TCWN June 22-28

Weekly News Volume 27 | No. 24| June 22 - 28, 2013

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Turks and Caicos

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Missing woman found dead

After several days of handing out missing person fliers and frantic efforts to locate the 30-year-old Dominican woman who went missing more than a week ago, the family of Damaris Gomez Martinez have had their worst fears confirmed.

PAGE  5

Janelle Tennant

Amrita Rampersaud

Miranda Archbold

Ona Glinton dominates GSAT top 10

Janelle Tennant from Grand Turk’s Ona Glinton Primary School is the top performer in the 2013 Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT), a continued trend from last year when the school’s Jyles Javier was the country’s top student.

PAGE  2

Four civil servants honoured by the PAGE  5 Queen

Tourist dies after snorkeling accident PAGE  5 at Grace Bay

Tender out for controversial beach access PAGE 22

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 22 - 28, 2013

June 22 - 28, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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NEWS

Ona Glinton dominates GSAT top 10

BY VANESSA NARINE JANELLE Tennant from Grand Turk’s Ona Glinton Primary School is the top performer in the 2013 Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT), a continued trend from last year when the school’s Jyles Javier was the country’s top student.

And the school dominated the top ten with three other students who scored over 85 per cent passes.

The top performers are: Janelle Tennant, Ona Glinton Primary School, with a 92.07 pass; Amrita Rampersaud, Ona Glinton Primary School, with an 88.28 pass; Miranda Archbold, Ona Glinton Primary School, with an 88.02 pass; Emerson Bataille, Community Christian, with an 87.72 pass; Dahanda Pluviose, Ona Glinton Primary School, with an 87.50; Divesh Aswani, Precious Treasures, with an 87.41 pass; Briann Gardiner, Adelaide Oemler Primary School, with an 86.90 pass; Ashley Agenor, Oseta Jolly Primary School, with an 85.86 pass; Caitlin Lewis, Provo Christian School, with an 85.17 pass; and Zaria Ingham, B.E.S.T. Institute, with an 85.09 pass.

The exam consists of seven subjects covering areas of Mathematics, Science, English and General Studies.

And Tennant outperformed her peers in Mathematics, Science and English, while Bataille was the best performer in General Studies.

THANKFUL The Weekly News caught up with this year’s top students and the

June 22 - 28, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

general sentiment was relief that the exams were over and thankful that their hard work paid off.

Tennant said: “I am the happiest person alive today. I believed, I worked and I achieved. Truly, all things are possible with God. “I am proud to represent the Ona Glinton Primary School and would like to thank everyone who has helped me to reach thus far, especially my teacher, Mrs. Camile Ellis.

“In the future, I would like to become a successful entrepreneur.

I have three great hobbies; they are eating, reading and studying.”

According to Rampersaud, the results make it clear that hard work is the key to success.

She said: “I would like to say thanks to my family members and to my teachers past and present, especially Mrs. Ann Rocke and Mrs. Camile Ellis. My motto is ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’. With this in mind, I will strive to become an accomplished pediatrician.”

Archbold pointed out that this is the start towards the goals she has.

“My ambition is to become the best pediatrician ever lived. I am an avid reader, but I also enjoy walking my dog and watching TV. I would like to say thanks to everyone who helped me achieve my goals, especially my teacher,” she said.

Bataille attributed his success to the support of God, his parents and teachers.

Pluviose reiterated similar

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

Janelle Tennant

Amrita Rampersaud

Miranda Archbold

Emerson Bataille

Dahanda Pluviose

Divesh Aswani

Briann Gardiner

Ashley Agenor

Caitlin Lewis

sentiments.

She said: “I am extremely proud of my achievement and would like to thank all my teachers especially Mrs. Ann Rocke and Mrs. Camile Ellis. I truly believe that whatever you put your mind to, you can achieve.”

Aswani, proud of his success, said: “There is no limitation when you have dreams. Study hard and work diligently and you will reach your goals.”

Gardiner noted that her success comes through hard work and dedication.

“I am proud of my performance in the GSAT,” she said.

Agenor explained that she thought the exams would be difficult.

She said: “Without studying you will not achieve your goal. It is a lot of hard work and you have to make the effort.”

Lewis said: “I studied, and I went on the GSAT website which helped me a lot. I worked with my teacher along with other classmate and the morning of the exam I prayed for God to help me to do my best. I want to thank God and my teacher, Ms. Davis for my results.”

Ingham added that a lot of

studying and support from family, teachers and friends aided her success.

“In order to achieve your goals, you must study and work very hard,” she said.

The Weekly News also spoke to several Grade Six teachers, as well as principals, who had words of encouragement for their students and agreed that the keys to success, as proven time and time again, are hard work, dedication and commitment of students, parents and staff.

According to the Education Department, a total of 435 students from schools throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) sat GSAT this year, 327 coming from public schools and 108 from private schools.

Majority, 307 students came from all 14 primary schools on Providenciales with 216 coming from the three government schools, [Ianthe Pratt, Enid Capron and Oseta Jolly] and 91 from the 11 private primary schools on Providenciales.

The remainder, 128 covered all the other schools throughout the nation.

‘Go GSAT’, an online learning website, is touted by the Department

Zaria Ingham

as having supported students in preparing for the exams.

The online programme gave students the opportunity to complete practice questions, download handouts and access live tutorials in relation to topics that more than likely appeared on the examination.

GSAT determines whether a child will move onto the secondary education level of learning. In order to proceed to the secondary learning, each student must obtain a passing grade of 50 per cent or more.

June 22 - 28, 2013

NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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Missing woman found dead on Millennium Highway AFTER several days of handing out missing person fliers and frantic efforts to locate the 30-yearold Dominican woman who went missing more than a week ago, the family of Damaris Gomez Martinez have had their worst fears confirmed.

On Sunday (June 16) sometime around 6am police officers recovered the body of a woman from along Millennium Highway in the dirt road leading to Crystal Bay. Police and family have confirmed that the body was that of Martinez.

Martinez, who resided in Providenciales, was reported missing by her family after she failed to return home last Monday, June 10.

She was last seen by a friend at Ports of Call in the Grace Bay area on Providenciales at 10pm wearing

a black blouse and a green and black knee-length skirt.

After that reported sighting there has been no word on her whereabouts.

Reports indicate that an early morning jogger discovered the body in nearby bushes a few yards away from the roadside.

Reliable sources told Weekly News that the female jogger smelled something while running along the highway and on investigating the scent, made the discovery.

Sources could not confirm whether there were visible marks of violence on the body and according to police the exact cause of death could be known only after the post-mortem examination has been conducted.

Police have confirmed that a post mortem was conducted on Wednesday (June 19), however the results as to cause of death have not yet been revealed.

The circumstances leading to the woman’s demise are still being investigated by police.

Anyone with information relating to the incident or who may have seen Martinez on the evening of June 10 are asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Department at telephone number 941-4448 extension 81843 or 81837 or use the untraceable, anonymous crime stoppers Miami number at 1-800(TIPS) or 1-800-8477.

Martinez leaves to mourn a husband and several other family members. (DI)

Four civil servants honoured by the Queen

HER Majesty the Queen approved awards to four civil in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) in this year’s Birthday Honours, last Friday (June 14).

An OBE is awarded to Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, Deputy Attorney General for services to the development and reform of the public service of the TCI. A BEM was given to Shirlen Forbes, Chief Statistician for services to the development of statistics in the country.

A BEM was also awarded to Angela Musgrove, Director, Youth, Ministry of Health and Education for services to youth development in the Islands.

The final award was a BEM given to Norman Watts, Chartered Civil Engineering Advisor to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, for services to infrastructure development in the country.

In addition, a further honorary MBE is to be bestowed upon Desiree Downes, Chief Legislative Drafter for services to legislative drafting.

This Honorary award was approved by Her Majesty as part of the New Year 2012 round.

All awards to non-UK citizens require the approval of that individual’s home country, in Desiree’s case Guyana, which has

now been received.

Commenting on the awards, Governor Ric Todd said: “Her Majesty’s decision to recognise the hard work and efforts of these five individuals, all of whom play a significant public role in the life of the Turks and Caicos, is the highest recognition of how public servants are working together to make TCI an even better place in which to live and work “I am sure that we can all come together at this special time to say a hearty congratulation and to say thank you by way of appreciation for all of their hard work on our behalf.”

Tabling of Budget could be delayed to July THE DRAFT 2013/2014 Budget was sent to UK Ministers on June 13 for approval and Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, said the document was likely to be tabled in the House of Assembly on June 24.

However, on Monday, Finance Minister, Washington Misick, said the document’s review by the UK is not likely to be completed in time.

“The time is less than two weeks,” he said.

Asked about a new timeline for the budget’s presentation to Parliament, Misick said it will most likely be done in July.

According to him the 2013/2014

Budget is around $205m, with main priorities including health and education.

Misick acknowledged that health takes a significant chunk out of the budget because of the InterHealth Canada deal, some $42m this year.

“It is a sweetheart deal,” he said.

“We will have a hard time breaking it or renegotiating it.”

The Minister added that the lenders will not be able to secure the kind of deal they have with the TCI, more so with the current global economic situation.

He was confident that given the

resources the Government will be able to meet their obligations to the people of the Islands, as well as the UK. 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.

(VANESSA NARINE)

Damaris Gomez Martinez was found dead on Millennium Highway last Sunday

Tourist dies after snorkeling accident at Grace Bay POLICE, on Wednesday (June 19), confirmed that a tourist died while snorkeling in the waters off a resort in Grace Bay on Tuesday (June 18).

Reports are that on Tuesday, around 10:40am, multiple police units and a medical unit from Cheshire Hall Medical Centre responded to a resort in the Grace Bay area where an unidentified Caucasian female, who has been snorkeling, reportedly emerged from underwater unconscious.

She was immediately taken out of the water where her condition continued to deteriorate.

CPR was initially administered on the beach by a first aid unit on the scene, but the female was none responsive. The process of reviving her continued after EMT medics took over the procedure.

The victim was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre by a medical unit from C.H.M.C., but attempts to resuscitate the female were unsuccessful.

The Coroner's Office was notified of this death and a post mortem is to be scheduled.

The name of the deceased in this incident is being withheld at this point.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 22 - 28, 2013

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

Tax talk

THERE has been widespread concern over the new tax measures being introduced as alternatives to Value Added Tax (VAT), in particular the 15 per cent tax on freight and insurance.

Finance Minister, Washington Misick, maintains that these are short term measures until a Blue Ribbon Commission completes its review of the current tax system and makes recommendations that will be introduced in the new financial year.

What are your thoughts?

Regressive

I think this move by the Hon Minister of Finance is regressive, retrograde and simply not in the best interests of the TCI or its economy.

It adds to the already six per cent tax at the dock, will be a net sum of 21 per cent and twice the size of the much hated Value Added Tax (VAT) as suggested by the British Government.

In essence if this 15 per cent + 6 per cent = 21 per cent tax is bad, it is certainly 10 times worse than VAT because the end result remains.

It will kill the TCI economy, what's left of it and will bury any hope of an immediate economic revival.

No chance for a fight

It comes at a time when private sector entities such as the Chambers of Commerce, the TCI Business Council, the great Jerry Kodolediez, could not at this last minute, mobilise an effective fight.

The 15 per cent measure is undemocratic because the public being against the 11 per cent VAT will certainly be against 15 per cent and 21 per cent across the board.

Nothing left to tax

We do not need a Blue Ribbon Commission because by that time and after the commission meets there will be nothing to tax as the economy will be dead.

One wonders if the PNP government has turned over, played dead, handed the reins of government to the British and is willingly carrying out its text book agenda.

This measure could not have come from a real experienced and seasoned economist. If so, it must be an economy killer type of an economist.

Many World Bank officials after leaving the job have admitted to killing third world economies so that that the people of those countries would be forced to take on world debt, pay high interest rates and suffer.

We are being placed in that position.

Premature independence

This could also signal that the British and the PNP government are really working with the agenda for premature independence.

In the experience of former colonies neocolonial models of debt, dead economies are put in place, to keep the peoples of those economies saddled with payments years after the British would have gone.

We have this in the form of the hospital deal; $3 billion over 25 years from us, we the people, and we are paying higher taxes now just to pay for this.

A blue ribbon commission must tackle this reality. If not, it will be a total waste of time.

Being compromised, the British having paper on them, issues on them, Garlick on them, the legacy of Mike Misick, this duly elected PNP government cannot even fight the power nor do anything to the British.

They are weak and we the people are really being asked to pay the price.

Act for the people

This Government needs some kind of resolve to do something, finally, for our people and not for the British.

For a while, post November 9, the PNP have had a serious honey and the Opposition has genuinely given them a chance.

Really and truly you ought not even be in office. You are a guest of the goodwill and ever forgiving nature of the people of the TCI. But how long Ministers can this rape of our salaries last? How long will you continue to pretend that there is scam hospital deal ripping our people off and giving rise to this tax and others?

This chance is being wasted.

Please Ministers: fight for development, expand the economy, bring in greater investment and drop this tax - it will greatly aid those efforts.

Otherwise people must turn on you for their own survival. People want you to succeed and the PDM are doing their best to keep their statements responsible so that you get to do that.

But what you are doing is crazy, asinine and must be stopped.

This is worse than VAT.

Questions

We were warned that defeat of VAT would require alternative revenue streams (implicitly, on short notice).

Honourable Misick presented a case for some alternatives that would satisfy the need.

Are these proposals bound into the Blue Ribbon deliberations?

Hurting tourism

I don't understand widespread concerns.

What do the people of the Turks and Caicos expect to happen when VAT wasn't instituted?

There has to be tax in order to support the country, and most of the tax is being collected by the tourist industry one way or another.

This will eventually shoot a hole in the tourist business.

Set up

Finance Minister, Washington Missick, maintains that these are short term measures until a Blue Ribbon Commission completes its review of the current tax system and makes recommendations that will be introduced in the new financial year?

This is a set up like every other set up given during the campaigns.

It was said by the PNP that they understand the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands are hurting and we the PNPs will fix that.

I guess you see Peter isn't any better than Paul.

The Brits had the tax scheme to force through. The PNPs said put us in to stand up for you.

The people listened. The PNP got their opportunity and the only thing that was done or is going to happen for us is that our own will tax the people not the Brits.

Way to go, I guess its best when your own do it to you. Now it should be said not jobs first tax first.

Help us to kill ourselves from hunger and let it be a continual trend to have foreigner to interview our people and tell them they are not qualified to work in our own country.

No choice

The TCIG does not have a choice except to ensure that the NHIP hospital and stevedoring contacts are terminated in addition to raising taxes.

We cannot have it both ways.

Since taxes are being contemplated to finance these crooked deals why then not include enough money to hire a high powered lawyer, independent of the DPP, AG, SIPT and CRI to represent us in these matters. The population would support this effort.

I guess there is not the political will to do so. I wonder why?

Past sins haunt us

Thanks to his brother Mike and his cronies and beneficiaries, we are stuck with this huge debt obligation.

Hon. Washington Misick has no choice but to raise taxes to pay it off.

Breaking the Provo Stevedoring racket (another of Mike’s cronies operation) at the dock would greatly alleviate the pain on the freight tax.

Remember this when you cast your next vote!

Untruths

This is a bold faced untruth as Honourable Misick's party has been responsible for the tremendous increase in taxes to cover the mismanagement of his brother and now himself.

We must remember the history of this Financial Minister and the loss of savings and income his management has cost us already.

Costs will go up

Misick’s party has ham strung this economy for the next 20 plus years with overspending on his brothers playthings, the extra high cost of the hospitals and the contract promised to

enrich InterHealth Canada while keeping TCI poor.

The gasoline tax the six per cent service fee, the six per cent NHIP tax, the ups in the hotel tax, Provo Stevedores which is in essence another tax, the raising of the electrical rates without restraint and the former PNP Financial Minister recommended property tax and more income tax.

These new taxes and elevated cost of living will kill most new development and by trying to tax the condo owners they will start to sell out and leave.

Temporary?

What tax was ever temporary? It will take over 20 years to pay down the PNP debts.

Meanwhile Washy will sell or run the casino and maybe his friend Butch will buy his bankrupt resort which is next door to the Veranda Key West Village.

Cannot afford this

No, no, no.

We can’t afford it and besides we are not making ends meet now. Everyday people are losing their homes and are working less hours.

How are we supposed to pay extra on anything?

If the Government so loved this country why don't they take a pay cut.

If they cut down on this entire unnecessary rental offices a lot can be saved. There is no need to tax the people more.

This place is fast becoming the highest place to survive for the average person.

And we wonder why crime is on the rise.

Labour needs

These work permits that are being issued for unskilled workers is hurting this country more than people realise.

I am not against foreign workers but the more you have the more strain it is on the country and the operations of it.

Those fees cannot compare to what is being spent on trying to keep the country clean, the cost of free education and definitely not the cost of healthcare.

A lot of businesses may pack up and seek alternative places to continue on. We have to really look at this more seriously.

Nonsense

This is total nonsense! Tax on insurance?

Insurance rates are too high as it is, especially after the last hurricane.

Aren't we paying too much for freight already? And a 15 per cent rate increase. The Government is killing Turks and Caicos Islanders.

Mr. Misick you need to do some critical rethink on your decisions

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

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

June 22 - 28, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

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Tender out for controversial beach access THE Physical Planning Board at their meeting on May 23 gave conditional approval for Beaches TCI to embark on work on parking lot paving (asphalt surface), planters, kerbs, a garbage enclosure, disposal well and parking spaces.

And last Friday, the Crown Land Unit announced a tender to acquire a leasehold title for the beach access, within the vicinity of where the works approved by the Planning Board are expected to be done.

The 0.41 acre property is located between the Beaches and Verandah Resorts, directly opposite the Beach Venders Cultural Market, in the Bight Community.

According to the Crown Land Unit, while this parcel of land is currently zoned as “Beach Access”, the developer seeks a change of use for the purpose of a commercial and tourism related development.

THE application by Sandals Resorts International (SRI), parent company of Beaches TCI, to lease the public beach access between the Beaches and the Key West Village, formerly Veranda, property has created a stir among locals.

But Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing, at press conference in May, said his Government’ supports the application for the land.

“They have something we want and we have something they want,” he said, referring to the demands being made in the new Development Agreement that is currently being negotiated with SRI. The new agreement will replace the 2006 one.

The Opposition Leader, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, has gone on record to state her objection to the privatization of public space.

Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing

Following Ewing’s statements in May, she said: “The Opposition believes that no beaches are private but also that it is not in the best interests of our people to grant another beach access to another private entity….the Official Opposition, wrote to the relevant TCIG authorities including the Department of Planning, the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs and the Office of the Premier, to state our objection to the grant of the Beach Access located between the Verandah and Beaches to a private entity.”

Additionally, Cabinet, on May 22, agreed that the beach access points and community parks be registered as National Parks under the National Parks Ordinance, given their importance to the community – a move that will not affect the application by SRI as it not yet in effect. (VANESSA NARINE)

Technical difficulties blamed for production of licences THE Department of Road Safety, Ministry of Environment and Home Affairs is currently addressing technical difficulties which affected the production of drivers’ licences.

And according to a statement from the Department, while it continues to grapple with the problem, progress is being made towards a solution.

The Department has advised that members of the public who are waiting for renewed licences; and individuals who have made payments but have not yet received their drivers’ licences to contact the department in Grand Turk on 946-2801 extension 21104 and in Providenciales on 946 4828 to make arrangements for pick up.

Terminal works begin at the Provo Airport CONSTRUCTION has started on the terminal facility of Providenciales International Airport.

And with a rigid time schedule, Dolmen Construction has managed to begin the new traffic circulation system, almost complete the upper West Parking Lot and now they have begun construction works on the terminal building.

The terminal redevelopment work is very critical, as there must be a balance between maintaining

current flight operations and swiftly completing constructing the new terminal facility by the end of 2014 in time for the winter tourism season.

A curb side protective barrier is in the making this week as the current overhangs will be demolished.

The protective barrier will protect passengers and staff alike as the works continues on the roofing to connect the existing structure to the new structure.

The new traffic circulation

system is expected to come on stream later this week. The lower parking lot will no longer be available for parking and persons will be guided to the new upper lot.

Motorists are warned to drive with extreme caution when approaching the airport and pay close attention to road works.

The TCIAA, in a statement, apologized in advance for any inconvenience caused during this construction period.

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NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Coroner’s inquest into Adrian Gibson’s death adjourned THE CORONER’s inquest into the cause of death of 18-year-old Adrian Gibson last September 13, 2011, has been adjourned until later this month.

The hearing, which started on June 11, saw six doctors from Accu Diagnostics, Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and the Bahamas giving testimony up to June 14 in Providenciales Magistrates Court.

According to information received from the Gibson family’s lawyers, at about 8.15am on September 12, 2011, the young man visited the Accu Diagnostics for a doctor’s health check and was sent home afterwards.

Later that same day, at about 6pm, his mother Claudia Gibson took him to Menzies Medical Centre; he was subsequently referred to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.

Approximately 55 minutes later, the teen was seen by a doctor at Cheshire Hall and a CT scan was performed.

Gibson was then seen by two more doctors at 8pm while at Cheshire Hall. Following their examination,

POLICE are investigating a burglary at the Magistrate’s Court #1 on Old Airport Road, which was reported on Monday (June 17).

Officers have determined that the burglary occurred between 5pm last Friday (June 14) and

A RESIDENT in Leeward Palms was robbed on Monday (June 17) and according to police the incident occurred sometime between 8.30am and 5pm that day.

Adrian Gibson died last September after being transferred to Nassau for urgent neurological assessment

the doctors recommended that he be transferred to Nassau, Bahamas, for urgent neurological assessment.

Arrangements for his departure were subsequently made with NHIP while doctors at the hospital administered medication to stabilise him.

At 1am on September 13 the plane arrived and at 3am it left with Gibson on board for Nassau.

Cabinet in 2008 as a result of outbreaks of a low pathogenic strain of avian influenza (H5N2) and Classical Swine Fever (CSF) in the DR, and has remained in place due to the inability of that country to provide evidence to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) that it is free of these diseases.

The DR first confirmed cases of Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus in 2007 and on February 6,

Premier, delegation off to Canada to market TCI PREMIER, Dr. Rufus Ewing, will soon be leading another delegation for another Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) week of events, this time in Toronto.

A release from the CTO Barbados headquarters stated that the event will run from June 26 – 28 and will see Ewing meeting with travel agents, industry officials and the media in an effort to market the TCI brand.

On June 26 the Premier will address leading industry officials, including top travel agents from the Greater Toronto area, at an industry luncheon.

His presentation is expected to highlight current developments within the tourism sector in the TCI, as well as immediate and long term plans for further development of the industry.

He will then meet with the media

Burglary at Magistrate’s Court 8.30am on Monday.

The office was vandalised and missing is a sum of cash.

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

Leeward Palms resident robbed

However, according to information received, by the time he arrived at his destination, the teen was brain dead.

The inquest being conducted in the TCI court is seeking to map out the timeline for the events in Nassau which led to the young man’s demise.

The hearing, from which the media was barred, has been adjourned until June 26. (DI)

Ban on poultry and pork from Dominican Republic remains in place THE Ministry of Environment and Home Affairs stand by its continued ban on the importation of poultry and pork products and live pigs and poultry from the Dominican Republic (DR) into the Turks and Caicos Islands.

And therefore urging residents not to buy any live poultry or pigs or any products derived from poultry or pigs imported from that country.

The ban was implemented by

June 22 - 28, 2013

on the morning of June 27, and later in the day with a group of young Caribbean professionals in Toronto.

Later in the evening, Dr. Ewing will speak with travel agents at the travel agents exhibition and educational programme.

Ewing said: “Caribbean Week in Toronto is another important avenue through which we continue to remind potential travelers and industry practitioners of the quality and unforgettable experience that awaits them in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

“I thank the CTO for continuing to provide these opportunities to tell our story to the world.”

Accompanying him will be Chairman of the Tourist Board, Kingsley Been; Product Marketing Officer, Candesha Swann and Head of the Premier’s Secretariat, Ronlee James.

2008 government officials reported the outbreak and submitted their findings to the OIE, the international organisation that monitors animal diseases and the safety of international trade in animals and animal products worldwide.

In 2010, the TCIG initiated contact with various agencies with a view to reviewing the situation with the DR because of traditional trading relationship between that country and the Turks and Caicos.

To that end, the ban had to remain in place until the processing facilities, farms and laboratories in the DR has been inspected and ratified as disease-free by the IOE. Due to the serious potential threats these two diseases pose to human and animal health in the TCI, the Animal Health Division has instituted sanitary requirements (Animal Health Ordinance 2012) to allow for the safe importation of all live animals and animal products. These standards are reflective of the international standards set by the OIE. Importers are being reminded that pork and poultry products or live pigs and poultry coming from the DR will not be given clearance for landing until such time as the TCI obtains confirmation that the ban has been lifted.

Countries reporting outbreaks of serious animal health diseases must have their meat processing plants, livestock farms and laboratories inspected and must be ratified as disease free by the OIE. Ratification clears the way for the resumption of international trade.

The home was vandalised and missing are one white Plum tablet and one 36-inch flat screen television.

Investigations into the robbery are continuing.

Man charged in handing stolen goods investigation AFTER through investigations, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police have laid charges against 17-year-old, Rondre Walkin, of Wheeland, Blue Hills, Providenciales.

The charge stems from a report made by a Wheeland homeowner

on Thursday, May 2, 2013.

Walkin is charged for the offence of handing stolen goods.

He posted bail, but is expected to appear before the Chief Magistrate on Tuesday, June 25, when he is scheduled to enter a plea in the Magistrate’s Court.

Five Cays business place vandalised POLICE are investigating an attempted burglary at a business place in Five Cays, which was reported on Monday (June 17).

The incident which happened between 5.30pm last Friday

(June 14) and 9.25am on Monday (June 17), saw several windows vandalised.

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

Burglars target Kew Town home POLICE are also investigating a residential burglary in Kew Town, which was reported on Tuesday (June 18).

It has been determined that the burglary occurred between 8am

and 7.49pm that day and missing from the home is one Sony 42inch flat screen television.

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

Man robbed after offering a ride to two youngsters AN ACT of goodwill went wrong after a man offered two youngsters a lift and ended up being robbed.

The incident occurred near a gas station on Millennium Highway on Sunday (June 16).

It was reported that the driver was driving along the back road when he saw two young males wearing short pants and dressed in all black. The two males stopped him and asked for a ride, to which he did.

Shortly thereafter the said two young men asked the driver to pull over near a gas

station. One of them then called to someone and three more men emerged from a nearby bush.

Reports are that a cutlass was brandished on the driver and the young men then demanded his valuables.

The culprits got away with one yellow envelope with several documents, passport, ID card, diploma and a sum of cash.

They also removed a car radio, an Ipad white in colour, which was in a black casing with a pouch.

Investigations are on-going.

June 22 - 28, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

9

New 15 per cent tax the focus of business community

BY VANESSA NARINE

ONE of the largest gatherings of members from the business community since Value Added Tax (VAT) was on the table was in attendance at Monday night’s Chamber of Commerce meeting.

And the introduction of the new 15 per cent tax on freight and insurance of imports was the hot topic issue.

Finance Minister, Washington Misick, was in attendance and members took the opportunity to grill him, as well as register their concerns on the new tax.

Misick, before fielding questions, stressed that while the return of VAT is unlikely, the Turks and Caicos Islands has a responsibility to the UK to meet certain revenue targets, particularly since proposing alternatives to VAT was how it was not pushed through – initiatives that the country committed to the in the FSPS. He told members of the Government’s plans to modernise the country’s tax system and assured that the six new tax measures introduced were short-term initiatives, until the

The Chamber’s Secretary, Wendy Hill, president, E Jay Saunders, and Finance Minister, Washington Misick.

Blue Ribbon Commission makes recommendations for changes.

“The current system is cumbersome,” the Minister said.

Misick added that the goal is a simple tax system that will be easily managed and ensures that taxation is spread over a broader base.

“It will be difficult to move forward without changes to the current system,” he said.

Lower Bight home vandalised POLICE are also investigating a residential burglary in the Lower Bight, which was reported on Wednesday (June 19).

Reports are that the incident occurred between 10am on Tuesday (June 18) and 1am on Wednesday (June 19).

The home was vandalised and missing are one flat screen TV, a Toshiba laptop, an iPod Nano and two cellular phones.

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

Man caught with fake gun charged A WHEELAND man has been slapped with charges of possession of an imitation firearm and wielding to cause fear even as police continue to appeal for persons with authentic guns and ammunition to turn them in during the gun amnesty period.

Twenty-three year old Andrew Parker faced the Chief Magistrate in Providenciales Magistrate’s Court on Friday (June 20) on charges of possession of imitation firearm and using offensive weapon to cause fear.

The charges stem from an incident, which is alleged to have taken place last Thursday (June 13) in Wheeland.

Parker was not required to plead to the charges until the day of his sufficiency hearing in the

Supreme Court (date unknown).

Police are asking members of the public to report any suspicious activities within their communities.

“If you suspect or know of anyone in possession of an illegal or imitation firearm, do not approach or try to apprehend. Call the police on 911.

“If you have any information about the location of any illegal firearm, please call 911 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-8008477.

“Tips can also be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either www. crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks and Caicos,” a police statement said.

The Minister said the changes will be in the form of customs reforms and in the domestic taxation market.

According to him, there are many misconceptions surrounding the new tax measures, which include the 15 per cent on freight and insurance of imports; a one per cent increase in accommodation tax; changes in the stamp duty; the introduction of a temporary driver’s licence fee, which will largely target visitors to the Islands; a general service tax for the service industry, including attorneys and accountants; and a communications tax.

TOP CONCERN The 15 per cent addition to an existing six per cent customs charge on imports was pointed out as an additional burden by outspoken Chamber member, John Hartley.

The Finance Minister explained that everyone has to pay their share.

Hartley’s response questioned whether the Government’s policy was to impose taxes on locals and Chamber members.

Misick rebuffed these comments, making clear that this is not true as many of the other new tax measures do not focus on locals, but added that locals have to pay their way too.

“The intention is to reduce import tax, but we have a short-term hump to get over…I live here so I am aware of the issues too,” he said.

The dock handling contract was questioned and one member suggested that if the contract was renegotiated the addition of the 15 per cent would be easier to take on.

The Finance Minster stated that he was unsure as to how easy it would be to break the contract, but added that future contracts are subject to the new Procurement Ordinance, which is rigorous.

Another member questioned what the tax cost would be for the import of sand, cement blocks and gravel, since they are particularly heavy items the freight costs would be an already significant cost.

Misick accepted this as a valid concern and noted that at a time when developers have already signed Memorandum of Understanding

(MOU) with the Government, the aim is not to discourage developers and stakeholders in the construction sector.

He said it was a point “under review” for the time being.

It was pointed out that there are only two weeks until the tax is made effective and decisions on what it will affect should have been made.

The Finance Minister stated that yes there are only two weeks left, but pointed out the time frame to make implement the alternative measures was also short.

CRITICISMS The issue of the new taxes being broad based was criticised by one member, who pointed out the number of income earners in the TCI and suggested that a $10 charge be put in place for tourists coming to the islands, particularly since the TCI is averaging three million visitors a year.

The member added that no tourist will land at the airport and turn away because they consider a $10 fee too expensive, particularly not since the TCI is a high-end destination and some hotel rooms average $300 and $400 a night.

“That is $30m,” he stressed.

Misick took on board the recommendation and said suggestions like these are what the Blue Ribbon Commission will be considering.

He added that the Government has to be careful about balancing the costs its charges to tourists.

Another member questioned the general services tax and Misick explained that the professional services have not been taxed before and in the short-term the tax burden has to be shared.

Asked if the professionals taxed would include doctors, the Minister admitted that he was unsure, but committed to provide the details to the Chamber.

The general services tax will be effective come October 1.

One member asked if the new tax measures would guarantee that the Government’s book reflect a breakeven point and Misick explained that the projection for the

2013/2014 financial year is a $15m surplus, $11m of which is pledged to the sinking fund and a minimum surplus of $2m to be reflected in the Consolidated Fund.

Current efforts to collect revenues owed to Government were also questioned and Misick assured that the Department of Revenue is working on improving compliance.

“One of the things we are contemplating is to be forceful in revenue collection, but we also have to be reasonable,” the Minister said.

Another member followed on this and questioned whether the efficiency of Government’s operations could be improved to save on costs and therefore reduce the need for more taxes.

Misick said Government is operating efficiently, more so since the financial and other operational frameworks demand it.

“The excesses of the past will not happen on my watch,” he said.

The Minister added that an e-commerce platform is also expected to be rolled out soon to improve the efficiency of service delivery by the Government.

“Things take time,” Misick stressed.

The issue of property tax came up and the Minster assured that there are no plans at the moment to introduce a new property tax.

Another member questioned whether or not the short-term tax measures would be repealed once the Blue Ribbon Commission’s recommendations are taken on board.

The Finance Minister explained that whatever the recommendations are they will be taken to Cabinet and approved and then debated for passage in the House of Assembly.

“The decision is up to the House of Assembly,” he said.

One asked how different the new taxes were from VAT, to which Misick made it clear that the differences are significant.

He said: “In the short term these are measures that can be easily rolled back once the Blue Ribbon Commission’s work is done.”

Misick said current efforts, for the large part, are focused on cleaning up the system and addressing the existing anomalies.

Another asked if the TCI was pricing itself out of the market with the new taxes that investors could view as additional costs compared to other jurisdictions.

The Finance Minister was confident that this will not be the case.

By the end of the discussion, the bottom line drawn by Misick was the fact that the six new tax measures are short-term to get the country through the next nine months of the current financial year, until the Blue Ribbon Commission makes their recommendations for changes in 2014/2015.

10 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Blue Ribbon Commission to be set up in September

BY VANESSA NARINE THE NEW tax measures implemented this financial year, some effective in July and others in October, have created a stir among the local population.

But Finance Minister, Washington Misick, maintains that these are short term measures to ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islands meets the revenue targets that it committed to in order to secure the nonimplementation of Value Added Tax (VAT).

“The focus is to meet our short term obligations,” he said. “Change takes time, but we have to meet our revenue targets.”

In an interview with the Weekly News on Monday, he said a Blue Ribbon Commission will be established in September and will be charged with the review of the country’s entire tax system – a task likely to be completed within 100 days.

“The focus is on modernising the current system. Right now we have a too many small taxes. We need to streamline the system,” Misick said.

According to him, the timeline will be tight as the current administration hopes to implement the commission’s recommendations for the new financial year 2014/2015.

“It will be tight, but it depends on the recommendations that are made,” Misick said. “But we would know fairly early what the recommendations would be.”

Currently there are six new taxes on the table: the 15 per cent on freight and insurance of imports; a one per cent increase in accommodation tax; changes in the stamp duty; the introduction of a temporary driver’s licence fee, which will largely target visitors to the Islands; a general service tax for the service industry,

Finance Minister Washington Misick

Revenue Commissioner, Cynthia Castillo

including attorneys and accountants; and a communications tax.

The latter three will be effective come October 1.

The Finance Minister told the Weekly News that further changes could also be made to stamp duty.

Come July 1 the effective changes translates to: less than $25,000 – no duty; between $25,000 and $500,000 - four per cent; $500,000 to $1.5m six per cent; between $1.5m and $3m - eight per cent; and more than $3m -10 per cent.

Altogether the new taxes are expected to bring in between $12m and 15m.

Asked about collection of these taxes, Revenue Commissioner, Cynthia Castillo, who was on hand for the interview, explained that there has been massive improvement in the skills complement in the Department over the last six months.

“We still have a long wish list, but we have come a long way,” she said.

Castillo added that compliance is being improved with focus on nonpayments, evasion and avoidance.

The Revenue Commissioner

explained that the current software being used, the Standard Integrated Government Tax Administration System (SIGTAS), is being updated.

Whiles successes are being recorded in revenue collection, compared to previous year, Castillo acknowledged that there are still challenges.

One of these is the do with nonresident business owners who do not have focal point persons in the TCI, making collection of monies owed difficult.

Another challenge she pointed to is the classification of some businesses, for examples some restaurants, which should be paying taxes, but are not.

The Finance Minister noted that a paper is being prepared for Cabinet proposing the reclassification of some businesses.

A public awareness campaign is expected to be intensified in the coming months to keep members of the public aware of the changes, as well as ensure that there are no misconceptions surrounding the new taxes.

Former Conch Farm GM sued for company records THE NEW owners of the Caicos Conch Farm operation in Providenciales have taken former general manager, Chuck Hesse, to court for company records that they are alleging he has not turned over.

Hesse was fired along with other members of the company’s board of directors following a takeover by new owners Richard Berke and Shaun Malcolm last year.

The case will be heard before Supreme Court Judge Margaret Ramsay-Hale on June 25 and 26.

On Monday (June 17) the parties appeared before Judge Ramsay-Hale for directions in the case and to set a date for trial.

Chairman of Trade Wind Industries, the parent company of the Caicos Conch Farm, John Hartley, told Weekly News that they are seeking the return of records needed to run the company properly.

“We are asking Hesse to return to us property of ours, namely books and records, accounts, schedules, shareholder lists; all the things you need to run a company which he has not returned to us and he denies having; papers and record of accounts, he denies it,” Hartley said.

The chairman stated his confidence that they are on good grounds and will see the documents returned to them.

He said: “We have a legal obligation under several different ordinances to keep proper books and records, prepare balance sheets, employee records and contracts, and for NHIP and there are no records.

“It is a new board we inherited and there is nothing, nothing, it is extraordinary.”

Before his dismissal, Hesse served the company for some 25 years and according Berke - as reported in the media at the time of the takeover taxes and fees were never paid to NIB, NHIP and the Labour Board and employees were never registered with the health plan. (DI)

June 22 - 28, 2013

TCIG opens tenders for Crown Land THE Crown Land Unit, within Attorney General’s Chambers, opened tenders for bids on crown land on Tuesday (June 18).

The announcement followed the receipt of two proposals for the acquisition of leaseholds of Crown Lands by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG).

In keeping with good governance and Section 34 of the Crown Land Ordinance 2012, the lands identified in both proposals are being put out to tender to allow other interested parties the opportunity to express their interests and if they so desire, also bid for the properties.

The first is a proposal to acquire a leasehold title for a commercial / tourism related development on a portion of Parcel 60803/96pt, The Bight & Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales, comprising of approximately 0.41 acre.

The parcel of land in the proposal is located between the Beaches and Verandah Resorts, directly opposite the Beach

Venders Cultural Market, in the Bight Community. This parcel of land is currently zoned as “Beach Access”, but the proposed developer seeks a change of use for the purpose of a commercial / tourism related development.

The second proposal is for a commercial / tourism related development on a portion of Parcel 10507/61pt, South Suburbs, Grand Turk, comprising of approximately 0.73 acres. This parcel is located immediately north of the Carnival Cruise Port in Grant Turk in an area zoned for commercial and or tourism related development.

All bids must be submitted to the Procurement Board and must be accompanied by the appropriate non-refundable application fee payable which may also be found on the government website or at any Treasury location within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The closing date for all Tenders is 9:00 am on Tuesday, July 16.

Millions paid into sinking fund this year

BY VANESSA NARINE SOME $41m was paid into the sinking fund for the financial year 2012/2013, an addition to the $7.5m paid last financial year.

Finance Minister, Washington Misick, told the Weekly News that the sizeable payment was the result of the large windfall revenues that the Government saw, which came from Civil Recovery Programme (CRP) and Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) settlements.

According to him, another $11m is committed for the current financial year.

Asked about whether or not the monies were being invested to secure a return that would bolster Government revenues, the Minister explained that the funds are kept in an account with Bank of Nova Scotia.

“The return is minimal, as is with bank accounts,” he said.

Misick added that the monies in the sinking fund have to be kept in a liquid state, in other words kept in a state that can be converted into cash quickly, like with a bank account.

“The return goes with risk too…. because we have to keep the monies in liquid cash form we can’t get much return on it,” he said.

The Finance Minister projects that

by February 2016 between $80m and

$90m of the debt should have been paid down.

At that time, he noted that the Turks and Caicos Islands could either get a new bond holder via a competitive bidding process and no longer need the UK guarantee or remain with the same bond holder and spread the debt over five year.

Principal payments against the TCI national debt of $214m began in the second quarter of the 2012/2013 financial year.

At the beginning of the 2012/2013 financial year, the TCI’s national debt was a massive $228.7m.

Deputy Governor and former Permanent Secretary of the Finance Ministry, Anya Williams, told the Weekly News in a prior interview that these included loans held by TCIG totalling $214.6m and $14.1m held by the statutory body TCInvest, but guaranteed by TCIG. Williams noted that $185m of the total public debt balance is guaranteed by the UK Government, which was necessary to finance the deficits from 2007 onwards and to repay all outstanding creditors.

She added that the remainder of the debt that is not guaranteed by the UK government consists of bonds valuing $29.6m and the TCInvest loans of $14.1m.

The sinking fund was created to help pay down the national debt by 2016.

June 22 - 28, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 11

TCI agrees to promote transparency and exchange of information DEPUTY Premier, Akierra Missick, returned to the Turks and Caicos Islands on Wednesday (June 19) from London, where she represented the Premier, Dr Rufus Ewing, at meetings that addressed tax, trade and transparency.

The meetings preceded the G8 Summit in Lough Erne, Northern Ireland, and leaders of the Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies were invited to be a part of talks by United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron.

During the meeting the Deputy Premier took part in an exchange of views on the practical steps needed to tackle the global problem of tax evasion and confirmed that the TCI is dedicated to advancing this key global agenda but stressed that a level playing field across the world must also be achieved.

It was further expressed that the TCI in particular has current mechanisms in place to ensure that it is compliant with international standards on due diligence including Money Laundering compliance and constant review by the Financial Services Commission.

The stakeholder group agreed to play an active part in the new pilot initiative of multilateral automatic tax information exchange launched by the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain; prepare national action plans on Beneficial Ownership;

and commit to joining the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters.

Commenting on the session, Missick said: “When I arrived to No. 10 Downing Street, I was very pleased that I would have an opportunity to meet and discuss the Turks and Caicos with High Commissioners from right across the Commonwealth, including countries in Africa and Asia.”

While in London, the Deputy Premier also took the opportunity to meet with Mark Simmonds MP, Foreign and Commonwealth Minister.

During this bilateral meeting, the discussions focused on education, employment and energy.

“I found the meeting with Minister Simmonds rewarding, as we discussed the twinning of UK schools with our schools across the Islands in an effort to create a greater resources pool and general best practices,” Missick said.

Further it was gleaned from the meeting with Minister Simmonds that the UK has some of the leading energy scientists and practitioners, and it would be great to access their expertise in assistance to help us review our energy needs and concerns in the Turks and Caicos Islands as we reduce our demand on imported energy resources and

Consul still hunting navigators of illegal entry into TCI HAITAIN Consul General to TCI, Karlo Pelissier has bemoaned the difficulty in identifying and capturing those persons who continue to facilitate the arrival of illegal immigrants from Haiti into the TCI via sloops.

He told Weekly News that though they continue to search for these persons, it is not easy.

Last April, the consulate agreed to work together with the government to tackle the issue of sloops arriving from Haiti in the TCI. Pelissier said: “We haven’t identified anyone as yet, but we are working to make them aware that the Haitian government and the TCI government are looking for these people. We want it to stop.”

The Consul reiterated his call that those persons arriving in the islands illegally will be hard pressed to find work. He added that even if these persons manage to find employment and someone to apply for their work permit, it is almost never in the interest of the worker for it to be done in this manner.

He noted that meanwhile; the

consulate continues to educate Haitians in the TCI on the achievements Haiti continues to make and to encourage them to seek work in Haiti and help grow their country of birth.

Pelissier also lauded the current Michel Martelly administration, stating that since he took office in 2011, there have been improvements in the areas of job creation and education for all children, among others.

Earlier this month, the British reopened its embassy in Haiti after its closing 47 years ago.

The TCI Consulate is urging persons to go through the appropriate and right channels to get visas so that they can enter the TCI legally.

The two person mission will be housed at the Canadian embassy in Port-au-Prince, and Steven Fisher - the current British envoy in the Dominican Republic - will serve as ambassador. He will continue to live and work in Santo Domingo.

The embassy closed its doors in 1966, after the last ambassador to Haiti, Gerard Corley Smith left in 1962 after bein

Deputy Premier, Akeirra Missick, sitting next to Prime Minister, David Cameron, and other British Overseas Territories in the Cabinet Room in

provide our energy needs in a more sustainable and green way.

Prior to the meeting, Ewing wrote in support of the Prime Minister’s view that as “we free up the world economy we must make sure openness delivers benefits for rich economies and developing countries alike and that we maintain confidence

in the fairness and effectiveness of our tax systems and in the operation of global markets.”

The TCI has also asked that the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters is extended to this jurisdiction as soon as is practicable.

This is an important global

instrument, which builds upon our existing network of bilateral agreements for exchanging information between tax authorities.

The convention offers an accessible route to increasing the number of jurisdictions which will be able to benefit from information exchange.

Clergy calls for illegal guns to be turned in – For the safety of the TCI community AS the end draws near for the onemonth gun amnesty with still no weapons turned in, members of the clergy have raised their voices in supplication to illegal firearm holders to turn in their arms to the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force

by July 1.

Sending out the appeal to their congregation as well as the public on Monday (June 17) from the Jericho Baptist Church in The Bight, were Pastors Pedro Williams, Bradley Handfield, Solomen Morency and Daniel Calcaño.

The pastors drew the similarities between guns and the deterioration within communities and called on family members and friends to encourage those persons whom they know possess illegal weapons to heed the call to turn them in.

“Guns have been responsible for several injuries over the past few years here in the Turks and Caicos islands and if something is not done now, I fear what the future might bring for us.

“It is incumbent upon us, it is incumbent upon you as a family

member who might be aware of a family member who might have an illegal gun or if you have an illegal gun to bring it in during this time.”

“If we are going to fight crime in our communities and see a crime free Turks and Caicos Islands, it will take all of us working together and doing our part, don’t wait until a calamity hits your door before you stand up and speak out, begin today, let us do all we can, the best we can…,” Pastor Williams urged.

Pastor Handfield of the Community Fellowship Centre, Assembly of God church stated that the amnesty is an opportunity for persons to reflect on their intentions for possessing an illegal firearm as well as on how protecting themselves in this manner would contribute to the growth of the community.

“The Bible says if you live by the sword you will die by the sword, so those who have intention to live by the gun, bear in mind that you might die by the gun…” the pastor said.

Pastors Morency and Calcaño both appealed to their congregation

and the Spanish and Haitian speaking communities in their native tongues.

The doors of churches all across the territory remain open for persons willing to take advantage of the remaining days of the amnesty to turn in the handguns, pistols, semiautomatic weapons, ammunition, flick knives and swords without penalty by law.

In a last ditch appeal from the Police Force, Acting Superintendent, Darron Williams, is also sending an appeal to family and friends to take heed of what is going on within communities because of the presence of weapons and advice their relations to turn in their firearms.

“The presence of weapons creates a climate of fear in the community so every firearm or piece of ammunition handed in goes some way to making us all feel safer," he said.

Adding his voice to the chorus, Commissioner Farquhar said, "As a country, it is important that we do what is necessary to mitigate our risks. If we do not tackle the problem of illegal firearms head on, it will continue to cause fear." (DI)

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June 22 - 28, 2013

June 22 - 28, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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June 22 - 28, 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.

Sledgehammer to kill a mosquito Dear Editor, I have just read the most asinine and silliest of processes ever known to these Islands and that is the recent announcement that the Turks and Caicos Government is open for tenders for Crown land.

It would seem that the Crown Lands Ordinance provides that “other interested parties” need an opportunity to express an interest

and if they so desire, they can express an interest to bid for the properties.

This law, this idea, this process does not make an ounce of sense.

The first one deals with the beach access issue. Now the law does not make any sense at all.

What if the developers of the resort, really and truly need the beach access to expand their business,

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.

Send letters to tcweeklynews@gmail.com

create more jobs and someone else with another idea applies under this law, then those opportunities go out of the window.

This does not make any kind of sense and that law and process needs to be done away with.

This is a sledgehammer being used to kill a mosquito.

In the past the former Government, PNP 2003-2009, simply sold our Crown land assets for free and next to nothing.

There were others who took the Crown, mortgaged it to a local bank for $7.5m while the land itself was worth over $400m.

Being cynical, the matter is not an issue that Government is back in office.

There were many examples of this kind of behaviour and the Financial Services Commission is not looking into that kind of mortgage fraud at all.

Next we have the joke of a legal opinion for Joe Grant’s Cay and the mortgaging of lands there on a title that was fake, but the AG’s Chambers still confirmed their obligation to the mortgage.

Outside of all these scams and the practices that led them to change the land to that asinine process there were many islanders, investors, developers, etc who acquired Crown land, developed them properly and

the evidence along Grace Bay, the Blue Hills area, the Conch Farm etc is there to show sensible use of Crown land.

So why do we need a sledge hammer?

Recent Crown leases now provide that if one sells the Crown land, at a profit, within a certain period of time, that profit goes to the Crown.

Now that may be a sensible approach to dealing with the flipping of land problem but this draconian process?

As we understand it the process requires the applicant to identify a parcel, as in this case, develop an application and submit.

Here lies the other problem; the applicant may have retained architects, planners, lawyers, project managers etc to get a proper application in.

After he goes through all of that expense; he must have others bid on something, an idea, a concept that he has developed? It just does not make sense.

There are many examples where people paid for land for many years and had them just taken away because of deadlines.

Yet there was no intent to flip the land.

The Islands need a process back to normalcy where someone identifies a parcel of Crown land, develops

COMMENTARY

The truth about taxation HORRENDOUS increases in taxation hope to pay off the debts of the 2003 to 2009 administration.

The current administration would love to spend more. We long needed to build schools, a youth detention home. They do not have the money because they proved before they will squander it.

Let us speak directly to the misconceptions about taxes in the TCI. For years there were almost zero taxes on residents. You paid your 30 per cent on the few items you imported. The merchants added the 30 per cent duty and freight on the wholesale prices they paid and we had generous but comfortable prices on all goods.

Services were not taxed.

The country grew on duty and taxes collected from the hospitality

By David Tapfer industry, not residents. As the resort industry grew, income grew. We paved roads and built schools.

For 10 long years now corruption destroyed growth of the hospitality industry.

The couple of resorts approved went bust. Many did not finish. Some want to blame the economy. That is a

SPACE IS LIMITED!

false premise.

The USA, Canada and other countries rates of taxation drove developers here and they would have continued coming if corruption had not stalled growth.

It will take work and a proper government to win it back. We must retain the British rule of law or we will join the ranks of the other Caribbean nations who send their people here to work.

We now face direct taxation on our people: eight per cent for NIB, six per cent and climbing for NHIP, A new six per cent service charge on all imports, plus Provo Stevedoring charges and now the additional 15 per cent tax on freight and freight insurance.

Ten percent tax on other insurances. Now a new tax on the

service of a lawyer or mechanic something called license fees have doubled and tripled. Work permits fees gone through the roof and employers pay these fees and they are passed along to residents.

Co-pays for primary, secondary and even emergency health care and the hospitality taxes and the airport departure fees now reach all time highs.

All these fees add to the cost of living and we are not done yet.

Contraction of the economy has begun and will continue. The smaller economy will have to bear even higher tax rates. Tax on expensive fuel began under the former elected PNP government and stand by for more.

Soon the tax will be a dollar per gallon.

It was not long ago gas only cost three dollars a gallon.

the idea, has it approved and there is in the contracts provisions that one cannot sell the land without developing it or being a part of the development.

That makes more sense.

This so-called process is bad, dangerous, ill thought out, favours a few, favours the favoured few, allows the Governor to favour his boys but really sets the Islands back.

Also the small man must compete with the big man for access to Crown land for development.

No longer can a government empower its people with this kind of silly, high school, text book, academic and ill thought out law.

It must be repealed.

In so repealing the Government will be well advised to look into the fake loans at Middle Caicos 2,500 site, the fake loan at West Caicos on the 160 acres and stop denying the fake loan on Joe Grant’s Cay. This is a game they are playing and coming up with silly laws like this will only continue to set these Islands back.

In facing reality this Government is being asked to remove these laws and fight for the right of the common man to access Crown land to develop for the future.

Yours, Ingrid Williams

The notorious electrical fuel charge came into being when Fortis Canada bought out PPC and curiously under PNP. Do you believe that fuel now costs more that generation, poles, lines, equipment, salaries, fancy office buildings, bucket trucks and digger derricks? If you do believe the fuel tax is valid we have a bridge in Brooklyn we will sell you cheap!

Fortis in TCI makes more money by far per customer than any other Fortis company.

All this began when the 2003 by-election sold out the people and now they and everyone has to pay it back.

It will take more than 20 years.

The widows and seniors will suffer along with children and parents.

What happened before in the Bahamas will happen here. The condo owners will soon exit. Real estate prices have already taken a dive. More sellers than buyers cause prices to fall and that is the truth.

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

June 22 - 28, 2013

NEWS 15

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

HM Prison opens new female unit THE new female unit at Her Majesty’s Prison in Grand Turk was officially declared operational on Monday (June 17) by Minister for Environment and Home Affairs, Amanda Misick.

The Unit delivers improvements in the facilities previously provided for female prisoners at HM Prison, moving from cellular accommodation to a designed community and support style accommodation. The improved design ensures that female offenders have a communal based residential area which better supports offender rehabilitation.

The old accommodation was limited in the facilities allowed, due to design and the Prison Ordinance.

The new accommodation whilst still providing security, enhances opportunities in regards to purposeful activities, peer led support groups, health and fitness and focused interventions in a pro social environment. The unit also better facilitates the visits of agencies and support groups providing interventions and support for the incarcerated females.

Accommodation planning is central to the Ministry’s priorities as a structured way of dealing with increasing Prisoner population.

The new Female unit is part of a phased approach in the Prison’s strategy for prisoner accommodation.

Superintendent Ian Sargent expressed his gratitude to the Ministries of Environment and Government Support Services; the Prison Maintenance Manager Llewellyn Williams and the prisoner maintenance crew “worked extremely hard in making the unit possible”.

Minister Misick congratulated the Prison staff for their dedication and commitment.

She said: “It gives me great pleasure to commission the new female wing at Her Majesty’s Prison. One of the major priorities of the Prison is to ensure that those in custody have suitable accommodations, coupled with an effective rehabilitation program.

“The Management Team of the Prison must be commended for their insight, leadership and strategic forward planning initiatives which has led, not only to a new improved Female Unit, but also the relocation of the Juveniles to a more appropriate area that is in alignment with International Conventions. You did a fantastic job despite the financial and human resource constraints”.

The opening of the new Female Unit follows other recent accommodation improvements at HM Prison including newly refurbished facilities for juvenile offenders at HM Prison.

Digicel Group records eight per cent revenue growth T E L E C O M M UNI C AT IONS giant, Digicel, last Thursday (June 13), reported on-going strong financial performance for the year ending March 31, 2013.

The Digicel Group – which operates in 30 markets throughout the Caribbean, El Salvador and the South Pacific – reported revenues of $2.78 billion which represents an eight per cent year on year increase in revenues.

EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) was up 11 per cent year on year to $1.2 billion for the full year with the most recent quarter contributing $318 million.

With subscribers up one per cent to 12.9 million across Digicel Group’s 30 markets worldwide, performance has been strong with revenue growth driven in particular by Haiti, Papua New Guinea, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname.

As Digicel continues to roll out 4G networks based on HSPA+ technology and to expand the range of smartphones it offers, data and value-added services revenues stood at 23 per cent of service revenues – up from 20 per cent for the prior year quarter.

Commenting on the company’s performance, group

CEO, Colm Delves, said: “We are very pleased with the continued growth we are seeing across our markets and with the customer response to the rollout of our 4G networks.

“We will continue to focus on growing our ICT/business solutions portfolio and on driving data usage across our customer base.

“I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to our dedicated staff and loyal customers and to assure them of our continued commitment to best value, service and network and to growing our communities.”

Key achievements in the period include the launch of 4G services based on HSPA+ in the British Virgin Islands, Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago – and LTE in Antigua and Barbuda; completion of the integration of the Voila business and network in Haiti; ICT/Business Solutions revenues increased by 94 per cent for the year and now represent three per cent of services revenues; and issuance of a total of $1.3 billion of Digicel Group Limited senior notes due 2021 at six per cent with the proceeds being used to refinance existing notes and for general corporate purposes.

Minister Amanda Missick and PS Susan Malcolm with enforcement officials

Deputy Governor leads top Government team visit to all family islands EVERY public servant on the Turks and Caicos’ inhabited islands and cays is being given the opportunity to meet in person with the Deputy Governor, Anya Williams, and the top civil servant in each of the six government Ministries.

The decision for the tour to be made was announced on Monday (June 17).

Williams, both Deputy Governor and head of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ (TCI) 1,700 civil servants, has personally committed to meeting government staff on every island in the TCI every quarter.

She said: “One of my most profound experiences as PS Finance was having the opportunity to visit the family islands and also attend town hall meetings along with Governor Todd.

“This no doubt gives you a better understanding of the needs and concerns of the people, which certainly differ from island to island.

“It was for this reason that I as head of the public service committed that I would establish the same practice within the civil service. Having held the first civil service meetings in Providenciales and Grand Turk in January, I committed at the time that the family islands would be included in my next round of visits.

“It is one thing to hear about an issue sitting in an office in Grand Turk or Providenciales, and quite another to see it for yourself in person. These sessions will play a crucial part in including our people in the ongoing reform process, and allow us to provide them with vital feedback on its progress.”

During the visits the top managerial team will provide public servants with updates about the ongoing reform programme, the new civil service performance management arrangements and also assess the state of and working conditions in Government facilities across the country.

There will also be session where public servants on each island can

Deputy Governor Anya Williams

raise their issues and suggestions with their most senior managers too.

The full programme of activity is

as follows: Tuesday 18 June: Permanent Secretaries Board Meeting, Attorney General’s Chambers Conference Room Wednesday, 19 June: Visit to North Caicos Thursday 20 June: Visit to Middle Caicos Thursday 27 June: Visit to South Caicos Friday, 28 June: Visit to Salt Cay Monday, 8 July: Public Service Meeting, 3:30pm – 5:30pm at the Dillon Hall, Grand Turk Tuesday, 9 July: Public Service meeting, 3:30pm – 5:30pm at the Gustavus Lightbourne Sports Complex, Providenciales.

Digicel launches Android smart phone DIGICEL is making the 4G experience affordable and accessible to all with the launch of its own affordable Android smartphone.

Dubbed the Digicel Smartphone DL600 and featuring a large 3.5 inch display, the latest version of the popular Android OS (Jellybean 4.1), a 1Ghz processor and an aesthetically appealing and fresh design, Digicel's smartphone is 4G capable with speeds of 7.2 Mbps.

Fully loaded with a range of popular and useful apps which will allow customers to do more, play more, listen more and share more, the Digicel Smartphone DL600 is sure to appeal to young people on the go who want style, functionality and affordability - as well as superfast speeds to suit their busy lifestyles.

With the continuing rollout of its 4G and LTE networks across the Caribbean and Central America, Digicel's sights are firmly set on ensuring that everyone everywhere can benefit

from access to superfast internet speeds at affordable prices and achieve extraordinary things in their everyday lives.

Brian Finn, commercial director for Digicel Group, said: “This is all about bringing the amazing experience of 4G to as many people as possible.

“It's about accessibility, style and affordability. Ideally suited to the youth market who want to be connected via messaging, social media and other lifestyle and information apps, the Digicel Smartphone DL600 is a fun, fully loaded Android smartphone which empowers people to do more, play more, listen more and share more.”

The Digicel Smartphone DL600 is touted to be competitively priced – free on postpaid and $75 on prepaid when you sign up for a 4G plan, making it the most attractive handset of its calibre available on the market today.

16 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 22 - 28, 2013

TCI showcased as ultimate honeymoon destination in Florida THE Turks and Caicos Islands recently took center stage at the Aventura Mall in Aventura, Florida as the TCI Tourist Board partnered with NBC6 South Florida and American Airlines for the ultimate honeymoon sweepstakes 2013.

The promotion was aimed at directly connecting with those consumers interested in travel, destination weddings, and honeymoons, while they are in the planning stages of this milestone event.

Marketing Executive for the Tourist Board, Oneika SimonsRigby, said: “Destination weddings and honeymoon getaways are a major market for us, with many of our properties offering special packages and service providers catering everything involved in the event planning, from food and décor selection to your choice of priest.

This has always been a promising market for us and one that we have seen continuous growth in the last 10

years.”

The Turks and Caicos brand was showcased tremendously throughout the extensive multi-media campaign that included television advertisements and promos, as well as a live interview with NBC6’s Roxanne Vargas on “6 In The Mix”, direct marketing, on-line marketing, and social media.

The Ultimate Honeymoon campaign was launched in March will run until the end of June.

Phase two of the campaign saw couples submitting essays or photos for a competition, from which four finalists were revealed.

NBC6 viewers were then given the opportunity to vote for their favorite finalists.

The winning couple will receive a seven night honeymoon getaway at The Somerset on Grace Bay - the primary partner of the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board for this year’s campaign - inclusive of food and beverage along with other amenities

The TCI booth at the Aventura Mall in Aventura, Florida, USA

for a total prize package worth more than $15,500. The package is redeemable over the next 12 months.

“In addition to airfare and accommodation prizes, the winning couple will also enjoy a wonderful evening at our weekly island fish fry and excursions to North and Middle Caicos,” Simons-Rigby said.

This is the TCI’s second year as a destination partner with NBC6 South Florida on the campaign, which is in its sixth year.

autism awareness Spectrum of hope – By Nicole Cox

What Makes a Child Brilliant?

Part One GSAT scores landed like thunder this past week!

To all who demonstrated academic savvy, I send congratulations.

However, there are some that gave a valiant effort whose scores did not reflect their effort. Even more hurtful are those whose scores DO reflect that there are some significant deficits, and yet they will go unaddressed.

I have heard many theories on this occurrence. Regardless of random speculations, we at least know that maintaining the confidence that a child has in their ability to learn and contribute to society trumps any score on any test.

I recall a time when flashes of brilliance in children were noted by teachers observing each child executing their personal best in various disciplines. Once the spark was detected, no matter how faint, the parents and teachers partnered to feed the flame and allow it oxygen to strengthen.

Yes, cumulative and standardized testing has always been a benchmark to celebrate those whose spark of brilliance is evident in the traditional areas of liberal arts. But, it was clear

in those times that the scores reflected on such tests served directly to that purpose. Those scores in no way determined the path of a child's future, their full capacity to assimilate neither information nor their ability to spontaneously create new information as it relates to their given area of brilliance.

In response to this phenomenon, modern education expanded its view on how to locate the "brilliance" in these various areas earlier and in what ways it may be encouraged. Though standardized testing remains a hallmark for some education systems, it is made known to children that if they give their personal best in liberal arts studies and do not shine in these exams, it is not a reflection on their overall intelligence or creative capabilities. It is merely that their "spark" is not at its brightest in this selective event.

This modern way of thought would be well served if left alone, as it continues to encourage students to strive for their all in every discipline and yet to focus decided effort into discovering their own "spark" and making the most of it.

But is it being left alone?

Children are reduced to

inconsolable tears when efforts that they innocently place into their academic disciplines are betrayed by the very adults who are sworn to encourage them.

What do we do as a society when we teach our children for 12 years that if they give their best they will yield fruit but instead hand them convoluted and inconsistent test results that supposedly are a reflection of their cumulative efforts for those 12 years?

As parents, what should be our response when the small sparks of brilliance are undeniably quenched by enigmatic grading scales and systemic assessment flaws?

The GSAT is presented to be the mirror by which our children's academic success can be examined, which is fine if the results are used to accurately honor skills and improve on deficits. But how can that be true when results that come back are clearly contrary to the documented efforts that lie in the grade books at school.

The same is true for those whose score comes back a glowing "spark", yet the track record reflects that there is still much building to be done to solidify said skill set.

What tangible benefit does that serve the child? (Part Two Next Week)

Sunquest launches TCI packaged vacations CANADIAN travel brand, Sunquest Vacations recently announced its new programs to the Turks and Caicos, which offers the destination to Canadians looking for a little more in their next escape to the sun.

In a release, the company said as part of the new model, Sunquest will also offer up to 16 different flight options with every search, allowing customers to further customize their package based on travel days, flight times and/or price.

For instance, customers can choose to fly to their destination of choice via the U.S. instead of direct and take advantage of even more savings.

The Sunquest packages include the customer’s choice of airline from featured flying partners WestJet, Air Canada and a selection of U.S. carriers, all of which offer regular and frequent flights to the Turks and Caicos, and combines it

with hotel stays to create a package that includes return transfers, the services of an in-resort representative during their stay, and the ability to stay for however long they wish.

“Sunquest is an iconic brand in the Canadian travel industry,” Sunquest Vice President, Steve Butchart said.

“It was a pioneer in its field when it started operations more than 40 years ago, and with this new business model that offers a completely new way to create a packaged vacation, it continues its innovation traditions to better meet the needs of today’s consumers who are looking for more choice and flexibility with great value.”

The company is also offering departures for this summer and the 2013-2014 winter seasons.

Open for sale are Ports of Call, Royal West Indies, Ocean Club West and Ocean Club, and Coral Gardens with other properties being added for fall 2013

Police warn against irresponsible use of social media THE Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police are appealing to members of the TCI public to be more responsible while online.

A statement from the police acknowledged that social media is a great way to keep the TCI public informed of incidents in our country and thus is a powerful tool not to be abused.

However, Police Public Relations Officer, Audley Astwood, said the posting of erroneous and incorrect reports on social media sites have impacted victims in a very negative way.

He did not identify any particular

case, but said social media sites and the popular BlackBerry messenger platform were bombarded with various stories about the death of a woman recently.

Astwood reminded the TCI public that inaccurate and unsubstantiated information increases the pain and suffering of victims.

He stressed the need for more responsible behavior.

According to him, members of the public should always seek information from trusted news agencies only, to avoid causing unnecessary stress to those affected or who may be affected by a crime.

June 22 - 28, 2013

NEWS 17

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

TCI men urged to raise their standards – At pre-Father’s Day seminar THE RISING Stars Basketball Club recently hosted a series of events leading up to Father’s Day on June 16, in an effort capture the attention of men in the TCI community to chart a positive course for the future.

Last Thursday (June 13) there was an empowerment session for men of all ages where three speakers made presentations.

Topics covered entrepreneur development, the state of the economy, social reconstruction, youth development, education advancement, youth and crime, and the youth perspective, among a number of others.

The session was held under the theme ‘The state of our union. MEN: Raising the standard’.

Premier, Dr. Rufus Ewing joined the gathering on the bleachers at the George Lightbourne Sports Complex in Providenciales.

One speaker, George Pratt expressed his disappointment at the small gathering of less than 50 men, however he did

congratulate those men who came out and brought their sons along to keep charting a positive course.

He spoke on the trials and tribulations which face today’s men, young and old, and urged the younger set to keep strong and help to grow the TCI in a positive way.

Speaking about social reconstruction – a philosophy which promotes peaceful coexistence within populations using non-violent means of dispute resolution – Pratt observed that the territory has seen its share of difficulties in recent months; further citing the murder of Kaziah Burke.

He said: “I look around sometimes and I see a lot of things need to be done and I ask myself, somebody is going to have to do it.

“I am happy when the young men take on the challenge but some of the things we need to do to address problems like these that exist in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“We need mediators, we need people who are willing to recognise that these are ills in

Some of the men gathered at the George Lightbourne Complex last Friday (June 14)

our society and we must forget the talk and we must be able to engage the different parties that come against each other and find ways that we can address these issues in a way whereby we can live together and exist.”

Pratt said it must be made clear to all in society that justice does exist.

He said: “When our young people begin to feel that justice in our country don’t really exist or there is no justice, they take justice into their own hands.

“We must be careful and when young people feel that our police in our country don’t serve a purpose.

“Then we are in a serious place, because we all know

The CARILEC Board of Director

FortisTCI CEO elected to CARILEC Board of Directors EDDINTON Powell, President and Chief Executive Officer of FortisTCI, was elected to the Caribbean Electric Utility Service Corporation (CARILEC) Board of Directors after a vote on May 28, during the corporation’s annual general meeting in Jamaica.

All Directors will serve 3-year terms.

CARILEC is an association of electric utilities, suppliers, manufactures and a variety of other stakeholders operating and representing the electricity industry within the Caribbean.

There are currently 32 electric utilities and more than 80 suppliers and manufacturers registered with the association.

For more information about CARILEC, log onto www.

carilec.com.

Commenting on his election, Powell said, “CARILEC plays a very important role in the continued development of the Caribbean.

I look forward to representing the Fortis Group in my new capacity.”

An official induction ceremony is scheduled for late June.

that for this country to exist and have some sort of civilization we do need people that take the law and enforce the law to protect others.”

Pratt also listed his own disillusionment with how young people are perceived by the older generation.

He said: “Sometimes I feel discouraged when I am working with them, when I look at their model, and issues they have to face.

“The older folks in our community; we look back and we reflect and say oh our generation was better and

we did this differently and something must be wrong with this generation.”

The speaker added that this is not the route to be taken in dealing with today’s youths.

Pratt said: “I am above my mid 30s and I had to come to the conclusion that we can continue to look at the past and say what life was like when we were kids.

“The truth is we never had cameras, we never had cell phones, we never had all the different apps that exist on all of this technology…so we are living in a different age.

“So let us come to grips with ourselves and say yes these kids are different, they are different because they are in a different time, let us adjust ourselves to the time they live in, try to give them the direction, take what we have learned and try to instil that into our young people in the age that they live in.

“Let us not try to force them to conform to what we knew.”

Other speakers at the event included Stanley Williams and Kendall Grant.

The club has consistently sought to motivate and mentor young people through its mentoring department spearheaded by Darron Hilaire.

Other events held during the Father’s Day weekend included a day of prayer last June 14, which encouraged men to ‘Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong’.

On Saturday, June 15, there was a walk-a-thon and the launch of the club’s mentoring department with a formal event at the Regent Palms ballroom teaching young people, aged 10 to 17 table etiquette and how to dress smart. (DI)

Lifestyle...

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

fitness Tip 

Dr. Joe LeMoine, is an Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine physician. He has worked with many international athletes and at many sporting events on the world stage. He currently practices in Providenciales, at Prime Sports Medicine.

Things that can ruin a workout IT happens to everyone. You are off to exercise and it just doesn’t click.

We all have off days, and the same thing can happen at exercise.

Let us look at some of the things that can negatively affect your workout: 1) It’s all about location. Many studies have shown the benefits from outside exercise. The feeling of well-being is reported to be higher after training outdoors.

A 2011 study shows that fresh air activity leads to less tension, stress and angry.

2) Going alone. Although some people enjoy the time alone during

Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine physician Dr. Joe LeMoine

a workout, group activity has found to improve performance. A study of competitive rowers show that when working out as a group the athletes experienced less pain and fatigue.

Group sessions provide connection, social contact and an element of competition.

3) Timing it right. Everyone has a

preferred time of day to workout, and that’s all right, nobody knows their own rhythm than one’s self.

There is a connection between sleep wake cycles and exercise.

This can become more important with aging. Studies have shown late afternoon exercise contributes most to better sleep cycles.

4) The menstrual cycle. This influences hormonal levels, and during ovulation a woman’s muscles and joints can have more laxity. This can lead to higher risk for injury and less tolerance to impact.

5) Friendly fair-weather. When weather systems are changing many people, especially those with past injuries or arthritis can experience stiffer muscles and joints, often referred to rheumatism. Exercise in cold dry air can bring on asthma in otherwise healthy individuals.

Furthermore in warm months exercise outdoors requires proper cool loose clothing, sun protection and hydration. A recent study indicated exercising with cooler hands, such as carrying an cooled water bottles or insulated ice packs resulted in higher work rate and lower blood pressure.

6) Illness and medications.

If

working out when under the weather consider dialing down the expectations; shorter, lighter workouts with proper rest and hydration. Taking medications can also affect your workout.

Some medications for colds and allergies can cause drowsiness.

Others can cause an increased heart rate and blood pressure, which also can decrease exercise tolerance.

7) As good as it gets. Sometimes an athlete is already in peak form, and is plateauing. Further exercise does not lead to further gains. At this time there is two questions to ask. Are you getting proper rest and recovery between workouts, for medium intensity workouts

June 22 - 28, 2013

this is usually 36 to 48 hours?

The other question to consider is it time to change your routine and introduce other elements to your training?

8) It’s in the past. A study out of Alberta has indicated past bad experiences with exercise during formation years can negatively affect your attitude about exercise in later years. This is best overcome by finding an encouraging and supportive group to joint for workouts.

Despite of all these issues, once in a while it’s simply just not a good exercise day. Every professional athlete has off days.

Just shrug your shoulders, stay calm and exercise on.

health Tip 

Bananas Banana Milkshake Not only is it tasty so everyone will love it, but also it is nutritious.

Ingredients: • 2 bananas (pick not very sweet ones if you don’t like shake to be too sweet) • 1 cup of cold milk • 6-8 tbsp of vanilla ice-cream (replace with simple white ice-cream if you don’t like vanilla) Directions: 1. Prepare ingredients, you will also need blender.

2. Skin and slice bananas into blender cup.

3. Add ice-cream and all milk.

4. Cover blender cup with a lid and turn it on high speed (I do use “milkshake” speed on mine blender) for 3-4 minutes.

5. Pour it into glasses, then enjoy your Banana Milkshake.

WONDERFULLY sweet with firm and creamy flesh, bananas come prepackaged in their own yellow jackets and are a favorite food for everyone from infants to elders.

Sports enthusiasts appreciate the potassium-power delivered by this high energy fruit.

Another benefit to bananas high potassium content derives from that mineral's role as an energysupplying electrolyte.

Since bananas also contain tryptophan, serotonin and norepinephrine, they help prevent depression while encouraging feelings of well-being and relaxation. In addition, the vitamin B6 in bananas helps protect against sleeplessness, mood swings and irritability.

But their health benefits extend to more than that.

One banana contains 467mg of potassium, providing powerful protection to the cardiovascular system. Regular consumption of the potassium-packed fruit helps guard against high blood pressure, atherosclerosis and stroke.

Although bananas do not contain high amounts of calcium,

they do supply the body with an abundance of fructooligosaccharide, a prebiotic substance (one which encourages probiotics, the friendly bacteria in the digestive system). As fructooligosaccharides ferment in the digestive tract, they enhance the body's ability to absorb calcium.

Bananas, combined with the African herb orinol, have been used to treat cataracts in Nigeria. They also share with other fruits the ability to prevent macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in adults.

According to a study published in the Archives of Opthmalogy in 2004, people who eat 3 servings of fruit per day are statistically unlike to develop

the vision-diminishing disease.

They also suppress acid in the digestive tract, alleviating heartburn and helping guard against ulcers.

Since bananas contain pectin, a soluble fiber, they aid in the elimination process, helping prevent constipation.

Since they are easily digested, bananas are a perfect food for babies just beginning to move to solid foods.

Even the peels of this fruit are useful. Apply the inside of a banana peel to pimples to naturally dry out these skin blemishes. Also, banana peels make a wonderful fertilizer, particularly for roses.

Bananas are such a staple on produce shelves that most of us don't stop to think about their tropical origins or their many nutritional benefits. Next time you enjoy a banana, consider these facts.

June 22 - 28, 2013

Lifestyle...

GARDENING 

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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.

How to eat your favourite foods and still lose weight?

Cactus and Succulent in pots SO you just returned from the store with your first cactus plant, or perhaps you bought one of those funny looking little plants with a tag sticking in the pot that says "Assorted Succulents."

You might be asking yourself, "how do I take care of this thing?"

The first thing to realize is that the words "cacti" and "succulent" are general terms. Cacti belong to a specific family of plants, but the species within that family come from some very different habitats.

Many cacti are in fact true desert dwellers. Others live in the grasslands of South America. When talking about succulents, it gets even crazier. The term "succulent" is completely non-scientific, and basically can refer to any plant with fleshy parts (leaves, stems, or roots), usually which are adapted for storing moisture in times of drought. These plants come from all over the world and live in all different habitats.

Many people think that cacti and succulents require a small amount of water every once in a while. While it’s true that these plants are tough, and can usually survive under such circumstances, most certainly will not thrive.

During their growing season, these plants like regular watering and fertilizing. For most, the period of growth is from spring into fall. Many plants rest (stop putting on growth) from late Fall to early spring.

How often to water and fertilize: While growing, cacti and succulents should be watered at least once a week. Some people water more often than this. During each watering, give the soil a good soaking, so that water runs out of the 'drainage holes' of the

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pots. During the growing season, a balanced fertilizer, which has been diluted to 1/4 strength, can be added to the water for each watering.

Most cacti and succulents like bright light, but not all can tolerate intense, direct sunlight, especially in conjunction with high temperatures that we have in the Turks and Caicos Islands. While optimal lighting conditions depend on species, there are some general signs that indicate your plant is getting either too much or too little light: Too much light: When your plant is getting too much light, it can appear "off color," taking on a "bleached out" look, or turning yellow or even orangish. Keep in mind that these signs can also indicate other stresses, such as disease or too much water, so use common sense when making your diagnosis.

If your plant is moved suddenly into very bright sunlight conditions, or if the weather suddenly turns hot with abundant sunshine, your plant can scorch. This can happen very rapidly and can scar the plant for the rest of its life, so be on alert for when such a condition might occur, and take precautions to prevent scorching.

Too little light: If your plant is receiving too little light, it might etiolate and/or appear to really reach for the light source. (Etiolation is the condition where a plant becomes "drawn," for example, a cactus plant that is normally round begins to

look as if it is being stretched out from the growing point at its center).

Your plant will suffer if left in such light conditions for very long. When transitioning such a plant to stronger light, keep in mind that it will be especially prone to scorching, so make the transition slowly.

Soil: Cactus and succulent potting mixes are sometimes available commercially, but many people like to create their own special mix for their plants. There are some basic characteristics that a potting mix for cacti and succulents should possess. Perhaps the most important characteristic is that the soil should drain very well. The best way to achieve this is by adding horticulturalgrade sand and grit to the compost component of the soil. Many believe that a good starting ratio for the mix's components are one-third compost, one-third horticultural-grade sand, and one-third grit.

Pots and Potting: Pots come in all kinds of styles, and are made of various materials.

The materials used most often for pots are plastic and clay/ceramic (either glazed or unglazed). Cacti and succulents can be grown successfully in pots made of either material, and choosing one over the other is usually a matter of personal preference. The clay and ceramic have extra weight compare to plastic which provide stability, especially during hurricane.

How can I still eat the foods I know and love while I am trying to lose weight?

Anyone who has lived on Providenciales for any length of time knows you can find some of the best ‘island food’ being sold at many of the local restaurants on Saturday mornings. Things such as chicken souse and Jonny cake, potato bread and stewed conch will always be on the menu to tantalize your taste buds.

Now that it’s crab season, there’s crab and rice loaded with pigtail as well.

While these foods may win medals for taste, it’s no secret that many of our foods and our cooking methods are high in calories, saturated fats and sodium.

Therefore, it is important that we learn some coping strategies if we want to enjoy foods while maintaining our waistlines.

1) Moderation—weight lost is not achieved through selfdeprivation which only leads to over indulgence but through the art of moderation. Eat two or three Conch fritters instead of eight or nine.

2) Treat yourself--Make these foods a treat and not an everyday affair.

3) Proper portions—the standard serving take-away plate can be split between two or three persons instead of one person.

4) Save up on calories—eat a variety of healthy foods before and after you have a food that is not as healthy; drink water with your meal instead of a regular soft drink.

5) Get moving—Find an activity you like that will help you burn off the excess calories; Remember: the keys to success are balance, moderation and variety.

However, if you in the supermarket, choosing your favorite foods becomes a lot easier because almost all packaged foods found in the supermarket (with the exception of some meats and fresh produce) have a Nutrition Facts label. This label is usually on the back or the sides of the packages and it tells the amount of nutrients the food contains for each serving. These labels are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and listed below are definitions for terms you may see very often.

Low fat – 3 grams fat or less per serving Fat free – less than ½ gram fat per serving Low sodium – less than 140 milligrams sodium per serving Low calorie – less than 40 calories per serving Calorie free – less than 5 calories per serving Low cholesterol – less than 20 milligrams cholesterol and 2 grams saturated fat The Nutrition Facts Label helps us to make better informed food choices. We can compare foods that are high or low in a certain nutrient and then make our decision based on that 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

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 22 - 28, 2013

Fortis to acquire CH Energy Group LOCAL power company, Fortis Inc, and CH Energy Group, Inc., last Friday announced that the New York State Public Service Commission (NYSPSC) has voted to approve the Corporation’s agreement to acquire CH Energy Group.

Closing of the acquisition is expected to occur shortly after receipt, review and acceptance of the official written order of the NYSPSC. On February 21, 2012, Fortis and CH Energy Group announced that Fortis had entered into an agreement to acquire CH Energy Group for $65 in cash per share, representing an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.5 billion, including the assumption of approximately $500 million of debt at closing.

Central Hudson, the main business of CH Energy Group, is a regulated transmission and distribution utility

serving approximately 300,000 electric and 75,000 natural gas customers in eight counties of New York State’s Mid-Hudson River Valley.

As at December 31, 2012, Central Hudson accounted for approximately 93 percent of CH Energy Group’s total assets of approximately US$1.8 billion. Central Hudson accounted for approximately 95 percent of CH Energy Group’s net income in 2012, excluding the impact of acquisitionrelated expenses.

President and Chief Executive Officer of Fortis, Stan Marshall, said: “Central Hudson is a well-run utility whose employees, like those throughout the Fortis federation of utilities, are committed to serving their customers and their communities.

“We welcome the employees

of Central Hudson to the Fortis team, and we look forward to their contribution as we continue to meet our customers’ energy needs safely, reliably and cost effectively.”

Adding his bit, Chairman of the Board and President of CH Energy Group, Steven V. Lant, said: “Our new association with Fortis provides substantial and lasting benefits for our customers, and the Fortis business model retains Central Hudson as a standalone company.

“In our capital intensive and increasingly consolidating industry, becoming a member of the Fortis federation of utilities ensures we are able to effectively serve our customers now and in the future.

“Central Hudson’s ability to make required energy infrastructure investments, which are expected to be more than $100 million

Saint George Fashion House to host first independent fashion show ALREADY creating an enormous buzz, Saint George Fashion House (SGHF) on July 27 will host its first independent fashion show.

The event will be followed by a Veuve Clicquot after-party at the luxurious multi-award winning Regent Palms Resort and Spa, located just steps away from Grace Bay beach.

Dubbed ‘An Evening of Fashion and Luxury in Paradise’, the spectacle will be hosted by Bianca Harvey-Joseph and Bahamas’ veteran journalist Jerome Sawyer.

The evening will offer fine wining and dining and feature live entertainment in the Messel Ballroom, special guests and dignitaries, guest models, a guest designer showcase by Haiti’s Top Designer Miko Guillaume.

The highlight of the event will be the debut of Saint George Fashion House’s upcoming collection of red carpet and bridal fashions sponsored by the Turks and Caicos Islands’ telecommunications giant Digicel TCI. Offering stunning al fresco dining options on a wide terrace peppered with date palms, VIP attendees will wine and dine at Parallel23 Restaurant which combines the best of Caribbean fusion cuisine with today’s more casual restaurant ambiance.

An extensive boutique wine list will introduce even the most knowledgeable to a new experience, endless full-height French doors and a hi-tech display kitchen with wood-burning ovens will invite diners to enjoy the theatre of food preparation.

“It is going to be a thunderous sensation,” said SGFH’s proprietor and principal designer Kazz Forbes.

“The evening is going to be rich

annually over the next five years, is strengthened by being a part of the Fortis federation.”

The Acquisition provides Central Hudson customers with nearly US$50 million in financial benefits to moderate future delivery rates, enhance economic development programs in the areas serviced by Central Hudson and provide further assistance to low-income families in the service area.

Delivery rates will be frozen for

an additional two years, effectively holding rates constant for the threeyear period from July 2012 through June 2015. All employees of Central Hudson will retain their jobs for at least four years and an additional 35 union positions will be created.

Central Hudson will operate as a standalone company, its current level of community support will be guaranteed for at least 10 years and a new board of directors will have increased local representation.

LIME awards two GSAT top performers

THE top performers from two of LIME’s adopted schools, the Ona Glinton and Oseta Jolly Primary schools, joined the company’s scholarship and grant programme.

The country’s top performer from Ona Glinton, Janelle Tennant, and Ashley Agenor from Oseta Jolly, who placed eight in the country were the lucky awardees.

Both recipients were excited about being named and they are looking forward to being a part of the program.

LIME has been awarding grants and scholarships to students over the last five years and the company’s concentrated emphasis in the field of Education extends to give FREE access to the http://www.caribbeanexams. com/ website which allows students to go online and do the practice exercises in preparation for GSAT. This was open to every student registered in Grade 6 nationally.

Mr. Drexwell Seymour, General Manager of LIME TCI,

said: “LIME’s contribution to Education has been unwavering over the years. The company has invested over $100,000 in the GoGSAT program that allows students to access the site to prepare for the exams.”

He further added “LIME has also invested almost another $100,000 in scholarships and grants over the past years as well.”

Mr. Edgar Howell, Director of Education, commenting on the support, said: “LIME’s commitment to Education is unsurpassed and the Department is very grateful for the assistance that the company gives."

"LIME's consolidated approach with the GSAT preparation and the scholarships being offered provides an incentive for students to aim high to achieve."

Additionally, Leslyn Nelson, Aaron Lightbourne and Gabrielle Williams, the first batch of students on LIME’s Grant and Scholarship program will be graduating this year.

Two attend Westminster seminar on parliamentary practice and procedure

Top Model Ashley Smith in Saint George Fashion House

in fashion, luxury and entertainment.

For me the evening to come is a celebration of the evolution of the Saint George Fashion House brand.”

The event is sponsored by Digicel TCI, Regent Palms Resort and Spa, The Wine Cellar, Air Turks and

Caicos, Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, Fetish TCI, Tremm Jocale, Caribbean Property Management and Realty, Acres of Diamonds, Floral Couture Lounge, BowTie VIP Transportation and TCI Sun Newspaper.

MINISTER of Health and Human Services, Portia Stubbs-Smith, and the Clerk of the House of Assembly, Tracey Parker, left the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) last Saturday (June 15), to attend the 62nd Westminster Seminar on Parliamentary Practice and Procedure in the United Kingdom.

This year’s meeting will ran for a week (June 17 to 21) and brought together recently-elected parliamentarians and mid-career clerks from Commonwealth countries for a five-day programme on the Westminster framework.

The aim of the seminar is to explore parliamentary practice and procedures in order to enhance

the capacity of participating parliamentarians and clerks. Through discussion sessions, workshops and constituency visits, delegates will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of ideas and practice with UK Members, senior Westminster officials, and fellow participants.

The seminar addressed: the role of Parliament in holding the Executive to account; the role of opposition parties and cross-party relations; party discipline and transparency; the role of a second chamber and bicameralism; and the relationship between Parliament and the media.

Both officials return to TCI on Sunday (June 23).

June 22 - 28, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 21

TCSPCA volunteer vet returns home

Well-Known volunteer veterinarian with the TCSPCA, Dr. Rich Sefcik, said goodbye to the Turks and Caicos Islands this week to return home to the United States of America.

Since August 2008 he has been at the TCSPCA spay/neuter clinic at Suzy Turn Plaza on Provo.

Five mornings a week, for almost five years, Dr. Rich has cared for the animals of the islands, advised and reassured their owners, and made himself indispensable. He has made house calls, worked weekends, hauled equipment to other islands, and

ordered medications. His quiet confidence and wicked sense of humour made it easy for a group of volunteers as diverse as they come, to work with him. His ability to communicate with both animals and their owners, regardless of their status or language abilities, made spreading the word about responsible pet ownership simple and effective.

When he agreed to become the staff veterinarian at the new TCSPCA clinic, he had retired from his veterinary practice in Illinois.

Dr. Rich and his partner had practiced veterinary medicine at their

Belated World Oceans Day beach cleanup a success SOME 30 residents of Grand Turk came together to clean up the beach area by South Base and Governor's Beach last Saturday (June 15).

Seven truckloads full of trash

were removed and taken to the dump.

The organizations who supported the event included Oasis Divers, Crystal Seas Adventures, CommUnity in Action, TI Reef Adventure and Jack's Shack.

Arlington Heights Animal Hospital, since 1978.

He and his wife Jan had been coming to the island for years, because both are avid divers, and in 2004 they built a home in paradise; ready to live the dream.

In April of 2007 there was an outbreak of distemper on Providenciales and the TCSPCA director Susan Blehr, and her team of volunteers were going door to door in the communities, vaccinating pets for free, to try and halt the spread of this terrible disease.

Dr. Rich contacted Susan and offered to help.

Fifteen months later, thanks to another very generous supporter, the TCSPCA had their clinic, outfitted with the help of Dr. Rich’s advice and experience. And he agreed to perform spay and neuter surgeries and administer vaccinations, for a year, as a volunteer doctor.

Since that fateful decision, he and the TCSPCA director and volunteers have conducted many mobile spay/ neuter and vaccination clinics on Grand Turk, North and Middle Caicos and South Caicos, in addition to their work here on Provo.

He has performed almost 3000 spay or neuter surgeries and

many, many more CORE and rabies vaccinations. Dr. Rich also initiated a “Heartworm Prevention” campaign - the first of its kind in the country that has resulted in hundreds of pet owners now giving their dogs monthly heartworm preventative medicine. He has been instrumental in helping all levels of TCI society to understand that caring for their animals, properly and intelligently, improves their own lives and others.

Five years later, Dr. Rich has retired once again and at 64-yearsold he leaves behind a legacy of caring and sharing that is nothing short of heroic.

22 NEWS

June 22 - 28, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Times of Islands reveals surprise Top Model covers JUST before it hit the shelves on Tuesday (June 18), the summer issue of the Times of the Island Magazine was unveiled at the Regent Palms, featuring TCI Top Model 2013 Samentha Etienne on two covers.

As a major prize to the winner, the magazine provided the first opportunity for her to be featured on the cover and in an eight page editorial spread, but a big surprise revealed two different pictures of the model on two separate covers of the same issue of the magazine.

Times of the Islands has, for the first time, printed the same magazine with an option of two different covers; giving the 5’ 10” beauty the rare opportunity to appear on two covers.

The team said that the photo shoot was amazing and many of the pictures were ‘cover quality’, making it difficult for them to choose just one.

Etienne, who was just an ordinary

high school girl not so long ago, said she is proud to have come this far and could not have done it without the support of her grand mom and the encouragement and push from director of production for TCI Top Model (TCITM) Courtney Robinson.

Since TCI Top Model 2009 Davia Chambers became the first person to ever be featured on the cover and in an editorial spread of Times of the Islands - the magazine has been in partnership with the TCI Top Model Contest and Fashion Extravaganza.

Pleased with pictures and the budding talent she sees all around her, advertising manager for Times Publications, Claire Parrish said: “Times is just proud to showcase ability, great attitude and amazing spirit.”

She hopes the feature will show aspiring photographers, models, makeup artists and other people in the creative and fashion field, that there are opportunities available in

Times of the Islands Summer cover revealed: From left cover photographer Dominick Rolle, Times of the Island’s Claire Parrish, TCI Top Model 2013 Samentha Etienne and TCI Top Model director, Courtney Robinson

the TCI for them.

The 2013 summer images were shot at Amazing Grace Villa on Providenciales by local up and coming photographer Dominick Rolle, who was assisted by Parrish.

The creative team consisted of creative director Courtney Robinson; Kerietta Simpson - wardrobe stylist; Melissa Johnson - make-up artist and Nakier Wilson assisted by Tianna

Pratt of Kier’s Hairapy.

Etienne was donned in outfits courtesy of Hidden Treasures and L’été Boutique.

Also at the unveiling of the covers was 2012 Top Model Washanda Registre who shared with Etienne her experiences and words of advice on how to keep focused and strong in pursuing a career as a model.

The team wants to know which

Times of the Islands cover you like best and is inviting readers to send photos of them reading the summer issue.

Comments/photos can be posted to Facebook page – www. facebook.com/tcitopmodel, Twitter @tcistopmodel, Intsgram– TCIsTopModel or emailed to tcitopmodelcontest@gmail.com.

(KH)

Beaches hosts lunch at newly opened Key West Village BEACHES hosted a fabulous luncheon for government officials and members of the business community on Thursday (June 13) to reveal the newest addition to the allinclusive luxury resort - Key West Village.

The luncheon, held at the Sky Longue Restaurant overlooking the picturesque skyline of the award winning Grace Bay Beach, allowed attendees a glimpse of the property and the chance to enjoy some great cuisine.

General manager Donald Dagenais thanked everyone who played a part in the opening and said: “We wanted to welcome everybody to Key West… just to show them where we are going, what our plans are for the future.”

Formerly the Veranda, the entire property was transformed into the fourth village in the Beaches Resort, expanding accommodations by 153 rooms.

Opened on May 22, the new village now brings the total room count up to 770 which will allow for the accommodation of about 3,000 persons.

With the increased number of guests that the resort will cater to, Dagenais is confident that they will manage and is positive that the move

Members of the business community and government officials are treated to lunch at Beaches newly opened Key West Village

will benefit not only the hotel, but the community, other business and the Government.

He said: “We have a structured system here to be able to take care of the guests needs and at the same time offer the quality product the guests are expecting.

“Very shortly we’ll have full staffing and I would say things look very promising in the years to come and we expect to be running a very good occupancy.”

The manager thanked his staff for their dedication and hard work in the three villages and opening of the fourth.

“With the quality and the product and the training that we have here, our staff are true ambassadors not only to the product but to Turks and Caicos and if it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t be where we’re at today,” he said.

With the need for about 300 more employees the manager said that the

resort is running job fairs every three weeks.

Last week, he said 80 people showed up to a scheduled job fair while 50 did not.

Those who attended were put through the routine testing and interviews and a large percentage of persons were hired.

He said that the resort is accepting applications every day and will continue to conduct job fairs.

Commenting on the upcoming

closure, Dagenais said that there is a lot of work to be done and even though one can assume the negative impact it will have on the economy, it is something that they must do in order to enhance the property and provide quality service to their guests.

“We’re in a business where you have to make it right the first time for people to keep coming back and that’s what everybody wants…repeat business.” (KH)

June 22 - 28, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 23

SURFside Ocean Academy sponsors swim programme SIX students from Ianthe Pratt Primary School have gained some vital aquatic skills after completing a swimming programme sponsored by local outdoor adventure school, SURFside Ocean Academy.

In May, the six-year-olds were treated to swimming lessons twice a week as part of a community outreach initiative developed by SURFside Academy for youths in the TCI. Programme coordinator Morgan Luker said that the goal for the swim programme “is for kids to become efficient swimmers and learn basic water safety, to continue swimming and progressing, and swim in competitions down the road.”

“I would also love to see some of these little guys join our team one day as instructors or lifeguards, and pass it forward,” Luker continued.

During the 10 lessons, the youngsters met with a certified

Lifesaving Society swim instructor who taught the basics of swimming, entries and exits in shallow and deep water, treading water, exhaling underwater, opening eyes underwater, back and front floats as well as glides and kicks.

Every lesson also highlighted ‘water smart’ principles like wearing a PFD (personal flotation device), swimming with a buddy and staying within arms’ reach.

At the end of the programme, some of the students received their Swimmer One badge for successfully completing all the skill requirements of that level, and all participants received a progress report for their efforts.

The academy intends to continue the sponsored swim programmes with Ianthe Pratt Primary School on a larger level.

Luker said: “Now that we have

seen the success from this May’s programme, we plan to expand to offer more groups of kids and have the entire grade one and two classes swimming end of the 2013.”

SURFside has available private or group lessons for anyone from sixmonths-old to adults and conducts classes at a heated pool in Grace Bay, the convenience of their own home or by the sea.

Persons interested can sign up for beginners or lifeguard and instructional lessons and courses all year-round.

Summer lessons are scheduled for August, and the eight week fall session will commence in September.

To find out more about SURFside’s community outreach initiatives or swimming lessons and programmes, contact Morgan Luker on 231-5437 or email surfsidetci@ gmail.com.

SURFside’s instructor helps these students to back float

24 NEWS

June 22 - 28, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

A skilful cultural dance entertains the crowd

The group begin their day with a clean-up project along the Lower Bight Road and the Bight Children’s Park

Filipino Community celebrates Independence Day A DIVERSE array of cultural presentations were among the highlights of the 115th Philippine Independence Day celebrations as the Filipino Community in the TCI (FILCOM) gathered at the Gustarvus Lightbourne stadium on Saturday (June 15).

A great turnout of attendees took part in the fun festivities which were celebrated under the theme ‘United towards freedom’.

Speaking in his native tongue and English, the committee president, Rizaldy Gregorio welcomed his fellow countrymen and local guests who joined in recognising the significant occasion.

Gregorio, who expressed his satisfaction with the turnout to the event, said: “As a Filipino we are encouraged to be patriotic and to help and be cooperative so at times like

this we celebrate together in unity.”

The president, who serves to untie all Filipinos living in the TCI, expressed his satisfaction with the hard work and dedication of the Filipinos to the TCI and said that as long as their services are needed they will be here and will also give back to the community.

Early on Saturday morning, as a community service, the group engaged in a clean-up campaign at the Bight Children's Park and surrounding areas.

Plans for the committee this year include the adoption of a road in the Bight, from the vicinity of the Children’s Park to the Ianthe Pratt Primary School.

The group intends to maintain, clean and beautify the area as a contribution to the community in which they

now live.

During the evening’s proceedings, past presidents who have served on the committee since its inception in 2008 were acknowledged as well as committee members who help to make a positive difference in the development of the group.

Event activities included captivating cultural presentations and a variety of unique dances originating from different regions of the country.

Filipino nationals showcased their fascinating talent through dances like the Kadayawan, the national dance ‘tinikling’ and soulful songs.

Even the crowd joined in trying to do the fun national ‘tinikling’ dance which required coordination, rhythm, precision and, since not everyone succeeded, some

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Colourful floral displays were used to do this traditional dance

amount of skill and practice.

Champions for Christ students also provided some entertainment for the crowd with an interpretive dance while local community members shared remarks.

In a speech from Champions for Christ’s Olivia Butterfield,

she pointed out the resilience, skill and hardworking nature of the people, even accepting work and pay less than they deserve.

She commended their industrious and humble attitude and expressed thanks for their contribution to the

TCI society.

Even the Filipino ambassador to the United States join in sharing his regards through a video message.

The event culminated with a feast of tasty Filipino dishes for all to enjoy. (KH)

More than 20 registered for the Body Show LAST weekend more than 20 people registered for The Body Show – the ultimate sports and physique competition.

The men and women comprising of various ages, fitness levels, physiques and nationalities - turned up and presented themselves to compete in what is expected to be this summer’s most spectacular event.

The Body Show, a dual one - is open to men and women aged 18 and older, with no restriction on height, body shape, marital status or nationality.

For the eight ladies that have registered for the Miss Body Beautiful contest – their competition is geared towards empowering women to have a positive image of self.

For the men, ‘Mr. Best Body’ will give the 11 registered men the opportunity to showcase their physicality in a way that they have never done before.

The majority of men have amazing physiques – therefore personality and showmanship will set the winner apart from the rest of the pack.

The event’s executive producer, Courtney Robinson, said: “We are truly ecstatic that so many persons have registered, and persons are still expressing interest in the both competitions.

“I’m sure that by the time we launch The Body Show on June 27, we will have more entrants competing “The men have shown an even greater interest and

readiness. This bodes well, not only for the competition itself – but that there are men that are confident in themselves and are prepared to take this opportunity to showcase their bodies in a competition designed exclusively for them!

Kudos to the men and women that will compete this year.”

With ‘Stronger, Confident, Attractive’ as its motto, The Body Show contestants will be judged during three segments - Introduction, Sportswear and Swimwear.

From there, the judges will determine the winners and first runners up in each division.

The Body Show competition will take place on Saturday, July 27 at Brayton Hall, Venetian Road, Providenciales.

June 22 - 28, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

25

26

June 22 - 28, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Spotlight on Salt Cay

Frank Forbes and the sponge industry

By Candy Herwin Historically, the salt raking Turks Islands and the arable farming Caicos Islands had a strong cultural connection that had matured over centuries.

Every week or so the Caicos sloops sailed into harbor and sold their charcoal, ‘ground’ food, blades, palm hats, fish, and wood which was essential for building sloops and fishing boats.

The building of boats was a skilled profession, passed

down from generation to generation and on every island provided the means for men to make an honest living from the sea.

By the mid 1900s, Salt Cay men were still raking salt and many Caicos men were still engaged in the sponging industry.

One such man is George, Frank Forbes known fondly by all as ‘Frank’ from the Bight. He was born in 1924 in the settlement of Bottle Creek, North Caicos to father

John Issiah Forbes and mother Rebecca Ann Smith Forbes who had a small farm growing peas, corn, cassava, potato and bananas.

However, Frank spent most of his younger days at sea.

“The old time people taught me how to use a compass and to read charts”, he said and “it was watching the older men like carpenter Henry Henfield, that taught me how to build a boat.”

It was many years of hard work before Mr. Forbes was able to build his own “pretty wooden, eight ton boat named the ‘Thelma Rose’. The sidings were made of yellow pine and timber from the bush.

The sails came from Canada and many a voyage was made to the Bahamas in his fine sailing boat.

Caicos boats sailed to Nassau to sell sponge to the Greek merchants.

“We couldn’t land the sponge by day” said Frank; “we had to wait for nightfall so we could spread the sponge out. Then the Greek would give us a price. Sometimes we would pack the sponges tightly into sweet milk boxes.”

The sponge was then carted to the “Sponge Exchange” where they were sold at auction depending on their grade. “There are grass sponge, yellow sponge, reef sponge and sheep’s wool sponge,” said Frank, “and you get more money for the wool sponge because it’s soft and nice” From Bay Street to Thompsons Folly, thousands of sponges could be seen spread on water catchments, fences and rooftops where they were laid out to dry.

The season for sponging begun in October when the

larger boats sailed out to the Banks with a crew of five to seven. On arriving at the ground, two men would go in the rower. One man skulled over the sponge beds while the other leaned over the bow, armed with a pronged fork mounted on a twenty-five foot pole. He would examine the seabed through a “sponge glass” laid on the surface of the water enabling clear vision below.

Once spotted, the sponger would thrust the primitive animal with the fork. This continued until the deck was full of sponge. The crew would then sail back to the ”ranche” and unload the fowl -smelling sponge into a shallow water

“crawl” made out of “wattle.”

This enclosure permitted the tidal water and waves to wash the detritus black matter from the sponge that would later be beaten and cleaned to expose the marketable skeleton beneath.

The sponge was then dried and packed ready for the voyage to Nassau.

“Those days” said Frank, “You had to get your clearance from South Caicos, get your manifest, then go Nassau and sell all that sponge for peanuts.

Believe me, I preferred my job in the office at Treasure Beach Hotel, telephone in hand…that was the easiest time of my life!

June 22 - 28, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 27

Fools Regatta 2013 bigger and better WEATHER conditions held up, by a little more than a thread this year, as more than 24 young sailors took to the ocean to participate in the races that were the highlight of the 2013 Fool’s Regatta, last Saturday (June 15) at the Kid’s Park.

This year the attractions were bigger and better, literally, including an enormous inflatable slide, much to the delight of the young beachgoers and the activities kicked off at 10:30am.

There was something for everyone, young and old and lots

of fun to be had, everything from relaxing for some of the older folks to sand castles for the tots.

This year’s Regatta drew the support of hundreds, a definite increase over last year’s turnout – another successful year for the increasingly popular attraction.

28

Regional News

June 22 - 28, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Richards: Offshore centres ‘scapegoats’ for big countries’ policy failures (Bermuda Royal Gazette: JUNE 19) BERMUDA and other Overseas Territories are being used as the scapegoats for policy failures of larger countries, but

more must be done to educate Europe about the Island’s business model.

So said Finance Minister Bob Richards and Premier Craig

Cannonier as they updated the media yesterday on their meetings with British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Mr. Cannonier stressed that

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TCI Middle School requires for September 2013 a

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This unexpected vacancy provides the opportunity for the suitable candidate to be instrumental in the strategic management of the school.

no agreements were signed in London and his Government will not do anything to jeopardise Bermuda’s financial model or previous agreements the Island has signed.

Mr. Richards said there was a “groundswell” of opinion against offshore financial centres in London driven by a number of factors.

“First of all the US is coming out of a recession, Europe and the UK are not. Unemployment remains very high in the UK. Budget deficits are ballooning So it's a very difficult and negative environment over there.”

He said the Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies were “to some extent being used as scapegoats and distractions for domestic policy failures.”

In addition, there was a “corps of non-Governmental organisations” who had “latched on to this notion that either multinational organisations or so-called tax havens are responsible for these poor countries not having any money.

“I was very surprised at the virulence of that sentiment that exists over there right now. Our message is to a significant extent being overwhelmed by that noise.

“Therefore we have to up our game.”

Mr. Richards said that Bermuda had been more successful with its public relations in the US than in the UK. “We just kind of assumed that because we have this relationship with Britain and we have these representatives in our midst

at all times at a most senior level that somehow there’s an understanding over there of what Bermuda is all about.

“And I was surprised and dismayed to find out that that was not true. They don’t understand what Bermuda is all about. They continue to lump us in with other jurisdictions that are engaged in offshore banking that have secrecy laws, that are engaged in money laundering.

These are things that Bermuda is not involved in.”

The Bermuda delegation had stressed to Mr. Cameron that Bermuda and the other OTs had not been given a “fair opportunity” to examine the multilateral agreement that he wanted signed.

“It is important that you understand that Bermuda has not signed any agreement,” the Premier said.

“We need to be responsible, and in being responsible we must look at every ‘T’ and make sure that it is crossed and every ‘I’ to make sure it is dotted.

Because we do not want to put in jeopardy the financial model we have in Bermuda.”

The Premier said Bermuda had no problem with sharing tax information and providing information about beneficial ownership of companies domiciled here, and had been doing so for many years.

“When it comes to the highest regulations, Bermuda has always been [among] the forerunners,” the Premier said.

But Mr. Cannonier stressed that Bermuda’s model was not banking, but insurance. “It is the businesses that are domiciled

here that pay out in billions of dollars to ensure that many of the places like the UK and the United States can get back up running again and can create jobs and sustain jobs and put them back in the positions they were in before these things (catastrophes) happen.”

He said: “There is a great misunderstanding about what it is that we do. So we will continue to ensure that we get the message out there.”

No other territories had signed the multilateral agreement, he said.

Asked if the UK Government accepted Bermuda’s request for more time, he said: “They have to.”

But the Premier stressed that a signing ceremony had never been on the agenda.

“Sovereign nations like the United States and Canada are still coming to terms with this global agreement, so it’s going to be a while before we all come to a consensus as to exactly the direction we want to go in.

They also are looking at this very closely and they are being responsible as well.

“So as we move toward tightening up the net of illegal activity I’m sure that some agreements will be found, but right now we are not at that position.”

Asked about the efforts of companies like Google to avoid paying millions of dollars in taxes using vehicles domiciled here and in other countries, Mr. Cannonier said Ireland’s double tax treaty was a key factor in enabling Google’s tax avoidance.

Full time teacher –.Form Tutor for Yr. 7 or 8, with responsibility for teaching specialist subjects to Yr. 7,- Yr 11 At least one Science subject is preferable along with one other. An exciting opportunity to be part of developing a new school on the island, leading it towards International Baccalaureate status in the future.

Applicants will need to ;; be dynamic, enthusiastic and creative teachers. ;; have an excellent working knowledge of the National Curriculum for England and Wales Guidelines ;; Have UK Qualified Teacher Status with at least 2 years teaching experience in the UK. ;; Be flexible and adaptable in their approach to learning ;; have expertise in one or more of the subject areas.

We can offer ;; a small team atmosphere working together to further develop a new school ;; the opportunity to extend your experience in a very different learning environment ;; a maximum class size of 12 students ;; benefits including sun, sea and sand, and the opportunity to work in an idyllic setting.

The initial teaching contract will be for a period of two years. Salary will be negotiable according to experience.

Closing date – 2nd July 2013

Please Email CV or letter of application with a recent photograph and contact phone number together with the names and phone numbers of referees to: Mark Dunbavand at the above address.

The Ashcroft School urgently seeks to appoint for September 2013:

Classroom Assistant for Early Years (F/T) – One (1) post

Classroom assistant required to join The Ashcroft School Early Years Team. This firm appointment will be a full time post.

Applicants for all posts at The Ashcroft School must possess the desire to work collaboratively within a committed and dedicated team.

Application letter, detailing experience in an Early Childhood setting, together with CV can be emailed or faxed to: The Principal, The Ashcroft School Fax: 941-4614 Email: taschool@tciway.tc Applications can also be hand delivered to the school office in person.

Interviews will be scheduled for mid-July or sooner.

June 22 - 28, 2013

Entertainment

29

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Jackson promoters were ‘highly inappropriate’

The designers denied all the charges against them.

Dolce and Gabbana sentenced to jail for tax evasion ITALIAN fashion designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have been sentenced to jail in Italy for one year and eight months for tax evasion.

They were accused of hiding millions of euros from Italian tax authorities.

The pair, whose customers have included Madonna, Kate Moss and Kylie Minogue, were not at the trial, deny the charges and have appealed.

Dolce and Gabbana have not commented on their sentences, which have been suspended pending their appeal.

The investigation by the Italian authorities began around six years

ago as part of a government plan to crack down on tax avoidance.

At the hearing on Wednesday, the judge ruled that the designers moved their brand to a Luxembourg-based holding company Gado - a play on their two surnames - in 2004.

He said they had done this to avoid declaring taxes on royalties of around 1 billion euros (£833m; $1.3bn).

Prosecutors alleged they sold the business for well below actual market value.

They were initially cleared of the charges at a previous trial in April 2011 but Italy’s highest court overturned that ruling, ordering that the case should be sent back. (BBC)

MUSIC industry expert David Berman has told a US court that promoter AEG Live’s dealings with Michael Jackson’s doctor were “highly inappropriate”.

Jackson died in 2009 following an overdose of a powerful anaesthetic, administered by Conrad Murray.

Murray, hired ahead of Jackson’s comeback shows in London, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011.

Jackson’s mother, Katherine, is suing AEG for $40bn (£26bn). The company have denied any wrongdoing.

The Jackson family claim AEG failed to properly investigate Murray and missed warning signs about the singer’s health.

Mr Berman, a former head of Capitol records, is testifying for Mrs Jackson during the on-going case in Los Angeles.

Asked whether it was appropriate for the concert company to attempt to hire a doctor on the singer’s behalf, Mr Berman said: “I believe that it’s highly inappropriate. It is highly unusual.’”

He added that a more appropriate relationship would have been for Jackson to hire cardiologist Mr Murray without any involvement from AEG Live.

Mr Berman said that after viewing draft contracts and emails between AEG company executives, he believed AEG Live thought it

Jackson died in 2009 before a series of concerts at the 02 in London.

controlled the physician.

He also said the company should not have negotiated with Conrad Murray without notifying Jackson’s representatives.

The experienced executive, who worked with acts such as The Eagles, The Beach Boys and The Doors, is being paid $500 (£320) an hour to testify for Mrs Jackson.

Mr Berman retired from the music industry in 2001 to become an expert witness for music industry-related lawsuits.

AEG’s lawyers have objected to Mr Berman’s expertise, pointing out he has never been a tour producer or

promoter.

An AEG lawyer showed Mr Berman a statement signed by Jackson’s former manager, Frank Dileo, stating that he was aware of negotiations with Murray, and that it was his understanding that AEG Live’s CEO objected to bringing the physician on tour.

AEG have yet to question Mr Berman in court.

The company denies it hired Murray. The company’s executives and lawyers have said that AEG was merely advancing Jackson the money to pay Mr Murray, and a valid contract never existed.

Soprano’s star dies in Italy aged 51

Daniel Radcliffe (Billy) and Sarah Greene (Helen McCormick) in The Cripple of Inishmaan.

Radcliffe’s cripple of Inishmaan enchants critics DANIEL Radcliffe has impressed critics with his “understated” performance as a disabled orphan in The Cripple of Inishmaan.

The Harry Potter star has returned to the London stage in Michael Grandage’s revival of Martin McDonagh’s 1996 play.

“It’s a knowing play but one which Radcliffe invests with a sense of real feeling,” said Michael Billington in his four-star Guardian review.

The play runs at the Noel Coward Theatre until 31 August.

In the story, set in 1934, disabled teenager Billy Claven (Radcliffe) lives with his “aunties” on the isle of Inishmaan off the west coast of Ireland. islanders, he survives the tedium of daily life by reading books and staring

at cows. But the arrival of a Hollywood film-maker on a neighbouring island offers him a chance of escape to a glamorous new life.

“With his twisted left arm and inflexible left leg, he suggests Billy’s disability without overstating it,” said Billington.

“Radcliffe also has the precious gift, vital in a play full of narrative surprises, of seeming artful and vulnerable at the same time.”

The Daily Telegraph’s Charles Spencer said Radcliffe gave McDonagh’s play “its much-needed heart”.

“Radcliffe brings a touching stoicism and simplicity to his performance as Cripple Billy, all the more moving because it is so understated,” he said.

JAMES Gandolfini, the US actor best known for his role as a therapyseeking mob boss in The Sopranos, has died at the age of 51.

Gandolfini suffered a possible heart attack while on holiday in Rome, the US HBO TV network told the BBC. The New Jersey-born star had been in Italy to attend the Taormina film festival in Sicily.

He won three Emmy awards for his role as Tony Soprano, a mafia boss juggling his criminal career and family life.

“It is with immense sorrow that we report our client James Gandolfini passed away today while on holiday in Rome, Italy,” said his managers, Mark Armstrong and Nancy Sanders, in a statement on Wednesday night.

“Our hearts are shattered and we will miss him deeply.”

HBO also said the star of The Sopranos, which ran for six series on the cable channel from 1999-2007, would be “deeply missed”.

FROM BARTENDER TO BROADWAY “He was a special man, a great talent, but more importantly a gentle and loving person who treated everyone no matter their title or position with equal respect,” said its

James Gandolfini is believed to have suffered a heart attack in rome.

statement.

“He touched so many of us over the years with his humour, his warmth and his humility.”

Gandolfini was born in 1961 in Westwood, New Jersey, to a school dinner lady and a bricklayer-turnedschool caretaker, both of Italian background.

He graduated with a degree in communications from New Jersey’s Rutgers University.

Then he moved to New York, finding work as a bartender and a club manager.

Gandolfini’s acting career took off in 1992 when he landed a part in a

Broadway production of A Streetcar Named Desire.

His breakthrough role came a year later playing a mobster in the movie True Romance.

Gandolfini’s more recent film credits included In The Loop, Zero Dark Thirty and Killing Them Softly.

He was nominated for a Tony theatre award in 2009 for his role in the Broadway hit God of Carnage.

‘GENIUS’ Gandolfini is survived by his second wife, Deborah Lin, a former model from Hawaii, whom he married in 2008, and their daughter, Liliana, born last year.

30

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Bahamas’ cash for gold stores need to be closed – Says National Security Minister

NATIONAL Security Minister Bernard Nottage called for the closure of the country’s cash for gold stores, as well as a ban on copper exports, in light of statistics showing that more than half of all armed robberies are involving jewellery or copper.

Speaking in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, Dr Nottage revealed the latest crime statistics for the year to date showed a 14 per cent decrease in murder compared to last year, but increases in sex crimes.

Figures show decreases in attempted murder and manslaughter, but reported incidents of rape, attempted rape, and unlawful sexual intercourse have all increased – with attempted rape rising by 1,200 per cent.

Incidents of armed robbery and attempted robbery have also risen.

“There’s a lot of crime associated with gold - with people snatching people’s gold chains, with people breaking into homes and taking their jewellery and stealing,” Dr Nottage said.

“I was driving down Gibbs corner one morning and there was a man walking with his chain on, the man looked like he was in his 60s, taking his time; and all of a sudden a young man from between one of the houses, (stole his chain) and ran off.

“When these cash for gold stores were licensed, I think there were certain requirements they were required to meet when they exchanged money for gold. My

Minister of National Security, Dr. Bernard Nottage said that statistics show that more than half of all robberies involve jewellery or copper.

information is they are not living up to those responsibilities when they exchange money for gold.

“The person who is selling you something ought to prove they are the owners of it – bring receipts to show they paid for it before you can do a legitimate business exchange with them, (but) that is not happening.

I want to close these cash for gold stores down. I want to close these cash for gold stores down and I want the agreement of the Opposition.”

Dr Nottage also revealed that “hundreds of thousands” of dollars in copper are also being stolen and then exported from the country, for profit. He called for the support of the Opposition in bringing about a ban on those copper exports.

Crime statistics provided by the minister show that there were 506 reported incidents of armed robbery with 299 of those robberies involving copper or jewellery – 59 per cent.

Of 157 reported robberies, 41 per cent or 64 of those robberies involved copper or jewellery. For

Grenada police investigate child pornography photos posted on Facebook GRENADA police Wednesday said they were investigating the distribution of child pornography photos on social media.

“This matter about the student was drawn to our attention and is presently being probed by the relevant departments,” said head of the Community Relations Department, Assistant Superintendent of Police Dunbar Belfon.

The photos on the Facebook site shows a 16-year-old female student engaged in sexual activities and while Grenada

does not have laws regarding the distribution of sexual materials on the internet, the island has signed and ratified several United Nations convention including the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children.

In addition, Section 179 of Grenada’s Criminal Code states allows for a jail term of five year for anyone engaged in any sexual activity with a female under the age of 16 “with or without her consent”.

(CMC)

burglary, 32 of 103 – 31 per cent; housebreaking, 338 of 1,028 - 33 per cent; shopbreaking, 93 of 400 - 23 per cent; and stealing from vehicles, 293 of 1,016 reported incidents - 29 per cent.

The total number of reported incidents of property stolen involving copper or jewellery is 1,119 of 3,210 - 35 per cent - for the year to date.

Figures for last year, 2012, also show more than half of all reported armed robberies involved copper or jewellery.

Of the 1,106 incidents reported last year, 596 of those incidents involved copper or jewellery - 54 per cent.

Of 367 reported robberies, 47 per cent or 174 of those robberies involved copper or jewellery. For burglary, 84 of 310 - 27 per cent; housebreaking, 1,044 of 2,891 - 36 per cent; shopbreaking, 180 of 976 or 18 per cent; and stealing from vehicles, 639 of 2,299 - 28 per cent.

The total number of reported incidents of property stolen involving copper or jewellery is 2,717 of 7,949 – 34 per cent – for the year, 2012.

Dr Nottage also tabled in the House of Assembly, the country’s reported crimes for the year to date; the figures include reported incidents from January 1 to June 11, 2013.

The country’s murder count stands at 55, so far, compared to last year’s figure, for the same time period, of 64; a decrease of 14 per cent.

Attempted murder stands at five compared to last year’s 11 – a 55 per cent decrease; and manslaughter stands at 0 compared to 1.

Armed robbery is up 4 per cent, standing at 506 compared to 487; robbery is down 5 per cent, standing at 157 compared to 165; but attempted robbery is up 33 per cent, standing at 12 compared to 9.

Attempted rape is up 1200 per cent, standing at 13 reported instances compared to last year’s 1; reported incidents of rape stand at 46 compared to 45, last year - a 2 per cent increase; and unlawful sexual intercourse stands at 80 compared to last year’s 74 - an 8 per cent increase.

June 22 - 28, 2013

Mottley criticises removal of Barbados top cop BARBADOS’S Opposition Leader Mia Mottley has described as “unprecedented,” the manner in which Police Commissioner Darwin Dottin was sent on leave pending his retirement in the public interest.

Media reports said that the Police Service Commission (PSC) took the decision on Monday and has since named Assistant Commissioner of Police Tyrone Griffith to act as interim head of the police service.

Dottin has not commented on the PSC decision.

“In my view it is an assault on one of the key institutions that is required to protect our democracy and our people. It is disconcerting that the people of Barbados would learn of this development as an unsourced story on radio.

“Both the Prime Minister and the Attorney General have a duty to come urgently and explain to the people of Barbados no later than today Tuesday why the Commissioner has been so shabbily treated after the Force was showered with praise only last week for a job well done,” she said in a statement.

Dottin, 63, has been head of the police service here for the past nine months and Mottley said the announcement of his removal was unprecedented in the history of modern Barbados.

“This is another aspect of the rapidly emerging Barbados with a type of leadership to which we are not accustomed and which we

Dottin, 63, has been head of the police service here for the past nine months and Mottley said the announcement of his removal was unprecedented to any other in the history of modern Barbados.

cannot fathom”.

Mottley said the planned national consultation on the economy scheduled for June 27, should also be used to discuss “the alarming rate of decline at all levels and in all spheres in the country.

“Bajans simply feel that Barbados today is on the wrong track and moving in the wrong direction,” she said in her statement. (CMC)

Gay marriage will not happen “under my leadership” – Bermuda’s premier Cannonier BERMUDA’S premier Craig Cannonier has ruled out gay marriage in Bermuda, declaring “under my leadership, that will not happen”.

Cannonier, 50, who came to office in December, praised lawmakers for backing an amendment to human rights law in the House of Assembly last Friday which extended basic anti-discrimination protection to gay people.

“I am delighted we’re moving forward with this. It’s an important time for us on the global stage and it’s important we get up to speed with the rest of the world,” he told reporters, insisting the amendment was “not about gay marriage” and “that was not on the table”.

Cannonier and Finance Minister Bob Richards were in London for a summit meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron ahead of a G8 meeting in Northern Ireland this week when the vote was taken.

Richards said government legislators had voted against opposition Progressive Labour Party MP Wayne Furbert’s proposed amendment designed to ensure that marriage could only take place between a man and a woman because it was the wrong place to include it.

“Neither of us was there, but I think the position of this party was that this human rights amendment had to do with fundamental, inalienable human rights – nothing to do with marriage.”

He pointed out that any changes to the status of marriage would have to be done through the island’s Marriage Act, not human rights legislation.

“That’s the reason we took the strategy we did,’ Richards said.

Lawmakers last Friday also banned age discrimination in all areas except the workplace. (CMC)

June 22 - 28, 2013

Regional News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

OECS seeking compliance with US tax law THE ST. KITTS-based Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) says it is spearheading the establishment of a working group to ensure that financial institutions which operate within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) are prepared to the comply with the United States Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).

FATCA seeks to combat tax evasion by US citizens and resident non-citizens with USsourced income in Foreign Financial Institutions (FFIs) outside of the United States.

The US initiative requires the FFIs to report information to the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on assets held by US taxpayers, or by foreign entities in which US taxpayers hold substantial ownership interest.

The ECCB said that the working group comprises representatives from the Attorneys General Chambers, Inland Revenue Departments, Single Regulatory Units/ Financial Services Authorities, and Ministries of Finance of the ECCU member countries, and representatives from the financial services industry and the ECCB. “The Working Group is charged with making recommendations to the respective member governments on the appropriate approach for ECCU FATCA compliance, including the development of a harmonised legislative and regulatory compliance framework, and monitoring the compliance status of the respective territories and financial institutions,” the ECCB said in a statement. (CMC)

Cayman Islands get first female governor CAYMAN Islands will be welcoming a new face from the UK later this year when Helen Kilpatrick CB will become not only the first woman to take up the governor’s job in the Cayman Islands when Duncan Taylor departs, but the first accountant rather than an FCO diplomat. Kilpatrick, who does not have a Foreign and Commonwealth Office background, will take up her appointment in September when she will transfer from the Home Office, which she joined in April 2005 as the director general for finance and corporate services.

She is currently acting Home Office permanent secretary and accounting officer and has a background mostly in UK local government. A chartered accountant, Kilpatrick has never worked in the diplomatic service or served overseas for the British government.

The official announcement was made Tuesday and the governor’s office released the information under embargo until Wednesday morning.

The first female to be appointed as the UK’s representative in the Cayman Islands, Kilpatrick has extensive experience working in local government. Before her appointment to the Home Office she was deputy chief executive and director of resources for the West Sussex County Council, where she was also treasurer of the Sussex Police Authority.

According to the governor’s office, on her appointment Kilpatrick

31

Jamaica issues deadline to CAL on use of Air Jamaica brand JAMAICA has given the new board of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Airlines (CAL) a month to indicate how it intends to use the Air Jamaica brand in the future.

Transport Minister Dr. Omar Davies Tuesday met with a high level delegation from Trinidad and Tobago that included Trade Minister Vasant Bharath and CAL board members to discuss the airline’s Jamaican operations and its arrears to local entities including the Customs Department and the Airports Authority of Jamaica.

The meeting also discussed the status of the Air Jamaica brand amid reports that the Portia Simpson Miller administration had threatened to withdraw the Air Jamaica brand from CAL in the wake of a recent decision to cut back on the number of flights to Jamaica.

“We discussed the reduction in the number of flights between North America and Jamaica and the way forward,” Davies said, adding “related to that was the continuing use of the Air Jamaica brand name”.

Davies said that the new CAL board, which came into office last month, had been “given a month to come back to us with a specific development in terms of the way forward”.

With regards to CAL’s debt to Jamaican entities, it was agreed that the airline will in the future remain within agreed credit limits and Davis said that during the highlevel meeting, complaints regarding the hiring of Jamaican employees

by Caribbean Airlines were placed before the Trinidadian officials.

In April, Davies said he was concerned about what he cited as

Last month, Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Larry Howai said CAL had recorded losses estimated at US$70 million last year.

the “discriminatory hiring practices” of CAL after 15 flight attendants’ positions were cut at the airline’s Jamaican operations and some Jamaican pilots, based in Trinidad were sent home in March.

The opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) had also raised concern about the reduction in flights, saying the decision is contrary to the deal, which was reached for the airline to acquire Air Jamaica.

“We discussed the issue of the hiring of Jamaican pilots by CAL. We have agreed work plans on the way forward,” Davies said after the meeting here on Tuesday.

In 2010, Port of Spain and Kingston agreed to a deal that allowed the Jamaica government to own 16 per cent of CAL as part of the conditions for CAL taking over the lucrative routes of Air Jamaica.

The deal also allows for Trinidad and Tobago agreeing to a US$300 million transition plan for CAL to

acquire and operate six Air Jamaica aircraft and eight of its routes.

When it came to office following the May 24, 2010 general election, the coalition government of Prime Minister Persad Bissessar said it would review the accord, but then finance minister Dookeran later announced that the government was okay with the agreement.

When he signed the agreement with his then counterpart Audley Shaw in 2011, Dookeran said Caribbean Airline would now “have legal access to all the routes that were being flown by Air Jamaica, giving it an opportunity to expand in the global arena”.

Last month, Trinidad and Tobago’s Finance Minister Larry Howai said CAL had recorded losses estimated at US$70 million last year.

He said the figure does not include the US$40 million in fuel subsidy to the airline even though he insists that the airline remains solvent. (CMC)

Bahamas PM pledges radical action to take on crime Helen Kilpatrick is the first female to take up the governor job on the islands.

said she was honoured to be appointed governor of the Cayman Islands.

“I look forward to working in a constructive partnership with the newly elected government to ensure a safe, successful and sustainable future for the Cayman Islands,” she added.

There was no other comment from the FCO or any further explanation for the unusual choice but it clearly indicates the UK’s desire to have a financial expert overseeing the UK’s interest in Cayman rather than one skilled in the art of diplomacy .

(CNS)

PRIME Minister Perry Christie on Tuesday charged that the government will have to take radical action to positively impact the nation’s crime problem.

Young men engaged in criminal activity are also victims, said Mr Christie, who pegged the Urban Renewal programme as a vital component to the anti-crime strategy.

During his contribution to the House of Assembly earlier this week, Mr Christie said: “There are young men who want to do good, they are as much victims as they inflict violence among others.

“We have to believe, we have to believe in the overriding and overarching knowledge that these young men can be saved.”

He said: “We need to take some radical action to remove these young men who have no jobs from the streets by giving them an alternative, we have to be determined to do this.

Prime Minister Perry Christie said that young men engaging in criminal activities are also victims.

“To some degree there may have to be some mandatory provision, some compulsion, as we make an effort to solve the problems facing this nation.

He added: “We have to be bound to the recognition that there is action that we’re going to have to take, that we must be resolved in our determination. Even if it means taking $20 million, $30 million and

saying to the international agencies we are going to have to move off course, because unless we do so we are not going to be able to save a generation of young men in particular who kill and are killed.”

Mr Christie added that he received a written letter of intent to cooperate on crime from leader of the Opposition Dr Hubert Minnis.

“The safety of our homes and streets,” said Mr Christie, “is everybody’s business. We call upon all Bahamians, all persons within our borders and Her Majesty’s loyal opposition to join us in these efforts to restore safety and rebuild respect for our laws and legal system.”

Charging that his government was prepared to shoulder all responsibility for the nation’s crime problems, Mr Christie also announced his government’s plans to appoint up to 20 new Supreme Court judges.

32

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 22 - 28, 2013

New British visa rules “tearing families apart” A GROUP of British MPs and peers have claimed in a report that new migration rules for people from outside the European Union are “tearing British families apart”.

According to the report, thousands of Britons have been unable to take a non-European Union spouse or partner to live in the United Kingdom since minimum earnings requirements were introduced last July. The committee added that children have also been separated from a parent as a result of the new requirements.

The rules require any British citizen who wants to sponsor his or her non-EU spouse’s visa to be able to prove that they earn at least £18,600 a year. The amount rises to £22,400 to sponsor a child and an additional £2,400 for each further child.

These new rules are designed to ease the burden of migration on British taxpayers, according to the Home Office.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Migration is calling for an independent review of the minimum income requirement.

In the course of its inquiry, the committee looked at over 175 cases from families impacted by the new rules.

Forty-five claimed their inability to meet the minimum income requirement had led to the separation of children, including British children, from a non-EU parent. In one case, a woman was separated from her British husband and two sons, including a five-month-old baby she had been breastfeeding.

A number of UK sponsors in fulltime employment at or above the national minimum wage reported that they were unable to meet the income threshold. Evidence suggested that 47 percent of the British working population last year would have failed to meet the income level for sponsorship.

The committee noted that, by the

government’s own estimate, almost 18,000 British people would be prevented from being reunited with their spouse or partner in the UK annually as a result of the new rules.

Baroness Hamwee, chairwoman of the inquiry, said the committee was “struck by the evidence showing just how many British people have been kept apart from partners, children and elderly relatives”.

“These rules are causing anguish for families and, counter to their original objectives, may actually be costing the public purse,” she added.

Sarah Teather MP emphasised that “whatever the objective of the policy, children shouldn’t suffer as a result”.

According to a Home Office spokesperson, the rules had been designed to make sure that those coming to the UK to join their spouse or partner would not become a burden on the taxpayer and would be well enough supported to integrate effectively. (Caribbean 360)

Ecuador will continue to grant asylum to Assange ECUADOR’S foreign minister has said its embassy in London will continue to provide political asylum to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

Ricardo Patino was speaking after talks with his UK counterpart, William Hague.

Mr Assange has been staying inside the embassy for the past year to avoid extradition to Sweden.

The Australian anti-secrecy campaigner is wanted there for questioning over allegations by two women of sexual offences - which he denies.

Mr Assange, who arrived at the Ecuadorean embassy in the Knightsbridge area of London a year ago on 19 June, will be arrested if he leaves the building.

Mr Patino said Mr Assange was prepared to stay inside the embassy for five years.

The Foreign Office said the two ministers talked for 45 minutes and while there had been no breakthrough, they had “agreed to keep channels of communication open”.

“Ministers agreed that officials should establish a working group to find a diplomatic solution to the issue of Julian Assange, but no substantive progress was made,” it said.

“The foreign secretary was clear once again that any resolution would need to be within the laws of the United Kingdom.”

Speaking via a translator, Mr Patino said: “The Ecuadorean government will continue to ensure

Vatican commission approves second miracle of Pope John Paul II: report POPE John Paul II is speeding along the fast track towards sainthood.

The late Pope has reportedly performed a second “extraordinary healing” that Vatican sources say will “amaze the world.” If this miracle is approved by the church, John Paul could catapult to sainthood faster than anyone else in recent history.

The Holy See hasn’t officially released details about the miracle, but insiders say it involves the healing of a Costa Rican woman who was suffering from a severe brain injury. She was allegedly cured after her family prayed to the Pope’s memory, The Telegraph reports.

The Catholic Church launched an investigation into the incident. Doctors testified that the healing couldn’t be explained away by science.

A commission of theologians has already approved the miracle, a Vatican official confirmed. The case will now be handed over to a commission of cardinals and then to Pope Francis.

John Paul could be canonised as early as October, just in time for the 35th anniversary of his election.

If all goes well, sources say an announcement could be made as early as July — just eight years after his death in 2005.

Protesters clash with riot police in front of Rio de Janeiro’s Legislative Assembly building on June 17.

Ricardo Patino and Julian Assange.

that he continues with the protection we have given him under asylum in our country, protecting his life, his personal integrity, and particularly his freedom of expression.

“The Ecuadorean government maintains that the reasons for which Ecuador granted asylum are still relevant, and therefore there is going to be no change in his circumstances.”

The UK government has previously said that it has a legal obligation to extradite Mr Assange to Sweden.

Mr Patino said Britain and Ecuador were using different legal justifications to support their positions.

He said he had given a document to the British government setting out the basis on which Mr Assange should be allowed safe conduct to Ecuador.

The late Pope John Paul II is hurtling towards sainthood at recordbreaking speeds. Vatican insiders say a commission of theologians has approved the pontiff’s second miracle. He could be canonised as early as October, just eight years after his death.

Mr Patino met Mr Assange on Sunday and said he was “in good spirits” despite the “limitations of his accommodations”.

The WikiLeaks founder sought asylum at the Ecuadorean embassy after the UK Supreme Court refused to reopen his appeal against extradition.

He fears that if he is sent to Sweden, he may be extradited to the US, where he could face the death penalty for disclosing confidential government information.

The British government has spent about £3m on police officers to guard the embassy around the clock. (BBC) Saved as: Anthony C Caption: Teacher Anthony Criscuolo of P.S. 386 in the Bronx was collared Wednesday after being accused in the rape of a fifth-grader he showered with gifts, including an iPod Touch.

Brazil protesters win U-turn on fare rises AUTHORITIES in Brazil’s two biggest cities have made a U-turn on public transport fare increases in the face of mass protests that have overshadowed the country’s build up to next year’s World Cup. In advance of major demonstrations on Thursday, the leaders of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro announced that bus and subway price rises will be rescinded, but it is far from certain that this will be enough to mollify public unrest.

Although the demonstrations began on a small scale last week in opposition to the fare rises, they have spread rapidly to encompass a variety of frustrations. A quarter of a million people took to the streets in at least 12 cities on Monday to call

for better public services, an end to corruption, punishment for police brutality, and less wasteful spending on the World Cup. Sporadic protests have continued since and spread to smaller cities, occasionally resulting in violence.

Among the most recent incidents was a clash on Wednesday between police and demonstrators in the north-eastern city of Fortaleza ahead of a Confederations Cup game in the city between Brazil and Mexico. The 15,000 protestors were forced back from the Castelão stadium perimeter with pepper spray, tear gas and – by one account – rubber bullets.

A police car was torched and some supporters were obstructed on their way to the game.

June 22 - 28, 2013

World News

Bronx teacher rapes pre-teen A SCHEMING Bronx teacher raped a 10-year-old student after he tricked the girl’s family into thinking she was receiving an academic award, police sources said Wednesday.

“He needs to die,” the girl’s devastated grandmother told the Daily News.

Twisted Public School 386 teacher Anthony Criscuolo — the hulking brute accused of the sickening attack on his fifth-grade student — penned a bogus note to the victim’s parents on school letterhead announcing that their daughter had written an awardwinning persuasive essay, police sources said.

The letter convinced the unsuspecting parents to allow the 40-year-old predator, who had already given the girl an iPod Touch and let her wear a diamond ring in his classroom, to take the girl to a sham award ceremony he claimed was Monday.

But there were no awards, no ceremony, no pomp and no circumstance. Instead, the pathetic creep drove the victim to a school parking lot in Queens and raped her inside his silver Dodge Charger, which has tinted windows that hid

the beastly attack, police sources said.

The girl’s mother called cops Tuesday after she found a string of sexually illicit emails sent by Criscuolo, family said. One missive even said the perv had left his wife to be with the child.

A teacher since 2002, Criscuolo pulled in $73,000 a year. There were no previous investigations against him, officials said. The creep apparently fancied himself a looker, creating a profile on the modeling website Explore Talent and posting a photograph of himself tanned and at the beach.

Students in Criscuolo’s classroom said their teacher showered them with constant attention and gifts. He gave $5 bills to pupils who made the honor roll and always had treats tucked away in a separate classroom.

It appears Criscuolo only had eyes for his victim, with whom he exchanged notes during class, some students said. Others recalled how he took the girl and danced with her like she was his wife during a Valentine’s Day party in class.

Parents at the school were disgusted. (NYdailynews.com)

Singaporeans have been warned to stay indoors where possible.

Singapore smog hits hazardous levels HAZE in Singapore soared to hazardous levels again on Thursday, prompting government health warnings.

At 13:00 local time (05:00GMT) Singapore’s pollution standards index (PSI) reached 371, breaking all previous records.

The haze is caused by illegal forest fires in Indonesia’s Sumatra island.

Singapore and Indonesia are to hold an emergency meeting, with Singapore’s environment minister demanding “definitive action” from Jakarta.

Andrew Tan, the chief executive of Singapore’s National Environment Agency, will lead Singapore’s delegation at the emergency meeting, hosted by Indonesia’s foreign ministry in Jakarta.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore’s Environment and Water Resources Minister, wrote on his Facebook wall that “Singaporeans

33

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

have lost patience, and are understandably angry.”

“No country or corporation has the right to pollute the air at the expense of Singaporeans’ health and wellbeing,” he added.

However, Indonesia’s Minister for People’s Welfare, Agung Laksono, said that Singapore was “behaving like a child”.

“This is not what the Indonesian nation wants, it is because of nature,” he said.

Singapore’s buildings have been obscured by the polluted air and the smell of burnt wood has permeated the city-state.

Prime Minister Lee Hsieng Loong has asked Singaporeans to “stay indoors where possible and avoid heavy outdoor activities”.

Air traffic controllers in Singapore have been told to work with extra caution given the poor visibility, while McDonald’s has temporarily cancelled its delivery service.

Obama calls for US-Russia nuclear weapons cuts US PRESIDENT Barack Obama has called for greater efforts to be made to reduce US and Russian nuclear arsenals.

Speaking at the Brandenburg Gate during a visit to the German capital, Berlin, he said he was confident the US could maintain its security while reducing its nuclear capacity by a third.

He also called for reductions in the number of tactical warheads in Europe.

However Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said Moscow “cannot take these assurances seriously”.

The US and Russian signed a joint agreement in 2010 to mutually reduce their stockpiles of nuclear weapons to a maximum of 1,550 warheads and no more than 700 deployed launchers.

Mr Obama said the US was “on track” to cutting its warheads to preCold War levels, but “we have more work to do”.

He said he had determined that the US could ensure its own and its allies security and maintain a credible deterrent “while reducing our deployed strategic nuclear weapons by up to one third”.

“I intend to seek negotiated cuts with Russia to move beyond Cold War nuclear postures,” he said.

“We may no longer live in fear of global annihilation but so long as

President Obama: “I intend to move beyond Cold War nuclear postures”

nuclear weapons exist, we are not truly safe.”

Mr Obama added that the US would also work alongside Nato allies to seek “bold reductions” in the use of tactical weapons in Europe, and would also seek to forge a new international framework for the use of peaceful nuclear power.

He also said the US rejected the nuclearisation of countries like North Korea and Iran.

But Mr Rogozin, a former Russian ambassador to Nato, said Moscow “cannot take these assurances seriously” while the US is taking steps to build up its missile defence

systems.

“The offence arms race leads to a defence arms race and vice versa,” he said in comments quoted in Russia’s state-owned Itar-Tass Shortly before Mr Obama spoke, Russian President Vladimir Putin was quoted as saying that Moscow “cannot allow the balance of the system of strategic deterrence to be disturbed or the effectiveness of our nuclear force to be decreased”.

A senior foreign policy adviser to Mr Putin said other nuclear-armed countries would have also have to reduce their stockpiles for such a plan to work. (BBC)

Floods cause devastation in northern India, killing about 150 RESCUE workers in northern India are scrambling to save tens of thousands of people left stranded by devastating floods that have killed as many as 150 people in the region.

Triggered by unusually heavy monsoon rains, the floods have swept away buildings, roads and vehicles in the mountainous state of Uttarakhand, which borders Nepal and China.

“Our hearts go out to the families of those who have lost their lives and those who have suffered injury or loss of property in this huge tragedy,” said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who carried out an aerial survey of the affected areas on Wednesday.

With bad weather hampering rescue efforts and some areas still under water, officials are struggling to gauge the scale of the disaster.

Singh said Wednesday that estimates put the number of people killed in the floods at 102, but added that “it is feared that loss of lives could eventually be much higher.”

A local official in Uttarakhand, Om Prakash, said that the death

Water flows over a Hindu statue during heavy monsoon rains in Rishikesh town in the state of Uttrakhand on June 17.

toll in the state had reached 150, but cautioned that he wasn’t able to give an exact estimate since some villages were still inundated, CNN’s sister network CNN-IBN reported Thursday. More than 70,000 people remain stranded, the network said.

With Hindu shrines set amid its stunning scenery, Uttarakhand is often

referred to as “the Land of Gods.”

At the heart of the recent devastation is the town of Kedarnath, the home of a deeply revered Hindu temple that attracts many pilgrims.

Images from the area have shown the centuries-old holy town, which sits in a deep valley, swamped with mud and rocks.

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 Meditation Centre Turks and Caicos Islands

Telephone 946-4760 & 332-4101

www.bkwsu.com Email: bkpadma@bkwsutci.com

FOR SALE

June 22 - 28, 2013

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

BAY BISTRO Is looking for a

Kitchen Helper To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 232-1025

8750

Construction scaffold and roof tiles for sale CONTACT: 431-1591 OR 231-3788

June 22 - 28, 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.

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.

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 22 - 28, 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 22 - 28, 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 22 - 28, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Island Fire Supplies Ltd.

FIRST GLOBAL INSURANCE BROKERS, LTD.

SELZNICK RIGBY Is looking for a

Requires a fully qualified

First Global Insurance Brokers Limited is seeking a qualified individual to fill in the following position of:

Fire alarm technician

Please email resumes to ifs@tciway.tc8758

SALES CLERK

Needed salary commensurate with experience all interested persons may sent their resumes via email to: info@karammissick.com

Labourer

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT / UNDERWRITING OFFICER

To work 6 days per week. Salary $5.00 per hour

The ideal candidate should possess the necessary experience and must meet the following qualifications for:

contact: 244-9284

;;Minimum 10 years experience in the Insurance Industry in Underwriting.

Experience in Claims and Risk Management in Property, Casualty and Medical would be an asset. ;;Must have earned recognized Insurance certification. Bachelor’s Degree (College Graduate) or equivalent would be an asset. ;;Proficiency in oral and written communication ;;Computer Literate ;;Good negotiation and social skills ;;Must be able to effectively respond to Insurance Companies, Reinsurers, Brokers and Agents ;; Knowledgeable in the Insurance regulations both Local and Foreign, including the London markets ;; Thorough knowledge of the Turks & Caicos Islands Traffic Code

8762

THE SIBONNE BEACH HOTEL Is looking for a

Domestic

Worker

8752

Contact: Sandra MacLeod 649-946-5547

OTHER DUTIES

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

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

REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to attend to on-call duties especially in emergency situations particularly during catastrophes

to clean hotel rooms must be able to work weekends and holidays salary $5.00 per hour.

8755

• For commercial and residential installations • Must have at least 10 years experience in the installation, repair and maintenance of Fire Alarm Systems including Suppression Systems and Sprinkler Installation.

Knowledge of Gamewell FCI , Simplex and FireLite Systems is a must.

• Salary negotiable depending on level of experience.

8737

Applications must be emailed to: info@fgibtci.com Attn: Managing Director First Global Insurance Brokers Limited P.O. Box 117, Caribbean Place 1254 Leeward Highway Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Applications must be received by the 30th June 2013

Estel Plumbing LTD 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

8733

June 22 - 28, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS 39

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

C & J CONSULTANT Acting on behalf of our client Barefoot Café is looking for a

Caicos Marina and Shipyard

Security

Guard Labourer To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 347-6642 8749

SHAMRACK PLAZA INDUSTRIAL PARK PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS. TEL: 649-941-8438

Salary $7/hr must be willing to work nights weekends and public holidays contact:

Jamie Pollon General Manager Caicos Marina & Shipyard LTD (649) 232-1905 8759

Been MEP Co. Ltd Requires fully qualified

Electricians • With at least 10 years experience in Commercial and Residential Installations.

• Electrical Labourers/ Assistants also required with at least 5 years experience in the field.

• Salary negotiable depending on level of experience,

Please email resumes to beenmep@tciway.tc8757

D AND B AUTO PARTS Is seeking an

Auto Sales Clerk this individual must: • Have 7 years or more experience with auto parts • Be computer literate • Be familiar with QuickBooks • Be flexible in all areas of auto part sales • Deadline for application is July 10th, 2013

DOMESTIC WORKER Needed to work 6 days per week from 8am-5pm Duties: • Looking after 2 small kids • Bathing, diaper changing, cooking, cleaning, ironing, laundry • A mature person will experience dealing with children is a must email resume to terryd@tciway.tc

8748

BAYVIEW MOTORS and PROVO AUTO SUPPLY

8756

WEST BAY CLUB Is looking for a

Are currently looking to employ the following persons 3 Experienced Certified

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN/ MECHANIC • This individual must possess the following: • Adequate tools to perform his duties • Must be able to work with little or no supervision • Must be experience using computerized diagnostic equipment • Must be a holder of automotive repair certification ASE or equivalent • Salary ranges from $16-$30 flat rate hour • Salary commensurate with experience

2 LABOURERS

• Who will be responsible for the daily maintenance of the building, stocking of the shelves and any other duties that may be assigned to you

Plumber

RECEPTIONIST/ CASHIER • • • • •

This individual must posses the following: Good computer skills Good organizational and communication skills Excellent telephone etiquette Must have a valid driver’s license and must be willing to work weekends and must be willing to work with little or no supervision and willing to take on any other related tasks

To work 6 days per week salary $7.50 per hour.

Please email all application to: mariec@bayviewmotors.com

ONLY QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED FOR AN INTERVIEW

Is seeking suitably qualified Belongers to fill the positions outlined below. Ideal candidates must possess luxury resort experience, a professional, outgoing and friendly demeanor, and a strong command of the English language (oral and written). Salary is based on experience and qualifications.

Stock Controller Dive Concierge/Activities Manager Housekeeping Manager Refrigeration Technician Security Pool & Beach Attendant

contact: 946-8550

8754

POSITIONS AVAILABLE BNC Consulting Group is currently seeking qualified individuals to fill the following openings with its resort clients.

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

This position will be responsible for repairing and maintaining resort machines and equipment. The individual must possess 3-5 years’ experience as a maintenance technician with a luxury resort environment. Strong mechanical and plumbing skills are a requirement.

Closing date: Open until fill

Closing Date: July 1st, 2013

Qualified candidates must be fluent in English and have the flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays. For immediate consideration, contact Bridgette Thomas at 332-2565 or e-mail CV to bthomas@bnccgroup.com. Candidates must possess relevant skills, experience, and a clean police record. Salaries for the above positions are commensurate with level, experience and education.

Suitably qualified candidates should apply in writing or by phone to the following: Bridgette Thomas BNC Consulting Group, Ltd E-mail: bthomas@bnccgroup.com phone: 649-332-2565

8757

ONLY CANDIDATES OF INTEREST WILL BE CONTACTED 8761

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

8760

June 22 - 28, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Seeks a

butler

• A hard working individual is needed to work six days a week and required to live on property • Must be fluent in English and Spanish.

• Must like animals and be able to feed, groom and walk 2 large dogs. Must have dog obedience qualification and the knowledge and skill to handle large dogs.

• Must be fit and able. Salary is $5.50/hr

8742

If you fit the above qualifications please send via facsimile your resume to 649 946 4663. Belongers only need apply.

For a private residence

• Must be able to care for animals, light cleaning, light maintenance • Must have a CPR Certification • Must be able to work flexible hours • Must have own transportation • Must have a valid and clean TCI Drivers license • Wages starting at $5.00 per hour

Contact: 231-4479

is looking for the following persons:

Fisherman

To work 6 days per week must have at least 3 years experience in fishing salary is based on experience

Sales Person To work 6 days per week salary $5.50 per hour

Contact: 649-243-8399 or 649-245-6228

ATTORNEY GENERAL CHAMBERS LANDS DIVISION, CROWN LAND UNIT

TENDER NOTICE FOR CROWN LAND The Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) is in receipt of a proposal to acquire a leasehold title over a portion of Parcel 60803/96pt, The Bight & Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales, comprising of approximately 0.41 acre – as shown and depicted on the MAP, Annex 1, attached, for a commercial / tourism related development.

In the spirit of good governance and in keeping with Section 34 of Crown Land Ordinance 2012, we would like to open the tender process for competing tenders to this parcel of Crown Land. This process promotes transparency and helps to mitigate against favouritism and corruption; as well as affords the Government the opportunity to get the best value for the land.

The parcel is located between the Beaches and Verandah Resorts, directly opposite the Beach Venders Cultural Market, which is located within the Bight Community.

The parcel is currently zoned as a “Beach Access”, but the proposed developer is seeking a change of use of the parcel to commercial / tourism related development. All bids for such developments must be guided by the Project Proposal Guidelines, attached hereto as Annex 2, and also found on the TCIG website - www.gov.tc.

All bids must be submitted to the Procurement Board and must be accompanied by the appropriate non-refundable application fee payable (please refer to the schedule of fees (also attached)) at any Treasury location within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Closing Date of Tenders: The closing date for all Tenders is 4:00 pm on Tuesday, 16TH July 2013.

Bids are to be enclosed in a sealed envelope marked “Tender for Parcel 60803/96pt.” on the top left hand corner of the envelope, and must be addressed to:

Secretary to the Procurement Board Central Purchasing Unit White Sands Road Grand Turk Turks and Caicos Islands

ANNEX I – MAP SHOWING BEACH ACCESS

8769

Bi Lingual Housekeeper Needed

REEL DEAL TOURS

DAVID C. BLACKBURN

8770

40 CLASSIFIEDS

June 22 - 28, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS 41

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

LE VELE Is looking for a

Housekeeper

ACA, ACCA, CPA or ACMA

Must be willing to work weekends nights and holidays.

Salary $5.50 per hour.

For Audit Senior roles experience in audit required salary range: $40,000-$50,000 per annum apple to: joseph.p.connolly@tc.pwc.com or Telexfax: 649-946-4892 no later than July 5th, 2013, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 8763

Contact: 232-4272

Requires one

Requires one qualified

Office Assistant ;; Must be experience with Microsoft Word ;; Salary based on office experience ;;Belonger need only apply

8743

Apply to: chynna.clare@tc.pwc.com or Telefax: 649-946-4892 no lather than July 12th, 2013 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

ATTORNEY GENERAL CHAMBERS LANDS DIVISION, CROWN LAND UNIT

TENDER NOTICE FOR CROWN LAND The Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) is in receipt of a proposal to acquire a leasehold title over a portion of Parcel 10507/61pt, South Suburbs, Grand Turk, comprising of approximately 0.73 acres – as shown and depicted on the MAP, Annex 1, attached, for a commercial / tourism related development.

In the spirit of good governance and in keeping with Section 34 of Crown Land Ordinance we would like to open the tender process for competing tenders to this parcel of Crown Land.

This process promotes transparency and helps to mitigate against favouritism and corruption; as well as affords the Government the opportunity to get the best value for the land.

The parcel is located immediately north of the Grant Turk Carnival Cruise Port in an area zoned for commercial and or tourism related development and, therefore, all bids should be guided by the Project Proposal Guidelines, attached hereto as Annex 2, and also found on the TCIG website - www.gov.tc.

All bids must be submitted to the Procurement Board and must be accompanied by the appropriate non-refundable application fee payable (please refer to the schedule of fees (also attached)) at any Treasury location within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Closing Date of Tenders: The closing date for all Tenders is 4:00 pm on Tuesday, 16TH July 2013.

Bids are to be enclosed in a sealed envelope marked “Tender for Parcel 10507/61pt.” on the top left hand corner of the envelope, and must be addressed to:

Secretary to the Procurement Board Central Purchasing Unit White Sands Road Grand Turk Turks and Caicos Islands

ANNEX I – MAP SHOWING PARCEL OF INTEREST

ADVERTISE

IN THIS SPACE!

Proprietors Strata Plan #41 Management Co. Ltd. Seeks to fill the following position

One (1) Labourer

Bi Lingual Housekeeper Needed • A hard working individual is needed to work six days a week and required to live on property • Must be fluent in English and Spanish.

• Must like animals and be able to feed, groom and walk 2 large dogs. Must have dog obedience qualification and the knowledge and skill to handle large dogs.

• Must be fit and able. Salary is $5.50/hr

Interested person must be willing to work hard, must be responsible, reliable & trustworthy. Must be willing to work with little or no supervision.

Schedule work hours are 7am to 5pm Applicant must be willing to work on holidays and weekends.

Salary US$400.00 per week

ONLY

$33

PER WEEK CALL 946-4664

If you fit the above qualifications please send via facsimile your resume to 649 946 4663. Belongers only need apply.

8767

Y.A.3.B. Acting on behalf of our clients Dean Bjorn and Triple S is looking to fill the following positions:

Mechanic – $6.50 per hour

Babysitter – $5.50 per hour Contact: 344-4540

June 22 - 28, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Proprietors Strata Plan #41 Management Co. Ltd Seeks to fill the following position

One (1) Gardner Interested person must be willing to work hard, must be responsible, reliable & trustworthy. Must be willing to work with little or no supervision. Schedule work hours are 7am to 5pm Applicant must be willing to work on holidays and weekends.

Salary US$400.00 per week 8768

TRADE WIND INDUSTRIES LIMITED (“the Company”)

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to the Companies Ordinance and the Company’s Articles of Association, that an Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held at the offices of Saunders & Co, Town Centre Building, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands at 10:00 am on Thursday, 11 July 2013 in order to consider and if deemed appropriate.

1. Appoint and remove directors and officers to the Board of Directors of the Company, and accept the resignation of directors, if appropriate.

2. Present the accounts for the Company, if applicable, or dispense with the same.

3. Appoint auditors to the company, if applicable, or dispense with the same.

4. Ratify acts undertaken by the company, if applicable.

5. Instruct the company’s secretary to file the annual returns.

John Hartley - Chairman c/o SAUNDERS & CO. Post Office Box 257 Town Centre Building Town Centre Providenciales TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

Ricardo Fulford Consultant Services on behalf of his clients:

Chukka Caribbean Adventures (TCI)LTD

is seeking employment for the following:

1) Labourer

Salary starts at $275.00 per week.

Interested candidate may contact Employer at 1(649)332-1339 for further details regarding employment.

Froggie's On the Beach

is seeking employment for the following:

1) Waitress 1) Kitchen Helper

Salary starts at $5.00 per hours.

Interested candidate may contact 231-0595 for further details regarding employment.

Cedar Lodge Cafe

is seeking employment for the following:

1) Labourer 1) Domestic Worker

Salary starts at $6.00 per hours.

Interested candidate may apply through ricardofulford@gmail.com

1) Labourer

Salary starts at $5.00 per hours.

Interested candidate may contact Bite Me Sport Fishing at 231-0366/9464398/946-4918 or visit their office at Banana Boat, Providenciales for further details regarding employment.

TCI Waste Disposal

is seeking employment for the following:

1) Labourer 1) Mechanic

Salary is negotiable with employer.

Interested candidate may contact Employer at 431-7889 for further details regarding employment.

Trail Enterprises LTD.

is seeking employment for the following:

1) Gardener

Salary starts at $5.50 per hour.

Interested candidate may submit their application through tracey@trail.tc or visit Trail Enterprises at Grace Bay, for further details regarding employment.

Provo Scrap Metal

is seeking employment for the following:

Ricardo Fulford Contracting

is seeking employment for the following:

1) Carpenter

Salary is negotiable with employer.

Interested candidate may apply through ricardofulford@gmail.com

1) Waste Collector

Salary starts at 5.50 per hour. Interested candidate may submit their application through ricardofulford@gmail.com for further information regarding employment.

Marie Missick

ACE CUTS BARBER

is seeking employment for the following:

1) Barber

Salary is negotiable with employer.

Interested candidate may apply through ricardofulford@gmail.com

Bite Me Sport Fishing

is seeking employment for the following:

1) Labourer

Salary starts at 5.50 per hour.

Interested candidate may apply through ricardofulford@gmail.com for further information regarding employment.

is seeking employment for the following:

Ricardo Fulford

Immigration and Labour Consultant President of Ricardo Fulford Consultant Services ricardofulford@gmail.com. (649) 346-1125

8771

42 CLASSIFIEDS

June 22 - 28, 2013

Sports International

43

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Triple gold medallist Campbell-Brown suspended following positive test

Yohan Blake has had hamstring problems since April.

Blake ruled out of World Championships 200m YOHAN Blake will not run the 200m at the World Championships after the Olympic silver medallist pulled out of this weekend’s Jamaican national championships with hamstring problems.

Blake, 23, suffered the injury in April and has not sufficiently recovered.

As defending champion, he does not need to qualify for the 100m in Moscow.

Compatriot Usain Bolt qualifies for the 200m as champion but must win his place in the 100m after

he false-started in Daegu in 2011, handing gold to Blake.

“Yohan’s coach is not satisfied with the progress of his injury and hence his level of fitness will not allow him to compete at [the nationals] this time,” said Blake’s manager Cubie Seegobin.

“We will continue to assess the situation and re-evaluate as we approach the World Championships.”

Blake won silver in both the 100m and 200m at London 2012 behind training partner and world record holder Bolt. (BBC)

TWO-TIME Olympic 200 metre champion Veronica CampbellBrown has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned substance.

The Jamaican sprinter, who has won seven Olympic medals during a glittering athletics career, reportedly had traces of a banned diuretic, which is used as a masking agent, in a sample she provided to testers at the International Invitational World Challenge on May 4.

The London 2012 100m bronze medallist has promised to clear her name.

“The Jamaican Athletics Administrative Association can now confirm that a case concerning Veronica Campbell-Brown is currently ongoing,” read the JAAA statement.

“She has been provisionally suspended from competition awaiting the outcome of a disciplinary panel that will be empaneled to hear this case.”

British newspaper The Guardian reported the banned diuretic was from a cream she was using in an attempt to recover from a leg injury.

Diuretics promote the production of urine and are used to help high blood pressure and are banned

The Jamaican superstar’s manager said she was not a cheat.

because they can be used by athletes to hide other performance-enhancing substances.

Campbell-Brown’s manager Claude Bryan insisted the 31-yearold athlete was not a cheat.

“Due to her determination to vigorously pursue the clearing of her name, she will desist from being vocal,” said Bryan of CampbellBrown, who was the first Jamaican to hold a global 100m title.

“Suffice it to say, while not accepting guilt of willfully taking a banned substance, she

wholeheartedly apologises to her family, Jamaica, her sponsors, the governing body, the world athletics family, her supporters as well as those she worked with in various non-athletic causes for any embarrassment and or hurt this devastating news has caused.”

“She remains an ardent believer in the purity of competition, the beauty of the sport and resolute in the fact that unearned suffering has redemptive qualities.”

If found guilty, Campbell-Brown could face a two-year ban. (CNN)

Button insists McLaren would bounce back

Serena Williams is a 16-time Grand Slam champion.

Williams apologises for Steubenville rape quotes WORLD tennis number one Serena Williams has apologised after reportedly appearing to criticise the victim in a high-profile US rape case.

Rolling Stone magazine quoted her as saying the teenager in the Steubenville, Ohio, case “shouldn’t have put herself in that position”.

Williams has now released a statement on her website saying she was “deeply sorry for what was written”.

In March, two high school footballers were convicted of the Ohio rape.

The case, involving a 16-yearold girl, fiercely divided the small town, attracting nationwide media attention.

In an interview posted on

Rolling Stone’s website on Tuesday, Williams was quoted as saying: “I’m not blaming the girl, but if you’re a 16-year-old and you’re drunk like that, your parents should teach you don’t take drinks from other people.

“She’s 16, why was she that drunk where she doesn’t remember?

It could have been much worse.

She’s lucky.”

According to Rolling Stone, Williams added that the girl “shouldn’t have put herself in that position, unless they slipped her something, then that’s different”.

While not denying she made the statements, Williams appeared on Wednesday to cast doubt on their accuracy.

FORMULA One driver Jenson Button insists McLaren will bounce back from a disappointing start to 2013, but the Briton has written off his team’s chances of competing for the world championship this season.

The 2009 world champion started the year in confident mood after finishing the 2012 by winning the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix.

But the current campaign has been a miserable one for the British team, with Button languishing 10th in the drivers’ standings after finishing 14th and out of the points at the recent Canadian Grand Prix.

However, Button is confident McLaren, one of the most successful teams in F1 history, will restore its reputation in the year’s remaining races and in the coming seasons.

“Clearly, we’d hoped for more success this season, especially after last season, during which we won seven grands prix, including two of the last three,” the 33-year-old told the sport’s official website.

“So, going forward, as I say, we’d hoped for more this season, but I firmly believe that there’ll be good seasons ahead for us.”

A fifth-place finish is the best Button has been able to muster in seven races this season.

There have also been reports of friction between Button and Mexican teammate Sergio Perez, the

Button is confident McLaren, one of the most successful teams in F1 history, will restore its reputation in the year’s remaining races and in the coming seasons.

23-year-old known as “Checo” who arrived as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, now at Mercedes.

“Checo is a very nice lad,” said Button. “Maybe he’s a bit too forceful sometimes, by his own admission, but he’s undoubtedly quick, and he’s still learning because you never stop learning in this game.

“He’s trying to make his mark -but I think that’s how it should be.

“Your teammate is never going to be your best friend, because people will always compare your performance with his and inevitably you want to emerge positively from that comparison, but Checo and I get on well -- and that is more than

you can say about some teammate relationships these days!

Button is hoping McLaren’s impending partnership with engine supplier Honda -- set to come into effect from 2015 onwards -- can propel the team back towards the front of the grid.

Originally partners between 1988 and 1992, McLaren and Honda won multiple drivers’ and constructors’ titles with legendary names like Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.

“In 2004, McLaren won only one grand prix, but it won 10 grands prix in 2005, in 2006 McLaren won no grands prix, but it won eight grands prix in 2007,” explained the former Brawn driver.

44

Sports National

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 22 - 28, 2013

North Caicos junior football numbers grow after TCIFA’s initiative THE TCIFA has taken the world’s number one sport to North Caicos.

Two months ago the Association launched a programme at Adelaide Oemler Primary School in North Caicos. The programme run by two teachers Mrs. Francis and Mr. Salmon and supported by TCIFA President Chris Bryan has grown from strength to strength as now almost 60 students are regularly playing the sport.

Last week Technical Director Matthew Green and Development Officer Sarah Cenary visited the school to assess the progress of the programme. Cenary conducted a session with grades five and six students and their enthusiasm and dedication impressed both TCIFA members. Green was delighted with what he saw: “It is clear that the kids love the sport and the teachers have been doing a great job. The children are very friendly, disciplined and well behaved which means they are easy to a coach. It has been a pleasure to see them in action”.

Bryan was equally full of praise for the children saying: “The girls and boys are eager to learn and try out their new skills and have had a tremendous amount of fun whilst doing so. The programme here in North Caicos has the potential for becoming very strong as the schools in Bottle Creek has the benefit of currently having some of the best

Bethany Baptist Church are hoping to retain their title

Teachers and young footballers in North Caicos.

sporting infrastructure of all the schools in the TCI.” Regarding future projects, the association hopes to include students from Hubert James in after school and Saturday morning sessions from September.

Green added: “There is clearly great potential here in North Caicos and I am impressed with the level of enthusiasm shown by the students and teachers. Our association will ensure that we give

them all the support they need to develop the sport. This can only help our association to develop and encourage other schools throughout the country to seek our help to introduce the sport and see it thrive”.

With programmes now in place in Provo, Grand Turk, South Caicos and North Caicos the TCIFA can now legitimately say that the whole country has the chance to play the world’s most popular game.

Bethany on top of Church Softball League BETHANY Baptist Church are ahead of their rivals in the Church Softball League. The defending champions made light work of St. Monica’s Church in their last encounter.

That game ended 15-5.

According to information from the league, St. Monica and Prophecy Church are tied for second, while Jericho Baptist Church, the runners up last season, and Prophecy Church also tied, round off the top five.

Jericho’s latest victory was 10-7 against Abundant Life.

Meanwhile in the Provo Softball Association Fast Pitch League, Discount Liquors have recorded another convincing victory. After beating Soakers 15-0 in the opening weekend, Discount Liquors marched to an 8-3 win over the Braves last Saturday at the Downtown Ball Park.

In the female category Kia Katz defeated the Flyers 15-8 while Rulay won by forfeit over the Predators.

Josh for Sports

The struggles of African Americans in baseball WILLIE Mays said that all African American players who came up to the majors before he did had the same scouting report: first they said that the players were seen as “Negros” and then as great players. But with Mays they said he was great, and then they said he was “Negro”.

The same was not said for most of the leading black players who came immediately after him.

While big-league crowds cheered May’s every move, life for other black players, when they went South either for spring training or as players on Southern minorleague teams, actually got worst.

At first it had seemed that the success of Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays and other African American pioneers would lead rapidly to their full integration of organised baseball even in the South. Blacks began turning up on rosters on teams in the Carolina League, the Texas League, the Florida

By Joshua Gardiner International League, the Evangeline League, the Gulf Coast League, Sooner State League, Sally League and Cotton State League among others. Whenever African Americans played, attendance rose.

By the end of the 1953 season only six of 16 major league clubs had yet fielded a black player. Only the Southern Association of all the higher minor leagues still barred African Americans.

However in 1954, the Supreme Court decision in “Brown vs Board of Education” which, in holding segregated schooling unconstitutionally marked the end of the “separate, but equal” doctrine caused a storm of “White” defiance to roll across the South. White citizens’ councils pledged eternal opposition to integration; white politicians promised to interpose new Jim Crow laws between the Federal Government and its citizens to ensure that their region remained perpetually segregated.

There were beatings and murders.

According to Jules Tygiel, the historian of baseball’s integration, more than 100 new segregation statutes were passed, including several that specifically barred inter-racial sports. In Birmingham, Alabama, Blacks and Whites were forbidden even to play mixed games of chess and dominoes. In several Southern cities, Blacks were unceremoniously dumped from minor league teams—some leagues

became all White again.

If Black progress slowed for the moment, Black fans were no longer willing to accept segregation without a struggle. In New Orleans, a full year before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. became the spokesman for the bus boycott at Montgomery, black fans began a boycott of the Pelicans for having dropped all five of their black players. A black boycott of the whole Southern Association helped and brought on its collapse in 1961.

Major League teams seem oblivious of the strain resurgent bigotry put on young Black players. Hank Aaron, who had helped integrate the Southern Atlantic League, joined the Milwaukee Braves in 1954. When he travelled by train below the Mason-Dixon line, his White teammates had to bring his food to his compartment because Blacks were not permitted in the dining car, except as waiters. As Aaron recalled, “It was still thought unwise to even complain.”

Aaron said that it was like

climbing the highest mountain in the world. He opined that African American players were half-way home and couldn’t bitch about certain things so they had to just sit there and take certain things and realise that if they did what they were supposed to do and play the game the way they were supposed to play it, then slowly things were going to change.

Two years later Aaron made it to the Majors, Curtis Charles Floor, and 18-year-old outfielder from Oakland, California, who had never experienced segregation before was signed by the Cincinnati Reds and then sent for seasoning to the Carolina League. He did well enough, but his sudden exposure to Jim Crow was harrowing. He said that he use to break into tears as soon as he reached the safety of his room.

He said that he felt too young to be experiencing such an ordeal.

To be continued

June 22 - 28, 2013

Sports National

45

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Fenelus heading to California State University, Fullerton FORMER TCI national junior player Marco Fenelus has been accepted on a full scholarship to the California State University, Fullerton due to his footballing dominance at the college level.

Fenelus, who will turn 21 in August, said he is looking forward to upping his game when he starts NCAA Division One Soccer at his university.

“At Fullerton I’m looking forward to bettering what I did in college both academically and on the field. I want to score more goals, but I know it will be hard work because everybody will bring their ‘A’ game.”

The humble forward dominated at the college level. Twice he was selected on the All American team while at the Western Texas College.

In total he scored 39 goals and led his school to the regional title two years in a row. Additionally with Fenelus at the fore Western Texas College football team participated in their first ever national championship.

ACADEMIC PROWESS Fenelus, who played for TCI in 2011 Olympic Qualifiers against the Bahamas, is sticking with his major after graduating with an associate

During his stint at Western Texas College Marco Fenelus (in white) scored 39 goals.

degree in business management.

“I am focusing on both academics and soccer. I want to know that I can

have a career off the field as well.”

At the moment Fenelus is in the TCI working on his fitness level.

He promises not to be complacent and to work extra hard to make his university and TCI proud.

Bungaloo’s Men’s Beach Soccer League:

Flawless AFC Academy favourites for title

AFC Academy are favourites to take the Bugaloo’s Men’s Beach Soccer League title this Saturday against the Teachers owing to an undefeated run during the regular season.

The final game would not be a walkover and Teachers showed their intent with a 14-3 victory over the Centre of Excellence (CoE) Boys in their last regular season match while the Academy overwhelmed the Sharks 10-0.

DORVIL’S DOMINANCE Fred Dorvil led the attack for the Teachers, scoring eight goals; Robert Hamilton added five more and Kacey Smith also got on the scoresheet. Wilkins Sylvain (2) and Adner Davilmar found the back of the net for the CoE Boys who are yet to win a game this season. However, after only narrowly losing 6-4 to the Sharks in their previous encounter they will feel that they have a chance of a shock win in Saturday’s third place clash.

The Academy ended their regular season with Herby Magny scoring six goals. He combined well with play-maker Fitzgerald Norvius.

Jensen Joseph (2), James Rene and

Action in the penultimate playing day of the league.

Rodney Davilmar also found the back of the net in the win.

Technical Director Matthew Green was impressed with the level of play: “It has taken some time for

the teams to adapt to playing beach soccer as it is a very different game from regular football. It is basically a non-contact sport and there is more influence on skills, especially

shooting. We obviously have some very talented players and I see no reason why we could not compete on the world stage more evenly that we can at 11-a-side. The final promises

to be a very closely fought game.

AFC Academy have been undefeated all season, but the Teachers have a very strong team so it could go either way.”

46

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 22 - 28, 2013

LAND FOR SALE In beautiful Bottle Creek, North Caicos

.46 acres overlooking the creek, spanning King Road and Windsor Road

QUICK SALE

CALL 232-3508 or 946-4664

June 22 - 28, 2013

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

47

48

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

June 22 - 28, 2013