Turks and Caicos Weekly News June 15 - 21

Weekly News Volume 27 | No. 23| June 15 - 21, 2013

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Concerns over new tax

There have been widespread concerns over the new tax measures that are being introduced as alternatives to Value Added Tax (VAT).

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Frantic search for young woman continues Family members, friends and police, up to press time, were continuing their search for 30-year-old Damaris Matrinez or as she was more commonly known, Morena Martinez.

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Astwood recommends greater involvement with Decolonisation Committee PAGE  4

4 Gun crime down for first quarter – police PAGE 

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Civil servants recognised for service at Queen’s Parade PAGE 22

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 15 - 21, 2013

June 15 - 21, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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NEWS

June 15 - 21, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Astwood recommends greater involvement with Decolonisation Committee

BY VANESSA NARINE

PREMIER, Dr. Rufus Ewing, last month extended an invitation to the Deputy Leader of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), Sean Astwood, to attend a threeday seminar hosted by the United Nations’ (UN) Decolonisation Committee.

The three-day event in Ecuador

on May 28 addressed the work of the General Assembly’s special committee on implementation of the declaration to grant independence to colonial countries and peoples, also known as the Special Committee on Decolonisation.

The Deputy Leader has recommended that the Turks and Caicos Islands become more involved in with the work of the

Brook Julien was sentenced to 18 months at Her Majesty’s prison

RBC burglar nabbed, admits to offence BROOK Julien of Providenciales has been sentenced to serve 18 months at Her Majesty’s prison after having admitted to burglarising the Royal Bank of Canada last June 3.

The sentence was handed down on Tuesday (June 11) after he pleaded guilty to a charge of burglary with intent.

A police advisory quotes the Commissioner of Police Colin Farquhar of being proud of the quick and professional manner in which the case was solved by his officers.

“I am incredibly proud of the police officers involved in this

case,” Commissioner Farquhar said.

He also sent out a warning to anyone engaging in the buying and selling of stolen items.

“The police are working hard to put an end to this illicit trade. The RTCIPF currently have several persons charged and awaiting trial for possession of handling stolen goods,” the release read.

Handling stolen goods is a serious offence and those found guilty could face serving a maximum of 14 years imprisonment.

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 - News/features Editor Faizool Deo - Sports Editor (At Large) Daisy Handfield - Staff Reporter Cord Garrido-Lowe - Graphics Consultant (At Large) Dilletha Lightbourne-Williams - Office Manager Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@yahoo.com, tcweeklynews@gmail.com Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours) Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com

committee.

In an interview with the Weekly News, Astwood explained that the Overseas Territories as well as parent countries were involved in the session, which saw the exchange of views on the relationship between the two groups, the challenges and the success stories.

According to him the takeaway for the TCI was the importance of greater participation in the work of the committee, particularly since independence is the ultimate goal, as mentioned in the manifestos of both local major political parties.

“If we are serious about independence then the work of the forum is important,” he said.

Astwood added that there is much that can be learnt from both nonself-governing countries, as well as independent nations.

The PDM Deputy Leader pointed out that there are other opportunities such as scholarships that local students can take advantage of.

“We can become a more meaningful player in this process,” he said.

Astwood noted that his report on the meeting has been sent to the party Leader, Sharlene CartwrightRobinson, who is expected to forward it to the Premier, before it is made public, sometime next week.

In February, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon noted that with the world is undergoing a “great transition”.

It is time for a new kind of inclusive dialogue about decolonisation, he said and called for fresh approaches to resolve the situations of the remaining 16 nonself-governing territories in the Caribbean and elsewhere.

Speaking at the Special

Deputy Leader of PDM Sean Astwood

Committee on Decolonisation’s annual programme at United Nations headquarters in New York, the Secretary General said: “The risk of movement, while sometimes frightening, is far more preferable to the stagnation of the status quo.

“The international community is more convinced than ever that colonialism has no place in the modern world.

“The eradication of colonialism, in keeping with the principles of the charter and the relevant United Nations resolutions, is our common endeavour.”

The UN chief said this requires the “constructive involvement of all concerned”, the special committee, the administering powers and the non-self-governing territories working on a case-by-case-basis.

“The special committee should be at the forefront in identifying possibilities for change and in promoting priorities in the decolonisation process for the benefit of all,” he said.

“As the intergovernmental

body exclusively devoted to decolonisation, the special committee is expected to devise fresh and creative approaches to mobilise the political will to advance its agenda,” he added.

He noted that the world is “in a great transition, with many old structures breaking down and new arrangements taking shape.

“In the area of decolonisation, 16 non-self-governing territories require our attention. As we look ahead, the narrative cannot again be portrayed as decolonisation deferred.

“We no longer have the luxury of indulging in rhetoric and rituals.

Concrete action and tangible results are essential,” the Secretary General added.

The committee, known formally as the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, was set up two years after the adoption of the declaration by the UN General Assembly.

The declaration affirms the right of all people to self-determination and proclaims that colonialism should be brought to a speedy and unconditional end.

It states that “the subjection of peoples to alien subjugation, domination and exploitation constitutes a denial of fundamental human rights, contravenes the UN Charter and impedes the promotion of world peace and cooperation”.

More than 80 former colonies, comprising about 750 million people, have gained independence since the creation of the UN, the statement said, noting the 16 remaining nonself-governing territories are home to nearly two million people.

Frantic search for young woman continues FAMILY members, friends and police, up to press time, were continuing their search for 30-year-old Damaris Matrinez or as she was more commonly known, Morena Martinez.

A native of the Dominican Republic, Martinez was last seen on Monday (June 10) at approximately 10pm at Jimmy’s Dive Bar in the Grace Bay area, Providenciales, wearing a black blouse and a green and black knee-length skirt.

She is described as a woman with a fair complexion standing at about 5ft 6ins tall and of a slim build weighing about 130 pounds, with blonde shoulder length hair.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police on 9414448 extension 81843 or 81837, or use the untraceable, anonymous

Damaris Matrinez commonly known, Morena Martinez

Crime Stoppers Miami number at 1-800-(TIPS) or 1-800-8477.

No names or numbers are

requested and only the information provided is passed on to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police.

June 15 - 21, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

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Concerns over new tax

BY VANESSA NARINE

THERE have been widespread concerns over the new tax measures that are being introduced as alternatives to Value Added Tax (VAT).

However, Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, assures that the impact of the tax increases will be minimal.

He explained that with the economy still rebounding and inward investments not at the desired level, measures have to be taken to raise revenue to meet the Government’s obligations to the people of the Islands.

Ewing pointed out that if the TCI is unable to raise revenue to meet its obligations the UK could step in.

SHORT-TERM At Cabinet on Wednesday (June 12), members discussed draft legislation prepared by Attorney General’s (AG) Chambers at the request of the Minister of Finance, Washington Misick, on the introduction of a flat rate customs duty on the cost of freight and insurance for cargoes imported into the TCI. This new revenue raising measure was an integral part of the financial framework prepared previous by the Ministry of Finance and financial

modelling by officials had shown the duty, while necessary, would have only a small impact on the cost of individual imported items.

Cabinet Ministers said they would view very seriously any evidence where individual businesses appear to have increased prices unjustifiably.

Cabinet agreed on the bill and the Minister of Finance will present it to the House of Assembly at the next sitting on June 24, with a view to it becoming law on July 1.

Also, discussed was draft legislation prepared by AG’s Chambers on the amendments to the application of stamp and share transfer duty.

Several technical changes were explained relating to the threshold ceiling on stamp duty payable for multi-million dollar loans; the percentage duty applied to loans for property purchase and on loan transfers to a different provider; the percentage allowance made when property is purchased to account for furnishings and chattels; and the applicability of stamp duty to share transfers with respect to land holding companies.

The proposals from the Minister of Finance were supported by Cabinet and the AG was instructed to bring forward draft amending legislation to be reviewed at the next

Email fraudsters target local businesses FRAUDSTERS are targeting local law firms, banks and other financial institutions via email to have funds wired from their clients’ local accounts to overseas accounts.

The Financial Crime Unit of Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police has issued a warning for such institutions to be on the lookout for possible red flags.

According to the police, some of the red flags include purported clients asking what accounts they have with the institution, company or firm; asking how much money is in their accounts; requesting the transfer of amounts to jurisdictions that they do not normally or routinely request that money be wired to; requesting that monies be transferred as a matter of urgency; and seeking to liquidate their account in one or successive transactions within a very short period.

In a statement the police press officer, Audley Astwood, said: “So far entities that receive instructions from clients via email are the primary targets.

“The institution, company, firm

(entity) receives instructions from the recognised email account of one of its clients for the transfer of funds to an account outside of the TCI. “The entity acts on the instructions as per the clients’ request and wires the funds.

“The entity is subsequently informed by their client that they made no such request and that their account was hacked.”

He warned that institutions can protect themselves and their clients by verifying the email instructions by telephone contact to the client; using automatic threshold verification with client; employing alternative method for receipt of wire transfer instructions from client; and requesting that client provide alternative email address to the one purportedly hacked.

The police are asking that entities that believe they have been the target of such fraud contact the Financial Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force on 9414448/4450.

Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing

Cabinet meeting.

The Premier made it clear that these and the other new tax increases are only short-term measures.

He noted that the Blue Ribbon Commission, once set up, will completely review the local tax system and make recommendations for changes.

Ewing stated that together the new tax measures are expected to bring in between $12m and 15m in the next financial year, as most while some of the measures will be effective July 1, others will be effective come October.

“These are only temporary tax measures,” he reiterated.

This commission, expected to be established before the end of the year, will be made up of representatives of the Government, the private sector and external experts and will work to identify a sustainable revenue base for TCIG

PRICE GOUGING Asked about the possibility of price gouging by local businesses, Ewing admitted that price control is not the way his Government wants to go.

However, he acknowledged the concern as one that Cabinet has “discussed at length” and said consumers themselves are well positioned to report unjustified increases.

The Premier pointed out that there is legislation to combat this practice, legislation that allows for proprietors to be penalised.

He admitted that the legislation is old and in need of revision, but maintained that the provisions remain useful.

The Premier stressed too that the key stakeholders will be engaged in a public education effort.

Hospital audits stalled for lack of information

BY VANESSA NARINE THE FINANCIAL and clinical service audits of the local hospital run by InterHealth Canada remain incomplete.

Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, acknowledged that the hold-up is patience trying.

According to him, the delay, as he understands it, is due to the lack of financial information being turned over from the hospital.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, Jill Magri, told the Weekly News that

there is small percentage of information pending from the hospital’s side.

“We have provided all 2012 and 2011 information and are in the process of providing the financial data from 2010,” she said.

Neither she nor Ewing could commit to a timeframe for the completion of the audits.

The long due audits were only started this year, sometime around mid-February.

Last October, the Premier noted that InterHealth Canada could have to forfeit on their contract

Deputy Premier in London for pre-G8 tax meeting A PRELIMINARY forum leading up to the G8 tax forum kicked off this week.

Deputy Premier, Akierra Missick, left the Turks and Caicos Islands on Tuesday (June 11) to represent the Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, at several sessions in the United Kingdom.

While in London, Missick is scheduled to attend a bilateral meeting with Foreign and Commonwealth Minister for the Overseas Territories, Mark Simmonds, and will join more than 150 delegates at a pre-G8 conference hosted by Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg at Lancaster House on Saturday (June 15).

The meeting is being held ahead of the G8 summit, the annual meeting of the leaders of the world’s eight wealthiest nations, at the Lough Erne Resort in Northern Ireland, June 17 to 18.

It will bring together heads of

Deputy Premier, Akierra Missick

government and Ministers from non-G8 countries; ministerial representatives from each G8 partner country; Chief Ministers and Premiers from the Overseas Territories and senior representatives from the private sector, international organisations and nongovernmental organisations (NGOs).

Missick will return to the Turks and Caicos Islands on Sunday (June 16).

with the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG), if it is found that they have breached performance clauses – something the financial and clinical audits would assess.

The ‘exit clause’ in the InterHealth contract is reported to have penalty cost of $125 million, exclusive of the $125 million mortgage on the hospital buildings, which has a reported 12 per cent interest rate.

If the mortgage runs its full 24-year course, the buildings will have cost TCI residents half a billion dollars.

Governor Gordon Wetherell signed the contract in late 2008 following negotiations and decisions made by the then Health Minister Lillian Boyce, Finance Minister Floyd Hall and Director of Medical Services, Dr. Rufus Ewing, currently the leader of the Progressive National Party.

Under the contract, the National Health Insurance Plan (NHIP) was established in April 2010 and Ewing had the responsibility for managing primary care in TCI, while InterHealth Canada took over the responsibility for hospital management and secondary care.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Hugh McGarel-Groves in mid-June said NHIP was an absolute scandal and the biggest financial mess the interim administration has had to deal with.

According to him, NHIP is now reported to be costing the people of the TCI $60m annually or approximately 40 per cent of government revenue.

The financial and clinical audits are expected to have the effect of reducing hospital costs and improving clinical care, in addition to holding the hospital accountable for any defaults under the contract.

KPMG is the firm that will be handling the audit.

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June 15 - 21, 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

Two sides to a coin?

THE ILLEGAL land dwellers in Five Cays have requested more time to relocate.

Director of Crown Lands, Leroy Charles, said all possible measures to have them moved in a timely manner are being taken, before final action.

What are your thoughts on the squatting situation?

Eye sore

The illegal land dwellers situation must be addressed.

While I agree that they should be given notice in a timely manner, they must stipulate a time frame, say three months from today.

These illegal land dwellers are an eye sore.

A matter of votes

This whole situation has been blown out of proportion by both the Government and Opposition. Everyone is thinking about those votes in 2016.

We are promoting and encouraging the use of illegal land dwellers and people are afraid to address it because they may lose votes.

We need to stop being selfish, take a stand and do what has to be done.

This cannot continue

The squatting is done largely by illegal immigrants on land that was issued by the Crown to Belongers.

Structures are built without proper sanitation or planning approval and as a result also do not comply with Fortis regulations.

Although they were asked some time ago to move, others still continued to build. It is not right and cannot be condoned.

If we do not act now cleaning up the mess we will resemble the most undesirable parts of Haiti in our high end destination.

We cannot afford for this illegal building to continue.

The start of nothing we want

If the squatters in Five Cays are not removed completely, then we should get rid of the

department of lands and every Turks and Caicos Islander should identify the land that they want and go and take it.

If we are building little Haiti, let’s go all the way.

Planning failed

I suppose that if planning had been doing their job in the first place, this never would have happened!

Unfortunately, their priorities did not seem to be in the best interests of the TCI, only themselves.

A question of responsibility

The problem goes back to the Lillian Boyce era when she did the people a disservice allowing them to squat on Crown land without building permits.

Many are shanties and cannot stand up to a strong wind.

This leaves the question, if people including children are injured in these dwellings who will be responsible?

No more time

I believe they should not be given any more time.

Everyone who is building illegally knows that they are.

Besides most of the illegal homes/

complexes have made thousands of dollars of these illegal structures on Crown land.

Do the maths

If the Government really wants money in the treasury, why they don't look and see if some of these areas can be zoned?

Homes that are constructed on land that would not interfere with infrastructure (road ways, and utilities) maybe they can be charged for the land and also a one-time fee for the illegal squatting ($4,000 minimum).

I estimated a minimum of $3.72m just the other day and that was only in the south side of Provo.

I wouldn't even say how much between Kew Town and Blue Hills.

This way there is no need to kill the poor man with taxes.

Revenue can be generated if the Government would get serious.

Imagine $4,000 x 3,000 illegal structures.

Do the maths.

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HIV antidiscrimination campaign kicks off HIV does not have a face, it does not look at your pocketbook – you could be rich, you could be poor – and it does not look at your skin colour.

This is the message that the National AIDS Programme, in its recently launch anti-stigma and discrimination campaign, is seeking to convey to the general public through several mediums.

The first of which was a radio programme and testing sessions at the Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Centre last Saturday, June 8.

National AIDS Programme coordinator, Aldora Robinson, who appeared on the radio programme with other health officials, told the Weekly News that the campaign seeks to sensitise people as to disease which, frankly, is a very serious problem in the Turks and Caicos

Islands.

“It’s is a very serious problem here in the Turks and Caicos,” she said, “I think, one, because we are so small and everybody knows everybody or like to think they know everybody’s business.”

However, in an effort to encourage persons to get tested and know their status, she assured that her department is very confidential.

Last year the department recorded eight new cases, but Richardson believes that there are more new cases in the Islands.

She said: “We can’t say that that is all that is there because we don’t get reports from all the health centres.

“We are trying to encourage them to report to us, but some of it is kind of technical.

Medical personnel conduct blood pressure and sugar tests on a member of the public

“We have 177 persons in the treatment and care programme.”

However, Robinson, noted that they have confirmation of over 600 persons who have been tested positive and are currently living with the deadly virus in the TCI. On the issue of discrimination against affected persons, the National Aids Programme coordinator cited the recent knowledge, attitudes, practices and behaviour study, which showed

that this is a major problem within the TCI community and one that needs serious attention.

She said: “It shows where persons felt that they would not even purchase from a store owner who they felt had HIV or sit next to a person who they felt was HIV positive; that is not acceptable.

“It’s a major problem and we have to address it, so we are launching this campaign.

“We have different things, we

have bill boards coming out soon, we have posters, radio ads, TV ads, and we are hitting the different organisations to have workshops where we give them the facts about HIV and reasons why they should not discriminate.”

At Saturday’s event several members of the public came out and were afforded free blood sugar, cholesterol, HIV among other tests and healthy snacks by the medical personnel on hand. (DI)

June 15 - 21, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

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More progress to be made on environmental protection, Deputy Governor

BY VANESSA NARINE DELEGATES from the UK, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the Turks and Caicos Islands met on Tuesday (June 11) for the ninth project steering committee meeting for the Management of Protected Areas to Support Sustainable Economics (MPASSE) project.

The MPASSE project is cofunded by the European Union and partnering countries and the session focused on reports on from participating countries, as well as setting deliverables for the next quarter.

Given that this is the last physical meeting of the committee, Deputy Governor, Anya Williams, reminded the participants that much still need to be done as it relates to environmental protection.

“All around the world the environment is weighing heavily on everyone’s minds and the question is, are we doing enough?

“The answer is no. At a time when financial positions are still rebounding and there are so many other competing priorities, we have to strive to make the environment a top priority.

“Going green is initially something very costly, but in the long run it is worth it.”

She urged the review of the project objectives and the milestones that have to be achieved.

“You will have the opportunity to visit several sites in the Turks and Caicos Islands and I hope that this will be rewarding because it will give you better insight into what is actually on-going,” Williams said.

The Deputy Governor thanked the partners for their support.

“This will not be possible only with the resources of our governments. The EU has been a very good partner with all of our islands,” she said.

Williams added that the work done over the last three years has been significant.

She said: “Looking back at your eight meetings and the objectives that were set out, I hope that you will find that much has been accomplished and progress has been made.

“There are two main objectives of this project; the first to fulfil the goals on international environmental agreements; and the second is to support local sustainable environmentally friendly economies.

“Now that we are coming to a close I hope that we can accomplish much and the projects we started can be completed.”

Local project manager for the implementation of MPASSE in the TCI and Executive Director of the National Trust, Ethlyn GibbsWilliams, told the Weekly News that the TCI signed on to the project in January 2010.

She said: “The Management of Protected Areas to Support Sustainable Economics (MPASSE) project is an important one…since the Turks and Caicos Islands signed on to the project we have been working diligently to achieve the goals.

“Thus far we have accomplished the construction of the visitors’ centre on Little Water Cay and currently we are engaged in enhancement activities on Little Water Cay and Cheshire Hall Plantation, among

Development agreement with Beaches not yet signed PREMIER, Dr. Rufus Ewing, when asked for an update on the negotiations with Beaches TCI on the new development agreement, noted that the document has not yet been signed.

The Government’s negotiation of a new development agreement will cover both Beaches and what was formerly known as the Veranda, which was acquired by SRI recently.

The negotiations have been on-going for several weeks now.

Cabinet on May 8 reviewed the draft development agreement and was satisfied with its terms.

The new agreement will replace the 2006 one, which was a source of contention.

According to the Premier, the new agreement was passed to

the Governor for signing with the developers.

He said the new agreement reflects an improvement in the duty rate, in terms of concessions they get; and all immigration matters have been taken out of the agreement, whereas the 2006 document included immigration clauses, a move that was contrary to the immigration ordinance.

Ewing stated that SRI will have to conform to regular immigration procedures, the only concession being the use of a particular immigration protocol that allows for faster processing for major investors in the TCI. He maintained that the entire settlement of the development agreement was transparent.

(VANESSA NARINE)

A section of the stakeholders at Tuesday’s meeting

others.

“We have also continued with raising awareness, as one of the outputs of the project and we have published the children magazine… all efforts to keep the public aware of the progress.”

The total amount of funding for the local effort, according to her, exceeds $1m, of which the EU has contributed some 58 per cent, with the National Trust contributing the

remainder.

“The National Trust contributions include resources from membership and the heritage site fees as well as the annual contribution to the trust from Government,” she said.

Gibbs-Williams said she was confident that greater headway into environmental protections will be made in the coming months.

Member of the EU delegation, Marlene Lamouth, lauded the “deep

commitment” of participating countries and their representatives.

She stressed the importance of the work being done, particularly given the current global situation that advances the effects of climate change.

“It is critical for us to do what we can,” Lamouth said.

The meeting was hosted by the local National Trust in collaboration with the TCI Government.

Financial services heads ‘pushing hard’ to advance industry MANAGING Director of the Financial Services Commission (FSC), Kevin Higgins, maintains that the commission is “pushing hard” to advance the local financial services industry.

His comments came last Friday (June 7) at the end of the annual workshop of the Caribbean Association of Insurance Regulators (CAIR), hosted together with the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC).

Bringing together some 70 delegates from various Caribbean countries to Providenciales and guided by external insurance experts, most of the attendees at the workshop comprised insurance supervisors from 20 CARTAC member country regulatory agencies.

The next meeting is scheduled to be hosted in Barbados.

Higgins told the Weekly News that the week-long workshop was both timely and topical, adding that the commission is continuing full speed with its work.

He said: “We are trying very hard on several levels: one is to make the Turks and Caicos Islands recognised internationally because for many years the country has been left behind, so we want to put

Managing Director of the Financial Services Commission (FSC), Kevin Higgins

the TCI back on the map regionally and internationally; and secondly we want to continue training for our staff and stakeholders in the industry.

“We are pushing very hard.

“The industry can expect more training and more regional and international hosting of these kinds of events to ensure we are in line with the new legislations because we hope very soon to have a modern financial services legislative framework.”

Asked about the commission’s relationship with the Government, Higgins explained that the FSC reports to the Governor.

He said: “We report to the Governor and we have to be careful that we go through the Governor to talk to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government.

“There are very good reasons why the regulator has to remain independent of the Government.

“There are in a small country a lot of personal relationships and we have to ensure that we function above that.

“On our side it has been a change from working, in the past, with just the interim administration.

“With the return of an elected Government we are working to ensure that we provide TCIG with the information that is needed so they are aware of what we are doing.”

He noted that the next planned workshop will focus on trust management for all the local industry stakeholders and is expected to be held sometime in July.

In the last few months, the TCI has signalled its commitment to high standards in the local financial services sector.

(VANESSA NARINE)

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NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Investors show interest in TCI at NY conference PREMIER, Dr. Rufus Ewing is confident that the Turks and Caicos Islands is poised to reap the returns from the Caribbean Tourism Organisation meet last June 3 to 7, where he headed a delegation of public and private partners.

“This meeting was indeed a success, in the sense that we were able to sell Turks and Caicos to the world and those residents in New York and the wider Caribbean that Turks and Caicos is a good place to invest,” Ewing told the media on his return to the territory.

As reported by CaribPR Wire, an online news outlet in New York, Ewing, during his presentation at the 2013 Avalon Invest Caribbean Now forum on June 5, urged investors to open their wallets to the TCI, particularly US and Chinese investors.

Asked on Thursday what the response was to this urging, the Premier stated that there were many expressions of interest from major developers.

He said: “There were many expression of interests from financiers, from major movie

stars, we had persons interested in developing a technology park in North Caicos, persons interested in Salt Cay in terms of major resorts there…”

Representatives from Dellis Cay and Ambergris Cay were also present at the meeting promoting their destinations and trying to get a look at buyers, Ewing said.

“So they are well on their way, they made their own individual connections and I am sure they are negotiating with persons they may have made contact with and who are interested in those particular properties,” Ewing said.

He added that it is now up to the Government investment unit to follow up on those initiatives and find out exactly what they want and what will make them bite and make them move here.

However, the Premier did concede that there is still work to be done to make sure that the TCI’s doors and windows are widened.

He said: “During that meeting what we gathered was that a number of persons/investors were indeed concerned about a number of issues, such as the cost of energy/

electricity especially as it relates to going into other sectors like manufacturing and the technology park concept.”

Another concern related to the immigration process that has to be observed in terms of labour.

“Those are issues we have to look at as a Government to ensure that we have a true red carpet treatment for investors and to attract and retain investors into our shores,” Ewing said.

He also reported that the Caribbean Tourism Week affair was also very fruitful.

He said: “We got the opportunity to showcase Turks and Caicos and to speak of our developments in tourism that even though we are still in this depressed economy we are still in the forefront of tourism in a number of ways and still being rated high in a number of areas in getting significant coverage in many wellknown and prominent magazines.”

For those businesses which would have liked to have participated in the event, Ewing assured that there will be more opportunities for them to sponsor themselves to attend such events as part of team TCI. (DI)

NHIB ordinance being reviewed – Possible merger of NHIB and NIB THE NATIONAL Health Insurance Board (NHIB) is to present a detailed set of changes to their underlying legislation and procedures, together with draft text for any necessary legislative changes to be taken forward to the Ministers of Ministers of Health and Finance.

Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing told the media on Thursday (June 13) that the board presented to Cabinet last week, areas where the body could improve its effectiveness and get

value for money.

He said: “What the NHIB is tasked with is to do a review of the ordinance to look at the various deficiencies, to look at the various complaints from the public, at the deficiency of management, gaps and then come together to put forward a paper to be presented to us.

“And they now need to go and do a Cabinet paper and do a draft ordinance that can be then discussed to the wider public and also presented

Parliamentary reports have financial implications, Speaker DEPUTY Speaker of the House of Assembly, Josephine Connolly, on her return from a 10-day training session abroad, recommended that the use of Hansard would be an effective tool for the House.

However, in an interview with the Weekly News, Speaker, Robert Hall, pointed out that while the introduction of Hansard would be a good tool for Parliament, it has financial implications.

He explained that the Hansard’s introduction would

have to be an issue that the current administration takes on board, since the procurement of finances for its introduction would be their responsibility.

“I can’t say that we will see that (the introduction of Hansard) necessarily soon,” Hall said.

Hansard is the official, complete report of proceedings in a parliament or legislature.

It is named after Thomas Hansard, the publisher of the report of debates at the UK Parliament in the early 19th century.

to the House of Assembly for debate and passage.”

Ewing said some of the areas will include eligibility, criteria and rates for different groups.

It will take into consideration certain payment mechanisms and penalties - whether there should be a penalty for delayed payment or not, he added.

Consideration is also being given to the possibility of a merger of the NHIB and NIB payments systems.

Ewing said it is something that is being proposed to see whether or not there can be synergy between NIB and NHIB since both of them are collection agencies.

He said: “You have to pay your employee/employer contribution percentage to NIB, the same employee has to pay a percentage to NHIB and there have to have different forms they have to go and fill out.

“As employee/employer you have to go and fill out two separate forms, one for NIB and one for NHIB, requiring the same kind of information based on salary so we are looking if we can have one unit, one collection department then it may be easier for the employee/employer and it may be easier and cost effective for the two organisations.”

The Premier added that they first have to model it to see whether or not the efficiency or inefficiency of it is justified. (DI)

June 15 - 21, 2013

No TB outbreak at police station FOLLOWING a reported incident of tuberculosis at the Five Cays Police Station, in Providenciales, Minister of Health, Portia Stubbs-Smith has assured that there is no outbreak of the virus on the island.

Speaking to the media on Thursday (June 13) the Minister advised that if there was an outbreak, her ministry would duly notify the public along with anyone who may have been in proximity to anyone who had been tested positive for the contagious lung disease.

She said: “There is no outbreak and it is important for the general public to know that if a case evolves then of course we would advise all persons to ensure that they are tested for the virus, but there is no outbreak to worry about.”

Commissioner of Police, Colin Farquhar said he has advised the senior officers and supervisors

to have all officers tested for the disease.

As of Thursday, June 13, Farquhar said he has not been informed that anyone else has tested positive for TB but that testing is still being done.

He said the Five Cays station where a female member of staff is stationed, has been cleaned and disinfected thoroughly.

The Commissioner also confirmed that the woman did test positive for TB and that she has been receiving treatment for the virus.

Farquhar clarified a previous media report which said stated that the police force refused to close the station on the advice of Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.

The Commissioner told the Weekly News that the report was erroneous and that they were advised that they did not need to shut down the station.

Roderick Adams was recently released from custody after the DPP dropped charges against him

Bail denied for Cortez Simmons MURDER accused Cortez Simmons was remanded to prison following a failed bail application in the Supreme Court in Grand Turk on Friday (June 7).

Director of Public Prosecutions, JoAnn Meloche told Weekly News that the 29-year-old accused will next appear in court on July 5 for his sufficiency hearing.

Simmons now stands the only man accused of the April 13 murder of Kaziah Burke.

His former co-accused, Roderick Adams, 24, was recently released from custody after the DPP dropped charges against him.

Asked if this remains the case with Adams, Meloche said yes, the Nolle Prosequi notice (abandonment of prosecution) remains in place.

Simmons and Adams first appeared in Providenciales Magistrates Court presided over

by Clifton Warner, jointly charged with Burke’s murder.

The slain Long Bay Hills resident was riddled with bullets near the New Era gas station on Airport Road in Providenciales.

Adams is the son of Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Rodney Adams, who is currently on administrative leave pending the outcome of the Integrity Commission into his alleged improper involvement in the case.

The incident arose after the former murder accused transfer to the Grand Turk lockups was delayed.

The commission has launched an inquiry to find out what exactly transpired and who had a hand in the delay, which is reported to have caused some procedural concerns.

As reported by this publication, Police Commissioner Colin Farquhar had stated that investigations indicated that the senior Adams had no hand in the matter, and that the decision to keep the former accused at the Chalk Sound Police Station on Providenciales was based on medical reasons.

Findings from the Integrity Commission into the alleged misconduct are not yet known, if any have been reached as yet.

(DI)

June 15 - 21, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

9

Gun crime down for first quarter - police THE ROYAL TCI Police Force (RTICPF) continues to bear the fruits of its labour in the fight against gun crime as indicated by the first quarter crimes statistics which show a significant drop in gun related criminal activity.

The continued fight against crime, particularly gun crime, led to a recent unpopular decision – in some quarters – by the TCIG of a one-month gun amnesty in the TCI, which began on June 1.

Up to press time on Thursday (June 13) that amnesty had not yielded any weapons, Superintendent of the Firearms Department told Weekly News.

He noted that the force is still hopeful that persons will take advantage of the opportunity and turn in their illegal weapons.

When contacted, police commissioner, Colin Farquhar said he is pleased at the decrease in overall crime but he is still concerned at the isolated incidences of serious crime He said: “Even though the crime statistics went down, we did have some isolated serious crimes and I am concerned about that.”

However, the Commissioner attributes the overall decrease in crime to a lot of good work by police as well as help from the community, which he said, has really worked along with the RTCIPF in their reporting of criminal activities.

Although no weapons have been turned in to police since the amnesty on guns was announced, Farquhar is still hopeful that it will net them something before the month is up, even if it is only one gun.

He noted that usually there are more successes at the end of the month, as seen on other occasions, and that at present they, along with religious leaders, are more concerned with getting the message out to the public and ensuring that persons are aware that there are no consequences

for their surrendering their illegal firearms to the police.

Meanwhile figures coming out of the criminal investigations department of the RTCIPF show a 69 per cent decrease in firearm incidents for the period January to March, when compared to last quarter of 2012 of 36, and a 50 per cent decrease for the same period in 2012.

Overall statistics indicate that a total of 728 crimes were reported throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands within the first quarter, 168 of which were detected.

An additional 26 crimes were detected within the same time frame; however, those incidents were reported prior to 2013.

When compared to the figures for the same period in 2012 (765), there was a recorded 4.2 per cent drop in crime.

However, statistics show a decrease in crime detection in the 2013 review period when compared to same period in 2012 which recorded 241; 48 of which were for crimes reported prior to 2012.

Police say the average crimes per day remained the same in 2013 as it was in 2012, that of eight.

Meanwhile, according to police data, all of the robberies committed in the first quarter were committed on Providenciales, the same as last year.

Of the 17 robberies - two were committed with firearms; six involved knives; while a rope and rocks were used in the commission of the other incidents.

Approximately $2,500 in cash and $1,389 in property were stolen during these robberies as well as a grey Suzuki jeep. The vehicle was later recovered.

In 2012, there was one additional robbery than in 2013 for the quarter.

Also, eight firearms were brandished during the commission of those crimes and significantly more cash

Immigration and Citizenship Ordinance still to be drafted THE IMMIGRATION and Citizenship Ordinance has been put on the back burner as the Attorney General Chambers deals with the necessary finance ordinances which are due very soon.

However, Minister of Labour and Border Control, Ricardo (DonHue) Gardiner has indicated to the media that the drafting of the ordinance will be given first priority by the Chambers as soon as finance ordinances have been prepared.

He said: “We have actually had internal discussions amongst our ministries - ministry staff, the technical personnel in the ministry - we have broadened that to include discussions with Members of Parliament generally, including discussions with persons on both sides and we have then formulated

instructions to the Attorney General’s department which is responsible for drafting the legislation.”

He said the hold back is due to there being only one legislative draft person within the AG department.

He said: “What is envisioned is that, either we are going to have to farm out the drafting of that legislation or it will be prioritised to begin the drafting work once the set of financial legislation has been dealt with.

“So I expect at the very least we could begin the actual drafting sometime toward the beginning of the month of July, with a view to having it brought into the public domain for public consultation sometime toward the end of August and to have it in Parliament by mid or late September of this year.”

Some of the weapons that have been confiscated by the RTCIPF

and property were stolen.

Two hundred and twenty seven burglaries/aggravated burglaries were carried out for the reviewed period, which is a 10 per cent decrease from the same period in 2012 (252), as well as for the last quarter of 2012, which recorded 231, a two per cent drop.

Average number of burglaries per day was three.

Additionally, there were a total of nine possession of illegal

drugs reported within the islands compared to 22 for the October to December 2012 period, while there were 18 reports for that year’s first quarter. This is a decrease of 13 or 59 per cent, and nine or 50 per cent decrease, respectively.

There was also a dip in reports of possession of illegal drugs with intent to supply when compared to figures for the last quarter of 2012, but a 50 per cent increase when compared to the same period last year.

January to March 2013 saw eight incidences being reported, while in the October to December period of last year, there were 11.

Police also advised that for the reporting period, 39 crimes were reported against tourists, which is a significant increase from the 2012 first quarter’s figure of eight.

There was one reported case of a crime being committed by a tourist for both the 2013 and 2012 first quarter. (DI)

Probe into alleged stamp duty fraud still being considered THE CASE against attorneys, Timothy O'Sullivan and Gordon Kerr, is currently with the Director of Public Prosecution, JoAnn Meloche.

According to Supreme Court Justice G.W. Martin, the two were allegedly involved in “a carefully crafted scheme of tax evasion” as it relates to the payment of stamp duty.

Martin ruled in June 2011 that two companies involved in the 2006 sale of Emerald Cay avoided more than $1m in stamp duty that would not have been possible without the assistance of attorneys.

At the close of the case against the Emerald Cay buyers, Justice Martin said: “It is disappointing that any attorney should so far to neglect his professional obligations as to become involved.

“I invite the Attorney General (AG) to investigate and if thought appropriate to consider making a formal complaint to the Bar Council.”

The judge asked the AG to investigate the transaction to see if a formal complaint should be made against lawyers under the Legal Profession Ordinance.

Because stamp duty is a major source of government revenue, Shepheard said he also wanted “to establish whether the practice of deliberate underpayment has prevailed more widely throughout the TCI and if so, whether there is evidence of the commission of criminal offences.”

Shepheard said the investigation

will require more expertise than TCI police possess, hence his decision to refer the matter to the SIPT, which has been investigating allegations of corruption in former governments and other matters since 2009.

Up to the latter part of March, the AG’s chambers was still awaiting the completed report from the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) to advance the promised

probe into the possibility that stamp duty fraud is being aided by local legal practitioners.

However, on Wednesday the DPP told the Weekly News that the matter is under advisement.

O’Sullivan and Kerr are members of the law firms of Miller, Simons and O'Sullivan, and Misick and Stanbrook respectively. (VANESSA NARINE)

MOU to be finalised for development of North Creek marina GOVERNOR Ric Todd is expected to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with developers proposing the development of a marina at North Creek, Grand Turk.

Cabinet, on Wednesday (June 12), agreed that the document will be finalised by the Attorney General’s (AG) Chambers.

Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, shedding light on the project explained that developers, NCPA Ltd., proposed a two-phase development, the first being a marina and the second being a resort.

According to him, the multimillion dollar investment will see

sections of sea bed leased to the developers.

However, he maintained that all Turks and Caicos Islanders will have access to the marina.

“The developers are very serious and this will be something we fast track,” Ewing said.

The Premier added that if all goes as planned, work should commence as soon as year-end.

The progress with the North Creek development follows Cabinet’s approval on March 13 of the project in principal.

The MOU is expected to outline what the Government is looking for from the developers.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 15 - 21, 2013

Regional partnership will help protect financial services

BY VANESSA NARINE A MEMORANDUM of Understanding (MOU) was signed with the Insurance Commission of the Bahamas, last Friday (June 7).

It was an effort to strengthen with the relationship between the local Financial Services Commission (FSC) and foster improved mutual assistance and cooperation in the furtherance of enhanced regulation of the financial services industry.

Superintendent of Insurance, Michele Fields and legal officer, Yolande Rolle, represented the Bahamas for the signing of the agreement, while the local FSC’s legal and enforcement consultant, Marc Rawlins and managing director, Kevin Higgins, represented the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Higgins, in an interview, explained that with the notable collapse of Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO), the focus over the last few years has been on upgrading domestic insurance regulation.

“We do not want something like this to happen again,” he said.

According to him, the MOU will allow the two bodies to share information about mutual clients, for example on institutions based in the Bahamas and operating in the TCI. “There is no way we cannot do this. We have to make moves to raise the standards and regulation of the sector on a professional basis, so there is not a concern about privacy issue,” Higgins said.

The FSC’s managing director

noted that for the local financial services sector to not only advance, but “stay in the game”, high standards and regulations are a must.

Fields reiterated similar sentiments and told the Weekly News that the MOU will assist in the regulation of the industry and, more importantly, also bolster good governance of the sector.

So far the local FSC has been moving forward with agreements with the Financial Services Commission of Barbados and the Financial Services Regulatory Commission of Antigua and Barbuda.

All are expected to be executed in the near future.

With respect to the Financial Services Commission of Barbados and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority the negotiations are complete and it is anticipated that those MOUs will be signed within the very near future.

To date the commission has executed five MOUs: one multi-lateral and four bi-lateral agreements, which encompass 17 regulatory authorities from 16 countries; including Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission, Bermuda Monetary Authority, Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (Canada), Bank of Jamaica, Financial Services Commission Jamaica, Superintendent of Banking of Panama.

Representatives from the TCI and the Bahamas Financial Service Commissions sign the MOU: from left, Marc Rawlins, Kevin Higgins, Michele Fields and Yolande Rolle

The MOUs are established to provide an agreed framework for the commission to fulfil its obligation to cooperate and provide assistance to Foreign Regulatory authorities.

They also allow the commission to obtain relevant regulatory information with respect to its licensees either domiciled in or operating out of a foreign jurisdiction.

The purpose is to allow for a systematic and efficient procedure to fulfil the imposed duties and obligations.

The Financial Services Commission is obligated by the Financial Services Commission Ordinance to ensure the adequate regulation of the Financial Services Industry in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Part of the obligation of the

Clarence Selver takes on PDM chairmanship THE PEOPLE’S Democratic Movement (PDM) held their 28th annual national convention last Saturday (June 8) and former chairman, Lyndon Hall, decided not to continue in the role.

Each year at the convention key positions in the leadership team are voted on.

And given that Hall chose not to continue as chairman, the party’s first vice, Clarence Selver, will be taking on the responsibilities of the chairmanship.

The convention was adjourned to October at which point the chairmanship will be voted on.

Outgoing national chairman, Lynden Hall, said: “Almost shy of a year ago, precisely June 30, 2012, I was elected as your national chairman for the term 2012- 2013.

Respectfully, on June 30, my tenure will come to an end.

“One year ago at our national convention, I remarked on how humbled and greatly honoured I was to be given the opportunity to serve this great party in one of its most challenging positions.

commission is to ensure that financial services licensees operating within or outside of the Islands are properly regulated.

The ordinance provides a duty upon the commission to cooperate

and provide assistance with other relevant foreign regulatory and supervisory authorities.

The commission continues its drive to establish MOUs with foreign counterparts.

Draft 2013/2014 Budget sent to UK for approval THE DRAFT 2013/2014 Budget was sent to UK Ministers on Thursday (June 13) for approval.

Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, said it is hoped that the budget will be presented to the House of Assembly on June 24 Asked about the budget sum for this financial year, two weeks ago, Ewing stated that recurrent revenues and expenditure are over $180m and $170m, respectively.

He also noted that the lion’s share of the budget expenditure goes to the health sector, as it has

for the last few years, particularly so this year given the payments to be made to InterHealth Canada.

To facilitate the delay in the budget preparations, Parliament approved an issue from the Consolidated Fund to cover operational expenses for the first three months, April to June, of the 2013/2014 financial year.

If the 2013/2014 Budget is not passed in July, a further supplementary bill will be tabled in the House to seek additional funds from the Consolidated Fund.

Police nab Cheshire Hall burglar

Clarence Selver

Lyndon Hall

“Today, I am as equally humbled and honoured to have served as your national chairman.

“Our party has been faced with many obstacles during the past year and I am pleased to say, with confidence, our team was up to the challenge.

“At this time, as national chairman I have completed my year of committed and unwavering service and after careful consideration I

conclude that I will not be offering myself for a second term.

“However, I will continue to remain an active of member of this party. I would like to wish our leader and the executive team all the best for the coming year and to no doubt bring the party to the next level of performance through strong leadership.”

The convention was held under the theme ‘Challenge Yourself’.

OFFICERS dispatched last Friday (June 7) in response to a report of a robbery observed a male, dressed in dark clothing, exiting a business place in the industrial park area of Cheshire Hall, who began to run when the officers identified themselves.

The two officers went in pursuit of the suspect and were able to apprehend him before he could escape.

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of burglary.

Missing are a quantity of rum and a sum of cash and investigations are on-going.

Leeward Highway home broken into THE ROYAL Turks and Caicos Islands Police are investigating a residential burglary, which occurred at a home on Leeward Highway.

The incident was reported last Friday (June 7) and police have determined that the incident occurred between the afternoon

hours of June 6 and early morning hours of June 7.

Missing is a Sony Vaio computer.

The Criminal Investigation Department is carrying out further investigations into this incident.

June 15 - 21, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 15 - 21, 2013

TCI prepared for Hurricane season – Lightbourne ALL assurances have been given by the Government that they will be prepared in the event a disaster should strike the Turks and Caicos Islands during hurricane season.

Minister of Government Support Services, George Lightbourne, told the media on Thursday (June 13) that his ministry is in the process of

identifying shelters.

He said his office will be meeting with the Department of the Disaster Management and Emergency (DDME) to address some issues.

He said: “We are going to be strategizing and trying to iron out so that we can be ready in the event of a disaster.

“We are on top of it, we are looking at it, and we are going to be prepared.”

Lightbourne added that drainage issues have been addressed on both Providenciales and Grand Turk.

The Minster said: “The drains and also the wells were cleaned properly and they are now functioning properly.

“The drainage pump is also

functioning properly, so there shouldn’t be a problem.

“Also the machine is still in Grand Turk, they have completed cleaning work on the wells and the drains.”

Last month, the DDME launched its pilot programme in an effort to get the community involved in ensuring that their environment is clean and free of debris and that they are prepared in the event of a disaster the likes of Hurricane Ike. At the last meeting of Cabinet, Director of Disaster Management, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux presented on the territory’s disaster preparedness.

She explained the preparations that had been put in place and those that were still underway.

It was underscored during the meeting that as much as possible will be done within the constraints of public finances.

However, it was noted that there can never be total assurance, but where priority improvements still need to be made resources will be found, a post Cabinet release from the Governor’s office advised.

Dr. Clerveaux also presented on what funds are available from international bodies and how the TCI could do more to secure them.

Assurances were received from the Ministers present that their

Minister of Government Support Services, George Lightbourne

ministries will be well prepared.

They also undertook to encourage public institutions to ensure they have plans in place to address emergencies and for citizens, communities, churches and the private sector to understand what is expected of them.

The season has already seen its first named storm ‘tropical storm Andrea’ and reports from the Bahamas Department of Meteorology forecast office recorded scattered rain showers over the island and Cuba.

Andrea formed in the east central Gulf of Mexico and over the past week reports coming out of the US have indicated that the storm has been pounding parts of Florida, dumping rain, heavy winds, and tornadoes in the state.

Noted meteorologists have been reported as saying that Andrea's formation date of June 5 is over a month earlier than the average July 9 date for formation of the season's first named storm. (DI)

June 15 - 21, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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June 15 - 21, 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.

Labour policy causing unemployment Dear Editor, The call of the day in the Turks and Caicos Islands is unemployment, job fairs, employment registrations, resorts picketing, TV interviews, and spin-controlling by the Minister of Labour and the Premier.

All to no avail; the unemployment and underemployment is still rampant.

As a matter of fact the Government has just completed development agreements that have resulted in additional importation of semiskilled and skilled workers, despite, rumours that there are qualified unemployed TCIs. At the close of the fiscal year 2012-13, the Government announced that the operating results were a whopping $40,000,000 surplus; surpassing the budgeted amount of $19,900,000 by $21,100,000.

These results though sounding positive are very disappointing in that it shows a very clear disregard for service delivery to the people of the TCI. It is impossible to deliver all planned services and still realised such surplus.

Either the deliveries were not delivered, or the budget department purposely inflated the numbers to mislead the public of its performance.

The Minister of Border Control said

that he was satisfied with the efforts that the employers industry have done to address the unemployment of 800 persons. I am now very concerned!

Looking at the above data, in concert to coordination with the Government, some proper programming could have had aided in abating some of the country woes – unemployment!

Only $16,000,000 of the $40,000,000 surplus could easily have hired maximum 1,282 at $6 per hour near minimum wagers, or minimum 641 at $12 per hour better wagers.

Then again, we may be underestimating the Labour Department, and offer some help, and show them that sharing the pie could employ not only 800 but 992 persons, and could have been a very big feather in the Government’s hat of performance for the first 120 days in office!.

There is a strong connection between the loss of one job and the effect on the entire community, and on the community of faith.

This is the ripple effect of unemployment.

Here is how unemployment starts with one person and goes on to affect the entire community.

Every unemployed worker will impact the economy by buying less of almost everything that is outside of their need for basic food stuff and

other essential living expenses.

T h a t means that, as unemployment rises, businesses will continue to lose business.

That then results in more workers being laid off and again less tax collection for NIB, NHIP and less water and electricity sales.

And, so the cycle of more jobs being lost continues.

To get the desired results, the decision of a manager dictates that if a refusal of a work permit is decided, then that refusal must stand until proof is secured and determined that efforts had been made to recruit a TCI. It is said that there are too many aiders and not any knowhow professionals in the Labour Department who can or are willing to do requisite analysis.

And if they are doing so, right now the problem of unemployment is escalating.

Then it is fair and safe to say, it is either the person or the policy that is failing the country.

Whichever one it is, it must be immediately changed.

It is essential that Labour and Immigration must follow their own

COMMENTARY

Taxes and axes WE have massive left over debts. After civil recovery efforts have paid down some of the massive loan there is over $100m plus interest still to be paid. Most of the 120 million hospital loan has to be paid off in the next 20 plus years and with the reported rate of interest will cost us nearly $500m when we are done.

We and our children are obligated to pay another $600m in the next 20 years to the profit making health care contractor.

Added together a nation of 12,000 Belongers owes well over $1B. The same party that put these

By David Tapfer debts and obligations in place is now axing the economy with taxes.

One per cent increases in the hospitality tax along with airfare increases and a sputtering economic

SPACE IS LIMITED!

recovery in the USA may see tourism and tourist income go down. We rarely see cruise ships on the way to Grand Turks as they pass Middle Caicos. The Premier wants to make sure the owner of a condo no longer has freedom of ownership so PNP can collect taxes from them. This will kill the price of condos and start a sellout.

If you rent a boat, Hobie Cat or Wave Runner to kayak, pay Premier Ewing and Minister Washy that nice new water sports tax; more discouragement for our main industry.

Airport shutdowns and bullets injured our industry now their taxes will ax what is left.

Every loaf of bread and piece of

ordinances and laws as laid down.

The laws are there, what will it take for the laws to be followed?

Absent rotating staff from Grand Turk or other islands; there must be individual self-pride and directives from the leadership of the Ministry of Border Control.

It is said some TCIs lack initiative, part true.

TCIs are not all punctual, part true.

TCIs are not all educated, part true.

TCIs are not all experienced, part true.

Some TCIs are lazy, as all other nations, part true.

Some TCIs are not in accord with some TCIs, maybe true.

Some TCIs do not trust each or all other TCIs, very true.

Most TCIs blame other TCIs for their shortfalls, at times true.

Most TCIs will not accept any criticism as being constructive, very true.

Any finally, most TCIs individually and collectively, will dismiss these statements as being divisive and untrue, most likely but very true.

TCIs must and will dispel all of these mislabels and instil self-pride to do better!

Where do we start and who will be the first?

Regards, Edward E. Smith, Providenciales

baloney must be taxed a six per cent service fee and now a 15 per cent tax on its freight.

The widow woman must now pay for the high salaries and perks of this government in higher food prices.

Widows must also pay Fortis for that fancy office building.

Possibly the simple indicators are the best measuring stick for what has happened. The license for your jeep used to cost $35 and now the PNP has it up to $175.

Let us see how we benefitted from the taxes.

One hundred children cannot find room in kindergarten next year.

Possibly 200 more children will not find space in high school.

We have two stadiums and an unpaid political headquarters. Why not put some temporary movable partitions in the downtown stadium and use it as a school. Bring some of those retired TCI teachers out of retirement and put them

Psychiatric ward needed Dear Editor, On enquiring about a number of persons I had not seen in years I discovered that they were in fact admitted to mental health hospitals overseas.

One would note also that there are a number of mentally ill persons residing here in the Turks and Caicos who are walking the streets because there is no proper facility to house and care for these persons.

I am concerned about the persons who have been sent abroad because they are so far away from their relatives and community that we are not knowledgeable about their wellbeing.

As you can imagine this is quite stressful and burdensome on loved ones when they truthfully don’t know what is happening to their ill family members in foreign countries.

I am of the opinion that some sort of ward needs to be established so that we can take in our mentally ill persons off the streets and have our people return to the Turks and Caicos who are abroad so that they can be cared for at home.

Sincerely, Euwonka Selver, Providenciales

to work. Instead we are considering changing the entire educational curriculum just to make press for the Education Minister who won her seat by 30 votes.

Why doesn’t the Attorney General and the Civil Recovery Team recover the PNP headquarters never paid for and turn it into a school?

Sell Lillian's CARIFTA Stadium to British Collegiate on a mortgage over the next 20 years and get rid of that liability. Lillian had fun for a week and it cost TCI $15m. That would have built a school.

Now we are considering taxing the public more and buying a school belonging to the man who anointed Mike, the Former Premier, who has run away from justice. The man with the school could not pay his National Insurance Bills so let us just take the school away from him and call it even.

Otherwise ax that idea.

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

June 15 - 21, 2013

More support for local health efforts, Stubbs-Smith MINISTER with responsibility for Health and Human Services, Portia Stubbs-Smith, attended the third Pan-American Conference in Aruba last week.

She maintained that takeaway from the conference was greater support for local efforts to improve the quality of health of the people living in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The conference focused on obesity, with special attention on childhood obesity - (PACO III).

It is expected to provide ministers and delegates with an increased awareness of the importance of preventing childhood obesity as well as a compilation of technical documents on practical activities to promote physical activity and healthy food.

It was also expected to cover the development of partnerships to conduct activities with communities and families; procedures to conduct physical activity and for food culture at the population level; identification of

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

indicators to evaluate the training/ intervention; and development of healthy environments in the community, schools, and workplaces.

One of the objectives of this meeting was to increase well qualified human resources and health educators to prevent childhood obesity in countries participating in this project.

The Minister told the Weekly News that that a survey on obesity was done two years ago, with school children as the focus group.

She explained that the skills from the conference will support the involvement of parents in the better health effort, as well as ensure that nutrition programmes are expanded via greater public awareness efforts.

PACO III is supported by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and aims to identify regional actions to prevent childhood obesity and promote regional cooperation on the prevention of childhood obesity in interested countries.

Governor to sign support for tertiary education CABINET, on Wednesday (June 12), agreed that the order bringing into effect the Universities, Colleges and Technical Institutes Ordinance from July 1 should be signed by Governor Ric Todd.

At a post-Cabinet press conference on Thursday (June 13), Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, explained that the ordinance was reviewed and passed in the House of Assembly some time ago, but was never brought in to effect.

He made it clear that the ordinance was not pushed through to facilitate the establishment of a local medical university, but acknowledged that it would assist in the process.

Once signed by the Governor, the ordinance will be gazetted.

Todd was also expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with developers, two weeks ago, which would allow the establishment of a medical university in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The MOU sets out the terms and conditions under which the institution is to be set up.

In April, Avant Garde Partners Limited was given conditional approval by the Planning Board to set up the university.

First introduced last year as the Global University Schools of

Medicine and Public Health (GUMED), the establishment’s starting investment is approximately $8.4m.

GU-MED has already received interim accreditation from the Caribbean Authority for Accreditation in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP).

CAAM-HP is the accrediting authority for the CARICOM countries, to complete the construction and development of its first university facility on Providenciales.

Reports are it has to receive further accreditation from higher education bodies, including from the United States of America, from where students are also expected to be attracted.

The university was the brainchild of Dr. Raul R. Cuadrado, chairman, founder, rector, dean emeritus and distinguished Professor of Public Health, in an effort to meet the urgent need for primary care practitioners and experts in public health.

The university’s facilities are expected to include housing space for administrative offices, classrooms, seminar rooms and library, will also house an integrated basic sciences laboratory, a communication and clinical skills lab, and a Centre of Excellence and

Research (COE&R). All classrooms and seminar rooms will be equipped for videoconferencing and electronic systems which will allow for realtime demonstrations and interactive teaching and learning.

It will offer a four year allopathic medical course leading to the award of a Degree in Medicine (MD); an innovative Advanced Standing Program for issuance of MD; degrees for qualified Physician Assistants (PAs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), as well as qualified International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from approved World Health Organisation (WHO) schools; and masters and doctorates degrees in Public Health.

Clinical rotations are also expected to be conducted in accredited hospitals in the United States of America, the Caribbean and the United Kingdom.

The school, with an accommodation capacity of 100 annually, is also expected to keep its rates competitive, set within the region of approximately $28,500 annually, compared to rates in the United States, which range closer to $40,000.

The university was initially scheduled to be opened in autumn this year. (VANESSA NARINE)

Financial services employee earns top diploma THE FINANCIAL Services Commission (FSC) has commended employee, Violet Gardiner, for successfully completing the STEP Certificate in International Trust Management with distinction.

The renowned STEP Certificate and Diploma in International Trust Management programme is the benchmark trust and estate qualification leading to full membership of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

The programme provides a recognised professional qualification for those already working within the trusts and estates field, or those wishing to move to a position within the field.

A native to Bottle Creek, North Caicos, Gardiner obtained an Associate’s Degree in Business Studies from TCI Community College in 2004.

She continued on her studies at the University of Tampa where graduated with a BSc Finance in 2008.

She joined the FSC in 2011 and currently holds the post of bank and trust officer.

FSC managing director, Kevin Higgins, congratulated Gardiner and said: “While expressing FSC great pride for the achievement of one of our young staff, the commission is also pleased that this success is another value addition to

Violet Gardiner

the labour market of the financial services industry, in general and the international trust management, in particular.

“The commission continues to support the education and training of TCI young professionals in the financial services industry.

“It is undoubtedly, a significant way of improving performance and meeting any developments on the world markets.”

Having successfully completed this first part of her studies in international trust management, Gardiner will now move on to study and prepare for the STEP Diploma.

Breaking ground at the construction site of the Ona Glinton Primary school

Rebuilding works at Ona Glinton Primary School commence EDUCATION officials and Governor Ric Todd were on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony at Ona Glinton Primary School in Grand Turk, last Thursday (June 6).

In the 2012/2013 Budget, under the heading Uncommitted Prioritised Projects, $900,000 was budgeted in 2012/2013 for Ona Glinton Primary School and $100,000 for the same in

2013/2014.

Under Akierra Misick’s portfolio as Education Minister rebuilding the Ona Glinton Primary School one was the projects promised to be addressed.

16 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

this week

Friday, June 14 to Tuesday, June 18 Friday, June 14

Bay Bistro.

 Danny Buoy’s is Provo’s premier live music and sports destination, serving lunch and dinner daily from 11:30am. It is the perfect place to escape from the heat and hang with friends, all in smoke free airconditioned comfort. Happy Hour specials from 4-7pm MondaySaturday  Get into the weekend mood with the intense and electrifying Tae-Bo class at Graceway Sports Centre from 6pm to 7pm. Free for fitness members, $12 for non-members.

Visit www.gracewaysports.com for more information or call 4426349.

Craig Archibold gets the party started at the Regent Palms from 7pm on Friday nights with the sound of classic Caribbean and Motown tunes. Call 946-8666 for details

Saturday, June 15  23rd ANNUAL Fool's REGATTA Join the fun on the beach for food, fun, sailing and sunshine (hopefully!).

Starts at 10:00am and proceeds to aid PSC Kids Sailing Programme.

Activities include the Big Boat Race, Team Tug-o-War, The Great Raft Race and Hobie Wave Racing.  Belated World Oceans Day Cleanup Please join the Belated World Oceans Day Cleanup on Grand Turk. We will be meeting at 4:00pm at Jack's Shack (South Base) to work together to clean up around Governor's Beach and the south base area where people load boats. Depending on how many volunteers show up, we may be able to clean up along the road to the airport as well. We look forward to seeing as many residents as possible to join us for this good cause. If anyone would like additional information, please contact Blue Water Divers at 9462432 or email Mitch Rolling atinfo@ grandturkscuba.com.  Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre Pig Roast Come out to support the Island's Best Resource for our Youth at the

A full pig roast BBQ with appetizers and dessert! Featuring performances, music, bonfire, raffles and much much more!! ($40 per adult $20 per child, there will be a cash bar)  If you are looking for a serene and relaxed way of starting your weekend, bring your yoga mat at Graceway Sports Centre every Saturday at 9am and let David Bowen lead you into the wonderful world of yoga! Amazing fees for an amazing class! More info at 442-6348.  Mums and Tots Dance Party classes are held every Saturday at Graceway Sports Centre for mothers and their little ones.

Mothers, bring your little ones to dance, jump, twist and shake!

Children have fun learning movement basics to fun music and mums get a light exercise while spending quality time. Mums and Tots classes begin at 10am and cost just $10. Dads are welcome!

Call Shara Bowen on 244-1103 for more details.

Sunday, June 16 Happy Father’s Day

Tuesday, June 18  Every Tuesday - sweet fingers at Horse Eye Jacks' Fish House & Real Beach Bar Fun starts from 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Come out for the best in classic rock, blues and R&B music on the island.

 POINT GRACE presents Native Cuisine Night with music by local artist Correy Forbes. Satisfy that longing for native food in an elegant setting, accompanied by live local music.

Got an event you wish to advertise?

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

June 15 - 21, 2013

Governor visits Salt Cay GOVERNOR Ric Todd made possibly his last visit to Salt Cay on Friday (June 14), before he leaves the Turks and Caicos Islands in a few months for a new diplomatic position.

He was accompanied by the District Commissioner for South Caicos and Salt Cay Yvette Cox and were met on arrival by local officials Noyal Hamilton and Aquina Martin.

The Governor has been committed to visiting each of the TCI’s six inhabited family islands once every three months during his time in the Islands.

He has also visited uninhabited East Caicos too.

On the visit, Todd presented cheque for $2,500 to the Salt Cay Community Centre to help them to buy new tables and chairs for its meetings and gatherings, to fix its guttering, pipes and cistern, and

to the repaint the outside of the building.

He also inspected the Reverse Osmosis plant on the island to see for himself the improvements in water quality made since the new cistern membranes were installed, and the plant and equipment sent over from Grand Turk ahead of Salt Cay receiving its own new plant this financial year.

The Governor visited the staff and students of the Mary Robinson Primary School, where the students have prepared a special farewell presentation for the Governor, before heading on to see the Salt Cay clinic.

Commenting on the visit, Todd said: “I have always tried to demonstrate my support for some of TCI’s smaller and slightly more remote communities during my time here.

“I am pleased that others too have

taken p this good habit of going out and meeting the people that they represent and am delighted that Deputy Governor, Anya Williams is also soon to embark of an Island tour with her six Permanent Secretaries to better engage with the public servants that are employed in our less densely populated islands.

“Salt Cay is a very special place, unique in the world, and I very much cherish the time that I have been privileged enough to spend there.”

In addition to the Salt Cay Community Centre, other beneficiaries of the Governor’s community fund are: the South Caicos’ Street Sign Project in the sum of $2,500; and North Caicos / Middle Caicos’ Charles Hubert James Primary School, Adelaide Oemler Primary School and the Doris Robinson Primary School, which received $1,667.

Insights for your Innerspring

Systems Part 2

THIS week we continue to look at how a series of actions yield intentional results every time.

The Quality Sciences, in large part; are aimed at educating persons about systems that produce identified outcomes.

Just like accurately following a recipe for pound cake gives you the same result over and over again, so following a designed system of actions would always give you the desired outcome, or at least get you very close to it.

Recognizing that opening the oven door may cause some variation in how your pound cake turns out, so the fickle nature of humans can cause slight variations in the application of the ‘system of action’ being applied to a given situation but it almost always gets you on the target or very close to it.

So let’s look at a ‘system of actions’ that can assist you in achieving intentional success in your organization’s life: 1. Identify output – this means that you need to identify the arena in which you want to operate; whether retail, wholesale, professional service provider, professional facilitator or nation builder. If you are already in one of these arenas then you can adopt the steps that follow to make your position clearer to the population you serve thereby enhancing your impact on them.

2. Identify customers – there are specific customers for each of the areas I listed before and some of the

customers may very well use one or more of the services listed above or over the course of their lifetimes.

3. Identify customer needs – it is critical to any business venture to identify the segments of the population that fall in the arena in which it wishes to operate.

Conducting a ‘market test’ is crucial to gauge the level of product/service acceptance or rejection.

4. Generate potential solutions - once your market segment is scrutinized you can then present solutions for each of those needs you would have identified. This will enable you to offer tailor-made solutions for the identified needs and enhance the level of the product or service delivered. The byproduct of this action is customer loyalty. Don’t just sell goods to a customer, let your customers know that you genuinely care; and you will become a friend that happens to provide ‘this or that’ product or service. Overwhelmingly, customers will buy from people they trust.

5. Plan implementation – there must be a method to how you present your solutions to your marketplace.

You must select the most suitable delivery method and plan its introduction carefully by laying out progressive steps that would take you to your desired conclusion.

6. Implementing the solutions – putting solutions to work is very exciting. Once you have done your home-work well you can expect a great acceptance of the solutions from your core market.

The level to which you implement the

By Whitney Bain solution can leave such an impact that it causes portions of your market to become evangelists for your products and services. These raving fans will spread the word about what you are doing and your product or service will then become infectious.

7. Selecting measurements – many cash registers and accounting systems have the capacity to perform some level of measurement.

Measurements tell you how well you are doing when compared to what you planned. Measurements show what is doing well and what needs to be improved. The action of data mining will allow future decisions to have a stronger likelihood of success because key pieces of information tell how a customer will respond to a new product or service in the future.

8. Evaluating the results – as I indicated at the beginning, following a recipe will almost always bring you to your desired outcome however, there are variables that can affect that end result and so it is vital to know what you wanted the outcome to be, see what it actually turns out to be and then make adjustments to your implementation strategy as you recycle the products or services into the ‘system of actions’ once again.

I encourage you to be open to change and desirous of working to make your operation better today than it was yesterday through an intentional plan for success aided by a ‘system of actions’.

June 15 - 21, 2013

NEWS 17

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Volunteers get down to work

Teamwork paid off

Youngsters help environment as part of youth achievement programme THE DUKE of Edinburgh Award (DOFE) is a three level achievement-based programme designed for young people between the ages of 14-24 years.

Four local candidates are currently working on their silver level - Jessica Lange, Guillaume Lange, Tayla Greene, Davidson Louis Edens.

As part of their preparation, the candidates have had to raise funds to make it possible

to advance.

Last week they approached Big Blue Unlimited in Leeward for sponsorship and in exchange offered to participate in an impromptu coastal clean-up of the Princess Alexandra Nature Reserve.

After school on last Friday (June 7), 12 students registered in the bronze level of the award along with two staff, Stuart Hanes and Maureen Jones, all from the British West Indies Collegiate,

supported Laura Brander and the silver candidates in the three-hour concentrated effort working alongside the enthusiastic staff of Big Blue.

The group managed to pull out a considerable amount of plastic, old netting, wooden crates, pallets and other debris that was either on the beaches, nestled inside the mangrove roots or resting on the sea floor.

In addition, the old debris from the Little Water Cay boardwalk

that had been tossed throughout the coastal zone by the past two hurricanes hitting the TCI, was stacked for salvage.

Mark Parrish of Big Blue Unlimited said: “I am seriously impressed with the turn-out and teamwork displayed by the silver award candidates and the support they received from the slightly junior, but equally hardworking, bronze candidates.

“Big Blue is delighted to be able to support the DOFE awards and clean-up the

neighbourhood at the same time. This is what community spirit is all about.”

While working on community service efforts, learning new skills, and increasing their physical fitness, the participants of the programme are also preparing for this level’s expedition - a 48km, three-day hiking and camping expedition using compass and chart orienteering.

They have decided to increase their adventure by

completing this daunting task in the mountains of western Canada.

This expedition is to prepare them for their qualifying journey in Barbados, a regional effort including youth from all over the Caribbean.

In the Turks and Caicos Islands, the DOFE is organised through Director of the Youth Department, Angela Musgrove, while Laura Brander leads the expedition component of the award.

Lifestyle...

18

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 15 - 21, 2013

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

Adults and dental anxiety FOLLOWING on from my last article on children and dental anxiety I wanted to use this piece to discuss the not uncommon problem of adults who are also nervous when visiting the dentist.

When dealing with children the focus is to avoid and manage situations in the dental chair so that they don’t become anxious adults.

It is easy to see therefore that an anxious adult may have a memory

of a bad experience going back to childhood.

Unfortunately fear sometimes prevents people from having routine examination and cleaning appointments which then can mean that they only present at the dental office when they are in serious pain or have a major problem.

This pain and stress then goes on to feed the fear and strengthen the negative associations.

Not everyone is afraid of the same thing in a dental office. The commonest are-

Pain Needles/ injections Choking/ gagging Lack of control Unfamiliar equipment Noise and smells

The first stage for me with an anxious patient is to have a conversation about exactly what is the cause of the anxiety, what specifically they are afraid of and then develop a plan to manage that particular point of the treatment.

This first ‘introductory’ conversation can be away from the main dental chair and may or may not evolve into an actual inspection of the teeth. Some of the strategies we use are having a friend with you in the surgery, agreeing a sign (eg. raising a hand) to signify that you wish to stop for a moment, agreeing a short break during treatment, choosing a time of day that feels the most comfortable. It may require no more than reassuring a patient that the

anesthetic is effective and they will not feel any pain. I find that some patients are reassured by seeing everything- all the instruments and equipment and having a complete and detailed explanation; some do not want to know or see anything at all!

Once we have decided together the approach to take we can then also consider if anxiety relieving medication is required. An example of this would be diazepam which is taken around 30 mins before the appointment and at a suitable level will induce a relaxed state whilst allowing the patient to stay

fully conscious and alert enough to respond to verbal instructions. It is very important that the treating dentist is responsible for prescribing and controlling the drug and dosage used. I have had several experiences where a patient has taken ‘a couple of tablets’ that they left over or given by a friend. This is not a sensible approach and at worst could jeopardize the safety of the patient.

In summary, a good dentist will understand that dental anxiety is very real but will be able to work with the patient to manage it and so ensure any required treatment is able to be performed.

health Tip 

Strawberry Salad with Grilled Shrimp Ingredients: Salad: • 2 cups baby spinach, rinsed and dried • 2 cups arugula, rinsed and dried • 2 cups strawberries (about 1 pt), hulled and sliced • 2 oz crumbled goat cheese • 3 tbsp pecans, toasted and chopped • 2 small green onions, sliced • 1 lb shrimp, cleaned and deveined Dressing: • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar • 1 tbsp honey mustard • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 tbsp fresh chopped basil • Pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper Directions: 1. Combine all salad ingredients (except shrimp) in a large bowl. Toss gently.

2. Make the dressing: Whisk the vinegar and mustard together in a small bowl; slowly whisk in olive oil. Add basil and season with salt and pepper.

3. Grill the shrimp: Heat and oil an outdoor or stove-top grill. When hot, add shrimp and grill 3 to 4 minutes on each side until slightly charred and cooked through. Remove from heat.

4. Divide salad among four plates. Arrange grilled shrimp on top.

5. Drizzle dressing over each and serve.

What’s new about strawberries?

YOU probably know these berries pack a vitamin C wallop, but there's a wealth of other good stuff inside.

For the weight conscious, strawberries are low in calories and fats, but rich source of health promoting phyto-nutrients, minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health.

For example, if you’re concerned about bone health, strawberries are an excellent source of the trace mineral manganese, which is essential for maintaining healthy bone structure, absorbing calcium, creating enzymes that build bone and a host of other benefits, including proper functioning of your sex hormones.

There is also evidence that strawberries also just might be able to aid in the cancer fight.

Two years ago, data revealed by researchers at Ohio State University’s Comprehensive Cancer Center concluded that seven common berries, including strawberries, prevented certain cancers from developing in rodents. The findings

of the Ohio State study suggest that it’s not necessary to spend a lot of money on exotic berries (acai, blackberries, wolfberries, goji, etc.) to derive the same cancer-fighting benefits.

Also, these antioxidant-rich berries have been shown to reduce

the risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Every day, research confirms that strawberries are an important part of a healthy diet. Eating just one serving of strawberries, or about eight of these sweet fruits per day, may help improve your wellbeing.

June 15 - 21, 2013

Lifestyle...

GARDENING 

19

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

How does your garden grow

YOUR DIET

ASK TAMIKA

BY TAMIKA HANDFIELD

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

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

Hurricane Season 2013 Navigating Summer

HURRICANE season runs from June 1 and officially ends November 30.

And you need to make sure you are prepared in case a hurricane is headed into the Islands.

The 2013 hurricane season, which begins June 1, could be extremely active, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center issued a pre-season Atlantic hurricane forecast Thursday that calls for 13 to 20 named storms, including seven to 11 hurricanes. Of those, three to six could be major hurricanes, Category Three and above, with winds above 111mph.

Those ranges are well above the seasonal averages of 12 named storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes. The forecasts do not include predictions about storm surges. NOAA recommends that those in hurricane-prone regions begin preparations for the upcoming season now.

In addition to preparing yourself and family for a hurricane, you will need to take some steps to prepare your house and yard for a hurricane. You should cover all of your windows with plywood rather than tape. The tape will not keep the glass from breaking and it is not the best choice for use in a hurricane.

Plywood is a much better choice.

During the year, you should make sure to keep an eye on your trees by removing any damaged or dead limbs. By doing this the dead or damaged limbs will not fly around during the storm. Bring indoors any lawn chairs, tables and umbrellas.

Do not forget the kid's outdoor toys, lawn decorations, and the trash cans.

All of these can be picked up by the

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

wind and be blown around.

Many pool owners believe that draining their swimming pools or spas before a storm hits will keep it from overflowing and flooding their property. Wrong. Properly built or installed pools should be equipped with overflows that will drain excess water. If you want to slightly empty the water level, lower it no more than one to two feet. Otherwise, the hydrostatic pressure can be too strong, possibly causing the pool to "float" or "pop" out of the ground, according to the the Official Broward County Hurricane Preparedness Guide. The water in your pool serves as a kind of shield, protecting your pool's finish from the effects of flying debris. Turn off the circuit breaker to the pool equipment (pump, motor,

lighting, chlorinators, etc.). Remove the motor and relocate it to a highand-dry place inside, away from water and flooding. Another solution for saving the pump's motor: tightly wrap it with plastic and strapping tape or rope.

Make sure that you also fill your gas tank with gas and that you have taken some cash out of the bank before the storm hits. Once the storm is over the banks and gas stations might not have power for a week or so and if you are able to leave your house you will need to make sure you have enough gas and money to go to another location. Once the hurricane is over you should listen to the local radio stations for information.

Preparation and planning is the key to any storm.

BELIEVE it or not we are already half way through another year!

Many of us are gearing up for summer vacations because school will be out soon. So much to do and so much more to plan, but in all of the summer vacation fun, it is important to continue to practice good nutritional habits because our health never goes on vacation.

Here are some tips to help you.

1. Keep moving—summer is usually a time when we allow our routines/habits to become a bit relaxed because the kids are out of school or we may be on vacation. People sometimes say, “I’m going on vacation…” giving the impression that anything goes now.

However, it is important that we maintain some structure during the break especially in the area of exercise. If you usually exercise in the morning, continue doing that because it will be very difficult to restart once summer is over. Maintain motivation by remembering how hard you have to work out in the gym to lose the calories of something you may have eaten that was not the best choice. It is very easy to sit, eat and gain weight but it extremely hard having to work those calories off. Many hotels have gym facilities on site that are free to guests; book your stay in one of those resorts and keep moving.

2. Control screen time. Childhood obesity has tripled in the last two decades!! Many research shows that it is because of the increase amount of hours children spend in front of a screen—television, computers, video games, phones and the list goes on. During the summer months, children have much free time—time that should be occupied and wisely used. As working parents, you obviously can’t be with them all day to ensure they are not sitting and watching television all day, but you can find various activities, such as camps, to get them involved in. It is recommended that children get at least sixty minutes of physical activity every day to prevent becoming overweight and even more if they are already overweight. So turn off the screen and get out and play.

3. Keep good food on hand. When you have healthy food stocked in the refrigerator and cupboards, the chances of you and your children eating healthfully are increased. You may be saying that the children will be at home and need snacks. Just as a reminder, children do not need junk food as snacks; we assume they do and they have been taught to eat these foods. So, this summer try new foods.

Nutrition in Demand is planning a nutrition and physical activity camp for children ages 10-15 so if you feel this is something you want to get your child(ren) involved in, please do contact me for more information.

ACCU Medical Nutrition is based at Provo Plaza (old Pizza Pizza Building) No. 5, Providenciales.

Call 946 8308, 242 3978 or 442 3978.

20 NEWS

June 15 - 21, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Two survive Midnight Madness Run

EIGHT daring Provo residents took on an astonishing challenge just after midnight on Saturday (June 8) - to run, walk or cycle from Lorimers on Middle Caicos all the way to the ferry dock at Sandy Point, North Caicos.

Only two on feet, along with a duo on bikes completed the extensive 33.32 miles, seven miles more than a marathon, in the ‘Middle Caicos Midnight Madness Run’ ultramarathon.

The four others walked part of the distance, each pushing as far as they could go.

The idea for this first event of its kind emerged when Lynn Robinson, who has previously participated in seven marathons, including the Boston Marathon in May, wanted to challenge herself to more.

Robinson invited friends and other individuals to join in the exciting experience; by going the full distance or just to keep her company on smaller stretches along the way.

She ended up with a group of seven - Elizabeth Baldwin, who completed the course with her; Kevin Bethel, Ian Arthur, Shaudly Gardiner and Jennifer Cox who walked part of the way; and Beate Gray and her daughter Katharina Schumacher who rode the entire course.

Robinson, who completed the distance in 6hrs 43mins said:

“Myself and Lizzie were the only ones to complete the full course by foot; I guess we are the only ones ever to run from Lorimers to Sandy Point!”

She said she doesn’t doubt that “many locals walked it in the past although that would have been long before the causeway was built”.

“It was an amazing experience with a beautiful star filled sky, shooting stars and just our headlamps lighting the road,” she described.

Pleased to have conquered the grand distance, she acknowledged that the distance was long but said she was determined to keep going until she got to the end.

Robinson said that they were worried about leg cramps but the two worked out a routine where they ran for five miles then walked a bit.

A big challenge she said, were the mosquitoes, “which were ruthless, especially while walking” and another concern for the group were the land crabs, “but luckily only a very small amount were seen,” she recounted.

Robinson, who expressed her elation about other group members’ achievements, said: “Lizzie completed the distance about 30 minutes later than me and a fantastic effort was made by the other walkers… and Beate and Katharina completed the course by bike in

Six set out on foot for the ultra-marathon challenge from Lorimers to Sandy Point

about two hours.”

The Big Blue dive instructor was also thankful to her collogue Dario who drove the support vehicle between groups to check on their progress and to carry food and water, some of which was donated

by IGA. The road between Middle and North Caicos was chosen for this event because of its good condition and the scarcity of vehicles travelling.

She said she was also pleased with her choice of midnight to begin as it was the best way to avoid the heat of the sun and it also added an extra twist.

The success and excitement of the event has prompted her to plan another one for next year.

She plans to hold the next ultramarathon at the end of April to hopefully avoid the mosquitos

Lynn Robinson and Elizabeth Baldwin runs 33.32 miles from Middle to North Caicos

and would like to attract more participants, especially locals but also international competitors too.

“As far as we know this is the

first Ultra Marathon to be held in the Caribbean region and we hope we can put the Turks and Caicos Islands on the running map.” (KH)

Preparations for 2013 Race for Conch continue THE FOURTH annual Turks and Caicos Islands ‘Race for the Conch’ eco-sea swim is set for Saturday morning, July 6, with swimmers coming from as far away as Perth, Australia.

According to organisers, preparations are almost complete the charity event in Grace Bay, which starts and finishes in front of Ricky's Flamingo Café.

Race co-director, Ben Stubenberg, said: “We’re looking forward to another great race with lots of excellent competition from TCI and abroad.

“But the race is just as much about young and old challenging themselves to do their personal best.

“All made possible by strong support from TCI Government, local sponsors, and many volunteers.”

The race features a 2.4 mile race and one-mile race that can be done back-to-back. There is also a 100 metre children’s swim for youngsters

12 and under.

Top local swimmer Dan Redmond will be back to defend his win in the one-mile race last year and event organisers are hopeful world distance star Marcos Diaz will also be back.

Co-race director, Chloe Zimmermann, said: “We are extremely pleased to be getting more swimmers each year and especially happy there are so many repeat swimmers who obviously have a good time swimming through the most beautiful turquoise water in the world.”

The swim race has gotten broad, positive international attention in print and online swimming journals and developed a solid reputation for organisation and safety.

Each event will start with the blowing of a conch shell by Director of Culture, David Bowen.

Hand carved conch trophies by local artist Stanford Hanfield will be presented to the top male and female finishers, and the oldest and

Swimmers in last year’s race

youngest swimmers.

All finishers will receive kiln fired clay medals made by local artist

Brenda Luddington of Paradise Arts.

Charities benefiting from race are Provo Children's Home, Reef Fund,

Salvation Army’s food for kids programme, and Dominican charity, Kilometros por la Educacion.

June 15 - 21, 2013

NEWS 21

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Food and Wine Festival date set MARK your calendars food and wine lovers of Providenciales; the date for the Turks and Caicos third annual Caribbean Food and Wine Festival (CFWF) has been set for October 31 to November 3.

Organisers were thrilled to announce that they will once again offer amazing cuisine and wonderful wine in an exciting event featuring prominent local chefs, celebrity chefs and renowned wine makers.

Nikheel Advani, co-chairman of CFWF and COO and principal of Grace Bay Resorts said that the committee wants to make TCI a top culinary destination with this festival.

He added that although the event is months away early booking is encouraged because every year the event has been sold out.

The grand culinary event has an exciting line-up of prominent chefs including celebrated Master Chef, Tiffany Derry; Nelson Mandela's personal chef of 20 years, Xoliswa Ndoyiya; and chef, owner and founder of Momofuku Milk Bar, Christina Tosi.

Winemakers to grace this year’s festivities include Nelson Mandela’s

daughter, Tukwini Mandela - House of Mandela; a top winemaker in South Africa, Richard Friedman - Moreson Wine Farm; Christopher W. Silva - St. Francis wines and returning winemaker Tuck Beckstoffer - Tuck Beckstoffer wines.

Wolfgang Von Wieser, group director of Food and Beverage, Grace Bay Resorts said that they are really stepping it up from last year; with different styles, foods and ingredients.

He said it will be a fascinating event that will be even bigger and better than those in the past.

Anthony Garland, co-chairman of CFWF and operations manager at The Wine Cellar/Discount Liquors said there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to plan “another unforgettable event this year”.

The organising committee did not divulge the schedule of events but revealed that there will be dining on the beach, a chance to meet and mingle with the celebrity chefs and winemakers, food and wine parings, and of course many culinary delights and wonderful wines.

The committee partners with the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism

Parents and community members enjoy a great event while raising funds for the Ashcroft School improvement projects

Organisers announce Caribbean Food and Wine Festival 2013. From left, Chef Wolfgang Von Wieser, TCHTA’s Stacy Cox, co-founders Nikheel Advani and Anthony Garland, Youth Director Angela Musgrove and Wine Cellar’s Murad Mohammad

Association and the ‘lil chefs’, giving them an opportunity to work along with top chefs to prepare amazing high end cuisine.

Association executive of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, Stacy Cox expressed

satisfaction that “people are now coming to the Turks and Caicos for our Food and Wine Festival which is a great marketing strategy for the destination and we look forward to going from good to great with the event.”

Organisers promise a fascinating festival and judging from reviews of past events they can certainly satisfy attendees and make TCI known, not only for its natural beauty but also as a delightful culinary destination.

(KH)

PTA president Kelcey Grandsire reveals winners of the raffle competition and silent auction

The Ashcroft School hosts ‘Marvelous’ fundraiser

THE ASHCROFT school’s PTA hosted a ‘Marvelous Masquerade Party’ on Friday (June 7), providing great entertainment to attendees while raising funds for some school improvement projects and a local charity.

The event, held at the Blue Haven Resort in Leeward, saw an excellent turnout of supporters and raised thousands of dollars to assist with shading the basketball court and the creation of an outdoor musical garden.

Principal David O’Connell said that with the parents’ active involvement in the school, a lot

is achieved in making the school environment more wholesome.

In the past years, money was raised for playground equipment and other amenities to add comfort and a better learning environment for students.

Last year’s earnings were ejected back into the school via an iPad learning lab to allow the children to have a bit more innovative learning in the school, O’Connell said.

A range of new play equipment for the younger children, a bike rack for the budding young cyclists and coconut palms and benches for quiet

moments during recess were also purchased.

PTA president Kelcey Grandsire said she was pleased that when the parents see a need they will do anything to support the kids.

Grandsire and other members of the organising committee were looking forward to raising at least $18,000, a figure that they have managed to acquire in previous fundraisers.

Apart from ticket sales, funds were gathered from raffle sales and a silent auction which included fabulous prizes like paintings from

Attendees bid on fabulous auction items including paintings from children, themed gift baskets, dinners and massages

children, themed gift baskets, dinners, massages and more.

The school also plans to donate

part of the night’s earnings to the TCI Red Cross to assist with their needs. (KH)

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June 15 - 21, 2013

Civil servants recognised for service at Queen’s Parade

THE QUEEN’s Parade kicked off on Monday in Grand Turk and featured the participation of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ uniformed services, local schools and youth organisations accompanied by music from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) band.

Staff from HM Prison, customs and immigration officials, firefighters, the Ex-Serviceman Legion, boy scouts, girl guides, pathfinders and children from schools across Grand Turk also took part in the parade.

The parade concluded with a royal salute taken by the Governor, who also took the opportunity to present service medals to members of the uniformed service.

Five members of the police force were recognised, including Addison Gardiner, Sergeant, 25 years long service medal; Carl Lightbourne, Sergeant, 25 years long service medal; Pascal Bacchus, Acting Superintendent, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal; Malcolm Smith, Acting Inspector, 25 years long

service/Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal; and Calvin Chase, Inspector, 25 years long service medal.

In the Immigration Department those honoured were Anthony Swann, Deputy Director, 31 years of service to the Crown; Peter Parker, Assistant Deputy Director, 26 years of service to the Crown; Anaijean Adams, Senior Immigration Supervisor, 26 years of service to the Crown; Paul Lewis, Senior Immigration Supervisor, 25 years of service to the Crown; and Wendy Seymour, Senior Immigration

Supervisor, 19 years of service to the Crown.

Two from the Customs Department were recognised, Denise Robinson, assistant collector, 23 years of service to the Crown; and June Harry, training manager, 25 years of service to the Crown.

Adderley Selver, Divisional Chief with the Fire Department was honoured with a 28 years long service medal.

Commenting on the Queen’s Birthday Parade celebration, the Governor said: “After all the Jubilee

celebrations last year, it is notable that these celebrations to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s birthday happen just after the occasion of the 60th anniversary of her coronation.

“Her remarkable reign has spanned a historic period of time that has seen amazing social and political developments across the world.

“I know from my two years here that this is one of the key highlights in the TCI social calendar as we come together to celebrate and give thanks for Her Majesty, our Queen.”

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Spotlight on Salt Cay

The Salt Cay Whaling Company

By Candy Herwin EARL Talbot’s granddaddy, Theophilus Carmicheal, was born in the late 1800s and was known to be a skilled pilot and fisherman and Captain of the lighter named the ‘Dove, ’owned by the Morgan family, prominent traders in salt.

As a boy, Theophilus learnt boating skills from the island mariners and listened in wonder to their stories often recounted by his father who spent many hours at sea as a whaler with the Turks Islands Whaling Company formed in 1846.

Two years previously Queen Victoria had appointed

George Benvenuto Mathews as Governor of the Bahamas and while in office he encouraged the formation of the whaling industry in the Turks islands because of the increased demand for whale oil.

In England, the ‘Industrial Revolution’ was in full swing and the boom in the locomotive

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train network meant oil was required in large quantities to grease the moveable parts. It was also required by the mills and factories to lubricate the machinery and to soften the fabric used to make boat sails.

Many more households were using oil to illuminate lamps and the whalebones were popular in women’s corsets and to provide a frame for the more flamboyant dresses of the aristocracy.

Meanwhile, across the ocean on Salt Cay, the headquarters of the newly formed whaling station was located atop Taylors Hill on the North East coast providing a clear view of the Atlantic Ocean, From here the lookout man used a spyglass to span the horizon for “blowers,” a name they coined for whales.

Once called to action, the crew that was more likely to row the six man whaleboat were the tough mariners: Lightbourne, Mullins, Seymour, Talbot, Todd, Williams, Dickenson, Taylor and a man named Mr. Deers who was the ‘headman’.

The boat was rigged with mast, sail, rudder and oars and carried an assortment of harpoons, hatchets and lances and the essential wooden tubs spooled with 150 fathoms of strong hemp line for dragging the whale back to shore.

Onboard too, the crew were sure to secure water, tobacco pipes and the all important small bucket called a ‘piggin’ necessary for bailing water from the boat during the ‘frenzy of the hunt’.

Mr. Deers would have stood at the stern commanding the boat as he maneuvered the steering oar; four crewmen rowed the boat in unison and the harpooner stood up front pulling the oar on the bow.

In fact, there is a lovely drama told by the crew of the sloop ‘Augustus’ which had left the Turks Islands for Nassau in April 1846 after having caught a whale near the Cays.They spoke of the ‘Amateur Whaling Party’ from Salt Cay having also harpooned a whale off ‘Pilcher’s Hole’ on the South side of the island.

They told the story of how the “boats crew gave chase and soon got alongside the whale when the headman Mr. Deers planted well his harpoon above the center of the back of the animal but the harpoon being old and entirely rusty broke off”.

Not to be deterred, the Salt Cay crew thrust ‘sharpened irons’ at the creature until it was exhausted but unfortunately in the confusion, the 50 fathoms of line broke.

Without hesitation, one brave man, possibly Talbot, dived under the whale for the end of the rope and rejoined the line.

It was not long before a number of boats arrived with bayonets and other weapons and plunged them into the blubber, which finally killed the whale. By nightfall they had heaved the whale to shore ready to be ‘peeled,’ sliced, minced and boiled in the whale pots producing 17 or 18 barrels of oil for the market.

By 1888, with the death of the whaling overseer, James Wilson, the Salt Cay Whaling Company came to an end.

President Barack Obama’s Father’s Day Proclamation Speech 2012 “…On Father's Day, we honor the men whose compassion and commitment have nourished our spirits and guided us toward brighter horizons.

For many of us, our fathers show us by the example they set the kind of people they want us to become.

Whether biological, foster, or adoptive, they teach us through the encouragement they give, the questions they answer, the limits they set,

and the strength they show in the face of difficulty and hardship. Our fathers impart lessons and values we will always carry with us. With their presence and their care, they not only fulfill a profound responsibility, but also share a blessing with their children that stands among our truest traditions.

Every father bears a fundamental obligation to do right by their children.

Yet, today, too many young

Americans grow up without the love and support of their fathers.

When the responsibilities of fathers go unmet, our communities suffer…

All of us have a stake in forging stronger bonds between fathers and their children. Today, we celebrate men who have risen to the task, who raised us, and who do that most important work of parenting, day in and day out, with love, humility, and pride…”

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Father's Day: The history behind the holiday for dads Father's Day is a celebration, mainly on the third Sunday of June, to honor fathers and celebrate fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society.

The day, which was created to complement Mother's Day, is being celebrated in many countries since the 19th century.

The origin of Father’s Day, like Father’s Day itself, is a subject of some small conflict and there are two stories of when the first Father’s Day was celebrated.

According to some accounts, the first Father’s Day was celebrated in Washington on June 19, 1910. A woman named Sonora Smart Dodd came up with the idea of honoring and celebrating her father while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon at church the previous year. She felt as though mothers were getting

all the acclaim while fathers were equally deserving of a day of praise.

The Washington native and her five siblings were raised single handedly by their father, William Smart, after their mother died during childbirth. William Smart, a veteran of the Civil War, went on to raise the six children by himself on their small farm in Washington.

To show her appreciation for all the hard work and love William gave to her and her siblings, Sonora thought there should be a day to pay homage to him and other dads like him. She initially suggested June 5th, the anniversary of her father’s death to be the designated day to celebrate Father’s Day, but somehow the celebration was delayed to the third Sunday in June.

The other story of the first Father’s Day in America happened

all the way on the other side of the country in Fairmont, West Virginia on July 5, 1908.

A memorial holiday called “Father’s Day” was organised by Grace Golden Clayton in her town square around the time of her late father’s birthday. The event also celebrated the tragic death of over 250 men in the Monongah coal mining disaster in December 1907.

However, West Virginians do not hold claim to the holiday, because Clayton and the rest of the town did not intend to publicize it beyond those that mourned.

While Father’s Day was celebrated locally in several communities across the country, unofficial support to make the celebration a national holiday began almost immediately.

The first article about Father’s Day was on the front page of the New

York Times in 1913, under the title “FATHER TO HAVE HIS DAY.; Bill in Congress to Give Him the First Sunday in June.”

In 1924, President Calvin “Silent Cal” Coolidge recommended that Father’s Day become a national holiday, but no action was taken.

By 1966, Lyndon B. Johnson,

through an executive order, designated the third Sunday in June as the official day to celebrate Father’s Day. However, it wasn’t until 1972 that this proclamation was made permanent by President Richard Nixon that Father’s Day was officially recognized as a holiday.

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June 15 - 21, 2013

The housekeeping department takes the titles of top trained department and FC’s Award Banqueting, Omar Hazel, accepts his award for Team Member of the Year

Oral Clarke, entertainment, displays how he snagged the Ultimate WOW Award

A section of the crowd enjoys entertainment from Elroy Simmons

Beaches honours employees at Annual Prestige Award IN A grand evening of glamour and celebration at Beaches Resort Villages and Spa last Thursday (June 6), the resort honoured top performing employees at their annual Prestige Awards.

The award ceremony recognised and rewarded individuals in 21 categories who have worked diligently and whose performance has consistently made a positive impact on the quality of services offered at the resort.

General manager Don Dagenais, applauding all award nominees and winners, said: “This is just a small way for us to say thanks for the hard work that everybody has done… everybody in this hotel is fantastic.”

He also said: “Our resorts continue to win the industry’s most prestigious awards year after year and it is because of the hospitality,

spirit and commitment to excellence of the top performing individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference in this resort.”

Ultimate winner in the evening’s ceremony was banqueting food and beverage server, Omar Hazel, who took the top title of Team Member of the Year.

Earlier this year, Hazel also won the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) Employee of the Year Award at the island’s Star Awards, triumphing over hundreds of employees from other hotels.

Elated to be the big winner, Hazel said he felt like a king and it is all because of his love for his work and pleasing guests at the resort.

“My job is to go the extra mile for our guests and winning this award

says a lot about my contribution and commitment in delivering exceptional customer service to my team members and our valued guests,” he said.

He also thanked the resort’s management team for recognising his commitment and dedication.

Other big winners included executive housekeeper Sharon Fagan who won Manager of the Year and Rhonda Francis of the Sales Department who was awarded Supervisor of the Year.

Beaches Resort also acknowledged the Most Nominated Team Member as Randy Parkinson while the Smile and Courtesy Award went to Keino Mapp of the Front Office Department.

Most improved Team Member was captured by Island Routes Deron Wilson, while the General Manager’s

award went to human resources manager Monique McClean Vaughn.

The coveted prize of Financial Controller Award which recognised the top revenue generating department went to Resort Shop, the Housekeeping Department and McKeisha Lynch of the Photoshop.

Other awards for the evening included Department of the Year, won by Food and Beverage; HM’s Heart of the House Award - Renal Dupy; The Sandals Foundation Community Spirit of the Year Award - Elizabeth Cox; Top Trained Team Member of the Year - Beatriz Mya Rodriguez; Best Team Player of the year - Verginia Dean and Special Service Award for the year - Patrick Giddeon.

In addition to engraved trophies and certificates, winners took away fantastic prizes including all-expense

paid vacations, laptop computers, home theatre systems, plasma televisions, camcorders, cameras and generous cash prizes.

Team member of the year, Omar Hazel, will also go on to represent Beaches Turks and Caicos at the fifth annual Sandals Ultimate Team Member Award in Jamaica this summer.

The event, which was divided into four award presentation segments, was punctuated with spectacular performances by Crystal Charles, Johnna Messam and Elroy Simmons.

Beaches’ David Ellis hosted the night’s proceedings along with the assistance of the reigning Miss TCI Universe Snwazna Adams.

Attendees were treated to a cocktail hour which preceded the event and a smashing after party at the resort’s night club. (KH)

June 15 - 21, 2013

Entertainment

Judge orders inquiry into Paris Jackson’s wellbeing A JUDGE overseeing the guardianship of Michael Jackson’s children has ordered an inquiry into Paris Jackson’s wellbeing after she attempted to kill herself last week.

Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff asked an investigator to look into the 15-year-old’s health and welfare.

A lawyer for Katherine Jackson, Paris’s grandmother, said he was “completely supportive” of the court order.

He declined to comment further on her current health status.

Judge Beckloff issued a similar inquiry into the welfare of the Jackson children last year after Mrs Jackson, their guardian at the time, was out of communication with them for several days.

That led to TJ Jackson, the late singer’s nephew, being appointed co-guardian to Paris, Prince and Blanket.

A lawyer for Jackson’s estate said it would assist the guardians however necessary to help Paris.

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Michael Jackson’s daughter attempted to kill herself last week according to reports, owning to the pressures of her current life.

“The estate will work with Paris’s guardians to provide whatever is required for her best interests,’’ Howard Weitzman said in a statement.

Big Bang Theory scoops Critics’ Choice TV Awards HIT US sitcom The Big Bang Theory took home the most prizes from the Critics’ Choice TV Awards in Los Angeles, scooping three awards.

The show was named best comedy series, while its stars Simon Helberg and Kaley Cuoco were named best supporting actor and actress respectively.

There was a tie for best drama, with Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad sharing the award.

Bryan Cranston was named best actor in a drama for the latter series.

It was the second consecutive year he took the honour for playing teacher turned drug dealer Walter White.

British actors Damian Lewis, Andrew Lincoln and Matthew Rhys were also nominated for their roles in Homeland, The Walking Dead and The Americans respectively.

Tatiana Maslany was named best actress in a drama for her work in new BBC America show Orphan Black.

Claire Danes, Julianna Margulies and Elisabeth Moss were also shortlisted for Homeland, The Good Wife and Mad Men respectively.

Moss was successful in the best actress in a movie or mini-series category, however, winning for

Kaley Cuoco won for best supporting actress in a comedy series for The Big Bang Theory.

upcoming BBC drama Top of the Lake.

Michael Douglas won the equivalent best actor prize for his portrayal of Liberace in Behind the Candelabra, beating his co-star Matt Damon.

Al Pacino also missed out for his role in HBO’s Phil Spector, as did Brits Benedict Cumberbatch for Parade’s End, Toby Jones for The Girl and Dominic West for The Hour.

Steven Soderbergh’s Liberace film also collected the honour for best movie or mini-series.

Louis CK was named best actor in a comedy series for his show Louie for the second consecutive year, while Julia Louis-Dreyfus was named best comedy actress for Veep.

Jane Fonda, meanwhile, picked up an award for best guest performer in a drama for her turn in Aaron Sorkin’s The Newsroom.

Oprah makes ‘biggest’ donation to new museum Emilia Clarke plays Daenerys Targaryen in the series, made by HBO.

Game of Thrones finale most pirated ever on BitTorrents THE final episode of the third series of Games of Thrones was the most pirated TV show ever, according to TorrentFreak.

The blog says the programme was shared and downloaded on BitTorrents a million times in 24 hours.

It also claims there were more than 170,000 simultaneous peers sharing one file of the episode.

The previous record was for the show’s series three opener, which was shared by 160,000 people at the same time.

Most downloads were made in Australia, followed by the United States, Canada and the UK. It was also the most pirated TV show in 2012.

One episode from the second series racked up 4.3m illegal

global downloads, according to Torrentfreak.

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, who plays Jaime Lannister, told Newsbeat in March that he thought it was theft.

He said: “It’s funny because there is a little part of you that goes, ‘Yeah.

We’re the most pirated show.’ Then you think, ‘That’s really bad isn’t it?’

“What you hope is that even though people watch it online, they will still buy the DVD. You can always hope.

“At the end of the day it’s stealing. I know it doesn’t feel like it but it is and it’s not right.”

However, HBO programming president Michael Lombardo told Entertainment Weekly in April that it was a “compliment of sorts”.

AMERICAN talk-show host Oprah Winfrey is donating $12m (£7.7m) towards a new museum in Washington DC dedicated to African American history.

After previously giving $1m (£640,000) to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, her total contribution is its biggest so far.

The museum on Washington’s National Mall is due to be completed in 2015.

It will house a 35-seat theatre named after Winfrey, who is also a member of the museum’s advisory council.

Lonnie Bunch, director of the museum said the media mogul had been very much involved in its creation and talks were taking place to acquire memorabilia from her career.

‘DEEPLY APPRECIATIVE’ He said he would love to have one of the microphones used during her television show - one of the mostwatched programmes in US history, which ended after 25 years in 2011 - to add to the museum’s collection of more than 22,000 items.

Winfrey is a member of the museum’s advisory panel.

The collection helps to tell the story of African American history from slavery to the post-Civil War period, the civil rights era, the Harlem Renaissance and the 21st Century.

In a statement released by the museum, Winfrey said: “I am deeply appreciative of those who paved the path for me and all who follow in their footsteps.

“By investing in this museum, I want to help ensure that we both honour and preserve our culture and history, so that the stories of who we are will live on for generations to come,” she added.

Costing $500m (£319m) to build, the US government is providing half of the funding with the remainder being raised through private donations.

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1.5 million Haitians facing severe hunger says UN agency A UNITED Nations food relief agency says it remains “extremely concerned” by the plight of 1.5 million people in Haiti who need food assistance following extreme weather conditions and poor harvests.

In addition to the 1.5 million people facing food insecurity, the World Food Programme (WFP) said a further 6.7 million people in the impoverished, French-speaking Caribbean country are struggling to meet their own food needs on a regular basis.

Before the hurricane season, which runs from June to November, WFP said it had pre-positioned emergency supplies to cover the needs of 300,000 people for two days with ready-to-use food and for four weeks with staple food rations.

Several Haitian lawmakers have accused Bernice Fidelia of holding US citizenship, which is constitutionally unacceptable for a government official.

Haiti minister quits amid US citizenship allegations MINISTER of Haitian Living Overseas, Bernice Fidelia, has quit the Cabinet of Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe amid allegations that she holds United States citizenship.

A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister confirmed the resignation of the 51-yearold minister in the wake of allegations by several Haitian lawmakers that she is an American citizen, even though it has not yet been proven.

One legislator, Joseph Joel John said he has the number of Fidelia’s United States passport as well as the information when she became an American citizen.

Haiti’s Constitution prevents nationals from holding government office while being a citizen of another country.

UN reports a further 6.7 million people in the impoverished, French-speaking Caribbean country are struggling to meet their own food needs on a regular basis.

The agency also said it had established agreements with 15 partners and had begun emergency distribution to 200,000 beneficiaries through schools in the worst-affected communities.

WFP spokesperson Elisabeth Byrs told reporters here that the agency plans to assist 1.1 million people in 2013, more than half of them children, through school meals and specialized food to treat malnutrition.

Meanwhile, the National Coordination for Food Security

identified 44 communes in Haiti, where the prevalence of severe food insecurity was above 50 per cent of the rural population.

WFP said it is also providing about 34,000 vulnerable people in rural areas with income opportunities via cash for assets programmes.

But Byrs said WFP urgently needs US$17.2 million in funding to meet these needs and that the agency is currently facing a shortfall of US$1.5 million to cover emergency preparedness. (CMC)

June 15 - 21, 2013

Rough hurricane season still predicted in June update TROPICAL Storm Risk (TSR), which provides real-time mapping and prediction of tropical cyclone windfields worldwide, has released their June forecast update for the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season and the outlook continues to be bleak.

The TSR June forecast update is still anticipating above-norm activity this year. Based on current and projected climate signals, Atlantic basin tropical cyclone activity and United States landfalling activity is forecast to be approximately 30 percent above the 1950-2012 long-term norm but about 10 percent below the recent 2003-2012 10-year norm.

The updated forecast spans the period from June 1 to November 30, 2013 and employs data through to the end of May 2013.

The key factors behind the TSR forecast for an above-norm hurricane season this year are the forecast July-September trade wind speed over the Caribbean and tropical North Atlantic, and the forecast August-September 2013 sea surface temperatures in the tropical North Atlantic.

The former influences cyclonic

vorticity (the spinning up of storms) in the main hurricane track region, while the latter provides heat and moisture to power incipient storms in the main track region.

These factors would help to energise and sustain more storms, and there is a 61 percent likelihood that activity will be in the top onethird of years historically.

For Atlantic basin hurricane activity referenced to long-term norm values, TSR forecasts: • 16 tropical storms including eight hurricanes and four intense hurricanes. This compares to long-term norms of 11, six and three respectively.

• An ACE (Accumulated Cyclone Energy) value of 134.

The long-term norm is 103.

• Five tropical storm and two hurricane landfalls on the US mainland.

According to Professor Mark Saunders and Dr Adam Lea of the Department of Space and Climate Physics, University College London, the precision of TSR’s June forecasts for upcoming Atlantic hurricane activity since 2000 is moderate. (Caribbean360)

Bahaman MP says PLP borrowed $1 billion in two years British Overseas Territories

FNM MP for St Annes, Hubert Chipman said the country’s debt will rise to $5.5 billion – one billion of which was borrowed by the PLP in less than two years.

Mr Chipman made his comments during his contribution to the budget debate in the House of Assembly.

He said the government’s borrowing over a two-year period represents the largest increase in government borrowings in the Bahamas.

“They continue to point fingers at the FNM for their failures rather than blame themselves. This is a sure sign of poor leadership and incompetent management in this PLP government. The government claims to be pulling us out of a spiralling debt, they inherited from the previous administration, yet they propose to do so by increasing borrowing and they are borrowing more than the previous government of the Bahamas. Indeed, $1 billion in borrowing over a two-year period represents the largest increase in government borrowings in the Bahamas ever,” he said.

“The budget is stingy in details and I must conclude that the details cannot stand the light of day or does not exist. This budget lacks creativity when it comes to allocating resources to the most pressing areas. They will always be a government of handouts and bail outs and will never learn fiscal discipline. While the FNM was criticised by the PLP for the

‘summoned’ to London tax evasion summit

MP Hubert Chipman says the $1 billion borrowed over a two-year period represents the largest increase in government ever borrowed in the Bahamas.

level of borrowing during our last term in office, when we borrowed to keep the economy going, the PLP is borrowing haphazardly over a billion dollars over a two budget cycle. That is startling for a government that had the answers on day one.?“They borrowed $594 million on the outset when they came into office and they came back for another $100 million at the time of the mid-year budget, now they are back for another $465 million.

Can you believe that? In truth, total receipts from borrowing projected to be $520 million dollars. It is certainly unbelievable. The national debt after this borrowing will stand at $5.5 billion dollars, one billion of which was added by this government and represents over 65 per cent of GDP. Like Eddie Minnis said ‘l living in the hands of the finance man’.”

BERMUDA and other British Overseas Territories (OTs) -including five Caribbean islands -- have been summoned to a London summit this month as Prime Minister David Cameron seeks more transparency to end what he calls the “scourge of tax evasion”.

Cameron has warned Britain’s OTs and Crown dependencies that he has made tax avoidance a priority of the G8 summit, which he is to host in Northern Ireland on June 17 and 18.

Bermuda rejects the notion that it is a tax haven and sources here said that Finance Minister Bob Richards is likely to be among senior ministers from Bermuda who will attend the summit.

Richards has said Bermuda is not to blame for companies such as Google using Bermudian subsidiaries to shelter billions of dollars from US and European tax authorities.

Google has come under fire from British lawmakers for channelling billions of dollars a year through an Irish subsidiary to a Dutch sister company which then passes the money to another affiliate in Bermuda.

Google’s Bermudian subsidiary has no full-time staff and Richards said that such nameplate companies are not important to the island’s

economy.

Cameron has warned OTs of the need to “get our own houses in order”.

Senior ministers from Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Anguilla, Montserrat, Turks and Caicos, Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man and Gibraltar are expected to attend, sources said.

“Some of the islands and outposts are widely regarded as offshore tax havens, though they dispute this description and regard their low-tax regimes as vital to their economies,” one British newspaper reported.

“There is said to be disagreement in Whitehall about how much pressure to put on the islands, fearing excessive demands from London could lead to them refusing to co-operate.

“Mr Cameron is examining the idea of getting the tax havens to sign up to an OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) convention on the sharing of information on tax between countries, which is seen as a key to tackling evasion.”

Last month, Cameron wrote to the Britain’s OTs, including Bermuda, warning them that he had made fighting the scourge of tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance’ a priority for the G8 summit.

June 15 - 21, 2013

Regional News

UK Met: AG, ex-Gov should be investigated (CAYMAN COMPASS) The UK Metropolitan Police Service has recommended that a criminal investigation be commenced against the Cayman Islands attorney general, one of the territory’s former governors and an American-based adviser with the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office in connection with the ill-fated Operation Tempura corruption probe.

The Met has recorded the allegations against three men – former Governor Stuart Jack, Attorney General Sam Bulgin and FCO adviser Larry Covington – in its “crime-related incident system”.

But the police force has declined to take up the probe itself.

All three men have denied any wrongdoing.

“It is the [Metropolitan Police Services’] view that we are conflicted, and in order to ensure that both transparency and independence is maintained, we should not conduct this new investigation,” read a letter sent to Cayman Islands Governor Duncan Taylor on 9 May by UK Met police commander Allan Gibson.

Mr. Gibson’s letter was sent to Governor Taylor following a criminal complaint made to the UK Met by former Operation Tempura senior investigating officer Martin Bridger.

Mr. Bridger has alleged that “very senior Crown servants” lied to him during the course of that nearly twoyear long probe, thereby drawing out what should have been a quick case.

The former senior investigator’s statements are backed up by claims made by former Royal Cayman Islands Police Service Commissioner Stuart Kernohan, who said that former Governor Jack knew of and authorised a covert entry into the offices of the Cayman Net News newspaper in September 2007, looking for evidence of a “corrupt relationship” between the newspaper’s publisher and an RCIPS deputy police commissioner.

Significant detail contained in Mr. Kernohan’s statement to the UK Met in April 2013 alleged a level of involvement by former Governor Jack, up to and including authorisation of the use of Net News employees to perform the covert search as part of the police investigation, that had not previously been revealed.

“If [Mr. Jack] had admitted that, I would’ve been gone in two weeks,” Mr. Bridger said last month during an interview with the Caymanian Compass. As it turned out, the retired UK lawman ended up staying in Cayman from September 2007 to April 2009 to investigate allegations of corruption in the local police force. No one was ever convicted of a crime in connection with that investigation.

“In essence, the offences being alleged are against Stuart Jack; [Samuel Bulgin] and Larry Covington and amount to misconduct in public office, attempting to pervert

31

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

the [course] of justice and possibly wasting police time,” read the letter to Governor Taylor from Mr. Gibson.

“It is my view that the allegations are serious and contain sufficient detail to warrant a criminal investigation.

“However, given that the allegations have been made by the very same officer who was sent by the [Met Police Service] to the Cayman Islands to carry out a scoping exercise ... it is the [Met Police Service’s] view that we are conflicted.”

The allegations made by Mr. Bridger are just that; no one has been arrested, charged or – at this stage – even questioned in connection with the matter.

Attorney General Bulgin told the Compass Monday that he viewed Mr. Bridger’s allegations as “extremely defamatory”, given separate court reviews of the matter by Cayman Islands Chief Justice Anthony Smellie, UK Lord Chief Justice Alan Moses and then-visiting Judge Sir Peter Cresswell had all criticised one aspect or another of the Operation Tempura investigation as conducted

by Mr. Bridger and/or his one-time legal adviser Martin Polaine.

“It would be understandable for me to refrain from making any comments given that there are civil proceedings pending before the courts concerning the very issues raised in the story,” Mr. Bulgin said in a written statement sent to the Caymanian Compass. “However, I am content to note that this is yet another scandalous move in an ongoing campaign by Mr. Bridger, whom I am told has now joined forces with Mr. Kernohan.

“The combined activities of these two men to date have already cost the Cayman Islands government millions of dollars, but for some reason they are bent on conduct which causes further financial and reputational damage to these islands and its various institutions.

“Not only do I strongly deny, but also resent any assertions of my being untruthful to the Tempura investigators. There is not a shred of independent or contemporaneous evidence to support such a scurrilous claim and, to the contrary, the documents from that time demonstrate conclusively that the allegation is not true.

“It is remarkable that Mr. Bridger’s one-sided and inaccurate account of events which are to his own entire discredit should have been thought worthy of further investigation. Once the documents are examined, however, his account does not stand scrutiny.

“This is yet another shameful slur on the reputation of the Cayman Islands coming from a man who, by his conduct during the Operation Tempura investigations, long ago forfeited all credibility in these islands.

The Bahamas: FNM Deputy Leader slaps PLP MP FNM Deputy Leader Loretta ButlerTurner slapped PLP MP Andre Rollins in the House of Assembly on Wednesday claiming he had said ‘nasty things’ to her.

Mrs Butler-Turner and Fort Charlotte MP Mr Rollins had words just outside of the House Speaker’s chambers.

He put his arm around her, they continued talking and then she slapped him.

It followed a heated session during which MP V Alfred Gray had accused Mrs Butler-Turner of being ‘embarrassed’ because Social Services Minister Melanie Griffin had been forced to make a number of upgrades to the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys – the centre had previously been Mrs Butler Turner’s responsibility.

At that point the FNM Deputy could be heard suggesting to Mr Rollins that the PLP would not be running him as a candidate in 2017.

She alleged particular reasons why.

Bernard Nottage, National Security Minister, stood up and said “This is a good time to adjourn the house.”

The house was adjourned for lunch, but after a brief exchange of words as House proceedings came to an end, Melanie Griffin was heard telling Mr Rollins “not to approach Loretta

FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner slapped PLP MP Andre Rollins after he allegedly said ‘nasty things’ to her.

Butler-Turner because it’s not worth it.”

MPs made their way out of Parliament to the staircase outside.

It was then that Mrs Butler-Turner slapped Mr Rollins after he was seen to put his arm around her.

Eyewitnesses said that she had asked Mr Rollins to remove his arm twice.

People still in the upper chamber heard a loud reaction and onlookers who shouted: “Oh man did you see Rollins get slapped?”

Other people said Mr Rollins appeared to be shocked and didn’t know what to do.

Mrs Butler-Turner told The

Tribune afterwards: “He tried to act like he was being all nice. He put his arm around me and I asked him to remove his arm. He started to whisper all kinds of nasty things so I told him to remove his arm again.

When he didn’t I slapped him.

“He is a provocateur. He tried to tell people after I slapped him that he was only trying to be nice. But he is a nasty man.”

Mr Rollins told The Tribune he was not going to lodge any formal complaint.

He claimed Mrs Butler-Turner had accused Mrs Griffin of being responsible for deaths at the Willie Mae Pratt Centre for Girls.

Mysterious fire razes Jamaica ‘haunted house’ AFTER weeks of mysterious burnings and reports of people being hit with stones thrown by “invisible” hands, a purported “haunted house” was destroyed by fire at Rose Hall district, in south east St Elizabeth on Friday.

Reports pieced together from residents and firemen at the Junction Fire Station said the fire started shortly before midday and quickly engulfed the five-apartment building.

The fire department estimated the total loss at around J$15 million.

Family members, who steadfastly insisted that their names be kept out of news reports, confirmed that the house was not insured.

The Junction police confirmed that they were investigating the incident.

A 42-year-old daughter of the householders said any material assistance would be welcomed “because the house burn down and we lose everything”.

Fire personnel said that on their arrival the house was already “engulfed”. They were able to save an old building, almost adjoining, described by relatives and neighbours as an “old outside kitchen”. Firemen described the cause of the fire as “unknown”.

But family members and neighbours were in no doubt that it was merely a continuation of the mysterious happenings occurring sporadically since April 20. They

Family members and neighbours have claimed that several persons were hit by stones and small fires had done damage to furniture in the “haunted” house.

claim several people have been hit with stones and small fires had, on occasion, destroyed furniture, including mattresses and settee chairs. They insist that the cause is “not natural” and is “duppy business”.

The daughter told the Jamaica Observer that in the latest incident, family members found themselves being hit by stones on occasions Monday night to early Tuesday morning.

It was as if the stones were “coming out of the ceiling”, she said.

She showed this reporter bruises on her neck and arms as evidence of being hit.

She claimed they left the house on

Friday, with some family members hoping to go to the doctor only to hear that the house was on fire.

“Pure fire mi see a bun … the whole of the top of the house pure fire,” a neighbour, who claimed to have been early on the scene, said.

When the Observer team arrived in mid-afternoon, only the blackened walls of the burnt-out house remained with scores of people from surrounding communities visiting to see for themselves. Twisted metal in what was said to be the kitchen was identified by neighbours as the remains of appliances, including fridge and stove. Saddest of all, perhaps, were the remains of school books burnt to cinder.

32

World News

Mandela ‘responding better to treatment,’ South African president says FORMER South African leader Nelson Mandela was “responding better to treatment” on Wednesday, President Jacob Zuma told the country’s Parliament.

Mandela, 94, has been in serious but stable condition since being rushed to a Pretoria hospital with a recurring lung infection, the president’s office has said. On Wednesday, Zuma signaled some optimism.

“I am happy to report that Madiba is responding better to treatment from this morning,” Zuma told Parliament ahead of a budget address, using the clan name by which Mandela is widely referred to in South Africa.

NSA chief says data disrupted ‘dozens’ of plots THE head of the US electronic spying agency has defended the massive surveillance programmes newly revealed by a former intelligence worker.

In a US Senate hearing, National Security Agency (NSA) Director Keith Alexander said the programmes had disrupted dozens of terror plots.

And US Secretary of State John Kerry said they showed a “delicate but vital balance” between privacy and security.

Meanwhile, the leaker has pledged to fight extradition to the US. Edward Snowden fled his home in Hawaii for Hong Kong shortly before reports of top secret programmes were published by the Guardian and Washington Post newspapers last week.

The 29-year-old former CIA and NSA contract worker has admitted giving the newspapers information about NSA programmes to seize vast quantities of data on telephone calls and internet communications from US internet and telephone companies.

US officials have confirmed the programmes exist, with President Barack Obama saying they were overseen by Congress and the courts.

And officials have defended the programmes as vital national security tools.

“It’s dozens of terrorist events that these have helped prevent,” Gen Alexander said on Wednesday at a hearing of the US Senate intelligence committee.

June 15 - 21, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Nelson Mandela, now 94, endured 27 years in prison before becoming South Africa’s first president from 1994 to 1999.

“We are very happy with the progress that he is now making, following a difficult last few days.

“We appreciate the messages of support from all over the world. ... We urge South Africans and the international community to continue to keep President Mandela and the medical team in their thoughts and prayers.”

Family members also visited Mandela in the hospital Wednesday.

In a written statement, Mandela’s grandson Nkosi Zwelivelile Mandela said they had been touched and heartened by the outpouring of public prayers and good will during “a difficult period for the Mandela family.”

“We are fully cognizant of the fact that millions of people in the country and around the world regard Madiba as their parent and therefore are as much concerned about his wellbeing as we are,” he said.

The family is satisfied with the care Mandela is receiving and shares everyone’s hope for his recovery, he said. The grandson also thanked the doctors, government and ruling African National Congress for their support.

As Mandela lay in the hospital, children left hand-drawn “get well” cards and message outside his Johannesburg home, reflecting the affection with which the nation regards its former president.

Earlier Wednesday, government spokesman Mac Maharaj told SAFM radio that the anti-apartheid icon’s condition remained serious but stable and little changed from Tuesday.

Over the weekend, the president’s office said Mandela was breathing on his own and his wife was by his side.

Mandela’s daughter Zenani Dlamini, the South African ambassador to Argentina, flew back to South Africa to be with her father.

Clegg: Liberal Democrats have let women down THE Liberal Democrats have “let women down”, leader Nick Clegg has said, as a report following allegations of sexual impropriety by former chief executive Lord Rennard was published.

The independent inquiry found Mr Clegg “should have asked more questions” when claims - which the peer denies - arose.

There were “several” missed chances to hold an investigation, the report adds.

Lord Rennard faces a separate Lib Dem disciplinary inquiry and Scotland Yard is looking into the allegations.

City businesswoman Helena Morrissey was commissioned to look into the Lib Dems’ attitudes towards women following the claims about the peer, with specific reference to how the party dealt with complaints made against him.

Her report calls for a “paradigm shift” in its attitudes towards women.

The party’s response was “haphazard but not malicious, and there was no evidence of a deliberate cover-up”, but Mr Clegg “should have asked more questions”, it says.

Nick Clegg said there was no excuse for letting people down.

The report recommends: A stronger anti-bullying strategy Establishing an office to deal with such complaints within Lib Dem headquarters Greater monitoring of standards Giving complaints about staff a “higher priority” The report reveals that some people Ms Morrissey questioned thought the Lib Dems, and politics in general, was “struggling to genuinely develop an encouraging environment for women”. (BBC)

Sweden male train drivers wear skirts after shorts row A DOZEN male train drivers in Sweden have circumvented a ban on shorts by wearing skirts to work in hot weather.

The workers, who operate the Roslagsbanan line north of the capital Stockholm, have been wearing skirts to work for the past two weeks.

Employer Arriva banned the drivers from wearing shorts after taking over the running of the line in January.

But the company has given the men its blessing to wear skirts, according to local newspaper Mitti.

“Our thinking is that one should look decent and proper when representing Arriva and the present uniforms do that. If the man only wants [to wear] a skirt then that is OK,” Arriva communications manager Tomas Hedenius told the paper.

“To tell them to do something else would be discrimination.”

Driver Martin Akersten told the BBC he and his colleagues came up with the idea to wear skirts after they were informed of the new company dress code in the winter.

“We have always said that when summer comes, we will get some skirts and wear them. It’s very warm

Jiroemon Kimura was described by a relative as “positive and optimistic”

Oldest man in history dies at 116 in Japan

Martin Akersten says his colleagues came up with the idea in winter.

weather here so we would like to wear shorts but if we can’t then we have skirts for comfort”.

The male drivers have chosen only to wear skirts on hot days, opting for trousers in cooler conditions.

A Japanese man recognised as the world’s oldest living person, and the oldest man recorded in history, has died aged 116, local officials say.

Jiroemon Kimura died of natural causes on Wednesday in a hospital in Kyotango, Kyoto, a government statement said.

In December, Guinness World Records recorded Mr Kimura as the oldest man ever verified to have lived.

He reportedly had seven children, 14 grandchildren, 25 greatgrandchildren, and 13 great-greatgrandchildren.

Mr Kimura was born on 19 April 1897, the same year as aviator Amelia Earhart.

He worked in his local post office

until retiring and was said to have helped his son with his farming until he was around 90 years old.

He became the world’s oldest living person in December, when the previous title-holder died.

In an interview in December, his nephew, Tamotsu Miyake, said Kimura had “an amazingly strong will to live”.

“He is strongly confident that he lives right and well.”

In an interview on his 115th birthday, Mr Kimura said he was not sure why he was able to live so long.

“Maybe it’s all thanks to the sun above me,” he said. “I am always looking up towards the sky, that is how I am.” (BBC)

June 15 - 21, 2013

World News

33

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

UK commits £375m to help feed world’s poorest children

The 30-year-old princess is the fourth in line to Sweden’s throne.

Swedish Princess Madeleine marries US-British financier THE fourth in line to Sweden’s throne, Princess Madeleine, has married US-British businessman Christopher O’Neill in a ceremony in Stockholm.

The 30-year-old returned to the Swedish capital from New York, where she met Mr O’Neill two years ago.

Some 500 guests were invited to the ceremony at the Royal Chapel in Stockholm.

Sweden’s royal family enjoys wide public support and the ceremony was broadcast live on state TV. Princess Madeleine’s elder sister, Crown Princess Victoria, married her personal trainer Daniel Wesling in Stockholm three years ago.

But Saturday’s wedding was not considered as big an occasion.

In June 2010, the whole of the Swedish capital was transformed for

the celebrations.

Along with representatives from many European royal families present for Princess Madeleine’s wedding, John Taylor of UK pop group Duran Duran was among the guests.

The couple tied the knot in a ceremony that was part in Swedish and part in English. They then travelled in a horse and carriage procession through the city centre.

Princess Madeleine, also known as the Duchess of Halsingland and Gastrikland, met Mr O’Neill in New York while she was working for a non-profit organisation, the World Childhood Foundation.

The youngest child of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia has been keeping a low profile since moving to the US in 2010 after her engagement to a Swedish lawyer came to an abrupt end. (BBC)

Rape suspect buried alive in Bolivia

A MAN suspected of rape has been buried alive by villagers in the southern highlands of Bolivia.

Police had identified the 17-year-old as the possible culprit in the rape and murder of a 35-year-old woman near the municipality of Colquechaca.

The chief prosecutor says more than 200 furious local people seized Santos Ramos and buried him in the grave of his alleged victim.

He says residents blocked roads into the village to stop police arriving.

A reporter for a local radio

station, who would only speak anonymously for fear of reprisals, told the media that Mr Ramos was tied up at the woman’s funeral.

He said mourners threw him into the open grave alongside the woman’s coffin and filled the grave with earth.

Colquechaca is a town of about 5,000 inhabitants some 207 miles ( 333 km) south-east of the Bolivian capital, La Paz. Correspondents say lynchings sometimes happen in isolated, poorer parts of Bolivia, where police and other authorities are scarce. (BBC)

THE UK has committed to giving an extra £375m to help feed the world’s poorest children.

The aid is part of a £2.7bn global agreement aimed at preventing millions of infant deaths.

Prime Minister David Cameron led a high-level summit where delegates committed to supporting a historic reduction in “undernutrition.”

Organisers of a rally in London said 45,000 people turned out calling for global leaders to end world hunger.

Meanwhile, UK church leaders have called on the G8 to tackle tax avoidance by firms working in developing countries.

As part of its G8 presidency, the event in central London aimed to get more funding from nations, companies and charities toward African countries’ own nutrition plans.

The UK committed an additional £375m of core funding. The Department for International Development added that if other donors raised £560m, it would would match this at a rate of 2-1, which would see an extra £280m paid from 2013 to 2020.

Mr Cameron backed a target of saving 20 million children from chronic malnutrition.

Under-nutrition is a chronic

Up to 250,000 spinning flowers were installed as a visual petition at Hyde Park as part of the If campaign to end world hunger.

lack of nutrients that can result in death, stunted growth and in a lower resistance to illnesses in later life.

It is the biggest underlying cause of death in under five-year-old children in the world, responsible for 8,000 child deaths each day.

International Development Secretary Justine Greening said under-nutrition was stopping children and countries from reaching their full potential, accounting for the loss of billions of dollars in productivity.

“A strong and healthy workforce is vital if a country’s economy is to prosper,” she said.

“The commitments secured today will help transform the life chances

of millions of children and pregnant women by ensuring they get the right nutrition at the right time, securing greater long-term economic growth and prosperity for all.”

Mr Cameron acknowledged concerns as the country goes through a period of austerity, but said international aid was equivalent to just 1p from every £1 of tax paid.

He insisted that Britain was “out in front” in reaching the target to give 0.7% of GDP because its people are concerned with trying to help those who are suffering in other countries.

“We accept the moral case for keeping our promises to the world’s poorest even when we face challenges at home,” he said.

Pope Francis ‘confirms Vatican gay lobby and corruption’ POPE Francis is reported to have acknowledged the existence of a “gay lobby” inside the Vatican.

He also said there was a “stream of corruption”, according to reports in Catholic media.

He is said to have made the remarks during a private meeting with a group of Latin American Catholic clerics.

The clerics wrote up a report of the conversation that then appeared on the Chilean website Reflection and Liberation.

According to the report, the Pope was extremely open as he discussed problems at the Vatican.

He is said to have told the Latin American delegation that there were good, holy men in the administration, but that there was also corruption.

The Vatican would have to “see what we can do” about the “gay lobby” operating in the bureaucracy, he said. “It is true, it is there,” the report quotes him as saying.

In the days leading up to Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation in February, the Italian media carried

Pope Francis reportedly made the remarks during a private audience with other clerics.

many un-sourced reports that gay Vatican clergymen had been working together to advance their personal interests, leaving the Holy See vulnerable to blackmail.

There were even suggestions that the situation had influenced Benedict’s decision to resign.

At the time, the Vatican vigorously denied all the rumours.

It has so far declined to make any comment regarding the Pope’s

reported remarks, other than that the audience with the Latin American clerics was private.

An organisation representing the clerics, known by its Spanish acronym CLAR, has said it has apologised to the Pope for the publication of the report.

CLAR said in a statement that it “deeply regretted the publication of a text which refers to the conversation with the Holy Father”. (BBC)

34

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

June 15 - 21, 2013

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

MAM CLEANING SERVICES Is looking to fill the following positions:

Meditation Centre Turks and Caicos Islands

Telephone 946-4760 & 332-4101

www.bkwsu.com Email: bkpadma@bkwsutci.com

FOR SALE

3 housemens 3 housekeepers

1 maintainence person

Salary $5.50 per hour

Contact: 347-1030

8266

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

June 15 - 21, 2013

BIBLE CHURCH OF GOD

Is looking for a

Is seeking for a

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

8721

To work wit the French ministries as a full-time pastor please.

8730

Is seeking employment for:

Video technician & 1 Graphic Designer

Pastor

contact: 242-0971

Rock of Jesus Ministry

• Must be able to produce graphic designs, special effects, editor animations, commercials etc.

• Applicants must have a minimum of five years experience. Must be able to understand, speak & write English. Must have a valid driver’s license.

• Must be a Christian. Salary based on experience.

Please fax or email resume to Fax: 946-4283 Email: bac@tciway.tc or info@roj.tc Situable applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Qualified PADI/NAUI SCUBA Instructors Needed Successful candidate will be a PADI MSDT with current membership and insurance, resort operations experience including advanced level instruction, dive accident management, compressor maintenance, equipment and engine maintenance and repair, applicant must be willing to train. STCW95 required and captain’s license preferred.

This is a tourism related job and will include all aspects of the company’s daily routine including but not limited to, teaching all levels of instruction, guiding dives, boat and vehicle operations and working the front office. The work schedule will include weekends, public holidays and occasional night dives.

Starting Salary $380 - $500 per week based on experience and qualifications.

Contact David Volkert at 946-4232 or info@provoturtledivers. com Positions available starting June 8, 2013. Please submit applications before June 5, 2013

8201

PRICE SLASHED FOR QUICK SALE

$180,000 CASH! House and ½ Acre land Richmond Hill 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Fully furnished

Call: 231-3788

Hilltop Ministries Is seeking a

Musician Must be dedicated honest and committed.

8731

BARBARA ADAMS

contact: 243-4350

CLASSIFIEDS 35

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

All interested please call 246 3827.

Salary 5 dollars per hour

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

36 CLASSIFIEDS

Wanted

HOLY GHOST CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE Is looking for a

Wanted TCI agrisystems seeking skilled

TCI agrisystems seeking skilled

bus driver contact: 342-2584

8728

Salary $6.00 per hour.

June 15 - 21, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

farmer

gardener/laborer

Experience in permaculture and aquaponic systems.

Scientific background/ degree is preferred. Computer experience QuickBooks, excel required.

Job would entail maintenance of small scale aquaponic systems and quail farm. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

Minimum wage, must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

Applications to be submitted in writing with references and CV or email to Ms. Narisa Thomas InterIsland Medical Services, Neptune Court Grace Bay or via email address iimsadmin@tciway.tc.

For startup company

For startup company

Applications to be submitted in writing with references and CV or email to Ms. Narisa Thomas Inter-Island Medical Services, Neptune Court Grace Bay or via email address iimsadmin@tciway.tc.

8722

SAG CONSTRUCTION

WEST BAY CLUB Is looking for a

8723

SECURITY MANAGEMENT SERVICES Is looking for a

MAINTENANCE

LABOURER To work 5 days per week cleaning the yard and taking out the garbage salary starting at $5.00 per hour Belonger will be given first preference.

contact: 441-7130 8672

NATURE SPLENDOR LTD. Is looking for a

LANDSCAPER

– with the following skills: Landscaping design and team supervision Salary $10.00 per hour

housekeeper

Is looking for a

Mason To work 6 days per week.

Salary $9.50 per hour.

contact: 941-8695

Contact: 231-6889 ISLAND PAINTING COMPANY South Dock Road Providenciales Telephone: 941-3112

PAINTERS Salary $7.00 per hour. Only Turks Islanders need apply.

8735

8726

To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

A & M JEWELRY SHOP Is looking for a

Jewelry Repairman To work 5 days per week salary $6.50 per hour.

NEEDED To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour contact: 243-3310 or 231-9501 Belongers will be given first preference

Contact: 343-3123

8689

Richmond Hill Preparatory School

UNIVERSAL PRODUCTS RECYCLING

is seeking the services of a

janitor Applicants should apply at the school by calling

Providenciales Telephone: 241-7734

Labourer 8742

946-4956

LABOuRER

Salary $5.00 per hour. Only Turks Islanders need apply.

8734

Security Officer To work 6 days per week salary $6.00 per hour.

contact: 431-7676

TWO GARDENERS

– with the following skills: Landscaping installation and garden maintenance Salary $7.00 per hour

Please submit applications to:

The Director P.O. Box 417, Providenciales

Opportunities For Fishermen Seafood processing plant located in South Caicos is seeking persons with experience and qualifications in Pelagic Fishing.

Prospective employees are required to: • Reside on South Caicos.

• Be willing to be out at sea for 10 days at a time.

• Have experience with various types of Swordfish and Tuna and be knowledgeable of the subspecies of each type.

• Have at least 7 years experience in pelagic fishing.

• Be knowledgeable of the Fishery area in the TCI. • Be able to Bait/Set/Haul and Land the Catch.

• Have experience with electric reels as well as hand rods.

• Must be a holder of a valid TCI Commercial Fishing License.

Resumes are to be submitted to the following places TCI Labor Department, Downtown, Providenciales Tel: 946-4575 Fax: 946-4164 DEMA (Dept. Environment & Maritime Affairs) Office The Lower Bight Road, Providenciales Tel: 946-4017 Fax: 941-3063 CPP fax number: (649) 945-3571 ONLY BELONGERS NEED APPLY

8732

June 15 - 21, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Funtastic Tours Company Limited is actively seeking persons to fill the following posts:

Minimum experience 6 years post Graduate MRCGP. Applications to be submitted in writing with references and CV or email to Ms. Narisa Thomas InterIsland Medical Services, Neptune Court Grace Bay or via email address iimsadmin@tciway.tc.

Tour Operators must hold a valid Driver’s License with at least three (3) years driving experience which includes driving motor bikes. Persons must also be well versed in the rich history of the islands. Experience working in the industry would be an asset.

Successful applicants will go through a rigorous training program. Persons must be residing in Grand Turk. Remuneration package would be discussed at the interview process.

All applicants should submit their resumes to Mr. Joseph Swan, Director at funtastictourscompany@gmail.com.

Osteopath Required Minimum experience 6 years post Graduate. Applications to be submitted in writing with references and CV or email to Ms. Narisa Thomas Inter-Island Medical Services, Neptune Court Grace Bay or via email address iimsadmin@tciway.tc.

8725

Is looking for a

Domestic

Worker

To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 242-6980

$5.00/hr – Must be able to lift heavy material of 100lbs+. Must be able to work weekdays and weekends days/nights varying shifts

Applications accepted from Belongers / Turks & Caicos Islanders Only. Call (649) 941-5613 8727

LEW & JAN CONSTRUCTION

BRIAN BAIN Is looking for a

Domestic Worker To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 342-2782

WIDELINE FERVIL Is looking for a

Is looking for the following persons:

Salary negotiable

Contact: 232-7317

8720

Cashier To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 242-6980

8696

2 Carpenters 2 Laborers

Electrician Welder Salary commensurate with experience.

Contact: 231-1205

Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos) Ltd. of Cherokee Road, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands hereby gives notice of its intention to sell by Public Auction the following properties pursuant to its power of sale as registered Chargee under the Registered Land Ordinance of the Turks and Caicos Islands:

1. Parcel 60900/190 Leeward Going Through, Providenciales. Comprising of single storey main residence and a single storey two bedroom guest house. The main house provides four bedrooms, three bathrooms, living room, dining room and kitchen. The guest house provides two bedrooms, one bath, living and kitchen area.

Registered Proprietors: Sonovia Darshann Gardiner 2. Parcel 60003/08 North West and North Central, Providenciales comprising of a single storey residential home with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen and a laundry room. Some commercial amenities are available nearby; however, the downtown area is readily accessible via Millennium Highway which is accessed via a paved road leading from the subject estate.

Registered Proprietor: Alan James Percy 3. Parcel 10401/115 East Suburbs, Grand Turk comprising of two- two bedroom and one bedroom apartments and one- one bedroom, one bathroom apartment.

There is a derelict lean-to addition and cistern at the rear of the property.

Registered Proprietor: Coralene Lou Phillips

8688

Unskilled Labourer

Is looking for the following persons:

NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION

WIDELINE FERVIL

8695

Kiwi Connections Ltd.

General Practitioner

T.C. INDUSTRIAL SERVICES LTD.

Required

Tour Operators Dispatcher Labourers

Position Available

CLASSIFIEDS 37

4. Parcel 60802/39 The Bight and Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales comprising of 0.65 acres of undeveloped land. The Subject property is steeply sloping down towards the Lower Bight and benefits from distant ocean views from elevated southern section.

Registered Proprietor: Jay Leonard Steinberg 5. Parcel 60611/67, Norway & Five Cays, Providenciales, Comprising of 0.21 acres of Undeveloped land. The subject property is a corner parcel with access along the south east/south west boundaries and is located just off the South Dock road.

Registered Proprietor: Anisha Crishell Ewing 6. Parcel 60506/26 Blue Hills and Stamers Run, Providenciales, Comprising of 1.90 Acres of a well elevated undeveloped inland lot. The land is zoned as a Low Density Residential (3 units per acre) and can be located by taking the Thompson Cove road North off the Leeward Highway.

Registered Proprietor: Moriba Atiba Baker 7. Parcel 60002/355 North West & North Central, Providenciales, this property forms part of the Phase Two of the Priton Homes affordable housing scheme which consists of an extensive residential estate. This residence has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a laundry room and open living areas.

Registered Proprietor: Jameka Lashawn Williams

The auction will be held at the offices of Scotiabank (Turks and Caicos) Limited, Grace Bay Branch, Providenciales at 10 o’clock in the morning on Friday the 28th day of June 2013 A reserve price will be fixed on all parcels. A deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids.

Terms and Conditions of Sale by Auction are available by request from Scotiabank Collections Department (649) 339-7100.

38 CLASSIFIEDS

June 15 - 21, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

KITCHEN LABOURER

NEEDED

CLEAR VIEW WINDOW CLEANERS Is looking for a

Qualifications:

Please send detailed resume and cover letter to bistroshannon@yahoo.com only applicants that send a resume will be considered 8717

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

contact: 231-0001

;;Applicants must be able to work outdoors performing manual and physical labor ;;They must be able to operate a jackhammer, lawnmower and chainsaw ;;They will be asked to dig holes, mix and spread topsoil, cow manure and plant ;;They must be able to speak and communicate in English ;;Starting salary is $5.00 per hour and maybe required to work on weekends and holidays if needed

Please drop all applications to Environmental Arts located at #65 Beechwood Street, Grace Bay (at the back of Lemon Café) or emailed to environmentalarts@tciway.tc c/o Natalie Zaidan successful applicants will be notified by phone or interview 8702

8706

• At least 10 years experience in the restaurant industry • Ability to work on line and prep all types of foods • Ideal applicants will have experience in highpressure situations with the ability to work independently and as part of a team • All applicants must be willing to work 7 days per week including weekends and holidays • Salary $5.50 per hour

GARDENERS/ LABOURERS NEEDED

SCUBA DIVE MASTER REQUIRED Needed:

• A hardworking person who has the skills and qualifications to perform the duties of a Scuba Dive Master aboard a vessel.

• Must be a certified and currently licensed and insured scuba dive master as will need to guide dives for both certified and noncertified divers. Must be excellent in guest relations and a good swimmer for guidance in water activities, snorkeling etc.

• Must be prepared to travel frequently aboard vessel and work long hours and holidays.

• Must speak English.

• Salary is $19,000.00- $22,000.00 a year based on experience.

• BELONGERS NEED ONLY APPLY.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Funtastic Tours Company Limited is actively seeking persons to fill the following posts:

Tour Operators • Dispatcher • Labourers Tour Operators must hold a valid Driver’s License with at least three (3) years driving experience. Persons must also be well versed in the rich history of the islands. Experience working in the industry would be an asset. Successful applicants will go through a rigorous training program. Persons must be residing in Grand Turk. Remuneration package would be discussed at the interview process. All applicants should submit their resumes to Mr. Joseph Swan, Director at funtastictourscompany@gmail.com.

If you fit the above qualifications please send your resume to the following address:

PM - Gas (TCI) Ltd.

PO Box 560, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

8713

Estel Plumbing LTD

Applications are invited from suitably qualified Candidates for the following position:

Is seeking a

Plumbing Supervisor Requirements: • Must have at least 15 years previous experience in Plumbing Supervisory role commercial, residential and Industrial projects.

• Must have Trades qualification ticket.

• Must have Class B gas ticket.

• Responsible for Estimation of plumbing projects and compilation of project bids.

• Make sketches for plumbing layouts and determine types and quantities of materials • necessary.

• Read blue prints/drawings.

• Supervise the installation, repair and maintenance of water, plumbing and heating • systems; maintain records and files; prepare reports.

• Plan, schedule and assign the activities of plumbers.

• Prepare and analyze reports and charts concerning worker utilization and job time • rates.

• Computer literate – Microsoft, Excel and Word • Must be able to prepare Material take-offs and ordering of materials • Liaise with Architects, consultants and clients • Must have excellent leadership and communication skills • Must be able to work flexible working hours to meet client/project demands.

• Salary is $2500 per month • Applicant must have no CRIMINAL BACKGROUND. • Belongers need only to apply.

PLEASE FORWARD RESUME TO:

Lower Bight, Providenciales Telephone: 241-0397 email jestel@estelplumbing.com

PM Industrial Gas, a leading producer and distributor of industrial, Medical, recreational, and specialty gases, as well as welding, And medical products and related equipment, is seeking an experienced and proven leader.

8733

Operation Supervisor Duties of this position include: handling, filling and delivery of cylinders; general maintenance of premises and equipment; customer service and quality control; and safety compliance.

Requirements include: at least 5 years relevant experience, a clean police record and driver’s license with a successful drug screen; excellent health mobility, allowing for the handling and delivery of heavy cylinders; at least a high school diploma; possess a good employment track record with demonstrated superior customer service skills, supervision of plant workers and delivery drivers; importing of cryogenics; knowledge of U.S. pharmacopeia standards.

Salary: commensurate with experience.

Applications comprising a letter, resume, references, Police record etc. should be sent no later than June 14, 2013 to:

The Manager C/o P.O.Box 127, Richmond House Leeward Highway, Providenciales Tel: (649) 946-4732 0r Fax (649) 946-4734 Email: marsha@misickstanbrook.tc

June 15 - 21, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

PUBLIC NOTICE

PETRO PLUS

CASHIER and PUMP ATTENDANT POSITIONS AVAILABLE • Applicants must be pleasant, honest, reliable and computer literate.

• Applicants must be willing to work on a shift basis, holidays, weekends and evenings.

• Salary $6.00 per hour and $5.50 per hour respectively • Closing date June 22nd 2013

The National Health Insurance Board wishes to request the following persons who are registered as “Self-Employed Persons” to visit the Office of the National Health Insurance Board, Salt Mills Plaza, Providenciales between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. from June 11th, 2013 until June 21st, 2013.

Fax/Tel 649 946 4717/ 649 946 5625 8712 SYLVIA BLACK MISICK

LESLIE WATTS

Chalk Sound Providenciales Telephone: 241-7734/ 231-3739

Is looking for a

Labourer CARPENTER 8699

Salary $7.00 per hour.

Only Turks Islanders need apply.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE OF JEWELRY REPAIR Is seeking employment for a

Professional Jewelry Repair/ Supervisor

contact: 242-5098 or 332-5098 8708

OJ CAICOS GLASS Providenciales Telephone: 231-6260

LABOURER

Salary $5.00 per hour.

Only Turks Islanders need apply.

8700

ALTAGRACIA RESTAURANT

ALTAGRACIA RESTAURANT

is looking for

is looking for the following persons:

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

Kitchen Helper

Waitress Must be willing to work 5 days per week Salary $5.00 per hour.

8711

contact: 345-5305

To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

Contact: 345-5305

8710

contact: 649-244-2907

8709

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

CLASSIFIEDS 39

Adrian Corr Albray Butterfield Jr. Alex Higgs Alexander Pratt Alvardo Seymour Alvin Garland Alvin Parker Andre Kerr Andrew Sharp Andrew Stephens Angela Jennings Anthony Walkin Arthur Gardiner Jr. Ashleigh Simonton Aulden Smith Beatrice Rolle Bently Johnson Bridgette Thomas Calvin Deane Carmen Turbyfield Carmenika Gardiner Catherine Pratt Ceriocia Pratt Charmaine Cox Christian Harris Clarence Williams Claudie Joseph -Dagobert Clercilia Sintus Dameko Dean Daniel Grant Daniel Jadotte Darphney Williams David Parlee Deborah Pratt - Williams Delano Gardiner Delroy Ewing Devon Hayles Dezoree Ewing Dieufruit Gregoire Donald Metellus Doreen Coalbrooke Duverna Rigby Dwayna Higgs Eddie Laporte Edith Burns Edline Pierre Edmond Forbes Errol Talbot Evan Harvey Felix Pena Francois Bohn Frankie Soman Franklyn Lightbourne Fred Harris Fred Rowe

Gary Mead Genoveva Lebron McDonald George Missick Gloria Symonette- Forbes Graham Shaw Gresten Gray Hartman Handfield Henley Lewis Howard Gardiner Ian Harrison Isaac Selver Jacques Belizaire Jay Bennett Jean Pierre De Montigny Jeff Clare Jeffrey Racette Jeremy Quant Jerry Skippings Joanne Gobeil John Bailey John Williams Joseph Cadeus Joseph Cenary Joseph Jean Baptiste Josselin Williams Acosta Juan Ariza Judith Wilchcombe Kathryn Fox Kenneth Brown Kenneth Handfield Kenneth Peterson Kerstin Ramstrom Kevin Been Keyse Ann Walters Kirby Mae Been Leeroy Stanford Leroy Penn Lisa Simmons Lissette Bautista De Parker Lynden Hall Manroe Forbes Marie Augustin Hall Marjorie Sadler Martin Theodore Mcallister Hanchell Michael Bovell Neil Coles Neville Clarke Newmond Buckley Nicholas Watkins Nicola Roberts Nidia Lightbourne Norman Lightbourn Olga Kovalyk Olivia Gardiner

Osias Joseph Pamela Walkin Patricia Williams Patsy Jennings Paul Beresford Peter Przygoda Philipe Kunz Plutarck Rene Quintin Selver Ray Harris Raymond Mompremier Reginald Forbes Reuben Misick Rhona Astwood Ricardo Forbes Richard Danis Robert Stubbs Ron Burchill Ronald Petit-Dieu Ronald Walkin Rouddy Delancy Samuel Handfield Samuel Harvey Samuel Hutchinson Samuel Lightbourne Samuel Wilson Sandra Dubensky Sanford Henfield Sean Erskine Sharnia Walters Shirlen Gardiner Shunavan Selver Shynique Penn-Evans Smith Corielan Sophia Grice Stanford Greene Stanley Bassett Stanley Kuwabara Sugar Ray Smith Talford Rigby Thomas Gray Tiadel Pierre Timothy Deane Timothy O'Sullivan Tracy Smith Trevor Bromley Trevor Cooke Trevor Musgrove Troy Swan Virgina Gardiner Virginie De Boer Walter Ciudad Whitney Bain Yudelka Martinez De Smith Zennie Morris

Management of the National Health Insurance Board

40 CLASSIFIEDS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 15 - 21, 2013

NURSERY MANAGER

Global Tardiff Elevator Services (Turks & Caicos)

• Applicants must have knowledge of finance, accounting, cash flow projection and proficient in using POS Systems for landscape, chemical and fertilization inventory • Ability to analyze financial data and prepare automated financial reports, statements and projections • Work requires professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to deal with customers and suppliers • Must be willing to work long hours, weekends and holiday if needed • Preference will be give to applicants who completed Bachelors Degree in Accountancy, Finance or Business Administration • Excellent reference from previous employers a must • Salary $600.00 per week

POSITION AVAILABLE Global Tardiff Elevator is seeking suitably qualified applicants to fill the position of:

Two Elevator Technician

Please drop all applications to Environmental Arts located in Grace Bay or email to environmentalarts@tciway.tc and address them to Environmental Arts c/o Natalie Zaidan successful applicants will be notified by phone for an interview 8703

Daily task will include installation and maintenance of elevators.

Suitable person must have the following qualifications: • 2 years experience of installation of MRL technology elevators; • 5 years minimum service, maintenance and troubleshooting experience on ECC and JRT control systems; • International Union of Elevator Constructors certification or equivalent.

QUALIFIED PADI/OPEN WATER SCUBA INSTRUCTORS NEEDED Successful candidates must have a minimum of (2) two years experience with current membership and insurance in good standing; must be able to speak French and English and have knowledge of boat operation. Equipment and compressor maintenance would be a plus.

Starting salary $400-$500.00 per week based on experience and qualifications.

Salary: $20.00 per hour Closing date for applications is June 22nd, 2013

Applications must be submitted to: Karen Simmons Missick & Stanbrook Leeward Hwy, Providenciales Tel: 946-4732 * Fax: 946-4734 Email: Karen@misickstanbrook.tc

Application must be submitted no later than June 21st, 2013 to:

Marsha Blanche Misick & Stanbrook Tel: 946-4732 Fax 946-4734 Email marsha@misickstanbrook.tc 8705

SKILLED FISHERMEN NEEDED

Seafood processing plant located in South Caicos is seeking persons with experience and qualifications to: • Plan & execute fishing operations - establish the fish to be sought, determine fishing location, the method of capture, and the duration of the trip; • Be able to study and interpret weather patterns & forecasts; • Operate & maintain vessel /fishing equipment, e.g. Depth readers, fish finders, electric reels, hoisting equipment, nets, traps and etc; • Be able to distinguish between various types of bait and the fish species most associated with them; • Have knowledge & understanding of the handling, processing and transportation of the various species of fish; • Operate rowboats, dinghies, and/or skiffs to transport fishers, divers, to tow and position larger fishing vessels and equipment.

Experience in yellowtail fishing will be an advantage.

Resumes are to be submitted to the following places: TCI Labor Department, Downtown, Providenciales Tel: 946-4575 Fax: 946-4164 DEMA (Dept. Environment & Maritime Affairs) Office The Lower Bight Road, Providenciales Tel: 946-4017 Fax: 941-3063 CPP fax number: (649) 945-3571 ONLY BELONGERS NEED APPLY

8737

NOTICE Regulation & of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regualations, 1990 An Application, ( PR 11620), By Whitney Bain for the development of a Gas Station and Service Center. Has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of Development Permission on Block 60602 & Parcel 198, Blue Hills on Providenciales.

Anyone wishing to make representation (s) may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base Grand Turk or through the Department of Planning, Downtown, Town Center Mall, Providenciales, within twenty-eight (28) days of publication of this Notice.

Date Notice received by June 7th, 2013 8739

June 15 - 21, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS 41

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Sports International

AMANYARA

PROVIDENCIALES TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANAGER/ ASST MANAGER

Oversee operations of all Food and Beverage outlets in a 5 star luxury resort, including room service and banqueting. Solid wine experience, strong people communication and organizational skills. Minimum 5 years previous experience in a related role.

LAUNDRY MANAGER

Minimum 5 years’ experience managing the laundry department in a luxury resort. Previous opening experience at a 5 star hotel.

Must have good organizational skills and attention to details.

Solid experience in managing and controlling linen and chemicals inventories and good computer skills. Must have proven experience in training laundry and housekeeping staff and a hands on leadership approach. Must know all safety guidelines in terms of hazardous chemicals used in the industrial laundries and a solid understanding of the mechanical side of industrial equipment.

Legendary long distance runner Haile Gebrselassie will continue to run as long as he can.

Haile Gebrselassie: I will run until I die HE’S broken every record in the book and won a glut of Olympic and world titles, but even at the age of 40, Haile Gebrselassie has no intention of resting on his laurels.

“A day without running is not a good day,” the Ethiopian athletics legend told CNN’s Human to Hero Series.

“Running, you continue until you die.”

Which spells bad news for his fellow competitors, although Gebrselassie does acknowledge he will have to call it quits at some stage.

“Competition stops somewhere, but when I don’t know,” he says.

“What I’m thinking now, is that I want to break all the Masters records -- over 40, over 50, over 60.

“I don’t know how long I’m going to live after this, but I hope the next 100 years!” he adds, breaking into his trademark grin.

“The smiling assassin” -- as he was once famously dubbed -- has been dispatching his opponents with ruthless efficiency for over two decades and is hugely popular wherever he runs, not least among his dedicated following of Ethiopian fans bedecked in

their country’s green, yellow and red.

“Haile, Haile” will be the chant as their hero winds up the pace before unleashing his trademark blistering finish to leave rivals trailing.

His longtime Dutch manager Jos Hermens summed it up perfectly: “His smile makes athletics smile.”

Throughout his glittering career stretching over two decades, Gebrselassie has proved an impeccable ambassador for track and field.

JEREMIAH MISSICK Is looking for a

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

contact: 243-0948

WARD’S CONSULTANCY

MANDY THOMPSON

Acting on behalf of our clients: O’Soleil, Elite Gaming Ltd., EY Contractors, Complete Construction, South Wind Millwork, PJ’s Pioneer Management Ltd., P.J Barber Shop

Is looking for a

Contact: 343-7512

VILLA F & B SUPERVISOR

Minimum 2 years experience as a Senior F & B average supervisor in a 5-star/luxury resort. Must have good organizational and communication skills and be detail orientated. Friendly, outgoing, professional demeanor and immaculate presentation. Solid experience in managing and controlling inventories and good computer skills. Must have proven experience in training F & B service staff and organizing special events/functions. A hands-on leadership approach is required along with a sound knowledge of wines and spirits. This position requires working extended hours including all holiday periods.

Amanyara is seeking a suitable qualified individual to fill this position; to identify and maximize all potential revenue opportunities for the hotel, specializing in luxury accommodation.

This includes the analysis of revenue potential generated by the FIT, transient and group market segments as well as the market segmentation within transient and group. One will combine this with catering and space utilization as well as other revenue considerations (i.e.: F&B, spa utilization, packages, etc.) in order to determine the appropriate mix of business to achieve revenue potentials.

Expert and familiar with Hotel Revenue Management systems.

(SAR), Corporate Reservations Policies & Planning and Opera.

Ability to produce statistical forecast, market planning and reports for business growth analysis. Individual will report to Reservations Manager and EAM Manager.

NATURLALIST

Labourer To work 5 days per week salary $5.00 per hour. contact: 243-3443

8718

Must be willing to work 6 days per week. Salary $6.00 -$7.00 per hour

Minimum 3 years experience as Senior Supervisor in the Housekeeping Department of a luxury resort. Must have good organizational and communication skills and detail orientated.

Solid experience in managing and controlling inventories good computer skills. Friendly outgoing professional demeanor and immaculate presentation have proven experience in training housekeeping staff and a hands-on leadership approach.

SALES AND RESERVATION ANALYST

8697

Barmaid Waitress Seamstress Mechanic Environmental Assistance Cosmetologist

VILLA HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR

A naturalist that has experience who can demonstrate a genuine commitment to conservation and the protection of the nature center ecosystem. Requirements individual must have a college degree in one of the natural sciences such as biology, geology, environmental studies or horticulture. Be prepared to work in historical areas must have required course work in one of the social sciences such as history or geography. Naturalists must be good communicators and enjoy working with people and teaching

students of all ages. This position requires the naturalist to work outdoors and be in good physical condition, a deep appreciation for the preservation of our natural resources. A big plus is having previous eco-tourism experience in the Turks Caicos Islands.

GUEST ASSISTANT

Minimum 2 year’s previous experience working at the Front Desk or Guest Relations team of a luxury/5 star resort. Well organized and detail oriented with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Must be well presented and possessing of a pleasant, outgoing and professional demeanor. A team player able to work under pressure and multi-task, speak English as a second or preferably a third language used by our guests to include French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian or German and good computer skills; requires and previous knowledge of Opera beneficial. Must be able to work a flexible schedule to include evenings, weekends and holidays.

MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR

Minimum 3 years supervisory experience, preferably within a luxury resort environment. Previous experience in electrical engineering with maintenance of air-conditioning units, kitchen/ laundry equipment and desalinization plant and diesel gen-sets required. Must have good communication skills and be a team player. Valid driver’s license and computer skills a plus.

SPA THERAPIST/ SUPERVISOR

Minimum 5 years previous experience with working in a spa, preferably in a 5-star resort, providing massage and beauty treatments as well as manicures and pedicures. Must be physically fit and in good health. Immaculate presentation and fluency in English is also required.

WAIT STAFF/ BARTENDER

Minimum 2 year’s previous food and beverage service experience in a luxury/ 5 star resorts. Excellent verbal communication skills, immaculate presentation and friendly, professional demeanor.

Micros skills advantageous, be a team player and able to work under pressure.

Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays and evenings.

PRIVATE VILLA COOKS/ KITCHEN HELPER

Minimum 3 years experience as a Chef de Partie, Demi Chef, Commis Chef and Pastry Chef in a luxury resort, cruise ship, private estate or 5-star restaurant. Possess a working knowledge of Asian and Mediterranean cuisines. This is a live-in position. Extended working hours required when villa is occupied.

PRIVATE VILLA HOUSEKEEPERS/ HOST

Minimum 2 years experience working in a 5-star resort, private estate or luxury motor yacht with solid food and beverage service experience. Fluent in English and possess the confidence to communicate directly with villa owners and renters. A friendly, outgoing yet professional demeanor is required. Must be selfmotivated flexible and hard-working this is a live-in position and extended working hours are required when villa is occupied.

LABOURER

Must be reliable, strong, able to help clean ponds and swimming pools, hard working and willing to work under the sun all day.

Should be able to speak reasonable English. Previous experience beneficial.

All positions require a flexible schedule (which may include holidays, weekends and evenings) and extended hours on occasion. Salaries based on experience and qualifications. **These positions will be available for the upcoming season which starts in earlier November.

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FROM THE HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE WEDNESDAYS ONLY 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM. E-mail mstubbs@amanresorts.com 8704

42

Sports International

June 15 - 21, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Nets hire Kidd as coach NEWLY retired guard Jason Kidd was hired as the Brooklyn Nets’ head coach, the team announced Wednesday night.

The longtime NBA star, who has no coaching experience, was chosen over Indiana Pacers assistant coach Brian Shaw, who reportedly underwent a five-hour interview earlier in the day.

However, Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov settled on Kidd.

“Jason Kidd has a long and legendary history with the Nets and with the city of New York,” Prokhorov said in a statement. “He has the fire in the belly we need, and has achieved as a player everything the Brooklyn Nets are striving to achieve. We believe he will lead us there. Welcome home, Jason.”

Nets general manager Billy King said in a statement: “On behalf of the Nets organization, I am very pleased to welcome Jason Kidd as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets. Jason is a proven winner and leader with an incredible wealth of basketball knowledge and experience. This will be a natural transition for him to move into the role of head coach, as he embodies the tough, smart and team-first mentality that we are trying to establish in Brooklyn.”

Kidd convinced Nets’ ownership and management that assistant coach Lawrence Frank, who previously

Despite being in-experienced in the coaching department, Jason Kidd is still seen as the best person for the job, since he brings a different kind of energy and dedication to the game.

served as head coach of both the Nets and Detroit Pistons, will be a strong presence for Kidd to lean on, ESPN.com reported.

Plus, throughout much of his career, Kidd had a reputation of being a player who liked to help other players as a somewhat de facto coach.

It’s that reputation that should be a major factor in Kidd helping Nets point guard Deron Williams, who is

close friends with his new coach.

The Nets didn’t retain interim coach P.J. Carlesimo at the end of this season, although they went 3519 under him after he took over for Avery Johnson less than one-third of the way into the season.

Kidd received the endorsement of NBA legend Magic Johnson, now an ESPN analyst.

“Do I think Jason Kidd is going to be a great coach? Yes. Would I hire him? In a heartbeat,” Johnson said. “ “I think he’ll do a great job. We have seen Mark Jackson do a wonderful job with Golden State (with no previous coaching experience), and if his heart is into it and if he’s willing to put in the work, because what he won’t understand, it’s going to take more work than it did as a player Kidd, 40, was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1994-95 after starring for Cal. A 10-time All-Star, he played for the Dallas Mavericks (1994-97, 2007-12), the Phoenix Suns (199701), the then-New Jersey Nets (200108) and New York Knicks (2012-13).

For his career, he averaged 12.6 points, 8.7 assists and 6.3 rebounds per game.

He reached the NBA Finals twice during his time with the Nets, and he finally won a championship ring with the Mavericks in 2011.

(Sportsexchange)

Nadal thrilled by ‘impossible’ French Open win RAFAEL Nadal said he had feared winning an eighth French Open title would be “impossible” when a serious knee injury sidelined him for nearly eight months.

The 27-year-old beat David Ferrer 6-3 6-2 6-3 on Sunday to become the most successful player ever at Roland Garros, and the first man to win a Grand Slam singles tournament eight times.

Nadal’s previous Grand Slam event was last year’s Wimbledon, after which a partially torn patella tendon in his left knee forced the Spaniard out until February.

“I never like to compare years, but it’s true that this year means something very special for me,” said the Majorcan.

“Five months ago nobody in my team dreamed about a comeback like this because we thought it was going to be impossible.

“But here we are today, and that’s really fantastic and incredible. So I’m very, very happy, just enjoying a lot all these emotions since I came back.”

Nadal’s comeback has been remarkable, with Roland Garros his seventh title in nine tournaments, and he leads the 2013 standings with 43 wins and just two defeats.

He admitted to still taking things

Rafael Nadal became the first man to win a Grand Slam singles tournament eight times after his victory against David Ferrer last Sunday.

“day by day” with the injury, but added: “The knee resisted a very tough battle against Djokovic the other day.

“Yesterday I didn’t have a terrible feeling, so that’s very positive news. Today I was able to compete with 100% another time, so that’s fantastic.”

Nadal’s 12th Grand Slam title takes him past Bjorn Borg and Rod

Laver to joint third on the all-time list. “[Winning] eight times here is a lot,” he said. “I never thought about that. But, sure, I will keep practising with the same passion and intensity to bring my tennis to the highest level possible.”

At Wimbledon, Nadal will look to get closer to Roger Federer’s total of 17 majors. (BBC)

Lionel Messi helped Barcelona win the Spanish League title in the 2012-13 season.

Messi under investigation for tax fraud FOOTBALL star Lionel Messi has denied allegations of wrongdoing after being accused of defrauding the Spanish authorities of over $5 million.

According to court papers seen by CNN, prosecutors say the Barcelona player and his father Jorge Horacio are suspected of filing fraudulent tax returns between 2006-2009.

The four-time World Player of the Year, who is away on international duty with Argentina, took to Facebook Wednesday to offer a firm rebuttal of the accusation.

“We have just known through the media about the claim filed by the Spanish tax authorities,” read a statement in Spanish and English.

“We are surprised about the news, because we have never committed any infringement.

“We have always fulfilled all our tax obligations, following the advice of our tax consultants, who will take care of clarifying this situation.”

According to the papers filed by the prosecutor, Raquel Amado in Gava, the seaside resort close to Barcelona where Messi lives, it is alleged that they tried to avoid paying taxes in Spain by selling the player’s image rights through overseas companies.

Messi, who will turn 26 later this month, is one of the world’s highestpaid athletes according to Forbes Magazine.

He has a yearly salary from Barcelona of just over $20 million plus around $21 million in endorsements from several lucrative sponsors including Adidas and PepsiCo, putting him 10th on Forbes’ list.

Jamaica split wildcard entries between Bolt and Blake

USAIN Bolt will have to qualify for the 100 metres at this year’s World Championships after Jamaican officials decided the country’s automatic entry into the race should go to his training partner Yohan Blake.

But Bolt was given his country’s wildcard entry into the 200m after the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) ruled in his favour for the longer sprint.

The JAAA was forced to choose between its own athletes after the sport’s world body ruled that only one wild card would be allowed per country for each event.

Jamaica had two runners in each race who were entitled to wild cards.

Bolt qualified for the 100m after winning the event at last year’s Diamond League and the 200m after he won the event at the last world championships in 2011.

Blake also qualified for the 100m after he won the blue-riband race at the 2011 world titles. And Nickel Ashmeade qualified for the 200m, as last year’s Diamond League winner.

Faced with a dilemma over who to choose and who to leave out, the JAAA’s President Warren Blake announced its decision on Wednesday.

Yohan Blake has automatically entered the 100M for this year’s World Championships.

“The executive of the JAAA has decided that in cases where Jamaica has both the Diamond League champions and the defending (world) champion, it is the defending champion that will get the nod,” he said.

The decision means that Bolt, Blake and Ashmeade will all have to compete at the trials in at least one event. The trials start June 20.

(Reuters)

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Sports International

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CONCACAF head offers BienAime full support of region

Usain Bolt got past his 100 metre loss to Justin Gatlin to ease to a 200M victory.

Bolt strikes back with 200m Diamond League win in Oslo SIX-TIME Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt bounced back from a shock 100m defeat in Rome to ease to victory in the 200m at the Oslo Diamond League.

The Jamaican’s first outing over his favoured event was disrupted when Churundy Martina false started.

On the restart, Bolt got out of the blocks well before pulling away in the final 50 metres to win in 19.79 seconds - the fastest time this year.

Norway’s Jasuma Saidy Ndure was second, ahead of Britain’s James Ellington.

Bolt, who is the only man to break the 20-second mark over 200m this season, arrived in Oslo having lost the 100m by one hundredth of

second in Rome last week.

But the Jamaican demonstrated that there was no need to be concerned as he powered to victory at the Bislett Stadium.

Bolt, who entered the stadium in a Formula 1 car, finished three hundredths of a second quicker than Frankie Fredericks of Namibia managed in 1996 to set a new Bislett record.

Earlier, Britain’s Tiffany Porter eased to victory in the women’s 100m, comfortably finishing ahead of her nearest rivals in 12.76 seconds.

“It wasn’t my best time but I’m being optimistic and patient. The World Championships in Moscow is the big goal at this point,” said the Briton. (BBC)

TCI’s Sonia Bien-Aime has the full support of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) as she embarks on her historic position as a co-opted member of the FIFA Executive Committee.

Jeffrey Webb, who is a vicepresident of FIFA, was full in praise for our most accomplished sports administrator.

“To watch a member of our confederation rise to a FIFA Executive Committee position is always gratifying,” said Webb.

“However being able to witness history unfolding as someone like Sonia Bien-Aime is recognised by the global football family is unique.

We want to congratulate Sonia for her career-long achievements and offer her the full support of the region as she embarks on this new stage in her football career.”

Bien-Aime was one of three females who attempted to become the first elected woman to sit on the board of the most powerful sport on earth. She did not win, but did earn a one-year co-opted position.

PHENOMENAL She told CONCACAF.com recently that her rise in the sport at an international level has been a phenomenal journey. “First of all to be nominated by CONCACAF as the candidate to serve on the FIFA Executive Committee, that in itself

TCI’s own Sonia Bien-Aime is the first female in the western hemisphere to sit as a co-opted member on the FIFA Executive Committee.

was phenomenal, and something I hadn’t expected. There are so many good candidates to choose from in the CONCACAF region. That meant a great deal to me, because it made me realise that someone was taking note. I try my best and work my hardest and put everything I have into football, and to be nominated meant a lot.”

Prior to her big appointment, Bien-Aime was appointed as a CONCACAF Women’s Championship Committee member, Chairperson of the Women’s Football Committee for the

Caribbean Football Union and FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup Planning Committee member.

RAISING TCI’S PROFILE Bien-Aime told CONCACAF.com that: “With my appointment, it will raise the profile of football here in the Turks and Caicos significantly, in terms of the administrative field,” she said. “For the playing part, we may still have a bit of struggle, even though we have very talented players here. I’m sure it will help in terms of raising the profile at an administrative level.”

HAB Group Senior Men’s T20 Cricket Competition:

Beaches continue undefeated streak Sebastian Vettel will remain with Red Bull until the end of the Formula One 2015 season

F1 champion Vettel extends Red Bull deal THREE-TIME Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel has extended his deal with Red Bull through to the end of the 2015 season.

The German is on course for a fourth straight drivers’ championship title after victory at the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday saw him extend his lead at the top of the standings to 36 points.

Vettel has reigned supreme over the sport since landing his first title in 2010 and has now added an extra 12 months onto his current deal.

The 25-year-old had been linked with rival marques such as Ferrari and Mercedes but has put an end

to the speculation by signing a new contract.

“Infiniti Red Bull Racing is happy to confirm that World Champion Sebastian Vettel has extended his multi-year contract with the team until the end of 2015,” a Red Bull statement read.

“A previous member of the Red Bull Junior squad, Sebastian first drove for Red Bull Racing in 2009.

“During his Formula One career, the 25-year-old has achieved 29 wins, 51 podiums and 39 pole positions.

“He is the current Formula One World Champion and also a triple World Champion, having retained the title since he first won it in 2010.”

BEACHES have raced to the top of the HAB Group Senior Men’s T20 Cricket Competition points table with their third victory in three matches. Their latest victims were KB Homes, who started this competition with much expectation, but has since faltered.

KB Homes won the toss at the Downtown Ball Park last Sunday in Providenciales, but could not take control and eventually fell for a modest 123 in 19.1 overs.

Paul McKenzie showed some fight, as he hit two fours on his way to 21 runs, but Beaches took wickets at regular intervals which restricted the opposing batsmen from getting themselves in.

Keneth Lewis and Stephen Robinson led the bowling attack with three wickets each.

At the crease Beaches made batting look easy as they raced to the needed total in 13.3 overs with six wickets to spare. Sidue Hunter top scored with 54 (8X4s and

Man-of-the-match Sidue Hunter is the latest Beaches batsman to hit a half-century.

2X6s) while Damian St. Ange again showed form with 33 unbeaten runs (3X4s and 2X6s).

Blair Mason was the pick of the KB Homes’ bowling attack with 2-32 from four overs.

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June 15 - 21, 2013

Captain Marvin’s Women’s Beach Soccer League:

Delphin cops Player of the Season award – Pluviose voted as League’s MVP PINK Mermaid’s Kadine Delphin was named Play of the Season when the Captain Marvin’s Women’s Beach Soccer League held their award ceremony recently.

Delphin’s team had retained their title after a thrilling final against the Purple Pirates.

Incidentally it was the Pirates’ Shinaydine Pluviose who took the League’s MVP title. Another Pirates’ player Sarah Cenary, who has become a dominant scorer, finished with the most goals in the league. The Great White Sharks’ Maniella Pierre was named the Most Improved Player.

Delphin and Pluviose were named their respective teams’ MVP while Patrice Senior nabbed the award for the Blue Marlins and Melissa Jean Guy for the Sharks.

BEST LEAGUE SO FAR Technical Director Matthew Green was delighted with the season: “This is the third year we have run the league, but this was definitely the best season so far. Having our own facility makes it a lot easier to coordinate. The standard of play has also improved a great deal and we have seen some amazing soccer this year. Thanks to all the people who have supported the league, the fans, players, TCIFA executives, referees and our sponsors Captain Marvin’s who generously allowed our players to have an amazing experience today (parasailing)”.

Green added “football is all about fun and beach soccer certainly brings out this side of the game.

Sport should not be taken too seriously and at times players often

The Beach Soccer League players after the award ceremony.

forget that when they compete against each other, however with beach soccer it is certainly more about fun and sportsmanship although we have seen some

amazingly tense and competitive games”. I am sure that the leagues will continue to get better and better every year and judging by how popular beach soccer is with

young children it has a promising future in our islands” Prior to the award ceremony the league sponsors took the players (almost 30) parasailing.

Josh for Sports

Squanders of national treasurers IN the annals of sports history, the sins, inefficiency and destructive work of the now non-existing Sports Commission and the TCAAA will be exposed for the damage they’ve done to our country and its treasure trove.

I make no excuses for my strong adjectives expressed above.

We can never recoup our losses that have been squandered.

It is totally impractical, illogical, inconceivable and impossible to make excuses for our immortal blunder in jettisoning the diamond, gold, silver, precious stones and gems of our growing and aspiring nation. The only explanation is that self-seeking superseded the national interest.

To me those acts are unpardonable atrocities.

Certain individuals who are directly responsible by their part in this scheme are still partially holding on to a portion of the administrative reins of national influence. They must be expunged from their seemingly indispensible place with their camouflaged positions.

I know who they are and where they are. Others who know are afraid to speak up or expose them.

By Joshua Gardiner SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF NATIONAL SABOTAGE For years the wheel of doom has been turning and spinning its web of destruction. But I shall allude only to the past seven years. Around 2006 a concerted effort was made to land the 2007 CARIFTA Games here in the TCI. Thus the government embarked on a programme to build a national stadium.

The stadium was built at an alleged price of around US$10M, yet up to this day the stadium is incomplete. There are no permanent seats surrounding the stadium.

Bleaches were rented. With $10M a proper stadium could have been completed. Ironically we failed to win a single medal as hosts—that was history itself.

RUPERT GARDINER VS. RITA GARDINER I am aware of flying accusations made by both sides. The bottom line is that Rupert, the coach of the Golden Girls of the Bahamas Olympic team, was hired as our national coach by the government (Hon Boyce) on the recommendation of Mrs. Rita Gardiner. There was a conflict between the two Gardiners and Rupert was fired.

Rupert was replaced by, in my opinion, a very incompetent socalled national coach, Michael Jules from Barbados. Jules did not know when water boils as a coach. He appointed himself team manager, but did not even march with our team.

Even though I had coached the two fastest sprinters on the team, I, a world class coach, was “blackballed”. My athletes were Ronald Parker and Issiah Gardiner.

DESTRUCTION OF OUR YOUTH PROGRAMME Our International Youth CAC Games defending age-group champions were prepared, but were not sent to Panama to defend their title (included among this group was Dewanna Fulford. If that programme was not killed, we would have won at least 10 medals this year at CARIFTA in Nassau. It was the

prefect grooming programme.

SIMPSON PENN The government awarded Simpson Penn a scholarship which he deserved. He took advantage of that opportunity and should be about finished with university now.

DOMANIQUE MISSICK By the same token of reward, Governor Wetherell declared a scholarship for high jumper Domanique Missick and sprinter Delano Williams who both won gold medals at CARIFTA two-years ago.

Thus Domanique needed no athletic scholarship (same situation as Penn) so, why is he not in school?

The blame lies on both the Sports Commission (deceased) and TCAAA who were obligated nationally to see that this athlete’s future was taken care of. They did not care. They only wanted to ride on our athletes’ back.

I am calling on the acting Sports Director Judith Robinson to step up to the plate and rescue Dominique and get the governor’s office to honour their pledge. This young man has the potential to become a world champion, but he needs to get back on track, fast and soon, before it’s too late.

WE’VE LOST TWO CHAMPIONS

The sports authorities captioned above are totally responsible for us losing our other super-stars Teray Smith and Delano Williams to other countries.

I DON’T BLAME THEM I say to Delano and Teray go for gold, become world champions, look out for yourself, and don’t be consumed by ravenous wolves.

Your youth lasts until you cannot dominate your sport again. Secure your future by doing what is best for you.

WENDRICO SEYMOUR A few years ago Wendrico Seymour won gold and silver medals in international competition for TCI. He received a scholarship from Digicel.

Having grade problems he went to Munro College in Jamaica and tried to upgrade himself, he however became discouraged and quit.

Where were the Commission and the TCAAA who were riding on his back? Why did they not help him by encouraging and getting counselling and special tutoring for him?

Ya’ll now see my point!

So long for now.

June 15 - 21, 2013

Sports National

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Williams almost chase down Blake

– Ready for senior career, but desperately needs personal vehicle TCI’s sprint records holder and World Junior 200M champion Delano Williams proved to the world the calibre of athlete he has become when he almost chased down the second fastest man in history, Yohan Blake, in Jamaica last week.

Running in the All Comers Meet, Williams had a somewhat ordinary 200M start, but power up in the last

50 metres to chase down and pass a few runners, before he lost by twohundredth of a second to former senior 100M world champion Blake.

APPEAL FOR SUPPORT Williams, who finished in a time of 20.74s, will join Blake and six-time Olympic gold medallist and world record holder Usain Bolt at Racers

Track Club from September when he starts the University of the West Indies.

Due to the distance to travel for school and training from his living quarters, Williams is appealing to a local car company in the TCI to assist him in getting a vehicle.

“The reason I want the car is because I will have morning sessions in Kingston, Jamaica which can be a dangerous place.”

Williams opined that he does not want to take chances as an international athlete. “I want to be protected.”

The Grand Turk born athlete who will study Sports Management at UWI has had a dominant junior career and is touted by the international media as the athlete to take over the reins from world record holder Usain Bolt.

Soon to be training partners Delano Williams (centre) with Usain Bolt (left) and Yohan Blake. Blake just beat Williams last weekend by 0.02 seconds.

The GT Stallions dominated the last three games against the Flyers to take the PABA Night League 2013 title. After the championship victory they celebrated in style. (Facebook photo)

PABA Night League:

Stallions win three in a row to lift title THE GT Stallions are the Provo Amateur Basketball Association (PABA) Night League champions.

Against nemesis Five Cays Flyers they turned up the heat after three losses in four games to take three consecutive victories at the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex court.

Superior players’ performance and experienced coaching propelled the win in what has become the TCI’s most dominant basketball league.

The much talked about Game Seven had several lead changes in the first three quarters before the Stallions took control in the fourth.

Despite the Stallions keeping it together, the Flyers only have themselves to blame as they were plagued with turnovers and shots from beyond the arc were not dropping like they did in the previous games.

In the end the Stallions won 102-89. Marcus Lightbourne stepped up big with 31 points and nine boards while Ray Harris had 14 points and eight rebounds and Ira Taylor eight points and 20 rebounds.

Anthony Cash led the Flyers with 24 points, and three rebounds while Elho Seymour scored 15 points and pulled down 12 rebounds.

Team TCI finished second at last weekend’s Paul ‘Dingus’ Thompson softball tournament in the Bahamas.

TCI finish second in Bahamian softball tournament THE Turks and Caicos Islands finished second in the just concluded Paul ‘Dingus’ Thompson softball tournament in the Bahamas.

They suffered opening defeats last Friday evening before winning twice on Saturday, which propelled them

into the playoffs. On Sunday they advanced to the semis, but eventually settled for second place.

Paul Virgil-Stubbs, who travelled as coach was satisfied with her team’s performance. “Although we did not win the tournament, as coach

for the team, I want to say that we played a great game. The players were determined to not return home empty hand.”

Virgil-Stubbs said that the team was also grateful to all the sponsors who made the trip possible.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 15 - 21, 2013

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June 15 - 21, 2013

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June 15 - 21, 2013