Turks and Caicos Weekly News

Weekly News VAT NOT Volume 27 | No. 03 | January 26 – February 1, 2013

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– Expert warns against new tax regime

THE initial report on the effects of Value Added Tax (VAT), a study commissioned by the Turks and Caicos Independent Business Council (TCIBC) was leaked this week.

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‘I will continue to fight’

– Misick writes second letter from Rio jail PAGE 

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Sandals to pay gov’t $12m – But does not admit liability PAGE 

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PDM position on VAT was ‘misleading’ – Chief Financial Officer responds to Opposition’s stance PAGE 

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 26 – February 1, 2013

January 26 – February 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 26 – February 1, 2013

‘I will continue to fight’ Editorial

Where do we go from here?

C

OLONIALISM, like institutionalised slavery, is a horrible system.

Consequently, it is difficult to conceive that in this 21st century, when the world is a more enlightened place, that an administering power still seeks to impose its imperious will over the life and future of the people they govern, without sensitivity to their collective aims and desires for their own social, economic and political advancement.

Freedom loving people around the world should come to the aid of the Turks and Caicos Islands as this little country faces a mammoth struggle against the forces of neo-colonialism and the most egregious onslaught against freedom of choice and the principles that shape modern democratic societies.

The British government need to be called out on their hypocrisy; their sly, deceitful pretence to the international community as they shamelessly stage charades in places like Iraq, Afghanistan and the Falklands in the name of democracy, while denying basic freedoms to their own colonies in the Caribbean.

This callous imposition of VAT on the Turks and Caicos Islands is déja vu 1776 American colonies, when patriots were forced to rebel against ‘taxation without representation,’ thereby giving birth to the greatest and most prosperous nation on earth.

What is wrong with the British?

Can they not learn - not even from their own history?

VAT is a vexatious subject in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is a system of taxation that is about to be imposed upon the people of these Islands, which they strongly detest.

From the time the Green Paper was released on the subject in April 2012 and a White Paper on it in July of the same year, politicians, business leaders and native and expat residents have opposed the idea.

But the British government is hell-bent on forcing it on us - whether we like it or not.

What has happened to the ‘progress through partnership’ platitudes the FCO mouths when they want to impress the world that they have good relationship with their remaining territories?

Is that all a show?

Was the election of late last year only an exercise to deceive the world that democracy had returned to the Turks and Caicos?

What good is there in having elections if the people are denied the power to choose?

The people have said, in no uncertain terms, they do not want VAT. In an editorial congratulating the new Premier on his victory last November, we were happy to report the Minister for the Overseas Territories, Mark Simmonds' reaction to the election results. He said he was pleased with the return to democracy and promised faithfully to work with the new government.

Premier Ewing's first request was not unreasonable. He asked the Minister for more time to consider alternative means of raising revenues, other than VAT, which the Brits are determined to start April 1.

The Minister's refusal, which was sent in a letter to the Premier last week, has stirred a visceral reaction among local leaders and stakeholders of the TCI. Where do we go from here?

For the first time, since the petition against Governor Martin Bourke in the 80s, which saw his removal from this territory, both the Government and Opposition are working together in their opposition to VAT. The business community was against it from the beginning, having maintained a vigilant anti-VAT campaign throughout the last year.

Now the experts are speaking out.

In an independent report, which was leaked to this paper, Richard Teather, a senior lecturer in taxation at Bournemouth University Business School in the UK, states that VAT is “a complex tax and one that is not well suited for small island economies”. He concludes in his report: “VAT does not appear to be suited to the TCI. “It would be expected to increase administrative costs without spreading tax across any significant sectors that are currently untaxed.”

Now, with all the local opposition to this tax and the expert opinions against it, where does the TCI go from here?

– Misick writes second letter from Rio jail

FORMER Premier Michael Misick has made it clear he is willing to voluntarily return home to face charges against him.

In his second public letter written from behind bars in Brazil, the corruption-accused exleader stressed that extradition is unnecessary.

Within the 10 hand written pages he called himself a “political prisoner” and said he was “perishing” in the notorious Ary Franco jail.

He claimed his human rights as a political “refugee” continued to be violated and urged regional leaders to assist him.

“No government or human rights organisation has spoken out on my behalf,” he wrote in the letter dated January 14.

He went on to call on Amnesty International, CARICOM and other Caribbean leaders to come to his assistance.

“The British should not be allowed to continue to act with impunity against leaders in colonies that seek independence or leaders that want to govern their country.

“It seems that the British new way of getting rid of these leaders is to accuse them of corruption.”

He said it was no accident that Cayman Islands Premier Mc Keeva Bush was also arrested for alleged corruption.

“I am convinced that the British has a plan to systematically either bring down or bring in line all of the leaders of the remaining colonies.”

He spoke in length about his intention to secure independence for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

He claimed his imprisonment was an attempt to scare him into submission, but stressed that it did not work.

“I would prefer to spend 100

Michael Misick claimed his imprisonment was an attempt to scare him into submission, but stressed that it did not work. (Turks and Caicos Weekly News photo)

years in jail than to compromise my principles,” he wrote.

He added, “My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, I have decided to dedicate my life to a movement of peaceful resistance to ensure that we achieve our independence, our dignity and our God given human rights to govern ourselves in our own nation.”

Misick asked the public to demand a referendum so that views on independence can be heard.

“If I have to go to jail so my country can be free then so be it. But please don’t let me going to jail be in vain,” he wrote.

He went on to say that his treatment has not been about a criminal corruption case but about political persecution and a public lynching.

“Ask yourself the question, if this

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

was about justice, why after three years and tens of millions of dollars has no one even gone to court as yet?”

He stressed that he is willing to return to the Turks and Caicos Islands voluntarily and said there was no need for an extradition order.

Misick concluded, “I will continue to fight with the same strength and conviction for my freedom and the freedom and independence of our beloved home land.

“Nothing will stop me, I am not afraid because I know that I am not alone in this fight.”

Michael Misick has been a fugitive from the TCI since 2009 where he faces a number of serious charges relating to corruption and maladministration during his time as Premier.

Interpol issued a Red Notice for his arrest on March 19, 2012, and he was finally detained the Santos Dumont Airport, Rio, on December 7.

Last week a formal request was made to have Misick flown back to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

According to a release this Thursday from Attorney General Huw Shepheard, Brazilian courts and authorities will now process the case and make their decision.

“Mr Misick will also have the opportunity to influence the time the process takes, by deciding whether to contest the extradition and/ or deciding whether to pursue his political asylum appeal, or not,” he said.

Shepheard added that Misick is receiving the same level of consular support available to British citizens detained in a Brazilian prison.

Misick’s open letter to Helen Garlick and a response from the Attorney General are printed in full on the letters page.

January 26 – February 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

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VAT is ‘notoriously complex’ – Expert warns against new tax regime

BY VANESSA NARINE THE initial report on the effects of Value Added Tax (VAT), a study commissioned by the Turks and Caicos Independent Business Council (TCIBC) was leaked this week.

Author, Richard Teather, warned that VAT is a “notoriously complex tax” and one that is not well suited to small island economies such as the TCI. The report titled ‘VAT and the TCI an independent appraisal’ looks at the suitability of a VAT for the TCI and examines whether it would be better or worse than the range of current taxes that it is proposed to replace.

It notes clearly that VAT is not expected to raise significant extra revenue, but merely to replace the revenue from those other taxes.

The report found that because VAT is charged on all (or nearly all) business transactions, but then is refunded to business customers, it is expected to be more administratively complex and expensive to operate than the simple, targeted taxes that it will replace.

In addition it will not tax any significant sectors of the TCI economy that are not already

being taxed under import duties or other existing taxes (primarily the Accommodation Tax, the Communications Tax and the new Energy and Water Taxes).

Those sectors that are not currently taxed are either unsuited to VAT (financial services, government services) or are largely business services, so any VAT collected from the sector would be largely refunded to its business customers.

Teather maintained that VAT would be expected to increase administrative costs without spreading tax across any significant sectors that are currently untaxed.

He said, “VAT is a notoriously complex tax, and although some VATs are more complex than others a certain degree of complexity is unavoidable because tax is collected from every business and also refunded to every business within the system.

“To put this in perspective, the cost for the UK government of administering VAT is (for each pound collected) similar to the cost of corporation tax, and over twice the cost of collecting social security contributions.

“The costs of VAT administration for businesses are more difficult

Sandals to pay gov’t $12m – But does not admit liability SANDALS has agreed to pay a whopping $12m to the Government in a deal struck with the Special Investigation Prosecution Team (SIPT) on Wednesday.

The agreement is due in part to the co-operation of the resort and spa company with the United States authorities.

It was seen to be both extraordinary and unique and included the early and voluntary release of valuable evidence that has been shared with the SIPT – information that has been deemed “material” in the SIPT’s investigations.

However, the agreement is without any admission of liability by the company, its directors or officers.

The prosecution team made it clear though that the agreement does not prevent the prosecution of anyone else in respect of any other matter.

Sandals is run by Jamaican businessman Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart and carries the Beaches Resort and Spa brand.

The Governor’s spokesman, Neil Smith, when contacted

Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart

told the Weekly News that further details into the nature of the investigations could not be provided.

SIPT is investigating corruption in the Turks and Caicos Islands; it was formed after a Commission of Inquiry led by Sir Robin Auld in 2009 found evidence of widespread corruption in the TCI. SIPT also made an out of court settlement with developer Mario Hoffman and the Salt Cay Development Companies for $7m.

And 75-year-old property tycoon Varet ‘Jak’ Civre paid the Government $5m to dismiss bribery charges.

About Richard Teather BA(Oxon) ACA

To put this in perspective, the cost for the UK government of administering VAT is (for each pound collected) similar to the cost of corporation tax, and over twice the cost of collecting social security contributions – Richard Teather

to measure, although one study by the UK Parliament found estimates that for small businesses the cost of VAT compliance was almost 1.5 per cent of turnover (that is merely the administrative costs, not the costs of the VAT itself), and that small businesses spent an average of 1.8 hours per week dealing with VAT administration.”

DEBUNKED The report has debunked the reasoning pedalled by the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Hugh McGarel Groves, in favour of implementing the new tax regime.

Last October, the CFO noted that the overall position is that VAT is a replacement tax intended to be revenue neutral with any cost rises kept to a minimum – hence the extensive list of exempt and zerorated items.

McGarel-Groves said VAT’s purpose is to provide the Government with a more stable and predictable income stream with which to better support spending priorities.

Earlier in June, he stressed that TCIG is not aiming to raise more revenue overall from VAT. He said, “This is all about widening the tax base, creating more stability in government revenues and a fairer tax system, with no concessions offered on VAT and reduced import duty concessions (by reducing import duty rates).

“TCIG’s forward financial projections are showing an increase in TCIG's annual revenues post VAT implementation of $10m due to improved compliance and reduced tax leakage. Existing honest taxpayers would not be contributing to this extra $10m.”

McGarel-Groves maintained that there are benefits of VAT to a renewed TCI economy.

SMALL ISLAND DYNAMIC According to Teather, no small island country had VAT until 1989, and it was long thought that they were unsuited to it.

He stated that this is because of a combination of two reasons.

Firstly in a small country, the

RICHARD Teather is Senior Lecturer in Taxation in the Bournemouth University Business School, UK. In addition he is a Fellow of the Adam Smith Institute in London, and a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of the journal Economic Affairs.

He writes and speaks regularly on international taxation, particularly as it affects low-tax jurisdictions and international finance centres, and has been published and cited in five continents.

His book The Benefits of Tax Competition is the leading work on the subject.

He also advises on tax reform, and acted as Expert Adviser to the Scrutiny Panel of the States of Jersey during the recent fundamental reforms to Jersey’s tax system.

A qualified chartered accountant, and a law graduate from Oxford University, he previously worked as a tax adviser in the ‘Big 4’ accounting firm Deloittes and for the major London ‘City’ law firm Denton Wilde Sapte.

costs of implementing a VAT system can be disproportionately high.

And in a small island economy, a high proportion of the economy is based on imports, which can be taxed by means of much simpler import duties, and with proportionately very little domestic value-added business that needs to be taxed by way of a VAT. The tax expert said, “The natural and logical way to tax consumption in such economies would therefore be by way of import duties; they are easy to operate and relatively cheap to collect, and in a typical small island economy with relatively little domestic production a well-designed import duty combined with a few specific taxes will tax almost all consumption.”

The report noted that the biggest effect on consumers will be felt in the retail sector, as prices are increased

by VAT. It said, “It has been said that the effect will be minimal, because import duties will be reduced by a similar amount to the VAT rate.

“However this misses the crucial distinction between import duties and VAT; import duties are charged on the import value, whereas VAT is charged on the resale value. It is that difference that will make the cost to the consumer of VAT much higher than import duties.

“Retailers need to add an uplift to cover the costs of distribution and the various costs of operating, heating, lighting and staffing their stores, and so retail costs are typically a multiple of the raw cost of goods.

“There will also be VAT on locally produced goods, and on services.

Although the overall effect on the economy and VAT revenues from these will not be great (see below), the impact on individual businesses and consumers will be greater.

“However the impact on locally produced goods and services will depend on which producers are large enough to be over the VAT threshold and so liable to charge VAT. “Without that information, modelling the effect of VAT on different groups of consumers will be impossible.”

EFFICIENCY Teather addressed the efficiency of the proposed new model, pointing out that it is not that a VAT cannot

be implemented in a small island economy, but whether or not it would be efficient.

He said, “The main reason for the adoption of VAT by small island nations is external pressure to reduce import duties, rather than because VAT has advantages in itself for such islands.

“The growing trend in international trade is for compulsory reduction in import duties, whether via global trading groups such as the World Trade Organisation or regional bodies such as the European Union.

“In the case of small island countries, many have adopted or are considering adopting VAT because of regional international trade agreements such as the Pacific Islands Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA) and the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER).

“In other cases, the small island’s proximity to an international trading bloc has forced it to adopt their import duty reduction programmes.”

However, the report noted too that even though some international agencies, like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are wholly supportive of VAT, it is not necessarily in favour of VAT for small island nations.

Teather quoted the Deputy Director of the Fiscal Affairs Department of the IMF, Michael Keen, as saying, “The suitability of the VAT for small countries, and for small islands in particular, is an issue that arises with increasing frequency.”

The tax expert pointed out that whilst some Caribbean jurisdictions have indeed adopted a VAT, notably Grenada and Belize, have tried a VAT only to later abandon it.

Teather said, “Overall the expectation is that a VAT is likely to increase administrative costs for both government and business, because a few simple taxes will be replaced by a more complex one.

On the revenue side, the analysis of the TCI economy suggests that additional revenues will be small.”

He made it clear that the existing taxes are few and simple.

The tax expert’s final report is expected to be made public soon.

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January 26 – February 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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

Next step

LAST week Premier Rufus Ewing received a letter from Mark Simmonds, UK Minister for Overseas Territories, in which he refused TCIG’s request for a delay in the implementation of VAT. However, despite the response both the Government and Opposition members made it clear that they remain opposed to VAT and are committed to finding alternatives.

With the UK’s projected date for implementation, April 1, fast approaching, what should the next step for the Government be on this issue?

Draft legislation

First of all I am disappointed but not surprised that the Mr Simmonds rejected the Government’s request to delay the implementation of VAT. The British has no respect for the local government.

I think the Government should stand their ground and not proceed with the implementation of VAT. The Government should announce publicly their alternatives to VAT and present them to the House of Assembly.

The Government needs to draft the appropriate legislation to repeal VAT even though we know the Governor will veto it.

I want the Government and the Opposition to remain strong in their stance against VAT. There is no evidence to support the fact that VAT is good for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

VAT will have an impact on the consumer, not the business as the business can easily reclaim VAT.

Go back in time

Repeat 1976!

Not much to do

Other than civil disobedience, it does not seem there is much we can do.

But, on the other hand, it worked for the American colonies in 1774!

Refuse to register

This issue is true proof that the Brits had no intention of listening to the voice of the people on this matter.

The EU made them promise to introduce VAT and they are fulfilling that promise.

The next bumper sticker should be ‘RTR’ Refuse to Register.

What would they do then?

Throw the whole revenue producing population in jail?

If we all joined in as we did in the campaign against VAT it would work!

RTR everyone, RTR!

Cut costs

PNP wants bigger but different taxes and PDM says no new taxes.

Instead cut costs.

In a couple of years the PNP concession

given to the cruise line will expire and that alone will bring in a few million.

PNP gave the concessions out like candy bars and VAT will try to overcome the giveaways.

With the representative from Cheshire Hall taking $130,000 out of the economy every year someone thinks we need more taxes.

Lillian is supporting the VAT tax because she got a nice job, Derek Taylor supported VAT and won his seat, Skippings was against it and lost.

VAT it seems might work to put a dent in the $260m loan but big taxes will spell no new development for years to come.

It works

This system has been in Great Britain for years and I believe that it has been working.

On my last visit to Nassau I read in one of the local papers that the Bahamas government is proposing such a system.

Debate session

The Government needs to table a session for debate on this issue in the House of Assembly.

Create a precedent by giving the Opposition equal time.

Prior to, during and long after the debate they should schedule press briefings for the world media.

There is the argument by the Chief Financial Officer and the Governor that VAT will benefit the Islands.

Well this is time for the Government, ie. the Governor and the CFO part of the Government, to show where this is the case.

Many and a wider majority disagree and are convinced that VAT will sink this economy further and deeper into debt.

I do believe the inter-ministerial consultations could have been aided with more tact.

FCO should not shut a Minister down, just like that, especially the Premier.

Until the court rules and there are byelection results, one way or the other, he is still the Premier.

The Government, ie. the Ministers and the CFO should now educate the public on the whys and the need for VAT. We are still uncertain whether it can help except for some abstract idea of fairness that we do not agree with.

Reduce costs

First of all, VAT is being implemented, so they say, to reduce the deficit right, (or so I believe).

So why doesn't the UK put it on hold until end of February 2014 and take that time to collect all monies owed to the Government and continue seeking ways in which to reduce expenditures?

I am sure that if 90 per cent of monies owed to TCIG were paid up it would help a great deal.

There also seems to be too many spaces being rented out to carry out government business.

Why doesn’t the Government build a central location and carry out the majority of its business there? That would reduce costs as well.

Encourage more locals to get into some of these key jobs which we are recruiting so many expats for, like healthcare and education to start.

I don’t mind going into healthcare, I just need the opportunity to pursue it. That door has not yet been opened.

 Become a contributor Want to become a contributor or have a suggestion for a Talk Back topic for us? What questions do you think we should be putting to the public? And what are your thoughts on it?

Call our news team on 946 4664 or email tcweeklynews@gmail.com

Top travel awards for Harbour Club A SMALL villa resort in Providenciales has received two awards from Trip Advisor this year.

Harbour Club Villas and Marina have been named winners in the 2013 Trip Advisor Travellers' Choice Awards.

They scooped top prizes in the categories of Top 25 Hotels for Service in the Caribbean and Top 25 Small Hotels in the Caribbean.

Owner Barry Morton who owns and runs the villas with his wife Marta was delighted with the accolade.

“This is such an achievement especially since our location is not on Grace Bay,” he said.

“We have made a name for ourselves marketing the natural

beauty and tranquillity of the southern shores of Providenciales where the villas are located.

“Our guests are drawn towards quiet enjoyment of the natural beauty that surrounds us.”

Guests to the villas return again and again to enjoy the ‘catch and release’ bone-fishing in Flamingo Lake and Turtle Lake and the nearby ocean flats.

The resort is also popular with scuba divers, photographers, birdwatchers and kayakers that love to explore the Cooper Jack shoreline and Delou's beaches.

“We want to thank the following friends that have been instrumental in making Harbour Club Villas what

SOUTH SIDE: “Our guests are drawn towards quiet enjoyment of the natural beauty that surrounds us,” said owner Barry Morton.

it is today,” Morton said.

“Oliver Stubbs, local architect, his father and family, local contractors and stone workers were all active in building what you see standing today overlooking Flamingo Lake.”

The villas were built in 1998 on the southern shore of Providenciales and comprise six, one bedroom villas, a pool and gazebo, a private marina with several dive companies close by including Ocean Vibes, Flamingo

Divers and Caicos Adventures.

They are nestled in tropical gardens of flowers and trees and originally landscaped by Nicky Turner and Dudley Forbes of Island Landscaping.

January 26 – February 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

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PDM position on VAT was ‘misleading’ – Chief Financial Officer responds to Opposition’s stance “MISLEADING” comments about the failings of Value Added Tax (VAT) have led the Government’s finance chief to speak out.

Hugh McGarel-Groves hit back at Opposition members after they held a press conference detailing their stance on the new tax last week.

Opposition leader Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson said her party was “passionately opposing” the implementation of VAT. And she went on to describe eight ways that the consumption tax would be damaging to the country.

However this week in a detailed press release from the Governor’s Office the Chief Financial Officer responded to each of the points in turn.

McGarel-Groves said that firstly VAT would not increase the cost of living in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“There is a wide range of VAT exempt and zero rated items - the costs of these should remain similar to pre-VAT.” He added that customs duties have been reduced by 10 to 15 per cent to accommodate the introduction of VAT. While exempt items still have reduced duty applied and zero rated items allow businesses to claim the VAT back from government.

“Also VAT in the TCI is designed to mostly be a replacement tax taking over from hotel and restaurant

Opposition leader Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson

accommodation tax, reductions in customs duties, vehicle hire stamp duty, domestic financial services tax, and telecommunications tax,” he said.

Secondly, the finance chief said that VAT would not increase the cost costs of essential services.

He explained, “Water and electricity are zero rated – this means that utility businesses can claim back VAT from the government on their costs. This could reduce prices.”

Education and religious supplies are exempt from VAT and in addition VAT will not be applied to medical or dental bills - these businesses can claim their VAT back from government.

“That said, some sector such as

lawyers, accountants and architects will need to start paying tax on their sales and deduct it from their costs,” he said.

Thirdly McGarel-Groves insisted that VAT would not violate the equity principle in taxation as proposed by the PDM. “What equity principle in taxation? Income tax sees people pay more tax the more they earn, property taxes takes proportionally more the more valuable a property is, corporation tax too takes proportionally more the larger the businesses profit.”

He described VAT as one of the “most equal methods of taxation” as qualifying businesses regardless of industry sector, and consumers will pay it.

The Chief Financial Officer said that fourthly it would not negatively impact businesses that do not meet the VAT threshold, as suggested by the Opposition.

“This is misleading,” he stressed.

“Due to the breadth and depth of the tourism industry all restaurant and hotel business with a turnover of $50,000 will have to be registered for VAT. “In other sectors it is every firm with revenue income of over $200,000. As we said in points one and two above, costs should not rise in the TCI.” He addressed point five and six together which saw the PDM claim

Hugh McGarel-Groves said that firstly VAT would not increase the cost of living in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

that VAT would provide an economic and opportunity cost to small businesses.

McGarel-Groves said the costs to administering VAT would be marginal.

“Any well run business knows what its purchase and sales are.

Each month the total amount of VAT paid out in purchases is subtracted from that received in sales.

“If it is a positive number then that goes to the Government if it is negative then the business receives a VAT credit against the next month.”

He went on to say that businesses who do not keep such records are unlikely to be VAT registered.

The PDM’s concerns about property tax were countered when McGarel-Groves explained that VAT would only apply to transactions, other than where stamp duty applies, when the property is sold.

“The PDM is confusing VAT with inheritance tax which the Government has no plans to introduce,” he said.

And finally he stressed that

introducing VAT was not outside the scope of the interim administration.

“The Turks and Caicos is a British Overseas Territory. As a result of the maladministration set out in the Auld report TCI fell off the edge of a fiscal cliff.

“The UK stepped in to save it from going bankrupt. The British loan guarantee kept the country afloat and helped the TCI receive a significantly lower rate of interest on its loans, reducing the amount that the TCI will need to repay.

“During the time of the interim administration it was run by the UK with extensive TCI input.

“It is now run by locally elected politicians within the framework of the law and the constitution.”

He added that the UK “fully understands” how fragile the recovery and the public finances are in the TCI. “This was why, after much discussion and consultation, VAT was proposed to help improve the revenues coming to the public sector in order to maintain public spending,” he said.

Williams wins Samsung Galaxy SIII in LIME promotion ASA Williams is LIME’s latest winner of a Samsung Galaxy SIII from the company’s recently held text to win promotion.

Williams was happy to be the winner and he said that he was surprised when he got the call.

He commented, “I am proud to be a LIME customer. LIME for life!”

Mr. Drexwell Seymour, GM of LIME TCI said, “We are happy to offer these promotions as we continue to demonstrate that customers are winning with LIME. “These promotions are well received by the customer and the company thanks all who participated.”

Customers entered by texting “Galaxy” to 4946.

There is also an opportunity to participate in theLIMEpromotionduring the month of January: LIME’s prepaid customers who top up $20 or more would automatically be entered for a chance to be 1 of 4 customers who will win a $250 IGA shopping spree compliments of LIME. Promotion ends January 31, 2013.

LIME's Rachel Harvey presents phone to Asa Williams

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NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 26 – February 1, 2013

VAT is the ‘only option’ – Chief Financial Officer says it’s too late for alternatives ALTERNATIVE tax suggestions are either “unworkable or not sensible,” according to the Government’s finance chief Hugh McGarel-Groves.

During an interview with the Weekly News on Tuesday the Chief Financial Officer insisted that Value Added Tax (VAT) remains the country’s “only option”.

“If VAT isn’t implemented on April 1, I need to make it very clear, we would have to reduce expenditure,” he stressed.

Speaking at the National Insurance Board building in Providenciales, McGarel-Groves explained that time to consider other options had run out.

“There was a possibility a few months ago when alternatives could have been put forward and implemented by April 1 this year, but we’re now just over two months away and it takes time to develop alternatives.”

He said that along with coming up with an idea, the Government has to model it to see how much tax it will raise, go through business and public consultations, create legislation and train a collection team.

“You simply can’t do that in two months. I don’t think you can even do it in six months. I think realistically it takes a year.”

He said that the door will be kept open on alternatives to VAT in a year’s time but in the meantime no alternative has been put forward that would be possible to implement in time.

“Therefore, we have no choice but to go ahead with VAT.” NO TO ALTERNATIVES The finance chief spoke of a number of options that are currently being discussed by the Government,

Opposition members and the business community, which he described as “either unworkable or not sensible”.

He said an increase in accommodation tax would deter tourists from what is already an expensive destination.

Meanwhile increasing the customs processing fee from six per cent would be met with legal implications, McGarel-Groves said.

“We’ve already been given legal advice that if we increase that any further it will get challenged.

“The intention is that it is a processing fee; it’s the cost of operating a customs department to cut out smuggling to insure that importers are following the rules.

“We can justify six per cent but if you try and increase that then it’s hard to justify; it will get challenged.”

He said that other suggestions involve the business itself paying additional tax but in many cases the business has a prior agreement that makes them exempt.

“I don’t think that’s been factored in to these proposals that are being put forward.

“They haven’t done the research to identify which businesses have agreements and which ones they can charge additional tax.”

He concluded, “So the whole problem with these alternatives that are being put forward is that they haven’t been thought through, they haven’t been researched.”

PREPARATION CONTINUES Despite the refusal of Premier Ewing and his government to cooperate in preparing for the introduction of VAT the groundwork will still go ahead, explained McGarel-Groves.

COMMENTARY

Reality checks TCI political parties must realise VAT is coming and there is no stopping it.

The basic underlying cause is the bills left by the 2003 through 2009 government led by the Progressive National Party.

It is the British answer to paying for the road paving, the stadiums, the CARIFTA games, the parties, booze, mansion, planes, broken causeway, exorbitant salaries and the $90,000 per year advisors, Donahue and others.

All this followed by three and a half years of interim government where paying the bills had to be top priority.

After no successful infrastructure or development improvements for 10 years we

By David Tapfer are left with the $260m loan which our British comrades believe can be addressed by VAT. Lillian Misick weighs in supporting VAT but she also needs a reality check.

She barely gets started in her latest hoot before saying, don't worry the expats have to deal with VAT.

A new 21-strong Revenue Department is being set up under former Belize Under Secretary (Revenue) Cynthia Costillo.

She will take up the post of Commissioner of Revenue in the TCI on February 18.

Her team will bring together those who previously worked in the revenue control and VAT implementation units.

The members of the VAT team have also been receiving training from the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC) on VAT fundamentals and legislation since December last year.

They are about to begin a visit programme to the 500 VAT registered firms.

So far 130 businesses have already received their packs; 41 compliance visits have taken place and a further 18 are scheduled to take place in January.

And on Friday (January 17) the Government signed a $500,000 contract with Sogema for a new software system to help implement and monitor VAT. “This is a one off cost that would apply to any new tax,” McGarelGroves said.

He explained that a flaw in the existing taxes is that the legislation does not have severe penalties and therefore it is hard to achieve good compliance.

“Under VAT we’re going to have a team of over 20 staff doing compliance visits, doing audits, checking that those businesses are complying and we’re going to have legislation with tough penalties for those that choose not to comply,” he said.

He added that financial projections have been written to account for a degree of non-compliance.

OPPOSITION The Chief Financial Officer said that it is those businesses that currently keep poor records that are most opposed to VAT.

“I think businesses that really have very, very poor record keeping will find it a challenge because they will have to work out how much they are selling each month, and how much they are spending on their purchases.

“I would say that’s probably a good thing. Rather than killing the business it might be helping it to survive by actually making the owner aware of the reality of his business activities.”

He said there are many businesses in the TCI that are run on a personal basis so that the owner often does not understand their financial position.

“Their personal life and their business life are so intertwined that they really don’t have understanding of what’s happening in the business itself.

“And of course one thing that VAT will require is that the business is kept separate from personal expenses.”

Youth ambassadors show off talent

SEVERE PENALTIES Under strict new legislation there will be “severe penalties” for those companies that refuse to comply with VAT registration and collection.

“If businesses don’t comply and don’t pay the penalties then they’ll get taken to court and they’ll have even bigger penalties imposed and all the court costs and legal costs and so on,” the finance chief said.

NATIONAL Youth Ambassadors under the Department of Youth Affairs launched a new campaign this morning (Friday, January 25).

The Youth in Focus Poster and the Express Yourself commercial campaign has been given the theme ‘Take the risk. Aspire to be.”

The hard work of young individuals was displayed at the Gustavus Lightbourne sports complex from 10am to 11am.

Express Yourself is a free

spirited campaign that inspires young people to generate their youthful energy into something positive.

It acknowledges that young people are talented and encourages them to showcase their skills as well.

Officials said that Express Yourself simply aims to inspire a generation of youth that is vibrant in all walks of life.

Photos and a full update on the event will be featured in next week’s edition of the Weekly News.

The expats spent millions to create the development we now enjoy as the growth of the TCI. Therefore if you discourage them you discourage further development.

They invested the millions and they and others could invest millions more.

She speaks of a July change of heart on VAT in the PDM - a change from Taylor to Skippings?

Sharlene now says no to all tax increases. Cut health costs and collect what is due. Game over!

Let us pause and ask ourselves under whose administration did all the development occur?

Not under PNP and not under the resultant interim government.

Middle and North Caicos have had decades of PNP representation and not one honest and not one successful development.

It is development my friends, honest proper development, that creates jobs, brings in the visitors, pays the bills and contributes to infrastructure including education and roads.

We are against VAT on the basis it is complicated and leads to more bureaucratic complication from inside and outside both government and the private sector.

The beauty of the TCI is not only nature but also freedom from complication.

Let us face the facts. VAT is an issue with the PNP because it gives them something on which to create conflict.

Conflict with the British FCO. Washington Misick says collecting $15m or $16m from his alternate taxes is better than VAT. Taxes of any type create contraction of the private sector. Not as he says an “expansion of the economy”.

Conflict they believe will cause a rallying cry for independence and let Washy's baby brother and his Cabinet get a pass.

Sharlene has put that independence idea to rest. Look to Bermuda she says.

Bermudians have investigated and had a reality check themselves.

They checked and decided

independence is not needed, too expensive.

Facts are the 2006 Constitution gave us quasi independence with minimal oversight.

With PNP in charge look at the results of 2003-2009 near independence.

Taxes in the meantime only create more dough for Misick's fellow minister who has told the House and the public she is not happy with her $130,000 salary to represent little over 700 voters.

Ms Amanda also a Misick needs to work on her Ministry Healthcare. NHIP is a mess and super expensive.

Expanding the economy is the answer. More taxes VAT or otherwise will discourage growth and punish the people directly and indirectly.

Reality checks of history prove that complication creates costs and costs must be passed on to consumers, be they tourists or residents.

By Daisy Handfield

January 26 – February 1, 2013

9

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

FacetoFace

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

with VANESSA NARINE

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

More questions than answers SKEPTICISM over the implementation of the new tax regime, Value Added Tax (VAT), was undoubtedly fuelled after Wednesday’s meeting of the House Appropriation Committee, when members grilled VAT Unit officers on everything from who decided VAT was best for the Islands to timetable for implementation.

What committee members got after the five-hour meeting was more questions than answers.

More so the concerns were over whether or not the Turks and Caicos will be ready for the new regime come April 1, with a strong lack of confidence in that possibility being the order of the day.

The scale of work left to be completed, as outlined by Assistant Commissioner (AC) in the VAT Unit, Dorika Talbot, is too large, particularly given the AC’s own admission that the unit has 21 staff members taking on multiple tasks – a fact underscored by Chair of the Appropriations Committee and Opposition leader, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson.

Robinson said, “I think your staff is stretched thinly.”

The AC noted that about 400

businesses are expected to be registered.

So far 219 registration packs have been issued, 89 advisory visits scheduled and only five businesses registered to date.

With two months to go and much more to do, doubts prevail.

What the committee’s meeting managed to drive home was the fact that there are still too many unknowns in the move to implement VAT – too many unknowns in what will be the complete overhaul of the TCI’s existing tax system.

Along with the VAT Unit officials, the newly appointed Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary (PS), Athenee Harvey, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Hugh McGarel Groves, who left after the committee broke for lunch – maybe not the best decision as the new PS struggled to defend the new tax regime.

The CFO has, since the announcement of VAT’s implementation, stressed that TCIG’s forward financial projections are showing an increase in TCIG's annual revenues post VAT implementation of $10m due to improved compliance and reduced tax leakage.

NO SPECIFICS The lack of specifics has painted a troubling picture.

The new PS could not give exact numbers or projections as it relates to VAT revenues.

Ten million dollars in revenue more than what? What the old revenues were and how will VAT be better than that?

Basic before and after numbers to justify the change in tax systems were unavailable.

For the most part when it came to numbers the answers were vague – very alarming.

Which brought the spotlight to the ‘studies’ done that support the introduction of VAT. There were three studies conducted: The Alan Roe Report in 2009/2010, which compared the existing tax system with potential alternative tax systems and recommended VAT as the most appropriate of Property Tax, VAT and Income Tax; The European Union (EU) Report in 2010, which also recommended VAT as the best longer term tax option for TCI; and

The Hutton Report by CARTAC in 2011, which calculated the VAT rate ranges and other parameters as stated in the Green Paper that would be necessary to maintain existing government revenues.

According to the CFO, last June, based on these studies and consultations with the UK Government and the European Union, both of whose financial support TCIG depends on, the decision to implement VAT was announced in the budget address in April 2011.

However, the EU and Hutton reports were not up for public discussion at Wednesday’s meeting.

And interesting enough, tax expert, Richard Teather, has since pointed out that Roe’s report overestimates the ability of a VAT to collect extra VAT revenue, because although it looks at which sectors would be suitable for a VAT it does not deal with this possibility in a more detailed way.

A BATTLE WON? The question now is, ‘Have the anti-VAT supporters won a battle?’ with the meeting with the local VAT authorities coming across as ‘the

blind leading the blind’.

The committee meeting was the ideal forum for VAT supporters to make their pitch and get their message across that VAT can work.

Unfortunately, it was a complete miss.

The committee chair noted that the committee members were “baffled” more so than before as it relates to the workings of the new tax regime.

Questions over the impacts of VAT on cost of living and businesses were not answered clearly. This line of questioning ran into the possibility of price control, another area where decisions have not yet been made.

‘There are so many more questions now,” Cartwright-Robinson said, “This could have been more carefully and better planned.”

The opposition to VAT has upped several notches and becoming stronger, particularly given the Brits almost tyrannical insistence for the new tax regime to be implemented.

The VAT fight is a long way from over.

Send your comments to vanessanarine@gmail.com

Salt Cay speaks out

By Candy Herwin NEARLY all of the Salt Cay community attended the first town meeting of the year in the Salt Shed on Monday (January 21) morning.

The meeting was described by one resident as “a successful and interactive discourse between Premier Rufus Ewing, the attending ministers and the Salt Cay citizens”.

In true Salt Cay style the Premier and his team were welcomed by young children from Mary Robinson School singing a verse or two from the Salt Cay island song.

Straight down to business the Premier said it was part of his government’s agenda to find solutions to the key problem areas on Salt Cay. He invited the audience to voice their opinions and concerns and encouraged an onward dialogue and feedback that would better facilitate corporate expenditure.

The top priority, which was

depicted as a crisis situation, was the lack of a clean water supply on the island, which currently operates an antiquated reverse osmosis machine.

Almost as urgent was the health hazard of the starving cows and donkeys, the lack of manpower to clear the fly ridden dung which is undoubtedly responsible for the infestations of flies and mosquitoes.

Salt Cay no longer has an environmental officer and professional spraying has been neglected.

The issue of the deplorable state of the roads was raised and as one resident pointed out, Salt Cay is the only island in the Turks and Caicos that has unpaved roads.

“The lifespan of vehicles is three years maximum,” said one golf cart owner, “and you need a constant supply of expensive imported tires.”

This then raised the issue of the heavy licensing laws in the Turks

The meeting was described by one resident as “a successful and interactive discourse between Premier Rufus Ewing, the attending ministers and the Salt Cay citizens”.

and Caicos Islands that create an unfair burden on the homeowner and the small local business.

It was felt that the licensing laws should be adjusted to reflect the size of the business and the length of the tourist season, not only on Salt Cay but also on the other disadvantaged outer islands such as South, Middle and North Caicos.

The tourist season is no more

than four months and the downgrade of the airport on Salt Cay means that domestic flights can only accommodate eight passengers at a time including passengers flying onward to Grand Turk.

With little money circulating and lack of employment it was agreed that some form of outside investment would be beneficial to the Salt Cay community.

The Premier invited discussion on the possibility of creating cruise ship excursions and requested local feedback on this possible venture.

A dedicated ‘think tank’ is needed on Salt Cay to liaise with Ministries, urged the Premier.

He concluded the meeting by committing his team to finding solutions to some of Salt Cay’s more pressing issues.

10

January 26 – February 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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

I will return voluntarily – Open letter to Helen Garlick Dear Ms Garlick, I am disappointed by your response to my verbal request and written request to voluntarily return home to answer question or any future charges that you may levy against me.

I am determined to clear my name in relation to the allegations made by you towards me.

In response to my request to voluntarily return home directly on a charter flight, paid for by my family, your excuse is that I may change my mind between the prison and the airport and refuse to board the plane or (during) my stop-over in the British Virgin Islands I may decide to stay there.

This is the lamest excuse I have ever heard a law enforcement professional use to someone who is on the Interpol Red Alert and wanted in a jurisdiction for question and want to voluntarily surrender.

I must remind you that I am a 47-year-old man [who] has spent 20 distinguished years in politics and dedicated service to my country Turks and Caicos Islands.

In addition to having the honour of being the country’s first

Premier, I have served in many different capacities as Minister [of Government] over the past 20 years.

It is known that I did not at any time abscond or run away from the Turks and Caicos Islands or any charges.

The fact is that I was away from home almost two years when the arrest warrant was issued for me.

It is also a known fact that because of the changes in the constitution, like removing the right to persons accused to a trial by jury, changes to various laws of evidence including the hearsay view, I am of the firm view it was and is not possible to get a fair trial for me and my colleagues.

It is a known fact that I while in office along with my colleagues advocate independence from Britain for our country Turks and Caicos Islands and it is my belief that this entire investigation, charges and pending charges is politically motivated and that we are being prosecuted because of our political views.

As a result of the above position, it was also a known fact that I had applied for political asylum in a

third country because of the political persecution stated above and the violation of my human rights.

I have decided that in spite of my firm belief that I cannot get a fair trial, nor can my colleagues, and in spite of my political persecution because of our belief that the Turks and Caicos should be independent and Turks and Caicos Islanders should be running every aspect of government, to voluntarily return home.

As a former Premier and a leader in my country, I have not made that decision lightly.

Therefore I could [not] and never will change my mind en route to Turks and Caicos Islands.

I therefore pledge to you and most importantly to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands if you withdraw the prison order and lift the Red Alert so that I can travel, my family will provide a plane for my return home.

Officers from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police force and/ or Interpol can also accompany me on that direct flight to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

My word is my honour and at this

Open letter to the Chief Financial Officer Dear Hugh McGarel-Groves Please permit me to be naïve about Value Added Tax (VAT), the idea and its basic assumption.

There is the widespread fear and tangible belief in the minds of everybody and the community at large that VAT will increase prices, be inflationary and eventually sink the TCI’s economy in short order.

Yet in response to the valid position of the PDM in opposing VAT the Governor’s spokesman stated that, “It was reported at the PDM news conference that VAT implementation will increase the cost of living in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“This is not the case. There is a wide range of VAT exempt and zero rated items – the costs of these should remain similar to pre-VAT. “Customs duties have been reduced by 10 to 15 per cent to accommodate the introduction of VAT, exempt items still have reduced duty applied, zero rated items allow business to claim the VAT back from government.

“Also VAT in the TCI is designed to mostly be a replacement tax taking over from hotel and restaurant

accommodation tax, reductions in customs duties, vehicle hire stamp duty, domestic financial services tax, and telecommunications tax.”

This response and its effect is the source of my naiveté that customs duties have already been “reduced by 10 to 15 per cent to accommodate the introduction of VAT”.

There is no evidence that merchants, importers, wholesalers, retailers, (the marketplace) have passed that reduction onto the consumer.

In fact there is every indication that after the reduction, that the market place has actually increased prices and the cost of living has gone up.

I am suggesting that the reduction had a reverse effect already, is already inflationary, and has resulted in at least a further 10 per cent increase in the cost of living in the TCI. On top of your suggested reduction in prices and our perceived increase in prices you are proposing a further 11 per cent increase in taxes through VAT to create what you are calling a steady, reliable, consistent predictable supply of revenue.

Mr CFO we pray that you and the apologists for VAT are correct

SPACE IS LIMITED!

and that somehow prices will come down.

We note that you are not moving forward but have hinted that you may consider employing already existing legislation that will enable you to control prices.

We suggest that you move to employ some kind of price control, some kind of pressure on the market place and abandon in the face of VAT your “free market orthodoxy”.

I am suggesting that VAT is a further restriction on market freedom therefore, as a result of VAT the market is not entirely free.

Merchants etc. should not be free to gouge, increase prices and ignore the reductions you have mentioned in the 10 to 15 per cent.

While I am worried and convinced that VAT will fail I hope your position is sustained because of the sake of the economy and the people.

If you succeed and prices do go down we will be the first to congratulate you.

But please tell me how you intend to ensure this when after the reductions prices have already gone up.

Patti Forbes

stage all I have left is my word.

I already spent six weeks in prison in Brazil with no effort on your part, on Turks and Caicos Government part, and on the British part to have my safe return.

If you are serious about even the appearance of justice and not revenge and persecution I ask that you in good faith re-consider your decision to reject my voluntary return.

I again state that there is no need for a long and expensive process of

extradition as I am willing to return voluntarily within 24 to 48 hrs of your agreement to have me return voluntarily.

The power is in your hands to do what is right and decent.

My trust as always is in my God. Michael Misick Former Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands From prison in Rio de Janero, Brazil

Entitlement is often a misnomer Dear Editor, There are some restrictions in the TCI that keep certain jobs only for TC Islanders.

They are the only ones ‘entitled’ to work these jobs and as such I think the idea is that there will be employment provided through this monopoly.

The same is true with most government jobs and it is one of the reasons the Government is still over staffed, providing that employment to the entitled Belongers.

As a self-employed business owner of 40 years, I think the Government is doing a disservice to their people.

Real security is spelt ‘performance’ and the moment you forget this rule you are setting yourself up for a restricted future.

You may have a government job for life but that warm cosy nest has possibly kept you from really spreading your wings and

accomplishing something much bigger.

Self-employment allows you to harvest the fruit of your endeavours.

If you are smart, hardworking and apply yourself, you can often create a much better life for yourself, your family and community.

Entitlements restrict the demands on the recipients and thereby weaken their ability to compete.

The environment that one grows up in is very influential to the way of thinking of the child.

Anything that reduces the demand for performance during one's life is having a long term derogatory effect on that person.

By demanding ‘world class’ performance of your children and self you are respecting and empowering them.

Bruce Trethewey, Providenciales

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

January 26 – February 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

11

continued

Attorney General responds

I would like to respond to Mr Misick’s offer to return to the TCI as stated in his open letter this week: 1. Mr Misick is the subject of an extradition request made lawfully and properly, in accordance with the relevant Treaty in place between the UK and Brazil, as extended to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

As such, he is currently being held in accordance with the terms of this Treaty, under a provisional warrant of arrest.

Supporting documentation will be provided by the TCI authorities in January 2013, within the required 60 days from arrest.

Then the Brazilian Courts and authorities will process the case and make their decision.

This legal process in Brazil must now be followed.

That Mr Misick is being held in prison until the process is completed is a matter for the Brazilian authorities.

Mr Misick will also have the opportunity to influence the time the

process takes, by deciding whether to contest the extradition and/ or deciding whether to pursue his political asylum appeal, or not.

2. Previous to his arrest in Brazil, Mr Misick had over a year-long window of opportunity to return to the Turks and Caicos to face questions about his role in relation to the criminal investigation arising from the Sir Robin Auld Commission of Inquiry 2008-09 Report.

Unfortunately, despite assurances given on several occasions by Mr Misick’s legal representatives that he would return to TCI, he clearly never arrived.

His continued non-appearance and reluctance to come willingly to be questioned in the TCI is why an Interpol Red Notice was finally sought and granted.

To be clear – when Mr Misick visited the TCI, usually by private plane, after his resignation as Premier he was free to do so, and it appears that he stopped coming when he knew that his arrest was

Rid ourselves of the Brits

Dear Editor, Recently, I listened to Hon Charlene Robinson in LegCo. She interviewed a young lady from the VAT department; she was very limited with information.

To me who does not understand what is the real purpose of VAT, I was left more confused.

To me, the only people who will benefit from VAT are the unemployed people coming from the UK. You see, we must now help the British find jobs for their people as a payback for what has happened to this country three years ago.

Are we to suffer for just a few? I say NO. Our people do not have jobs for themselves and every day people are losing their houses.

How much more taxes will the British government impose on our people of the beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands.

Will we continue to sit quietly and allow them to think that all of us are jackasses?

Or as people, we will now stand up and fight for our rights?

For the past year, I took upon myself to discuss the VAT issue with visitors to our shore - the very little that I understand about VAT. Many of them asked how can the poor people or anyone living on this island afford to eat, and what was the wage scale like.

Their suggestion was, why don't the Brits add $5 to the departure taxes and they were sure this would be one way of meeting our budget.

But you see my people, this does

not allow the Brits an opportunity to work.

Therefore, they must implement VAT, because only they understand how VAT works.

Therefore, they would need to employ 20 Brits to work their scheme.

We need to say no to VAT and let the Brits know that this is one issue we will stand together on.

I am calling all Turks and Caicos Islanders, Jamaicans, Dominicans, Filipinos, Haitians, Bahamas, Americans, and Canadians, who live here and enjoy the islands to come together and say NO to VAT. We must not allow the Brits to decide the future of us and our children.

In November of last year 2012, we were given our democratic right to vote for a democratic government for the people's choice.

I want the world to know that democracy does not exist in Turks and Caicos Islands.

As I pen these words, I am calling for our brothers and sisters all over the world to join us in this struggle.

We cannot do it alone.

Women in the Bahamas some 50 years ago fought similar battle and they came and stood together for their struggle.

We, at this stage of our democratic struggle, must come together and forget PDM and PNP and fight for one common goal.

That is, to rid ourselves of the Brits and say the hell with VAT. Business Woman, Providenciales

actively sought.

The fact that the Brazilian authorities have retained Mr Misick in custody reflects the view that Mr Misick is a high flight risk.

I have been informed by the UK government that consular officials at the British Consulate-General in Rio De Janeiro are providing consular assistance to Mr Misick.

This has included visits to Mr Misick to check on his welfare.

Consular officials have given to Mr Misick a prisoner support

pack which provides useful advice to British prisoners in Brazil, for example details of their rights, expectations, where they can turn to for support, and details of local English speaking lawyers.

The information in this pack can be found at http://ukinbrazil.fco. gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/ when-things-go-wrong/help-if-youare-arrested.

The people of the TCI should be reassured that Mr Misick is receiving the same level of consular support

available to British citizens detained in a Brazilian prison.

Consular officers have also explained to close family members how to apply for a prison visit pass from the Brazilian authorities in order to visit Mr Misick.

Mr Misick’s current situation is clearly complex and there are many decisions yet to be made by him and the Brazilian authorities that will affect how long it takes to conclude.

It is in everyone interests that the legal processes are properly followed at all times.

Huw Shepheard, Attorney General of the Turks and Caicos Islands

12 NEWS

January 26 – February 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Clean-up of the Salt Cay burial grounds

By Candy Herwin THERE are only a few old folk left who can recall the mid-1900s era and the old traditions of wakes and funerals and the marching processions in which the whole community would follow the pallbearers to the tomb side in the Barren Ground.

There was no electricity back then so we needed to get the deceased ‘dressed down’ and buried as quickly as possible; we dressed the men in black and the women in white.

The donkey and cart would carry the body to the Benevolent Hall where it was placed in a handmade simple wooden casket and the ‘sisters’ would decorate the inside with fresh cut moringa flowers which were sweet smelling and white.

The casket was then placed on a heavy white canvas sheet, which was carried by six male family members who would lead the onward march with the community and Benevolent Lodge following behind.

There was always an air of pageantry with prayers, singing, weeping and wailing while the men beat the rhythmic bass and tenor drums, blew the French horns, ‘licking’ the long sticks as they marched to the church of membership.

The procession would sing Gospel hymns from the Sankey, like one of the favourite marching tunes, ‘There’s a Royal Banner’ and yet another popular refrain, “When I can read my title clear to mansions in the skies, I bid farewell to every fear, and wipe my weeping eyes.”

Sometimes two chairs were carried along with the procession so that the pallbearers could rest for a while, however, the music and singing continued through the church service and onward to the Barren Ground.

The body was lowered into the earth and everyone threw in a handful of soil.

It was a simple affair and they would say, “When you die your head got to be facing westward.”

It was an old belief dating back to when freed slaves believed that the dead should be facing the right way when Gabriel blows his trumpet in

Fed up with this state of neglect, the Salt Cay community, last Thursday arrived at the Barren Ground with a variety of gardening tools with the intention of once again creating an attractive resting place

the eastern sunrise.

Unfortunately over the last decades, time and lack of manpower failed to keep the cemetery clear and turned the Barren Ground into an overgrown jungle of acacia bush and invasive vines.

Fed up with this state of neglect, the Salt Cay community, last Thursday arrived at the Barren Ground with a variety of gardening tools with the intention of once again creating an attractive resting place.

“It’s an historic and important part of community life,” said one resident, “and hopefully the future care of this ancestral burial ground will create much needed employment on the island.”

Leading the clean-up campaign for Salt Cay was acting DC Mr Noyal Hamilton, who thanked the residents for such a successful turnout.

He said that one of his goals for the year is to reclaim the title of ‘Cleanest Island in the Turks and Caicos.’

Leading the clean-up campaign for Salt Cay was acting DC Mr Noyal Hamilton, who thanked the residents for such a successful turnout.

Win with Lime in 2013

By Daisy Handfield

LIME is giving their prepaid customers a chance to win big in the month of January by just a simple top up of $20 or more.

Four lucky winners will be the recipients of a $500 shopping spree at the Graceway IGA supermarket.

The top up promotion ends on January 31, 2013.

General manager for Lime TCI, Drexwell Seymour, said, “LIME ended the year with

winners and begins the year with customers having another opportunity for a chance to win.”

At the end of their Christmas promotion, Lime gave away a total of $5,000 to five grand prize winners live on air with host Diana Swann of the Breakfast Show on 88.7fm.

Shirlen Anthony Gardiner, Curley Hentuler, Rosenell Cox, Rodman Johnson and Sherman Rigby walked away with $1,000 each from Lime.

Shirlen Gardiner said, “Over the holidays, I had given away $1000 to those who were less fortunate and here I got it back. God is good. Thanks Lime!”

Another winner, Ms Curley Hentuler, commented, “It was only recently that I had to rent a vehicle because my ride was down and I was wondering how I would pay for it and then I got the call. I am very thankful to Lime as well.”

Other Lime winners included Elizabeth Gardiner, Nadeen Morris, Katherine Forbes,

Grethan Been, Hugh Ewing, Keith Welch and Adline Forbes.

Merlinne Goachim was the winner of the December drawing of the Lime $250 IGA shopping spree.

Caribbean singer Beenie Man was on hand to assist with the presentations during the holiday season to the enjoyment of the winners.

Lime gave away approximately $5,000 in weekly gifts and shopping spree vouchers during the Christmas season.

January 26 – February 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 13

Weekly fish fry promotes culture

By Daisy Handfield ABOUT 50,000 flyers will be distributed around hotels, restaurants and other businesses to help promote the newly implemented weekly cultural fish fry.

The event will be put on by the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board alongside Lime.

Several local vendors have signed up to be a part of the free weekly event which will take place at the Children’s Park in the Bight each Thursday from 5.30pm to 9.30pm starting Thursday, January 31.

During a press conference yesterday (Thursday, January 24), general manager for Lime TCI, Drexwell Seymour, said, “I’m excited about this event. I think it’s a great event for our country for the residents and tourists.

“This is also a special event for Lime because on January 31 is our 115 anniversary in the TCI.” Local residents will be given the opportunity to show off their food

and also tell the world about it.

There will be entertainment by local bands, a Junkanoo rush, cultural performances, raffles and fun and games for the kids.

Ralph Higgs, Director of the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, said, “We are constantly looking for opportunities to give visitors an authentic experience of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This event aims to do just that.

“We want to encourage local restaurants, straw vendors and artisans to be part of this venture.

“I would like to encourage the local community to come out each week to support it.”

People who are unable to attend the event on Thursdays will have direct contact numbers on the soon to be released flyers if they want to contact any of the restaurants.

Other interested vendors can contact Beryl Charles at the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board on 9464970 to be a part of the event in the upcoming weeks.

Spiritual leaders and churches unite

By Daisy Handfield

WOMEN and men from across the Turks and Caicos Islands joined together to pray and repent in a Solemn Assembly.

Churches across the nation came together to simultaneously pray this morning (Friday, January 25) at 10am.

In a press conference earlier this week, coordinator of the event Apostle Elva Talbot stressed the event would be a time for acknowledgment of the wrongs as a church and as a nation.

“It is a time of repentance and asking for forgiveness. It is a vision that men and women share throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands,” she said.

Monday’s press conference was attended by officials from various churches in the country who went on to lead the national day of prayer.

Apostle Oscar Talbot from Grand Turk committee gave a heart filling testimony.

“The Lord reached out to me and said he wanted a Solemn Assembly in this country,” he said.

He added that the Lord told him that he wanted to see a union of all

the churches as opposed to individual congregations.

“Prior to Hurricane Ike, everybody was preoccupied with their material blessings; they let the material blessings get in the way of their relationship with me.

“The time that they should have been spending with me, they spent it with the material blessings.

“I paid a visit, I didn’t take anybody but I took away the material blessings.”

In Grand Turk the event was held at the Parade Grounds, the Gustavus Lightboure Sports Complex in Providenciales, Community Centre in North and Middle Caicos and the Firm Foundation Ministry in South Caicos.

Pastor Salamon Morency from the Abundant Life Ministry was present at the event in Providenciales to translate to the Haitian/French community. There was also a translator for the Spanish community.

The event was expected to reach out to many and form unity in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Photos and full details on the assembly will be included in next week’s edition of the Weekly News.

CHAT: Fish fry organisers from Lime and the Tourist Board gather to discuss the event

FISHY BUSINESS: Fish fry banner to promote the new cultural event

autism awareness Spectrum of hope – By Nicole Cox

Logistics I WALK into a foreign food restaurant, it’s brand new to me and I have heard that the food is great.

A little expensive, with names I can barely pronounce, but SO worth it!

So, naturally I am super excited.

When the waiter comes to take my order I am USELESS to him!!

I have been scanning the menu for about 10 minutes, but everything looks good, but I really am not familiar with the dishes. I just know what I like. But I am not sure what will satisfy my tastes. I am not sure the names of the dishes contain the ingredients that I like.

That is when a good waiter takes over and begins to ask me what flavors I usually prefer. Then based on my answers, he gives a few recommendations that may satisfy me. When the dish arrives, if I was accurate in describing what I like and the waiter was skilled in interpreting my desires, I will be thrilled with a brand new meal that fills my belly and makes my taste buds happy campers! “What was this called again?”, I may ask.

The waiter will kindly pronounce it again for me. I will remember that name because I may order it next time. OR perhaps liking it so

well will encourage me to step out further and order a brand new dish next time, based, of course on my taste preferences.

Parents sometime get caught up on logistics. “I don’t think my child has _______” (fill in the learning disability or developmental disorder of your choice).

You may be right. You may rush to professionals and get battery tests performed only to find out it’s not Autism or ADD or Dyslexia or any of the health/ education buzzwords we have become familiar with today.

However, if your child is displaying difficulties or delays in areas of communication, behavior or academics and you down play it because “you don’t think they have________” that is like being hungry and walking out of the restaurant because you can’t pronounce the names of the dishes.

I will keep repeating this concept because it is true and it is affecting our schools: You do not need a “diagnosis” to address your child’s issues head on. Do not get me wrong; I am a FAN of professional assessments because that helps the parent to pinpoint

what the issues are and streamline the approach to improvement. But realistically, we live in the Turks and Caicos and there are only so many specialists who deal with these areas. And if your child is not severe enough to actually qualify as having a diagnosis, you can still order something from the VAST menu of information out there to satisfy their needs.

Over the next few weeks we will be looking at some disorders and some symptoms that “look” like the disorders and how they can similarly be addressed with children.

For the parents that realize their child has needs and you want a diagnosis, I say PURSUE THAT! For the parent who is skeptical that a diagnosis is necessary, but still recognizes a few areas that need attention, I say PURSUE THAT! For parents that are in denial that anything may be hindering their child and that if there is the child will simply “grow out of it”, I say that I hope we can change your mind.

For more go to: www.iloveaba. com or http://dawnprogram. blogspot.com

Lifestyle...

14

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 26 – February 1, 2013

fitness Tip 

Mental health, wellbeing and exercise

Wellbeing or being well - do sport and exercise help?

Hot and sour fish soup

Ingredients: • One tsp coriander seeds • Small piece ginger or galangal, sliced • 850ml chicken or fish stock • 175g thin rice noodles • Two tbsp fish sauce • Two fat red chillies, deseeded and thinly sliced • Three garlic cloves, thinly sliced • 300g raw, tail-on tiger prawns • 200g/7oz skinless salmon fillet, cut into small cubes • Four spring onions, chopped • Handful coriander leaves • Handful mint leaves, torn • Juice of two limes Method: • Put the coriander seeds and galangal or ginger in a saucepan.

• Pour in the stock, bring to the boil, then simmer gently for five minutes.

• Leave to stand for 10 minutes.

• Meanwhile, cook the noodles following pack instructions.

• Drain and keep warm.

• Return stock to the boil. Add the fish sauce, chillies and garlic, reduce the heat and simmer for two minutes.

• Add the prawns and salmon, return to a simmer and cook gently for about five minutes until both are firm and cooked.

• Add the spring onions, herbs and lime juice, to taste.

• Divide the noodles between soup bowls. Using a slotted spoon, lift out the prawns and fish and place on the noodles.

• Season the hot stock, pour into the bowls and serve with spring rolls on the side.

PHYSICIANS are mostly concerned with specific diseases and body parts or functions.

This is the scientific part of medicine.

Most doctors also recognise that a person's general state comes into play in their overall health.

This is the holistic or healing art of medicine.

‘Wellbeing’ is harder to define; it encompasses energy, fatigue, sleep patterns, stress and mood amongst many other factors.

Wellbeing is often perceived as the state of body and mind as if it is a predetermined fate.

This is not so, we can control many aspects of our condition.

It is important to strive to improve ourselves, so think of using the more active description of ‘being well’.

For an example I will discuss how exercise is an active process towards being well.

One scientific study shows that a brief 20 minute exercise of only light to moderate intensity level can

decrease fatigue by up to 60 per cent.

Participating at less than half of the recommended exercise levels results in increased energy levels.

Stress originates from different environments.

What is a stressor for one person could be a normal environment for another.

Whatever brings on the stress, the result is the same; agitation, mood swings, depression, changes in sleep patterns and altered appetite.

Exercise has been shown to improve all of these symptoms.

In addition exercise releases cortisol and endorphins that help ease the body’s strains to stress.

And finally exercise has been shown to improve the brain’s ability to plan and multitask by coping better with overload from work or home there is less stress in the first place.

So get out there and burn that stress away through exercise; you are one workout away from feeling good.

health Tip 

Benefits of eating fish FISH is a highly nutritious food commodity. Being an excellent protein food with fewer calories, it is better than other meat sources.

It is rich in omega 3 fatty acids (proven to be good for the heart).

The protein in fish is of high quality, containing an abundance of essential amino acids, and is very digestible for people of all ages.

Seafood is also generally lower in fat and calories than beef, poultry or pork. Seafood is also loaded with minerals such as iron, zinc and calcium.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE Fish is a source of high-quality protein. It contains about 19 per cent protein that is similar in amino acid composition to that found in muscle meats.

The content varies from one to 20

per cent depending upon the species and the season of the year.

Fish has a substantially lower fat content than beef and poultry. Fish contains protein of high biological value, essential minerals, vitamins and fats.

Fish remains rich with iodine and fluorine that makes a valuable contribution in the diet.

Fish is also a satisfactory source of magnesium, phosphorus, iron and copper.

It has high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially Omega acids, which tend to lower blood cholesterol by depressing low density lipoprotein (LDL) concentration.

Omega-3 fatty acids appear to also reduce levels of plasma triglyceride, in particular very low density lipoprotein (VLDL).

January 26 – February 1, 2013

Lifestyle...

15

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

YOUR DIET

The Dentist and you  Mark Osmond BDS (Lond) LDS RCS (Eng). Mark Osmond Dental Clinic - (649) 432 3777, drmosmond@gmail.com or Find us on Facebook

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.

Bad breath THERE are several reasons why you might experience bad breath, or halitosis, with the most common cause being poor oral hygiene.

When teeth are not brushed and flossed regularly or well enough, food debris will remain in the mouth and plaque will accumulate which leads to calculus build up.

Calculus is the hard, chalk-like material that cannot be removed by brushing alone.

When this is allowed to build up, it can lead to gum disease and one of the symptoms of gum disease is bad breath.

To get rid of bad breath, it may be as simple as changing your routine to ensure you are brushing your teeth twice a day (morning and last thing at night) and flossing regularly.

You should brush for two minutes each time, with a fluoride toothpaste.

This will ensure that all food particles and plaque is removed regularly.

Dr Mark Osmond A mouthwash may also help.

If you have not had a professional cleaning at the dentist for a while, this would also be recommended as this will remove any calculus that you cannot remove yourself.

If you have any signs of gum disease such as bleeding, inflamed gums or pain as well as the bad odour, a dental visit is also required.

Another cause of bad breath is infection. You are likely to experience other symptoms as well, such as pain or swelling.

Again a visit to the dentist is necessary which might result in

you being prescribed a course of antibiotics or having an extraction.

Transitory bad breath can be caused by consuming strong smelling or tasting food for example, garlic, raw onion or blue cheese.

This should require nothing more than brushing, flossing and rinsing to resolve. Alcohol - especially the morning after drinking the previous evening - can also cause bad breath.

Tooth brushing and rinsing with mouthwash can certainly help reduce this.

I am often asked by parents of young children why they can sometimes have bad breath. In the absence of gum disease or infection, this may be due to ‘morning breath’.

This is simply caused by mouth breathing through the night (a common occurrence in younger children) which causes saliva to dry in the mouth and which leads to the smell.

This is nothing to be concerned about and will fade soon after waking and certainly once the child’s teeth have been brushed in the morning.

Respiratory tract infections, such as colds, tonsillitis, sore throats, can cause bad breath. This will disappear once the infections have passed.

There are also systemic diseases that can cause bad breath such as stomach problems, reflux and lung infections.

People with uncontrolled diabetes can suffer with ketoacidosis which can have associated bad breath.

In the case of any of these illnesses the root problem should be treated and you should consult your treating doctor.

In summary, the majority of causes of bad breath can be reduced or eliminated by keeping your teeth and gums healthy through regular brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist.

Thyroid awareness THE MONTH of January is celebrated as thyroid awareness month, so this week we focus on the thyroid, its symptoms and how nutrition can affect/help the disorder.

The thyroid gland is a very small bow-tie or butterfly shaped organ that sits just below the Adam’s apple along the windpipe.

Though small in size, the thyroid is responsible for almost all metabolic processes in the body.

It also influences growth and body temperature.

The most common thyroid problems are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism In hyperthyroidism there is excessive secretion of thyroid hormones which leads to over-activity of the thyroid gland and speeding up of bodily functions.

• Symptoms of hyperthyroidism: • Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) • Increased heart rate • Increased blood pressure • Abnormal heart rhythms • Excessive perspiration • Eye and hand tremors • Amenorrhea • Decreased libido and impotence • Nervousness and anxiety • Dyspnea • Muscle wasting • Insomnia • Weight loss, despite increased appetite

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

Call 946 8308, 242 3978 or 442 3978.

16

Entertainment

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 26 – February 1, 2013

J. Lo and Aretha Franklin weigh in on Beyonce-gate While the world awaits final word from Queen Bey herself on whether her Inauguration Day performance was truly a fake-out, other singers are coming to her defense. Or, finding humor in the situation, if said singer’s name happens to be Aretha Franklin.

Jennifer Lopez took up for Beyonce when she visited “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” on Tuesday, explaining (as many before her did that day) that lip-syncing is far from uncommon.

While Lopez hasn’t performed for POTUS before - she was previously asked to sing at the White House but turned it down - she knows that just “the idea of it” could be nervewracking.

“Sometimes it happens, when you’re in certain stadiums and in certain venues and stuff, they do prerecord things because you’re going to have that terrible slapback,” Lopez said, in Beyonce’s defense. (“Sure, the slapback,” joked Stewart.)

The actress, who was promoting her new movie “Parker,” ventured to say that “all performers do have to do it at some point.”

Aretha Franklin admitted to ABC News that when she heard “that

Shakira and football player Gerard Pique during their pregnancy.

Shakira announces birth of baby boy

Superstar Beyonce has been accused of fake-singing at President Obama’s Inauguration Day celebration.

[Beyonce] was pre-recorded I really laughed ... I just really cracked up.”

“I thought it was funny because the weather down there was about 46 or 44 degrees and for most singers

that is just not good singing weather,” Franklin went on. “I thought it was really funny, but she did a beautiful job with the pre-record ... next time I’ll probably do the same.”

Dunham said Rihanna should not have rekindled with Brown Add Lena Dunham to the ranks of fans who do not approve of Rihanna’s rekindled romance with Chris Brown.

The creator and star of HBO’s “Girls” chimed in on Alec Baldwin’s “Here’s the thing” podcast about RiRi’s relationship with the man who infamously beat her up in 2009.

“It cracks my heart in half” Dunham said. “It’s an amazing thing and it’s like, it’s a platform that you have to take seriously.”

“I don’t want to ever throw stones from my glass house, but I follow her on Instagram and I just think about how many little girls beyond what I could even comprehend are obsessed with Rihanna,” the 26-year-old Golden Globe winner added. “Like you know, she left Barbados, she’s had this amazing career, she’s won a Grammy.”

“She’s talented,” Dunham said of the singer whose career was at least partially overshadowed by the infamous beating she endured at the hands of her then boyfriend Brown on the eve of the 2009 Grammys.

“Then she gets back together with [HIM]and posts a million pictures of them smoking marijuana together on a bed…and it cracks my heart in half in a way that makes me feel like I’m

YOU might think of Italy’s fashion capital when you hear the word Milan, but pop singer Shakira and soccer star Gerard Pique say that isn’t what they had in mind when they named their baby boy.

Milan Pique Mebarak was born at 9:36 p.m. Tuesday in Barcelona, Spain, according to an announcement posted on Shakira’s website.

Mebarak is Shakira’s seldom-used surname.

“The name Milan (pronounced MEE-lahn), means dear, loving and gracious in Slavic; in Ancient Roman, eager and laborious; and in Sanskrit, unification,” the announcement said.

The 35-year-old Colombian singer first revealed her pregnancy in September, canceling a scheduled weekend concert appearance at a music festival in Las Vegas.

Last week, a black-and-white

photo on her website showed a pregnant Shakira, wearing a bikini top, standing beside her 25-year-old boyfriend, who plays for Spain’s FC Barcelona.

The couple called for donations to UNICEF as part of a “world baby shower” for them to raise money for gifts such as polio vaccines, therapeutic food and rehydration salts “for the benefit of babies everywhere.”

While their son isn’t on the soccer field yet, on Tuesday, Shakira’s website said, “Just like his father, baby Milan became a member of FC Barcelona at birth.”

Milan, the couple’s first child, weighed approximately 6 pounds, 6 ounces.

“Both mother and child are in excellent health,” the announcement said. (CNN)

Man Booker International finalists revealed

The Girls’ creator said Rihanna should not have rekindled with her abusive ex because she is an inspiration to too many young girls.

95 years old,” Dunham said.

Rihanna and Chris Brown have seemingly gotten back together in recent months, recording several singles together and looking very cozy at a Lakers game on Christmas.

Despite the uproar over her

decision to reunite with Brown, Rihanna has made it very clear that her love life is “Nobody’s Business” with the tittle of her song track with Brown on her latest album “Unapologetic.”

(NYdailynews. com)

THE shortlist of 10 authors competing for the £60,000 Man Booker International Prize has been announced.

The finalists come from nine different countries and include a Swiss writer for the first time.

The judging panel is chaired by literary critic Sir Christopher Ricks and features Elif Batuman, Aminatta Forna, Yiyun Li and Tim Parks.

Now in its fifth year, the Man Booker International recognises one writer for their achievement in fiction.

The award differs from the Man Booker Prize in that it recognises the author’s continued creativity, development and overall contribution to literature, rather than a single work.

The 10 nominees are: U.R. Ananthamurthy (India), Aharon Appelfeld (Israel), Lydia Davis (USA), Intizar Husain (Pakistan),Yan Lianke (China), Marie NDiaye

(France), Josip Novakovich (Canada), Marilynne Robinson (USA), Vladimir Sorokin (Russia) and Peter Stamm (Switzerland).

Robinson is the only one to have been a previous finalist, in 2011, while Marie NDiaye, at 45, is the youngest author ever to be a Man Booker International nominee.

Yan Lianke and Vladimir Sorokin have both had books banned in their home countries.

Sir Christopher said of the finalists: “Each is the author of a substantial body of published work, whether novels or short stories, either written in or translated into English.

“Some of these men and women are in their eighties, the youngest in their forties and fifties. They write in ways that are astonishingly different.”

The winner will be announced at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London on 22 May. (BBC)

January 26 – February 1, 2013

Entertainment

17

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Cooper says he would love to play Lance Armstrong

Kim Kardashian with her mother, Kris Jenner.

Kim Kardashian’s mom claims she did not abuse her KRIS Jenner is shooting down hefty allegations of child abuse towards her own children, supposedly from her ex-husband, the late Robert Kardashian Sr. In Touch magazine claims they have obtained newlyreleased diary entries from the widow of the deceased Kardashian patriarch.

“Kris was kicking and beating her and said she was going to kill [Kim]!” Robert allegedly wrote in an entry on Aug. 24, 1989 about his most famous daughter. “Kim was hysterical.”

According to the magazine, Robert Kardashian went on to detail Jenner’s alleged affair with a young soccer player

named Todd Waterman in his writings, suggesting she was an irresponsible mother.

“She doesn’t leave a number in case of emergency. She doesn’t care!” he supposedly wrote, adding that she used to stay out all night.

The famous O.J. Simpson lawyer’s second wife, Ellen Kardashian, claims the entries are authentic and were given to her by her husband before his death, but the girls’ mother is denying their legitimacy.

Jenner’s publicist told the New York Daily News, “we have no knowledge of these diaries existing and these accusations are ridiculous and not true.” (NYdailynews.com)

OSCAR-nominated actor Bradley Cooper says he would “love” to play Lance Armstrong in a film about the disgraced cycling champion’s life.

Cooper, who starred in Silver Linings Playbook and The Hangover, told the BBC: “I would be interested in that.

“I think he’s fascinating.

What a fascinating character.”

Paramount Pictures is planning a biopic of the cyclist, who has admitted using banned drugs and blood doping to win his seven Tour de France titles.

The film studio has not announced a cast and Cooper said he had not had any discussions about playing Armstrong.

Matt Damon, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Fassbender and Christian Bale are among the other actors whose names have been mentioned in relation to the role.

‘GREAT CHARACTER’ Cooper, who is nominated for best actor at next month’s Oscars for Silver Linings Playbook, told the BBC: “I remember Matt Damon was going to do his autobiography at one point years ago.

Les Miserables continues chart reign LES Miserables, starring Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway, has topped the UK and Ireland box office chart for the second week in a row.

After scoring the biggest UK opening for a movie musical with £8.1m last week, the Oscar-nominated film’s takings fell by almost half to £4.4m.

But it easily surpassed Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained, which entered the chart at two, taking £2.8m.

Ang Lee’s adaptation of Life of Pi fell to number three with £1.2m.

Tsunami film The Impossible, starring Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor, rose one place to four in its third week of release with £1.1m.

While Sean Penn and Ryan Gosling crime drama Gangster Squad fell to five after suffering a 62% drop in takings, selling £792,000 worth of tickets.

Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Bradley Cooper said that Lance Armstrong is a fascinating character.

“I remember thinking, that would be a great character, I’d love to play that character. I would love to do something, I think he’s pretty fascinating.”

Paramount Pictures and JJ

Abrams’ production company Bad Robot will base the film on New York Times reporter Juliet Macur’s forthcoming book Cycle of Lies: The Fall of Lance Armstrong.

Cooper also appeared on BBC One Breakfast on Tuesday, when he talked about the Oscars and his plan to take his mother to the ceremony.

(BBC)

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Anne Hathaway has been nominated for an Oscar and a Bafta for her role in Les Miserables.

continued adding to its box office at six. The film has now taken £50m after six weeks of release.

The only other new entry in the top 10 was a 3D release of Pixar animation Monsters Inc at seven.

Tom Cruise film Jack Reacher suffered the

biggest fall in takings since last week’s chart bringing in just £212,540 - a 69% drop - after four weeks on the chart.

It finished at nine behind Dustin Hoffman film Quartet and just ahead of comedy Parental Guidance at number 10.

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18

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Crime could cripple regional tourism, says Bahamas PM BAHAMAS Prime Minister Perry Christie has issued a warning that there is no bigger threat to the future viability of tourism in the region than crime.

Addressing delegates at the opening ceremony of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace at the Atlantis on Paradise Island in The Bahamas, Christie took time out to speak on the escalation in criminal violence, robbery and theft within the respective jurisdictions of the region.

LIAT signs deal for three 48-seater aircraft FRANCE-based aviation company ATR and regional airline LIAT (Leeward Islands Air Transport) have signed an agreement for the purchase of three 48-seater ATR 42-600 aircraft.

The deal also includes options for two 68-seater ATR 72-600, and is valued at over US$100 million.

LIAT will take delivery of its very first ATR 42-600 in June 2013.

With the arrival of these aircraft from ATR, plus additional ATR -600s under discussion from leasing companies, LIAT will progressively replace its current fleet of former turboprop aircraft, ATR said in a statement Wednesday.

The airline currently operates a fleet of 14 aircraft over its Caribbean network, which includes main hubs at Antigua, Barbados and Trinidad, and destinations –among others, in Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, St Marteen, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, St Lucia and St Vincent.

Commenting on this new contract, Ian Brunton, chief executive officer of LIAT said: “We are pleased to become a new member of the ATR family and to start operating aircraft which have largely proven their efficiency and performances on the type of routes we propose.

The aircraft of our modern fleet will feature the most advanced cabin interiors and standards of comfort, while being extremely respectful of the environment, a matter of considerable concern to us at LIAT.” (Trinidad Express)

Touching on the delicate issue, which appeared to make many stakeholders in the audience uneasy, Christie, a former tourism minister, argued that this was a problem that was being underestimated at the region’s peril.

“It is a major problem for all of us,” he declared.

Noting that the problem did not only manifest itself in crimes against tourists (which he said has statistically remained limited), he argued that the stigmatisation of entire nations or tourism destinations as crime-ridden enclaves was destructive.

“The combination of travel advisories against certain destinations, coupled with media publicity in the major markets discouraging tourism travel to certain destinations, is a trend that is bound to not only continue, but to accelerate and widen unless we manage to bring criminal activity down, way down, in our respective countries all across the region,” Christie said.

Admitting that a delicate balancing act was required, Christie

The Bahamas’ Prime Minister Perry Christie said that the Caribbean needs to fight to minimise crime in the region.

said it was critical that tourism interests continue to aggressively market locations in the region as friendly places for the vacation experience.

He noted that such a characterisation remained largely true, but more effective policing measures must be put in place and sustained to ensure that the reality of the vacation experience lives up to claims of safety and security.

PNM wins all Tobago seats in historic result THE Peoples’s National Movement (PNM) won all 12 seats in Monday’s Tobago House of Assembly (THA) election.

It was a feat which not even ANR Robinson, the architect of Tobago self-determination, had achieved.

An historic victory for the Opposition party has enhanced the position of Dr Keith Rowley as leader and as a prime minister in waiting. The PNM improved on its previous position of eight seats against the Tobago Organisation of the People’s (TOP) four.

T&T Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Ashworth Jack were strongly rebuffed by the electorate. Jack lost his seat and the question that political analysts posed last night was whether he can withstand this landslide. His position

as leader of the TOP and the TOP’s position in the coalition now hangs in the balance, analysts said.

The Tobago electorate halted the rampaging power of the People’s Partnership which with its control of the Parliament and the local government system, would have achieved complete dominance in the political landscape with the THA victory, a feat which only the NAR government had ever achieved and only for a short time.

The Prime Minister’s heavyhanded presence in the Tobago campaign proved to be a negative for the TOP was also noted last night by analysts. And Rowley’s measured intervention, leaving Tobago leader Orville London to run much of the show, appeared to have cemented the PNM’s lead.

CXC beefing up security THE CARIBBEAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL (CXC) is taking steps to reduce incidents of fraud.

Speaking to the DAILY NATION after a service to mark the organisation’s 40th anniversary at St Matthias Anglican Church earlier this week, senior assistant registrar for examinations and security Susan Giles reported that they were introducing an audit system.

“The school-based assessments, we are auditing them. And the schools have been put on notice that we will be conducting audits. Our audits start somewhere later down in the year. We don’t tell them when we are coming or which subjects,” Giles explained.

She said CXC had never had a problem with fraud in Barbados, but was sending the message out to all territories so that they would be on their guard. (Barbados Nation)

January 26 – February 1, 2013

Jamaica envoy concerned about number of deportees from US JAMAICA’S Ambassador to the United States Stephen Vasciannie has renewed calls for Jamaican migrants to abide with US law in an effort to reduce the deportation rate.

About 75 Jamaicans are deported each month.

Delivering the keynote address on Saturday at an awards ceremony culminating a year-long Jamaica 50 series of activities in Atlanta, Georgia,Vasciannie said the number are not good for Jamaica.

Vasciannie reminded the more than 300 attendees that they have an important role to play in helping to assist those Jamaicans

who will fall beneath the cracks.

“In the spirit of community building, we all need to continue encouraging our people to stay on the right side of the law, to banish the drug trade from our midst, and to embrace the discipline, hard work and drive for success that is characteristic of the vast majority of Jamaicans living in the USA,” he said.

Celebrating the hard work for which Jamaicans in the diaspora are renowned, Vasciannie saluted the more than 30 honourees – from the fields of education, health, law, media, social services, sports, business and religion. (Jamaica Information Service)

Former PM says gambling vote ‘simply an opinion poll’ FORMER Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said on Tuesday that the upcoming vote over legalised gambling is simply an “opinion poll” and that the questions being asked do not give voters the power to change the law.

Mr. Ingraham made it clear during his last official address as leader of the Free National Movement (FNM) that he would not vote in the referendum, as the referendum would be unfair to Bahamians because it left out the question of casino gambling.

He said had an FNM government offered a referendum it would have also included casino gambling.

And, last night he suggested that his government’s referendum questions – unlike the present government’s questions – would have given voters the power to move the government to either legalize gambling or leave the law as is.

“It’s clear they only want my opinion... it is not binding,” said Mr Ingraham.

“The opinion can’t do anything - the poll can’t do anything - it is parliament who has to decide

Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said he would not be participating in the voting process.

whether it is going to change the laws and the parliament of the Bahamas will change the laws when they wish, and presumably they will do so after the vote.

“But, the voters have no say whatsoever about changing the laws of the Bahamas, only the House of Assembly can do that, so this is only asking you what your opinion is, but the question about whether or not they will change the law doesn’t arise.”

Jamaica youth ministry director shot dead THE Ministry of Youth and Culture has confirmed that its Director of Corporate Services Sean Thompson was shot and killed at his home in Spanish Town St. Catherine Thursday night.

The circumstances leading to Mr. Thompson’s death are not yet clear.

But it’s understood he received multiple gunshots.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Youth and Culture says arrangements are

being made for grief counselling to be available for Mr. Thompson’s co-workers. Minister Lisa Hanna has expressed shock and regret at Mr. Thompson’s death. The Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Sydney Bartley says the news and tragic circumstances of Mr. Thompson’s passing will be difficult for the entire Ministry and its management and staff. (Jamaica Gleaner)

January 26 – February 1, 2013

Regional News

Cayman Islands to open up to scrutiny THE Cayman Islands are poised to break with decades of secrecy by opening thousands of companies and hedge funds domiciled on the offshore Caribbean territory to greater scrutiny.

The British overseas territory, which wants to shed its reputation for clandestine financial activity, is introducing sweeping reforms that will make public the names of thousands of previously hidden companies and their directors.

In proposals sent to Caymanbased hedge fund businesses and seen by the Financial Times, the islands’ powerful monetary authority, CIMA, has outlined plans to create a public database of funds domiciled on the island for the first time. The database will also list funds’ directors, pending an ongoing consultation process due to close in mid-March.

CIMA, which did not respond to a request for comment, also plans to require directors to undergo a vetting

process to ensure they are qualified to act as fiduciaries for investors.

“In the 24 months subsequent to the onset of the financial crisis, the BVI Financial Services Commission, the Central Bank of Ireland, the Jersey Financial Services Commission, the Bahamas Financial Services Board and the Isle of Man Supervision Commission all updated their corporate governance codes, laws and/or regulations,” CIMA said in one document.

The move comes amid a barrage of international criticism for the diminutive tax haven’s minimal disclosure requirements and tough corporate privacy laws in recent years. The Caymans have borne the brunt of attacks on offshore centers from angry US and EU politicians as they struggled to keep pace with fast-moving new global regulations. They even featured in rancorous debates over the tax affairs of US presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

BVI International Finance Centre inducted in World Finance 100 THE British Virgin Islands is still the jurisdiction of choice for financial services, as indicated by the BVI International Finance Centre’s (IFC) recent induction into the World Finance 100 list.

World Finance is a bi-monthly magazine produced by United Kingdom (UK) -based company World News Media. The magazine, distributed in more than 200 countries in America, Europe, Asia,

Africa and Australia, compiles its top 100 companies list every year, based on reader votes.

During his UK trip in December, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE attended the World Finance 100 induction ceremony at the London Stock Exchange and accepted the award on behalf of the IFC.(SKNVibes. com)

Guatemalans shocked by girls’ violent deaths THE shocking killing of two girls in Guatemala has thrust the issue of violence against women into the spotlight in a country where such brutal acts rarely are punished.

The bodies of the two girls, ages 6 and 12, were found dumped on a Guatemala City street Wednesday.

They youngsters had been asphyxiated, said Jorge Cabrera, director of Guatemala’s National Institute of Forensic Sciences.

Investigators are running tests to determine if there is any connection between the two girls and two adult women whose bodies were found that same morning with gunshot wounds, Cabrera said.

The girls’ violent end set off outrage in Guatemala, a place where

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

the high incidence of violence is already a problem.

“There is always repudiation at the national level among civil society as much as in the justice sector,” Cabrera said. “It’s something that should never happen.”

The grisly deaths of the girls come as Guatemala experiences a surge in the number of murdered women.

Some 707 women were killed in Guatemala in 2012, a significant increase from 431 in 2011, according to the human rights group Mutual Support, which tracks violence in that nation.

Already this year, 32 murders of women have been reported in just 15 days, while 216 men have been killed in the same period, the human rights group said. (CNN)

Dundus’s assets seized; Gov’t facing legal action from relatives THE assets of former Tivoli Gardens strongman Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke were on Wednesday ordered forfeited to the State.

The order, made by Justice Lennox Campbell, comes more than two years after the assets were frozen when Coke was extradited to the United States to face gun and drugrunning charges. He is now serving time in a US prison after pleading guilty to lesser charges last year.

The order was made in default, as Coke was not represented in court to challenge the application which was made by the Government’s Asset Recovery Agency.

Coke’s assets include his business, Presidential Click Promotions Limited.

Meanwhile, the Asset Recovery Agency on Wednesday withdrew its claim for the forfeiture of the assets of businessman Justin O’Gilvie and his wife, as well as relatives of Coke.

Following the withdrawal, Justice Lennox Campbell gave O’Gilvie, his wife and Coke’s relatives permission to pursue damages resulting from their assets being frozen for more than two years.

O’Gilvie’s assets, including that of his companies, Incomparable Enterprises and Bulls Eye Security Services Limited, those of his wife Maxine; Coke’s mother, Patricia

Christopher ‘Dundus’ Coke’s assets were frozen more than two years ago when he was extradited to the US to face gun and drug-running charges.

Halliburton (now deceased); and the mother of his child, Stephanie Gayle, were frozen in June 2010.

The assets were frozen following an application by the Assets Recovery Agency, which had claimed that the assets were given to Coke’s relatives and friends to launder. Coke was, at the time, being pursued by law enforcement personnel to effect an arrest warrant for his extradition to the United States on drug and

gunrunning charges.

At the same time, a battle is brewing between O’Gilvie and the National Commercial Bank (NCB), which has given him until January 29 to close the accounts of his businesses and those of this wife and children, his attorney Paul Beswick said.

Beswick told the Jamaica Observer that at the next court date on January 25 he will be seeking an order for the accounts to remain open.

According to the lawyer, he could not see why the bank would want to close the accounts as his client did nothing wrong. “Not a thing can be attributed to Mr O’Gilvie,” Beswick said. “He doesn’t even have a traffic ticket.”

According to the attorney, five other banks have refused to do business with his client and that O’Gilvie’s businesses would crash if NCB closed the accounts. He alleged that the alienation of his client was due to his “unfair” targeting by the Asset Recovery Agency and that there must be systems in place to prevent banks from closing people’s accounts without sufficient evidence.

“Everybody is at risk,” Beswick said.

Last month, the High Court lifted the freeze on the assets, saying the agency had no case. (Jamaica Observer)

‘Curious’ Cuban net cable has activated, researchers say A HIGH-speed fibre-optic cable connecting Cuba to the global internet appears to have finally been activated, monitoring experts have said.

Cubans currently rely on satellite connections - which are expensive and slow - to get online.

But the cable, which has been in place since 2011, has shown the first signs of activity, Renesys said.

Curiously, researchers noted traffic via the cable seemed only to be flowing into the country, not out of it.

“In the past week, our global monitoring system has picked up indications that this cable has finally been activated, although in a rather curious way,” wrote Doug Madory, Renesys’ senior researcher.

He explained that in the past week it had been noted that Telefonica, the Spanish telecoms company, had begun appearing in their data for Cuba.

When contacted by the BBC, Telefonica was not able to confirm that the activation had taken place.

But Renesys’ data is a strong indicator that the cable is

Slow internet download speeds have been a frustration for Cuban internet users.

beginning to show signs of life - be it over five years since its original inception.

IMPROVED A joint project between the stateowned telecommunications

companies of both Venezuela and Cuba, the Alternative Bolivariana para los Pueblos de nuestra America cable - known more succinctly as Alba-1 - had been hit by numerous delays before being completed in 2011. (BBC)

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Cameron pledges in/out referendum on EU DAVID Cameron has said the British people must “have their say” on Europe as he pledged an in/out referendum if the Conservatives win the election.

The prime minister said he wanted to renegotiate the UK’s relationship with the EU, before giving the “simple choice” of a vote on accepting the result of the talks or leaving the EU. The news was welcomed by eurosceptics who have long campaigned for a vote.

France and Germany both warned the UK could not “cherry pick” EU membership.

Labour said Mr Cameron was being driven by “party interest”, and, during noisy exchanges at Prime Minister’s Questions, Labour leader Ed Miliband said he opposed the idea of any in/out referendum.

Earlier the PM’s coalition partner, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, said “years of uncertainty” caused by a future referendum would hit jobs and growth and “was not in the national interest”.

In a long-awaited speech, welcomed by many Conservative MPs, Mr Cameron pledged to hold a referendum during the early part of the next parliament - by the end of 2017 at the latest - if the Conservatives win the next general election.

He said it would be a decision on the UK’s “destiny” and, if he secured a new relationship he was happy with, he would campaign “heart and soul” to stay within the EU. “It is time for the British people to have their say,” he said. “It is time

David Cameron says that the British people must have their say.

to settle this European question in British politics. I say to the British people: this will be your decision.”

However, Mr Cameron did not spell out what powers he would like to see the UK take back as part of a new settlement or what would happen if the negotiations did not go his way.

‘VERY SIMPLE CHOICE’ The Conservative leader has been under pressure from many of his MPs to give a binding commitment to a vote on Europe.

Mr Cameron said “disillusionment” with the EU was “at an all time high” and “simply asking the British people to carry on accepting a European settlement over which they have had little choice” was likely to accelerate calls for the UK to leave.

“That is why I am in favour of a referendum,” he said. “I believe

in confronting this issue - shaping it, leading the debate. Not simply hoping a difficult situation will go away.”

Setting out the conditions for a future poll, he said he would seek a “mandate” for a renegotiation and a referendum in the next Conservative election manifesto.

“And when we have negotiated that new settlement, we will give the British people a referendum with a very simple in-or-out choice to stay in the EU on these new terms; or come out altogether. It will be an in/ out referendum.”

But he said holding such a referendum now would be a “false choice” because Europe was set to change following the eurozone crisis and it would be “wrong to ask people whether to stay or go before we have had a chance to put the relationship right”.

Reforms in India calls for faster rape trials A commission set up to suggest reforms to India’s rape laws after last month’s gang rape of a student has called for faster trials with women judges.

The three-member panel, led by former chief justice JS Verma, submitted its report to the government on Wednesday.

India’s law minister said the report would get “government attention” soon.

The brutal assault of the 23-yearold student in Delhi in December shocked India and sparked a debate about the treatment of women.

In its report, recommended quick trials and faster processing of appeals in cases of crimes against women.

It also urged more accountability for the police, better implementation of laws and the need for a change in the mindset of law-enforcers.

Justice Verma said they had received 80,000 responses from India and abroad on how to reform rape laws.

“What is needed to enforce laws is the sensitivity on the part of those who implement it,” he told a press

conference after submitting the report to the home ministry in Delhi.

“The state’s role is not just punishing criminals but also to prevent crimes against women,” he said.

‘INSTITUTIONAL BIAS’ Justice Leila Seth, another member of the commission, said police “don’t take complaints of rape victims seriously”.

“There is institutional bias against the weaker sections of society”, she said.

The Verma committee also looked at marital rapes and physical, sexual and psychological violence in the family.

Justice Verma said he hoped that the report would be taken seriously by the government.

The student raped in December, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was attacked after boarding a bus in south Delhi with a male friend.

Police said the assailants beat both of them, and then raped the woman. She suffered massive

internal injuries and died nearly two weeks later.

The incident led to nationwide protests against the treatment of women in India. Campaigners called for tougher rape laws and reforms to the police, who have been accused of often failing to file charges against attackers.

Earlier this week, the trial of five men held for the crime began at a specially convened fast-track court.

If convicted, the men could face the death penalty. A sixth suspect, who is thought to be 17, is expected to be tried by a juvenile court.

The government has said it will bring in stronger sexual assault laws and has established several committees to recommend changes.

It has also promised to fast-track future rape cases. Legal proceedings in India sometimes involve years of delays.

There are believed to be about 95,000 rape cases pending nationwide, according to Ranjana Kumari, a women’s activist. (BBC)

January 26 – February 1, 2013

Israel coalition talks begin after election deadlock

COALITION talks have begun in Israel after near-complete general election results gave right-wing and centre-left blocs 60 seats each.

President Shimon Peres is expected to ask Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to attempt to form a new government.

His Likud-Beitenu alliance lost a quarter of its seats in parliament, but remains the largest grouping with 31.

He has offered to work with the newly-formed Yesh Atid party, which shocked observers by coming second with 19.

However, its leader, popular former TV presenter Yair Lapid,

has demanded reform of a law under which ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students can defer their military service.

Religious parties in the current governing coalition are strongly opposed to any changes.

Mr Lapid has also said he would only join a government that was committed to reviving the peace process with the Palestinians, which has stalled since Mr Netanyahu took office.

“Whoever wants Yesh Atid in the coalition will need to bring these things,” Ofer Shelah, a senior member of the party, told Israeli Army Radio. (BBC)

Females in the army will now be a part of the direct combat units.

US military opens combat to women The U.S. military is ending its policy of excluding women from combat and will open combat jobs and direct combat units to female troops, multiple officials told CNN on Wednesday.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta was expected to made the announcement Thursday and notify Congress of the planned change in policy, the officials said.

“We will eliminate the policy of ‘no women in units that are tasked with direct combat,’” a senior defense official said.

The officials cautioned, however, that “not every position will open all at once on Thursday.” Once the policy is changed, the Department of Defense will enter what is being called an “assessment phase,” in which each branch of service will examine all its jobs and units not currently integrated and then produce a timetable for integrating them.

The Army and Marine Corps, especially, will be examining physical standards and genderneutral accommodations within combat units. Every 90 days, the service chiefs will have to report on their progress.

The move will be one of the last significant policy decisions made by Panetta, who is expected to leave in mid-February. It is not clear where former Sen. Chuck Hagel, the nominated replacement, stands, but officials say he has been apprised of Panetta’s coming announcement.

“It will take a while to work out the mechanics in some cases. We expect some jobs to open quickly, by the end of this year. Others, like special operations forces and infantry, may take longer,” a senior defense official explained. Panetta is setting the goal of January 2016 for all assessments to be complete and women to be integrated as much as possible.

The Pentagon has left itself some wiggle room, however, which may ultimately lead to some jobs being designated as closed to women. A senior defense official said if, after the assessment, a branch finds that “a specific job or unit should not be open, they can go back to the secretary and ask for an exemption to the policy, to designate the job or unit as closed.”

The official said the goal remains to open as many jobs as possible.

(CNN)

January 26 – February 1, 2013

World News

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

North Korea hints that it could “nuke” the USA In a statement carried by KCNA news agency, the country’s top military body said the “high-level nuclear test” and more long-range rocket launches were aimed at its “arch-enemy”, the US. The statement gave no timeframe for the test. North Korea has conducted two nuclear tests, in 2006 and 2009.

The move comes two days after a UN Security Council resolution condemned Pyongyang’s recent rocket launch.

The Security Council also expanded sanctions against the isolated communist country following its December launch, which was seen by the US and North Korea’s neighbours as a banned test of long-range missile technology.

North Korea said the rocket was solely aimed at putting a satellite into space for peaceful purposes.

‘READY’ The statement, which came from North Korea’s National Defence Commission, hit out at the resolution as “illegal”, before pledging a response.

North Korea’s announcement that it was planning to carry out a third nuclear test did not come as a surprise to many in the region.

For several months now, analysts have spotted tunnelling and earthmoving operations inside North Korea which they say seem similar to preparations ahead of the country’s previous tests.

The confirmation today, though, contained an added detail: North Korea’s Defence Commission

described the upcoming test as “highlevel” - a possible indication that the country is planning to test its new, uranium-based nuclear programme for the first time.

It’s a pointed response to the announcement on Tuesday of expanded UN sanctions against North Korea.

The US North Korea envoy, Glyn Davies, has just arrived in the region for visits to North Korea’s neighbouring capitals. He’ll be talking about how to manage relations with the secretive communist state in the coming year.

But there are few options for responding to this latest development.

So far, it seems, sanctions haven’t worked as a deterrent. And even pressure from Pyongyang’s main backer, China, seems to have carried little weight over the past few months.

“We do not hide that the various satellites and long-range rockets we will continue to launch, as well as the high-level nuclear test we will proceed with, are aimed at our archenemy, the United States,” KCNA quoted it as saying.

“Settling accounts with the US needs to be done with force, not with words,” it added.

Recent reports from South Korean and US bodies which monitor North Korea’s nuclear test sites had said North Korea could be preparing for a third test.

Earlier on Thursday, a South Korean defence ministry spokesman said it appeared that North Korea was “ready to conduct a nuclear test

Eleven Eurozone members to prepare new financial transaction tax EU ministers have given the go ahead for 11 eurozone members, including France and Germany, to prepare a new financial transactions tax.

The approval under “enhanced co-operation” rules allows the smaller group to pioneer the tax.

Governments previously failed to agree to impose the tax across the entire 27-member EU or 17-member eurozone.

The UK and 15 other EU members will not introduce the tax, which is intended to discourage speculative trading.

Some European governments have blamed speculators and excessive trading for exaggerating the swings in financial markets during the 2008 crash and the recent eurozone crisis.

“It is a milestone for EU tax policy, as it paves the way for more ambitious member states to

progress on a tax file, even when unanimity could not be achieved,” said Algirdas Semeta, the European Commissioner for tax.

“Those who want to move ahead, and who appreciate the merits of working more closely on taxation at EU level, can do so.”

TAX AVOIDANCE The tax - also known as a Tobin tax after the economist who originally came up with it 40 years ago - is expected to be charged at a rate of 0.1% of the value of any trade in shares or bonds, and 0.01% of any financial derivative contract.

Although the tax is not being adopted by the UK, which already charges its own 0.5% stamp duty on trading in shares, it will nonetheless have to be paid by investors trading on the London Stock Exchange who are based in one of the 11 countries.

region”.

Beijing - North Korea’s closest ally and biggest trading partner backed Tuesday’s Security Council resolution, something which correspondents say will have angered its northern neighbour.

If the tests were to go ahead, this would be the first nuclear test under Kim Jong-un, who took over the leadership after the death of his father Kim Jong-il in December 2011.

at anytime if its leadership decides to go ahead”.

Regional neighbours and the US have urged it not to proceed.

“We hope they don’t do it, we call on them not to do it. It will be a mistake and a missed opportunity if they were to do it,” said Glyn Davies, the US special envoy on North Korea policy who is currently visiting Seoul.

“This is not a moment to increase tensions on the Korean Peninsula.”

A South Korean foreign ministry spokesman said Seoul deeply regretted the North Korean statement and “strongly” urged it not to go ahead.

China’s foreign ministry, meanwhile, called on all relevant parties to “refrain from action that might escalate the situation in the

‘HIGH-LEVEL’ Both North Korea’s previous nuclear tests followed long-range rocket launches.

If it were to go ahead, this would be the first nuclear test under Kim Jong-un, who took over the leadership after the death of his father Kim Jong-il in December 2011.

There was no explanation in the statement of what “high-level” test might mean.

Experts believe the two previous tests used plutonium as fissile material, but North Korea is also believed to have been working on a programme to produce highlyenriched uranium.

It is thought that North Korea is not yet able to make a nuclear device small enough to mount on a long-range missile, although the US believes that is Pyongyang’s ultimate goal. (BBC)

Cameroon panicking after ritual killings MICHELE Mbala Mvogo, a 17-yearold high school student, left home to go to school one morning, and she never came back.

On Friday, police found Michele’s corpse with four other bodies dumped outside a kindergarten school.

Fighting back tears, Deborah Ngoh Tonye described what was left of her sister’s gruesome corpse. Someone had removed Michele’s genitals, tongue, eyes, hair, and breasts.

Michele’s bizarre murder is believed to be part of a wave of killings linked to occult rituals that has triggered panic in Yaoundé, the capital city of more than 2 million people in the West African nation of Cameroon.

In the past two weeks police have found 18 bodies dumped along the streets. Authorities said all of the bodies had been mutilated. Officials have not said if the female victims among the 18 bodies had been raped.

State security officials said Tuesday the bodies have been identified. The victims, who are between the ages of 15 and 26, are mostly Yaounde high school students, police said. They said a number of suspects have been arrested in the case, but so far no one has been charged.

State intelligence officials have launched an investigation to track down the killers, said Communications Minister Tchiroma Bakari.

In some regions of the country, traditional healers claim eyes, genitals, tongues and other organs

Occult ritual killings have left the capital city of Yaoundé, Cameroon at a standstill.

have mystical powers. Some occultists believe such organs hold the keys to gaining wealth and other good fortune.

Until the 1970s, ritual killings were a common cultural practice in Cameroon, before education became more widespread. Signs of its gradual resurgence beginning last year have shaken much of the city.

The fear is most noticeable as evenings approach. Many families lock themselves indoors beginning in the late hours of the day, while young men band together in vigilante groups, roaming the streets looking for killers.

Police have shut down dozens of bars that are suspected as hangouts for criminals. Security officials warn pedestrians, especially girls, to walk in groups.

Fears about occult groups and

human organs gained strength in late 2012 when Health Minister Andre Mama Fouda fired a laboratory technician and four mortuary attendants. They admitted to trading organs harvested from dead bodies stored in the mortuary of the state regional hospital in Douala, Cameroon’s largest city.

In Yaounde’s public hospitals, dozens of relatives have complained to administrators about mutilated corpses, said the minister of public health.

Taking organs for such uses represents a “gross violation of human rights,” said Cameroon human rights advocate Rosine Djoumessi Masonwa.

Local authorities must work “to end the mutilation of human bodies through strong laws and widespread education programmes.”

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 26 – February 1, 2013

TCI top model search begins

By Daisy Handfield

ORGANISERS of the 2013

TCI Top Model Contest hosted contestants, models and fashion designer searches

in both Grand Turk and Providenciales.

This year’s theme for the

event will be Royele Couture: Luxe.

Young ladies as well as men turned up at the Art Commission in Turtle Cove on Saturday (January 19) for auditions.

Coordinator of the event Courtney Robinson was impressed with the potential candidates.

“All the models were desirous for this opportunity of a lifetime, a chance to walk in the most heavily anticipated event that kick-starts show season and to meet with fashion modelling agencies from New York, the door that truly opens them to the fashion world,” he said.

“We saw not only persons who were taller, sleeker and fitter, but also knowledgeable about this creative industry.

“Importantly, they were keen to get started.”

From online applications and face appearances, officials short-listed them from 53 to 26 potential candidates to be groomed for the events, with 10 young ladies eventually moving on to compete in the contest.

The lucky candidates will attend workshops on the fashion industry, personality and self-esteem, presentation skills, networking and interviewing skills, branding and being a spokesperson, fitness and health, life in the media and being an ambassador.

This along with runway training and photo shoots.

Aside from models and designers showing off their talents, the search saw the application of jewellery design team Pyro, which is looking to become one of the leading accessory providers

in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Pyro team comes out of the Youth Entrepreneurship Programme.

Michelle Swann, head of fashion and personal development, said, “These young persons wowed us with their craftsmanship, creativity, style and presentation.

“We were thoroughly impressed and will be working diligently with them arm-inarm to assist with their design elements, promotions and marketing collateral through the TCI Top Model Contest events.”

The TCI Top Model organising committee is seeking the support of the business community, to help make this event possible.

The event is scheduled to take place at the Williams Auditorium on May 4, 2013.

DAZZLING: Youth enterprise business Pyro display their accessories

January 26 – February 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

HOPEFUL: One of the potential contestants Stacy-Ann Thomas INTERVIEW: Courtney Robinson and Michelle Swann meet with a model hopeful

WALK: An aspiring model shows off her catwalk

POSE: Modelling a fierce look for the camera

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 26 – February 1, 2013

January 26 – February 1, 2013

Annual Chocolate Lovers Showcase

CHOCOLATE lovers can indulge in sweet and savoury chocolate delights at the Salvation Army’s third Annual Chocolate Lovers Showcase on Saturday, February 2.

The event will be held under the stars in the courtyard of the Regent Palms and will feature an evening of romance with live music and silent auctions.

Patrons will have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious assortment of sweet and savoury chocolate inspired creations from about 15 of the island’s best chefs.

The chefs will compete to impress your palates and the winner will be featured in Summer Edition of the Turks and Caicos Magazine.

All proceeds benefit the Turks and Caicos Salvation Army school hot lunch programme which promises that your ticket donation will provide a hot lunch for a month to a school child in need.

Member of the Salvation Army advisory board Wendy Hill said that over the past three years the organisation provided 25 students from Clement Howell High School with hot lunches but would like to increase that number to assist more students in need.

Tickets cost $50 and include a glass of wine and lots of chocolate tastings. For ticket information, call 4316802. (KH)

Venus Williams and her new boyfriend Pis.

VENUS Williams’s reputed boy toy is muy caliente!

Cuban model Elio Alberto Pis, 24, was spotted heating up the beach in Miami on Monday in a pair of Speedos.

The 6’1” Latino hunk has been holding court with the 32-year-old tennis champ for several months, according to People Magazine.

The rumored couple were first spotted together during Williams’ return to tennis last year at the U.S. Open in New York, where they were spied kissing and holding hands inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

With several things in common, it seems the duo have made a love match off the court.

A huge tennis fan, Elio sat courtside with Williams’s family and friends in New York -- and even named Venus

one of his sports heroes on his Facebook page.

Both are also Florida residents who share a passion for fashion. Pis has modeled Venus’s designs from her sportswear line EleVen – in addition to his high profile gigs for French Vogue and Russell Simmons’s clothing line.

The line was first showcased at last year’s New York Fashion Week and the muscle toned pair appear on EleVen’s website alongside one another.

Pis apparently has brains to go with that beachready body: he put himself through school, graduating with a psychology degree from Florida International University in 2010.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 26 – February 1, 2013

HELPING HAND: Some of the volunteers who made the event possible

FUN RUN: Just a few of the 200 plus people who attended the move-a-thon

Hundreds attend move-a-thon

By Daisy Handfield

MORE than 200 people came out to the IGA Gourmet to support ACCUNutrition in their annual move-athon.

The half marathon started on Saturday, January 12, at 5.30am followed by a 5k and 10k race which began at 6am.

Some walked while others ran and a few came out on their bicycles.

Part of the proceeds raised will be donated to a selected school to help implement nutrition education programmes.

The remainder of the proceeds will be donated to Nutrition in Demand - a non-profit organisation aimed at increasing awareness and sensitivity to the importance of health and healthy eating.

Winner of the half marathon Lynn Robinson told the Weekly News, "It was very good. I was running with the first place male for the first half.

“We both did the Chicago Marathon and will do the Boston Marathon together in April.

“It felt great to win, I felt like an elite runner. It’s good to encourage

other people to join.”

As attendees finished their runs they were greeted by a huge health fair.

There were health professionals, fitness trainers, pharmacies and insurance companies, and fun games for the kids.

Organiser and founder of ACCUNutrition, Tamika Handfield, said that the main objective of the event was to provide expert information to the general public.

She added that it was also and to increase awareness of the many health professionals that are available on this island.

“I could not ask for anything better then to see so many persons supporting such a worthy cause,” she said.

Handfield said that as part of nutrition education, she will be visiting the different schools once a week to discuss a variety of nutritional topics.

During these sessions the kids will have a hands-on chance to enjoy a variety of healthy foods.

Handfield extended a big thank you to everyone who made the event possible.

January 26 – February 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate

Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Brama Kumaris

FOR RENT

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

contact: 946-4664

Raja Yoga

January 26 – February 1, 2013

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

WILFREY & TONY’S BARBER SHOP AND BEAUTY SALON Is looking for a

Meditation Centre Turks and Caicos Islands

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

FOR SALE

Hairdresser To work 6 days per week salary $150.00 per week.

contact: 231-0882

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

January 26 – February 1, 2013

FORBES POOL CLEANING SERVICES Is looking for a

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

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

1 BEDROOM 1 BATHROOM HOUSE CUSTOM DESIGN KITCHEN $800.00 PER MONTH

2 BEDROOM 1 BATH NEWLY RENOVATED $900.00 PER MONTH

CONTACT: 231-7388

CLASSIFIEDS 29

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

2 Senior Pharmacists

• Pharmacy Degree from a European/North American University.

• At least 8 years post qualification experience in community pharmacy.

• Recent experience managing pharmacy business.

• Post graduate qualification an advantage.

1 Support Pharmacist

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

contact: 244-7088

- Pharmacy Degree from an internationally recognized University.

- At least 5 years post qualification experience in community pharmacy.

Requirements for both positions: - Excellent IT skills essential including use of POS and Kroll or similar.

- Eligibility to register with TCI Health Practitioners Board and MPS. - Must be available to work long shifts, weekends & holidays.

Salary commensurate with experience ranging $40-65K.

Please send resume to info@flamingopharmacy.com.

Closing date 31st January 2012. Belongers only need apply.

7655

WANTED Therapist

– salary $12.00 per hour

A/C Technician

– salary $10.00 per hour

Labourer

– salary $6.50 per hour

Domestic Worker

– salary $6.50 per hour

Electrician

– salary $12.00 per hour

Plumber

– salary $12.00 per hour

Must be willing to work 6 days per week

Contact; 245-6962

7668

PRICE SLASHED FOR QUICK SALE $180,000 CASH!

House and ½ Acre land Richmond Hill 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Fully furnished

Call: 231-3788

7602

Amazing Value!

Lot for Sale

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

$49,999 o.b.o.

Call 231-3788

PRICE SLASHED $175,000

30 CLASSIFIEDS

January 26 – February 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Positions Available

LEVELE MANAGEMENT SERVICES is looking for a

Housekeeper

A beachfront Estate on Providenciales is inviting applications for the following positions:

Sommelier

To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Must have extensive knowledge of fine wines and will be required to assist the Chef.

• Requirements: Prior work experience in luxury villas; possess a clean driver’s license and will be required to live on property. Salary range is: $12000.00 per annum.

Contact: Mr. Clayton Thomas @ 232-4272

Live in Housekeeper

INVITATION TO BID

The applicant must have prior experience as a Housekeeper and will be required to live on property. Salary payable is: $12,000.00 per annum

For Painting The Hilly A. Ewing Building Providenciales

Submit applications by February 14th, 2013 to:

Misick & Stanbrook Leeward Highway Providenciales Tel: 946-4732 Fax 946-4734 Email info@misickstanbrook.tc

7680

The National Insurance Board of the Turks and Caicos Islands wishes to invite tenders from suitably qualified contractors with a minimum of 5 years related work experience, having possession of a valid Turks and Caicos Islands business licence in the appropriate category to PAINT the Hilly A. Ewing Building, 1292 Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

SCOPE OF WORK

iS HIRING AN

Assistant Manager REPORTING DIRECTLY TO THE DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Oversee ALL of the day-to-day managerial functions: maintain the integrity of the online gaming system; assure compliance of the rules and regulation of the government, the company and the industry; prepares budgets-operating, marketing and special projects; ensure adequate staffinghire, train, evaluate and discipline; procure and ensure adequate inventory of the operating supplies; identify and coordinate employees’/ customers/ third parties/ suppliers and vendors, special events; project manager of special projects; interface with external forces on behalf of the directors, coordinate and provide the company’s directors with operational reports

1. Paint exterior walls1; 2. Pressure wash external windows, shutters and handrails; 3. Pressure acid wash roof tiles; 4. Paint roof tiles2.

SUPPLY OF MATERIAL

Pricing is to include the supply of all material and labour costs3.

EQUIPMENT

All equipment needed to perform the task is to be provided by the contractor.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Interested eligible bidders should contact the National Insurance Board for detailed specification for tendering at the following address:

TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES

MISS RHESA CARTWRIGHT, DEPUTY DIRECTOR CORPORATE SERVICES OR MR. MICHAEL DEAN, PROVIDENCIALES BRANCH MANAGER NATIONAL INSURANCE BOARD HILLY A EWING BUILDING PROVIDENCIALES TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS Tel: (649) 941 5806/5906 Fax: (649) 941 5854

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

All information submitted shall be in the English Language and must be delivered in accordance with the instructions to bidder. Each bid should be submitted in a sealed envelope and should be sent to the address below no later than 12 noon on Friday February 15th, 2013.

Online Gaming System Management In-depth understanding of the Gaming history Ability to develop and implement budgets Ability to make crucial/ good business decisions Strong understanding of Human Resource Management Strong understanding of third parties relationships Strong understanding of customer service satisfaction Results driven – ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks within specified timeframes Excellent communication skills, written and verbal Excellent interpersonal skills Problem solver (conflict resolution management)

Proficient knowledge of the FML Group of Companies’ Online Gaming Operating System or a “comparable” Online Gaming Operation System At least eight (8) to ten (10) years experience in Business Management with particular focus on: Development and implementation of budgets Coordination and preparation of reports Employees Management (not less than a team of ten (10) persons) Customer Service Satisfaction Management Conflict Resolution Management

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

An unblemished character (substantiated by at least three verifiable references) A professional demeanor with a pleasant personality Excellent interpersonal skills Self motivated and adherent to timelines Respect for authorities, peers and subordinates

THE CHAIRMAN TENDER COMMITTEE NATIONAL INSURANCE BOARD GRAND TURK, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS TENDER: PAINTING CONTRACT – PROVO The bids will be opened at a Tender Board Meeting shortly thereafter. The National Insurance Board does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender offer and will not accept responsibility for any cost incurred by the bidders.

Contact: Mrs. Agatha Delancy at 649-941-5763 7672

January 26 – February 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS TROPICAN UPHOLSTRY

WILFREY & TONY’S

is looking for 2

7715

Salon Helper To work 6

Coral Gardens Resort Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

Domestic Workers To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 244-7033

JOB VACANCIES

BCS-CS/FPN-CS-GRACE BAY CAR RENTAL/GOLDEN SCISSORS, MAC MOTORS ARE LOOKING FOR:

DOMESTIC

WORKER

Needed immediately to work Monday – Friday 8am-5pm at $6.00 per hour the employee can speak some English but be fluent in Spanish.

Contact: Mr. Rigby (649) 344-7979 between 4pm-6pm Tuesdays and Thursdays only for appointment

Domestic Worker/Labourers Mechanics

Must have at least 10 years experience and able to use a diagnosis computer

Painter Tailor Storekeeper

Must be knowledgeable in QuickBooks/ Excel and vehicle parts/ inventory Must be willing to work 6 days per week Must have a valid drivers license Must have a clean record Salary $5.50 per hour

Please send your resume @branditz@yahoo.com

PUBLIC NOTICE 2013 – 1

Re: Fixed Services Price Regulation Review 14 January 2013

Turks and Caicos Islands Fixed Services Price Regulation Review Consultation WHEREAS, the Telecommunications Commission pursuant to the Telecommunications Administrative Procedure Regulations 2008, is initiating the present consultation process to seek comments on the Forbearance Proposal, including a series of specific related questions. The Turks and Caicos Islands Telecommunications Commission hereby gives notice that it is initiating this consultation process to assess the appropriateness of its proposal included in this Consultation Document.

NOW THEREFORE, the Commission announces the release for comments and consultation on the Fixed Services Price Regulation Review Consultation Document.

ACCORDINGLY, the Commission invites comments from interested parties on this proposed Forbearance Proposal. Comments should be submitted to the Commission within 4 weeks of the publication of this notice, and should reach the Commission by Monday, February 11, 2013, at their office at Business Solution Complex, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, or by mail to P.O. Box 203, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, or electronically via email at consultation@tcitelecommission.tc. All submissions should be filed electronically even if also filed in paper form.

Obtaining Copies Copies of the Fixed Services Price Regulation Review Consultation Document are available electronically on the Turks and Caicos Telecommunications Commission Web site at: http://www.tcitelecommission.tc

7647

Is looking for a

days per week salary $250.00 per week.

Contact: 231-0882

CLASSIFIEDS 31

JOB OPPORTUNITY General Manager

General Manager must possess a broad range of skills and be multifaceted.

Ideal candidate will have a variety of daily, weekly, and monthly duties, including but not limited to, placing orders with suppliers, checking in deliveries of fresh food and baked goods for quality, maintaining supplies on stock of non-food items, such as dishes and silverware, cooking utensils, and cleaning products.

Candidate must be forward thinking and schedule to have equipment repaired or maintained and schedule other services.

In addition, the GM will be responsible for the total cash and charge receipts at the end of each day; then deposit them in a bank, and collect weekly change for the operation. General Manager will also supervise the kitchen and dining room.

They will work with the Executive Chef in maintaining consistent food that is served promptly. They will work with both the Executive Chef and Bar Managers to create specials for the promotion of food and beverages for presentation to ownership.

The General Manager will have extensive knowledge of wine and terrior. He/she will be attentive and resolve customer complaints about food or service.

General Manager will monitor the actions of their staff and customers to be sure that expectations are met. General Manager will also be responsible for maintaining employee records, disciplining employees, hiring staff and creating schedules for properly staffing the establishment.

General Manager will also be responsible for training staff and making sure the all service standard set by the establishment are consistent and adhered to. GM will work with bookkeeper/accountant to reconcile payroll for distribution.

They will also be responsible to execute payment of vendor, and government agencies.

Candidate shall be proficient in Office Programs and Micros POS systems.

Candidate shall also possess problem solving abilities and be quick to respond in a fast paced environment.

Candidate must be able to climb stairs and be prepared to lift heavy boxes that are inherent in the local and type of business.

Responsibilities: ;; Work with Executive Chef - estimate food consumption, place orders with suppliers, and schedule delivery of fresh food and beverages. ;; Resolve customer complaints about food quality or service. ;; Direct cleaning of kitchen and dining areas to maintain sanitation standards, and keep appropriate records. ;; Monitor actions of staff and customers. ;; Maintain budget and employee records, prepare payroll, and pay bills, and monitor bookkeeping records. ;; Proficiently operate computer software to monitor inventory, track staff schedules and pay, and perform other record keeping tasks. ;; Check quality of deliveries of fresh food and baked goods. ;; Maintain stock of supplies such as tableware, cooking utensils, and cleaning items. ;; Arrange for weekly, monthly maintenance and repair of equipment and other services. ;; Ensure total receipts and balance against sales, deposit receipts, and lock facility at end of day. ;; Recruit, hire, and oversee training for staff. ;; Schedule work hours for servers and bar staff.

Other Duties: • Maintain relationships with customers and staff.

• Update and use job-related knowledge.

• Schedule staff work hours and activities.

• Evaluate health and safety practices against standards.

• Organize, plan, and prioritize.

• Make decisions and solve problems concerning menus and staff.

• Judge the quality of food, preparation, and job applicants.

• Process and analyze information when scheduling and budgeting..

• Record information about inventory and health practices.

• Handle food, utensils, and bookkeeping materials.

• Implement creative promotional ideas working with vendors and staff.

• Maintain employees and inventory records.

• Monitor and oversee purchases, menus, staff, and payroll.

• Guide, direct, and train staff.

• Coordinate the work and activities of staff.

• Perform administrative activities such as scheduling, budgeting, and payroll.

• Communicate with customers, sales reps, and suppliers.

Liquid Caicos, Ltd t/a Somewhere Cafe & Lounge @ Corel Gardens Resort Phone: 649-941-8260 (office); 649-231-9958(cell)

32 CLASSIFIEDS EL RANCHO RESTAURANT & BAR KEW TOWN Is looking for a

Waitress To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

contact: 344-6532

7654

J & S FLOWER SHOP is looking for a

Florist Helper Must be able to work flexible hours. Must be able to speak English and another language will be an asset. Salary based on experience. Only suitable qualified persons will be contacted.

Contact: 241-8836 7661

LIVINGSTON LIGHTBOURNE T/A WINKY’S CATERING is looking for a

Top end millwork Is looking to hire skilled

finish carpenters/ furniture Must be able to read drawings salary $7.5 per hour.

Contact: 247-4068 between the hours of 10am-3pm 7711

TOWN MARKET Is seeking a

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

Contact: 344-9444

7708

Kiwi Connections Ltd.

Call (649) 941-5613

To work 6 days per week salary $7.00 per hour.

contact: 946-8877 7632

To work 6 days per week salary $8.00 per hour.

Contact: 347-0720 7650

Salary: $20,000-$24,000

Contact: ALAN JARDINE 946-5029

5568

ONE LOVE (TCI) LTD. (IN LIQUIDATION)

Paul Dempsey (Liquidator) ONE LOVE (TCI) LTD. (IN LIQUIDATION) c/o 1 Caribbean Place P.O. Box 97, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Tel: 649-946-4344. Fax: 649-946-4564 Email: paul@dempseyandcompany.com

Gardener

Coldwell Banker Real Estate Turks & Caicos is looking for experienced, professional and motivated

in the Turks & Caicos Islands

The position requires experience in residential and commercial real estate sales, condominium sales (strata title), development projects, fractional ownership, freehold as well as leasehold properties, and work-out and power of sale transactions.

7656

Is looking for a

MECHANIC

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

Contact: 347-6132

7649

• Must have a valid drivers license from A-H • Must be able to work holidays and weekends • Must be able to understand computer systems and programs • Ability to speak French is a plus Contact: 649-946-5919 Monday – Saturday 7:45am-5pm Salary $10.00 per hour 7681

7667

Sales Associates

THE REYCHELL NAIL STUDION & BEAUTY SALON

Is looking for a

7660

Cook

EXPERIENCED SCUBA INSTRUCTOR

For further information, proof of debt or proxy forms please contact:

is looking for a

SAMUEL FORBESW

Contact: 231-6370

Waitress

Is looking for an

DATE: THURSDAY 7TH FEBRUARY, 2013 TIME: 4:00p.m.

LOCATION: OSPREY BEACH HOTEL, FRONT STREET, GRAND TURK

NATURES VISION LTD.

contact: 244-4398

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

Is looking for a

7652

contact: 232-2272

Labourer

DIVE PROVO

DELICOUS DISHES

Is looking for a

The Liquidator of One Love (TCI) Ltd. (In Liquidation) invites Creditors to attend a meeting to receive a report on the progress of the Liquidation to date and to attend to such other business as may properly be conducted at the meeting.

$5.00/hr – Must be able to lift heavy material of 100lbs+. Must be able to work weekdays and weekends - days/nights with varying schedules. Applications accepted from Belongers / Turks & Caicos Islanders Only

Labourer 7662

DA CONCH SHACK

Unskilled NOTICE OF CREDITORS’ MEETING Labourer

Must be able to work weekends and holidays. Salary $5.00 per hour.

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

January 26 – February 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Applicants must have successfully completed a recognized real estate course and be willing to take the TCREA real estate exam, posses strong written, verbal and presentation skills. Online marketing, database management and advertising experience are required; applicant must be computer literate in all Microsoft Programs including Publisher and Power Point.

Own vehicle, cell phone, camera and laptop computer are essential. This position will involve working long hours, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Compensation is commission only.

Position is open until January 23, 2013

Forward resumes to Louise Peterson, GM, at louisepeterson@ coldwellbankertci.com.

7674

January 26 – February 1, 2013 TRAIL ENTERPRISES LTD. is looking for the following persons:

Ward Construction is looking for an

Gardeners Green keepers Labourers Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 431-2617

7690

CLASSIFIEDS 33

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Electrician With minimum 10 years experience. Salary $10.00 per hour.

Knowledge about electronics. Computer background.

Contact: 231-6601

WILFREY & TONY’S Is looking for a

TURKS AND CAICOS TOURIST BOARD

Barber

To work 6 days per week salary $250.00 per week.

Contact: 231-0882 7712

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! the largest readership in the turks & caicos

IMMEDIATE OPENING EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

A rewarding career opportunity awaits you in the Country’s most important sector?

Do you have outstanding communication, organization and administrative skills?

Are you highly motivated and self-directed? The Turks & Caicos Tourist Board has an exciting opportunity for the ideal candidate. Reporting to the Director of Tourism, the successful candidate will coordinate: ♦ Technical and Administrative Duties ♦ Human Resource Administration ♦ Office Administration ♦ Employee Relations

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

JOB VACANCY The TCI Redcross is currently seeking a

Financial Administrator For the Grand Turk Office

Duties and responsibilities • Ensure a fluent financial and administration management of GT sub branch in relation to the overall TCI RC (national level) • Provide basic admin support to the GT office and its programs- First Aid, Thrift Store, Psychosocial Support, Restoring Family Links, and Fundraising.

• Provide administrative as well as financial day to day running of the Disaster Risk Reduction Programme.

• Providing TCI RC national level with monthly accounts, variance analysis, forecasts and cash requests and department copies of variance analysis.

• Facilitating and verifying payments including ensuring correct authorisation • Review of key controls such as bank reconciliations, cash reconciliations • Ensuring that the legal requirements of the country are adhered to in respect to contracts, payments, staffing, leases • Ensure value for money obtained through efficient and effective use of funds • Perform ad hoc internal audits • Support in HR administration as required • Support in Logistics administration as required • Attend to all administration tasks in the Grand Turk office, also including reporting at meetings, make bookings, keep petty cash, respond to phone, maintaining office supplies etc.

• Liaise and coordinate closely with the TCI RC Provo office • Any other duties necessary to support the well-running of the office as considered necessary by the line manager.

Finance

;; Maintain the day-to-day cash of the programme, cash count, cash reconciliation, cash book recording, petty cash, receipts ;; Do bookkeeping of Programme in close relation with Finance Desk in Headquarters ;; Execute payments in the context of the programme insuring that authorization as outlined in the Chart of Authority has been obtained ;; Ensure bank reconciliations at the end of each month ;; Follow-up on expenditure of programme in line with budgets Administration ;; Booking of local flights, accommodation etc. for programme ;; Support the DRRO in volunteer administration, procurement and logistic admin ;; Support the DRRO when necessary, in communications with stakeholders in the programme.

Deadline is January 15th, 2013. You can apply by email to: redcrossprovo@tciway.tc or directortciredcross@gmail.com.

• Support the Director of Tourism with report writing, research, presentations and speeches; liaise with relevant tourism and tourism-related entities; participate in Tourist Board activities and projects.

• Perform administrative functions to include typing/word processing, filing, coordinating and answering mail/correspondence, taking and distributing meeting minutes, managing travel arrangements.

• Facilitate HR planning, recruitment, selection, placement and termination in collaboration with the HR Committee of the Board of Tourism.

• Coordinate employee relations activities; communicate with staff; address employee concerns, facilitate performance management, prepare employment/separation documents, liaise with Labour and Immigration Departments.

• Supervise and coordinate all front office activities including reception, purchasing, facilities management and maintenance, office services, and meeting planning/ preparation.

• Supervise assigned staff and delegate duties as appropriate

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism, Hospitality Studies, Business Management or related discipline from an accredited university • 3 years’ work experience, with at least one year of proven supervisory ability or minimum 5 years’ work experience at a senior level in a tourism or other business environment • Professional demeanor with excellent social and interpersonal skills; ability to engage at executive and senior management levels locally, regionally and internationally • Working knowledge of TCI Labour and Employment Laws • Able to maintain confidentiality; communicate sensitive information to management and employees, as required • Excellent typing skills with strong proficiency in Microsoft Office - Word, Excel and PowerPoint • Ability to act as recording secretary for management/staff meetings • Excellent oral and written communication, presentation and organizational skills; strong attention to detail • Good health and high energy level

SALARY

The salary scale for this position is $30,000 to $36,000 per annum. Starting salary is commensurate with qualifications, and experience.

For immediate consideration, please submit the following documents to hubertafulford@gmail.com, addressed to The Chairman, Turks and Caicos Islands, Front Street, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands:

Covering Letter Current Resume Two (2) Reference Letters from previous employers Current Police Record Resident Status Only persons shortlisted for an interview will be contacted in this regard.

CLOSING DATE: JANUARY 31, 2013 7677

34 CLASSIFIEDS

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS

Assistant Financial Controller Requirements:

• Solid training and in all areas of Accounting from A/P, A/R, General Ledger, Credit, Collections, Audit, Inventory control, Payroll, Budgeting, Costing, P&L preparation and analysis, etc. Post secondary degree or equivalent qualification by experience • BA/BS Degree or equivalent.

• Strong budgetary, projections, and cost control skills with ability to audit complex transactions for adherence to accepted industry accounting principles and policies and direct corrective action on exceptions.

• Proven experience at resorts of similar size and quality.

Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts.

Duties Include:

• Work closely with Front Office, Reservations, Sales, and Catering Department to assist with identifying optimum ways to drive revenues while balancing market segments.

• Supervise and participate in regular periodic reports and inventories.

• Performing required audits, review submitted reports and follow up as needed • Oversee training and cross training of accounting staff.

Starting salary $40,000 per annum not including service charge

Stewarding Manager Requirements:

• Prior experience managing the stewarding department of a 5 star Luxury Resort.

• Must have an excellent working knowledge of the kitchens, equipment, food productions, sanitation, hygiene and safety.

• Must be able to organize and delegate large banquet functions.

• Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts.

all orders are cooked quickly and according to order • Maintain the work area, including all counter tops, utensils, equipment, and refrigeration in a clean and sanitary condition Starting salary $6.00 per hour, not including service charge

Spa Manager Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years experience as spa manager at luxury spa of similar size and status • Post secondary degree or equivalent qualification by experience • Strong written and verbal skills with documented responsibility for promotions sales and marketing.

• Merchandising/visual skills; experience with retail products and apparel goods.

• Knowledge of current trends In luxury spa facilities and services • Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts • Duties Include: • Manage the day to day operations of the Fitness Center and Spa Facilities • Maximize profitability by increasing sales of products and services and by managing effectively • Ensure high quality of facility and services to meet international luxury and brand standards and earn global recognition and awards • Experience developing and implementing effective preventative maintenance programs • Demonstrated experience in development budgets and cost saving measures • Develop annual operating and Capex budgets, monitoring and adjusting as needed Starting salary $50,000 per annum not including service charge

Room Attendant/Public Area Attendant/Houseman

Duties Include:

• Ensures the maintenance of a clean, sanitary kitchen by supervising steward personnel • Issuing cleaning supplies to stewards, checking usage and making adjustments • Ensuring that kitchen floors and walk-ins are clean • Monitoring cafeteria and provide assistance to kitchen personnel during set-up and clean-up • Working with the Food & Beverage Director banquet orders • Taking inventory of and ensure proper amounts china, dishes etc. are available • Ensuring the training of and proper use daily of all safety, hygiene and sanitation Starting salary $35,000 per annum not including service charge

Line Cook Requirements:

January 26 – February 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

• Must have previously worked as a line cook for a minimum of 1 year in similar operation pepa • Must be able to "prep" food products, using standardized food preparation techniques and learn menus, recipes, preparation and presentation • Acceptable knife skills • Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts • Duties Include: • Prepare all orders turned in by wait-staff using Resort’s standard recipes with focus on consistency while ensuring

Requirements: • • • •

Ability to work with heavy cleaning machinery.

Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Duties include: Ensuring that standards of cleanliness and organization are met at all times in assigned areas.

• Responsibility for care and maintenance of all equipment and machinery • Restock linens and amenities on carts • Run needed items to guest floors • Assist housekeepers as required Starting salary $5.25 per hour not including service charge

Financial Controller Requirements:

• 10-12 years experience in financing/accounting in hospitality industry • At least 5 years management/supervisory experience at a property of similar size, Quality and business structure.

• At least 3 years of international multi-unit property experience.

• Post secondary degree or equivalent qualification by experience • Advanced knowledge and skills in computer systems, most specifically, Excel Spreadsheet Solutions.

• Complete understanding of Executive Committee level functions.

• Demonstrated understanding of interdepartmental relations and expectations in the luxury hotel market.

• Sound knowledge of both European and American Accounting Plans.

• Previous and in depth experience, understanding and application of management contracts.

• Thorough understanding of H.O.A. contracts and contractual management.

• Solid training in all areas of Accounting from A/P, A/R, General Ledger, Credit, Collections, Audit, Inventory control, Payroll, Budgeting, Costing, P&L preparation and analysis, etc.

• Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts • Duties Include: • Managing the day to day operations of the accounting department and overseeing the staff.

• Assisting executive management, ownership and related associations with the production of financial reports, detailed analysis and business outlook.

• Directing departments in the preparation and consolidation of financial budgets and projections.

• Prepare, present and provide interpretation of operational reports as they impact the business finances.

• Developing and maintaining chart of accounts and master lists.

• Actively involved in yield management and revenue enhancement.

• Coordinating internal and external audits.

Starting salary $60,000 per annum not including service charge

Laborer/Gardner Duties Include:

• General laborer duties as assigned by the supervisor or manager.

• Willingness to work varying schedules, split shifts, nights, weekends and holidays.

Salary $5.25 an hour not including service charge

Guest Service Agent Duties Include:

• Assist guests with any requests and field guest complaints, conducting thorough research to develop the most effective solutions and negotiate results.

• Provide property and room orientation for the guest upon arrival.

• Communicate with all departments regarding in house VIP’s and any special needs.

• Maintain an up to date working knowledge of all resort amenities as well as any special events.

• Solicit guest feedback via guest comment cards.

• Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts Starting salary $6.00 per hour not including service charge

Pool and Beach Attendant Requirements:

• Must be able to work in all outdoor element, rain, sun, etc. as required • Must be able to work long hours on feet • Must be able to lift 30lbs or more • Must be trained and certified in CPR, First Aid. • Life guard experience is a plus • Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts • Duties Include: • Creating a luxury guest experience through delivery of high level service for all pool and beach services Starting salary $5.50 per hour not including service charge

Interested applicants should apply to Regent Palms human resources department in person, Monday through Friday and bring along an updated resume or by emailing marjorie.dorsett@regenthotels.com no later than Friday, February 1, 2013.

7686

CLASSIFIEDS 35

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

GEE HANDFIELD

POSITION AVAILABLE

is looking for a

11th FEBRUARY, 2013

Gardener/ handyman

Required 1 to 2 days weekly. Wages $42 per day. The Successful applicant must have good knowledge of plant care and general property maintenance. For an interview or appointment phone Sandy Lightbourne at 231-1092 Mon to Fri between hrs of 10am and 5pm. Resumes and references required.

Applications would be considered from Belongers only and must be received by 21st January, 2013.

7632

Needed

Suitable Qualified Applications are invited to fill the following FullTime position within a fast growing Real Estate Establishment:

Real Estate Sales Representative

Domestic Worker

To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour contact: 243-9688

7671

Job description: • Soliciting listings for sale.

• A willingness to learn and be self directed; • Arrange viewings and showings of all MLS listings.

• Maintaining highest level of ethics & business code of conduct • Other duties as outlined by management from time to time.

Successful Application should possess the following qualities: • Highly motivated with a willingness to work long hours including weekends and holidays; • Must be punctual, organized and reliable; • The applicant should have strong supervisory, leadership, communication (both oral and written) and computer skills with a dedication to completing tasks in a timely manner with precise accuracy; Salary is commissioned based.

Interested parties should send cover letter and resume addressed to: The Office Manager, Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International, Grace Bay Rd., Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands.

7674

January 26 – February 1, 2013

T HOLDINGS LTD. Is looking for a

1 Labourer

Carpenter To work 6 days

1 Domestic Worker

to work shift hours especially on weekends and holidays. Salary $5.00 per hour

Contact Thashena Adderley 241-4678

7658

per week salary $8.00 per hour.

Contact: 232-4336

7682

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! the largest readership in the turks & caicos

IS HIRING AN

Assistant Manager Reporting Directly To The Directors Of The Company SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Oversee ALL of the day-to-day managerial functions: maintain the integrity of the online gaming system; assure compliance of the rules and regulation of the government, the company and the industry; prepares budgets-operating, marketing and special projects; ensure adequate staffing-hire, train, evaluate and discipline; procure and ensure adequate inventory of the operating supplies; identify and coordinate employees’/ customers/ third parties/ suppliers and vendors, special events; project manager of special projects; interface with external forces on behalf of the directors, coordinate and provide the company’s directors with operational reports

TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES

Opportunity In Real Estate NW HAMILTON REALTY LTD. Real Estate Agency on Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands is looking for an experienced

Realtor/ Broker

Online Gaming System Management In-depth understanding of the Gaming industry Ability to develop and implement budgets Ability to make crucial/ good business decisions Strong understanding of Human Resource Management Strong understanding of third parties relationships Strong understanding of customer service satisfaction Results driven – ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks within specified timeframes Excellent communication skills, written and verbal Excellent interpersonal skills Problem solver (conflict resolution management)

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

To develop and manage the agency The agency is a full service real estate company whose core business consists of real estate sales, property management & rentals of homes, condominiums and commercial properties Providenciales is home to one of the most progressive real estate markets in the Caribbean.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced self-starter who would welcome the challenge and high income potential.

The successful applicant should have at least fifteen years experience in Real Estate, Sales and Management. Experience in the Turks and Caicos or the Caribbean will be useful.

Proficient knowledge of the FML Group of Companies’ Online Gaming Operating System or a “comparable” Online Gaming Operation System At least eight (8) to ten (10) years experience in Business Management with particular focus on: Development and implementation of budgets Coordination and preparation of reports Employees Management (not less than a team of ten (10) persons) Customer Service Satisfaction Management Conflict Resolution Management

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES An unblemished character (substantiated by at least three verifiable references) A professional demeanor with a pleasant personality Excellent interpersonal skills Self motivated and adherent to timelines Respect for authorities, peers and subordinates

Interested persons should send their resumes/CV’s by email to: info@nwhamiltonrealty.tc or fax to: 649-9464042, marked REAL ESTATE OPPORTUNITY 7687

Contact: 649-941-5763

7672

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.

36 CLASSIFIEDS

RICARDO FULFORD CONSULTANT SERVICES Acting on behalf of our clients:

PENN CONSTRUCTION

Mechanic

Salary $7.00 per hour Interested candidate must be able to fix heavy duty equipments etc.

Visit our office on Old Airport Road, Providenciales for further details regarding employment

CEDAR LODGE REST – DOROTHEA CO.

Domestic Worker

Salary $5.00 per hour Interested candidates can visit Cedar Lodge Rest-Dorothea Co. for further details regarding employment

RODEMIDE JOSEPH WORLD

Green Keeper

Salary $6.00 per hour interested candidates can contact the employer at 344-0966 for more details regarding employment

January 26 – February 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

LA VISTA AZUL CONDOMINIUM AND RESORT is looking for a full-time

RICARDO FULFORD CONTRACTING

2 Green Keepers 1 Carpenter

LAV VISTA AZUL 107 Turtle Cove Dr. Providenciales

ROBERTA OUTTEN Is looking for a

JACQUELIN DESRONVIL

Green Keeper

Interested candidates can contact: 244-9696 for further details regarding employment

CLAUDE JOSEPH

Green Keeper

Interested candidates can contact: 241-2512 for further details regarding employment Interested candidates may also apply through email: fulfordricardo@yahoo.com 7691

VACANCIES

Domestic Worker To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 242-9426

Contact: 946-5396

Food and Beverage Manager

Cuisine Cantonese, Schewan, Hunan

• Menu planning expertise, with budgets and cost factor establishment • Should be able to deal with suppliers • Excellent trainer and motivator for the team • Expert in fine dining service • Experience in Turks and Caicos and internationally

Chinese Cook

1 position -$ 7.50/hour * Extensive knowledge of Cantonese, Schewan and Hunan cuisine * Should be a team player * Should be an expert in Dim-sum * Should be able to work on Wok and have knowledge of cleaning and working of the same * Experience of at least 8 years in Chinese cuisine in a reputable restaurant * Menu planning and design with cost estimates and product knowledge Expert in preparation of Peking duck and other southern Chinese cuisine

Send resume to info@garammasala.com

Housekeeper To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

Contact: 941-5497 7642

Is looking for an

Curry Chef

1 position – USD 2500 gross • Required to have over 10 years experience in high end restaurant/resort management • Will be able to communicate with guests and suppliers • Have in depth knowledge of RPE computer systems • Extensive knowledge of restaurant management, marketing strategies • Extensive knowledge of Indian (north and southern Indian cuisine) and Chinese

Is looking for a

Is looking for a

Waitress

2 positions $7.5/hours + benefits • Have at least 10 years of hands on experience in running curry section of an Indian restaurant.

• Knowledge of producing curries from all over India - with concentration on North Indian and Mughlai style cuisine • Knowledge in producing the 6 base sauces used for Indian cuisine.

• Knowledge in marinating for Kebabs and some work knowledge of Tandoor operations.

• Plating and presentation of Indian cuisine and garnishes used

SEA GATE MANAGEMENT CORAL DESTINATIONS

A & G ELECTRICAL

Bay Bistro

Tandoor cook

1 position $5.5/hour + benefits • Have at least 7 years experience in running a charcoal driven tandoor • Knowledge in making ingredients for Naan/Romali/roti's • Knowledge of marinating for Kebabs from all over India (North and South) and cooking in tandoor.

• Working knowledge of starting and closing the charcoal tandoor.

• Must have a good working ethics

Please deliver resume to the reception

Interested candidates can apply through email: fulfordricardo@ yahoo.com for further details regarding employment

C.H Ltd is looking for the following positions to be filled

CLEANER

Requirements: • Must have good English • Must work weekends

Salary $6.00 per hour

ONE LABOURER Electrical NEEDED Technician Must be willing to work on weekends and public holidays. Work includes general onthe-job assistance.

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

7669

Contact: 941-4561

7666

To work 6 days per week salary commensurate with experience must be dedicated, self motivated,10 years experience in electrical installation work.

Contact: 231-4619

7670

We Are Looking For Top-Notch Restaurant Staff!

A new, high-end Italian restaurant, opening Grace Bay area is looking to fill the following Positions:

1 3 1 4

– – – –

Maitre’d Kitchen Help Bartender Wait Staff

We will be delivering a totally, customer-focused environment, and will be hiring only personable, outgoing and friendly personnel.

If you think this sound like you, we would like to meet you!

Please e-mail your resume to mgmtsupport@tciway.tc or mail PO Box 567, Providenciales. Be sure to include your telephone number so we can contact you to arrange an interview. Additionally, Please provide a copy of your resume to Labour Department, Providenciales 7651

January 26 – February 1, 2013 THREE QUEENS BAR & RESTAURANT

PAULAMAE MISSICK

PROVO ELECTRIC

Is looking for the following persons:

CLASSIFIEDS 37 PAUL HIGGS EMILY FORBES

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

is looking for a

Is looking for a

NORTH CAICOS

Is looking for suitable qualified persons to fill the following positions:

Is looking for a

Labourer UPSTAIRS BAR & GRILL

2 Barmaids

Cook

1 Domestic Worker

Labourer

Salary commensurate with qualifications

Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

Resumes can be faxed to 941-3425 and the Labour Department, Providenciales as soon as possible

Contact: 241-9950

7696

to work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 232-6546 7704

APEX DEVELOPMENTS LTD.

Project Field Manager Job Responsibilities:

Construction program scheduling; Managing contractors and other related vendors; and Regular reporting to management team.

Painter Labourer

To work 5 days per week salary $8.00 per hour.

Contact: 243-2724

7715

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

Contact: 243-1257

7676

APEX DEVELOPMENTS LTD.

Utility Operations Assistant

Job Responsibilities:

Qualifications Required: ;; Estimating construction projects, including detailed take-offs, labour estimating, etc.; ;; Ability to read and interpret blueprints and project specifications; ;; Minimum of fifteen years experience as a project field manager or similar; ;; Must have experience in constructing and opening five star quality hotels.

Other Job Requirements: Must relocate full time to the project site, and Candidate must be available to work weekends and holidays.

Position available immediately. Salary to be based on qualifications and experience. All applicants will be reviewed; however only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

• • • • •

Assist with maintenance of utility equipment; Employee must reside on job site; Employee to be available weekends & holidays.

Qualifications Required: Knowledgeable and experienced in the maintenance of diesel generators, RO Plants, water tanks and other related equipment; • Solid electrical and mechanical background with 5+ years of related experience.

This position is immediately available. Salary for the position is dependent on qualifications and experience. All applicants will be reviewed; however only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Applications must be submitted by email or fax by February 4th 2013 to:

Applications must be submitted by email or fax by February 4th 2013 to:

Apex Developments Ltd. (Attention: Manager) Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Email: ApexTCIDevelopments@hotmail.com Phone: 649-941-3804 Fax: 649-946-8597

Apex Developments Ltd. (Attention: Manager) Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Email: ApexTCIDevelopments@hotmail.com Phone: 649-941-3804 Fax: 649-946-8597

Senior Litigator Established Law firm urgently seeks to appoint Litigation Attorney

Turks & Caicos Banking Company Limited

Chief Operating Officer

Requirements: ;;Masters Degree in Finance or equivalent qualification ;;Minimum of 10 years experience in senior position at a financial institution. ;;Knowledge of European Banking practices ;;Language Skills in French and German ;;Profound all round knowledge of all sectors of private and commercial banking ;;Trading and Administration background ;;Professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills ;;Strong Leadership skills ;;Profound IT skills

The Candidate must be highly motivated self starter capable of building his/her own clientele rapidly with a particular emphasis on litigation and E-Commerce Development and must have at least twelve (12) years experience of legal practice.

Applications together with resume, should be sent to:

The Senior Partner P.O.. Box 678 Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Please submit CV to: Turks and Caicos Banking Company Ltd. Attn: Human Resources The Regent Village, Unit H102 Grace Bay Road. PO Box 777, Providenciales services@tcbc.tc

Must be eligible for membership for TCI Bar based upon English Qualification”.

McCOLLUM & NEWLANDS, P.O. Box 678, Caribbean Place, Providenciales 7653

7661

38 CLASSIFIEDS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

DELROY LIGHTBOURNE

ERNEST WILLIAMS

DELICIOUS DISHES

Is looking for a

Labourer Labourer Labourer contact: 244-1078

7706

To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 347-1030 7707

CEDAR LODGE CAFÉ

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

contact: 345-7290

7714

To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

DAVID RIVERA Is looking to fill the following positions:

Electronic Technician 2 Sales Clerks Is looking for a

Waitress

To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour.

Contact: 941-5755

Cook

Must be willing to work 6 days per week salary commensurate with experience.

Contact: 242-0288

7713

BCQS LIMITED

1 Kitchen Helper

Is looking for a

Seek a

• Minimum 5 years experience • Working in a kitchen as a Line cook in a VERY high volume Restaurant.

• Must have knowledge of taking inventory daily.

• Pay rate is $5/hr

Cook To work 6 days per week salary $300 per week.

contact: 347-0720

Please submit Resumes at the restaurant at 499 Bay Rd. Blue Hills, Providenciales TCI. Phone: (649)-946-8877 7710

Is looking for a

EDDY BIEN-AIME Is looking for a

January 26 – February 1, 2013

JOB VACANCIES C.H Ltd Is looking for the following positions to be filled

Tandoor cook: 1 position $5.5/hour + benefits • Have at least 7 years experience in running a charcoal driven tandoor • Knowledge in making ingredients for Naan/Romali/roti's • Knowledge of marinating for Kebabs from all over India (North and South) and cooking in tandoor.

• Working knowledge of starting and closing the charcoal tandoor.

Curry Chef: 2 positions $7.5/hours + benefits

Chartered Surveyor

• Have at least 10 years of hands on experience in running curry section of an Indian restaurant.

• Knowledge of producing curries from all over India - with concentration on North Indian and Mughlai style cuisine • Knowledge in producing the 6 base sauces used for Indian cuisine.

• Knowledge in marinating for Kebabs and some work knowledge of Tandoor operations.

• Plating and presentation of Indian cuisine and garnishes used

The successful applicant must posses:

Food and Beverage Manager - 1 position

;; Associate Membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors or equivalent ;; BSc in Urban Estate Management of RICS-recognized qualification ;; Five years post qualification work experience ;; Computer literate with experience in Word, Excel, MS Project & QuickBooks ;; Duties will include and candidates should have experience in: ;; Market appraisals and secured lending valuations ;; Development feasibility studies ;; Facilities and Asset Portfolio Management ;; An annual salary of $42,000.00 plus performance related commission is offered for this position

USD 2500 gross • Required to have over 10 years experience in high end restaurant/resort management • Will be able to communicate with guests and suppliers • Have in depth knowledge of RPE computer systems • Extensive knowledge of restaurant management, marketing strategies • Extensive knowledge of Indian (north and southern Indian cuisine) and Chinese Cuisine Cantonese, schewan, Hunan) • Menu planning expertise, with budgets and cost factor establishment • Should be able to deal with suppliers • Excellent trainer and motivator for the team • Expert in fine dining service • Experience in Turks and Caicos and internationally

Chinese Cook: 1 position

The suitable candidate will be aged 33-45 years old and be able to work under his own initiative and be able to see through projects from concept to completion

$ 7.50/hour • Extensive knowledge of Cantonese, Schewan and Hunan cuisine • Should be a team player • Should be an expert in Dim-sum • Should be able to work on Wok and have knowledge of cleaning and working of the same • Experience of at least 8 years in Chinese cuisine in a reputable restaurant • Menu planning and design with cost estimates and product knowledge • Expert in preparation of Peking duck and other southern Chinese cuisine

This position is available immediately and closing date for application is 31st May 2013

Apply in writing to BCQS Limited, P.O. Box 158, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands or faxed to: 649-9467184. Contact: Simon Taylor at email: staylor@bcqs.com

Send resume to info@garammasala.com 7694

7693

January 26 – February 1, 2013

T.L.C. BEAUTY SALON

BAYVIEW MOTORS AND NAPA

Is looking for a

Hairstylist

Is currently looking to employ 3 experienced certified

To work 6 days per week 10am-6pm salary $6.00 per hour.

Contact: 247-9494

WANTED

B & N CONSTRUCTION Is looking for the following persons:

Is looking to fill the following positions:

Finish Carpenter Painter Salary $8.00 per hour

Nail Technician Hairdresser

Must be willing to work 6 days per week from 9am7pm salary $5.00 per hour.

Must be willing to work 6 days per week

Contact: 242-3256

Contact: 231-6153

7716

7722

Automotive Technician/Mechanic

This individual must possess the following: • Adequate tolls to perform his duties • Must be able to work with little or no supervision • Must be computer literate • Must be able to work weekends • Must possess a valid drivers license • ASE (or Equivalent) Certified • Familiarity with modern diagnostic scan tolls

Please submit all application between 9am-5pm Monday-Friday

Labourer

BAYVIEW MOTORS LTD. P.O. Box 619 Leeward Highway Providenciales

contact: 649-242-1016

Please submit resume (or pick-up an application) at Bayview Motors between 8am-5pm Monday-Friday or email to mariec@bayviewmotors.com Only qualified applicants will be contacted for interview

To work 5 days per week.

Monday-Friday. Salary $5.00 per hour.

7727

EVAN HARVEY T/A EVENIA SALON

CLASSIFIEDS 39

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission

7721

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

Public Statement Re: ARM Asset Management Ltd.

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, BWI – 15th January 2013 - The Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission (“The Commission”) considers it necessary to issue this public statement in order to protect the public interest, and the interests of any of the customers and creditors of the ARM Asset Management Ltd (hereinafter referred to as„ ARM), and further to make the general public aware that ARM is no longer a licensee of the Commission.

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

JOB OPPORTUNITY FIRST GLOBAL INSURANCE BROKERS LIMITED. T/A UNITED RELIANCE INSURANCE BROKERS (2008) Is seeking a qualified individual to fill the following position:

UNDERWRITER

The details are:

The successful candidate would meet the following requirements:

1. ARM was issued an Investment Dealers License (License No. 3) pursuant to the Investment Dealers (Licensing) Ordinance on 21st March 2005.

;;Have a College Degree at least at bachelors level or Diploma in Insurance ;;Have 15 years experience in Commercial Underwriting ;;Have 10 years experience in Risk Management in Property, Casualty and Employee Benefit insurance ;;Be Proficient in oral and written communication ;;Be Computer Literate & especially familiar with Broker 1 Underwriting and Accounting software ;; Have Good Negotiation Skills ;; Be Able to effectively deal with Insurance Companies, Brokers and Agents

2. ARM has taken steps to surrender its Investment Dealers License to the Commission.

3. Upon the compliance of the requirements of Section 9 of the Investment Dealers (Licensing) Ordinance by ARM, the Commission has accepted, on 14th January 2013, the surrender of ARM's Investment Dealers License.

OTHER DUTIES

4. ARM does not hold any license pursuant to the Investment Dealers (Licensing) Ordinance or any other financial services license issued by the Commission.

;; Must be able to attend to on-call duties especially in emergency situations particularly during Catastrophes Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

This Public Statement was issued pursuant to Section 39 of the Financial Services Commission Ordinance

Applications must be emailed to: info@fgibtci.com Attn: Managing Director First Global Insurance Brokers Limited P.O. Box 117, Caribbean Place Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

J. Kevin Higgins Managing Director 7701

Applications must be received by 8th February 2013

7695

40 CLASSIFIEDS

January 26 – February 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

ETS wishes to recruit a

Technical Coordinator Kwatcha Holdings is seeking applicants to fill the position of an

Duties include coordinating the technical operations of a multifaceted, three-pronged consultancy firm, assisting in developing operational procedures and logistics, drafting contracts, assisting in the orderly operation of activities in line with established procedures and budgets, assisting with preparation and review of project implementation and reports, and liaise with clients both locally and internationally etc. Applicants must have a Master’s degree in Business Management or related field, minimum 7 years experience in technical operations, accounting management experience, must be computer literate especially in Microsoft Word, Access and Excel, must be punctual, responsible and have the ability to work on your own initiative, have a valid TCI driver’s license, own transportation, willing to work weekends and holidays, & clean police record. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

ACCOUNTANT Requirements/Duties: 1. CPA/ACA qualified with a minimum of five years experience in management accounting.

2. Budgeting, management accounts, preparation of consolidated financial statements.

3. Process Re-engineering Project experience 4. Development Accounting.

5. Knowledge of international accounting standards 6. Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to deal with diverse audience.

7. Attention to detail and flexibility to manage multiple projects

Please forward resume to the Manager, ETS, Long Bay, Providenciales or email them to consult@ets.tc.

7725

Salary ranges from $48,000.00 – $55,000.00/annum.

Qualified applicants are kindly requested to send applications before February 12th 2013 To the attention of: Edith Cox Group Finance Director Graceway House, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

SENIOR BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER 7719

FIRST GLOBAL INSURANCE BROKERS, LTD. T/A UNITED RELIANCE INSURANCE BROKERS (2008)

InterHealth Canada seeks a senior biomedical engineer to supervise the maintenance of medical equipment at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and Cockburn Town Medical Centre.

Base Requirements: (not exhaustive)

VACANCY

First Global Insurance Brokers Limited t/a United Reliance Insurance Brokers (2008) is seeking a qualified individual to fill in the following position of:

UNDERWRITING AND CLAIMS PERSONNEL The ideal candidate should possess the necessary experience and must meet the following qualifications for: REQUIREMENTS: • Minimum 15 years experience in the Insurance Industry in Underwriting, Claims and Risk Management in Property, Casualty and Medical • Must have earned Insurance Degree or Bachelor’s Degree (College Graduate) or equivalent • Proficient in oral and written communication • Computer Literate • Good Negotiation Skills • Certified Insurance Practitioner • Must be able to effectively respond to Insurance Companies, Reinsurers, Brokers and Agents • Knowledgeable in the Insurance regulations both Local and Foreign particularly in London Markets • Must have thorough knowledge of the Turks & Caicos Islands Traffic Code • Technical knowledge preferably in Engineering, Electronics and Accounting OTHER DUTIES Must be able to attend to on-call duties especially in emergency situations particularly during Catastrophes

Qualifications: (a) Degree or diploma level qualification in biomedical engineering or similar acceptable discipline. (b) Proof of significant certification of maintenance competency on a wide range of equipment as validated by manufacturers’ certificates. (c) Membership of a professional biomedical engineering institute would be an advantage.

Experience: (a) Proven experience in a wide range of medical equipment maintenance (b) Troubleshooting abilities in imaging and laboratory units – equipment is serviced / maintained by vendor but we require base diagnostics abilities and the ability to check / act under instruction from vendor / manufacturer engineers from outside the island. (c) Proven supervisory or management skills (d) Proven experience in management of databases pertaining to scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. (e) Strong knowledge of maintenance of dialysis systems including RO plants (f) Strong knowledge of maintenance of medical device reprocessing systems (CSSD) Role: (a) Take the lead role in the management and maintenance of medical equipment across the two centres collectively making up the Turks & Caicos Islands Hospital (b) Actively performs biomedical engineering services to ensure all units are well maintained – this is a ‘hands on’ position. (c) Ensure all maintenance record keeping is up to date. This is in conjunction with the executive assistant to the General Manager of Facilities Management Services. (d) Advise management of issues arising or likely to arise and proactively work towards the prevention of all avoidable downtime. (e) Maintain good working relationships with vendors and service suppliers (f) Work with the Human Resources department in order to ensure visas etc. are ready and available for all engineers attending the hospital for maintenance of repair services. (g) Ensure that end user staff are versed on signs of problems occurring and that they are briefed on the action to take to ensure rapid attention from the biomedical engineering department (h) Supervise the work of the second biomedical engineer on site Other: (a) Based at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre on Providenciales but also responsible for services to Cockburn Town Medical Centre on Grand Turk. Work at Grand Turk may require stays on island of one or more days, including occasional weekends. (b) Local air travel and accommodation whilst on duty at Grand Turk provided by company.

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Applications must be emailed to: info@fgibtci.com Attn: Managing Director First Global Insurance Brokers Limited P.O. Box 117, Caribbean Place 1254 Leeward Highway Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Salary: Negotiable, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Apply in writing together with an up to date curriculum vitae to: recruitment@interhealthcanada.tc CLOSING DATE: 25th January 2013

Applications must be received by the 8th February 2013 7700

7702

January 26 – February 1, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS 41

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Vacancies Vacancies exist at the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority for

Trainee Aerodrome Firefighters

JOB OPPORTUNITY Our company is a diversified group of companies, ranging from financial services to hotels and resorts and other industries.

We’re now looking for candidates for the position of:

3D MAYA ENGINEER

As 3D Maya Engineer, you’re responsible for designing and building 3D modelling tools for creating virtual tours of our hotels and building 3D concepts of present and future properties.

Working in close coordination with the Design Team and outside engineering and architectural consultants and firms, you provide real-life 3D fly-through models that will enable us to execute different design options.

We’re looking for candidates with the following profile: • Sound knowledge of Maya • Intimate knowledge of Autodesk, Blender • Textures, Mapping, Polygons, Vectoring • Animation, Lighning Effects • Serious Gaming • Fluency in English and other languages

The successful applicants will train towards operating in the role of a Fire Fighter to carry out duties as detailed in the TCIAA Aerodrome Fire Service Standard Operating Procedures Manual.

Only Belongers need apply. Please Submit Detailed Application, quting ref 3D., to: P.O. Box 270 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Applicants must:• Have a High School Diploma or equivalent • Be medically and physically fit for the role • Be organized, self-motivated, responsible and able to work in a team or independently.

• Be computer literate.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

There will be a six week training period during which a training stipend will be paid.

Offers for full time employment will be made following the successful completion of the training.

7729

Our company is a diversified group of companies, ranging from financial services to hotels and resorts and other industries. We’re now looking for candidates for the position of:

GROUP HR DIRECTOR

You’re responsible for developing the group HR strategy and policies, coaching the senior leadership team and overseeing / managing HR issues worldwide.

Successful recruits from 2012 need not re-apply.

Interest persons must submit their applications before February 1, 2013 to:-

The Human Resources, Training & Development Manager Turks & Caicos Islands Airports Authority, Providenciales-+ international Airport Turks and Caicos Islands Telephone # 649-941-8692. Fax # 649-941-5996 Email: info@tciairports.com

We’re looking for candidates with the following profile: • At least 15 years experience in Human Resources Management

• Experience in a wide range of industries • Executive responsibility for global HR, managing across cultures / countries • Experience in transformation / change management • Track record in building and developing international leadership teams • An entrepreneur with a can-do attitude • Fluency in English and other languages

Only Belongers need apply. Please Submit Detailed Application, quting ref HR., to: P.O. Box 270 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

7692

7728

Turks and Caicos Islands

Turks and Caicos Islands Misick & Stanbrook is the leading and largest law firm in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), We service the legal and corporate requirements of a worldwide client base and have an international reputation for the high quality of our attorneys' work.

We are presently looking to fill the following position:

Commercial Property/ General Corporate & Commercial

Misick & Stanbrook is the leading and largest law firm in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), We service the legal and corporate requirements of a worldwide client base and have an international reputation for the high quality of our attorneys' work.

We are presently looking to fill the following position:

Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution

We require a Paralegal/Legal Executive with commercial property and general corporate and commercial law experience to assist our senior commercial property partner with his workload. The successful applicant will have a law degree or a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) as well as having passed the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar Vocational Course (BVC). It is a 2 year position and would be ideal for candidates before commencing a pupilage or training contract or a newly qualified lawyer. Experience of joint ventures and of resort and tourism development work would be an asset.

Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience but are highly competitive.

We require a Paralegal/Legal Executive with general civil litigation experience. We would require a law degree or a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) as well as passing the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar Vocational Course (BVC).

It is a one year position and would be ideal for candidates before commencing pupilage or training contract or a newly qualified lawyer. Experience of commercial and employment litigation would be an asset. The primary area of work would be commercial litigation, but would include general civil and employment law litigation at tribunal, first instance, and high court levels.

Apply with full CV please to recruitment@misickstanbrook.tc

Apply with full Resume/CV please to recruitment@misickstanbrook.tc .

7723

7724

Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience but are highly competitive.

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PARALEGAL

VACANCY

Required for a law office in Providenciales

Candidate. Must be able to do all accounting functions to trial balance and be experienced in real estate, corporate, commercial, litigation and security work. A minimum of 10 years experience in a fast paced professional environment is required. All replies held in strictest confidence.

Apply by: February 9th, 2013 Skippings Rutley, P.O. Box 796, Providenciales info@skippingsrutley.com

7720

VACANCIES Graceway IGA Supermarket / Kwatcha Holdings are seeking suitable qualified applicants to fill the listed positions:-

Our company is a diversified group of companies, ranging from financial services to hotels and resorts and other industries.

We’re now looking for candidates for the position of:

Hotel and Marina Event Coordinator

The applicant must possess the following: ;;Experience managing events at hotels, resorts and marinas for different target groups ;;RYA Certification ;;Extensive business development experience ;;Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management or equivalent required MBA degree desired ;;Fluency in two languages Belongers need only apply.

Please Submit Detailed Application to:

P.O. Box 270 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

Wholesale Food & Sales Manager Job Requirements & Responsibilities: • Responsible for overall management of product distribution and revenue of sales • Oversee the day to day management of wholesale department personnel to maximize sale productivity • Oversees and manages the Supermarket growing wholesale accounts • At least five (5) years Sales or Marketing experience.

• Five (5) years Chef Experience.

• Good knowledge of wholesale foods, liquor, wines and beers.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Competence in the use of Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Good negotiation and interpersonal skills.

• Must have a personal vehicle and a valid Driver’s License.

• Must have pervious managerial experienced working in a supermarket retail environment • Applicant will be required to work weekends and holidays Salary rate will commensurate with experience and ranges from $36, 000.00 - $45,000.00

General Manager Summary of Duties The position is responsible for the management of all aspects of Graceway Gourmet Supermarket. This includes providing leadership and motivation to promote the consistent execution of standard practices, policies and procedures. Setting the tone and leading the stores culture/environment to ensure success in all aspects of customer service, profitability, operations, people development, merchandise presentation and merchandise assortment.

Required Specifications and qualifications • Over ten (10) years experience in supermarket retail and wholesale management with a minimum of five (5) years in a senior management position to include management of individual departments.

• Experience in company expansion projects with the ability to lead and develop new store concept, design, layout, format and operations.

• Proficient in the understanding of retail and wholesale accounting and good business practices related to documentation and record keeping.

• Strong current product knowledge of the retail industry and a proven record in the ability to achieve the budgeted financial and operating results, including sales, profitability, and wage percentage.

• Experience managing and developing the human resources activities, maintain and develop organizational culture, values and reputation in market and with all staff, customers, suppliers, partners and governmental bodies.

• Must have the ability to identify, develop and direct the implementation of business strategy and report to shareholders on organizational plans, financial disclosure and operational performance.

• Ability to work extended hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Salary rate will commensurate with experience and ranges from $60, 000.00 - $72,000.00

JOB OPPORTUNITY Graceway IGA Supermarket is seeking a suitably qualified applicant to fill the following position:

Finance Analyst Job Requirements & Responsibilities: • ACA/ACCA/CPA qualified with a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience in a financial analysis/financial reporting position.

• Responsible for preparation of monthly financial reporting pack and yearend Financial Statements including Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Statement.

• Responsible for management of general ledger, including posting of month end accruals, prepayments, deferrals, cost reallocations and a wide range of journals as required.

• Responsible for production of yearend audit pack, documenting detailed reconciliations of year end closing balances of all accounts within the trial balance and liaising with auditors to assist with ad-hoc queries.

• Perform analytical review of monthly financial reports, highlight, investigate and explain unusual variances to budget / prior year, posting correcting journal entries to general ledger as required.

• Extensive experience of preparation of financial reports including Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet and Cash flow and ability to manage a month-end reporting cycle is essential.

• Management and development of accounting system and processes, including chart of accounts, expansion of capability, and relationship management with external parties.

• Management of stock transfer process.

• Operational and financial analysis of key business issues.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills essential.

• Attention to detail and flexibility to manage multiple tasks.

• Knowledge of SAGE accounting software beneficial.

Only Belonger Need Apply Salary will commensurate with qualification and experience Deadline for submission of applicants is February 8th 2013

Submit to: Graceway IGA Supermarket main office complex or email: hr@gracewayiga.com

Deadline for submission of applicants is February 12th 2013

Submit to: Graceway IGA Supermarket main office complex or email: hr@gracewayiga.com

January 26 – February 1, 2013

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Please Note: Only short-listed applicants will be contacted to attend interviews.

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42 CLASSIFIEDS

January 26 – February 1, 2013

Sports National Provo Hockey League:

Panthers show fight

THE Carib Gaming Panthers showed that they are still alive in the Midget Division of the Provo Hockey League with wins over the Saunders and Co. Flames and the TCBC Pirates.

The Flames’ clash ended 4-2 with Kennon Higgs doing the damage with the stick for the winners. Against the Pirates it was more of a one-sided affair with the Panthers winning 6-1. Higgs followed up his four goals in the earlier clash with three successful strikes and Buzzy Lawson added a pair.

In the Bantam Division Javiera Bovell propelled the Coco Bistro Lightning to a 9-6 win over the J and W Construction Hurricanes.

Bovell scored five goals and made an assist while Cole Nickson added three goals and two assists.

Ricaldo Valcin (also two assists), Dylan Brubaker and Kyle Cox all scored two each for the Hurricanes, who went down 3-1 in game five to the Scotiabank Shark.

In the Mini-Division the Gracebay Car Rental and Sales Owls edged past the Sailrock

Javiera Bovell scored five goals for the Lightning in their victory over the Hurricanes

Lobsters 5-4. Carson Greatrex led the Owls’ attack with four successful strikes, while Tristan Grandsire scored two goals and made an assist for the Lobsters.

Joshua Saunders then led the Lobsters to victory with six goals in their 6-4 win over the Gansevoort Gators. Zachary Scholar scored the Gators’ goals.

Real Madrid first club to past $650.5 million mark in one year Real Madrid landed the first punch on their English rivals after the Spanish team became the first club in any sport to pass the €500 million ($650.5 million) revenue mark in a single year, according to the annual Football Money League table.

Manchester United was left lagging in third place with revenues of $502.4 million, just under $111 million behind Real’s arch rivals Barcelona ($613 million), as La Liga secured a one-two finish in a financial report produced by accountants Deloitte that does not take into account a club’s debt in its calculations.

The Spanish giants’ dominance in the football finance stakes comes despite the perilous state of Spain’s economy, in recession since 2009 with unemployment currently hovering at around 25%, according to the country’s labor ministry.

Real, which has spent heavily in recent years in acquiring some of the world’s leading players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria, won the domestic title last season and is chasing a record 10th title in the Champions League.

It is not often that United -- who lead the English Premier League by five points -- finish in third, though a raft of recent financial deals could give next season’s Football League table a very different complexion.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

“Manchester United continue to successfully leverage their global brand,” Austin Houlihan, Senior Manager in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, said in a statement.

“The new world-record sevenyear shirt sponsorship deal with General Motors will double the revenues the club receives from its shirt partner in the first season of the new deal in 2014/15.

“This combined with new Premier League broadcast deals from 2013/14, which will deliver incremental distributions of between £20 million ($31.7 million) and £30 million ($47.5 million) per club, will help Manchester United push the two Spanish clubs above them, for a top two ranking,” added Houlihan.

“Indeed the new Premier League deals could mean that half of the Money League top 20 are represented by English clubs in a few years’ time.”

For the fifth year in a row the clubs the Money League’s top six clubs remained the same, with Bayern Munich in fourth, followed

by Chelsea, with Arsenal in sixth.

Revenue among the top 20 grew 10% on the previous year to reach $6.37 billion.

“It is an impressive achievement for Real Madrid to have surpassed €500 million in revenue in a single year,” said Dan Jones, Partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte.

TCICA T-20 Cricket Competition:

Beaches end defending champ’s run, ready for finale with lawmen THE Guyana Jaguars will view the final from the Downtown Ballpark stadium—if they so desire. Whatever the decision of the defending champs, Beaches ensured that they will not take to the field against the Lawmen in the last game of the TCI Cricket Association T-20 cricket competition.

Beaches were comprehensively beaten the last time the two teams met, this time around the pendulum swung in the other direction, but it was their bowling more than guaranteed victory.

Yohan Grant had a hat-trick and Damian St. Ange had two wickets to go with his half-century.

Winning the toss Beaches batted first and with St. Ange leading the charge, they rattled up 182-6 from their allotted 20 overs. St. Ange, who has found form of recent, hit seven fours and three sixes in his total of 59, while Hanzie Zietsman added 29 runs (1X4s, 2X6s).

Mark Henry led the Jaguars with 2-25 from his four overs while Jitender Ganglani also took two wickets, but his four overs went for 55 runs.

Nuwan Bodhinyake, who broke the national T-20 record a few weeks ago, showed glimpses of that innings, but his score of 60 (8X4s, 2X6s) was the only respectable one as the defending champs folded in the 20th over for 164.

On Sunday the Lawmen defeated Jam Turk by seven runs to move to the final clash.

Police batted first after calling correct. They rattled up a reasonable 154 before they were bowled out with five balls left in the innings.

Grantley Williams (29), Garvin Bruno (28) and Calvin Chase (25) all played their part with the bat,

Damian St. Ange would be key for Beaches against Police in the final. Here he collects his man-of-the-match award.

Police skipper Garvin Bruno was named man-of-the-match.

but Calvin Aaron and Delano Hall undermined the batting with three wickets each.

Glen Campbell showed his allround capability with a match-high

44 (4X4s, 1X6s), but it was not enough as Jam Turk folded for 1478. Hall added 27 (3X4s). Lyndon Tyson claimed 3-21while Bruno had 2-20.

Djokovic storms into Australian Open final NOVAK Djokovic has earned some breathing space after demolishing David Ferrer to keep alive his hopes of a record third consecutive Australian Open title.

The world No. 1 needed just an hour and a half on court in Melbourne on Thursday as he triumphed 6-2 6-2 6-1 against the fifth-ranked Spaniard, giving him two days’ rest ahead of the final.

“At this stage of a tournament, playing semifinals against somebody that I have respect for, a great competitor, and being able to perform as well as I did, it’s incredible,” the

Serbian told reporters.

“I have a great feeling about myself on the court at this moment.

Now I have two days off before the finals which gives me enough time to get ready and recover.”

Djokovic will face either secondranked Roger Federer or world No. 3 Andy Murray, who clash on Friday in a rematch of last year’s Wimbledon and Olympics finals.

“I have to be ready to expect a five-hour match or five sets,” Djokovic said. “That’s the kind of approach that I have to every single match that I play in grand slams,

Novak Djokovic aims to record a third consecutive victory in the Australian Open.

especially in the second week.”

Last year he beat Murray in a fivehour semifinal before triumphing in a record-breaking near six-hour title match against Rafael Nadal a day and a half later.

This time his first big test came in the fourth round, when he battled back to beat Federer’s compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka in five sets over five hours.

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Sports National

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 26 – February 1, 2013

Josh for Sports

The business of boxing

Yarileny de la Cruz scored a hat-trick.

Kadine Delphin has matured nicely. In this photo the former Clement Howell High School captain collects a trophy from Technical Director Matthew Green. In last Sunday’s game, she scored four goals.

AFC Strikes reclaim WFL pole position – Net Rockers FC win comfortably against AFC Hurricanes THE Women’s Football League (WFL) witnessed a feast of goals last Sunday as two high-scoring games entertained a large and enthusiastic crowd at the TCIFA Academy field.

Net Rockers FC found themselves temporarily back at the top of the table after a comfortable 4-0 win against AFC Hurricanes before AFC Strikers reclaimed pole position with an emphatic 11-2 win against Revolution FC. In the opening game, Net Rockers got off to a dream start as Carmela Giordano made the most of a defensive error to put her team ahead. Net Rockers continued to dominate proceedings but slowly the Hurricanes came to life and almost equalised as Jacinda Alfrena raced through and shot narrowly wide. The Hurricanes felt they had a good claim for a penalty when Gaya Smith was impeded as she was about to shoot on goal. Net Rockers responded well to this scare and doubled their lead as Guerline Herilien benefited again from another defensive error and scored from long range. The second half was an even affair as the Hurricanes were more attacking in nature. However, the Net Rockers’ defence held firm and the Hurricanes were caught out on the break as Carmela Giordano and Carlesa Lewis added a goal each to complete a comfortable victory.

The second game was a crucial one for the young Strikers team as they knew that they needed to win to regain the top spot. Despite having several players missing, they showed how much they have improved collectively by inflicting a

heavy 11-2 defeat on Revolution FC. Yarileny De La Cruz scored twice early on in the game as she finished well after receiving passes from her younger sister Yarielca De La Cruz and Guerline Hall.

Yarielca then scored an impressive free kick to extend the lead before Kadine Delphin effectively secured the win as she calmly converted a penalty kick just before the half time whistle. Struggling with several missing players, Revolution FC were always going to toil in the second half.

Delphin scored a skillful solo goal by beating several defenders before she added another as she latched onto Yarielca De La Cruz’s through ball. Yarileny rounded off her hat-trick with a stunning strike into the top left corner before Delphin scored her fourth from long range which was arguably the goal of the game as her driven shot was unstoppable and perfectly placed.

Christma Jean Louis saw her hard work pay off as she also found the back of the net before Yarielca De la Cruz dribbled through the entire Revolution defence to score a great solo goal.

Despite the one-sided nature of the game Revolution FC kept trying to create chances and were rewarded as Gillian Vernice and Simone Smith both scored, however Strikers had the final say as Shinaydine Pluviose rounded off an excellent performance with a well taken goal.

The season is now at the half way stage and it seems as if Net Rockers FC will have to worry about

the challenge from the Strikers, but with several tricky games to come the young league leaders will not be taking anything for granted.

Technical Director Matthew Green was pleased with the performance of the Strikers’ team.

“They have lost several players due to injuries and enforced absences but they have responded well and taken these setbacks in their stride.

They played some attractive football today, showing lots of skill, determination and passion. They will face tougher opposition in weeks to come, but hopefully they will continue to play exciting football.

Despite their lack of experience, they are certainly the most skillful team around and they are a pleasure to watch”.

THE glamour of modern-day boxing as a business began with Muhammad Ali and Don King.

Ali was boxing’s first showman, they say; the first Glamour boy, the first bad guy when the fans loved to hate. He was the first black athlete to be revered worldwide. He was in fact the sport’s first true media creation. Don King meanwhile is sometimes thought of as the original larger-than-life promoter—he was the man who first showed us that a boxing match could be turned into a week-long media circus, one that could end by grossing, as did the Holyfield/Foreman bout, well over $70M. All sports are seen as business today and boxing has grown to become less of a sport and more of a spectacle. You would notice that boxing people—the fighters, promoters, managers and trainers don’t remind you of sportsmen so much as they remind you of theater people. This may be partly because boxing is such a serious sport and such a personal sport. It’s impossible to treat it as a game. It has to be treated as drama. But boxing is most closely related to theater because it relies so heavily on promotion.

Baseball and football don’t need to be promoted heavily. The Super Bowl and World Series happen every year.

Boxing has always been sports and business. Today it is a multimillion dollar industry.

It got that way through a handful of dramatic and dramatised clashes between heavyweight titans. Here are the bouts that built the modern sport.

On Monday, September 5, 1892 at the three-day event held at the Olympic Club in New Orleans billed as the “Carnival of Champions”, Jack Skelly was defeated by

ICC Division Two Cricket Championships:

Williams named skipper ANCEL Williams (Beaches) has been named skipper of the national team that will compete in 2013 ICC Division 2 Cricket Championships tournament set for February 5-9 in the Bahamas.

Garvin Bruno, who performed well with the bat at the last international tournament in Suriname, will be Williams’ deputy.

Sean Khan has been named as coach and Michael Pereira as manager for the national side

which includes a total of 14 players.

TCI would compete against the home team, Panama, Belize and Argentina.

The full team reads: Williams – Captain, Bruno – Vice Captain, Ira Baptiste, Kavin Mars, Gareth Butler, Vikram John, Mark Henry, Earl Henry, Howard Dickenson, Errion Charles, Damian St Ange, Sabuton John, Nuwan Bodhinayake and Christopher Mc Farlane.

By Joshua Gardiner George Dixon for the featherweight championship of the world; on Tuesday Jack McAuliffe knocked out Billy Meyer to successfully defend his light heavyweight title; on Wednesday night Sullivan and Corbett had their historic showdown.

Corbett fought the fight of his career by knocking Sullivan out.

Around 1904 George Lewis (Tex) Rickard in Goldfield, Nevada suggested “prize-fight”.

He encouraged the town fathers to put up the money while he signed the fighters and put up an area. He raised $50, 000.

He offered the then World lightweight champion Joe Gans and Oscar (batting) Nelson the number one contender a fight. He paid Gans $10, 000 (because he was a black boxer) and he paid Nelson $23, 000 (a white boxer). He mustered $15, 000 on fans.

In 1908 Jack Johnson became the first black boxer to win the heavyweight crown by defeating Tommy Burns.

In 1915 Johnson lost his title to Jess Willard the “Great White Hope” who was himself defeated by the great Jack Dempsey.

THE LIST GOES ON In 1926 Dempsey lost his title to Gene Tunney in front of 120,000 fans. At their return match at Soldier Field in Chicago in 1927 fans paid $2, 658, 660 at the gate.

124 SECONDS BOUT—1938JUNE 22 Joe Louis knocked down Germany’s Max Schmeling four times. The fight lasted exactly 124 seconds. Louis was regarded as an American hero who defeated the Nazi.

This one bout permanently changed the world’s image of the black athlete who then finally succeeded when given the channel to compete with whites. Louis held the title until 1949.

OTHERS Other great boxers also helped to promote the sport.

Until next time, so long!

January 26 – February 1, 2013

Sports National

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Delano Williams is aiming for more records when he takes to the track this season.

Williams opens season with 400M at STETHS

NATIONAL 100M and 200M record holder Delano Williams will open his 2013 Munro College athletic season with a 400M run at the STETHS Invitational held at the St. Elizabeth Technical Sports Complex in Jamaica this Saturday.

Williams, who is the 200M World Junior Champion, would not be running his strong events: the 100 or the 200M, he would instead run the 400M. “The 400 is just a strength event… the aim is to shape up for the 2013

season.”

Williams’s personal best in the 400M is 49.34s at the same event in 2011.

Meanwhile Williams’s schoolmate Deangelo Germain ran a personal best in his season’s opener.

Germain, another TCI athlete, clocked his PB 22.02s in a 200M heat (only heats, no finals) at the Kirkvine Track Meet. He then came second with a time of 51.5s in his 400M heat. Germain is expected to run the 400M and the 4X400M event this Saturday.

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Ifeanyi Otuonye is confident of breaking his record again.

Otuonye breaks his national long-jump record again

JUNIOR Commonwealth Games (2011) bronze medallist Ifeanyi Otuonye has broken the national long jump record for the third consecutive time.

The Kansas State University athlete jumped 7.29M to finish second in the event for his new US school.

The youngster is confident of better jumps, not only because it was his first jump for 2013, but because he only had three chances instead of

the six normally allotted to athletes.

“In a competition you usually have six attempts, but my coach said to only take three attempts, because I had my 4X400M relays later on.”

Otuonye jumped his new PB in his second attempt.

“I feel real glad about it, I can’t complain. It’s a great mark for an opener and for sure I know in myself I can even do better and that just excites me.”

Otuonye, who won a silver medal

at the 2010 Carifta Meet, in the high jump, has since made the long jump his specialty.

At the 2011 Champs in Jamaica he jumped 7.15M to break the 7.10M national record previously held by Levard Missick. He then bettered that record last year when he won silver at the CAC Juniors with a jump of 7.18M. Before the season ends Otuonye plans to break his record again as he continues to develop in his sport.

The Turks and Caicos Rugby Football Union (TCIRFU) has a lot to be proud of, especially since they stayed neck-to-neck with the Jamaicans.

TCI fought hard against Jamaica.

O’Neill feels TCI showed no fear against Jamaica TCI might have lost to Jamaica in the first ever IRB sanctioned match in Providenciales, but they made their proper announcement to the rugby world.

Although the first round of the 2013 NACRA 15-a-side tournament ended

with the visiting team winning 31-13, the local captain Sean O’Neill said that there is still a lot to be proud of.

In his message to the local rugby community, he said that the national team showed no fear.

“It is disappointing that the

result didn’t go our way but it has taught us some lessons for the next championship and showed that we shouldn’t fear anyone when, in our first match, we were neck and neck with the second largest Rugby Union in the Caribbean.”

O’Neill was also grateful to all the stakeholders in the game and thanked everyone for their hard work which made last Saturday’s historic game possible.

Public Relations Officer of the TCIRFU called the local ruggers “determined and technically adept”.

In the end the result was not as important as the experience gained and going into future games our boys will just get better. With this rapid growth over the last few years TCI rugby can soon become a powerhouse in the region

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 26 – February 1, 2013

January 26 – February 1, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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LAND FOR SALE In beautiful Bottle Creek, North Caicos

.46 acres overlooking the creek, spanning King Road and Windsor Road

QUICK SALE

CALL 232-3508, AFTER HOURS 332-6398

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

January 26 – February 1, 2013