Turks & Caicos Weekly News

Weekly News Volume 26 | No. 21 | May 26 - June 1, 2012

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PASSES IN THE

T urks and C aicos

Weekly News PUZZLE trivia SEE PAGE 12

Gov’t to sell Joe

Grant Cay land

– Cash will pay $2m bank charges

TCIG is putting up for sale a 200 acre parcel of land at Joe Grant Cay to raise money for outstanding bank debts totalling more than PAGE  5 $2m.

Here for the relays, Delano Williams and fellow athlete Angelo Garland share a light moment

inside

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Governor signs 4 off budget PAGE 

GOVERNOR Ric Todd signed off the 2012/2013 budget on Wednesday, a key advance for TCI’s ...

Local economy on the rebound WITH the 2012/2013 budget approved and a surplus projected, Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary (PS), Ms. Anya Williams contends ...

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Delano Williams to compete in Jags McCartney Relays

Cartwright-Robinson sacked from forum

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AN ACTIVE member in the political arena, Mrs Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, was fired from the Consultative Forum last Friday.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 26 – June 1, 2012

May 26 – June 1, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 26 - June 1, 2012

Governor signs off budget

By Vanessa Narine GOVERNOR Ric Todd signed off the 2012/2013 budget on Wednesday, a key advance for TCI’s financial stability.

At a press briefing on Thursday TCIG’s top team, the Permanent Secretaries (PS) and Chief Executive, agreed that maintaining focus on key priorities is the best way forward for the TCI. TCIG’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Patrick Boyle, stated that the budget delivers many of the things that the people of the TCI have been championing.

He added that TCIG has a good grasp on the issues in the TCI and has put in place the systems with the required manpower to ensure that the targets in the 2012/2013 budget are met.

At the end of 2011/2012 total revenue stood at $170.9m, which was above both budget and forecast.

This year the proposed revenue budget for 2012/2013 totals $200.6m, an increase of $29.7m (seven per cent) over the previous year.

The budget for 2012/2013 includes an expenditure budget of $180m which is a $17.2m (eight per cent) decrease compared to the previous years’ expenditures, mainly due to substantial reductions in manpower costs, in transfers to NHIB and in historic liability payments.

STRICT PRIORITISATION Finance Ministry PS, Ms Anya Williams made it clear that the budget’s expenditures reflect strict prioritisation.

To this end, education, health, infrastructure and improvements to government owned facilities were this year’s focus.

Williams said, “Although these expenditures are critical, we also

need to ensure that our finances do not deteriorate further.

“Thus we will only go forward with each expenditure item once the money to pay for them has either been received or is certain to be received.”

This year the Capital Programme expenditure budget has been increased from $5.5m actual expenditure in 2011/2012 to $16.2m.

In the education sector, the budget includes: $0.9m for the construction of buildings at the Ona Glinton Primary School; $0.5m for the new administration block at the HJ Robinson High School; $0.3m for additional toilet blocks at the Clement Howell High School; $0.1m for a canteen at the Clement Howell High School and $0.2m for the construction of a bathroom block at the Ianthe Pratt Primary School In the health sector, the capital budget includes: $0.1m for upgrades to the Salt Cay Clinic and $0.1m for furniture and equipment for the Middle Caicos Clinic.

Responding to the need for infrastructural development, the budget includes $1.35m for repairs to the causeway that connects North and Middle Caicos and $1m has been included for a new water RO plant and equipment for Grand Turk, along with a further $0.3m for repairs to the water catchment facilities in both Grand Turk and South Caicos.

Additionally, some $0.3m is being budgeted for the refurbishment of the former Immigration Office at South Base in Grand Turk and another $0.3m budgeted for refurbishment works at the former Chief Secretary’s Office in Grand Turk.

The budget also includes $0.3m for the construction of a customs warehouse and office in Grand Turk; $0.3m for the construction

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

TCIG’s top team

of a remand/detention centre in Providenciales; $0.1m for a home for juveniles; $0.4m for the renovation of the Providenciales Magistrates Court and a further $0.1m for the South Caicos Community Centre.

Included in other capital expenditure is $0.3m for TCIG’s contribution to the EU Housing Initiative and $0.3m for TCIG’s contribution to the Carnival infrastructure projects; $0.3m for the radar system; $0.2m for new police patrol vessels and $4.5m for Providenciales Airport land acquisition costs.

Paying particular attention to the area of social development, the Department of Social Development’s budget has been increased from $1.3m spent in 2011/2012 to $1.7m for 2012/2013.

This includes a Home Help Services budget of $0.3m, $0.2m for care of juveniles, $0.1m for welfare benefits, $0.1m for continuous education, $0.125m for the new juvenile centre operating costs and $0.1m for electronic monitors as an alternative to prison sentencing.

The Finance Ministry PS said, “It has been a very difficult period over the past few years for the Turks and Caicos Government in the management of its finances.

“TCIG has required the assistance of not only the UK government, but also the efforts of the individual ministries and departments within

the Turks and Caicos Islands, most particularly the Ministry of Finance to be able to reform TCIG’s finances.”

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY According to her, the reforms implemented over the past few years have been hard and have been faced by strong opposition.

However, Williams stressed that they were necessary to ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islands Government restores its international credibility through ensuring financial stability and clear intent to continuing on a sound financial footing.

She said, “Much has been done in the past few years and there is still much more to do.

“Producing and presenting this budget is my first monumental step.

The difficult task at hand will now be to deliver the objectives that have been set out in the budget.”

The PS explained that the TCIG is in the process of drafting a new development strategy for 2013 through 2017, which aims to respond to new economic circumstances.

Williams said, “The new development strategy updates the earlier development plans, making adjustments for the national and global recession, focusing on further reforms to be considered for adoption by the next elected government of the TCI. “It is our intention to make the

Turks and Caicos a well-governed country where balanced, sustained and increasingly diversified growth and development will lead to equal opportunity, security and empowerment for all members of society.”

Williams stated that much has been done in terms of putting in place a modern Public Finance Ordinance that speaks to the roles of the minister, the House of Assembly and accounting officers, budget execution and reporting, and the management of public funds.

She added that TCIG has also been able to develop proper reporting systems through the development of monthly departmental and stakeholder financial reports, quarterly financial reports published on the government website and in local media, and internal forecast documents which project revenue and expenditure for the remaining quarters of the financial year.

“The 2012/2013 budget demonstrates marked improvements in terms of increased revenue collection while reducing the levels of discretionary and other expenditure.

“During the financial year, we will continue to focus on revenue collection, monitoring and enforcement, and on prioritising our expenditure and controlling costs to ensure adherence to the budget,” the Finance Ministry PS posited.

Local economy on the rebound WITH the 2012/2013 budget approved and a surplus projected, Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary (PS), Ms. Anya Williams, contends that the local economy is on the rebound.

Williams said, “All indications show that 2012/2013 will be an even more economically successful year.”

She sited the fact that in 2011 saw higher tourist arrival for to the Turks and Caicos Islands, with the one millionth visitor being a historic occasion for the territory.

The PS said, “Much has been done in the past year to improve the way that TCIG conducts its business…In addition to putting in place a new Investment Unit,

TCIG is also improving and streamlining the offering of concessions and the drafting of development agreements to reflect more equitable practices.”

According to her, with the new Investment Unit in place, there are over 20 major development projects currently under consideration.

“This added to the Government’s Capital budget of $16M means that much needed extra cash will begin to circulate through the Turks and Caicos economy which will help to jump start other economic activity and employment, particularly in the construction industry,” she said, Williams added that the government is looking to reform

the way TCIG conducts business by protecting and preserving the rights of its citizens though a major legislative reform project which will see the completion/revision of over 80 pieces of legislation.

These include the Crown Land Ordinance; Elections Ordinance; Employment Ordinance; Juvenile Justice Bill; TCI Domestic Violence Bill and Health Regulation and Health Professions Bill.

“These are all vital instruments that will help to protect the rights of the citizens and Belongers of the Turks and Caicos Islands and will help to make our country a better place to live,” the PS said.

(VANESSA NARINE)

May 26 - June 1, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

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Gov’t to sell Joe Grant Cay land – Cash will pay $2m bank charges TCIG is putting up for sale a 200 acre parcel of land at Joe Grant Cay to raise money for outstanding bank debts totalling more than $2m.

Sothebys has been instructed to act for the government, and will shortly be placing parcel 30101/25 on the market for sale.

The parcel was successfully recovered last year for the government following a claim by the Civil Recovery Team.

In June 2011, TCIG successfully recovered more than 700 acres of land on Joe Grant Cay, following legal proceedings brought against the Star Platinum companies, controlled

by Dr Cem Kinay.

Those proceedings had been issued following the identification by the Commission of Inquiry of the acquisition of Joe Grant Cay by the Star Platinum companies from TCIG as possibly corrupt.

A release from the Governor’s Office on Tuesday stated that having recovered the land, TCIG's preferred option has been not to sell any of it, leaving the land in the ownership of the Crown for the benefit of the people of the TCI. However, the Star Platinum companies borrowed $2m from a bank, Temple Mortgage Fund Limited, and granted Temple a charge or mortgage over one of the Joe Grant Cay parcels, Parcel 30101/25, as security for the loan which had been taken out to help fund the purchase of the land.

The Star Platinum companies then defaulted on paying back the loan to Temple, leaving Temple with the right to sell the parcel in order to get their money back.

When TCIG recovered the land last year under the court's order, it also had to take the land subject to the charge in favour of Temple over parcel 30101/25.

The amount owing to Temple is $2m together with significant interest which is continuing to accrue.

TCIG does not have the substantial amount of money necessary to pay off the charge in favour of Temple.

Since it has not been paid, Temple has the right to sell Parcel 30101/25 in order to try and get back the money it is owed. It has told TCIG that it will seek to sell the parcel at auction unless it is repaid.

In these circumstances TCIG has reluctantly concluded that it has no choice but to sell the parcel of land charged to Temple in order to pay off what is owing.

A controlled sale by TCIG after proper marketing of the land is likely to realise significantly more for the

parcel than if sold by Temple at auction.

It is hoped that, by arranging a controlled sale with proper marketing, Parcel 30101/25 will sell for more than Temple is owed.

Any money over and above what Temple is owed which is raised by the sale will go to TCIG. It is likely that proper marketing of the parcel both in the TCI and internationally, finding a buyer and obtaining the best price may take some time.

TCIG will consider selling other parcels on Joe Grant Cay to a buyer if to do so would result in a significantly higher price being achieved for parcel 30101/25 than if it sells only that parcel.

The judgment obtained by TCIG last summer confirmed that the transaction by which the Star Platinum companies obtained Joe Grant Cay from the government was tainted by corruption, and that the transfer should be set aside.

In the judgment, which was handed down by the court on June 14, 2011, Mr Justice Martin found that in relation to a payment of $500,000 made by Dr Kinay to Michael Misick on January 9, 2007, "there to be a very strong probability that the money was paid as a bribe in order to ensure that the defendant companies obtained the benefit of the proposed development".

The judge also found: "The grant of development rights, the sale of the hotel land at a gross undervalue, and the lease of the other land at substantially less than the market value were all made at the instigation of Michael Misick.

“The values were approved

by Cabinet as the result of the suppression of evidence of what was at the very least a respectable alternative opinion (from the government’s own valuer) as to the true values.

“No satisfactory explanation has been put forward for not reporting Mr Hoza’s valuations to cabinet; or for the payment of $500,000 to Michael Misick.

“Not only did the defendants get the development, they got it cheaply.

“There is a very strong probability that Michael Misick with the help of McAllister Hanchell secured the grant of these benefits to the defendants as a result of this inducement."

Ahead of his public meetings on Grand Turk and Providenciales this week the Governor issued further detailed information concerning

A section of Joe Grant Cay, at the top of the hill are the ruins that used to be Joe Grant’s home

Crown land recovery requested at previous sessions.

The government has currently recovered, or is in the course of recovering 956.13 acres of land.

As well as the recovery of Joe

Grant Cay (813.54 acres), the government has recovered or is in the course of recovering a further 34 parcels of land, totalling some 142.59 acres.

Since all but two of these

recoveries were achieved voluntarily without the need for court proceedings, the government will not be issuing a list of parcel numbers or former owners so as to continue to encourage voluntary settlements.

Public debt at end of March was $228.7M

By Vanessa Narine

AT the end of March this year, the TCI’s national public debt was a massive $228.7M According to Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary, Ms. Anya Williams, these included loans held by TCIG totaling $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. Williams said, “Principal repayments of bonds due during 2012/2013 total $5.9M and interest payments total $7.7M. The very low interest rate facilities secured via Scotia Bank because of the UK Government guarantee has led to a saving of more than $10.0M a year in debt servicing costs, compared with levels paid in 2009/2010.”

The PS stressed that moving forward it is a key priority for TCIG to be able to pay down its

national debt.

She said, “This can only be done by of course generating fiscal surpluses, which will allow reductions of debt stock, which is much preferable instead of having to borrow funds on a continuous basis to fund revenue account deficits and other capital costs.”

SINKING FUND According to her, it is the intention of the Government to create a Sinking Fund that will be used to accumulate funds towards the paying down of the national debt.

“At present, interest on debt is low due the UK Government guarantee and there is no repayment due for most of the debt until 2016.

However, in future years interest charges will increase and large principal payments will become due…we need to ensure that these are both affordable,” she said.

The Finance Ministry PS stated that an achievable revenue target of $200.6M has been set and it has been agreed that any additional windfall revenues outside of the budget during 2012/2013, would be paid into the Sinking Fund in order to build up capacity to pay down the national debt, which is a key priority.

Williams pointed out that in addition to the provisions accounts, a prudent Contingency Fund of 3 per cent of total expenditure ($5M) has been included in the revenue budget

to accommodate unforeseen and extraordinary costs.

She said, “On top of this, a Special Contingency Fund of $6M has also been included below the revenue account surplus to account for any other unexpected budget variances that may occur during the financial year. The Special Contingency Fund will only be used to cover adverse budget variances in extreme circumstances and will be done with the prior approval of the UK Government.

“If the financial outcomes for 2012/13 remain in line with budget, it may be possible with UK Government approval to release some or all of this special contingency provision for additional infrastructure improvement works.

“This contingency fund will also be used to pay into the sinking fund if revenue and expenditure perform in line with the budget and it has not been used for any other purpose; otherwise it will be available to protect against unbudgeted adverse events.”

Williams noted that it is important to begin payments against the loan so by 2016, when it is time to refinance the loan, it will be a smaller amount that needs to be refinanced, which will reduce costs to TCIG.

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 26 – June 1, 2012

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

Governor on gay rights

GOVERNOR Ric Todd has seen it fit to champion the cause of gay rights in the TCI. He is proposing a review of TCI legislation, development and introduction of a diversity policy and the launch of a public consultation on the age of consent in the TCI - all in the interest of equality for gay people.

This move has drawn the ire of many TC Islanders, who contend that there is no discrimination, and that changes are in conflict with the essential moral fabric of the TCI. What are your thoughts?

Church loses

The biggest loser in all of this is the Christian church.

Despite being champions of the Bible, it took a Jew to come out and offer a concise biblical perspective on this issue.

Where does the church as a whole stand on this issue. What will they do if gay marriages are made legal and they face the court for discriminating against a gay couple trying to be married?

On whose authority will they stand? That of God or that of men?

Smokescreen

It seems odd that Governor Todd wishes to take on something of this nature when there are many unsolved issues which affect the very stability of the country such as elections, VAT, restructuring of TCIG departments that are still sadly lacking in function and expertise.

Smokescreen comes to mind.

If it ain't broke don't fix it

This issue was not on the agenda of the Commission of Inquiry so Governor Todd best leave it alone.

What has this to do with corruption, systemic weakness, million dollar crown

land flips, NHIP or the budget?

What we call sex is God’s plan to enlarge the human race for his glory.

To this end, he made the process of procreation something to be treasured and protected via marriage.

The primary purpose of marriage is for building a family based on the norms of a society.

In the last 50 years a tiny minority of the world’s population have attempted to make non-Christian, non-biological abnormalities an alternate and acceptable way of living.

These folks have always been with us.

We knew they were here and they were not miss-treated.

Somehow they have been able to manipulate governments into changing the basic morals of society.

What tolerance was before has become a new norm where anything goes.

We should not change laws to fit the minorities who choose something other than the normal biological process and the basic unit of society, the family with children of a ma and pa.

We defend the rights of those who prefer to keep company with members of their own sex without fearing for their well-being.

They are not however the normal family unit.

The lines of morality have been well established for centuries and changing the laws will not improve anything or prevent prejudice against gays.

NOTICE Dear Editor- in- Chief, In reference to a notice posted on Page 39, Volume 26 of the Turks and Caicos Weekly News dated April 28 – May 4, 2012, I William Peterson Outten, of Sound Mind and Body would like to inform the public that this notice is false.

Mrs. Susan Smith Outten and I have not declared a separation. I have no knowledge of consent to the release of this information and I would like to issue a public apology to Mrs. Susan Smith Outten for any trauma or embarrassment the publishing of this notice may have caused. I hereby request a retraction of this notice in the next edition of the Turks and Caicos Weekly News.

Thank you in advance, William Peterson Outten

In our big neighbour, the USA, 37 states have banned gay marriage after their populations overwhelmingly choose to make that statement.

When a tiny minority controls the majority, that is not democracy.

The results of this type of agenda have been the destruction of normal society.

Marriage is now diminished with numerous regular couples, men and woman living together without marriage.

Now men want to live with men and woman with woman and have those relationships called a marriage.

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

An insult

The Governor probably wants to get married.

That can be the only change he wants to make the constitution already provides for a person not to be discriminated against because of their sexual preference.

I was insulted at his notion that we discriminate because it is not true here in the Turks and Caicos.

They are not beaten or denied any job placement or anything else.

He did not give us a Human Rights Day address, but jumped to salute gay rights.

At least we see where his priorities lie.

Not in easing the suffering of the poor, decreasing the crime rate, policing our boarders, providing a good water source in Grand Turk, fighting for children’s rights or supporting persons in need of welfare or creating employment (other than for white people).

He is out to ruin our country by crushing our morality and dignity!

Sad

This is very sad indeed.

The Governor knows our religious beliefs and values and so he should not even entertain the thought of reviewing any legislation.

His personal beliefs and the beliefs of his hometown the UK should not be imposed on the people of TCI. We have gone through so similar exercise in the past and we have rejected it.

Our minds and hearts remain the same and so we do not need him or any elected government to come to the table with this plan.

We have so many other pressing social and local issues that need to be addressed such as equal pay legislation, ensuring that Belongers once qualified are given preference for a job of their choice.

Let this sleeping dog lie

Again, the FCO and the ‘Governor of the day’ fail to have any understanding of the way people think here!

If the Governor wants to do something useful, why not spend his time looking at Provo Stevedoring, the hospital scam and a few other things that would actually help us here, instead of making it his mission to

change a moral mind-set that has existed in these islands for years!

Why not review the upcoming VAT in light of his proposed budget surplus next year? Governor Todd, please go about the business of getting this country on its feet financially and let the people here decide what is best for themselves on a moral basis.

I know that in all cases the Governor and FCO know what is best for us ‘bloody colonials’ but this sleeping dog is better left alone!

Governor is not speaking for the people

The interim administration has a mandate to correct the issues that have occurred during the former administration, but this matter is simply beyond his remit and by him not being a genuine member of our society, he should honestly mind his own business.

A politician can make morally sensitive statements of this nature, because they are truly aware that if they fail to express the views of their society (their constituents) he or she will have a shortened political life.

Being an appointed servant from the FCO inherently insulates the Governor from these natural checks and balances that is in practice in every society.

The Governor and his team were not chosen by the people, therefore he is woefully ignorant in thinking that he can speak for the people.

Personal agenda

The revelation that Governor Todd conducted in a similar manner during his tenure in Poland speaks volumes of his meddling mentality, arrogance, social disconnect and blatant efforts to push his extremely odd personal agenda at a diplomatic level (supposedly all while being a family man).

The Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands has a distinct and burdensome job description while tasked in guiding the current interim administration through these turbulent times.

For Mr Todd to step out-of-station and make an extraordinary effort to promote a matter that fails to fall under their overused term of ‘good governance’ is absolutely appalling.

If the interim administration finds the time to enter this realm of our social and religious life, then they have presumably completed their task that they were deployed to perform and are now lingering longer than they should.

 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

May 26 - June 1, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS

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Cartwright-Robinson sacked from forum – Says she’s ‘fired up’ to serve the TCI

By Vanessa Narine AN ACTIVE member in the political arena, Mrs Sharlene CartwrightRobinson, was fired from the Consultative Forum last Friday.

The action came shortly after Governor Ric Todd issued a statement saying that members of the Advisory Council and Consultative Forum who are planning to stand for elected office cannot remain with the bodies.

The Governor in his statement said, “Members were selected for their skills as well as to represent the community. But membership does not constitute a political office, nor should it.

“Indeed, it is important that no one in either the council or forum should use their position as a platform to promote their own political ambition.”

Cartwright-Robinson, who made an application to the PDM to run for the At Large seats two weeks ago, maintains that despite being fired she is “fired up to serve” the Turks and Caicos Islands.

She said, “The Governor in his discretionary power has terminated my role on the Consultative Forum.

“I was not invited to resign nor was I told of any concerns as it relates to a week ago newspaper article that featured me and announced my application to run in the upcoming general elections.”

According to her, she anticipated this any day and accepts the Governor’s decision.

Cartwright-Robinson spoke to the unprofessional manner in which she was dismissed.

She noted that on Friday afternoon after 4pm she learnt of letters that a few of her colleagues had received and queried the fact that she had not received any.

“On the evening of Friday after I was reliably informed through strange sources that I had in fact been terminated, I emailed the chair of the forum indicating that I had heard that I was terminated and that I was asking her to inquire into the matter.

“It was Mrs Missick’s response that gave me the first real inkling that

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there was truth to the rumour.

“She responded by saying, ‘I am afraid I cannot account for what you are hearing. “‘What I do know is that this afternoon I was copied on an email from the Governor addressed to you under the heading Letter of Termination, the contents of which I believe are self-explanatory. “‘If you have yet to receive this email, I suggest you either check your inbox or contact the Governor's Office.’

“On Saturday the Governor himself sent me the email confirming that he had terminated my role on the CF under his discretionary powers in the interim constitution and that he did so with immediate effect.

“He advised that the letter was copied to Ms Misick and the clerk of the CF so that no further papers or documents would be sent to me.”

The former forum member stressed that she remains thankful for the opportunity to have served and to have been a voice during this period.

“I gave it my all and my very best. I can say in all honesty that no political ambition coloured my contribution and I remain committed to serving this country in my diverse roles” POLITICIAN FIRST Cartwright-Robinson noted that the Governor’s reasoning seemed flawed since she was national chairman of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) party when she joined the forum.

According to her, her submission of an application to a political party that can very well refuse to accept it pales in comparison with the high political office she held at the time of her appointment.

She said, “His [Governor Todd’s] letter simply speculates that I could in future use the forum’s platform as a means to promote myself.

“It is important to know that the rules did not speak specifically to political office or roles or to aspirant political candidates.

“He said that he sought to give effect to the intent of the rules.

“Unlike the Governor, I was a part of drafting the rules…in fact when

Turks and Caicos

Weekly News

drafting these rules, if that were the true intent of the rules myself and another colleague who were fresh from top roles in the two major political parties would not have been qualified to remain.

“When asked to make suggestions as to the composition of the CF, many persons suggested that there should be a representative from each of the major political parties and myself along with another colleague assumed that this was the role in which we sat as every other recommended area was represented.”

Cartwright-Robinson noted that she does not regret being transparent, as it is important people know and understand that she did not violate any laws or rules.

“The sections referred to in my [termination] letter were not specific and his move of course seems to be prophetic and certain that I would act inappropriately and will use the platform to campaign as it were,” she said.

She made it clear that this is

Cartwright-Robinson, who made an application to the PDM to run for the At Large seats two weeks ago, maintains that despite being fired she is “fired up to serve” the Turks and Caicos Islands.

an example of wide discretionary powers without guidelines and knowledge on both sides.

“It is entirely a matter for him and we see that discretion changes from one Governor to another….I have certainly not been silenced and will speak to the sham of a budget and other national issues as it arises,” Cartwright-Robinson said.

The former forum member stated that it seems that the rules have changed and called for TC Islanders to become familiar with

this Governor’s thinking as much as possible.

Although UK ministers have not yet decided whether elections will or will not take place in 2012, Todd in defending his decision to fire Cartwright-Robison said the interim administration is taking all possible measures to ensure that the country is ready should they be called.

Todd said, “Being a member of either the council or forum comes with very high expectations of appropriate transparent behaviour.”

Boyle says new budget supports employment opportunities THE government’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Patrick Boyle, maintains that the 2012/2013 budget supports employment opportunities.

At a press briefing on Thursday, he acknowledged that there is a skills gap and noted that the TCIG is looking at how the scholarship initiative, in partnership with the Community College, can support youths to be engaged in graduate programmes.

Boyle stressed the need to develop skills that are needed in the TCI. He added that for those graduates returning home after studying abroad, they have the qualifications, but need a programme that gears them with the necessary experience to fill top positions.

According to him, such a programme is being looked at to be built around this particular group of

TC Islanders.

The CEO pointed out that the need is to start training young professionals, particularly since they are the ones who will be the future Permanent and Deputy Secretaries; they will be TCI’s leaders.

He debunked the criticism that the Voluntary Severance programme has essentially put 400 people out of work.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Ms. Anya Williams, who was also at the press briefing, reiterated this.

She made it clear that the government paid of some $12M in severance payments, pointing out that this is $12M that these individuals have to invest in a business venture or other avenue.

Williams maintained that these 400 individuals are not

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disadvantaged since they received generous severance packages.

PS in the Ministry of Labour and Border Control, Ms. Clara Gardiner, added her bit, when she pointed out that those persons who are currently unemployed should registered with the Department, which can help place them in jobs.

She added that the Employment Services Department will be hosting a job fair soon and those interested should make use of this opportunity.

Highlighting another form of employment support, PS in the Government Services Ministry, Mr. Wesley Clerveaux, stated that with the budget approved several road projects will commence soon.

These projects, he noted, have been outsourced to support locals in the construction sector. (VANESSA NARINE)

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NEWS

CFO Bill passed

By Vanessa Narine

THE controversial Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Bill was signed into law this week.

And outspoken politician Mrs Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson is the most recent to disagree with the provisions of the bill, calling the high level of “meddling” unacceptable.

In a statement, she said, “I cannot accept this level of meddling to the extent that he is empowered to under this bill during an elected government’s regime...it makes a nonsense of the functions and powers of a Minister of Finance, as he who holds the purse controls the priorities and policies by extension.

“This in effect waters down not just the role of the elected Minister of Finance but also an elected government.”

According to her, the role of the

CFO was one of establishing strong fiscal management systems through policies and laws.

She said, “I did recognise his continuing role in the 2011 Constitution and expected that his role will become somewhat of an advisor to the Governor and the government generally to ensure the systems are maintained.

“I saw the CFO as a part of a team of a number of individuals that will police and provide oversight and offer guidance.

“I can appreciate his presence continuing as long as the guarantee is in place as it is only sensible for DFID to want to ensure that TCI meets its obligation.”

FAILURE She maintained that the bill is a failure on the part of the interim administration which was also very

poised to train people and attract and retain the best for the management of these systems that were put in place.

Cartwright-Robinson noted that the practice of advisors working in a “closed” setting, issuing orders and carrying on themselves with the functions of civil servants has resulted in no transfer of skills or knowledge and hence no training for the local substantive holders of future holders of the relevant posts.

She said, “The interim government has appointed into top positions persons of grave concern in terms of experience from within the civil service and outside of these islands another worrisome decision.

“To vest so much power in the hands of a single individual is nothing short of dangerous.

“This bill shows this weakness and the non-performance of the interim government as it now needs

GBC closes bookings over vomiting, diarrhea outbreak GRACE Bay Club is no longer accepting new reservations, until June 1st, owing to the outbreak of vomiting and diarrhea in the Grace Bay area.

The management of Grace Bay Club maintains that their primary concern is to ensure guests health and safety, and a full sanitization of Grace Bay Club is now fully underway to circumvent further symptoms.

Currently, Grace Bay Club is providing hand sanitizers throughout the resort to all guests and staff, and all public spaces, kitchens, restaurants, plumbing systems and guestrooms are being thoroughly sanitized with bleach according to the safety standards of the Department of Environmental Health.

Reports from the Ministry of Health and Education are that 10 hotels have guests that have been affected to date.

However, the Ministry’s acting Permanent Secretary, Desiree Lewis, told the Weekly News that the cause of the illness has not yet been determined.

Lewis said, the TCI Health Surveillance team, including the Environmental Health Department is currently investigating the outbreak.

She noted that public health officials have contacted all medical staff across the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) in an effort to ensure that all possible data is gathered to help resolve an outbreak of diarrhea and vomiting being experienced in Providenciales.

Public and Environmental Health officials have been visiting hotels in Providenciales to educate hospitality staff about what additional hygiene measures they can put in place to prevent and reduce the spread of infection.

Everyone affected is being asked

May 26 - June 1, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

to report immediately to a physician for treatment and to provide samples to help identify the cause of the infection.

Additional staff has been brought in from elsewhere in the TCI to address this issue.

Lewis noted that the TCI authorities are in regular contact with the appropriate regional health organizations such as the Pan American Health Organisation, World Health Organisation and CAREC, including their reference laboratory in Trinidad.

The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Patrick Boyle, and the senior management team met earlier today to ensure that all available resources are made available to support the public health effort.

The TCI Ministry of Health and Educations is advising the general public to: • Carefully wash fruits and vegetables before eating • Carefully wash all tinned food products before opening • Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, especially: o before preparing and or eating meals o after using the toilet o after being out in the public o after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing o after handling trash or garbage o before treating a cut or wound o if you have been around someone who is ill.

According to the Ministry, hand washing is the single most important preventative measure to decrease the risk of infection. Hand washing should be frequent and thorough, scrub soap into hands for at least 15 seconds before rinsing, then dry with paper towels, a clean towel or blower.

In the event that an individual

becomes ill, the Ministry is advising that the person: • Drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration and the need for medical attention • Drink bottled water or water that has been boiled • Drink clear liquids such as Gatorade and clear soup • Wash hands frequently and thoroughly The Ministry is also calling for those who are experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and or cramping to report to the nearest health care facility or stay at home until your symptoms have resolved and follow your health care providers instructions. (Vanessa Narine)

– Cartwright-Robinson says level of ‘meddling’ unacceptable

one individual to micro-manage and hold up systems.”

Cartwright-Robinson made it clear that the people of the TCI do not embrace power given to one individual who has only to answer to the Governor and who can only be overruled by a Secretary of State.

“We are down the path again of ignoring local expertise that may be better poised to recommend strong possible streams of revenue in particular,” she posited.

OVERKILL Cartwright-Robinson dubbed the provisions in the bill as overkill.

She outlined several points to back this description, including that: 1. The vesting of such great power in one individual with no oversight is dangerous.

2. The fact that only a Secretary of State can override his decision is dangerous.

3. The fact that the power of the future Minister of Finance will be considerably diluted is regressive and unacceptable as this person will be properly elected and appointed by the people.

4. This bill sets the stage for clashes between the CFO and the locally elected government on matters of policy and priorities.

5. The diluted role of the once powerful local head PS/Finance is regressive.

6. This bill reflects the greatest and most single assault on a future elected government and dilutes its role to make decisions in the best interest of the country.

7. This bill shows a lack of confidence by the drafters or the interim government in the systems that have been put in place and a serious mistrust in future governments when we have had governments that performed well during its terms.

She said, “The powers of the CFO

is overkill and again shows a serious grain of mistrust for the future government of this country when in fact these islands have proven themselves more often than not, to be a fiscally sound jurisdiction with strong fiscal management policies.

“This bill does not afford a local government an opportunity to create its fiscal policies and one individual can override other priorities.

“I am concerned as well that the single individual can be wrong and can be an individual who is strong headed to this country’s detriment where he may disregard local expertise (as this is the current trend) and as such will not be prepared to listen to these persons.

“In the role of the current office holder, as a lawyer I remain concerned with the individual’s seemingly flawed understanding of the legal entity of statutory bodies and also specifically with the position to secure $10m from one statutory body to another without proper documentation.

“I am also aware that the lack of proper record keeping continues with new bodies and will likely continue to be a pervasive problem unless the records are properly kept so that accurate payments can be made.”

Cartwright-Robinson made it clear that the Public Finance Provisions in the 2011 Constitution, the independence and enshrining of the Auditor General’s office and the watchdog institutions were all recommendations she made for inclusion in the new constitution and all in themselves serve oversight roles and support strong systems.

“The Public Finance Legislation passed recently and the proposed Good Governance Principles can in many ways assist in the guidance of local governments and in the maintenance of strong systems,” she said, maintaining that the provisions in the CFO Bill are excessive.

Governor Ric Todd addresses a poorly attended meeting

Seven turn out to Governor’s public meeting GOVERNOR Ric Todd’s public meeting on Thursday was poorly attended with seven people turning out to voice their concerns.

Among the issues raised were the Value Added Tax (VAT), the

price of the birth certificates in the registration process and the growth of the economy.

Todd was accompanied by the five Permanent Secretaries who assisted in answering in providing

answers to queries from those who attended.

His other meeting in Grand Turk this week was also poorly attended with approximately 15 persons turning out.

May 26 – June 1, 2012

& CrimeCourt

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

with Samantha Dash-Rigby

Angela Ramcharitar Brain damaged driver jailed free at last THIS week Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner dismissed the last case against Trinidadian born Angela Ramcharitar and the delighted woman stated: “I’m going home”.

In February this year, the Weekly News carried a full report on how Ramcharitar was forced to attend court for six years on charges she claimed she had no knowledge of.

It all began years ago when the police received reports from several people who claimed that they had paid the schoolteacher’s husband Richardo ‘Ricky’ Ramcharitar monies but he did not deliver what he promised.

Ricky was arrested but was later allowed to return to Trinidad for medical purposes, leaving his wife behind.

She was then accused of having knowledge of the transactions and was slapped with several counts of assisting another to retain the benefit of criminal conduct.

Leading up to her trial, Mrs Ramcharitar claimed that she was stalked and constantly harassed by the investigating officer, then Sergeant Kenville Charles, to the point where she became a fearful nervous wreck.

She was forced to seek professional counselling to help her cope.

In February 2010, Mrs Ramcharitar, was tried for the charges and acquitted of them all.

Only one case remained. One which involved Hazel and John Greenwood who had reportedly loaned Mr Ramcharitar some money in 2005.

Mrs Ramcharitar maintained she did not know how much money was loaned to her husband because she was holidaying in Trinidad with her daughters at the time.

However, in 2006, defence lawyer Finbar Grant had repaid the Greenwoods by way of cheque on behalf of his client Ricky, even before he (Ricky) was arrested.

And although the alleged complainants in that matter informed the court that the money was repaid in full and so wished to abandon the case, the case remained in the court system requiring Mrs Ramcharitar to attend on-going sessions for years to

after double death crash

– Despite attorney’s plea for a suspended sentence

I’m going home – Angela Ramcharitar

come.

It got to the point where, the Greenwood’s stopped attending court and more recently, the investigating officer ASP Charles.

On Monday, May 21, in the noted absence of the Greenwood’s, Crown prosecutor Samantha Glinton informed the court that she had been trying to contact the investigating officer but to no avail.

She left several messages on his phone but he did not reply to any of them.

Mrs Glinton admitted that she was “shamefully” at the court’s mercy and Magistrate Warner dismissed the case.

The jubilant Mrs Ramcharitar promptly invited her lawyer Courtenay Barnett to share a bottle of champagne with her to celebrate.

“I feel absolutely exhausted,” Barnett stated before being whisked away by his client.

Over the years, the Grand Turk based attorney had been writing letters, filing appeals, and writing more letters in his never-ending bid to see the matter to its conclusion.

“I filed so many documents that I simply kept repeating myself saying I adopt the arguments I previously presented,” he said.

“I think the court took far too long to make the right decision.”

When asked to comment on the conduct of the investigating officer in this case, Barnette said: “I have a very high regard for the hard job that the police have to do, but unfortunately, some over-zealous officers in exercising their duties can fall foul of their duties.”

Mrs Ramcharitar however, is elated and very relieved that she is now a free woman and plans to return to Trinidad as soon as possible.

Two men charged with murder

TWO men appeared in court on Wednesday, May 23, charged with the murder of Anthony Quinn.

Misael Castillo, 19, of Long Bay and Stanford Forbes Jnr, 18, of Leeward Highway appeared on charges of murder and robbery.

The two young men were not required to plea since the charges are indictable and they can only be tried by a judge and jury.

The body of Mr Quinn was

found close to the beach at the bottom of Technology Drive near Heaving Down Rock on the morning of Sunday, May 13.

The 30-yearold British national worked as a quantity surveyor for local firm, Projectech.

A YOUNG man who claimed to have suffered tremendously after causing the deaths of his two best friends by dangerous driving has been sent to prison for 12 months.

Robert Bart, 21, received the custodial sentenced after appearing before Justice Margaret RamseyHale in the Providenciales Supreme Court this week, despite his attorney’s pleas for a suspended sentence.

Bart, who hails from Grand Turk, appeared dazed at the judge’s ruling on Tuesday, May 22, while his girlfriend burst into tears.

The decision brought shock and disbelief to everyone in the courtroom, even Bart’s lawyer Clayton Greene.

“I did not expect that,” Greene said after the hearing.

Bart appeared indicted on two counts of causing death by dangerous driving in that on January 12, 2009, he caused the deaths of Lea Astwood Jnr, 18 and Brandon Harris aged 19 following a motor vehicle accident on Lighthouse Road, Grand Turk.

He pled guilty to the charges and Greene mitigated on his behalf.

“The deaths of his friends have been a substantial loss for him [Bart]”, Greene told Judge RamseyHale.

Substantial because not only was he the fault of his two friends demise, but he has had to live with the pain and remorse ever since.

Astwood was the defendant’s friend from primary school and he met Harris in later years.

January 12 was Bart’s birthday and on that fateful day, the three young men left the Grand Turk Community College where they were students and drove into town for a celebratory lunch, the court heard.

After lunch, Bart borrowed the keys to his friend’s car, a black X-type Jaguar, to drive them back to the college.

He had just received his driver’s license and on the way back, Bart overtook a vehicle but when he noticed an oncoming vehicle in the road, he swerved sharply back into his lane.

The sudden manoeuvre caused him to lose control of the vehicle, which ultimately became airborne and smashed into two trees before coming to a halt some distance away.

An accident reconstructionist estimated the speed at which the defendant was driving at the time to be 86 miles per hour.

Astwood and Harris died almost immediately and there was little hope of survival for Bart.

No alcohol or drugs were found

in the defendant’s system after the accident.

He had sustained severe head injuries including traumatic brain injury, brain contusion, and several fractures along his spine including neck injury.

Doctors had to secure a halo to his skull with pins to keep his brain stabilised and to this day has pins in his spine to stabilise a few of his damaged vertebrae.

The ordeal has left the young man suffering from short-term memory loss and although he attempted to finish his college education, he had to quit. He could not retain anything he was taught.

He has since been offered a position at the CIBC bank as a proof officer, a position that does not require him to remember anything, where he earns a meagre salary.

Several letters have been submitted to the court from the Airport’s CEO John Smith, the principals of the Grand Turk Community College and the high school Bart attended, his immediate supervisor at the CIBC bank, among others.

Most notable were the letters from the parents of the boys whose lives were so tragically lost, letters in which they acknowledged that the court must bring justice but begged for leniency and urged the court not to impose a custodial sentence.

This they stated would only contribute further to the loss and pain they have already suffered.

Harris’ mother wrote that she

loves the defendant like a son and is satisfied that there was no intention to hurt anyone or himself.

Bart addressed the court and stated that sometimes when he walks he feels as if his balance is impaired.

He revealed that he cannot as much as brush a certain part of his head for the simple act induces a headache.

He cannot lift anything more than 10 pounds and can only sleep on a certain type of mattress because of the injury to his spine.

During her sentencing remarks, Justice Ramsey-Hale told Bart that she accepted that he is filled with remorse at taking the lives of his friends.

“You have demonstrated that remorse by your plea of guilty and have saved their families the further grief of having to go through a trial.

“You have suffered quite extensive injuries in the accident and the medical reports disclose that you had a long and painful convalescence.”

She acknowledged that his possibilities in terms of future employment might have been limited but ruled that there were no exceptional circumstances that would persuade her to suspend the sentence.

Several of the defendant’s family members attended court in support and a few of his workmates arrived after the ruling was handed down.

Bart intends to apply to the Chief Justice for bail pending an appeal.

Dominican nationals remanded for illegal entry

TWO Dominican men who said they came to the TCI on a boat were this week sent to Grand Turk Prison with possible deportation after three months.

Hector Sierra and Victor Miel were both charged with unlawful entry and pled guilty before Chief Magistrate Clifton Warner in the Providenciales Magistrates’ Court.

It was alleged that on April 16, 2012, the men entered the country without the permission of an immigration officer.

On May 15, at about 9.20am, immigration officers were carrying out routine checks in Five Cays when they saw the two men sitting in a yard next to the police station.

The men admitted to the officers that they were Dominican nationals and that they came to the TCI on a sloop with some Haitian nationals.

Both men told Magistrate Warner through an interpreter that the situation in the Dominican Republic was very bad so they came in search of a better life.

Magistrate Warner, reluctant to imprison them and have them deported at the government’s expense, allowed the men time to call the Dominican Republic in search of sponsorship for their tickets home.

If they are not successful, then they will have to serve the mandatory three months in jail before being deported.

10 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 26 - June 1, 2012

UK officials interested only in ‘appearance of consultation’ – Lillian Missick says local distrust growing

By Vanessa Narine LOCAL distrust among TC Islanders is growing, according to chair of the Consultative Forum, Mrs Lillian Missick, who added that United Kingdom officials here are only interested in the “appearance of consultation”.

She made these remarks during her speech when the forum debated the 2012/2013 budget on Monday, where she lashed out especially at the lack of consultation over the Chief Financial Officer’s (CFO) Bill that was signed into law this week.

“It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge why our people are developing a visceral distrust of everything the British say and do…on more than one occasion I have given voice from this chair to the growing perception amongst Turks and Caicos Islanders that UK officials are only interested in the appearance of consultation.

“In this respect, I lamented the neo-colonial class of expatriate advisers who are restructuring every aspect of our public lives,” Missick said.

The forum chair said that there are notable exceptions, including the 2011 Constitution Order, the new Crown Land Ordinance and the pending Pathway to Citizenship Ordinance.

However, Missick made it clear that the imperious way UK officials presented the draft CFO Bill recently

only reinforced the visceral distrust and made a mockery of the mutual respect, mutual trust and cooperation they say they seek.

She said, “It is nothing short of remarkable that this bill confers plenary powers upon the UKappointed CFO that rival those our constitution confers upon the Governor…given the way this bill will subjugate the ministerial powers of our elected leaders to the discretion of this CFO, it is regrettable that they did not allow us to debate it.”

GOOD GOVERNANCE According to her, the principles of good governance demand more, particularly since the public had a truly compelling interest in witnessing such a debate.

Missick said, “Far more troubling though is that this CFO Bill actually codifies the prevailing view amongst Turks and Caicos Islanders that the British act as if we do not have the intelligence and integrity to manage our own public finances.

“And that none of the 27 or more advisers retained by this interim administration has been a Turks and Caicos Islander, supports this view.

“This is why I believe it is important to state for the record that it was the intelligence and integrity of Turks and Caicos Islanders that compelled us to plead with UK officials during the Misick administration to exercise the oversight over our public finances

that was required of them under our constitution.”

The forum chair made it clear that the “administrative incompetence and salutary neglect” of the years past is not a reflection of TCI’s skills pool today.

Missick said, “We especially resent and reject being treated as if there isn’t a single TC Islander capable of advising the UK government on how best to reform and restructure our own government.”

However, even as she lambasted the British, the forum chair also took local politicians to the task.

She said, “Let me hasten to stress that it does not reflect well on our intelligence and integrity that so many local politicians seem only interested in hurling belligerent, self-promoting and plainly feckless rhetoric about firing British officials, taking our country back, rolling back legislation, and declaring independence.

“For no matter our disaffection and disillusionment with the British, it behooves us to be ever mindful that we are in these dire straits far more because of the betrayal of public trust by our own people than because of any failure or mistreatment by the British.

“They are too polite and sensible to say so openly, but the British must regard such rhetoric as nothing more than a symptom of the political immaturity Sir Robin outlined in his report.

No new taxes or tax increases in budget

By Vanessa Narine THE recently approved 2012/2013 budget introduces no new taxes or increases to existing taxes, according to Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary (PS), Ms Anya Williams.

However, she maintains that the new Value Added Tax (VAT) is quintessential for TCI’s financial stability.

“VAT is a new tax, but it is really a replacement for existing taxes. It is not intended that VAT will raise additional tax, other than the opportunities it will provide for improved collection rates in some business sectors.

“I should also make it clear that VAT will be implemented in the simplest possible way for a small country like TCI, so additional costs imposed on businesses and on government will be minimal,” she said.

She noted that VAT will provide a sustainable source of government revenue that is fair across all sectors of the economy and does not discourage external investment in TCI as an income or property tax

almost certainly would.

Williams said, “These two taxes were recommended in previous consultancy studies as the alternatives to VAT that could provide a fair and sustainable source of government revenue in the longer term.

“However, they were discounted in favour of VAT, for the reason of being discouraging to external investors.

“I recognise that lower income and other vulnerable individuals need to be protected from the effects of tax on their living costs, so I intend to ensure VAT is implemented in a way that ensures this.

“In the same way as import duties on basic food items and other essential healthcare products etc are set at zero rate, so will such items also be exempted under the new VAT arrangements.”

According to her, once the VAT consultation period ends on June 19, decisions will be made on exactly what exemptions will be included in the VAT legislation which will be approved in mid-July.

Williams stated that adjustments

in or removal of existing taxes will also form part of the implementation arrangements for VAT, so consideration will be given at the same time to how these can best be set in a way that also protects vulnerable individuals in a reasonable way, without undue loss of revenue to government.

The Finance Ministry PS said, “The main reason for implementing VAT is to spread the tax burden more fairly across all business sectors and to reduce the tax losses occurring due to the past concessions offered to certain businesses under development agreements, which are no longer justifiable and result in unfair competition against those businesses that have not received such generous, or any concessions.”

TCIG’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Patrick Boyle, reiterated that VAT will come.

However, he stressed that meaningful consultation on the practicalities on implementation is very important.

VAT was announced in last year’s budget and is expected to be implemented from April 1, 2013.

Lillian Missick made it clear that the imperious way UK officials presented the draft CFO Bill recently only reinforced the visceral distrust and made a mockery of the mutual respect, mutual trust and cooperation they say they seek

“Especially since they all know, and any sensible TC Islander should know, that even after elections no local government will have the power to do anything that contravenes what the British deem to be not just in our national interest, but perhaps more importantly, also consistent with our debt repayment obligations to the UK government.

“And if their suspension of our constitution taught us anything it is that the British will retain and exercise this veto power for as long as we remain a UK Overseas Territory.”

INDEPENDENCE RHETORIC That said, Missick touched on the independence rhetoric that is becoming a major talking point for local politicians.

She said, “The talk about independence is becoming infectious, for which I feel obliged to prescribe this bit of advice to our long-suffering and impressionable people: “Ignore anyone talking about independence unless that person is laying out a credible and comprehensive plan that shows how an independent TCI will fare better in the rough seas of this globalised world than a TCI that remains, for better or worse, securely moored to the UK ship of state.”

Missick pointed out the fact that TC Islanders wanting to get rid of the British is a shared sentiment.

“You would also do well to bear in mind that the British are probably just as eager to get rid of us as some of our misguided politicians are to get rid of them,” she said.

To this end, the forum chair urged that those who aspire to lead our country put aside personal political ambition just long enough to work with those of us who are trying steadfastly to engage the British in constructive ways to build a relationship between our two countries that is truly based on mutual trust, mutual respect and cooperation.

$12M in budget for SIPT, CRP costs

– UK not committed to pay costs this financial year

THE newly approved budget includes and allocation of $12M to cover the cost of the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) and Civil Recovery Programme (CRP) costs.

And Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Hugh McGarel-Groves, during the Consultative Forum (CFO) budget debate noted that that this is because the United Kingdom (UK) has not committed to cover the costs this financial year.

SIPT Expenses are included in the budget at $7M, while Civil Recovery expenses are budgeted at $5M. In addition to this, a provision of $2.5M has also been included in operating expenses under the Judiciary Department to cover the legal aid cost of the SIPT Trials, with another $0.1M being included for Civil Recovery Court Costs.

The CFO, in responding to queries from the Forum as to why the costs will not be covered by the UK, noted that while the

UK has not yet committed, it is expected that they will contribute to the expenses, as they have since the teams’ work began.

However, McGarel-Groves contends that it is prudent financial planning to provide for these expenses, so that in the event that the UK does not contribute to the costs, the budget will not fall into a deficit.

In April, UK Minister Henry Bellingham announced that the UK will be contributing some $7.2M towards the SIPT costs.

For the financial year 2011/2012 the SIPT costs is $7.6m, which has been paid by the government. The UK grant will see the government reimbursed approximately 95 per cent of that cost.

To date, the total costs of the SIPT and CRP are placed at approximately $22m. Of that $22m, the SIPT cost in 2010/2011 was $6.8m and it was $7.6m in 2011-2012, bringing the total SIPT costs to date to some $14.4m.

(VANESSA NARINE)

May 26 – June 1, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

11

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 26 – June 1, 2012

DRAWING WEDNESDAY, MAY 30. GOOD LUCK!!

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Turks and Caicos

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May 26 – June 1, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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May 26 – June 1, 2012

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.

We are not homophobic Dear Editor, With all due respect to the Office of the Governor, the Governor himself, UK’s Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne and International Development Minister Stephen O’Brien, we in the Turks and Caicos Islands are being insulted by this declaration of an annual International Day Against Homophobia.

The Turks and Caicos Islands are historically, culturally and materially a Christian nation.

This means that we are deeply disposed to the belief in God, Jesus Christ, the Bible and the tenets of the Holy Scripture, which in all respects outlaw the homosexual lifestyle and in many other respects condemn it.

Unfortunately we have not evolved with world trends, world opinion and in our respect this has to be a freedom conscience issue.

It is unfortunate that in 2006 the Parliament of the TCI, which has so graciously been removed, approved a constitutional giving ground to the right to marry without there being a

definition that marriage is a union between a man and a woman.

This is one aspect of the TCI Constitution that the people of the TCI have not accepted. We have a right not to ‘evolve’.

On the point of evolution, the TCI does not have to evolve. Its beliefs are ancient, fundamental and held sacred by most of us who live here.

It is wrong of you to impose on these islands a gay mantra, a gay concept and to seek to infuse our public policy with gay ideals.

In the TCI, unlike certain countries in the Middle East, gays are not attacked, not beaten in public and to anyone’s knowledge they are not discriminated against in the TCI. We must challenge the Governor and the UK ministers to show, as they have written in their statement, that there is legislation in the TCI that discriminates against gays.

Please also show where in the TCI there is violence against gays.

Our church leaders will no doubt speak out against this issue and this

statement because it cuts to the core of who we are and what we believe.

It would have been better if the Governor and the UK Governor would have consulted the local community, would have taken a range of views from the people before making such a statement.

This is overreaching, deep, improper and shows the world that they do not respect deeply held beliefs of the people of the TCI. There are far more declarations that we need like plans to reduce taxes, treat people here fairly, enforce the law and let this country grow.

Statements like this get in the way of national development and far more critical issues that we face.

Do not force your beliefs and ideas on these islands. This is wrong and you all should now apologise to the people of the TCI for this statement.

We cannot accept this nor embrace this very degrading and insulting statement.

Mark Thomas

Open letter to the Attorney General Dear Sir, I do believe that you should ask the Governor to reconsider the decision to sell a part of Joe Grant’s Cay because of the mortgage with Temple Mortgage and the reasoning that the government cannot pay it.

First of all: 1) As is reported, Justice Martin set the transfer aside on grounds of bribery and corruption.

2) It would mean that the mortgage is tainted with that bribery and corruption therefore it should not be legal.

Just like other cases before this one the SIPT has decided to choose which cases to go after and those which they should not.

This should not be one of them.

Furthermore, what would be the reason to sell Joe Grant’s now or set the original deal aside?

Are they setting a deliberately bad precedent so that the SIPT and the government would be relieved

of the duty and obligation to go after the 2,500 transfer of land on Middle Caicos and the $7.5m mortgage with Belize Bank, now British Caribbean Bank?

Are these deliberate decisions openly saying that they will go after what is expedient but ignore deals which are now politically expedient?

If this decision goes ahead it will call into question on the part of the people: - The need for the Robin Auld Commission and the findings of the commission in respect of Joe Grant’s Cay, redacted and un-redacted.

- The absolute need in 2009 to suspend the constitution because of rampant corruption, “systematic” as Sir Robin would call it and now in hindsight the deepening decline of the economy at that time.

- The absolute integrity of the SIPT process, civil recovery efforts and the exorbitant taxes all paying.

SPACE IS LIMITED!

- The strategic decision not to investigate the hospital deal, the stevedoring deal and many others.

In terms of world agendas and geo-politics the British intervention is becoming bogged down as the Russians were in Chechnya and the US in Afghanistan.

Napoleon found a way out of Moscow and you will not easily find your way out of this debacle and nakedly questionable decisions.

Hon Attorney General – the interim government is supposed to be better than that the PNP regime.

What you are doing is almost deliberately worse than anything they can do.

In your case, in the eyes of the people, at least you and the Governor should know better.

Please reconsider this decision because it is right up there in the league of Mike Misick decisions.

Samsune Taylor

Why penalise Bill Clare?

Dear Editor, I thank you for allowing me a very small space in your newspaper to voice my concerns and vent my frustrations on a decision WIV took to stop airing their longest running show, TCI Today, a staple in our way of life.

Over the past weekend I was reliably informed that WIV took the decision to stop running the show after host Mr Bill Clare, had in the studios social activist Mr Devon Williams.

It was said that during that show management received a call from the Governor's Office demanding an end to the show.

It has been said that the Governor's correspondent stated that the Governor does not mind being criticised in his capacity as the Governor but not criticised personally.

My two cents on that is, how about free speech?

No show or its host should be held responsible and penalised for the opinions expressed by any guest.

I watched the episode with Mr Williams and I am yet to see where Mr Williams criticised the Governor personally.

Mr Bill Clare is a pioneer, a man for all seasons, a man of integrity, high esteem, a man that was honoured by the Queen.

Ask yourself Mr Governor, would he have put his reputation on the line to entertain a form of character assassination or allow his show to be used as a podium for personal attacks?

Let’s switch gears since this is really about a bully who disrupted the whole class because he did not like what he was called.

What has the Turks and Caicos Islands come to? Are we still living in a democracy? What happened to equal rights and justice for all? Are we moving toward a dictatorship?

Are we enslaved? Are we no longer entitled to voice an opinion?

We need an elected and not selected government body NOW. We need our country back and to bring back an atmosphere where expressing issues that concern us as a country doesn’t get us cancelled, like WIV’s longest running show.

Uprooting culture is not the way to go.

When the Governor and his cronies can use their powers to take away something that is ideally for Turks and Caicos people because his feathers were ruffled, it says everything about his character.

Tyranny or democracy? You be the judge.

Dameko Dean

The Joe Grant scam Dear Editor, The Governor is about to sell over 200 acres of land on Joe Grant Cay in an effort to pay off their $260m loan with Scotiabank.

So let me get this straight, land that was previously granted to Cem Kinay in a development agreement which the Governor deemed corrupt, is now being resold to pay off a loan that the Governor took out?

A loan that our people in this country did not approve or have records of how it was spent.

Does this sound like a transparent government to you? Does this sound like someone who is operating a democracy?

He has no right to sell our land, especially over 200 acres of it.

Does Her Majesty’s Government or the Foreign Commonwealth Office know what is going on in this country?

I was informed last week from a reliable source that the developers and hotel owners were in talks with the Governor about paying off the $260m loan.

I thought to myself in exchange for what?

Now we all know. He is going to sell or ‘exchange’ over 200 acres of our land to pay off the debt.

Now it makes sense otherwise the

country would have belonged to the developers and hotel owners.

At least we know who his most influential advisers are.

In the VAT meeting last week Thursday, the Chief Financial Officer said that the hotel owners were endorsing the implementation of VAT. The Governor said that VAT was necessary to pay off the $260m.

So what is the real reason for the new tax?

Also how is what the Governor doing anything different from what the previous administration did, except that Belongers benefitted where whites are benefitting now?

The Governor is corrupt! We need an inquiry into this interim administration!

I suggest forming a legal team to draft petitions and drag them before the international courts.

Don’t look for me to be silent on this issue and my people will not be either.

We have had enough of this dictatorship!

It’s evident that he believes he is king of the islands - we will have to show him differently.

What say you all?

Euwonka Selver

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

May 26 – June 1, 2012

15

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

COMMENTARY

Candy Bars and other sweets

The Candy Bar Party has won!

Shouting “we got the show” and in truth they did have the show.

In a mock election at the Doris Robinson Primary Schools annual concert and play Principal Kiesha Mills decided that there was no better lesson in civics than to allow the children to form parties, create and put on an election campaign and submit to a vote by the audience.

It was the CBP against the PPP. The Candy Bar Party facing off against the Popcorn and Pretzels Party. The CBP bribed the crowd literally throwing candy bars at the voters. The PPP preached victory through health passing out “good” popcorn and potato chips. Leader Kobe Forbes said “a daily diet of popcorn is good for you and candy will rot your teeth” In the end, the sweets won out. After the election youthful student and election, official

By David Tapfer Latisha Handfield warned the voters of the audience that when the real election comes they need to decide which party has the plan which will be best for the people. Meanwhile with CBP candy eroding teeth Kobe's party members have decided to become dentists!

Tiny Doris Robinson School is a model for the Education Department to emulate yet in my view they have ignored the needs of Middle Caicos.

We realize that Edgar Howell has a

Letters

continued

Government incompetence and racism

Dear Editor, I hope that this article can be forwarded to the officials of the Foreign Affairs Committee so that the mismanagement and racism by the British interim government can be halted to avoid further unnecessary deaths in our community.

In February of this year the CEO demanded that the former Chief Environmental Health Officer submit an application of severance pay.

I believe Mr Robinson’s reluctance was due to the fact the Environmental Health Department was severely understaffed and under-resourced.

At the time Mr Robinson left, the department had nine vacant positions for Environmental Health Officers (EHO).

Also at that time the country was faced with the threat of cholera and TB from neighbouring countries.

Currently North Caicos, South Caicos and Salt Cay are without Environmental Health Officers.

For the record EHO are responsible for inspecting hotels, restaurants, port facilities and conducting surveillance in the communities, among other things.

I’m sad to say the department now only has one Environmental Health Officer (EHO) in Grand Turk and two in Provo.

It is virtually impossible for these officers to undertake the duties they are supposed to do.

This is sheer madness and

incompetent irresponsibility on the part of the interim government, the Governor, the CFO and the CEO. You are all systematically destroying this country with your arrogance and penchant to cut for the sake of cutting.

Now there is a viral outbreak in the country, an epidemic, and one tourist has died.

Two months ago another tourist died because the DECR did not have the funds to install a swimming zone.

Two days ago the airport in Providenciales was once again closed and flights diverted elsewhere.

Where are the staff and resources for staff to perform duties and to provide the services needed to keep this country operational?

I understand that persons are blaming the acting PS for not sending staff to the hotel, however this is not fair.

But this is what the British interim government wants us to do - fight against ourselves.

Overall, the situation that we are now facing in this country is tantamount to bio-terrorism. It is a time bomb waiting to happen.

With no surveillance at our ports and airports, cholera, TB and other diseases are bound to transmit to the population here.

This is so wrong.

SPACE IS LIMITED!

David Forbes

lot on his plate and Doris Robinson School is the least of his worries. Mills and Miss Goldman are gems and the Middle Caicos community is glad to have them.

A flu epidemic put regular concert and play attendees down and early promotion efforts behind.

Nonetheless, the communities of North and Middle Caicos supported the Concert-Play providing a good turnout.

In school and after hour music lessons and computer instructions by volunteers from the community provide a proper alternative to TV gangster shows and mischief. We all know how important the proper use of computers has become. It is a basic requirement of all office employment today.

The concert and other public appearances by the students are milestones, scratch that, goals to be achieved by the students. This then provides the need to learn how to focus and memorize words and

From left, Matayo Neat, Jadesha Forbes, Talani Harvey and Koebe Forbes singing Little Grass Shack with Hawaiian Lyrics melodies. The ukulele students must focus beyond the words learning notes and chords and moving around on the fret-board.

This takes practice, aka homework.

Public performance experiences moderate stage fright and lay the groundwork for the future when as business people these now students must meet top executives or the public. Music is one of the arts. It is the arts that raises mankind up.

There are also the subliminal messages of the songs themselves.

Standards at Doris Robinson include the old piece “Side by side” which preaches working and living together

in a cooperative life. “This Land is your land”, (and my land, the lyrics say) teaches about rights, the value of the ecology and religion.

This years country gospel song “Wings of a Dove' led by girl students and joined by the audience delivered the message of the Holy Spirit. This opens the door for Sunday school lessons about conscience and the trinity.

So God Bless the community of Doris Robinson Primary School and Middle and North Caicos. The Dove has descended on us here on our beautiful islands.

Value Added Tax – a false notion

Dear Editor, It seems that the Turks and Caicos Islands interim government or its operatives are hell-bent on making fools out of the good constituents of the TCI. The recently held VAT meeting was a classic!

To sum up the VAT meeting held on Thursday, May 17, four people were present representing the VAT implementation team - one lady who read from a script that was passed out, one lady who said absolutely nothing and the VAT interim person who was the CFO default mouthpiece.

And of course, the newly crowned king himself, Mr Hugh McGarelGroves, Turks and Caicos Islands Chief Financial Officer.

The attendance of the almost silent three other persons on the team begged the question of the need for their presence.

The CFO was the VAT representative and under all terms he showed it!

The preconceived notion was that the meeting was to get views on, not

if VAT is to be introduced to the TCI, but how best it is to be implemented.

So persons like myself who thought ideas would be receptive were disappointed.

For the late readers and debaters, VAT is a form of consumption tax that is a tax on only the ‘value added’ to a product, material or service.

According to Mr Hugh McGarelGroves it is “shifting of the tax burden from one sector to the other, or simply spreading the tax burden around” and more-so and most unfortunately, to the poor if I may add.

He did say that the tax rebates given to the likes of IGA are an avenue or vehicle by which they can pass savings in the form of lowered prices to its customers.

To defuse any false notions, I asked: Did I hear the CFO say that VAT is not a new tax?

Did I hear the CFO agreement with Dr Smith, which VAT supplants rather than supplements the current tax base? That means no tax increase or decrease!

Did I hear the CFO reply to Dr Smith that, indeed there should be a living wage rather than a minimum wage, which should be researched and implemented?

And did I hear and see the CFO deferring to his support staff when asked what efforts, if any, are being placed for compliant enforcement of VAT evaders?

I thought for a minute that with the draft of the CFO Bill the office was the highest and most powerful.

But that was not the message conveyed this past Thursday, the CFO simply deferred my questions.

My attendance was to hear of VAT, but more so to challenge the cause of the un-represented, the lower end of the spectrum, the poor.

I still think it is not too late to provide the poor with an adjustment in a support programme independent from the VAT tax system.

I invite all others to attend future VAT sessions to formulate a strategic way-forward plan in assisting all.

Regards, Edward E Smith

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

16 NEWS

May 26 - June 1, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Beach fun at the Fools Regatta FOR 22 years residents and tourists alike have enjoyed the sailing races of the annual Fools Regatta.

The event is put on each year by the Turks and Caicos Sailing Association to promote the sport of

sailing throughout the TCI. This year’s Fools Regatta will be held Saturday, June 16, at the Provo Kid’s Park in the Bight.

The event will feature several boat races for adults and children and

there will also be a local sloop race, made up of sailors who have built and designed their own sail boat.

While the races are at sea, on land there will be tons of fun and games for the family.

Attendees can participate in the annual tug-a-war competition or stop by sponsors Islandcom for games and giveaways.

All while enjoying music from Provo Primary's steel drum band and food cooked by Ms Higgs.

The Turks and Caicos Sailing Association’s focus the past two years has been on TCI youth.

Members have educated hundreds

of kids through their Learn-to-Sail and Learn-to-Race programmes.

This year will mark the introduction of 12 Laser Picos to the fleet. These new dinghies have proven to be the ideal platform for training juniors.

Fools Regatta festivities kick off at 11am with the first kids’ races while the big boats take off at about noon.

wishes

Happy Birthday Lil Mikey Best wished to our darling Michael Taylor III, Lil Mikey.

Greetings from your mom & dad: Garnique & Mikey, sister: Tranique, nana: Rev. Violet Thompson, Grammy: Matty, aunts, uncles, cousin & the entire family circle. special greetings from Ms Johnson & grade 1 of Community ChristianAcademy.

We Love You M3!

Our Little Prince is one Happy 1st Birthday Tyrone Cox Jr. His bright smile and bubbly personality is just a few things that make him so special. As our bundle of joy celebrate his birthday we pray that God spares his life to see many more.

Birthday wishes from your mom & dad: Jenny & Tyrone, your sister: Leslie, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and the extended family.

We Love You TJ

Send your special occasion to: Rebecca Bird, Weekly News, Cheshire House, Leeward Highway, PO Box 52, Providenciales or email to tcweeklynews@gmail.com. Free of Charge!

Please limit your messages to 150 words.

May 26 - June 1, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 17

Haitian flag fest promotes unity

By Kayla Higgs

THE local Haitian community painted the town red, white and blue in celebration of their annual national flag day last Friday – a grand celebration underpinned by a genuine need to promote unity among TCI’s diverse people.

Hundreds of Haitians flocked the Williams Auditorium, which was transformed into a concert hall, in support of President Michel Martelly’s son and performer, T-Micky.

Weekly News caught up with T-Micky before the show and he stated that he was extremely happy to be here in the Turks and Caicos.

The Haitian community here on Provo had two of their own local artists perform before guest entertainer T- Micky came out to perform.

By two o’clock that night TMicky had already captured the attention of many leaving the Williams Auditorium parking lot full to its maximum capacity.

In preparation for the event local vendors as well as Haitian residents sold flags along the streets of downtown which gave almost everyone the opportunity to sport them on their vehicles over the weekend.

These flags flew higher on Saturday, when hundreds flooded the

Girls Dressed in Haitian flag colors

streets in a motorcade took place in downtown leading up to the National Stadium on Venetian Road for a party.

Acting Inspector, Kendall Grant, said, “The Haiti Flag Day parade is one of the biggest gatherings on the island and one that the Royal TCI Police is always delighted to assist with.”

The activities to mark Haitian flag day were not only attended by Haitian residents but also by local Turks Islanders, Dominicans and Jamaicans all in support of their fellow Haitian residents.

A member of the planning committee, Mr. Wadland Telusma, said, “We started planning this event since last year December and I am

President Michel Martelly’s son T-Micky

confident that it will be a success.”

Haitian Flag Day has been recognized here in the TCI for the past four years. Each year the celebrations expands as the Haitian community continues show love and appreciation for their country in the islands.

The symbol on the Haitian flag is its coat of arms. It consists of its weapons that mean readiness to defend freedom and the royal palm represents its independence. On the coat is Haiti’s national motto that reads ‘Unity Makes Strength’.

Haitians from all over the country came to Providenciales to celebrate with their friends and family as they waved their flags and wore their t-shirts everywhere on island .

Haitian group performing

18 NEWS

May 26 - June 1, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Remembering Jags on National Heroes Day James Alexander George Smith McCartney better known as ‘JAGS’, is the only national hero of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Born on the island of Grand Turk to Jamaican barrister, Harvey O. B Fernandez McCartney and a Sunday school pianist, Sally McCartney of the TCI Jags was named after an outstanding Jamaican barrister and distinguished legislator, James Alexander George Smith ( 18771942).

Jags was the founder and first

leader of the political party People’s Democratic Movement ( PDM) and he paved the way for many up coming politicians as he was the first person to introduce self internal government here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

His goal was to address the many social and economic problems that was recently becoming popular at that time within the islands of the country.

Some described him as a visionary figure for the islands due to his

determination to protect and cherish the rights of all citizens within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

McCartney was not a man of just words he let the life he lived speak for him as he walked along the streets of these islands helping those who needed to be helped and served as a strong voice for the people of our nation.

Each year the country remembers Jags and his great effort to help mend the broken pieces of this country on the last Monday in the month of May.

2012 Hurricane Season preparations tips The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies, (DDME) is encouraging all TCI residents to prepare for the hurricane season early.

According to the Department, these preparations include helping family, friends and neighbours that need assistance.

Some important tips outlined by the DDME, were issued this week and include: • Ensure that you have a Family Disaster/Emergency Plan.

• Check hurricane shutters and latches to ensure they are in good working condition.

• Check galvanized sheeting and shingles on your roof, to ensure they properly

secured.

• Make all necessary repairs to roof.

• Ensure that essential equipment, such as lumber, plywood, nails etc are obtained early.

• Keep plastic bags, nails, hammers, wire, rope and pliers handy.

• Make sure you have emergency equipment such as water boots, raincoats, flashlights, batterypowered radio (portable), hurricane lamp, and matches in your house, together with simple first-aid equipment such as iodine, eye lotion, petroleum jelly/ Vaseline etc.

• Check home, business and vehicle insurance policies to ensure it provides adequate coverage, including contents and Flood

Insurance.

• Photograph all rooms of your home/business before the storm for insurance purposes.

• Make an inventory of possessions before and after the storm.

• Clear your yard and drains of debris.

• Trim trees that hang close to your house or could touch power lines.

• If your home is at risk, call the DDME or your District Commissioner for information on the nearest shelter.

• Find a place to move your boat in an emergency.

The DDME is open for queries where information posters, pamphlets and flyers are available.

Delano Williams to compete in Jags McCartney Relays CARIFTA gold medalist Delano Williams flew into the Turks and Caicos islands on Thursday to attend relays in honour of TCI’s national hero Mr. Jags McCartney.

Williams told the Weekly News that he was excited to be back in the TCI and is happy to know that the Jags McCartney relays are being held in his hometown Grand Turk on Saturday.

Delano said that he will be going away next month to try out for the British Olympic team.

“I am confident within myself and I know I have the ability to make at least within the top three,” said Williams.

Williams noted that his words for aspiring athletes of the Turks and Caicos is to use the three D’s: discipline, determination and dedication.

Angelo Garland, another TCI athlete studying in Jamaica said he was also delighted to be back in the country.

CARIFTA gold medalist Delano Williams

autism awareness

By Nicole Cox, a mother living with autism

May Flowers Part 3

Josiah turned five this past Wednesday. Woo-hoo!! Now for a typical family this may mean birthday cakes, a completely energized child ripping open presents, a long list of random things that being 5 will mean….you know, the whole “I’m a big boy now so there is SO much that is beneath me and SO much that I no longer need YOU for!” statements! Kids at this stage are hilarious.

However, for Jojo, being five really means three, at least in his perception of the world. That being the case, some adjustments must be made for expectations and demands. And I don’t mean just by us, but by his sisters as well.

Michaiya, for example, was shocked when I told her Wednesday morning that even though Jo was five, he still had autism. She was stunned! I guess she thought that surely five would be the magic number and Jo would wake up ready to act, well, five. She adjusted quickly.

Addie, being three, actually gets Jo on many levels now. They spent a good 10 minutes that morning telling each other “Happy Birthday!” back and forth, killing themselves laughing and the fact that the other answered with “Happy Birthday!”

For his birthday, I took Jo to the supermarket (one of his favorite things) and did NOT let him ride in the car trolley! This was quite a shock to him as his three-year-old brain does not realize that his fiveyear-old body is a tight fit for the trolley these days! Instead, he was made to carry the hand basket that filled quickly with ingredients for his birthday cookies and brownies! (Jo doesn’t like cake) After a minor meltdown in aisle seven, he managed to put together the pieces of his temporarily shattered life and carry the basket through the store to the checkout. His reward? A pack of yo-yo’s and a ring pop! Opening presents with Jo is always interesting as he is usually more interested in the design on the wrapping paper than the actual toy itself, until you show him how to use it. Devon and Jo relished eating cookies together (one of their favorite father/son activities)! The family enjoyed playing with Jo and reinforcing a general good vibe right up until bedtime.

So, what does five mean to Jo? Well, it means that tomorrow when we are doing our social questions drills, the answer to “How old are you?” has changed and he has to memorize it.

My point is: Do not be disappointed when the milestones you celebrate do not mean that much to your child on the spectrum. It is OK! Focus more on enjoying what you all as a family has accomplished together and allowing him to feel as much love as possible from you!

They may not get all the details yet, but they can sense the energy and will respond. Also, do not take notes of where you think he should be by now. Think instead on where he was and might have been. Being thankful is the key to being joyful! Relish the moment, then get back to work!

For more on autism visit: http://dawnprogram.blogspot.com and http://iloveaba.blogspot.com

May 26 - June 1, 2012

NEWS 19

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

TCI takes to the streets for jubilee

THE country’s streets will be awash with colour and music this June as residents take part in celebrations for the Queen’s birthday and diamond jubilee.

Three special events are set to take place across the country to mark the most British of occasions.

The TCI parties will run in conjunction with celebrations in other UK Overseas Territories as well as Commonwealth nations around the world.

On Saturday, June 2, a parade will take place at the Downtown Ball Park behind the Gus Lightbourne Sports Centre for the Queen’s birthday.

There will be displays from local schools and youth groups starting at 4pm, and the main parade will commence at 5pm with music provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Band.

The Governor will be present for the parade and will be taking the salute from the uniformed services.

On Monday, June 4, uniformed services, local schools and youth organisations will take part in a parade in Grand Turk.

It will start at 5pm at the Parade Ground, North Back Salina, Grand Turk and music will again be provided by the Royal Turks and

The TCI parties will run in conjunction with celebrations in other UK Overseas Territories as well as Commonwealth nations around the world.

Caicos Islands Police Band.

On Tuesday, June 5, there will be a diamond jubilee beacon lighting and beach party in Grand Turk.

Events will be held at Governor’s Beach from 3pm. The Culture Commission is leading on organising social events and activities through the afternoon, and the police

band will be providing musical entertainment.

The beacon will be constructed by local Scouts and will be lit at dusk.

Governor Ric Todd announced the celebrations for Her Majesty’s diamond jubilee and birthday on Monday.

He said: “The parade on June 2 is the first official commemoration of the Queen’s birthday on Providenciales for a number of years.

“I very much hope that it will attract a good audience, including our tourist visitors who will have an opportunity to see some local culture at first hand.

“The addition of a beach party and beacon lighting on Grand Turk on June 5 is an additional opportunity for the community to celebrate Her Majesty’s diamond jubilee, and is planned to be a fun, family centred, afternoon and evening.”

Both Monday, June 4, and Tuesday, June 5, are designated as public holidays. The June 4 holiday replaces the public holiday originally planned for June 11.

By Kayla Higgs

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

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

Happy Hour specials from 4-7pm Monday-Saturday

by TCI Red Cross is on at the organization’s headquarters, opposite Lime on the Leeward Highway in Providenciales, from 10am to 2pm.

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

For more information on the Weekly Community and Farmers’ Market call (649) 247-8911. With regard to the TCI Red Cross’ services or how you can volunteer or donate, contact our Provo office on (649) 941-8056 or email redcrossprovo@tciway.tc OR for Grand Turk call (649) 946-2761 or Email:tciredcross@tciway.tc  If you’re looking for a serene and relaxed way of starting your weekend, bring your yoga mat at Graceway Sports Centre every Saturday at 9am and let David Bowen lead you into the wonderful world of yoga!

Amazing fees for an amazing class! More info at 442-6348”  Mums and Tots Dance Party classes are held every Saturday at Graceway Sports Centre for mothers and their little ones.

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

Call Shara Bowen on 244-1103 for more details.

Wednesday, May 30

Saturday, May 26  RED CROSS introduces their Get Moving’ – WalkBikeAthon and Health Fair initiative benefiting our community.

The event begins at 5:30am with a morning walk from the Red Cross building across from LIME to the IGA roundabout or the Beaches roundabout to return to the building for a day of activities.

I pray for peace and happiness that will not fade, Not uncivil actions that turn skies grey.

In a world so cold My dream has little light Still hope is alive, My dream cannot be stay out of sight.

(The Weekly News invites budding poets to submit their pieces for publication at tcweeklynews@gmail.com )

Friday, May 25

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

A better tomorrow, a dream away.

A tomorrow filled with smiles, still only a dream away.

Friday, May 4 to Sunday, May 13

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

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

A dream away

Hope stays, but Hope fades

this week

 Demo night at Royal Flush gaming parlor (old players club) located in Turtle Cove.

Fun starts from 7 to 9 come try out our new poker-pro tables, get all the key info, free practice rounds, drinks and cash games.

Seats are limited and must be reserved. Call 332-5078 Schedule is subject to change.

Thursday, May 31

Providenciales first Pool Hall now open Royal Flush Billiards opened its doors last Friday May, providing TCI with a dedicated pool all and games that range from air hockey, darts and other arcades.

The Billiards attraction is increased by the six big screen

TV’S – a welcome attraction for sport fans.

Management is also looking to host weekly and monthly pool tournaments, with the first Annual eight-ball tournament scheduled for June.

 The Weekly Community and Farmers’ Market organized

 Demo night at Royal Flush gaming parlor (old players club) located in Turtle Cove.

Fun starts from 7 to 9 come try out our new poker-pro tables, get all the key info, free practice rounds, drinks and cash games.

Seats are limited and must be reserved. Call 332-5078 Schedule is subject to change

Got an event you wish to advertise?

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

20

Regional News

May 26 – June 1, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Haitians living in Bahamas excited about gold rush at home HAITIANS living in the Bahamas are eager and preparing to go home after learning new mining laws will create thousands of jobs, according to the Haitian Ambassador.

After two mining companies discovered an estimated $20 billion in gold, copper and silver in Haiti's northeastern mountains, the government is now moving to draft legislation to ensure the impoverished nation reaps the benefits.

Antonio Rodrigue, Haitian Ambassador to the Bahamas, said the Haitians living in the Bahamas are excited to go home now that the economic situation looks like it is about to significantly improve.

"You have to know, they only leave because of the economic conditions.

"They do not have jobs and cannot take care of their families. Now they can.

"These mining laws will ensure Haitians reap the

benefit. They will get jobs.

They are preparing to leave.

They may be living elsewhere but their heart and soul is always in Haiti," he said.

"They will also stop their migration. People cannot imagine what harm migration is doing to the country. We lose our resources when they leave. We lose our people and we lose the future of our country, the next generation.

"Right now they have so much hope things are going to turn around for them.

Their economic situation will change and you will see a lot of them returning home."

Mr Rodrigue said specialists have attributed the 'gold rush' to the massive earthquake the country experienced in 2010. He said the quake caused plates to shift around and expose gold that scientists always knew was buried underground.

Three firms are considering mining in Haiti, but so far

Warm welcome: Mr Medina and his running mate Margarita Cedeno greet their supporters.

In this April 10, 2012 photo, Genove Valcimon, 70, poses for a picture as he works on a road being built through the mountains to lead to an exploratory drill site in the department of Trou Du Nord, Haiti. Valcimon, like many workers, will look to return home to mine precious minerals. (AP photo)

only SOMINE has full concessions to take the metals out of the mountains. Those permits, for 31 square miles, were negotiated in 1996 under President Rene Preval and require the firm to hire

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Haitians whenever possible.

In exchange for minimal permit fees, SOMINE committed to spend $2.25 million in the first two years.

In addition, it will pay $1.8 million after a feasibility study, according to the contract.

This means Haitians should get $1 out of every $2 of profits, compared with about $1 out of $3 that most countries get from mining firms.

Mining laws in Haiti haven't been revised since 1976. (Tribune242.com)

DR vote: Mejia decries result, but appears to concede OPPOSITION candidate Hipolito Mejia has attacked the results of the Dominican Republic's presidential election, vowing to work for electoral reform.

But Mr Mejia, a former president, appeared to concede, saying he assumed his role as leader of the opposition.

Official results from Sunday's poll gave victory to Danilo Medina from the governing party by 51% to 47%.

Election observers said there were isolated cases of vote-buying but these did not affect the overall result.

Mr Medina, who succeeds President Leonel Fernandez,

said he would be a leader for all Dominicans.

His running mate was Margarita Cedeno, Mr Fernandez's wife and the current First Lady.

Mr Fernandez, who has overseen one of the Caribbean's fastest-growing economies, was barred from standing for a third consecutive term.

Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Mejia said the election outcome was "the product of manipulation and an abuse of power", referring to alleged use of government resources to influence voters.

But Mr Mejia, president himself from 2000 to 2004, appeared to concede. (BBC)

Jamaican evangelicals wanted referendum on buggery laws VICE-PRESIDENT of the Jamaica Association of Evangelicals Rev Peter Garth has urged Jamaicans not to leave the repeal of buggery laws to parliamentarians, but instead called for a referendum on this issue, which has again taken centre stage with the recent endorsement of samesex marriage by United States President Barack Obama.

“Don’t sit in Parliament and make a decision; let the Jamaican people decide,” Garth said as he addressed the weekly Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange at the newspaper’s head offices in Kingston.

Talks of repealing Jamaica’s buggery laws intensified following the political debates leading up to the December 29, 2011 General Election when then Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller promised to review these laws if she was returned as prime minister.

Simpson Miller, who was returned as prime minister

in the polls, also challenged a previous declaration by former Prime Minister Bruce Golding who told a BBC TV interviewer some years ago that no gays could serve in his Cabinet. She said she was not in favour of such a position and suggested that persons should be selected for Cabinet duties on the basis of their capacity to deliver.

Rev Garth argued, however, that it was not a human right to be a part of a Cabinet and any prime minister has a right to select persons to serve in this capacity. “He (Golding) was extremely bold to say what he did and I have no problem with that because if someone says that is my preference he must have that right just as how Obama has the right to come out and say what he said recently,” he added. Last October, Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron announced that his country would begin withholding aid from governments that do not

reform legislation banning homosexuality.

But earlier this week, Rev Garth, who strongly opposes the repeal of buggery law in Jamaica, said he took strong objection to this approach by international donors.

“This is a sovereign nation and I take strong objection whether it is the President of the United States of America, the Prime Minister of England or Australia trying to dictate what should happen in Jamaica. If the people decided against it they should not be saying they are going to cut off funding,” he said.

According to Rev Garth, there has been no research to show where the buggery laws have made Jamaica a more homophobic nation.

“You look at the incidence (violence against homosexuals) in Jamaica and I am placing it on the table that majority of those acts are infighting,” the churchman said.

(Jamaica Observer)

May 26 – June 1, 2012

Regional News

21

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Christie: Government will carry on with mortgage relief plan

Demonstrators want the army to be revived after a gap of 17 years.

Haiti holds dozens of exsoldiers for pro-army protests DOZENS of Haitian ex-soldiers have been arrested after a series of protests calling for the disbanded army to be restored, officials say.

They were charged with forming a rogue army and violating orders to take off their uniforms and give up their weapons, Reuters reported.

Several alleged supporters, including two Americans, were also detained.

The protesters want President Michel Martelly to keep his promise to revive the army, which was dismantled in 1995.

Several thousand ex-soldiers demonstrated on Friday and Saturday to call for the return of the armed forces.

On Sunday, the authorities announced that 59 people had been arrested, according to Reuters.

Among them were two US citizens, Jason William Petrie from Ohio and Steven Parker Shaw from Massachusetts, who were accused of providing logistical support for the protesters, officials said.

Mr Petrie told the Associated Press from jail that he was friends with the leaders of the would-be soldiers.

THE BAHAMIAN government will move forward with its promised mortgage relief plan under "strict consultation", Prime Minister Perry Christie confirmed on Tuesday.

Mr Christie said his administration also plans to meet with Moody's to discuss the top Wall Street credit agency's scathing review of the programme.

"As a government we're moving forward and we're moving forward with the programme that we were elected upon," Mr Christie said.

"We've always indicated that our plan is well thought out, well considered, that we had consulted some bankers in The Bahamas on it, and other experts on it. As a government, everything will be done on strict consultation and to serve the best interest of the Bahamian people."

The leading Wall Street firm said the Christie administration's plan undermined efforts to rein in the $4.356 billion national debt, and warned that the scheme will likely cost Bahamian taxpayers $250 million to implement.

The mortgage relief plan seeks to strike an agreement with banks and institutional lenders to write

PM Perry Christie

off unpaid interest and fees for homeowners facing foreclosure in return for government guaranteed interest payments for five years, 2017. The proposal also includes working with banks and lenders to implement a 120-day moratorium on foreclosures and extend the loan repayment period under defaulting mortgages.

In his defence of the government's proposal, Minister of State for Finance Michael Halkitis said Moody's credit agency did not fully understand what the government intended to do, and had based their

report on "erroneous" assumptions.

Referring to the US State Department's Crime and Safety Report at a special thanksgiving service yesterday, Mr Christie said the government must pay strict attention to external reports concerning the country. Drafted to assist American travellers and businesses, the annual report rated New Providence's criminal threat level as "critical" - and for the first time rated Grand Bahama's level as "high", putting the island on a par with the Dominican Republic.

Mr Christie said: "People are influenced by the reports, so clearly we have to be very concerned about it. Crime is a matter that we feel is a top priority, we indicated that the country was in crisis.

"You would recall during the campaign that we put up statistics and the former government thought it was harmful to the tourism product and so we agreed they would be withdrawn. Clearly we are dealing with an issue that is profoundly important to the way forward for our country that is why our government is resolute in our commitment to begin virtually immediately to launch a fight against crime."

22 NEWS

May 26 - June 1, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Top model in local photo shoot TCI’s top model contest winner put her practised poses to good use this weekend as she was photographed for a magazine spread.

Washanda Registre was delighted to take part in a photo shoot for this summer’s Times of the Islands and for Digicel’s ad campaigns.

She said: “This is the lifestyle that I dreamt about and the career that I’m going to pursue with every fibre of my being.

“I love fashion modelling and cannot wait to explore every aspect of it here in the Turks and Caicos and the fashion capitals of the world.”

The shoot took place in three Providenciales locations - at a villa, out to sea and on the beach.

On Sunday, May 13, the first photographs were taken at the light and airy Carib House.

With open spaces, panoramic vistas and plush furnishing, the beautiful home was a great locale for the shoot.

Accompanying the 2012 TCI Top Model winner was male model Alyx Williams. The pair were shot by Renau Destine of Double R Media, assisted by Cadlin Pierre.

The models were then whisked off on to the ‘Lady K’ luxury speedboat with the shoot ending on the idyllic isle of Water Cay. Washanda said: “The photo shoot was incredible. Carib House, the Lady K and Water Cay were simply amazing and picturesque.

“Shooting with Alyx was a fun and incredible experience. I thoroughly

enjoyed every minute of it.”

Also on hand were Courtney Robinson, executive producer of the TCI Top Model Contest, Claire Parrish, Times Publishing advertising manager, and Ava-Dayne Fulford, Digicel TCI head of marketing.

Photos from the shoot will appear in this summer’s Times of the Islands magazine and Washanda’s first Digicel TCI ‘roaming ad’ campaign will be launched early this summer.

Alyx Williams, male model

Washanda Registre, TCI Top Model 2012

eated - Renau Destine, Washanda Registre, Kereitta Simpson, Stacey Bailey and Alyx Williams.

Background - Tianna Williams, Courtney Robinson, Captain Fifi Kunz, Cadlin Pierre and Claire Parrish

Making Mother’s Day special MANY mums received a special surprise this Mother’s Day thanks to telecoms company Lime.

The phone firm gave away lots of prizes to the winners of their two text and online competitions.

The first competition asked customers to text the word ‘Mom’ to 4946 for a chance to win.

Theresa Bassett, who won the comp, said: “Thanks Lime, I really appreciate this.”

Eight more mums also won $50 top up and a portrait from Pennylaine Photo Studio in Lime’s Facebook promotion.

It was open to any son or daughter to post a picture of their mother with four to six lines on why their mum is special.

The winners were Mavis Wilson, Pansy Butterfield, Catherine Handfield, Sheryl A Forbes, Sonya Robinson, Leila Astwood, Valerie Glinton and Samardia Walkin.

Mrs Handfield said: “I am

LIME's Nataliz Mieses presents BlackBerry to Theresa Bassett

excited about being a winner and thanks to my children who

LIME's Mother's Day winner Samardia Walkin

participated.”

General Manager

Drexwell

LIME's Mother's Day winner Catherine Handfield

Seymour said: “Lime wanted to express to mothers that their

contribution is valued and this was just a small way to give back.”

May 26 - June 1, 2012

23

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

S

Sea Stars

ea stars are commonly known as starfish but they aren’t really fish.

Although they live under water, they do not have gills, fins or scales like fish do and they move differently from fish.

While fish propel themselves with their tails, sea stars move using their tube feet which are located on the underside of their bodies.

Sea stars, like sea urchins and sand dollars, do not have backbones, which makes them part of a group called invertebrates.

They also belong to a phylum of animals known as Echinoderms. All echinoderms have five-point radial symmetry, which means that their body plan has five sections arranged around a central disk.

There are more than 1,800 species (types) of sea stars living in all the world’s oceans and they occupy every type of habitat, including rocky shores, sea grass, coral reefs and even deep in sand.

The five-armed sea stars are the most wellknown, but some have many more, like the sun star which has up to 40 arms.

Amazingly, sea stars can regenerate new arm if they lose one- luckily they have few predators thanks to their rigid bodies.

Sea stars are protected by armor. Depending on the species, a sea star's skin may feel

leathery, or slightly prickly. Sea stars have a tough covering on their upper side, which is made up of plates of calcium carbonate with tiny spines on their surface. A sea star's spines are used for protection from predators, which include birds, fish and sea otters.

Sea stars are predators that eat mussels and clams, as well as small fish, snails, and barnacles. Most species have a rather unique way of eating. It may push its stomach through its mouth - which is located on its undersideto eat its prey.

Fast Facts  zz Type: Invertebrate zz Diet: Carnivore zz Average life span in the wild: Up to 35 years zz Size: 4.7 to 9.4 in (12 to 24 cm) zz Weight: Up to 11 lbs (5 kg) zz Adult sea stars exist in a range of colors, from orange to pink to brown. zz Sea stars have no blood. They use filtered sea water to pump nutrients throughout their bodies. zz Sea stars have eyes at the end of each arm. It’s very tiny and they can't see much detail.

This page comes to you with the compliments of.....

It’s always “a world of fun” for kids and the young at heart 18 hole Mini Golf Course, Grand Prix “Go Cart” Race Track and Video Game Arcade.

Longbay Road, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands.

Tel: 649-941-4653 Fax: 649-941-4759

24 fun zone

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 26 - June 1, 2012

Can you guess the sea creature in this drawing?

Find all the living things from under the sea Coral Crab Dolphin Jelly fish Lobster Octopus Oyster Puffer fish Seahorse Seal Shark Squid Starfish Stingray Whale

Help the Star Fish get back to the beach

ACROSS 1. Having colours and patterns that blend in with surroundings 4. When sea stars loose an arm and it grows another 7. They have a flat body with a small circle-shaped disk and very long, thin arms 9. Five or more arms protruding from a central body 10. Have flattened bodies with arms that form a star shape Down 2. Invertebrates with a hard skeleton, no head, mouth in the center and tube feet 3. Located underneath the body in the center of the disk 5. Aid in locomotion and feeding 6. An animal that lives by preying on other animals 8. Rigid and sharp projection on any part of an animal ANSWERS ACROSS: 1. Camouflage, 4. Regeneration, 7. Brittle star, 9. Radial symmetry, 10. Sea stars Down: 2. Echinoderm, 3. Mouth, 5. Tube feet, 6. Predator, 8. Spines

This page comes to you with the compliments of

Unicorn Bookstore

For the largest selection of books, educational items, toys, magazines, gifts and games on island Visit the Unicorn Bookstore at the main IGA

We stock all the current bestsellers including the Hunger games series

May 26 - June 1, 2012

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Desert in E Asia 5. Measured 10. Rephrase 11. Bell-shaped flower 12. Separate by a sieve 13. Enclosed automobile 14. Condensed 16. Basis unit of heredity 17. Cut and dried grass 20. Naught 23. Roofing item 25. Heavy footwear 28. Nut of an oak 29. Leg joint 30. Switchblade 31. Cleric 32. Republic of E Africa 33. Long fish DOWN 1. Flatulent 2. Leave out 3. Envelope in fog

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

4. To the inside of 6. Mournful poem 7. Periodic movement of the sea 8. Antelope 9. Unit of force 15. 21s letter of the Greek alphabet 18. Long sleeved linen vestment 19. Recess in a wall 20. Nervous 21. Effeminate male 22. Consumers 23. Piece of work 24. Cut of meat 26. Migrant farm worker 27. Small dabbling duck Last week's word search solution

fun zone 25

26 fun zone

May 26 - June 1, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Weekly Horoscope Aries (March 21 - April 19) You, and the world around you, are being shaken up by eclipses, last week and on June 4. While much of the disruption is about breakthroughs, you’d regret responding too swiftly. For now, focus on learning from events.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20) You’re watching several longstanding arrangements come to an end. Unlikely as it seems, what’s going is clearing the way for worthwhile developments – all of which will add substantially to your life.

Gemini (May 21- June 20) Powerful planetary activity is altering the circumstances around you. So even seemingly simple commitments could create serious complications. Discuss plans, but keep things loose. What’s good now will soon get even more exciting.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22) The events triggered by the recent solar eclipse are still unfolding, leaving you unsure of what’s next. Actually, confusion will prevail until the June 4 eclipse. Meanwhile, discuss potential plans frankly. You’ll welcome dramatic twists and turns.

Leo (July 23 - August 22) The foundation on which plans are based is undergoing change and seemingly minor flaws could be revealed as major ones. Let go because you’ll already have spotted the new passions you’ll be pursuing.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22) You’re short of facts about the dramatic events reshaping your life right now, and will be until after the June 4 eclipse. Focus on what you’d like to achieve or experience next. You could soon be doing exactly that.

Libra (September 23- October 22) While once you’d have hoped complex issues would simply vanish, you feel you’re ready to address them now. Better yet, not only do the resulting insights make letting go easier, tackling them boosts your courage considerably.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) With things moving swiftly, there’s no time for reflection.

Instead, focus on deciding whether you’ll want to invest time and effort in putting things right, or if you should possibly be thinking of saying farewell to some of them.

Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9.

If you use logic you can solve the puzzle without guesswork.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) Clear cut as certain developments may be, confusion continues until after the pivotal Sagittarius eclipsed Full Moon on June 4. Only after that will both circumstances and your own priorities be clear.

Capricorn (December 21 - January 19) You are worried about taking vital decisions when short of information or in a climate of change. Knowing that, adopt an uncharacteristically easygoing attitude about plans. Rely on your intuition. Soon, these intuitions will be proved right.

Last week's solution

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18) You must be patient and move at a measured pace yet, at the same time, take chances. This is the best approach to this unsettled period. Still, remember, most of the changes you’re avoiding are inevitable.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20) The changes others are quibbling about are inevitable.

Being an intuitive Pisces, you’re already paving the way.

If others resist, waste no time trying to convince them.

Events will soon do it for you.

This page comes to you with the compliments of.....

Courtyard Plaza, Leeward Hwy, Providenciales, TCI. Phone: 649-946-8227

May 26 – June 1, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

27

Lifestyle...

28

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 26 – June 1, 2012

The Dentist and you 

Oral care during pregnancy – Vol 1 Pregnancy is an exciting time and a time of many changes both in your life and in your body. It is the hormones that are produced during pregnancy that are responsible for the changes in your body and one of the many areas that they impact is the health of the teeth and gums.

In this first article of two covering the topic of oral care during pregnancy I wanted to cover some basic steps that will help you to keep your teeth and gums healthy during your pregnancy. I will also cover

Simple Baked Apples

The spices, nuts and raisins can be interchanged or omitted depending upon your tastes. This serves as a great breakfast, side dish, or dessert.

Ingredients • 6 apples - peeled, cored and sliced • 1/2 cup white sugar • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves • 1/2 cup raisins • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts • 1/2 cup whole milk Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 2 quart casserole dish, or coat with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Place apples in a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix together sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Stir spice mixture into apples until evenly distributed. Fold in raisins and walnuts. Spoon into prepared dish. Pour milk evenly over apple mixture.

3. Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes, or until soft and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

(Nutritional Information: Amount Per Serving Calories: 136 | Total Fat: 3.8g | Cholesterol: 1mg)

some of the questions that I am often asked by expectant mothers who visit the clinic.

How should I care for my teeth and gums whilst I’m pregnant?

Eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet containing plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit is a great start (and good for your developing baby too!) As you would normally, continue to brush your teeth twice a day early morning and last thing at night using a fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly. An antibacterial mouth wash will help to destroy the bacteria that can contribute to gingivitis (gum disease that is particularly prevalent during pregnancy). I recommend using a non-alcohol based mouth wash.

Is it safe to visit the dentist during my pregnancy?

Yes, it is safe to visit the dentist when you are pregnant although certain allowances will be made (see below.)

The second trimester is the best time to have routine dental care. At this stage you should have passed though any morning sickness and you are not yet at the stage at which you are advised against lying flat on your back. (In the latter stages of pregnancy this can put pressure on blood vessels to the baby).

Routine check-ups and cleanings

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

are recommended at this time to ensure any problems, such as pregnancy gingivitis, can be identified and treated promptly.

However, major non-essential procedures and surgery should be avoided until after the baby is born.

Is it safe to have a filling whilst pregnant?

It is safe to have a composite (white resin) filling. However, a mercury amalgam (metal) filling should not be placed or removed during pregnancy due to the risk of mercury being absorbed by the body and passed onto the baby.

If you have a problem with an existing metal filling whilst pregnant, speak to your dentist about the best treatment option.

Is it safe to have a dental x-ray during pregnancy?

Although advances in technology have made dental x-rays much safer than in the past, I would avoid taking a routine x-ray of someone’s teeth

during pregnancy.

What should I do if I require emergency dental treatment whilst pregnant?

It is important to receive the correct treatment that will alleviate pain, treat or prevent infection and therefore reduce any stress that is placed on you and your developing baby. Procedures can be followed that will ensure that your baby is not placed in any danger.

Am I able to take dental medications whilst pregnant?

In general, it is advisable to refrain from taking any medication during

pregnancy especially during your first trimester. However, sometimes it is necessary and the benefits of taking the medication outweigh the potential risks. Most common dental medications can be used during pregnancy. This includes anesthetic, some analgesics (pain killers) and some antibiotics. Your dentist will prescribe accordingly and advise you on how to correctly take the medication.

In the second part of this article I will discuss common oral problems that can occur during pregnancy and the best steps to prevent or treat them.

As always, I give thanks to God, for his loving kindness towards me.

This week, I leave you with words of wisdom from Former Prime

Minister of The UK, 1979-1990, Margaret Hilda Thatcher, who said, “Constitutions have to be written on hearts, not just on paper.”

health Tip 

Apple facts A fun fact many do not know is that apple trees take four to five years to produce their first fruit; yes the same fruit that we see in such abundance in the supermarkets.

Research says that the apple is an excellent source of pectin, Vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. It is also an excellent detoxifier which can destroy viruses in the body.

Apple skin contains most of apple's important nutrients.

Researchers also found that apple high content of flavonoids, like quercetin are what contribute most to the protective effects against heart disease, and asthma. Pectin is a soluble fiber that has been shown to exert a number of beneficial effects.

Studies have found also that pectin

By Phillip Simmons can lower cholesterol levels as well as improve the intestinal muscle's ability to push waste through the gastrointestinal tract.

Apples also promote bowel regulatory, relieve both constipation, and diarrhea due to their insoluble fiber and pectin. Apple also help cleans the teeth, strengthens the gum, and helps digestion. Consuming apples also helps a great deal in weight control.

May 26 – June 1, 2012

Lifestyle...

GARDENING 

29

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.

Centipede Centipede… even the name is spooky and I’m sure that when you looked at this picture you got chills.

Have you come across one? No, well don’t worry, you will eventually.

But, should you be scared? Yes, be very scared, mather of fact when I see one I usually screams loader then a woman.

Actually they don’t bite A centipede bite is an injury resulting from the action of a centipede's forcipules, pincer-like appendages that pierce the skin and inject venom into the wound. Such a wound is not technically a bite, as the forcipules are modified legs rather than true mouthparts.

Clinically, the wound is viewed as a cutaneous condition characterized by paired hemorrhagic marks that form a chevron shape caused by the large paired forcipules of the centipede.

The centipede's venom causes pain and swelling in the area of the bite, and may cause other reactions throughout the body. The majority of bites are not life-threatening to humans and presents the greatest risk to children and those who develop allergic reactions.

People who are bitten by centipedes are sometimes given a urine test to check for muscle tissue breakdown and/or an EKG to check for heart and vascular problems.

Reassurance and pain relief is often given in the form of painkillers.

In a severe case the affected limb can be elevated and administered diuretic medications.

Centipedes Scolopendra gigantea are dorsoventrally flattened and their

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bodies are divided into well-marked segments, each of which is flattened.

Each body segment has a pair of legs, which means that there are always an odd number of leg pairs ranging from 21 to 23. Their rear legs are spiny in order to ward off potential predators. Centipedes have long, many-jointed antenna, simple or no eyes, and a head covered by a flat shield. Centipedes can lose a lot of water quickly and dehydration can occur. A normal lifespan for S. gigantea is about ten years, and this species can grow to be 12 inches long.

Because of their mode of breathing, Scolopendra gigantea must live in humid environments, such as the underside of rocks or in the soil. After her eggs are laid, the

female of the species broods them until the hatchlings can get their own food.

The centipedes are voracious carnivores that feed on small invertebrates such as crickets, worms, snails and roaches, and can also eat lizards, toads and mice.

Because they feed on many insects and other "pests," Scolopendra gigantea, some gardeners find them valuable to keep the potential pest populations down. Also, centipedes in general are becoming popular terrarium pets. But if you do not care for this pest eater, make sure you remove dead leaves in the garden.

The only natural enemy of the centipede is the Caribbean scorpion, which can kill it, but larger centipede will also kill a scorpion… Spooky!

Keeping my food safe in an emergency

In a few days we will be half way through the year and summer will be just around the corner!

Summer time in the Turks and Caicos is a time of fun and leisure—kids are out of school, families take vacations, long days spent at the beach and unfortunately threats of hurricanes because summer is smack in the middle of the hurricane season.

One of the things that happen during a hurricane is power outages which put us at risk of becoming sick because of food borne illnesses.

We can avoid spoilage and food borne illness in our homes by making sure foods stay properly refrigerated during a power outage. Below are some tips to help keep you and your family’s food safe before a hurricane arrives: 1. Buy appliance thermometers for your refrigerator and your freezer.

Always check that the freezer temperature is at or below 0 °F and the refrigerator is at or below 40 °F. Bacteria growth is retarded in the colder temperatures, but there is a “danger zone” between 41 oF and 140 oF where bacteria multiply very quickly. Therefore, if power is lost, your thermometer will help you determine if your food is still good.

2. Freeze containers of water to help keep food cold in the freezer or refrigerator in case the power goes out. This will also provide drinking water if the water supply is contaminated or becomes unavailable.

3. Before the storm, freeze refrigerated items such as leftovers, milk, and fresh meat and poultry that you may not need immediately. If the power goes out, open the refrigerator only when it is necessary. This helps keep the food at a safe temperature longer.

4. Consider purchasing a few small coolers to use in the event power is out for more than 4 hours. Coolers are smaller and food will stay colder longer.

5. Our islands are prone to flooding so it is important to store food on high shelves so that the food is not contaminated or destroyed by floodwater.

6. Some foods, that are spoilt, can easily be detected by their foul smell and weird color; however, others are not so noticeable. It is important to reduce your risk of contracting a food borne illness by stocking up on foods that do not require refrigeration. Foods such as canned beans, canned vegetables, canned meats and dried fruits are just some of the foods that will keep you fueled up while the power is out.

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

Call 946 8308, 242 3978 or 442 3978.

30

World News

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 26 – June 1, 2012

EU summit: Merkel challenged on growth strategy EU LEADERS have started summit talks in Brussels with Germany resisting pressure to launch eurobonds as a way to ease the eurozone crisis.

Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel said the bonds, pooling eurozone debt, would violate EU treaties and would “not contribute to kick-starting growth”.

France’s President Francois Hollande says he wants discussion of eurobonds - and the Irish PM Enda Kenny said the idea would be on the table.

The summit is focusing on growth.

European stock markets fell about 2% amid anxiety that Greece might have to exit the euro. The eurozone is said to be preparing for such a scenario.

Ms Merkel said Wednesday’s informal talks would not result in decisions, but would influence formal summit talks in late June.

The leaders would look at ways to deepen the EU internal market, boost mobility in Europe’s labour market and better target European Investment Bank funding for

Tonya Thomas is accused of killing her four kids, shown here, and then herself. Clockwise from top left: Pebbles Johnson, 17, Jaxs Johnson, 15, Joel Johnson, 12, Jazzlyn Johnson, 13.

Mr Hollande is pressing Germany to do more to ease the eurozone’s debt burden.

projects. Such measures could help stimulate growth, she said.

It is the first opportunity for President Hollande to shift the emphasis from austerity to growth - a key message he gave to French voters, who elected him on 6 May. The Socialist leader’s victory is seen as a challenge to the prevailing austerity drive in the EU.

Speaking on arrival, UK Prime Minister David Cameron urged the EU to tackle the deep problems in the eurozone.

“If we are not going to keep coming back and back to meetings like this, we also need to deal with some of the longer term issues at the heart of a successful single currency,” he said. (BBC)

Queens man busted in attack on wife with meat cleaver; son intervenes to save her A DERANGED Queens man hacked his helpless wife’s head with a meat cleaver early Wednesday before their son intervened to save her life, police said.

Victim Liu Huizhen’s bloodcurdling screams echoed through her Flushing neighborhood after the gory 5:45 a.m. onslaught began for no apparent reason.

“I heard these three screams — horrible screams,” said neighbor Jim Feng, who lived upstairs from the first-floor apartment where the 52-year-old woman was attacked.

The barefoot woman, bleeding heavily from multiple head wounds, staggered out of her apartment onto Parsons Blvd. before collapsing at a nearby construction site.

Police said husband Kang Wang was in pursuit of his seriously injured wife until their son interceded, keeping the attacker at bay with the help of a Good Samaritan.

Neighbor Vincent Lin dialed 911 after the woman’s screams echoed across the street to his building in the morning quiet. He looked out the window to see the blood-spattered Huizhen lying face down.

The 22-year-old son “was trying to help his mom,” Lin recounted.

“He looked upset. He was trying to talk to her.”

The victim, who ran outside in search of safety, left a trail of gore that stretched from her front door to the street outside. She was rushed to New York Hospital-Queens in

Florida mom shot children at point-blank range, used hollow point bullets: report THE CRAZED Florida mom who allegedly killed her four children before killing herself last week pumped 18 hollow-point rounds into the kids, some at point-blank range, according to a coroner’s report.

Tonya Thomas reloaded her Taurus .38-caliber revolver three times to finish the children off before turning the gun on herself in the garage of the family’s Port St. John home on May 15, Florida Today reported.

Details of the slayings are chilling.

According to Florida Today’s review of the report, the 33-yearold single mom pressed the weapon directly to her 15-year-old son Jaxs’ chest and then fired three times.

Jaxs’ younger sister, Jazzlyn, 13, was shot most, seven times.

Two blasts were fired while the gun was pressed against her chest.

Her body was found in the home’s entry hall.

Her brother Joel, 12, lay nearby with five gunshot wounds, including one that pierced his heart.

Pebbles, 17, who was found dead on the front lawn, was shot three times from more than two feet away, the report said.

Thomas’ pistol held six shots.

Authorities estimated it took her around 20 seconds to reload it each

The 33-year-old single mother shot her children several times before turning the weapon on herself.

time.

Local gun shop owner Herb Stratton told Florida Today the hollow-points are especially lethal.

The rounds cause “the maximum amount of damage” because they expand outwards after hitting their target — a process known as mushrooming, Stratton said.

Cops said last week that three of the children fled to a neighbour’s house early Tuesday morning and told the couple living there that their mother had shot them.

Man dies while getting lap dances Kang Wang, 53, is led into the 109th Precinct in Flushing

critical condition.

“I can’t believe this happened,” said the apartment superintendent, adding the family just moved in last week. “She was a beautiful woman.

What happened?”

Cops said the bloody cleaver was recovered at the scene. Husband Wang, 53, was taken to Flushing Hospital Medical Center after his arrest at the scene.

After police interviewed the suspect there, the frail Wang was taken away in handcuffs, still wearing a blue hospital gown. He was charged with assault, attempted criminally negligent homicide and criminal possession of a weapon.

The son, Nianwen Wang, apparently escaped injury while rescuing his mother. (Nydailynews. com)

A 67 YEAR old man died of natural causes while getting lap dances at a Texas strip club on Friday night it has been revealed. Robert Gene got multiple lap dances during his time at the Red Parrot in El Paso, however according to KVIA when the time came to pay the employees at the strip club found him to be unresponsive.

Meanwhile KTSM reported that while being entertained Gene suffered from a heart attack, which the strippers failed to notice.

El Paso Sherriff deputies

confirmed that so far there had been no signs of foul play however the investigation into the death was still underway.

Meanwhile a manager at the strip club confirmed that employees tried to give Gene CPR but were unsuccessful in reviving him.

Emergency responders were called in, who took the 67 year old to a local hospital. However deputies confirmed that he was declared dead about an hour after he was found at the Del Sol Medical Centre. (adrempress)

May 26 – June 1, 2012

World News

South Korea to chemically castrate rapist SOUTH Korea is set to carry out the chemical castration of a serial rapist later this week, implementing recent legislation for the first time.

The drug treatment is intended to suppress sexual impulses and does not require the convict’s consent.

The sex offender, identified only by his surname of Park, has been convicted of four counts of rape or attempted rape on young girls since the 1980s, according to the Ministry of Justice.

“Sex offenders over the age of 19, who have sexually offended against children under the age of 16 and are diagnosed with

pedophilia, can be subject to such treatment,” a Justice Ministry official said Wednesday, declining to be identified as is customary in South Korea.

A law authorizing this treatment for sex offenders came into effect last year. It followed a public outcry after a number of cases were reported of rapists reoffending following their release.

“There was growing demand for strengthened measures against pedophiles who are likely to repeat their actions,” the official said.

Park will be required to undergo the treatment every three months, wear an electronic anklet and remain under scrutiny for three years.

Rabies case confirmed in London A CASE of rabies has been confirmed in London, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has said.

The potentially fatal disease was confirmed in a patient after they were bitten by a dog in South Asia.

The patient, whose age and gender was not given, is receiving hospital treatment. All relevant contacts have been followed up, the HPA said.

It added there was no risk to the public, including those at the hospital where the patient was being treated.

Rabies is usually transferred through saliva from the bite of an infected animal, with dogs being the

most common transmitter of rabies to humans.

Dr Brian McCloskey, director of the HPA for London, said: “Despite there being tens of thousands of rabies cases each year worldwide, there have been no documented laboratory confirmed cases of human-to-human spread.

“Therefore the risk to other humans or animals from a patient with rabies is considered negligible.”

More than 55,000 people are thought to die from rabies each year, with most cases occurring in South and South-East Asia.

One of the 122 teenage girls who were affected.

Official: 122 girls, three teachers poisoned at Afghan school MORE than 120 girls and three teachers were admitted to an Afghanistan hospital Wednesday after being poisoned in their classes with a type of spray, a Takhar provincial official said.

The incident occurred in the provincial capital of Talokhan, in the Bibi Hajera girls school, said Dr. Hafizullah Safi, director of public health for the northern Afghanistan province.

Forty of the 122 girls were still hospitalised, he said, with symptoms including dizziness, vomiting, headaches and loss of consciousness.

Blood samples have been sent to Kabul in an effort to determine the substance used, he said.

“A number of girls from 15 to

31

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

18 were brought from a school to hospital today (Wednesday),” said hospital director Dr. Habibullah Rostaqi.

“Generally they are not in a critical condition. We are looking after them, but let’s see what happens later. We understand so far from the situation ... they are more traumatized.”

“The Afghan people know that the terrorists and the Taliban are doing these things to threaten girls and stop them going to school,” said Khalilullah Aseer, spokesman for Takhar police. “That’s something we and the people believe. Now we are implementing democracy in Afghanistan and we want girls to be educated, but the government’s enemies don’t want this.”

Pakistan jails doctor who helped CIA find Bin Laden A PAKISTANI doctor who helped the CIA find Osama Bin Laden has been jailed for at least 30 years, officials say.

Shakil Afridi was charged with treason and tried under the tribal justice system for running a fake vaccination programme to gather information.

The US secretary of state Hillary Clinton had called for his release on the grounds that his work served Pakistani and American interests.

Bin Laden was killed by US forces in Abbottabad in May 2011.

The killing triggered a rift between the US and Pakistan, whose government was seriously embarrassed to find Bin Laden had been living in Pakistan.

Islamabad felt the covert US operation was a violation of its sovereignty.

Shortly after the raid on Bin Laden’s house, Dr Afridi was arrested for conspiring against the state of Pakistan.

Pakistan has insisted that any country would have done the same if it found one of its citizens working for a foreign spy agency.

Dr Afridi has been found guilty in Khyber district, and has also been fined $3,500. If he does not pay the fine his prison sentence will be extended by a further three years.

Under the tribal justice system, the administrative head of a tribal

US special forces caught up with Bin Laden in a quiet Pakistani town last year.

district performs the function of a judge.

Typically, this means a court will often deliver swift justice and does not necessarily follow the regular judicial procedures.

Dr Afridi, who is now being held in jail in Peshawar, was not present in court so was unable to give his side of the story.

The BBC’s Aleem Maqbool in Islamabad says that many outside observers are concerned that most of the people detained since Bin Laden’s killing have been those who were trying to help capture him, rather than those who helped shield him.

In June, Pakistani army officials told the BBC that some suspects were arrested for helping the Americans refuel their helicopters during the raid. Others were detained because they were suspected of firing flares

to guide the helicopters towards the compound.

It is not clear if Dr Afridi knew who the target of the investigation was when the CIA recruited him, or what DNA he managed to collect in the fake hepatitis B vaccination programme.

The idea was to obtain a blood sample from one of the children living in the Abbottabad compound, so that DNA tests could determine whether or not they were relatives of Bin Laden, our correspondent says.

Both US Defence secretary Leon Pannetta and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have said Dr Afridi’s arrest was a mistake and called for his release.

Speaking in January, Mr Panetta said: “Dr Afridi was not in any way treasonous towards Pakistan.

For them to take this kind of action against somebody who was helping to go after terrorism, I just think is a real mistake on their part.”

The conviction of Shakil Afridi is likely to further strain US-Pakistan tensions, which have been rocky since the killing of Osama Bin Laden, the BBC’s Orla Guerin in Islamabad says.

More recently, the issue of drone strikes and Pakistan’s refusal to re-open Nato supply routes to Afghanistan have made for a particularly uneasy relationship between the two allies, she says.

Russia tests secret missile after NATO shield launched

A NEW intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) so secret it has no name yet has been successfully tested in Russia, the defence ministry says.

The new weapon is designed to penetrate NATO’s European missile defence shield, Russian defence sources told the Interfax news agency.

The test came days after NATO said its system had reached “interim operational capability”.

The missile carried a dummy warhead and was fired 6,000km (3,730 miles).

It was reportedly the second test of the missile, the first in September having failed. The test came days after NATO activated its new missile shield in Europe.

The alliance announced the new ballistic missile defence system had reached “interim operational capability”.

Moscow has accused NATO of seeking to undermine its nuclear deterrent but the alliance says its shield is aimed at potential rogue states like Iran.

A mobile launcher on the Plesetsk range fired the new missile at 10:15 (06:15 GMT) on Wednesday, defence ministry spokesman Col Vadim Koval said.

The new missile is a successor to ICBMs like the Topol-M.

The warhead was delivered successfully to its designated area on the Kura range on Kamchatka, he added.

A military source quoted by Interfax said the new ICBM used a “new type of fuel that helps reduce the time required to operate the propellants in the active stage of the rocket’s trajectory”.

Officials believe this makes it more difficult to detect and easier to

manoeuvre.

Interfax said the weapon also features individual warheads that can change course to avoid being shot down.

“This is one of the... measures being developed by Russia’s military and political leadership in response to the US deployment of a global anti-missile system,” former strategic forces director Viktor Yesin told Interfax.

32

Job Listings Services Auto sales real estate Ward’s Consultancy Acting on behalf of our clients Complete Construction Ltd., Hillview Boutique, Coyaba Restaurant

1 Waitress 1 Labourer 1 Domestic Worker

Classifieds TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

FAST SALE

FOR RENT

Applicant must speak English and must be able to work weekends and public holidays salary $5.50 per hour.

3-bedroom apartment $1100.00 per month it will be available May 1st.

Contact: 332-5533

contact: 946-4664

6696

FOR SALE

1.3 Acres Of Land Ocean Drive, Turtle Tail Semi-Hilltop

May 26 – June 1, 2012

946-4664 Fax: 946-4661

Email: tcnews@tciway.tc

Website: tcweeklynews.com

STUDIO APARTMENT FOR RENT

$225,000 o.n.o.

$650.00 per month Gated Community Furnished

CONTACT: 231-3788

Contact: 231-3788

Construction scaffold and roof tiles for sale CONTACT: 431-1591 OR 231-3788

May 26 - June 1, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS 33

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

JOB OPPORTUNITIES Ocean Club Resorts IS LOOKING FOR QUALIFIED, EXPERIENCED APPLICANTS FOR SEVERAL POSITIONS AS DETAILED BELOW.

GARDENER

Must be physically capable of hard manual outdoor labour. Previous experience preferred.

GARDENING SUPERVISOR

Requires experienced individual able to keep up a physically demanding pace and manage a multi-national team. Must be fluent in English and Creole.

HOUSEKEEPER/ROOM ATTENDANT

Will assist the Housekeeping Department in maintaining cleaning standards in a luxury condominium resort setting. Must have previous experience.

All applicants must be able to present a clean Police Record if offered a position. Starting wage for all positions is $5.00 per hour, commensurate with experience. Individuals must be willing to work holidays and weekends on a flexible schedule dictated by business demands. Ability to speak English is essential.

Please drop off resumes at the Ocean Club Front Desk, to the attention of the Human Resource Manager, or via email to diane@oceanclubresorts.tc

Preference will be given to experienced and qualified Belongers.

Only those receiving an interview will be contacted.

6684

Government Vacancy

RADAR OPERATOR – LEVEL 2 + TECHNICAL

REPAIR SHOP MECHANIC REQUIREMENTS: • Certified in combustion engines • Must have excellent written and oral communication in English • Certified in electrical systems • Must have a minimum of 7 years experience in 2 and 4 cycle engines • Must have a high school graduate • Must have a minimum of 7 years experience in diesel and gasoline engines

• Must hold a valid TCI drivers license • Must be computer literate • Must have at least 7 years experience in repairing electrical tools • Must be able to work holidays and weekends • must have a clean police record • must have knowledge of OSHA • must have 2 written work references Salary $400 per week

Applicants will be submitted to extensive testing and background checks to confirm above criteria. Deadline for submission of applicants with resumes and references June 1st, 2012

Submit to: info@ptsequipment.net

6678

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!! the largest readership in the turks & caicos

Government Vacancy RADAR OPERATOR – LEVEL 1

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The post holder should possess a marine qualification showing seagoing experience plus ability to read and interpret marine charts. Must have mathematical and English written language education to a senior high school level. Must have a good to excellent command of oral and written English. Proficiency in oral French and/or Spanish would be beneficial. Certificate of electronics proficiency from a recognized institute.

The post holder should possess a marine qualification showing seagoing experience plus ability to read and interpret marine charts. Must have mathematical and English written language education to a senior high school level. Must have a good to excellent command of oral and written English. Proficiency in oral French and/or Spanish would be beneficial.

The post holder will ideally possess a minimum of two (2) years experience in a mix of seagoing and shore side marine communications roles involving Ship or Port operations and possibly including Vessel Traffic Services (VTS); Search and Rescue (SAR); or Marine Police or Border Security experience with two (2) years minimum experience. Able to work effectively in a team oriented environment. Must be computer literate including Microsoft OS – XP Pro. Windows 7 and Officer programs; WORD, Excel, Outlook, Explorer. Two (2) years experience in maintenance of microwave and/or radar systems including trouble analysis and routine testing and repairs.

The post holder will ideally possess a minimum of two (2) years experience in a mix of seagoing and shore side marine communications roles involving Ship or Port operations and possibly Search and Rescue (SAR); or Marine Police or Border Security experience with two (2) years minimum experience. Able to work effectively in a team oriented environment. Must be computer literate including Microsoft OS – XP Pro, Windows 7 and Office programs; WORD, Excel, Outlook, Explorer.

SALARY $27,000 PER ANNUM

For more information on the Job Description, please contact the Human Resource Management Directorate Telephone 649-946-2801 Extension: 10318, Facsimile: 649-946-1582, E-mail: recruitment@gov.tc. All resumes should be addressed to Mr. Mark Greenway, Director of the Human Resource Management Directorate, Church Folly, Grand Turk. Resumes must include applicants current contact information and be accompanied by two letters of reference and a police certificate. Serving Officers should apply through their Heads of Department.

For more information on the Job Description, please contact the Human Resource Management Directorate Telephone 649-946-2801 Extension: 10318, Facsimile: 649946-1582, E-mail: recruitment@gov.tc . All resumes should be addressed to Mr. Mark Greenway, Director of the Human Resource Management Directorate, Church Folly, Grand Turk. Resumes must include applicants current contact information and be accompanied by two letters of reference and a police certificate. Serving Officers should apply through their Heads of Department.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 5th June 2012 ONLY SUITABLE CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 5th June 2012 ONLY SUITABLE CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED

An exciting opportunity awaits you for the post of Radar Operator Level 2 in the Ministry of Border Control and Labour. Under the direction of the Radar Supervisor, Ministry of Border Control the post holder is responsible for monitoring, analyzing and reporting radar activity indicated by the Turks and Caicos Coastal Radar system plus taking action to inform the appropriate agency. Tracks radar targets and prepares reports of activities. Communicates with appropriate agency to analyze speed, heading, likely destination and other tracking, etc. information of selected radar targets. Performs technical maintenance on a scheduled and “as required” basis. Other technical duties may include performs routine tests on radar sub systems, computers and support equipment. Works on a rotating 24 hour shift including statutory holidays. Compiles clear, concise incident reports in written form and within a limited time frame. The post holder must be an analytical thinker able to deal with several situations at any one time with confidence and in a calm, methodical manner.

6694

An exciting opportunity awaits you for the post of Radar Operator Level 1 in the Ministry of Border Control and Labour. Under the direction of the Radar Supervisor, Ministry of Border Control the post holder is responsible for monitoring, analyzing and reporting radar activity indicated by the Turks and Caicos Coastal Radar system plus taking action to inform the appropriate agency. Tracks radar targets and prepares reports of activities.

Communicates with appropriate agency to analyze speed, heading, likely destination and other tracking, etc. information of selected radar targets. Works on a rotating 24 hour shift including statutory holidays. Compiles clear concise incident reports in written form and within a limited time frame. The post holder must be an analytical thinker able to deal with several situations at any one time with confidence and in a calm, methodical manner.

SALARY $23,000 PER ANNUM

6693

34 CLASSIFIEDS GRACE BAY SUITES Is looking to fill the following positions:

THE PINNACLE ON GRACE BAY Is looking to fill the following positions:

• Cleaners • Maids • Life guard • Masseuse • Beach/ Pool Attendants • Bartenders • Front Desk Manager • Part-time & live-in positions available immediately Please deliver resume with salary expectations to Front Desk preference will be given to qualified Belongers

2 Labourers 2 Domestic Workers Must be willing to work 6 days a week including weekends and holidays Salary $7.50 per hour

Contact: 941-7366

6373

6689

DISTRICT CONSTABLE

Is looking for a

Mechanic

Seeks a

Stone Mason

Must have at least 5 years experience and have a valid driver’s license. Must be able to work 6 days per week salary $10.00 per hour

Contact: 946-7139 or 241-4794 6685

Must have 5 years experience. Must be willing to work weekends and public holidays. Salary $6.00 per hour

Contact: 332-6364

6680

Experienced Senior Litigation Paralegal required to act as Paralegal to litigation partner with appropriate experience and qualifications.

Must demonstrate experience and knowledge of having dealt independently with all matters relating to contentious practice, litigation, employment law dispute resolution and alternative dispute resolution. Must have excellent communication skills, both written and oral and be capable of production of documents and forms as required. Must have vehicle and clean driving record. The applicant must be able to work overtime when required due to case urgency. References will be required.

DISTRICT CONSTABLES

WANTED

Remuneration based on experience – commencing $40k per annum.

Belongers only need apply.

Want to give something back to your community? Then have you considered taking up a challenging role as a District Constable? As a District Constable, you will work on the frontline of the police force, providing a visible and reassuring presence on the streets to reduce crime and provide community reassurance.

Apply to the Managing Partner P O Box 260, Beatrice Butterfield Building Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Fax (649) 946-4663. Email: mslaw@tciway.tc

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police extend the opportunity to serve your community by becoming a District Constable within the Police Force on the island of Providenciales.

6695

PRECIOUS TREASURES DAYCARE, PRE AND PRIMARY SCHOOL

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Invites applications from suitably qualified persons to fill the following positions:

Providing a police presence in the community Assist in Courts duties and procedure Take reports and support victims of crime Assist with prisoners and detainees Regulate traffic and crowd control Assist in maintaining the functioning of various police stations

PRESCHOOL TEACHER

Qualification: • A Teaching Diploma or Degree from a recognized institution with emphasis on Early Childhood education • At least Five years experience in similar position • Mature and possess a caring and loving disposition • Clean Police record

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA FOR ROLE: • • • • • • • • • • •

CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

PELICAN CAR RENTALS / CLIFFORD GARDINER

EXPERIENCED SENIOR LITIGATION PARALEGAL WANTED

ROYAL TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS POLICE

• • • • • •

May 26 - June 1, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Must be self motivated and a person that thrives on challenges Have high regard for the laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands Must be self disciplined and have a professional attitude Have a willingness to serve unselfishly Be Team oriented Possess good written and oral communication skills The holder of a clean police record Must be between the ages 21 to 60 Must reside on the island employed to work Must be physically fit Must not be a member of Legislative Counsel or otherwise exempted from serving on a jury under the provisions of the Jury Ordinance.

PRESCHOOL TEACHER ASSISTANT CLEANERS:

• Person to keep the classroom and toilets clean at all times • Be willing to work until late evenings and on non school days if required

COOK:

SALARY:

• Person will be responsible to prepare daily lunches for the students and teachers • Candidate should possess a valid drivers license

• $21,600.00 per annum We are seeking 7 qualifying candidates. If this opportunity interest you and you want to make a difference in your community please submit your application without delay to:

LABOURER:

• Person will be responsible to maintain the school surroundings and do minor repairs and maintenance

Miss. Juliet Arthur or Sgt. Curvalene Skippings Human Resource Department Police Headquarters Church Folly, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands Telephone: 649-946-2371 ext 30315 / 30312. Fax: (649) 946 - 2099

Please apply in writing with full resume to:

The Administrator Precious Treasures School P.O. Box 293. Providenciales

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 1st June 2012

Applications should reach no later than June 15th, 2012 6683

May 26 - June 1, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS 35

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

MAGNOLIA RESTAURANT

is looking for a fabulous

Part-Time Receptionist To work 3-5 days per week. Please do not respond to this ad unless you meet the following requirements: high school diploma or higher, able to speak, read and write English fluently, must have terrific phone and people skills and be available on weekends and holidays, must have own car with a clean drivers license You will also be assisting the owner with clerical duties and general managing of the day to day activities

Please send your resume to relax@spatropique.com by June 7th, 2012 pay is hourly and based on experience level

6679

is looking for a

Dishwasher To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 941-5108

ADVERTISING DEADLINE FOR ALL ADS IS 5:00 PM WEDNESDAY CALL 946-4664 OR EMAIL tcnews@tciway.tc

6659

SPA TROPIQUE

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Television Journalist Perioperative

Nurse Manager

People’s Television Ltd. (PTV8); an emerging Television Station in the Turks and Caicos Islands is looking for a Journalist.

Job Summary: The manager is accountable for ensuring excellence in the provision of perioperative patient care within the surgical suites (Operating Rooms)of Cheshire Hall and Cockburn Town Medical Centres, Turks and Caicos islands, BWI

The successful candidate will be involved in news reporting and feature writing, as well as blogging, video interviews, podcasts and other evolving journalistic disciplines. This cutting-edge position has prospects for progression to a more senior role. The ideal applicant will be an experienced journalist looking for their next career step. You will have an eye for fresh and exciting story ideas and a thorough knowledge of Television Journalism.

• Provides leadership for clinical practice by seeking out and identifying best practices in patient care ensuring the appropriate structures, system processes and culture are in place to facilitate development of a best practice model of care.

The person we seek must have • Strong feature writing and news skills.

• A curious mind, will power, an aptitude for presenting information in a precise, concise and effective manner.

• He/she should also be able to arrange thoughts and express them clearly in both forms of communications- written as well as oral.

• Your job will be to report with speed, clarity and accuracy. The intellect to distinguish a story and objectivity will be very important in this role.

• You must also have the ability to read between the lines and explain the news on the basis of your understanding

• Is well versed in and ensures compliance with ORNAC / AORN perioperative nursing practice standards, keeping delivery of exemplary perioperative patient care the main focus within the department • Facilitates and directs the development, implementation and evaluation of unit specific goals and objectives, standards and policies ensuring consistency with the established standards and objectives of the services within Interhalth Canada.

• Provides leadership and direction for operations, management, utilization, risk management and quality improvement within the surgical suites (Operating Rooms)

Besides impeccable writing skills, you would: • Participate in the conceptualization of new and creative ideas with the team.

• Be involved in all aspects of creative copywriting for assigned projects.

• Have an attention to details and proofreading skills.

• Be able to work independently or in a team.

• Be able to work fast and keep within deadlines.

• Maintains fiscal accountability for personnel, space and facilities, plus overall accountability for the requisition, care and maintenance of unit inventory, equipment and supplies.

• Indentifies staff development and training needs and ensures that training is provided.

• Oversees planning, scheduling and organization of work with the department ensuring proper distribution and delegation of assignments and efficient utilization of resources.

The journalist should be persistent, confident, and flexible with high emotional intelligence, as well as being able to accept negative remarks and work past minor setbacks. The journalist should also be able to travel frequently to gather news and cover events, may be required to work under all kinds of weather conditions and erratic work hours.

• Oversee various personnel actions including, but not limited to, hiring, performance appraisals, disciplinary actions, terminations and other related activities.

• Participate in the development of the clinical areas’ strategic and operational plans

The applicant should also possess: • Diploma or degree in Journalism/Mass Communications/English Language • At least 4 years of relevant experience • A flair and passion for writing and reporting • Good written and spoken English • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills • A second language is an added bonus • A good team-player for a growing News Production team • Pro-active and able to work independently • Knowledge of PC applications a must

Requirements • Bachelor of Nursing degree from an accredited nursing school required • Current RN licensure in home country required; BLS required • Demonstrates recent experience in a modern perioperative setting • Must be eligible for licensure in the Turks and Caicos • Minimum 5 years experience in a perioperative setting; with • Minimum of 3 years previous leadership experience in perioperative setting required.

Salary circa U$40,000 per annum dependant on qualifications and experience. Belongers are encouraged to apply.

An attractive salary is offered and will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant.

Please forward CVs with email and telephone contacts to pnicholson@ interhealthcanada.tc the closing date for applications is 21st May 2012.

If you feel you have what it takes; please send CV to info@ptv8tci.com or P.O. Box 230, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

6657

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

6642

Sales Person Security Officer Must be willing to work 6 days per week.

Salary commensurate with experience

Resumes can be dropped off at Coco Bistro or contact: 946-5368

domestic worker Working hours: 8am-4pm with some weekends when called upon. Salary is based on experience. Send resumes to P.O. Box 97

Maintenance

Worker

6664

to work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

Is looking for a

Please call 232-4030 Chloe

6676

contact: 231-1199

Bartender To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

contact: 247-0187

6626

FULL-TIME MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST REQUIRED

WELDER AND MACHINIST WANTED!!!

ARE YOU A BELONGER AND A CERTIFIED WELDER? WE NEED YOU!!!!

• • • • •

If you are capable in the following please contact us!

Requirements/Responsibilities: • Lay out, fit and fabricate metal components to assemble structural forms using knowledge of welding techniques, metallurgy and engineering components • Analyze sample parts, blueprints, engineering drawings and specifications to plan welding operations • Remain in a standing position for extended periods of time.

• Experienced in SMAW / GMAW / GTAW & oxy-fuel welding / cutting • 5 years experience required

Good interpersonal skills Dependable with at least 4 years of post qualification experience Maintaining confidentiality at all times Performing phlebotomy Experience in performing all basic medical laboratory tests

Minimum education requirements: • Must have a Bachelors Degree in Medical Technology • Eligible for registration with the Health Practitioners board of the Turks & Caicos Islands • Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience

Send CV and certificates in confidence email: neffer.malcolm@gmail.com

Wages starting at $300/week and may vary depending on skill Machinist Requirements/Responsibilities:

CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANT

• Mechanical – Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Mathematics – Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Design fixtures, tooling, and experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.

• Calculate dimensions and tolerances using knowledge of mathematics and instruments such as micrometers and vernier calipers.

• Machine parts to specifications using machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, shapers or grinders.

• Study sample parts, blue prints, drawings, and engineering information in order to determine methods and sequences of operations needed to fabricate products and determine product dimensions and tolerances.

• Observe and listen to operating machines or equipment in order to diagnose machine malfunctions and to determine need for adjustments or repairs.

• 5 years experience required

• University degree from a recognized institution • At least ten years experience as an accountant in a senior capacity • Certification as a CPA, CMA, CA, ACCA or similar • Experience with Peachtree Accounting, Mic Manager, Microsoft Office • Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience • Closing date for application: June 15, 2012 Applicants should please send detailed CV with the names of two referees to

6667

Interested applicants call 941-5802 or apply in writing to email: tibor@express.tc or fax 941-5803

To work 6 days per week. Salary $6.00 per hour.

Contact: 241-2050

Domestic Worker is looking for a

Labourer

Must be able to live in full time.

Take care of elderly lady and also 2 dogs. Must be fluent in English, speaking and writing.

Is looking for a

MANGO BAR & RESTAURANT

DORN FULFORD

house keeper

ELDON RODRIGUEZ GARCIA

To work 6 days per week salary $5.00 per hour.

6675

6668

Needed a full time resident

Is looking for a

contact: 247-1377

Labourer Must have a clean police record.

Must be willing to work on holidays, weekends and any hours given by the manager. Must be able to carry our duties given out by manager. Salary starting $5-$6 per hour. Deadline for applications is June 8th, 2012.

6670

Deadline for applications is June 8th, 2012

Is seeking a

6661

Is looking for the following persons:

Send resumes to P.O. Box 778.

BLUE PARROT LTD.

Is looking for a

6673

COCO BISTRO

COMPUTER LINE

CLEVELAND SIMONS

May 26 - June 1, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

6662

36 CLASSIFIEDS

Barbara Virgil, Human Resource Manager, Meridian Trust Company Limited, via fax (649) 941-3223 or email to Barbara@meridiantrust.tc

6670

May 26 - June 1, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS 37

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

CAMPBELL’S BUILDING & SUPPLIES

CARIBBEAN ENERGY

We manufacture locally and on site, supply and install Standing seam metal roof Custom metal flashing Gutters For New construction or renovation

To work 6 days per week. Salary $10.00 per hour.

JUNE SPECIAL

Gutroof@express.tc 649-441-1033. 649-243-1033

6688

Gutters starting at $5.00 per ft + installation Including 3x4 aluminum downspout and elbows Call or email us for a FREE QUOTE

PADI Dive Instructor required The successful candidate will have:

• MSDT PADI Master Dive Instructor certification • Mature and flexible attitude • Experience in a resort type environment, ideally in the Caribbean • Excellent written and spoke English • Excellent references

Candidates should apply in writing, including a cover letter, resume and references to info@bohioresort.com 6686

Contact (649) 941-8760

@@ To work 6 days per week. Salary ranging from $7.00 to $8.00 per hour. @@ Applicants must be willing to work on weekends and holidays. @@ Perspective applicants must have experience in hair styling.

Please submit applications to

6682

Snack Spot, Old Airport Road Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

6661

ADVERTISE

IN THIS SPACE!

vacancy

ONLY

HIS/Telehealth Administrator

$33 PER WEEK

Interhealth Canada have a vacancy for the above position commencement date 1 Sept 2012. The responsibilities of the position are as follows:-

CALL 946-4664

Bohio Dive Resort is recruiting for the following position:

HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR members *Strong communication skills *Ability to conduct training *Experience with stock / inventory control *Long hours required 7am 10pm and weekends

6687

Candidates should apply in writing, including a cover letter, resume and references to info@bohioresort.com

The Leeward Resort and Marina

is preparing to upgrade it’s facilities. When finished, it will be the premier Marina of TCI. We’re now looking for the

MARINA GENERAL MANAGER / DOCK MASTER The applicant must possess the following: • 3 years experience as a Marina General Manager/Assistant Manager • 3 years experience as a yacht Captain on a vessel greater than 65 feet • 3 years experience as Harbour/Dock Master • At least 10 years of experience in maritime operations to include marina operations, yacht operations, and harbor/marina

Is looking to employ a

MECHANIC Hair Stylist Is looking for a

“Your metal roof and gutter specialists”

The successful candidate must have: *Must have minimum 2 years experience in supervision of hotel housekeeping * International experience *Ability to supervise, train, motivate and mentor team

B’S BEAUTY BOX

administrative services • Bachelor’s degree in Business/ Management required - MBA degree desired • Intimately familiar with the laws and ordinances of marina operations for the Turks and Caicos Islands • Knowledgeable on all aspects of environmental controls to ensure marina meets environmental standards

Belongers need only apply.

Please Submit Detailed Application to: P.O. Box 270 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!

• Analyse and resolve HIS/PACS/RIS and Telehealth problems logged by users (by phone, email and fault logs) or route them onwards as necessary (e.g. 3rd party support companies), ensuring that normal service is restored to users within minimum timescale.

• To proactively monitor and support HIS infrastructure including servers, backups, database and Telehealth equipment.

• Assist in identifying potential problems, design, and implement changes to prevent these from occurring.

• Assist in the release of HIS/LIS/RIS/PACS specific server and application software upgrades and patches.

• To provide advice and guidance to employees on the use of IT systems and services.

• To carry out testing of hardware and software proposed for use within IHC TCI, with particular attention to supportability.

• To participate in in-service training schemes to ensure knowledge is dissipated within the team and co-ordinate calls requiring second line support with other members of the support team or Snooki expecting a baby boy external suppliers • To undertake continuing professional development through research and attendance at events e.g. training courses/seminars, and participate in continuing dialogue with colleagues to maintain knowledge of latest developments, products and emerging technologies, suggesting where they may be used to improve services, and disseminating such knowledge to users where required.

• Assist in production of KPI’s, statistics and reports from the various hospital information systems.

• To ensure users gain maximum benefit from IT systems by ensuring that installed equipment is working to its optimum performance. To ensure that installed equipment conforms to current legislation regarding health etc.

• To identify equipment within the organisation that would benefit from being replaced.

• To facilitate in-house training sessions with users on all IT systems and to highlight to the IM&T manager individuals that may require further training. To inform users, as required, of the requirement of the IT security policies and data protection and to notify the IM&T Manager when these policies have been breached.

• Implements and manages technical documentation for all systems including but not limited to system architecture, server configuration, HIS systems LIS systems and Telehealth.

• Implements and manages DR (Disaster Recovery) and BC (Business Continuity) solutions for all technical systems at both hardware and software level.

Performs other professional duties as may be assigned within his/her scope and ability.

Required • Academic degree; industry-specific qualification or Technical level in computer, business or quantitative field such as: Computer Science, Business, Operations, Mathematics or Education Desired Certified Teacher • A minimum of 5 years teacher/training experience.

Experience of teaching/training within a healthcare environment.

6690

and enjoy the Widest circulation in tci

TC Islanders with suitable qualifications and experience are encouraged to apply.

The salary range is circa U$33,000 dependant on qualifications and experience. The closing date is 8th June 2012 and applicants are requested to email CVs including a contact number and email to pnicholson@interhealthcanada.tc .

6691

38 CLASSIFIEDS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 26 - June 1, 2012

Richmond Hill Preparatory School

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Veranda is currently seeking qualified candidates that have the requirements listed along with an outgoing professional manner. Our ideal candidates must love to work with different types of people, meet challenges with a positive attitude and live the standards of our organization.

Director of Finance

Kids Club Coordinator

Reports to the General Manager and the Chief Financial Officer. Supervises all members of the Accounting Department, provides functional guidance to Executive Committee and Department Heads, interact with hotel’s legal counsel, insurance companies, tax consultants, auditors, commercial and government banks to effectively control the assets of the business and to provide business support.

Assume the overall responsibility for all aspects of the kid’s club program including both day and night time activities.

Food & Beverage Manager The Food and Beverage Manager is responsible for the organization, coordination and administration of the Food and Beverage Department, to ensure compliance with Veranda’s standards, policies and procedures, maintaining the highest level of customer service.

Requirements: • 5 star Food & Beverage experience with at least 5 years as restaurant manager in a luxury resort.

• Caribbean experience considered an asset.

• Degree in hospitality desirable.

• International experience and multi-lingual to assist our International clientele would be an asset.

• Knowledge of fine wines.

• Must be competent with Microsoft Office and experience with Micros considered a plus.

• Energetic, positive visionary leader, dedicated to motivating and developing team members.

• Assists with strategy, budgeting, cost management and delivering on objectives.

• Exceptional communication and customer service skills and lives the standard of the organization.

Primary Education College- trained teacher with a minimum of 8 years experience.

Applicant must possess a first degree or higher and be creative and hardworking SALARY NEGOTIABLE Contact: Richmond Hill Prep. School 6 Richmond Hill Road, Providenciales 946-4957. richhillprep@yahoo.com Applications must be in no later than May 29, 2012

6677

ELIZABETH ROLLE Seeks a

Live-In Housekeeper

Requirements: • At least 3 years experience as a children’s program supervisor preferably in a hotel environment.

• Pleasant outgoing personality.

• Excellent communication, leadership and training skills required to develop confidence and initiative in young staff.

• The ability to work in a demanding environment that frequently requires 6 day work weeks.

• A background in child care would be an asset.

• Knowledge of educational programs and early learning instruments

To work in North Caicos salary $5.00 per hour

contact: 246-1848 6681

Servers

Position available for

Store manager

• Set tables according to resort standards, • Provide a warm welcome to all patrons, and seat guests to maximize efficiency; • Complete all assigned side duties and keep all storage areas clean and organized.

• Team oriented • Have good oral communications skills • Flexible to work 7 days a week - shifts from 2pm • Ability to work under pressure during busy periods

• Experience required of the same for 7 years in jewelry, watches, perfumes, clothing, souvenirs.

• Willing to work on Sundays and holidays.

Houseman

Please contact Ms. Pramila Patel @332-4101

• Responds and delivers requests for towels, bathroom amenities, blankets, etc.

• Delivers clean linen/terry to floor closets and stock them properly • Picks up garbage, dirty linen/terry and place them in the designated areas • Cleans and maintains all public areas, fixtures, windows, storage areas, ledges, rails, elevators etc.

• Must be able to push and pull heavy carts and able to lift 50lbs.

• Must be willing to work shifts, weekends and public holidays

6665

Requirements: • Bachelor of Business, Accounting, Finance or Commerce.

• Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) qualifications preferred.

• 5 – 10 years experience in hospitality accounting • Excellent knowledge of hotel accounting software(s).

• Knowledge of hotel reservations system(s).

• Knowledge of hotel point of sales system(s).

• Strong IT skills • Negotiation and effective presentation skills

TEACHER NEEDED

Two-bed house

for rent

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience

Phase one Priton Developments, Wheeland Fully furnished, beautifully maintained, substantially improved.

Fully fenced-in yard, hurricane shutters. $900 a month (1 month’s rent required for deposit) Professionals only please.

Interested persons may contact our Human Resource Manager No later than May 8, 2012 Email: deleria.simms@verandatci.com Or hand deliver to our office at Veranda Resort and Residences Princess Dr. Lower Bight, Providenciales

Also taking purchase offers over $155,000 2012

Call 245 6620 or email gemmahandy@gmail.com

May 26 - June 1, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Qualified PADI/NAUI SCUBA

Instructors Needed

Successful candidate will be a PADI MSDT with current membership and insurance, resort operations experience including advanced level instruction, dive accident management, compressor maintenance, equipment and engine maintenance and repair. Captain’s license and STCW95 qualification preferred, or applicant must be willing to train.

This is a tourism related job and will include all aspects of the company’s daily routine including but not limited to, teaching all levels of instruction, guiding dives, boat and vehicle operations and working the front office. The work schedule will include weekends, public holidays and occasional night dives.

Starting Salary $380 - $500 per week based on experience and qualifications. Contact David Volkert at 946-4232 or info@ provoturtledivers.com Positions available starting June 8, 2012. Please submit applications before June 1, 2012

6674

VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY!!

the largest readership in the turks & caicos

CLASSIFIEDS 39

NOTICE OF SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION 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 61109/4 Long Bay Hills Providenciales, comprising of a single storey residence containing two bedrooms one bathroom, a kitchen, living and dining room.

Registered Proprietor: Rickandro Samarl Lightbourne 2. Parcel 60900/226 - Leeward Going Through Providenciales, comprising of a single storey residence containing three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, living and dining room, and external deck.

Registered Proprietor: Oscar Keith Talbot and Florinda Louise Talbot 3. Parcel 10308/42 Central, Grand Turk, comprising of a two storey residence with a single one bedroom one bathroom guest unit located on the ground floor. The upper floor comprises of two bedrooms with two large walk in closets, one bathroom and a laundry closet.

Registered Proprietor: Kendle Berdette Williams and Tanya Doreen Cox

GOVERNMENT VACANCY STRATEGIC PLANNING AND POLICY UNIT

PROJECT ECONOMIST SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONBILITIES:

4. Parcel 60906/100/K1, Leeward Going Through Providenciales, comprising of a two storey three bedroom, two bathroom condominium providing two ensuite bedrooms to the ground floor with open plan living room, dining room and kitchen, complete with enclosed private deck. The second floor is accessed by an access ladder and provides the third dormer style bedroom.

Registered Proprietor: Nicholas Anthony Raymakers and Indhira Beatriz Castillo Hiraldo 5. Parcel 10104/42, North East Suburbs, Grand Turk, comprising of a single storey residence containing four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen, living and dining room, and utility closet.

Registered Proprietor: Lorraine Marcella Elizabeth-Ann Kenlock-Bovell and Weston Edward Livingston Bovell 6. Parcel 60811/23 The Bight & Thomas Stubbs Providenciales, comprising of a single storey residence containing three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, living and dining room.

Registered Proprietor: Oleta Louise Robinson

An exciting opportunity awaits you in the Turks & Caicos Islands Government Service for the post of Project Economist. The successful incumbent in this position would be responsible for playing a leading role in the preparation, implementation and monitoring of the Capital and Development Budgets and the analyses of all major public and private investment projects. He / She will also be expected to work closely with the Budget Department of the Ministry of Finance and Tourism, Trade on both annual budgets and forecasts of up to five (5) years, and tying together capital forecasts with development policies and plans. He/ She will also work closely with the Government’s Inward Investment Unit. Duties will include the analysis of the recurrent cost implications of public capital investments; Linkages between the capital budget, development fund and recurrent budget will also need to be assessed.

7. Parcel 60604/17 Norway and Five Cays Providenciales, comprising of a single storey residence containing four bedrooms, two and a half baths, a kitchen, living and dining room. The house provides good elevation giving excellent views towards the ocean.

Registered Proprietor: Timothy Moriah Nash and Delores Oleta Rigby Nash 8. Parcel 10409/96 East Suburbs Grand Turk, comprising of a single storey residence containing three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, living and dining room.

Registered Proprietor: Vanessa Denise Forbes 9. Parcel 60503/123 Blue Hills & Stamers Run Providenciales, comprising of a single storey residence containing four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, living and dining room with exterior patio.

Registered Proprietor: Vylma Patricia Scriven

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE The position requires the incumbent to have a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics or Public Finance or other related discipline and five (5) years experience. A Master’s Degree would be an asset. The incumbent must also possess a sound understanding of project or investment analysis including economic cost and benefit analysis.

10. Parcel 60505/228 Blue Hills & Stamers Run Providenciales, comprising of a single storey residential building with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open plan living, dining and kitchen area.

Registered Proprietor: Angela Sharonna Jennings

RENUMERATION PACKAGE: SALARY: $30,024 – 34,992

11. Parcel 60900/170 Leeward Going Through Providenciales, comprising of a single storey residential building with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, living and dining room. There is a two car garage, fencing and an entrance gate to the front of the property.

Registered Proprietor: Floyd Lyndon Ingham and Cherrie Romayne Ingham

Serving officers should apply through their Heads of Department. For persons recruited outside the Turks and Islands a two-year contract is offered. Other benefits offered include a Housing Allowance, Telephone Allowance, an end-of-contract gratuity of fifteen percent of salary; return passage for family of up to two children under the age of sixteen years as well as duty free concession on the shipment of personal effects imported within six months of appointment.

12. Parcel 60907/229/K9 Leeward Going Through, Providenciales, comprising of a two bedroom, two and a half bath townhouse at the Provo Golf Club with a kitchen, living and dining area. The property benefits the view of the first tee and comes with half price golf membership and access to a pool which is shared between 9 units.

Registered Proprietor: Simon Richard Padgett and Lisa Jane Cusack

For more information on the Job Description, please contact the Human Resource Management Directorate; Telephone 649-946-2801, Extension: 10318. All resumes with contact information and two letters of References as well as a Police Certificate should be addressed to the Acting Human Resource Director, Human Resource Management Directorate, Church Folly, Grand Turk. Facsimile: 946-1582 or Email: recruitment@gov.tc

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 1st day of June 2012 A reserve price will be fixed on all parcels. A deposit of 10% is due immediately upon all accepted bids.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 6th 2012

ONLY SUITABLE CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED 6671

Terms and Conditions of Sale by Auction are available by request from Scotiabank Collections Manager (649) 946-4750.

6672

40

May 26 – June 1, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Entertainment

Diamond Jubilee: Arts A-list gathers for the Queen THE QUEEN is meeting hundreds of leading cultural figures at one of the most glittering gatherings of actors, writers and artists the UK has seen.

Sir Derek Jacobi, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Paul McCartney and David Hockney were among the 850 luminaries invited to the reception to mark the Diamond Jubilee.

Bono and Alan Bennett also attended the event at London’s Royal Academy, along with rapper Tinie Tempah.

The Queen is to have her photograph taken with 30 artistic dames.

They will include soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, artist Dame Paula Rego and, from

The Queen will have her photograph taken with 30 artistic dames.

VACANCY LIME requires a

Master External Planner to work in its Providenciales Office

The candidate will be expected to carry out all external plan drawings and engineering duties.

Main duties will include: • Produce and maintain a fundamental network Plan for the Turks & Caicos Islands • Carry out demand forecasts, field surveys and produce Job Orders as per approved CAPEX Program • Oversee all OSP contractual works; i.e. civil, cable works for all OPEX and CAPEX projects • Carry out field surveys and produce Job Orders to alleviate network maintenance problems • Carry out cable pair diversion within the network and prepare diversion schedule as necessary • Produce drawing using CAD software and maintain a drawing record system of all projects and minor works that are assigned to you • Produce Job Orders cost estimates using Lotus & Excel software • Identify new developments & liaise with government departments, architects & developers to ensure that LIME requirements are met • Carry out required field surveys and planning of network implementation The successful candidate will have a proven track record of working within a fast pace competitive telecoms environment; they will demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills and work with minimal to no supervision The successful candidate will be a qualified planner, with a recognized professional qualification (External Plant Planner certificate, Diploma or Degree in Management) and 8-10 years minimum experience.

Negotiable salary and benefits based on qualifications and experience Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter and copies of qualifications to:

The Human Resources Manager LIME P.O. Box 78 Providenciales Turks & Caicos Islands Application deadline is no later than June 8th, 2012 Only applicants selected for an interview will be notified 6680

the acting world, Dames Joan Plowright, Janet Suzman, Diana Rigg and Harriet Walter.

Apple designer Sir Jonathan Ive was invited, just hours after receiving his knighthood.

Among the other wellknown names attending are: Fashion luminaries Dame Vivienne Westwood, Paul Smith, Jasper Conran and Zandra Rhodes, who brought a model dressed in their creations Actors Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson, Maureen Lipman, Joanna Lumley, Tom Courtenay, Richard Briers and Martin Clunes Playwrights Sir Tom Stoppard, Mike Leigh and Sir Ronald Harwood and theatre directors Sir Trevor Nunn, Sir Peter Hall, and Sir Nicholas Hytner Representatives of the arts world Grayson Perry, David Bailey and Sam Taylor-Wood Novelists Julian Barnes, Michael Morpurgo and Philip Pullman Chefs Richard Corrigan, Atul Kochhar and Yotam Ottolenghi, who will offer tastes of their dishes. (BBC)

John Truesdale, a hulking Atlanta masseur, was identified by The News as John Doe No. 2.

Source: John Travolta legal team offered $125,000 to Georgia masseur JOHN Travolta’s legal team offered $125,000 last week to muzzle one of the masseurs who accused the actor of sexual battery, a source told the Daily News.

The “Pulp Fiction” star’s camp allegedly floated the six-figure sum to Atlantabased massage therapist John Truesdale to withdraw his federal lawsuit. And, according to the source close to Truesdale, Team Travolta wanted the accuser to keep his

trap shut.

“That is completely false,” said Travolta’s lawyer, Marty Singer.

The lawyer has repeatedly denied Truesdale’s allegations, calling them “ridiculous.”

He said in a statement last week that Travolta’s accusers wouldn’t be getting a red cent.

“Not one penny has been paid nor do we have any intention to pay any money for these ridiculous and false claims,” Singer said in the statement.

Afghan war book wins Orwell Prize for political writing

A BOOK about the death of a British officer in Afghanistan, once pulped by the Ministry of Defence, has won the Orwell Prize for political writing.

Dead Men Risen, written

by Toby Harnden and published by Quercus, took the prize at a ceremony in Westminster and was the judges’ unanimous choice.

It focuses on the death of Lt Colonel Rupert Thorneloe in 2009.

It was published in amended form after the first print run was destroyed by the MoD. The judges said the book “takes us into the hearts and minds of the Welsh Guards in a way that is both interesting and visceral”.

“It challenges every citizen of this country to examine exactly what we’re asking soldiers to do in Afghanistan,” the panel continued.

“Rather than offering easy answers it lets the soldiers speak for themselves.”

Kayne West leads BET awards with seven nominations.

Kanye West leads BET nominations with Jay-Z and Beyonce KANYE West leads the field at this year’s BET awards with seven nominations.

Musical partner and collaborator Jay-Z also has five while the rapper’s wife Beyonce is up for six.

Jay-Z and West collaborator last year on Watch the Throne and are on tour in the UK together at the moment.

Their songs In Paris and Otis are up for video of the year with Beyonce up for two awards in that category for Love on Top and Countdown.

The fifth nominee is Usher’s Climax.

The BET nominations were

announced in New York.

Samuel L. Jackson will host the award show on 1 July, which will be held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj are due to perform.

Other nominees include Lil Wayne, Drake and J. Cole.

Estelle, Labrinth, Emeli Sande, Sway and Wretch 32 are all nominated in the best international act category with Idris Elba up for best actor.

Last year’s big winner, Chris Brown, is up for three awards this year after picking up four trophies in 2011.

May 26 – June 1, 2012

Entertainment

41

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

X-men comic to feature its first same sex wedding Usher broke down in court.

Usher cries in court during custody battle with ex-wife USHER broke down in court as he gave evidence during a legal battle with his ex-wife over custody of their two sons.

The 33-year-old told the judge that the mother of his children, Tameka Foster Raymond, had spat at his girlfriend and tried to fight her.

He also claimed that his ex-wife hit him during the row.

But he said he hadn’t pressed charges because he “didn’t want the boys to know that their father put their mother in jail”.

The R&B singer, whose full name is Usher Raymond, appeared in the dock at a court in Atlanta, Georgia, on Tuesday (22 May).

He described how his ex-wife

had confronted his girlfriend, Grace Miguel, as she sat in a car parked near to Foster’s home.

“She continued to spit,” he said.

“At this point she pulled the door open, tried to swing at her.”

Tameka Foster Raymond’s attorney claimed that Usher provoked her and that his account was exaggerated.

The singer started to cry when the court was told he’d been partying and using drugs.

The two were married in 2007 and divorced two years later.

Tameka Foster Raymond has since fought for full custody of their two sons while Usher wants more visitation rights. (BBC)

MARVEL comic X-Men is to feature its first same sex wedding after gay character Northstar’s marriage proposal to his boyfriend.

The story begins in the latest issue, Astonishing X-Men #50, which went on sale this week.

The comic sees Jean-Paul Beaubier - whose alter-ego Northstar can move at superhuman speeds - popping the question to Kyle Jinadu.

Their wedding will be featured in the next issue, due out on 20 June.

Some retailers are planning their own wedding parties to celebrate.

Marvel previously broke new ground with Northstar - who has featured in the series since 1979 - by revealing in 1992 that he was gay.

The wedding comes after President Obama became the first sitting US president to publicly support gay marriage.

“The Marvel Universe has always reflected the world outside your window, so we strive to make sure our characters, relationships and stories are grounded in that reality,” Marvel Comics’ editor in chief Axel Alonso said.

“We’ve been working on this story for over a year to ensure Northstar and Kyle’s wedding reflects Marvel’s ‘world outside your window’ tradition.”

Jean-Paul and Kyle - who does not have superhuman powers - have been together since 2009.

Yet Marvel have hinted there may not be a happy ending for the couple.

“Will their path to wedded matrimony in New York City be smooth, or are there hidden dangers around the corner?” they ask in the official wedding announcement.

Even if everything goes as planned, Northstar will not be the first gay character to have had a same sex wedding in the comic book world.

In 2002, the DC Wildstorm comic The Authority featured a same sex marriage between its characters Apollo and The Midnighter.

Cuban surrealist Wifredo Lam fetches record price Snooki and fiancé Jionni La Valle.

Snooki expecting a baby boy WHEN Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi delivers her first child this fall, she and fiancé Jionni LaValle will be the proud parents of a bouncing baby boy.

The reality star revealed the news in the new issue of In Touch Weekly, the cover for which she donned a blue dress, perhaps for the occasion.

The couple, who confirmed they’re expecting in March, already have two names under consideration: Jionni Jr. and Lorenzo.

But while everyone else guessed that Snooki was going to welcome a boy, the 24-year-old herself was hoping for a girl.

“I thought it was going to be a girl,” she told In Touch. “I was hoping it would be, because all girls

want girls.”

While she may have been disappointed at first, “It’s still my baby no matter what,” she said. “I’m excited either way!”

But one thing she’s not excited for anymore is “smushing,” thanks to her pregnancy.

“Our sex life is hardly there!” she (over?) shared. “I just feel too icky and gross.”

The reality star is also still passing on partying, and it sounds like that’ll extend even after her little one arrives in September.

As hard to believe as it may be that she’s no longer the fist-pumping hard drinker depicted on “Jersey Shore,” “Being a mom changes you,” Snooki explained.

A PAINTING by Cuban surrealist artist Wifredo Lam fetched a record personal price at a Latin American art sale at auctioneers Sotheby’s in New York.

An unnamed South American collector paid $4.5m (£2.9m) for Lam’s 1944 Idol (Oya/Divinite de l’Air et de la mort), well above the $2m-3m guide price.

Demand was also high for Venezuelan artists, such as Armando Reveron.

But Diego Rivera’s 1939 painting Girl in Blue and White, considered the main attraction, remained unsold.

The work by the Mexican artist had been expected to sell at a price between $4m and $6m.

In contrast, Lam’s piece, which had been in private hands since 1947, sold for more than double the previous top price for his paintings.

An Afro-Cuban, Lam died in 1982 and was heavily influenced both by surrealism and by santeria, an AfroCaribbean religion based on Yoruba and Roman Catholic beliefs.

Wednesday’s auction, with sales

Lam was heavily influenced by surrealism and santeria.

totalling $21.8m, was Sotheby’s best result for an evening sale of Latin American art to date.

It follows a similar sale at Christie’s, another auction house, on Tuesday that set 33 individual records for artists from the region, with total sales of $27.7m. (BBC)

Northstar (left) and Kyle (right) have been a couple since 2009.

Elton John was briefly hospitalised with a serious respiratory infection.

Elton John told to rest for a week after hospitalisation ELTON John has been hospitalised for a serious respiratory infection ... and it has temporarily derailed his concerts ... TMZ has learned.

Elton checked into CedarsSinai Hospital in L.A. at 6 AM Wednesday. John underwent a battery of tests, after which the doctors recommended that he not perform for seven days. He was told he needed “complete rest and antibiotic treatment to prevent damage.”

The singer had to cancel 4 concerts scheduled this weekend in Las Vegas.

Elton tells TMZ, “It feels strange not to be able to perform these ‘Million Dollar Piano’ concerts at the Colosseum ... I love performing the show and I will be thrilled when we return to the Colosseum in October to complete the 11 concerts.”

42

Sports International

May 26 – June 1, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Bolt not concerned about Dwain Chambers USAIN Bolt said he has no qualms about competing against Dwain Chambers ahead of this Friday’s 100m showdown.

The pair could face each other at London 2012 after Chambers won the right to compete at the Games when a by-law that banned drug cheats from competing at Olympics was overturned.

“Rules are rules,” Olympic and world champion Bolt told BBC Radio 5 live .

“If the rules say it’s OK for him to come back then who am I to complain.

There are rules for a reason.”

The 25-year-old added: “I’m just focused on whoever is beside me in a race and I’ll compete at my best.”

Friday’s 100m race in Ostrava will be the first time 34-year-old Chambers will have competed against the world’s fastest man in an individual race outside of a major championship.

“No matter what happens, whenever you get a chance to race against Usain you can only get the best out of yourself,” Chambers said.

“He’s in 9.82 [seconds] form and he’s probably going to get faster and faster so I’ve just got to do my best to keep close to him.”

Chambers’s only competitive race over 100m this season saw him record a time of 10.52secs.

The Briton will be hoping to clock the Olympic ‘A’ qualifying standard of 10.18 for a chance to compete in London.

Jeffrey Webb will complete the four-year term of the former head Jack Warner.

Webb elected president of CONCACAF

Usain Bolt said he is just focused on competing at his best and he is not worried about Dwain Chambers.

He hopes that racing against the best in the world will help him reach that mark.

“It’s going to make a massive difference because compared to the level of competition I’ve been running against for the last few years, the quality is higher,” added Chambers.

“In order to beat the best you’ve got to compete against the best in

the world and those opportunities weren’t available to me.

“I’m going to be going up against runners who are effectively sub-9.8 runners and I haven’t been in that calibre for a long time.”

Chambers will also face Jamaican Lerone Clarke and United States sprinter Darvis Patton, who have recorded times of 9.99 and 10.04 this year. (BBC)

JEFFREY Webb of the Cayman Islands was officially elected today as the new president of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF). Since Webb was running unopposed, the vote was held by acclamation at the confederation’s congress in Budapest, Hungary.

The 47-year-old will complete the four-year term of Jack Warner, who was elected in May 2010 but resigned all of his positions in football in June after 20 years in the office.

Webb, who is also the president of the Cayman Islands Football Association, thanked the CONCACAF membership for demonstrating its faith in his ability to take the confederation forward.

“Over the last year our mission and our vision have been blurred, from lawyers, to audit reports to compensation, we have deviated from our mission,” said Webb in his acceptance speech. “I am here, we are here, because of our love for football; the passion for the game drives and motivates our every action.”

Webb also serves as Deputy Chairman of the FIFA Internal Audit Committee and sits on the FIFA Transparency and Compliance Committee. In addition, he is chairman of the CONCACAF Youth Committee and completed his term as chairman of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Normalisation Committee on Tuesday, following the organisation’s Ordinary Congress that was also held in Budapest.

Track star Lolo Jones says keeping her virginity is harder than training for the Olympics REMAINING a virgin has been one heck of a hurdle for Olympic hottie Lolo Jones.

The track star is opening up about saving herself for marriage, a feat the 29-year-old American athlete calls the “hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

“Harder than training for the Olympics. Harder than studying for college, has been staying a virgin before marriage,” Jones says on HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel,” airing May 22.

Jones, of Des Moines, Iowa, was favored to win the 100-meter hurdles at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, but tripped and finished seventh. She is expected to go for gold when she competes again in this summer’s Games in London.

But the bronzed beauty says life isn’t all about chasing gold medals.

She’s also looking for love, and using the Internet to help.

“This is what people do when they’re 29, single, in a house by themselves with a dog,” she says.

Jones says being a virgin makes

Amir Khan has a new opponent.

Amir Khan to fight Danny Garcia in Las Vegas on 14 July

Lolo Jones says she will keep herself for marriage.

dating difficult, despite her efforts.

She’s tried nearly every dating website and even looks for romantic prospects on Twitter.

“I’ve been tempted,” she admits.

“I’ve had guys tell me, ‘You know, if you have sex, it will help you run

faster.”

But for now, Jones says she’s sticking to the original plan.

“It’s just something, a gift I want to give to my husband,” she says.

“But, please understand, this journey has been hard.”(Nydailynews.com)

AMIR Khan says he will fight WBC light-welterweight champion Danny Garcia in Las Vegas on 14 July.

Khan, 25, was originally scheduled to face Lamont Peterson earlier this month in a rematch for the WBA and IBF light-welterweight titles.

However, that bout was cancelled after the latter tested positive for elevated testosterone levels.

That left Khan looking for another opponent and he tweeted: “May the best man win on 14 July. Khan vs

Garcia.”

Garcia, 24, is undefeated, with 23 wins including 14 knockouts.

“I feel like this is how it’s supposed to be: the best versus the best, both of us in our prime and giving the fans a great fight,” Garcia told www.espn.com.

“I’m just happy - I feel like I have what it takes to beat this guy.

“I’ve watched Khan a lot. He’s a good fighter, but I don’t think he’s what people say he is, getting all this credit.

May 26 - June 1, 2012

Sports International

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 43

Lorenzo wins at Le Mans to take championship lead Rafael Nadal moved to number two on the world rankings after beating Novak Djokovic in the final of the Rome Masters.

Nadal beats Djokovic in Rome final THE KING of Clay Rafael Nadal got a timely boost ahead of this week’s French Open by beating world number one Novak Djokovic in the final of the Rome Masters.

The Spaniard won 7-5, 6-4 to secure his sixth title in Rome and also helped erase the memories of last year’s final, also against Djokovic, which he lost.

“Winning is important, when you lose you play with doubts,” Nadal told AFP after the match.

“This was an important match. I will put this trophy in my bedroom.

It is a dream of confidence I am playing well.

“This comes when I play at the right level, hopefully I’ll keep playing like this.”

The victory, which follows Nadal’s shock early exit in Madrid on the now-infamous blue clay, also sees the Spaniard leapfrog Roger

Federer into second place in the world rankings.

“It is better two than three and three is better than four. But after eight years being in the top two, it is no big difference,” Nadal added.

“It’s normal for the rankings to change in the around Roland Garros or Wimbledon. I’m a few points from Roger. I’m happy about everything.”

Meanwhile world number one Novak Djokovic must pick himself up after a frustrating display in Rome.

A dubious line call essentially cost him the first set whilst the Serb had six opportunities to break Nadal in the second set, only to fade and finally hand his rival the title with a double fault.

“He is always the favorite, even if I win against him seven times; he is the best player in the world on this surface,” Djokovic told the ATP’s official website after his loss. (CNN)

JORGE Lorenzo climbed from fourth on the grid to win the French MotoGP at a rain-soaked Le Mans on Sunday and take the lead in the championship.

Riding his Yamaha flawlessly in the wet conditions, Lorenzo took the lead on the first lap and eventually finished 9.905 seconds clear of Valentino Rossi, who had the consolation of his best finish so far for Ducati.

Rossi held off a determined Casey Stoner, who finished third in the week he announced he was quitting the sport at the end of the season.

“It was really difficult to hold concentration today, in the dry it’s complicated but in the wet it’s even more,” Lorenzo said. “The race feels much longer and you have to remember where the corners are slippery every lap. If you forget one you can crash very easily.”

Lorenzo, who won for the second time this season, leads the championship by eight points from Stoner.

“I was pretty happy to hold on for a podium today,” Stoner said. “I enjoyed the battle with Valentino at

Jorge Lorenzo and second-place Valentine Rossi thrived in the wet conditions at Le Mans

the end, there was clean overtaking and we swapped positions a few times but in the end we knew that Valentino had better pace than us and after he passed there was no way I could stay with him.

“We did everything we could today and to come away with a podium is a good result.”

Stoner’s Honda teammate Dani Pedrosa started on pole but ended up fourth, and is now 25 points adrift of

Lorenzo.

“In the race I immediately realised it was not my day, not a day to take any risk and it was important to simply reach the best position,” Pedrosa said.

Rossi managed to work his way from the third row of the grid to second. The seven-time MotoGP champion overtook Stoner on the final lap to record his best result since joining Ducati in 2011. (CNN)

Chelsea’s players lift the Champions League for the first time after their dramatic win over Bayern Munich.

Maria Sharapova won the 26th title of her career after beating Li Na in three sets.

Sharapova lifts trophy in rainy Rome MARIA Sharapova beat Li Na in three sets to defend her Italian Open title in Rome on Sunday in a bizarre match played in sometimes heavy rain and amid the distraction of football fans gathering nearby.

Sharapova was 6-4 4-0 down but fought back to take the match into a deciding tiebreak -- after saving a match point at 6-5 in the third set.

By the time the tiebreak came around, the rain was falling heavily,

making conditions unplayable, and it even started to rain again when the players returned two hours later to complete the match.

Sharapova eventually won it 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) and the two players burst out laughing when they shook hands at the net.

“It was a crazy match,” Sharapova said. “Either one of us could have won it. There really is no loser.”

(CNN)

Chelsea win Champions League after penalty shoot out drama in Munich DIDIER Drogba scored the winner in a dramatic penalty shoot out as Chelsea beat Bayern Munich on Saturday to win the European Champions League for the first time.

The Ivorian striker coolly slotted home his kick to spark frenzied celebrations among his teammates and the Chelsea fans in Bayern’s Allianz Arena.

Manuel Neuer had saved Juan Mata’s first penalty for Chelsea to give Bayern the early advantage in the shootout, but Petr Cech saved a weak Ivica Olic effort before Bastian Schweinsteiger saw his

penalty hit the post.

The match had finished 1-1 after extra time, with Thomas Mueller putting Bayern ahead in the 83rd minute before Drogba dramatically leveled with two minutes remaining.

Arjen Robben then missed a penalty in the first half of extra time, setting up the dramatic shootout finale where the home side fluffed their lines to leave the Bavarian fans stunned.

Chelsea’s victory capped a remarkable spell for Roberto Di Matteo since taking over as interim manager after the sacking of Andre

Villas-Boas.

He has led the west London side to the English FA Cup and finally fulfilled the ambitions of the club’s Russian owner Roman Abramovich in lifting Europe’s top club prize.

Abramovich has ploughed an estimated $1 billion into buying the players to turn Chelsea into a European power since buying the club in 2003 and gone through eight managers in that time, but the closest he had come to the Champions League was a penalty shoot out loss to Manchester United in 2008.

44

Sports National

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 26 – June 1, 2012

Josh for Sports

Some issues of national interest

SOME weeks past I made the proclamation “Sports-a-jumping in the TCI”, reminiscent of the 1977-8 era when I was national coach and sports director of the TCI, during the reign of the Honorable Jags McCartney. At that junction in our history, I basically functioned as a one man sports ministry.

I had to be innovated in creating a national appreciation amongst TCI of the value, benefits and the enhancement and establishment of our sense of national identity, pride and place in the world around us.

The reality of the matter was that our tiny country represented just one gain of sand in the whole 55 gallon drum in comparison to the size and population of the rest of the world. Thus the odds of us succeeding in this bold endeavour were phenomenal.

One positive thing on the side of the TCI was the fact that I had international experience and applied proven principles, instructions and vision [national and international for our country].

I was 26 years old and had lived abroad for almost all of my life (I was four months old when I left). I wanted to give back to my birth place my full potential as a

sports administrator, coach and athlete. The strangest thing about that whole experience is that I had to fight my own TCI people who resented me because I did not grow up here. The people in Grand Turk would tell me to go back to the Bahamas where I came from.

And when they discovered that I was literally born in Bottle Creek N.C, they would say, oh “you from Caucus, west of the Buoy”. To me I took those intended insults as compliments.

West of the Buoy or for that matter east of the Buoy is still the TCI. However that divisive attitude still exists among us today in the hearts and through the lips of some people. It’s time for us TC Islanders to stand as one or we shall fall as one.

OBSERVATION, PROGRESSION, AGGRESSION AND STAGNATION For the past 5 ½ years now as a sports columnist, I’ve critically analysed all perennial sports played in the TCI. Here is an update of my analysis as of now May 23, 2012.

FOOTBALL Football in this country has come

a long way. Yet there has come a point beyond which it seems not able to advance. The association has popularised the sport nationally with the different levels and format of competitions.

It is still my personal opinion that the association is limited in its drive to deliver a quality of instruction necessary to propel our national team to a higher level.

THE HAITIAN/JAMAICAN CLASSIC The level of support given to the series between the Jamaicans and the Haitians puts the national association to same since they draw thousands of fans. I also feel all senior league players should be paid as well as to be covered by insurance.

TRACK AND FIELD It’s time for the TCI to wake up and smell the coffee. It is due time for the TCAAA to have their headquarters in Provo where 75% of the population live and where the national stadium in located.

JAGS MCCARTNEY RELAYS These relays should be held at the National Stadium [Provo]. The times in Grand Turk cannot be

Donald desperate for PGA Championship triumph LUKE Donald says regaining world number one spot is secondary to retaining his BMW PGA Championship title.

Donald topped the rankings for the first time by winning the same event last year and stayed there until Rory McIlroy supplanted him in March.

“It’s a privilege to be world number one. Getting there was a lot of work and it’s something I will tell my grandchildren about,” said Donald.

“But the main goal is to go out and try to defend my title.”

Donald beat then world number one Lee Westwood in a play-off last year and his countryman will also be at the European Tour’s flagship event, along with McIlroy.

Chicago-based Donald briefly regained his number one spot from the Northern Irishman with victory in New Orleans in April, but the 23-year-old has been top of the pile again since Wells Fargo earlier this month.

And McIlroy, who will next month defend his US Open crown in San Francisco, is in bullish mood at Wentworth.

“You have to believe you’re better

than anyone else,” he said.

“On my day I believe I can beat anyone in the world. It’s just a matter of going out there and showing everyone else what I believe.”

If Donald finishes second this week, McIlroy would have to win to keep hold of the number one position and if McIlroy misses the halfway cut - as he did on his last start at the Players Championship two weeks ago - Donald would only need to finish eighth or better to overtake him. (BBC)

BASEBALL Little League baseball is now regular.

The youngsters practice at the Ball Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

I urge the public and business community to support them.

VOLLEYBALL History has been made; our national association took part in an international tournament in El Salvador.

RUGBY Rugby has had outstanding progress;

By Joshua Gardiner

the governing body has proven that the youth of the nation is the wealth of the nation.

As you all know they’ve been successful against clubs/teams from abroad.

SOFTBALL Softball is on a run. Can you imagine a 16-year-old girl striking out the defending champions eight times?

CRICKET A cricket clinic has been used to develop the game at the youth level.

SPORTS COMMISSION The Sports Commission has its work cut out for. The officials must revise/ modernise legislations, ordinances etc to meet the ever changing demand of what it takes to be competitive in sports.

I expect that Dominique Missick leaves for university in September.

These words my fellow sports enthusiasts are not forms of criticism, but wisdom that can help make sports in our beautiful TCI better.

Captain Marvin’s Women’s Beach Soccer League:

Mermaids remain undefeated

Luke Donald says that regaining the world number one position comes second to retaining his BMW PGA Championship title.

Jamaica and Panama record friendly wins over Guyana JAMAICA defeated visiting Guyana 1-0 on Friday in a friendly at Montego Bay’s Catherine Hall Stadium. Jeremie Lynch scored for the Jamaicans in his senior team debut.

Two days later, host Panama defeated Guyana 2-0 in a closeddoor match at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City. Yairo Yau (70’)and Darwin Pinzon (73’) scored for the Central Americans.

The matches were the first of a number of friendlies featuring

substantiated as official records because of the size of the track. Also at relays there can be individual events. I suggest that Provo, North Caicos and South Caicos all form their individual island associations.

In the interest of the development all these associations should then join together to form the TCAAA, whose name should be changed to reflect that body’s agendas.

Turks and Caicos Association of Athletic Association seems fit and not the social club it has come to represent.

Ms. Edith Been needs to implement these changes and establish her legacy.

CONCACAF sides roughly three weeks prior to the start of the latest round of World Cup Qualifying.

On Wednesday, El Salvador will face New Zealand in Houston, while Costa Rica will host Guatemala in San Jose two days later.

On Saturday, the United States will welcome Scotland to Jacksonville, Florida; El Salvador will meet Moldova and Honduras will take-on New Zealand in a double-header in Houston.

THE CAPTAIN Marvin’s Women’s Beach Soccer league finished its fourth week of competition as the Mermaids made it four straight wins in a row as they defeated the Blue Marlins in a tense period of extra time.

The Mermaids had to work hard to remain undefeated and they were pushed all the way by the Marlins. The scores were close throughout the game with no team managing more than a one goal lead.

However, Yarileny De La Cruz scored during extra-time to ensure that her team will now make the championship final.

Kadine Delphin scored four goals for the Mermaids, with Griet Vanbrabant and De la Cruz scoring the others.

Sarah Cenary posed a constant threat for the Marlins and scored four goals herself with Amelie Speer also finding the back of the net, but it was not be enough on the day.

However, the Marlins picked up a bonus point for having lost

in extra time and this point may prove to be valuable when the final positions are determined in two weeks time.

The Great White Sharks have yet to win this season but they gave the Purple Pirates a closely fought game as they lost 6-9.

The White Sharks created more chances than they have of late and hit the post on four occasions but the Pirates’ finishing was more composed with Christina Hinds scoring five and Janice Fernandez and Yarielca De La Cruz scoring two each.

Simone Smith (2), Gaya Smith (2), Jessica lange and Jachelle Gardner scored for the Sharks who were physically stronger than their opponents, but it was the Pirates who were more proficient in front of goal.

The Pirates find themselves in third place and will hope to defeat the Marlins in their next fixture so they can make sure they finish runners up in the group stages and claim the second spot in the overall championship final.

May 26 – June 1, 2012

Sports National

45

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Digicel Interschool TAG Rugby Championships successful THE INAUGURAL Digicel Interschool TAG Rugby Championships were held on Saturday May 19th at the TCIRFU’s Meridian Field in Grace Bay Village and it was dubbed a success by the sports’ local officials. There were teams entered in the Under 8’s, Under 11’s, Under 14’s and Under 17’s categories.

The champions in each of the grades were: U8’s – Ashcroft; U11’s - Provo Primary; U14’s - BWIC 2 and U17’s - Clement Howell (after beating TCI Middle School in sudden death extra time).

Over 500 children and parents turned out for the event.

Tag rugby is a non-contact version of rugby played by both boys and girls together and involves participants

wearing Tag belts with velcro flags attached to them. Instead of the physical tackles that are made in normal rugby, tackles in Tag Rugby involve the flags being pulled off of the person carrying the ball. It is a safe and exciting way for children to be introduced to the game of rugby. Information from the local body indicated that the children displayed the skills they learned over the last few weeks and thoroughly enjoyed their time in the middle. “The skill level was high and enjoyment factor clearly evident,” the TCIRFU website stated.

Jamie Tait, the local Rugby Development Officer has been visiting schools over the last two months to introduce both school children and PE teachers to the game of Tag Rugby.

TCIFA Men’s Beach Soccer League:

Action in the Digicel Interschool TAG Rugby Championships.

Defending champions World tournament underway for U-9 Coed off to a good start THE TCIFA Men’s Beach Soccer league started last week as defending champions Northern Star got off to a good start with a 12-6 win against AFC Academy. In the second game AFC National scored a last minute goal to defeat Conch Shack 6-5.

Northern Star began promisingly and raced ahead to a 4-0 lead.

AFC Academy soon fought back to within one goal after the second period (5-4). Despite having a man sent off Northern Star’s experience allowed them to soak up pressure and score quickly on the break as they dominated the final period and finished off as comfortable winners.

It was an all round team effort for Northern Star as almost every player contributed with a goal or an assist. Jon Flanagan and Matt Green each scored a hat-trick, Colin Stirling and Richard Long scored twice and Stephen Wilson also found the back of the net.

Harry Turbyfield also made his impact felt as he pulled off several key saves and set up three of his teams’ goals. AFC Academy, whose players lack Beach Soccer experience will no doubt improve as the season goes on.

Herby Magny was always a danger and helped himself to a hattrick. Anell Super (2) and Robert Daimiar were the other scorers for the Academy team.

The second game was very closely fought with both teams exchanging the lead. AFC National went ahead (2-0) but Conch Shack fought back to take a 4-3 lead going into the

final period. The game was very evenly balanced and it seemed that extra time was approaching before Events Jean latched on to a loose ball to score a last minute winner.

Jean scored four goals to lead the goal scoring charts after Week 1 with Fred Dorvil also scoring for AFC National. Jean Guerrier (2), Robert Waccener, Chris Reid and Jocelyn were the goal scorers for last years’ Runners Up. Technical Director Matthew Green was pleased with the start of the league. “The games were very exciting with lots of great goals being scored. All four teams are capable of winning the league and it will be interesting to see which teams can adapt to the different style of play that is required for Beach Soccer. Northern Star have a lot of older players on the team so what they lack in fitness they make up for in experience. Both the AFC teams have a lot of talented young players and Conch Shack have a good blend of young and old so it promises to be a very competitive and exciting league”. The league will also give players an opportunity to impress Green as the association plans to compete internationally. “Obviously we are looking to see how the players perform as we plan to create national Beach Soccer teams in the near future. Our association is keen to develop the sport further knowing we have a good chance of beating some of the bigger countries in the region”

OVER 50 players have been split into eight teams and are competing in a World Cup Tournament in the Under-9 Coed group of the TCIFA Regional Academy.

Head Coach Fraser Park and Technical Director Matthew Green put the competition together to give the young players a chance to play more meaningful games.

“We normally don’t record the scores at this age as it is all about having fun, but Fraser and the other coaches felt this group was ready for a fresh challenge.” The teams are split into two groups of four and will play against each other over three weeks before semi-finals and finals are played.

In the opening round of games Brazil and Spain did well in Group ‘A’ and England and Mexico remained undefeated in Group ‘B’.

In Group ‘A’ Brazil tied 1-1 with France before defeating South Africa 5-0.

France then went on to draw 4-4 with Spain who had defeated South Africa 3-1 in their opening game.

Dylan Ayer (2) Brenton Handfield, George Ellis, Ade Innes and Girvan Victors scored for Brazil, Sarah Forbes for South Africa, Paris Lighbourne (3) and Jason Francis (2) for France and Brendan Forbes and Jude Smith both scored three goals for Spain.

Group ‘B’ saw England defeating Japan 3-0 with goals coming from Dante Taylor (2) and Jason Rosario before they tied 0-0 with Mexico.

In their opening game Mexico defeated Holland 4-0 with goals from Shamal Francis (2), Dale Taylor and Will Parrish. Holland were on the end of a second heavy defeat as they

lost 7-1 to Japan.

Shaken Outten scored for the Dutch before Michael Saunders (4), Alex Swaby, Katja Whitehead and Scott Baptiste gave the Japanese a comfortable win.

Head Coach Park, was happy with the league. “We had tried to make sure each team was even but unfortunately a few players were missing which caused their teams to be a bit weak, however hopefully they will be back next week and ready to play”.

Green was pleased with the tournament. “The fact that we now have a U-9 League shows just how strong our programmes have become.

This has not happened overnight.

Our coaches have put in a lot of work over the years and we are finally reaping the rewards of all their hard work at grass roots level”.

U-11 Boys’ Sailrock League:

Green Dragons likely to take title THE UNDER-11 Boys’ Sailrock League has just one round of games left to play and it seems that the Green Dragons are likely to become champions. The Yellow Strikers are in second place and will need to win all of their remaining three games and hope the Dragons slip up.

The Strikers won all three of their games last weekend to keep the pressure on the league leaders.

They opened with a 2-1 win over the Orange All Stars who had taken the lead through Jordan McGregor.

However AJ Augustine scored twice to give the Strikers a much needed win.

The Strikers then beat the league leaders (Dragons) 3-1 with goals coming from Sebastien Turbyfield, Westen Fenelon and Javed Shearer.

Naryan Kalliecharan scored for the Dragons, but the Strikers deserved the win and finished off with a third victory by overcoming the Purple Pirates 1-0 through Fenelon. The remaining games saw a lot of goals being scored.

The Purple Pirates beat the Red Devils 4-0 as Shadown St. John scored twice and Scnheider Lightbourne and Jerry Felisma added the others. Jamie Grey, Javuaghn Jackson and Justin Christopher

scored in the All Stars’ win against the Red Devils, who found the back of the net through Joovens Joseph.

Grey and Christopher scored again as the All Stars defeated the Marlins 2-0. St. John secured his position as top goal scorer as he penetrated for the Pirates in their 1-1 draw with the Dragons, who had led through Zarek Swann’s early strike.

Second place will be hotly contested as the All Stars, Devils and Strikers are all capable of claiming that position, but if the Dragons slip up on the final day one of them could take the title from under their nose.

46

May 26 – June 1, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Sports National Bien-Aime makes history with CFU’s appointment

TURKS and Caicos wonder woman in football Sonia BienAime has once again made her presence felt internationally after creating history as the first female elected to an executive position with the Caribbean Football Union (CFU).

In January Mrs. Bien-Aime, who serves as the General Secretary of the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association, was appointed to the Organising Committee for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup by FIFA’s president Joseph S. Blatter. What is more, in December 2011 the TCIFA Secretary General was appointed to the Caribbean Football Union’s Finance Task Force, a position in which she was charged with the preparation of advice that would allow for continuity of the union, in addition to a more optimum means of functioning.

Mrs Bien-Amie said: “This is a wonderful opportunity that I have been granted. I am enormously humbled to have been elected to serve as an executive committee member for the CFU. It is indeed an honour. An appointment of this significance to serve on one of the highest levels of Caribbean football is incredible for me, the TCIFA and the Turks and Caicos Islands as a country. This is indeed a great opportunity for me; being the first female from any Caribbean Football Association to serve on a FIFA Organising Committee and now the Caribbean Football Union.”

“This appointment is indeed

Delano Williams is excited about coming home to run. He will use this event as a warm up for the UK Olympic trials next month.

Jags McCartney Relays:

Mrs. Sonia Bien-Aime continues to take the football world by storm. The Weekly News joins the rest of the TCI in saying that we are proud of her appointment.

validation and recognition for my work and tireless contribution to the TCIFA and development of football in the Turks and Caicos.

For this, I am truly grateful. It will be my privilege to serve with a distinguished panel that endeavours to make an incredible impact on football in the Caribbean region, and football in general: the world’s greatest sport,” added the General Secretary.

Members appointed to the CFU Executive Committee include: President Gordon Derrick of Antigua and Barbuda; 1st Vice President Cheney Joseph of Grenada; 2nd Vice President Larry Mussenden

of Bermuda; 3rd Vice President Lyndon Cooper of St Lucia; 4th Vice President Canover Watson of the Cayman Islands; Executive Members: Sonia Bien-Aime of TCI, Hillaren Frederick of USVI, Anthony Johnson of St Kitts and Maurice Victoire of Martinique.

The CFU is the nominal governing body for association football in the Caribbean. It represents 30 FIFA member nations, as well as five territories that are not affiliated to FIFA. The union was established in January 1978 and its member associations compete in the CONCACAF region.

Williams excited about running at home TCI’s most decorated sprinter, the CARIFTA 2011/2012 200M gold medallist, Delano Williams will headline the Jags McCartney Relays which is scheduled for this Saturday in the capital Grand Turk.

Williams, who will run the 200M at the UK trials, next month, in his bid to gain a place on the home team for this year’s Olympics, said he is looking forward to running on TCI soil again. “I’m so excited to come home and to participate in the relays and give back to the hero (McCartney). It will be fun for me to see my family and friends before going into the London trials.

The double national record holder (10.34s in the 100M and 20.53s in the 200M) will run the relays under

the Piston Track team.

Other names expected to compete, according to the organisers: the TCAAA and the Commonwealth Games Association are 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games long jump bronze medallist Ifeanyi Otuonye and 2012 bronze medallist in the 4X100M relay Angelo Garland. Both athletes and Williams are students of the Munro College in Jamaica.

The one-day signature event of sports and culture will showcase talent from ages 5–7, 8-10, 11-13, under 17, under-20 and open relays.

Winners from all relay categories will be awarded trophies and prizes and the winner of the overall open relay will be awarded a cash prize of $1,000.00.

U-14 Boys’ Sailrock League:

Grasshoppers dominate league to take title THE Grasshoppers maintained a perfect momentum to finish as champions of the U-14 Boys’ Sailrock League. They won nine of their 12 games and amassed a thirteen-point lead over their nearest rivals, the Eagles. The final day of play saw the champions record two comfortable victories: 6-2 over the Golden Retrievers and 6-0 over the Tigers.

Jackson Pierre scored six of his team’s goals with the others coming from Idlin Beloni (2), Gabriel DiotteJoly (2) and Jameslee Louis (2).

Jeffty Desvales scored both goals for the Retrievers. In the remaining games the Tigers edged out the Eagles by a 2-1 margin. Kensley George scored twice for the Tigers and Rodrigo Vasquez found the back

of the net for the Eagles. However, the Eagles made sure they ended the season on a positive note as they defeated the Retrievers 1-0 courtesy of Brtschama Jean-Louis.

Technical Director Matthew Green thanked all the coaches, players, parents and sponsors who support the league. He added: “this is one of most important leagues we have in the TCIFA. The boys at this age are at a crucial stage in their development and it is vital that they are given an opportunity to compete against each other on a regular basis. We will soon be starting a 9-a-side league which will use a bigger playing area to help them graduate to 11-a-side football in the summer when they play against visiting teams from the USA”. Head

Coach Oliver Smith was equally enthusiastic about the development of the Under 14 Boys: “They are improving rapidly, but they still need to be tested at a higher level, thankfully the association is doing all it can to ensure the boys can progress by providing them with competitive games on a regular basis”.

Awards: League Winners: Grasshoppers Runners Up: Eagles Team MVPs: Tigers – Cole Nickson Golden Retrievers – Ras Diamond Grasshoppers –Jameslee Louis Eagles – Marvin Joseph Top Goal scorer – Gabriel DiotteJoly / Jackson Pierre Most Improved – Lucas De Boer League MVP – Gabriel Diotte-Joly

The Grasshoppers dominated the U-14 Boys’ Sailrock League to take the title.

May 26 – June 1, 2012

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 26 – June 1, 2012