanford faked documents and made up financial reports to calm investors and fool regulators. They funnelled millions of dollars from Stanford International Bank to a secret Swiss bank account that Stanford tapped for his personal

use, Davis testified.

Davis, 63, has pleaded guilty to three criminal counts.

Stanford’s lawyers portrayed their client as a visionary who was not involved in his firm’s daily activities.

They blamed Davis for any fraud and argued that Stanford’s businesses were viable until the government shut down Stanford Financial Group in Houston in February 2009. Left with no money, Stanford was declared indigent by the court and his defence was paid for with public funds.

Wendell Odom, a criminal defence attorney in Houston who observed much of the trial, said Stanford’s attorneys did a good job of discrediting Davis by getting him to admit to being a liar. But they failed to develop an alternative theme for the jury. “There was just too much evidence,” he said.

BRAIN INJURY While in jail awaiting trial, Stanford was beaten by another inmate, leaving him with a brain injury and broken bones in his face. He then became addicted to an anti-anxiety medication.

His lawyers argued that those events caused him to lose his memory, making him incompetent to stand trial.

After eight months at a prison hospital in North Carolina, he was deemed competent to stand trial.

Before his trial began on Jan. 23, Stanford’s lawyers said their client wanted to tell his story to the jury, raising the possibility that he would take the stand. Ultimately, he did not testify. (Montrealgazette.com)

Airport chaos over union row in the Bahamas PRIME Minister Hubert Ingraham’s stern warning to airport customs and immigration officers seems to have fallen on deaf ears, as they continued to defy their shift system on Tuesday.

After a weekend of chaos, the Lynden Pindling International airport again struggled to process passengers in a timely fashion, although senior officials from both departments once again covered for staff who refused to work outside the 9am - 5pm work day outlined in General Orders for public servants.

However, Mr Ingraham’s warning to the officers that they return to work or face the consequences, was Tuesday portrayed as the result of a misunderstanding by labour attorney Obie Ferguson.

The Prime Minister said: “Persons who do not return to work, forthwith, will be dealt with by the public service without regard to any other consideration. We are serious about this.”

Mr Ingraham issued the warning at an emergency press conference in Exuma on Saturday. He said: “Longer lines than we’ve ever seen

The Bahamas’ PM, Hubert Ingraham, is peeved at the current situation.

before. Some people were in the queue for approximately two hours.”

“There were people who fainted and no nurse was on duty.

Unfortunately there were significant press calls on the British Airways flight to cover Prince Harry’s visit they were very unhappy.”

Mr Ferguson, legal representative of the Bahamas Customs, Immigration and Allied Workers Union, said union officials have already met with Mr Ingraham once

in the past week, but are now seeking another meeting to clarify some discrepancies that “clearly exist especially with regards to the work schedule.”

He said: “We hope that when we meet with him we can clear up the matters discussed in the previous meeting (February 25).”

“In that meeting, we said that they would not be working under the shift system but instead under General Orders, which required the officers to report in to work at 9am and leave at 5pm and off on Saturdays and Sundays.”

Mr Ferguson claimed the chaos over the weekend was not the result of an attempt to attack the government or seek revenge for the unpopular shift system. “There was no strike, no sick out, no industrial action. We actually have a right to strike as we have gotten the strike vote, but it was none of those things,” he said.

If the union succeeds in again meeting with Mr Ingraham, a formal agreement on work hours is expected in writing, Mr Ferguson said.

(Tribune242.com)

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NATIONAL

Ms. Bridgette Thomas, Managing Director of BNC Consulting Group, presents the trophy to the winner of ‘Housekeeper of the Year’, Ms. Hazlin Grimmond of Royal West Indies

Ms. Tiersa Smith of The Sands Resort, winner of “Employee of the Year”, proudly displays her trophy.

Mr. David Bowen, winner of “Entertainer of the Year” category, proudly displays his trophy, certificate and sponsor donated gift.

Star Awards – likened to the Academy Awards Everyone is still buzzing about the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association's (TCHTA) fourth annual Star Awards, which took place last Thursday at the Veranda Resort.

Fittingly set under the stars, the real ‘Stars’ of the Turks and Caicos’ hospitality and tourism industry turned out in their best for the ‘red carpet’, stopping at the entrance to pose for their photos, just as Hollywood’s Stars would before a big awards show.

Karen Whitt, President of the TCHTA, said, “I am thrilled at the turnout of this year’s event.

We received more nominations than ever before, and I know that tonight’s gala awards ceremony has set a new standard for all future Star Awards…I am so proud to be part of such a prestigious event’s Organizing Committee. Next year’s event promises to be even bigger and better.”

The 2011 Star Award winners were: Bartender of the year – Lewis “bang bang” Missick (Meridian Club); Taxi driver of the year Sam Dean; Chef of the year – Colin Watson (Beaches);TCHTA shining star – Dr. Carlton mills (The Veranda); Supervisor of the year – Kizzy Adderley (The Veranda); Employee of the year – Tiersa Smith (The Sands); Manager of the year – Deleria Simms (The Veranda); Ambassador of the year – Jackson Williams (Ocean Club

Resorts); Housekeeper of the year – Hazlin Grimmond (Royal West Indies); Heart of hospitality – Theodore “Johnny” Steplin (The Sands); Entertainer of the year – David Bowen; Hotelier of the year – Tom Lewis (Ocean Club Resorts); Restaurant of the year –

Tie: anacaona (Grace Bay Club) and parallel23 (Regent Palms); Allied member of the year – Gilley’s Enterprises; and Hotel of the year – Regent Palms The ceremony kicked off with the Turks & Caicos Youth Chorale singing the National Anthem and

the National Song, ‘My Home, Turks & Caicos’. After introducing the evening’s emcees,Mr. Darold Miller and Mr. O’Brien Forbes, the TCHTA’s President, Ms. Karen Whitt handed the stage over to the opening act.

Ms. Barbara Johnson sang a

Nominees in the “Best Employee of the Year” category await anxiously on stage to hear the winner’s name.

beautiful rendition of ‘Tourism is Everybody’s Business’ while Mr. David Bowen, Director of Art & Culture, put on an entertaining Broadway-like production with 4 students from the Shara Bowen Dance Company.

Ms. Blythe Clare of the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board stressed the importance of the role of the employees in the TCI hospitality industry, and thanked all the nominees for going over and above their roles to make the TCI Tourism Industry the success it is.

Governor Ric Todd and Pastor Tim Rezec were among the speakers there and but the tone of the evening was set by Shara Bowen and the beats of Soul Redemption.

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NATIONAL

TCI teens in London The top Turks and Caicos teenagers who won the Governor’s annual essay competition head off on their trip of a lifetime to London on Sunday.

The six students from Providenciales, three from Grand Turk and one from North Caicos were chosen by the judges from 19 entries received from across TCI writing on the topic of ‘A 21st Century relationship between the UK and the TCI. Discuss’.

The visiting party included: Rashunda Campbell of the TCI Community College, Grand Turk Campus; Samuel Cantos of the British West Indies Collegiate, Providenciales; Candre Skippings of the HJ Robinson High School, Grand Turk; Phildreka Mayham of the TCI Community College,

Providenciales Campus; Leyshan Grant of the Champions for Christ International School of Excellence, Providenciales; Kevin Downer of the TCIPS Comprehensive High School, Providenciales; Lemelko Missick of the Raymond Gardiner High School, North Caicos; Stephen Ulysse of Clement Howell High School, Providenciales; and Chalsianna Missick of the Maranatha High School, Providenciales The competition was developed as a means of satisfying the appetite of the TCI’s young people to find out more about the UK and how the two countries can further benefit each other by promoting serious discussion among secondary and tertiary level students about the nature of the modern relationship between the UK and the TCI.

Each contestant had to compose an original, unpublished essay of between 1,000-1,500 words. It was open to all students 16–19 years old registered in a secondary or tertiary level institution in the TCI. Points were awarded for understanding of the topic, originality of the author’s ideas, coherence of the case made and clarity of style.

On the teens agenda is walking sightseeing tour of London, as well as a tour of the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School, a visit the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, a tour of the House of Commons, a visit the National Portrait Gallery and a chance to see the Buckingham Palace, among many other attractions.

The visiting party returns to the TCI on Sunday.

The essay winners at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Great Charles Street, Whitehall. Centre, front, is Colin Roberts, Director of the FCO Overseas Territories Directorate.

Lord Ashcroft’s bank rocked by downturn – Conservative Party donor’s Caribbean operations lose $13.6m in final quarter of 2011 UK - Lord Ashcroft, the Conservative Party donor, is fighting to stem mounting losses at his Caribbean banking business, amid an economic downturn and political turmoil in the region.

The billionaire financier’s stock market-listed company has disclosed that it lost $13.6m (£8.5m) in the last three months of 2011, with red ink spreading at his historic operations in Belize.

He has also recently appointed a loan-restructuring expert to chair his operations in the nearby Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), a Britishrun archipelago where his bank had backed major hotel and residential developments.

BCB Holdings, whose shares are languishing near all-time lows on the London Stock Exchange’s alternative investment market, said that its Belize-based banking operations lost $2.4m in October, November and December, compared with a $1.3m loss in the same period of 2010.

The remainder of the losses is related to the non-Belize operations, before Lord Ashcroft took the radical step of splitting his company in two.

The TCI operations became a separate company last October, leaving BCB

Holdings focused on Belize. The new TCI-focused company – which Lord Ashcroft has called Waterloo Investment Holdings – does not trade on the stock exchange and is not required to make the same level of financial disclosures. The peer has incorporated Waterloo in the British Virgin Islands.

Waterloo’s subsidiary, British Caribbean Bank Ltd, has had to write down the value of millions of dollars of loans in the TCI, where a sharp reduction in tourism and a corruption scandal that prompted the British to impose direct rule has upended the local economy.

The value of Waterloo appears to have plunged since its inception last October. Shareholders have been told they can sell their stock through a brokerage in London called JP Jenkins, but repeated attempts by the broker to find buyers for unwanted shares failed. After asking 88p per share in November and 70p in December, JP Jenkins found a buyer at the end of January at 42p.

Earlier this year, Waterloo appointed its first chairman and chief executive, Caroline van Scheltinga, a financial-restructuring expert who previously worked as a banker at Wall Street firms including Lehman

Lord Ashcroft (file photo)

Brothers and Jefferies & Company Inc. Her role includes trying to recover as much money as possible from the company’s delinquent loans, either by restructuring the repayments or taking over the underlying developments. “The realestate downturn hasn’t left the region untouched,” she said in a statement to shareholders announcing her appointment. “The Turks and Caicos Islands, however, is one of the most exquisite destinations in the Caribbean and – having welcomed one million visitors during 2011 – it is experiencing one of the highest tourism-growth rates in the Caribbean. Investment dollars are returning to the region.”

Andrew Ashcroft, the peer’s son, quit the board of BCB Holdings to sit on the board of Waterloo. Mr Ashcroft is managing director of the TCI bank. Lord Ashcroft no longer

sits on the board of either company, though he still controls a majority of shares in both.

Waterloo says it has close to $600m in investments in the Caribbean and Central America that focus on financial services, hotel management, land and resort development, growth and infrastructure investments.

The British Foreign Office suspended the islands’ government and imposed direct rule in 2009 after a commission of inquiry found widespread corruption by ministers, including the former Prime Minister Michael Misick.

Lord Ashcroft was not accused of any wrongdoing by the commission of inquiry. He is taking legal action against The Independent over two reports on his business interests in the TCI from November 2009. (The Independent)

High tea and fashion with TCI Red Cross

THE TCI Red Cross will be hosting its Annual High Tea and Fashion Show at The Atrium of Osprey Beach Hotel on Duke Street Grand Turk, next month.

This ‘island chic’ affair is a fundraising venture and will take place on Saturday, March 10, commencing at 4pm.

Guests will enjoy an assortment of specialty teas, coffees, delicious scones, cookies, cakes, other baked goods and treats.

While there, they will be entertained by melodic sounds, revel in our featured event – a live fashion show with outfits from an on island boutique and Red Cross thrift shop and, enjoy a few prizes and surprises prepared specially for the event.

Tickets for the event cost $20 with funds going towards projects and programmes that the TCI Red Cross will implement in this country.

The charity asks that the public supports this event, as they strive to provide humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable people in the community.

For tickets and more information contact fundraising coordinator Ann Williams on 242-3000, Red Cross Office at 946-2761 or email tciredcross@ tciway.tc

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NATIONAL

Local photographer represents TCI internationally

Local photographer Christine Morden of Paradise Photography has earned the prestigious Master of Photography degree from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), making her the first resident in the history of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) to receive such an honour.

With the prestigious designation of Master Photographer, Morden now joins the ranks of other internationally renowned photographers such as the famous fine art photographer, Peter Lik, who hosts a photography TV show on the Weather Channel and recently sold one of his images for $1 million dollars.

Morden was honored in a private ceremony in New Orleans, Louisiana in which the PPA President, Don Nickson conferred the degree at the Association’s annual convention.

Already a Certified Professional Photographer, she worked to obtain the prestigious designation of a Master Photographer by competing internationally over the years.

Many of her images that have won international accolades were taken in the TCI and are from her fine art, wedding, and portrait portfolios.

Morden received her Masters after submitting images in the most recent international competition. She was awarded the Master of Photography degree in recognition of her superior photographic competence demonstrated through photographic competition, advanced education, and service to the profession.

Morden met the standards of excellence set by the Professional Photographers of America, the world’s largest professional photographers association, with over 22,000 members worldwide.

In 2009, Morden was honored by the same organization by being named as Photographer of the Year.

She was recognized for her fine art images, primarily of the Caribbean.

In 2008, Morden was awarded the prestigious Kodak Gallery Award for her TCI photograph entitled, “Follow Me to Paradise.” Kodak introduced the Gallery Awards in 1985 as a way to honor and promote the importance and value of excellence in professional photography and to elevate the importance of professional quality imaging within the industry. The Gallery Awards are given annually to a handful of photographers throughout the United States.

The accomplished photographer has pursued her passion for photography for over 20 years.

Her passion for her work and her contagious and lively personality are evident in the excitement she brings to each session. She is known for her natural style and keeping her subjects

Cast away island - Christine Morden photos

relaxed, thus portraying the true essence of her clients' personalities.

According to her, her goal is to capture the best image possible and to make each photo session dynamic and unique.

Before moving to Providenciales in early 2007, Christine ran her own photography business in Washington, D.C. She now lives in Providenciales, which allows her to capture the distinct beauty of the Caribbean and provides her with a picturesque setting for her photography.

An Attorney by training, Christine practiced law for over a decade, the majority of which included working on Capitol Hill and for the White House. Those credentials helped her gain access to unique opportunities, including photographing the President and the First Lady. She still maintains her Washington, DC business and services an array of high profile clients.

Italian Arch - Christine Morden photos

Footprints in the Sand - Christine Morden photos

Black & Tan - Christine Morden photos

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Entertainment

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March 10 - 16, 2012

Lady Gaga creates Twitter history along with Drive, were nominated five times each Lady Gaga hits 20 million Twitter followers Potter and Drive lead LADY Gaga has become her account. the first Twitter user to Last month, she revealed Empire Award nominations reach 20 million followers. she was preparing to launch Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows (part two)

The singer tops the microblogging site’s most popular list ahead of fellow pop stars Justin Bieber (18 million), Katy Perry (15.7 million) and Shakira (14.5 million).

Gaga’s massive following is in addition to 48 million fans on Facebook and more than 800,000 “circles” on Google+.

Unlike some other stars, the best-selling singer has said she personally updates

her own social network, Little Monsters.

A preview holding page for the new site suggests it may resemble popular image-sharing site Pinterest.

Fans have been invited to sign up and receive an invitation to test the site.

Lady Gaga’s latest album, Born this Way, has sold about eight million copies - thanks in part to a considerable social media marketing effort.

HARRY Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part Two and Drive lead this year’s Empire Awards, with five nominations each.

The movies compete against each other for best film, best director and best actor.

The Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, Attack the Block, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo are shortlisted in four categories.

The awards are voted for by

the British public via the film magazine’s website.

Oscar-winning releases The Artist and The Help failed to make the list of nominations.

In the best actress category, Drive Star Carey Mulligan will do battle with Meryl Streep for her performance in The Iron Lady.

Michelle Williams for her performance in My Week With Marilyn, Rooney Mara for The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and Tyrannosaur’s Olivia Colman are also in the running.

Homegrown stars Daniel Radcliffe, Daniel Craig, Gary Oldman and Andy Serkis are pitched against each other for best actor.

Steven Spielberg is up for a best director nod for his work on War Horse, in a shortlist that includes the director of the last Harry Potter episode, David Yates.

A number of new categories have appeared in this year’s awards including the Art of 3D, while the best newcomer award has been split into male and female prizes.

Karrueche Tran and Rihanna are going through a war of words

Rihanna and Chris Brown’s girlfriend at war!

RIHANNA may have a remix with her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, and as far as his current girlfriend Karrueche Tran is concerned, that’s about where their relationship ends!

The aspiring model who’s been hot and heavy with Brown since January, lashed out at the “We Found Love” singer on her Facebook page.

“I’m Angeline [sic], you’re Jen. C’mon you see where Brad is at,” Tran, 23, posted to her profile, referencing the famous Angelina Jolie/Brad Pitt/Jennifer Aniston love triangle.

The cyber attack came after Rihanna, 24, tweeted a photo that could be interpreted as a racist jab at Tran, who is half-Vietnamese: a bag of rice cakes with gold earrings

and black shades, along with the caption, “Ima make u my bitch,” on March 3.

On Tuesday, Rihanna, perhaps fueling the feud again, tweeting lyrics from Lil Kim/ Mob Deep’s remix “Quiet Storm,” “I’m a leader, yall on some followin s***…comin in dis game on some modeling s***!” possibly referencing Tran’s occupation.

In January, sources close to the exes told Us Weekly that the pair have been secretly hooking up for nearly a year.

“Rihanna loves to live dangerously, and talking to and hooking up with Chris is all part of that,” adds a Rihanna insider.

Meanwhile, Brown’s rep tells Us, “He and Rihanna are just friends. He’s not cheating.” (USmagazine)

Hulk Hogan said he was not aware that the tape was filmed.

Hulk Hogan I’m the victim in a sex tape setup

HULK Hogan says the sex tape being shopped to porn companies was “secretly filmed” without his permission ... and claims the footage is nothing less than an “outrageous invasion of privacy.”

TMZ broke the story ... the grainy video which has

already been shopped to Vivid Entertainment features Hulk and a mystery brunette. It’s unclear when the tape was shot.

Now, Hulk’s lawyer David Houston has released a statement ... saying, “Terry Bollea is appalled at the unauthorized release of a

secretly filmed video.”

He adds, “[Hulk] neither approved of the filming nor the release of the same. It is clearly an outrageous invasion of privacy and breach of trust if it is genuine. We will take all necessary steps to enforce both civil and criminal liability.” (TMZ)

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World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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Brazil ‘overtakes UK’s economy’ BRAZIL has become the sixthbiggest economy in the world, the country’s finance minister has said.

The Latin American nation’s economy grew 2.7% last year, official figures show, more than the UK’s 0.8% growth.

The National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) and other economic forecasters also said that Brazil had now overtaken the UK. The Brazilian economy is now worth $2.5tn (£1.6tn), according to Finance Minister Guido Mantega.

But Mr Mantega was keen to play down the symbolic transition - which comes after China officially overtook Japan as the world’s second-biggest economy last year.

“It is not important to be the world’s sixth-biggest economy, but to be among the most dynamic economies, and with sustainable growth,” he said.

Brazil is enjoying an economic boom because of high food and oil prices, which has led to rapid growth.

In 2010, the Brazilian economy was worth $2.09tn, compared with the UK’s $2.25tn total output, in current US dollars, according to the International Monetary Fund.

However, according to NIESR, using the IMF’s figures at current exchange rates, Brazil’s economy is now $2.52tn and the UK’s is $2.48tn.

The larger increase in the nominal size of both economies is explained by domestic inflation.

The Centre for Economics and Business Research has also said that Brazil’s economy has overtaken the UK’s.

A UK Treasury spokesman said:

The Brazilian economy is still booming, despite the global economic slowdown

“Strong economic growth and large populations in the big emerging economies mean that some will catch up with advanced economies like the UK. This shows why the government is right to place high importance on its economic ties with large emerging economies.”

OIL PRODUCTION In the fourth quarter of last year, Brazil’s economy grew by 0.3% from the previous quarter, according to Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia de Estatistica.

Both the annual and quarterly figures were less than analysts had predicted.

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has attributed the slowdown in growth last year mainly to the weak global economic situation and the need to fight rising inflation.

Brazil, the largest Latin American economy and one of the socalled Bric nations together with

Russia, India and China, has seen its economy soar in recent years, with growth far outpacing the US and western Europe, but sending inflation higher.

The currency, the real, fell 11% against the US dollar last year.

That is after two years of huge gains - up 5% in 2010 and 34% in 2009. The currency is worth more than double what it was 10 years ago.

With substantial oil and gas reserves continuing to be discovered off Brazil’s coast in recent years, the country is now the world’s ninth largest oil producer, and the government wishes to ultimately enter the top five.

Brazil has about 190 million people, in contrast to the UK’s 60 million people.

And the country has struggled with inequality. The country’s Gini coefficient, a measure of income inequality, peaked at 0.61 in 1990 but 2010’s figure was a historic low of 0.53.

Louise Estes holds her new-born daughter Jade as her sons Xavier, 8, and Remington, 4, get to know their new sister at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo on Wednesday The siblings have something extraordinary in common: They were each born on Leap Days.

Woman gives birth to her third consecutive Leap Day baby IN ONE of the rarest feats in the annals of family planning, a Utah woman has given birth on a third consecutive Leap Day, tying a record set in the 1960s.

David and Louise Estes’ daughter Jade was born Wednesday morning in Provo, an hour south of Salt Lake City, four years after their son Remington was born on Feb. 29, 2008, and eight years after their son Xavier was born Feb. 29, 2004.

Baby Jade was already five days overdue when doctors induced labor and the family hit the elusive date.

“I have never gone over so I wasn’t sure if she was going to wait,” Louise told The Daily Herald of Provo. “As soon as we passed midnight I knew it really, really could happen.”

The only other known case

of triple Leap Day babies is the Henriksen family of Norway, which logged Feb. 29 births in 1960, 1964 and 1968, according to the Guinness World Records press office. The family holds the Guinness record for most siblings born on Leap Day. Leap Days come once every four years to recalibrate the calendar and account for the 365 days and 6 hours it takes Earth to revolve around the sun.

Having a Feb. 29 birthday can be both a blessing and a curse - a “Leapling” can only celebrate their true birthday once every four years. But they also joke that they age four times slower.

“We’re gonna try to get our oldest a car on his fourth birthday,” Louise joked in an interview with KSL in Salt Lake City. (NYDailynews.com/ AP)

Russia election: Monitors refuse to recognise Putin win A MONITORING group set up by protesters in Russia has refused to recognise the results of the presidential election which returned Vladimir Putin to power.

The League of Voters said there had been widespread fraud and the poll was an insult to civic society in Russia.

Mr Putin, it added, won 53%, not 63.6% as reported officially. Such a result would have still brought him victory.

Vladimir Putin brushed aside the League’s allegations, but appeared to make some concessions.

Mr Putin was re-elected for six years having served two previous terms as president between 2000 and 2008.

His victory has been recognised

by foreign states but the Russian authorities stand accused by international observers of having skewed the election in his favour.

Police detained at least 550 protesters at rallies the day after the election but many have since been freed.

Protest leader Alexei Navalny, who was himself briefly detained in Moscow, said rallies would go on “until we win”.

‘SYSTEMATIC FALSIFICATION’ The international monitors, from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe, urged Russia to carry out a thorough investigation into the claims of fraud.

In a statement on the OSCE website, the monitors said that while all candidates had been able to campaign freely, there had been “serious problems” from the start.

“The point of elections is that the outcome should be uncertain,” said Tonino Picula, co-ordinator of the OSCE mission.

A statement from the League of Voters said it considered the election to have been unfair and dishonest, and the results falsified.

“On 4 March, civic society in Russia was dealt an insult and the institutions of the Russian presidency, the Russian electoral system and the Russian Federation’s state authorities as a whole were discredited,” it said.

Mexican Carlos Slim is estimated to be worth $69bn.

Carlos Slim tops Forbes annual rich list MEXICAN tycoon Carlos Slim has once again come top of Forbes magazine’s annual list of the world’s richest billionaires.

The magazine estimates that Mr Slim, whose business interests range from telecommunications to

construction, is worth $69bn (£44bn).

He is followed by Microsoft founder Bill Gates on $61bn, and US investor Warren Buffett on $44bn.

Mr Slim, 72, has now topped the list for three years in succession.

(BBC)

March 10 - 16, 2012

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Obama: Possible Iran talks offer opportunity The United States and other countries agreed Tuesday to resume negotiations with Iran over its nuclear programme.

Also Tuesday, Iran signaled a willingness to let international inspectors visit a key military base that international inspectors suspect could be involved in a nuclear weapons program.

The United States, France, Britain, China, Russia and Germany said they would resume stalled talks in a letter from the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton. She was responding to an overture that Iran made last month.

Israel, the United States and other countries have said they suspect Iran is trying to build nuclear weapons.

International inspectors also have voiced concern, but Iran insists its nuclear programme is for peaceful, civilian purposes.

Israel has spoken openly about the possibility of an attack on Iran’s nuclear program.

At a news conference in Washington, President Barack Obama on Tuesday cited the possibility of talks, while stressing the “unprecedented pressure” world leaders have been placing on Iran.

“We’re now seeing noises about them returning to the negotiating table,” Obama said, adding that it “is deeply in everybody’s interests -- the United States, Israel and the world’s -- to see if this can be resolved in a peaceful fashion.”

Given “the huge toll” Iran is facing

President Barack Obama

from sanctions and isolation, “they understand that the world community means business,” he said.

Emphasizing the possibility of a diplomatic solution, the president added, “This notion that somehow we have a choice to make in the next week or two weeks or month or two months is not borne out by the facts.”

A top Republican, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, said Tuesday it “is time to consider a resolution authorising the use of force.” He added, however, that sanctions are useful.

Previous talks with the “P5+1” -the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany -- broke off in January 2011, when Iran insisted that all U.N. sanctions be lifted and that the other countries agree that Iran has a right to enrich uranium.

Iran’s offer and the agreement reached Tuesday suggest that Tehran may no longer require such a condition. (CNN)

Parents forget child, 3, at Chuck E Cheese – Find out on evening news

Parents of a 3-year-old girl had some explaining to do after they forgot their daughter at a Chuck E Cheese and did not realise it until they saw her picture on the evening news.

The girl, named Harmony, was left behind at the theme restaurant in Bel Air, Md., after she attended a large party with her parents. According to a report from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office, both of Harmony’s parents, who share custody, assumed the girl had gone home with other relatives.

A restaurant manager alerted sheriff’s deputies around 8 pm that the girl had been left alone after Harmony approached a staff member to say she was thirsty.

Unable to locate the 3-year-old girl’s parents, the deputies asked local news media to put Harmony’s picture on the evening news.

Shortly after Harmony’s picture showed up on the 11 p.m. newscast,

Harmony in Chuck E Cheese.

multiple phone calls came into the Sheriff’s Office, including calls from the girl’s parents. After police determined that Harmony’s abandonment was inadvertent, Child Protective Services released her to her mother, and no charges are expected to be filed.

Calls to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office from ABC News were not immediately returned.

(ABC News)

27

Too many immigrants in France, Sarkozy says FRANCE has too many foreigners and is not integrating them properly, President Nicolas Sarkozy said in an interview on French television.

“Today we have a problem,” Sarkozy said Tuesday night on France 2 TV. “Our system of integration is working worse and worse, because we have too many foreigners on our territory and we can no longer manage to find them accommodation, a job, a school,” he said.

France places a premium on national identity, pressing the population to put “Frenchness” before religion or national background.

Sarkozy is running for a second term in office, with voting set for April 22. He faces a strong challenge from Francois Hollande of the Socialist party and a range of candidates from smaller parties, including the far-right Marine Le Pen. Sarkozy, a conservative, offered cautious praise for Hollande, but said he could not imagine his rival as president.

“Francois Hollande is an intelligent man,” Sarkozy said. “I do not have a problem with him.

The only thing is he has never held

French president Nicolas Sarkozy is up for re-elections.

office at the state level. Honestly, can you imagine Francois Hollande as president of France? Imagine it!”

He said peace in the Middle East would be a top priority for him if he were re-elected.

“I hope that France -- and all of Europe -- we would take an initiative for the year 2012 to be the year of peace between Israel and the Palestinians,” he said.

And he said if he won a second term he would “celebrate with those I love -- my wife and daughter.”

Issues surrounding immigration and integration have troubled French politicians for years.

Last year, a controversial French law went into effect banning Islamic face coverings in public places.

In 2010, hundreds of Muslim youths rioted after a man died in a shootout with police.

France has had an influx of about 130,000 people from other countries each year for the past several years, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The country also had about 48,000 asylum seekers in 2010.

The French population is about 66 million, according to the CIA World Factbook. (CNN)

Florida mom sold 6-year-old daughter’s body for sex to score drugs: police A FLORIDA mom sold her 6-yearold daughter’s body for sex so she could get money and score drugs, according to authorities.

Dalina Nicholas pimped out the young girl to at least two men, but authorities fear the child may have been sexually abused by others, the Florida Times-Union reported Monday.

“I can’t think of an adjective that’s bad enough to describe [the allegations],” Jacksonville Beach Police Chief Bruce Thomason told the newspaper.

Authorities became aware of the child abuse after a homeless man alerted them in January, the Florida Times-Union reported.

He claimed to witness the child being sexually abused in a Jacksonville Beach home where he’d gone to do drugs, police said.

Authorities took custody of the child, and investigators said she described to them the abuse she suffered. The girl, along with a younger sibling, is now living with her grandparents.

“This child is now in a safe environment with relatives,” John Harrell, spokesman for the Department of Children and

Dalina Nichola, 35, sold her 6-year-old daughter’s body for sex to get drugs, police say.

Families, told WOKV News.

“And additionally, our partners at the Children’s Home Society are providing services to help this child, which include therapy and counseling.”

Her 35-year-old mother fled the state, police said. She was later arrested last week in Georgia.

Nicholas’ own mother, who was not identified, defended her daughter as an addict who simply fell victim to “drug dealers.” “ kept returning and basically they took over her home,” she said, according to the Times-Union. “She

was as much a victim as her daughter was.”

Nicholas is being held on a charge of child neglect.

Two men were previously arrested in the case: Quinn M. Brooks, 56, and John F. Hagans, 47. They were charged with sexual battery and are being held without bond.

Hagans told authorities he lived with Nicholas and her daughter in the past, but denied sexually abusing the girl. He said drugs were often done in the house, and people came and went frequently. (NYDailynews. com)

28

Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate STEVEN RIGBY

Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

FAST SALE

Watson Jolly

Is looking for a

Is looking for a

Domestic

Babysitter Worker To work 6 days To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 231-6069

6385

contact: 332-1681

6404

per week salary $5.00 per hour.

1.3 Acres Of Land Ocean Drive, Turtle Tail Semi-Hilltop

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

STUDIO APARTMENT FOR RENT

$300,000 o.n.o.

$650.00 per month Gated Community Furnished

CONTACT: 231-3788

Contact: 231-3788

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

Misick & Stanbrook

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

Paralegal

TURKS and CAICOS ISLANDS HOSPITAL

Job Description Summary:

A vacancy exists for the following discipline. Suitably experienced and qualified Belongers are encouraged to apply:-

IM&T Manager The successful individual will be responsible for:@@ Operating and maintaining in-house applications; planning and conducting migrations and upgrades; overseeing database specific technical assignments. @@ Assisting in projects covering documentation. @@ Investigating and resolving general, but often complex, issues and queries from users of hospital IT systems and manageing and maintaining the hospital IT infrastructure. @@ Applicants must possess an academic degree in IM&T or Technical level in computer, business or quantitative field such as Computer Science, Business, Operations or Mathematics.

A minimum of 5 years managerial experience is required.

The closing date for applications is 5th March 2012.

Misick & Stanbrook is looking for a Paralegal for a 6 month period.

The successful applicant for this job will perform a variety of paralegal activities related to assisting attorneys and administrative professionals in various aspects of legal work, including researching laws, investigating facts, and preparing legal documents.

The position requires:

• LLB or LLM in relevant area • Minimum 2 years Experience as a paralegal doing complex crime and public law work • Strong computer and research skills • Knowledge of legal documents and forms • Ability to work with minimum supervision • Knowledge of legal terminology and style • Good communication and organization skills Closing date for applications: Apply with resume, quoting reference “Paralegal” to

Deveraux C. Malcolm MISICK & STANBROOK P.O. Box 127, Providenciales Fax: 946 4734 E-Mail: info@misickstanbrook.tc

Initial applications may be made by submitting to Interhealth Canada a comprehensive CV showing qualifications and experience. The CV should be emailed to pnicholson@interhealthcanada.tc Please ensure that a contact telephone number or email address is included in the application The closing date for applications is 9th March 2012.

FOR SALE

March 10 - 16, 2012

6380

6410

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

March 10 - 16, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

GEORGE W. PENN Is looking for a

Is looking for a

MCLEAN GARDINER Is looking for a

Mechanic Painter Labourer To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

Is looking for a

FAX: (649) 946-4661

JAMES GOLOB of North Caicos Seeks to employ a

Security Alarm Technician To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 431-4071

Labourer Salary $5.00 per hour interested persons can contact James Golob at 431-2035

6386

PRITON DEVELOPMENT LTD.

DOMESTIC WORKER REQUIRED

Domestic Worker Must have at least 3 years experience and be able to work with little supervision. Salary start at $6.00 an hour and is based on experience.

Priton Development Ltd. also seeks a

Live in Housekeeper

Experienced Live in Domestic Worker needed for busy household. Salary is $ 900.00 a month. Required to work six days a week. An experienced Belonger required for this position.

Must have at least 5 years experience. Duties will include washing and other household duties as required, Applicant must hold a valid drivers license, and Salary is based on experience.

Deadlines for applications are March 10th 2012.

If you fit the above qualifications please address your application to:

PO Box 260 Beatrice Butterfield Building Butterfield Square, Providenciales

Contact: 341-0453

6396

contact: 343-6451

To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

6398

Contact: 231-6153

6405

Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $300 per week.

SECURITY CENTER

6374

EVAN HARVEY

29

6383

Interested persons should be dependable and send applications via fax at (649) 941-4034. C/o Alliance Realty Ltd. 6382

PricewaterhouseCoopers Ltd. requires

ONE (1): Qualified ACA, ACCA, CPA or ACMA For Audit Senior roles experience in audit required salary range: $40,000-$50,000 per annum apply to joseh.p.connolly@ tc.pwc.com or telefax: 649-9464892 no later than March 8th, 2012 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands 6369

30

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

SHERWIN RIGBY

LOFTON THOMAS Is looking to secure a

Is looking for a

Labourer Grounds

Is looking to fill the following positions: • Cleaners • Maids • Life guard • Masseuse • Beach/ Pool Attendants • Bartenders • Front Desk Manager • Part-time & live-in positions available immediately Please deliver resume with salary expectations to Front Desk preference will be given to qualified Belongers

6373

Position is strictly part-time (10-20hrs weekly) and hourly wage is $8.00 per hour.

Interested applicants should email curriculucum vitae or resume and letter of introduction to: info@tcmuseum.org. May also drop resume off at Museum M-F 9AM1PM. Closing of applicants is March 12, Start date: March 19.

6377

6367

Needed

C & S PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Acting on behalf of our client Damaris Smith

DOUGLAS COX Is looking for a

EBEN EZEN WATER Is looking for a

Is looking for a

1 Labourer FOR RENT domestic Labourer Driver worker To work 5 days a week including some weekends and holidays. Duties include weeding, taking care of landscaping and other light jobs that may be required by employer. Salary $6 per hour.

Contact Thashena Adderley 241-4678.

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

contact: 232-3508

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

contact: 946-5759

To work 5 days per week. Salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 347-8283

ANGELA WILLIAMS Is looking for a

VACANCY

Labourer • Must be willing to work six (6) days per week • Must be honest, reliable and proficient • Work is mostly manual and lifting inventory is a must • Hours are from 8:00am-5:30pm some extra hours maybe required at times Salary $6.00 per hour

Applications must be submitted via email to: discount@tciway.tc or

6406

Contact: 232-1473

Responsibilities The Public Areas Supervisor is responsible for Supervisory duties in the Housekeeping department related to the public areas. This includes inspecting guest related areas and ensuring optimal cleanliness and quality of presentation and services of and in those areas, coaching associates, resolving guest complaints, general office duties, etc.

Fax: 649-941-5683

ERB CONSTRUCTION/ BARESTE ETIENNE RIGBY

VACANCIES

Requirements: • High school diploma • Must have previous supervisory experience and oversee a minimum of 10 employees • Must work weekends, holidays, and flexible shifts • Must speak, read, write and understand the primary language (English) used in the workplace • Must be able to read and write to facilitate the communication process • Requires good communication skills, both verbal and written in order to direct and follow-up with staff and communicate directly with guests and owners • Must possess basic computational ability (Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook) • Must possess mathematics skills required for inventories, audits, and inspections • Must be able to instruct and operate all equipment • Must be able to work with chemicals • Must be able to lift, push or pull a minimum of 30 pounds • Must be able to work in open environment areas

WANTED

Seek to fill the following positions:

Masons @ $12.00 per hour

Domestic Worker

NANNY/ BABYSITTER

@ $6.00 per hour

Salesman

salary based on commission

LaboUrer

• 1 year old children • Must have own transportation • Monday – Saturday • From 5pm – 10:30pm Salary $8.00 per hour

@ $6.00 per hour

For the following positions resort experience is an asset but not a requirement. Applicants must have a willing, positive and personable attitude as well as be willing to work holidays and weekends.

To work 5 days per week

6384

Turks Island citizens only need to apply in person to Tiersa Smith, Human Resources Manager at The Sands Resort located on Grace Bay Road, Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Labour Department, or e-mail: humanresource@thesandstc.com. Applications must be in by March 16, 2012.

Is looking for a

• Weekends off • 1 month paid vacation • Meals and accommodation included Salary $5.00 per hour.

Public Area Supervisor

contact: 341-6493

CARRIBEAN BEER & SPIRITS

Live-In Nanny

The Sands is now accepting application, resume or curriculum vitae for the following position.

Only highly self-driven & motivated, personable and professional individuals, who have the desire to serve others, need apply:

To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

6378

GRACE BAY SUITES

• Basic knowledge of TCI history and interest and capacity to learn more upon mandatory training.

• Full fluency and literacy in English; fluency in a second language preferred.

• Comfort communicating to tour groups including foreign tourists & local school groups.

• Ability to follow clear written and oral instructions, museum code of conduct and policies, and dress code.

• High school diploma a must, and some college preferred.

• Willing to work weekends and holidays on a rotating schedule.

• Must have a clean police record

6407

6370

Contact: 231-1666 Closing date: March 15th, 2012

To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 241-3055

Museum Tour Guide-Grand Turk

6381

contact: 241-3019 or 342-8684

6372

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

Keeper

6376

Car Washer

Duties includes: light construction work and any other duties that may be assigned. Salary $5.50 per hour. Individual must be hardworking, honest and reliable.

IMMEDIATE OPENING:

Contact 231-4162 or 331-1067

6418

Is looking for a

FAX: (649) 946-4661

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

6379

LUXURY CAR WASH

March 10 - 16, 2012

Contact: 331-6101 or 347-5543 For an interview

6411

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

Is looking for a

DISH WASHER

contact: 245-3720

Telephone: 946-5282

Salary starts at $5.00 per hour.

6387

6392

Scuba Instructor & Kayak Guide Job Description: • Teach full range of Padi Courses • Conduct full range of splash kayak tours

Labourer

Requirements: • RSTC95 – current • PADI MSDT – in status • Clean Turks & Caicos drivers license • Professional manners & attitude

To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 347-3520

6390

handyman/ labourer Applicant must be honest, reliable, hardworking must be willing to work 3 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

SPLASH KAYAK & ECO ADVENTURE LTD.

JEAN ULYSSE

Ports of Calls, Providenciales

Is looking for a

FLOWER GIRL

Domestic Worker

Building for Sale

Six (6) One (1) Bedroom One (1) Bath. Located on Millinneum Highway Contact Tel: 649 333 1723 or 649 246 6119 Email: capronis2005 @yahoo.com 6208

To work 5 days per week. Salary $6.00 per hour.

For more information

contact: 342-8336 IRA BAPTISTE

GEORGE FORBES NORTH ENTERPRISE WORKSHOP

Is looking for a

Is looking for a

6375

Deadline: March 12th, 2012

THE MACHO TACO

Is looking for a

Is looking for a

• Must know different kinds of flowers • Must know how to treat flowers • Must know how to arrange and take care of flowers

Manager

Flower CoOrdinatoR

Is seeking to employ a

• Environmentally aware • Be familiar with TCI wildlife both on land & underwater • Experience leading kayak tours • Must be able to work weekends and holidays Salary $100.00 per day Belonger need only apply send resumes to splash@express.tc

6389

MARIE ANCLE CHERIE

Apartment

FAX: (649) 946-4661

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

BAREFOOT CAFE

William Joseph

31

Contact: 231-3788

Must have at least 5 years experience in running a restaurant must be willing to work 6 days per week including weekends and holidays salary $8.00 per hour.

contact: 441-8226

6391

March 10 - 16, 2012

VACANCY VACANCY Applications are invited for the position of

Carpenter Labourer 6405

contact: 243-6890

contact: 231-4064

6408

To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

To work in North Caicos 5 days per week salary $8 per hour.

vacancies DOLPHIN SPORTS BAR & GRILL Is looking for 2

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

CARIBBEAN CAFÉ is looking for 2

Barmaids To work 6 days per week.

Salary $6.00 per hour

Contact: 332-6364 or 231-6364

6412

Director of Development

The applicant must possess the following: • Worked in multiple countries with Minister level and Heads of State in the development and establishment of new organisations and agencies • Created and negotiated contracts with governments for the development of infrastructure to ensure all laws and ordinances are in compliance with both local governments and the international community • Experience and knowledge of construction and development through post-graduate degree or work experience • Senior executive level experience in government or corporate organisations

Applications are invited for the position of

Director of Projects – Leeward Resort and Marina

The applicant must possess the following: • Intimate knowledge of all aspects of the original developer’s concepts and vision • Worked with all previous contractors in order to access information and specifications of previous work • At least 30 years of experience in construction and development with experience in Bellingham dock systems and marina construction • Intimately familiar with the laws and ordinances of construction for the Turks and Caicos Islands • Knowledgeable on all aspects of environmental controls to ensure construction meets environmental standards for certification

Belongers need only apply.

Belongers need only apply.

Please Submit Application to: P.O. Box 270 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

Please Submit Application to: P.O. Box 270 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

6413

6414

32

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE BOARD

VACANCY FOR THE POSITION OF

COMPLIANCE SUPERVISOR - PROVIDENCIALES

Job Purpose: The Compliance Supervisor/Legal Officer would provide legal, financial and administrative support in order to ensure an effective, efficient, accurate and timely financial and administrative operation.

SCOPE The Compliance Supervisor /Legal Officer reports to the Chief Executive Officer on all financial Issues; legal and other related matters. This includes ensuring compliance with the National Health Insurance Board Laws and Regulations.

Providing these services in an effective and efficient manner will ensure that municipal finances are accurate and up to date and that delinquent accounts for Employers and Self Employed persons are settled in a timely manner.

Essential Duties: • Effectively delegate delinquent Employer/Employee Accounts to Compliance Officers • Supervise activities of all Compliance Officers on a daily basis.

• Meet with Compliance Officers to resolve compliance issues as they arise.

• Submit Monthly Reports to Executive Management on all compliance activities • Initiate Prosecutions and Prosecute Employer and Self-employed arrears.

• Interpret the National Health Insurance Board Ordinance and Regulations for all staff on a needs basis.

• Assess and advise on all eligibility of beneficiaries.

• Interpret other Ordinances as it relates to the registration and benefits of NHIB beneficiaries.

• Draft legal opinions for advancement to the Chief Executive Officer on all matters arising under the Legislation.

• Make recommendations for the amendment to the Legislation.

• Conduct ongoing training on the National Health Insurance Board Legislation.

• Make recommendations for the improvement of the compliance activities.

• Contact Employers in relation to the submission of Contribution Statements.

• Prepare spreadsheets illustrating debt owed by Employers and the Self Employed.

• Assess, Negotiate and Prepare Payment plans on delinquent accounts.

• Conduct field visits to Employer/Self-Employed Establishments, to inspect their books.

• Conduct surveillance of all delinquent Employer/Self Employed Business.

• Monitor all signed payment plans.

• Travel to the other Islands to meet with Employer/Self Employed in relation to collection of arrears and other compliance issues.

• Draft daily reports on compliance activities conducted.

• Initiate Prosecutions and Prosecute for Employer and Self-employed arrears.

• Ensure all agreed targets are conscientiously pursued and realized.

• • • •

March 10 - 16, 2012

Provide administrative support in order to ensure effective and efficient office operations.

Ensure that all supporting documents are accessible and filed appropriately.

Ensure the confidentiality and security of all financial files.

Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Skills/Qualifications: • Must be able to use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Power Point etc.)

• Excellent team player with team building skills • Excellent writer and oral communication skills • Ability to deliver to strict deadlines and to work under pressure The successful candidate must have: • Excellent knowledge of the Turks and Caicos Islands Legal Procedures • Excellent working knowledge of Information Systems • General book-keeping knowledge • Minimum of 5yrs working experience (legal/enforcement service experience preferred) • Ability to write reports and business correspondence • Demonstrate a high level of integrity and professionalism • Ability to work as a team Salary • Salary will be reflective of qualification and experience.

Deadline for submission: March 30, 2012 All applicants should be addressed to:

Zaneta Burton Chief Executive Officer, National Health Insurance Board Salt Mills Plaza, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies Email: info@tcinhip.tc or zburton@tcinhip.tc

FAX: (649) 946-4661

NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE BOARD

VACANCY

IT Technician FOR THE POSITION OF

- PROVIDENCIALES

SCOPE

As a member of the IT team, this position is primarily responsible for providing support to the Chief Technology Officer. Responsible for configuring hardware and software, setting up peripherals such as printers or routers, repairing equipment and providing daily support for computer network users. Respond to customer inquiries and performs dayto-day administrative/clerical tasks as needed.

Essential Duties:

• Setup new computers including installation of Operative System and appropriate software used in the operations of NHIB • Install and maintain computer hardware, software and networks.

• Troubleshoot hardware, software and network operating systems • Maintain log and/or list of required repairs and maintenance • Troubleshoot and fix networking issues • Provide orientation to new users of existing technology and train staff about potential uses of existing technology • Maintain current and accurate inventory of technology hardware, software and resources.

• Monitor security of all technology used in NHIB • Control and post contents to Websites maintained by NHIB. • Control and manage Network Security.

• Develop, implement and maintain effective backup strategy and proper documentation of all strategies in order to secure data.

• Perform other related duties as assigned by CTO • May perform other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or any other person authorized to give instructions or assignments.

Minimum Requirements/Skills

• A first Degree in Computer Science/Information Systems from a recognized institution.

• At least 1 year experience in maintaining and supporting computer systems and software applications.

• Sound Knowledge of network cabling and Operative Systems and security of computer networks • Experience working with Relational Database Systems would be an asset • Must have a good communication and interpersonal skills.

• Sound knowledge and aptitude in the use of productivity tools such as spread sheets, word processors, database management and query facilities.

• Ability to work on own initiative.

Salary

• Salary will be reflective of qualification and experience.

Deadline for submission: March 30, 2012 All applications should be addressed to:

Human Resource Officer

National Health Insurance Board Salt Mills Plaza, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies Email: info@tcinhip.tc or srobinson@tcinhip.tc

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! the largest readership in the turks & caicos

March 10 - 16, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

33

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

Vacancies

Principal – High School

Foundation’s, Secondary Education Division:

Profile of Ideal Candidate: • An instructional leader who brings integrity, enthusiasm, and has a proven record of successfully implementing consummate skills to the task of engaging both the school and community in a focused effort to raise the performance of all learners.

• An individual who is knowledgeable about CSEC & CAPE; GCE O & A – Level; SAT/ACT • An individual, sensitive to the needs and contributions of a community that is diverse in its economic, racial and cultural populations.

• A person who understands the essential role of a school leader in the life of the community and is eager to establish a visible presence within the community.

Teacher - Secondary Education

Qualifications: All candidates must hold a Masters Degree in Educational and minimum of 5 years classroom experience as a teacher. We seek a dynamic, student-centered, and highly skilled educator with a proven track record in instructional leadership.

Strong financial, interpersonal and management skills are imperative.

Compensation: Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the following position TCIPS

FAX: (649) 946-4661

Point Grace

VACANCY Is currently seeking one

Housekeeping staff We are looking for a trained and enthusiastic housekeeper to join our team. The successful candidate will have several years experience in this position in a luxury hotel. Ability to work well under pressure and good communication skills, including excellent English, are essential; must have a pleasant and outgoing personality. In addition to regular housekeeping duties, the jobs include, turndown service, shifts in laundry, and common areas. Must be willing to work evenings, weekends and holidays.

For the following areas: Biology, Physics and Chemestry; English A & B, Physical Education, Mathematics, Business Subjects, Music, Drama, Social Studies, Industrial Arts, ICT, Visual Arts, Modern Languages, Literacy & Numeracy Specialist - Secondary Education, SAT/ACT Minimum Qualification and Experience Ideally, the incumbent should possess: A First degree in Education, A Diploma in Teaching.

At least five (5) years teaching experience.

Experience of the CSEC, CAPE, O-Level and A-Level is preferred.

Please send your CV to: Beverly Williams, General Manager, Point Grace, PO Box 700, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands; or email to: humanresources@pointgrace.com; or fax to: 649-946-5097.

Wages range: $5.00 to $6.50 per hour (commensurate with experience), plus service charge.

For SAT/ACT Teacher Position

Belongers only need apply Closing date: 19th March, 2012

• Excellent presentation skills - Ability to learn Kaplan s methodology and strategies quickly - Active and ongoing classroom Management - Receive and respond to ongoing training, development, and constructive feedback Student Service - Mentoring skills to help guide students of all levels achieve their highest scores on test day

VACANCIES

Interested persons are invited to submit their applications with résumés no later than Friday, March 30, 2012.

We thank all applicants for expressing an interest; however, only short listed candidates will be contacted.

6409

Rig Truck Driver Applicant must have 5 Years experience driving a tractor trailer with experience in dump trailers. Mechanical ability would be an asset.

POSITION AVAILABLE AT SKINTINUOUS CARE

SPA – SKINCARE TECHNICIAN & MASSAGE THERAPIST • • • • • • • •

Organic facials Ultrasonic facials Oxygen facials Micro-­‐dermabrasion Skin analysis Lash & brow tinting Lash extensions Manicure & pedicure

Applicant must be prepared for heavy work, breaking cement bags, loading trucks and stevedoring of cement and gravel. Applicant will also be required to assist mechanics as needed. Applicant must prepare to work long hours.

Evenings and weekends as required.

Heavy Duty Mechanic w/Electronic Specialization

SkintinuousCare is seeking to employ a certified spa & skincare technician/massage therapist.

The spa offers an array of treatments, such as: • Permanent hair reduction (IPL) • Fast waxing, including Brazilian waxing, using hard & soft wax • Photo-­‐rejouvenation with E-­‐Light • Chemical peels

Labourers

Applicant should have specialization in electronic wiring with extensive knowledge of caterpillar equipment. Applicant must have 5 years minimum experience in diesel heavy equipment. Applicant must have own tools and transportation and be able to work without supervision.

• Wedding & special occasion make-­‐up applications • Body treatments • Swedish massage • Hot stone massage • Shiatsu • And more…

Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Requirements: • Candidate must have a current aesthetician (Cidesco Certification) and/or cosmetology license (Cidesco Certification is a plus), manicure license and massage certificate (CMT Certification).

• Candidate must have at least 10 years experience in the industry.

• Candidate must posses a thorough knowledge of cosmetics, skincare products and related application procedures in order to boost retail sales of products.

• Candidate must be able to perform all of the above listed treatments.

• Candidate must be able to perform cosmetic consultations and educate clients on skin care products as well as provide customized treatment plans and skincare regiments.

• Candidate must be able to forge new client relationships and ensure client retention through excellence.

• Candidate must be able to stand on his/her feet and/or sit for a prolonged period of time and must be prepared to work irregular hours (including evenings), holidays and weekends.

• Candidate must have means of transportation at all times.

• Candidate must regularly attend educational training seminars in order to stay up-­‐to-­‐date on new products, equipment and treatments.

• Candidate must have excellent organizational skills and posses excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, Spanish and French.

Applicant must have substantial experience in all aspects of heavy equipment operation including Crane Operation. Seven years minimum experience required. A mechanical aptitude would be beneficial.

Professional Welders Minimum Experience-5 yrs. Must be able to weld aluminum and iron. Must be versed in TIG and MIG welding. Applicant must be able to fabricate and manufacture components out of metal. Must be able to work independently.

Hours include weekends and evenings as required.

Please reply with reference and clean police and driving records to CBMS Ltd. 941-3400. Wages wil be based on experience. Deadline March 16, 2012

BELONGERS ONLY NEED APPLY

Job applications, resumes, references and copies of certificates should be emailed to info@kl-­consultants.tc before March 31st, 2012.

6399

6402

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PHONE: (649) 946-4664

March 10 - 16, 2012 FAX: (649) 946-4661

EMPLOYMENT / SERVICES / NOTICES

VACANCIES

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

WILLIAM JOSEPH Is looking for a

HOLE IN THE WALL RESTAURANT

• 1 Waitress

Handyman/ Labourer

UPSTAIRS BAR & GRILL

• 1 Domestic Worker

Is seeking suitably qualified Belongers to fill the positions outlined below. Ideal candidate must possess luxury resort experience, a professional, outgoing and friendly demeanor, and a strong command of the English language (oral and written).

Salary is based on experience and qualifications.

• A/C Technician • Pool & Beach Attendant • Commis Chef • Gardener

Resumes can be faxed to 941-3425 and the Labour Department, Providenciales as soon as possible

contact: 245-3720

REQUIRED

PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS

• Bachelors Degree from a recognized University eligible to register wit TCI Health Practitioners Board • Willing to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays if required • Must be highly computer literate with previous experience using dispensary management software and retail POS • Evidence of active continuing education required • Must have a pleasant outgoing personality, reliability and ability to work well under pressure • Salary commensurate with experience ranging from $35k-$40k

Closing Date: March 19, 2012 Suitably qualified candidates should apply in writing or by phone to the following:

6397

CARIBBEAN CRUSIN’ LTD.

Please email CV to islandpharmacy@tciway.tc or fax: (649) 946-4942

6401

M&S TRUST COMPANY LIMITED

Is seeking to hire a qualified person to fill the position of

Operations Manager Duties: • Maintain and review the schedule of services, both prearranged ferry trips and custom charter trips. Check, record and balance the number of guests on all trips whether scheduled ferry or charter.

• Monitor and control the receipt of funds and the payment of funds related to the daily operation of the business. Ensure that an accurate record of all receipts and expenditures is kept.

• Maintain and review the maintenance schedule of all vessels and vehicles owned by the business. Ensure that all vessels and vehicles are maintained according to company policy.

• Supervise Train, Motivate, Discipline, and Review and generally manage all other staff.

• The continuity and success of the business relies on satisfied customer experiences. The operations manager is responsible for ensuring that the customer satisfaction rate remains and that scheduled ferry trips and charter schedules are honoured in a timely fashion.

• The manager will be responsible for all vehicles and vessels that are conducting company business at all times of the day.

Requires a

Trust Manager/ Accountant Required Duties: • Preparation of financial statements and bank reconciliations for the trust company and a busy law firm • Administration of trusts and international business companies • Supervision of associated staff • Administration of loan/mortgage portfolios • Administration of escrow agreements for developers/clients • Maintenance of accounting software systems (PCLaw) • Preparation and provision of client financial reports & reconciliations Required Qualifications/Knowledge: • University Degree (preferably in Business/Accounting/Economics) • Recognized Professional Accounting Designation • Accredited TEP (Trust & Estate Practitioner) or similar designation • Thorough knowledge of PCLaw software system • At least ten years prior experience in the financial industry • Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Word/Excel and Lotus 123 • Thorough knowledge of investment products

Qualifications • • • • • •

Salary must commensurate with qualifications

Applicant must be honest, hardworking, reliable and willing to work 3 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

PHARMACIST

• Kids Camp Attendant • Restaurant Hostess • Events Coordinator

Bridgette Thomas BNC Consulting Group, Ltd website: www.bnccgroup.com email: bthomas@bnccgroup.com phone: 649-332-2565

• 1 Laborer • 1 Sales Clerk

6403

VACANCIES

GORDON SUPPLY

6392

34

The suitable applicant should have excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills. The position is full time with starting salary of up to $90,000 per annum dependent on qualifications and experience. 2012.

2 years experience on a Passenger Vessel in local water 5 years experience in Marine Management Proven track record in corporate and personnel management Local Capitan’s license Maritime safety certification Salary commensurate with experience and commission base on revenue gernerated.

Applicants should in writing or by e-mail to Neil R. Coles at nrc@ mslaw.tc with full curriculum vitae. Qualified applicants will be contacted by email or phone.

M & S Trust Company Limited PO Box 560, Beatrice Butterfield Building Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Hours of Work

The Ferry Schedule is from 6:30am to 6:30pm, Monday to Saturday and 9:30am to 5:15pm on Sundays.

6400

6393

March 10 - 16, 2012

Sports International

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

35

Wayne ‘would definitely love’ to be a Dolphin with Manning

Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne (87) have been teammates since 2001. Could that continue into 2012 in a different city?

Peyton Manning is a free agent.

Colts WR Reggie Wayne will almost certainly join his teammate of 11 seasons on the unemployment line Tuesday.

However Wayne hopes they remain joined at the hip much longer, especially if it means wearing teal and orange and hitting the beach after practice.

“He’s a great worker, and I

consider myself a great worker. And when you put great workers together, good things happen,” Wayne said to WQAM in Miami when asked about a scenario where he and Manning sign with the Dolphins.

“So me being in his trail onto Miami? I would love it. I would definitely love it. I am totally available, my phone is working.”

Like Manning, Wayne has worn the

Colts horseshoe his entire career since being selected in the first round of the 2001 draft. With 862 receptions -- most on passes from Manning -- Wayne is about two seasons from hitting the 1,000-catch plateau.

But he said he’d have no problem riding shotgun to Dolphins No. 1 WR Brandon Marshall, especially if his four-time MVP buddy kept throwing to him.

Vacancy Notice Vacancy Notice INVESTMENT SERVICE EXECUTIVE

INVESTMENT SERVICE EXECUTIVE- AFTER CARE

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent in this managerial position coordinates the objective of pre-Investment and Investment services as a core function of the investment Unit; aligned strongly with the marketing role the Candidate will work closely with the Director in the creation of the investment packages, and conception of investment pushes for marketing and development of investment goals. This role “sells” the country and its investment products and opportunities. Providing professional services for the development of the investment project proposals as set out in the project proposal guidelines. This role requires strong communication skills professional mannerisms and to be an excellent ambassador for the Turks and Caicos Islands. This role also liaises directly with the marketing role and after care services to complete the feedback loop and ensure a full service offering from the unit. Duties include reviewing reports and projects; developing investment communication, information, data and other related policies and procedures; preparing annual estimates of expenditure; meeting consultants; supervising staff and overseeing the investment generation for the islands in line with governmental aims and objectives and liaising with other Government Department. The incumbent will also represent the TCIG Investment Unit at meetings, conferences and seminars, and provide impartial, accurate and timely advice to superiors.

An exciting opportunity awaits you in the Turks & Caicos Islands Government Service for the post of Investment Service Executive After-Care. The incumbent in this managerial position would have the responsibility to coordinate the Investment Aftercare Services as a core function to the Investment Unit; to enhance retention and expansion of investments in Turks and Caicos Islands. The role will be proactive in verifying the information contained in project files, collect actual information on performance of projects, and collect information on investor concerns and to advice investors on other opportunities for re-investment such as expansion and diversification. This role liaises directly with the lead generator and marketing role to complete the feedback loop and ensure a full service offering from the unit. Duties include reviewing reports and projects; developing investment communication, information, data and other related policies and procedures; preparing annual estimates of expenditure; meeting consultants; supervising staff and overseeing the investment generation for the islands in line with governmental aims and objectives and liaising with other Government Departments. He /She would also be able to set investment goals and strategies for Turks and Caicos Islands Government and prepare advisory briefings on development and investment trends, markets and customers.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The position requires an Undergraduate Degree in Finance, Investment Planning, Public Sector Management, Development, Marketing or Business related area from a recognized institution. The candidate must have at least six (6) years hands-on experience, five (5) of which should have been obtained from functioning in a similar field of work.

The position requires an Undergraduate Degree in Finance, Investment Planning, Public Sector Management, Development, Marketing or Business related area from a recognized institution. The candidate must have at least six (6) years hands-on experience, five (5) of which should have been obtained functioning in a similar field of work.

The incumbent must also be knowledgeable in Public Service Development laws, Procedures and Practices as well as be current with Public Sector Developmental reforms and best practices in countries similar to the Turks & Caicos Islands. The successful candidate is required to be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite as well as online management tools and customer contact software. Intermediate knowledge of the use of Graphic Design and other Web Design Software would be preferred. He /She must be able must have excellent communication skills and be a strong ambassador for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The incumbent must also be knowledgeable in Public Service Development laws, Procedures and Practices as well as be current with Public Sector Developmental reforms and best practices in countries similar to the Turks & Caicos Islands. The successful candidate is required to be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite as well as online management tools and customer contact software. Intermediate knowledge of the use of Graphic Design and other Web Design Software would be preferred. He /She must have excellent communication skills and be a strong ambassador for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

SALARY: $44,820 - $ 47,790 per annum

SALARY: $44,820 - $ 47,790 per annum

Applicant’s resume including contact number or email address, two letters of reference and a police certificate should be sent to the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Public Service Management, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. Fax (649) 946-1582. Email: recruitment@gov.tc Extension: 10318

Applicant’s resume including contact number or email address, two letters of reference and a police certificate should be sent to the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Public Service Management, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. Fax (649) 946-1582. Email: recruitment@gov.tc Extension: 10318

ONLY SUITABLE CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED

ONLY SUITABLE CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED 6416

6417

36

Sports International

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 10 - 16, 2012

UFC: Junior Dos Santos, Alistair Overeem will fight on May 26 New Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos will make his first title defense May 26 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas against former Strikeforce heavyweight champ Alistair Overeem, UFC Chairman Lorenzo Fertitta told The Times on Thursday.

Dos Santos, 27, became champion on the UFC’s heavily promoted debut fight card on Fox inside the Honda Center in November. Dos Santos (14-1) needed just 64 seconds to defeat then-unbeaten champion Cain Velasquez by first-round knockout (punches).

The anticipation for a showdown

with Overeem intensified after Overeem made his UFC debut with a dominant beating of former UFC champion Brock Lesnar on Dec. 30, needing just 2:26 of the first round to kick Lesnar to the canvas and finish him off with a barrage of punches.

Lesnar announced his retirement after that fight.

Former Strikeforce heavyweight champ Alistair Overeem

LABOURER General labor @@ Able to work with little or no supervision, be physically fit, dependable and hardworking @@ Must be self motivated and able to understand, read, write and speak English Send inquires to:

Caribbean Diamond Residence Leeward, Governors Road Turks & Caicos Islands. Tel: 649-231-4885

6327

Vacancy Notice Investment Marketer

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

An exciting opportunity awaits you in the Turks & Caicos Islands Government Service for the post of Investment Marketer. The incumbent in this position will initially manage the re-branding of the Investment Unit. The promotion and marketing role embodies the lead entity for promotion of investment to the TCI. The role will coordinate and launch timely and targeted campaigns to attract investors into the country. This would be achieved by utilizing modern marketing techniques and strong understanding for branding and creation and maintenance of marketing brand and message.

A proven track record of delivering marketing and monitored campaigns with a result driven approach is required. The role also promotes TCIU and builds the units online presence and brand association both regionally and globally creating data capture and strong customer relationship management systems to liaise across the unit for feedback and incremental strategic growth of the marketing message. The role will identify and utilise overseas networks, Embassies and Consulates as key avenues for investment promotions. It will conduct and liaise with the local and private sector to have site visits and on island promotions, in the case of ground breaking and project launches. This role works parallel to the investor lead generator to align service offering and create investment products through feedback and collaboration of information. Duties include reviewing reports and articles; developing communication, information, data protection and other related policies; working with other Information and Communication Departments and other Government Departments preparing annual estimates of expenditure; meeting consultants; supervising staff and overseeing the use of contracted advertising and Public Relation Services.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE The position requires an Undergraduate Degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications or a related field. The candidate must have at least six (6) years hands-on experience, five (5) of which should have been obtained functioning in a similar position.

The incumbent must also be knowledgeable in Public service development laws, Procedures and Practices as well as be current with Public Sector developmental reforms and best practices in countries similar to the Turks & Caicos Islands. The successful candidate is required to be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite as well as online management tools and customer contact software. Intermediate knowledge of the use of Graphic Design and other Web Design Software would be preferred. He /She must be able must have excellent communication skills and be strong ambassador for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

SALARY: $44,820 - $ 47,790 per annum Applicant’s resume including contact number or email address, two letters of reference and a police certificate should be sent to the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Public Service Management, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. Fax (649) 946-1582. Email: recruitment@gov.tc Extension: 10318 ONLY SUITABLE CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED 6415

March 10 - 16, 2012

Sports International

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

37

Former WI cricketer Morton killed in car crash in Trinidad Lionel Messi scores for Barcelona in their Champions Leauge victory over Bayer Leverkusen.

Messi hits record five

LIONEL Messi broke his own Champions League record as he scored five goals in Barcelona’s 7-1 demolition of Bayer Leverkusen in their second leg last 16 tie Wednesday.

The World Player of the Year had set the previous best of four against Arsenal two seasons ago and proceeded to go one better with a dazzling display in the Nou Camp.

He now has 12 goals from seven Champions League matches this season as the defending champions waltzed into the quarterfinals 10-2 on aggregate against their unfortunate German opponents.

“You can expect anything from Leo,” teammate Cesc Fabregas told AFP. “He is the best player in history; we

have never seen anyone like him.”

Trailing 3-1 from the first leg, the Bundesliga side could not contain Messi as he scored twice before the break in the 25th and 42nd minutes.

Messi claimed his hat-trick early in the second with a lob after he eluded a static Bayer defense from a Fabregas through pass.

Youngster Chritian Tello added Barca’s fourth, again set up by former Arsenal star Fabregas.

Messi then scored from a tight angle for his fourth after a defensive error and goalkeeper Bernd Leno was at fault again as he allowed a weak Tello shot to go in for the sixth.

Messi’s fifth with six minutes to go was unstoppable before Karim Bellarabi scored a consolation for the visitors.

TRIBUTES have flooded in for former West Indies Test player Runako Morton, who was killed in a car crash in Trinidad Sunday.

The 33-year-old Morton played all three forms of international cricket for the West Indies, last representing them two years ago.

Reports said he was driving home alone on his way home from a match when the tragic accident occurred in central Trinidad.

West Indies Cricket Board president Dr Julian Hunte gave the official reaction to his death.

“Runako’s passing, still in the prime of life, leaves us all in shock,” he said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as we all try to come to terms with his loss.

“He will be remembered as a fierce competitor on the field who gave no quarter whether he was playing for West Indies, Leeward Islands, Nevis or Trinidad and Tobago.”

Former captain Chris Gayle tweeted: “We lost a True Warrior WI Cricketer Runako Morton - May (h) is soul rest in peace!

While former teammate Wavell Hinds also used his Twitter blog to express his feelings.

“Gone far too soon brother Runako.

Runako Morton celebrates scoring the winning runs in a one-day international against India in 2009.

I will treasure the great memories for sure. RIP. God knows best.”

Morton, who hailed from the tiny island of Nevis, scored 573 Test runs at an average of 22.03 and 1519 in one day internationals (ODI) at 33.75.

His Test debut came against Sri

Lanka in Colombo in 2005, and he made his maiden ODI hundred against New Zealand a year later.

But despite being an acknowledged talent, Morton was unable to cement a regular place in the West Indies team in any format.

(CNN)

Button is biggest threat to Red Bull says Horner Quarterback Peyton Manning in action for the Indianapolis Colts against the New York Jets.

Star quarterback Peyton Manning makes emotional exit from Colts

PEYTON Manning parted company with the Indianapolis Colts Wednesday after a glittering 14-year career at the NFL franchise.

The 35-year-old quarterback helped the Colts to the Super Bowl title in 2007 and is a four-time NFL Most Valuable Player.

The decision frees the Colts from a $28 million bonus payment that would have been due to Manning this week had they exercised their option for the remaining four years on his contract.

Manning and Colts owner Jim Irsay appeared at an emotional press conference to confirm the news that

was widely expected.

“This has not been easy for Jim and it certainly has not been easy for me,” said Manning. “Jim and I have always been close ... he’s always been good to me.

“This town and this team mean so much to me. It truly has been an honor to play for Indianapolis.

“I will leave the Colts with nothing but good thoughts and gratitude to Jim, the organization, my teammates the media and, especially, the fans.”

Manning missed all of last season after four operations for a damaged vertebrae in his neck, the Colts going 2-14, the worst season in their history. (CNN)

RED Bull boss Christian Horner says McLaren’s Jenson Button is the biggest threat to his team this season, but warned that there is more to come from defending champion Sebastian Vettel.

Horner also named Lewis Hamilton of McLaren, Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen of Lotus as contenders.

But he insisted Red Bull’s backto-back champion Vettel will take some beating.

“We are yet to see the best from him,” Horner told BBC Radio 5 live.

“He will evolve and get stronger.”

Button, the 2009 world champion, finished second to Vettel in the 2011 season, a distant 122 points behind the German.

With the 2012 season poised to start in Australia on 18 March, Horner is predicting a closer contest for the title this time round.

“Seb had an unbelievable year and in the end dominated significantly,” he said. “But there are some big opponents out there, with six world champions on the grid.

“Lewis is going to be pushing hard this year, Jenson had a great year last year, you can’t rule

McLaren’s Jenson Button is the man to beat according to Red Bull boss Christian Horner.

out Fernando because he is a world-class driver and it will be interesting to see how Kimi fares on his return.”

Asked to pick out the strongest rival to Vettel and his team-mate Mark Webber, Horner responded: “Probably Jenson.”

Horner said he was happy with Red Bull’s car after they successfully trialled upgrades during pre-season

testing in Barcelona.

“Those upgrades seem to be working OK and will certainly be on the car in Australia in 10 days’ time,” he said.

“I think we’re set for a really fascinating season. Things move on so quickly and the running order at the end of last year doesn’t guarantee it’s going to be the running order at beginning of this year.”

38

Sports International

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 10 - 16, 2012

Thorpe plays down chances of qualifying for Olympics FIVE-TIME Olympic gold medallist Ian Thorpe has admitted he faces a race against time to be ready for the Australian Olympic trials on 15 March.

The 29-year-old, who came out of retirement last year in a bid to make London 2012, will race in the 100m and 200m freestyle events in Adelaide.

“I wish I had another six months to do this,” he said.

“I have to be swimming well. The most realistic outcome of this is that I will most likely fail.”

Thorpe, who has won 11 world titles and set 13 long-course world records during his career, has not reached the heights he set before retirement in 2006, but is hoping to do enough to qualify for the relay teams.

And he admits he is feeling the pressure of trying to live up to his winning ways of the past.

“All of the expectation, that desire

Maria de Villota is the first woman in 20 years to enter Formula One.

Marussia take on female test driver Maria de Villota

Former swimming great Ian Thorpe wishes he had another six months before the Australian qualifiers for this year’s Olympics.

to see me do well, it exists for me in a way that it doesn’t exist for other people,” said Thorpe, who won three gold medals at the Sydney Olympics of 2000 and two in Athens four years later.

“I wish I had more time to do it. I have to be swimming fast as well in both of my races.

“It will probably be the last time I will be able to do this so I want to be able to make the most of it.” (BBC)

London 2012:

Banned Chambers and Millar ‘could compete’ DWAIN Chambers and David Millar will be free to compete for Great Britain at the London Olympics, according to a leading sports lawyer.

The pair is currently banned because of a British Olympic Association (BOA) by-law which prevents drug cheats from competing at the Games.

However, lawyer Howard Jacobs predicts that the by-law will be ruled invalid following a special hearing on Monday.

If that happened, sprinter Chambers and cyclist Millar would be eligible to wear a Team GB vest this summer.

The BOA goes to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) to challenge a ruling from the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) that its by-law is not compliant with the Wada code and is therefore unenforceable.

The by-law was introduced more than 20 years ago and has kept a number of British athletes, among them Chambers and Millar, out of past Olympics.

The BOA says its rule is not a sanction but is part of its selection policy. It also argues that it is entitled to decide who can and cannot represent the nation.

However, Jacobs, who helped American 400m runner LaShawn Merritt overturn his Olympic doping

MARIA de Villota has joined Marussia as a test driver for the new season.

The 32-year-old Spaniard is likely to feature at the end-of-season young driver test in Abu Dhabi.

The last woman to enter the F1 world championship was Italian Giovanna Amati, who failed to qualify for three races at the start of the 1992 season.

Five women have entered F1 races in the past, the most prolific being Italian Lella Lombardi, who started 12 grands prix in the 1970s.

However, De Villota, the daughter of 1980s F1 driver Emilio de Villota, is unlikely to be given the chance to follow in Lombardi’s footsteps in the near future.

She has previous F1 experience after being given a test drive by Renault in August last year.

She said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to work closely with a

Formula 1 team and gain important experience to help me progress my career, including the chance to drive the new car later in the year at the Abu Dhabi test.

“I will be joining the team trackside so I’m looking forward to working alongside them at the first race next weekend and this can only help my future ambition to step up to F1 racing.”

Marussia team boss John Booth said: “Our test driver programme will enable Maria to be integrated into a Formula 1 team environment and gain a vast amount of experience that will be useful to her career progression.

“We will also provide Maria with the opportunity to sample F1 machinery later in the year, further adding to her racing credentials.”

Marussia have changed their name this season after racing as Virgin since their debut in F1 in 2010. (BBC)

ICC committee proposes World Twenty20 expansion

Dwain Chambers might be able to hit the tracks again

ban , believes the BOA will end up on the “losing side”.

He told BBC Sport: “When I heard the BOA’s response to the Cas decision, what they were saying sounded a lot like what the International Olympic Committee were saying, trying to characterise the rule as an eligibility rule as opposed to a sanction.

“It was exactly the same thing as the IOC did in our case, so it strikes me that this type of characterisation is not likely to be successful.”

Jacobs was instrumental in helping Beijing gold medallist Merritt win his case against the IOC whose Rule 45 barred any athlete who had received a doping suspension of more than six months from competing in the next Games.

The 25-year-old Merritt, who was given a two-year suspension later reduced to 21 months for failing three tests for a banned steroid in early 2010, argued it went beyond Wada sanctions of a maximum twoyear ban.

THE INTERNATIONAL Cricket Council’s chief executives’ committee (CEC) has suggested that an associate or affiliate member such as Ireland could host an ICC World Twenty20 tournament.

The CEC said non-Testplaying countries “should consider submitting a detailed proposition” to stage an event.

Another CEC recommendation is for the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh in 2014 to be expanded to 16 teams.

This year’s tournament, in Sri Lanka in September, features 10 teams.

The CEC also proposed that teams will now be allowed to play 15 Twenty20 internationals in any year in which the World Twenty20 is being played, instead of 12, and that it should continue to be a joint event for men’s and women’s teams - which it was in 2009 and 2010, and will be again in 2012.

ICC chief executive Haroon

Lorgat said: “The CEC agreed that further conversations to strategically manage T20 cricket and also to promote all three formats would be beneficial.”

Bangladesh’s proposed forthcoming tour of Pakistan - who have not been able to play at home since gunmen attacked the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore in March 2009 - was also on the meeting’s agenda.

The CEC agreed to recommend that special dispensation should be given for non-neutral umpires and referees to be appointed for the series if the ICC felt it were unsafe to send its own match officials.

An invitation for cricket to take part in the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia will also be “further explored”, while the CEC also supported the ICC’s “strategy to independently evaluate the pros and cons of participating in the Olympic Games”.

Its recommendations will now be presented to the ICC board. (BBC)

March 10 - 16, 2012

Sports International

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Dravid expected to announce Test retirement INDIA batsman Rahul Dravid has called a news conference for Friday morning in which he is expected to announce his retirement from international cricket.

The 39-year-old has scored 13,288 runs in 164 Tests since making his debut in 1996, second only to compatriot Sachin Tendulkar, and has made 36 centuries.

Dravid retired from one-day cricket last September, having scored 10,889 runs in 344 internationals.

He will continue to play in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament.

Former skipper Dravid, nicknamed “The Wall” for his patient batting style, also holds the world record of 210 Test catches.

India were the number one side in Test and one-day international cricket in 2011 but have dropped to third in both categories and have been whitewashed 4-0 in their last two Test series in England and Australia.

With Dravid and fellow batsmen Tendulkar and VVS Laxman all in

Rahul Dravid was a solid player.

their late 30s, calls have been made for younger players to be introduced.

Dravid enjoyed a successful 2011 with five Test centuries, but averaged a modest 24 in Australia, passing fifty only once in eight innings. (BBC)

Lukas Podolski might receive a £10.9m over four years.

Podolski to sign for Arsenal from Cologne ARSENAL have agreed a deal to sign Germany striker Lukas Podolski from Cologne, BBC Sport understands.

Reports suggest the Gunners will pay £10.9m for the 26-year-old on a four-year contract worth £100,000 a week.

Podolski will have to pass a medical and agree personal terms before the move can be completed in the summer.

Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker said: “He has sent me a number of text messages and I have told him this is a great place to work and Arsenal are an amazing club.”

The pair have played together for Germany since 2004 and now look set to join forces at club level as well.

Cologne boss Stale Solbakken admitted last month he could lose Podolski to Arsenal and the transfer is now at an advanced stage.

The Poland-born forward started

his career with Cologne and joined Bayern Munich in 2006 before returning to his first club in 2009.

He played for Germany at the 2004 and 2008 European Championships, as well as the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

Podolski scored three goals to help his country qualify for Euro 2012 and has scored 16 goals in 22 club games this season.

Big-spending Russian clubs Lokomotiv Moscow and Anzhi Makhachkala were also understood to be pursuing Podolski but he recently stated that money was not his prime concern.

“Money is not the most important thing for me,” he told German newspaper Sport-Bild. “What is crucial is the development of my game.”

Cologne currently sit 14th in the Bundesliga, with Podolski having scored more goals (16) than all of his team-mates put together (15).

39

Rory McIlroy becomes world number one after Honda win RORY McIlroy moved to the top of the world rankings after winning the Honda Classic by two strokes in Florida.

The 22-year-old from Northern Ireland showed great resolve, dropping only one shot in a final round of 69 for a 12-under-par total.

He withstood a superb final day charge from Tiger Woods, the youngest man to reach the number one spot, who had two eagles in a 62 to share second.

Lee Westwood posted five birdies and an eagle in a 63 for fourth place.

It was a final round full of character from McIlroy, who has grown significantly in stature since imploding at last year’s Masters with a closing 80 having led by four shots going into the final round.

The Northern Irishman becomes the second youngest player to reach number one.

“It’s very special,” he said. “When I was 10 or 11 I was interviewed and said I wanted to be the best player in the world and I wanted to win majors.”

He claimed his first title as a 19-year-old at the Dubai Desert Classic in 2009, secured his first major at last year’s US Open and also won the Hong Kong Open in December.

Since the USPGA Championship last August he has played in 11 ranking events and finished outside the top-five in only one of them.

This season he reached the final

The young man held off a Tiger Woods of the past to win the competition and become world number one.

of the World Match Play event in Arizona, losing to Hunter Mahan in the final last weekend.

The final round was brought forward because of the threat of thunderstorms but though the conditions were breezy in the early part of the day they eased somewhat and were played out in warm afternoon sunshine.

McIlroy needed some calm up and downs from around the greens to salvage pars early in his round, and when veteran Tom Gillis bogeyed his second hole in succession at the 10th, his young playing partner had a comfortable four-shot advantage with eight holes to play.

However, McIlroy hit a wayward drive at the 12th and dropped his

first shot in 23 holes when he missed from 15 feet for par.

Woods, nine shots off the pace in joint 18th overnight, had collected an eagle and three birdies in his first 11 holes to move into contention.

The drama intensified when he birdied the 17th and eagled 18 in vintage fashion, to equal his best score in the final round on the PGA Tour.

Having holed a huge putt at the par-three 17th, the last of the famous Bear Trap holes, the 36-year-old landed an imperious iron shot from a hanging lie in the semi rough on the final fairway onto the front of the green and set up an eagle chance to take him within one shot of McIlroy.

Jake White asked to manage England SOUTH Africa’s World Cupwinning coach Jake White says the RFU has approached him about taking over the England team.

White is eight months into a four-year deal with the Brumbies in Australia and says he would not leave before the Super 15 season ends in August.

However, the 48-year-old has “declared an interest in exploring his

options” according to a Brumbies statement.

The Australian franchise also rejected suggestions that White has already been interviewed and offered the position.

“Obviously this is a terrific opportunity for Jake White, and one which reflects his status as one of the world’s leading coaches,” Brumbies chief executive Andrew Fagan said.

Jake White is eight months into a four-year deal with the Brumbies in Australia and says he would not leave before the Super 15 season ends in August.

“That said, Jake is in the first of a four-year contract with the Brumbies and there are many details that would need to be worked through should he be successful with his application.”

The Brumbies won the only match of the 2012 Super Rugby so far, 1917 against the Western Force on 24 February. (BBC) “White has told his club that he will see out the Super 15 season, regardless of the RFU’s final decision,” said BBC Radio 5 live’s rugby commentator Alastair Eykyn.

White’s commitment to remain with the Brumbies until the end of their current campaign would rule him out of England’s June tour to South Africa.

Earlier this month, RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie said he wanted to appoint a new coach by 17 March.

But he said he would be prepared to wait until as late as October to get the right man.

Interim England coach Stuart Lancaster is expected to be interviewed before the end of the Six Nations as the RFU search for Martin Johnson’s successor.

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Sports International

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

TCIFA’S Bien-Aime says first meeting was an “amazing experience” SONIA Bien-Aime, the hardworking General Secretary of the TCIFA, has called her first meeting with the Organising Committee for the FIFA U-20 World Cup an “amazing experience”.

The local official was selected to sit on the committee by FIFA’s President Joseph S. Blatter in December last year.

Mrs. Bien-Amie, who was at the home of FIFA in Zurich, Switzerland, said: “It was an amazing experience to sit with some of the greatest people in the “world of football,” to make decisions on matters relating to the organising of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan 2012 and the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada 2014.”

“We were presented with a full agenda for discussion and matters for approval, which included administrative matters, competition regulations, marketing communications and TV matters, status of activities and key dates, status report by the LOC Japan 2012 and the LOC Canada 2014, women referees, to name a few.”

JAPAN TOUR “Mrs. Bien-Aime further stated: “I await with anticipation my schedule for my tour of duties in Japan during the months of August and September, when I will be required to travel throughout Japan to the cities where the competitions will be held to carry out duties which will be assigned to me.

What is more, this opportunity not only affords me the experience of travelling throughout Japan and experiencing the various cultures, but more importantly being very active in my role as a committee

Sonia Bien-Aime

member and having the opportunity to work with diverse people and hands on experience in organising and ensuring that all aspect of the events exceeds expectation. This experience will no doubt be of tremendous benefit to me as an

individual and by extension to the TCIFA and the Turks & Caicos Islands.”

For more information on the TCIFA, kindly contact Sonia BienAime, Secretary General on 9415532 or email tcifa@tciway.tc.

March 10 - 16, 2012

Josh for Sports

TCI can become the Caribbean’s sailing Mecca SOME four weeks ago I wrote and lost an article that I’d expended a lot of energy on. The article’s title had the same headline as this one. It dealt with an in-depth conversation that I had with Mr. Pringle Dean and Goldray Ewing. I expressed my utter disappointment about the inactive state of the T&C (Provo) Sailing Club/Association.

By Joshua Gardiner

GOOD START Some years ago the TCI Marine Heritage Foundation embarked on a programme to preserve tradition in the art of work-boat building.

The ancient craftsmen were commissioned to teach boat-building to the youths of the TCI through workshops.

have had World and Olympic champions in the past. There were Captain Sir Durwood Knowles, Sterling Look, Donnie Martinborough and others.

I see them as having no greater potentials than us.

COMPETITIVE SAILING When a couple of these boats were completed, competition was held that included the youths who participated in the actual construction of the boats.

BAHAMAS CHICKENED OUT Not too long ago, the Bahamians were invited to a regatta sailing competition against the TCI, however the Bahamians chickened out. I would like to see that happen this year, the Provo Day Regatta would be a good place to start.

ADVANCING TO A HIGHER LEVEL The Provo Sailing Club stepped up to the plate. They embarked on a programme with a vision; the expert sailors took it upon themselves to teach young pre-teens and Youth Olympic classes the sport of sailing.

The objective of this programme was to provide athletes to participate in World/Olympic class competitions.

These school children were taught from scratch the specialised techniques required to master this highly competitive and specialised sport.

STAGNATION OF SAILING Olympic sailing has now come to a standstill and will die of decay if not arrested forthwith.

Our neighbours in the Bahamas

CARIFTA SAILING/ CARIBBEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS My ideas: (1) To actually have sailing competitions in the schools here.

(2) We can create CARIFTA Olympic Sailing.

(3) We can create a Caribbean Sailing competition.

(4) We can have inter-island sailing competitions.

(5) I foresee ocean power-boating racing.

(6) We can have sculling competition.

(7) We can have wind-surfing competition.

If these things can happen, we then surely can become the Caribbean Sailing Mecca.

Terry feels Chelsea stars must share blame for AVB exit CHELSEA captain John Terry has admitted that he and his team-mates share the blame for the results that prompted former manager Andre Villas-Boas’ exit.

“I think the players would hold their hands up and say, ‘Clearly, we’ve not been good enough and we all made mistakes’,” he told Chelsea TV. “Sad for Andre, because unfortunately it falls on his head.”

Villas-Boas was sacked and replaced by caretaker boss Roberto di Matteo after winning one of his

final seven matches.

Terry made a surprise return to the Blues’ squad after knee surgery as an unused substitute in Tuesday’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Birmingham .

The 31-year-old claimed that the victory at St Andrew’s was both a tribute to the departing Villas-Boas, and a product of Di Matteo’s and assistant Eddie Newton’s affinity with the club.

“We dug deep for him, for Robbie as well taking charge, Eddie coming in as well,” added Terry.

“We’ve done enough talking

amongst ourselves over the last three or four months.

“Robbie came in and said those exact same things as well.

“He’s been here, played here, the same as Eddie. We have to fight for the shirt and that was the message to the lads.”

Terry said the upheaval at the club made him more determined to come back quickly following knee surgery.

The defender was on the bench for Tuesday’s match just a fortnight after being ruled out for six weeks.

John Terry agrees that the players made mistakes.

“Once I had the operation, I was literally jogging about after two days, which was incredible,” he added.

“I said to the physios, the way

things were here, I just wanted to push myself and be involved and try to get back as quickly as possible.”

(BBC)

March 10 - 16, 2012

Sports National

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

41

Provo Hockey League:

Hurricanes undefeated in playoffs THE Saunders and Company Hurricanes won their third game in the Provo Hockey League (PHL) playoffs when they tackled the Pearls Residences at Gracebay Beach Ltd Sharks.

The game went to a shootout with Livingston Ferdinand scoring two goals to give his team the 4-3 win. Sebastian Turbyfield added the other while there were assists for Sean Karam and Liam Delancy.

Kyle Cox, Darius Coackley Jr. and Orrin Campbell were on target for the Sharks.

The Sharks then suffered their third loss of the playoffs after they were whipped by the Coco Bistro Lightning 9-1. Jack Small and Javiera Bovell scored three goals each, while there were one goal and three assists for Ricaldo Valcin and a goal each for Javed Shearer (also an assist) and Jaime Gray.

MINI DIVISION The Gansevoort Gators stayed undefeated in the Mini Division of the playoffs with a 7-4 win

against rivals the Gracebay Car Rentals and Sales Owls. Dylan Ayer scored three goals, while there were two goals and an assist each for Carson Greatrex and Zachary Scholar.

Dylan Brubaker and Tristan Grandsire scored the Owls’ goals.

The Gators had defeated the winless Sailrock Lobsters a second time (this time via a walkover win) to start off the second week of play.

MIDGET DIVISION The Carib Gaming Panthers won their third consecutive Midget Division clash in the playoffs after a 6-5 win over the Twa Marcelin Wolf Pirates. Christian Robinson scored three goals for the winners while the Pirates were led by two goals each from Miguel Malcolm and Gabriel Diotte-Joly.

The Pirates bounced back for their first win later in the day when Malcolm had five goals in a 7-4 victory over the J&W Construction Flames. Quinn Higgs scored three times for the losing side.

The Western Warriors lost their opening clash, but bounced back to beat Provo All-Stars 3-1.

Keen rivalry as Girls’ Development League gets underway ALL teams tasted victory and defeat when the Island Fire Supplies Girl’s Development League got off to an evenly matched start last weekend at the Academy ground.

This is the first time that a U-20 Girls’ league has been played in the 11-a-side format with players being drawn from the TCIFA’s Regional Academies and Centre’s of Excellence groups.

Information from the TCIFA indicates that the three-team league is designed to ensure that younger players get more

playing time as they prepare for international games in the summer as well as allow more experienced players an opportunity to play positions they would normally not play in the Women’s Football League.

In the opener Amelie Speer scored the winning goal for the Eastern Eagles against the Western Warriors.

She made the most of a defensive error to strike home from the edge of the penalty box. The Warriors fought back and were unlucky not to equalise as the Eagles’ defence held

HAB Group/Gansevoort Resort T20 Cricket:

Kumar’s late fight earns Kishco an opening victory

A HALF century by Pawan Kumar held Kishco together in the latter stages of their innings to ensure an opening victory in the HAB Group/

Gansevoort Resort T20 cricket competition.

The newcomers of the competition defeated Quality Supermarket Kings

by three wickets at the Downtown Ballpark last Sunday.

The first day of the 2012 competition resulted in Kishco

Local cricket head Colin Sterling (second from right) greets part sponsor Paul Slattery (HAB Group). Also in picture are first match umpires: Newton and Clarke.

inserting their opponents to take first strike. Kevin Hinds (39 runs, 6X4s and 1X6) and Earl Henry (30 runs, 5X4s) led the supermarket team to 143-5.

Bowling for Kishco Sanjay Fantani claimed 3-19 from four overs.

Needing to score at 7.2 runs per over the newcomers lost regular wickets and were on the back foot at 86-6, but Kumar as well as Simijo Devasi made some big shots to win in 19 overs.

The batting hero hit three sixes and five fours in his score of 52.

Bowling for the Quality Kings Henry bagged 3-23 runs from four overs and Thirumalaiyandi Kuthalingham and Nagarajan Kuthalingham assisted with two wickets each.

The competition continues on Saturday with Jamturk taking on the TCIRFU and on Sunday with the Guyana Jaguars battling the star-studded Police team.

Both games will be played at the Ballpark.

out for the win.

In the second game Christina Hinds direct free kick beat the defensive wall to give Provo All Stars a 1-0 win against the Eagles.

Sanardia Forbes and Crystal Stirling came close to levelling the game for the Eagles, but Gaya Smith marshalled her defence to give her team a well earned win.

The final game of the evening was a high scoring affair as the Western Warriors recorded a 3-1 win against the Provo All Stars.

Yarileny De la Cruz opened the scoring as she cut inside from the right wing and put a well placed shot into the bottom left corner.

In a very open game both teams had chances to score before De La Cruz’s second goal appeared to give her team victory. However, Tina Hinds produced a great solo run before rounding the keeper to give the All Stars some hope. Any desire of a comeback was crushed when Sarah Cenary scored the Warriors’ third goal.

Technical Director Matthew Green was pleased with the day’s play: “It was good to see so many young players out there getting a taste of competitive 11-a-side football. A lot of them only get to play in smaller versions of the game so this is great for their development.

The overall level of commitment and professionalism was exemplary, the girls played competitively but there was a lot of mutual respect on display. All three teams are very well balanced with equal amounts of experienced and novice players which should make the league a closely run affair.”

MVP for week one was Jessica Lange who plays for the Western Warriors and attends BWIC. Games are played every Sunday at the TCIFA Academy field at 4.00pm6.30pm.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 10 - 16, 2012

Wesley Methodist girls take football double – Provo Primary and Clement Howell claim boys’ victories WESLEY Methodist claimed two female titles when the curtains came down on the first leg of the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) Schools competition at the Academy ground.

Over 300 students participated in four divisions: the Girls U-11 and U-13 both won by Methodist and the U-11 Boys won by Provo Primary and the U-13 Boys won by Clement Howell High.

Technical Director of the TCIFA Matthew Green was very pleased with the event. “Every year this competition gets bigger and bigger with more teams competing. This year saw the changing of the guards so to speak in the girls divisions as Wesley Methodist has become the team to beat, however the boys

March Madness as PABA season moves into playoff stage IT’S MARCH Madness from this Friday when the first set of teams compete in the playoffs of the Provo Amateur Basketball Association (PABA) League at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex.

With the top two teams, South Caicos and the Flyers, gaining a bye for this first playoff round it was a battle for the final four last weekend.

Lions secured the third spot, the Predators the fourth, the Knights the fifth and Police the sixth.

On Friday the Lions will take on Police and Predators will battle the Knights. Saturday night will be game two for the teams.

groups are still very open and keenly contested”. Green said almost all the schools in Providenciales participated in this event, but he hopes that the few that did not would get involved.”There are a few schools that still do not compete, which is a shame as this event is a great opportunity for kids to have fun and create some friendly rivalry between each other. It is important that young people are given a chance to express themselves outside of the classroom environment.”

GIRLS’ DIVISION The U-11 Girls’ group came to an end with Wesley Methodist defeating Oseta Jolly in a sudden-death penalty shoot out. Wesley Methodist had looked impressive in the group stages as they won all their preliminary games and defeated a spirited Provo Christian team in the semi-finals; however their opponents Oseta Jolly were no pushover as they had improved during the tournament and were ready for the challenge. Wesley Methodist had the better chances in the final, but Shanaria Morris pulled off some great saves to force extra time. Neither team could make a breakthrough so the game went into a very tense and dramatic penalty shootout. Both teams had chances to win the game, but excellent goalkeeping from Makayla Ellis and Morris kept the competition running until nine penalties each were taken.

When Ellis pulled off another save, Amanda James had the chance to secure the win and her well placed penalty gave Wesley Methodist their first taste of victory in a school’s football competition. Both teams had played their hearts out and although Oseta Jolly were disappointed with the results they should be proud of their efforts. Ellis received the MVP award for her heroics on the pitch and in goal during the penalty shootout.

In the U-13 Girls’ category Wesley Methodist completed the double as

they defeated BWIC 4-2 in the final.

Again Methodist had looked strong throughout the event, knocking-out last year’s winners Enid Capron 4-0 in the semi-final, but the Collegiate girls had found progress a little bit tougher having to come back from behind to beat Clement Howell in their semi-final. The final looked like it was going to be a one sided affair as Wesley raced into a 3-0 lead with goals coming from Yarileke (2) and Yarileny De La Cruz, however Crystal Stirling gave her team hope of a revival with two goals before the elder De La Cruz sister (Yarileny) secured a 4-2 win with her second goal. Wesley Methodist coach Mr. Warren French was delighted with winning “the double” and is looking forward to the senior events later in the month. Yarieleny De La Cruz received the MVP award, for the second time in two years. Previously she had won the award for her primary school, Enid Capron.

The U-11 Boys’ competition proved to be the most keenly contested of all as 12 teams entered

Action in the U-11 Boys’ semi-final between Provo Primary and Enid Capron.

the event. In the semi-finals Provo Primary defeated Enid Capron 4-1 and Oseta Jolly beat Ianthe Pratt by a solitary goal. The final was a very open and entertaining game as Oseta Jolly took the lead through Timothy Gill. Oseta held onto the lead until midway through the second half when Livingston Ferdinand equalised for Provo Primary. A large crowd was then given the pleasure of watching an intense final ten minutes of action as both teams pressed for

Wesley Methodist won both the under-11 and under-13 girls’ divisions. The older age group (in picture) defeated the BWIC 4-2.

a winner. It seemed a shame that on the day there had to be a victor as both teams had given their all, yet Ferdinand managed to give Provo Primary the win with a well taken goal late in the game. Oseta threw everything at their opponents in the final stages but some resolute defending by MVP Bradley Ayer saw his team holding on for the win.

Victorious coach Toby BarkworthKnight said his team’s hard work had paid off. Our boys and girls have been practicing for several weeks which certainly helped in their preparation for this event”.

The last final of the day saw Clement Howell defeat BWIC by a 2-0 margin. Both teams had dominated the group stages and came into the final undefeated, BWIC had defeated Enid Capron 4-1 and Clement Howell overcame the Community Christian School by 2-0. The final was equally balanced until Ras Diamond opened the scoring for Clement Howell. Both teams created many chances as the game progressed and the Collegiate’s players put the CHHS’s defence under a lot of pressure. However a breakaway goal from Jeff Beljour secured his team’s victory late in the second half. Diamond was voted MVP for his overall play and leadership on the field.

The TCIFA will now prepare for the U-16 and U-20 competitions later in the month.

March 10 - 16, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

March 10 - 16, 2012