Vol 7 Issue 4

www.suntci.com VoluMe 7 no. 04 JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH, 2011

e-mail: [email protected] $1.00tel: (649) 946-8542 fax: (649) 941-3281

Former Chief ProtocolOfficer Jan Messam

BRITS PROBINGBEACHESBEACHES RESORT AND SPA, the largest hoteland private sector employer in the Turks andCaicos Islands, is now part of a majorinvestigation by the Special Investigation andProsecution Team (SIPT), which is spreadingits tentacles far, deep and wide throughout theTurks and Caicos Islands.

Dmitri Singh, the general counsel forSandals, said in a statement that during its owninternal investigations, Sandals had unearthedvarious unauthorised transactions that weretraced to a former senior employee who wasclose to the former Progressive National Party(PNP) administration.

Continued on Page 2

Plot to KIll st. VInCent PMstory on Page 33story on Page 11

uK sHould Pay for sIPt

aCCused CoCaInesMuggler gets

$120,000 baIlstory on Page 7

story on Page 8

Herzog wants$13M froM tCIg

Chief Executive Officer for Digicel TCI, E. Jay Saunders presents the $30,000 cheque to Principal of the Enid Capron Primary School inFive Cays, Rachel Taylor, at the official commission of the school’s newly-completed multi-purpose hard court. Holding the big chequeat left is Dennisei Forbes, Sales Executive at Digicel, while at right is Head ofMarketing, Ava-Dayne Kerr. In December, Digicel embarkedon a Community Christmas Promotion, where members of the community were asked to identify a project in their neighbourhood andvote (text) for it to win the grand prize of $30,000. The community which ‘made the loudest noise’, or garneredmost texts would win thetitle and the top three ‘texters’ would also win prizes. The Enid Capron Primary School multi-purpose court was put forward as thatcommunity’s project, and Principal Taylor urged her students to spur parents and friends to support the venture, which they didoverwhelmingly, hence that project galloping away with the prize.

ENID CAPRONMULTI-PURPOSE COURT TAKES DIGICEL $30,000 PRIZE

LOCAL NEWSPage 2

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH, 2011

Continued from page 1

Singh's said in his statement:"International authorities have beenconducting an ongoing investigation inthe Turks and Caicos Islandsconcerning activities connected to theIslands' former governingadministration. Sandals ResortsInternational, which operates aBeaches Resort in the Turks andCaicos, has voluntarily agreed to co-operate with this ongoing investigationand as a result also launched its owninternal investigation.”

He added: "In the course of ourinternal investigation, variousunauthorised transactions werediscovered which have been linked toa former senior officer of SandalsResorts who was also closelyassociated with the governing Turksand Caicos administration at the time.This information has been turned overto the relevant authorities. We aresatisfied with the progress of theinvestigation thus far and arecommitted to co-operating with theauthorities as required.

Up to Press time, the SUN couldnot confirm the identity of the senioremployee of Sandals Resort or whatwas the nature of those transactions,

but speculation and rumours have beenspreading like wildfire at the all-inclusive resort.

“We’re hearing all sorts ofrumours, but nobody frommanagement is telling us anythingfactual, you know,” said a Beachesemployee who asked that his name notbe published.

Repeated efforts to reach Singh athis office in Jamaica wereunsuccessful.

Sign clarified an assertion madeby another former director of SandalsResorts, Mr Patrick Lynch, saying thatthe issue under probe by the SIPT isnot linked to Mr Lynch and is acompletely separate investigation.

In a article in the Jamaica Gleaner,Lynch, retired director of finance andplanning of the Sandals Group, told theFinancial Services Commission (FSC)

in that country that he is at a loss as towhy his house was raided by the policeas part of a fraud investigation.

Lynch, who is also a formerchairman of the Appliance TraderLimited (ATL) Group Pension Fund,has denied claims that he used forgeddocuments to commit a multimillion-dollar fraud on the pension scheme andhas asked his attorneys to take thenecessary steps to secure damages forloss of reputation.

"This is a baseless accusation thattarnishes my reputation. My integrityis beyond question and I have workeddiligently over the past 48 yearsestablishing an impeccablereputation," he said in a statement tothe FSC.

Lynch retired from all positions inthe ATL Group at the end of lastmonth.

According to the Gleaner, policeofficers from the Fraud Squad inJamaica raided the homes of Lynch, DrJeffrey Pine and Katryne Barber.

Fitz Bailey, head of the FraudSquad, told The Gleaner that the policewere investigating a matter at Gorstew,but refused to give details.

Gorstew is the holding companyfor the Gordon 'Butch' Stewart-ownedJamaica Observer, ATL and Sandals.

The value of the pension fundreportedly stood at $6.2 billion at theend of 2009.

In his statement, Lynch saidStewart had complained that he wasnot consulted by the board of trusteesto distribute benefits from surpluses inthe fund to pensioners and members ofthe fund.

Lynch claimed Stewart wasobjecting to the distribution of $351million of surpluses in 2008, identifiedin the annual audit and tri-annualactuarial report.

But Lynch, who has has asked theFSC to undertake a thoroughinvestigation into the operation of theATL pension fund, argued that theprocedures for the operation of thefund "have been strictly adhered toover the years and the supportingdocumentation maintained in theoffices of the pension fund".

Brits probing Beaches

Page 3

TURKS & CAICOS SUN JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH , 2011LocalTURKS & CAICOS SUN JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH , 2011

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JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH , 2011TURKS & CAICOS SUN

TURKS & CAICOS SUN JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH , 2011

JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH, 2011 TURKS AND CAICOS SUN LOCAL NEWSPage 5

SPECIAL PROSECUTOR HELENGARLICK says the SpecialInvestigation and Prosecutions Team(SIPT) will not comment on currentlines of investigation, except inexceptional circumstances, forexample in order to correct harmfulerrors.

And she says they cannot providepersonal information about anyindividuals who may be underinvestigation.

“To act in any other way would bewrong and contrary to the best practicefollowed by police forces and otherinvestigating authorities all over theworld,” Garlick said in a press releaseissued on January 26, 2011.

Garlick issued the releaseapparently after the SIPT office wasbombarded with requests from themedia about a number of persons who

have been question by the SIPT.She added: “I am aware that some

sections of the media have expresseddisappointment and frustration thatwhen the SIPT takes operational steps,it is issuing only very limitedinformation by way of Press Releases.The SIPT is exceptionally conscious ofits duty to address the legitimateconcerns of the public about its work.”

Garlick continued: “The extent towhich anyone who is responsible for amajor criminal investigation can shareinformation with the media willalways vary. For example officersinvestigating serious violent crimewhere the perpetrators are still at largemay need to give the public a greatdeal of information, for theirprotection and to bring about earlyarrests and the seizure of evidence. Inevery case the information that can bemade public will depend upon thenature of the alleged crimes and the

stage that the investigation hasreached.”

She said the TCI is fortunate inhaving a “vigorous and free press”,and she said the SIPT recognised thatan open and constructive dialogue withthe media is the best way of ensuringthat they communicate with the publicin a timely and proper manner.

She added: “However the mostimportant duties carried by anyonewho is conducting a major criminalinvestigation are to preserve theconfidentiality of the investigation andto protect the rights of suspects to theirprivacy and in the event that they arecharged, to a fair trial. As SpecialProsecutor I will continue to be asopen as possible and to do my best toanswer questions directed though ourPress Office as fully as possible.

No information will be given on individuals underinvestigation, says Special Prosecutor

Special Prosecutor Helen Garlick

IN SUPPORT OF THE Turks and CaicosIsland’s Government’s commitment tostrengthen public financial management areview is now being undertaken of the publicsector payroll system for waged employees.

According to Permanent Secretary in theMinistry of Finance Delton Jones, the reviewis designed to ensure that both wagedemployee personnel records and theirpayment details are accurate and up-to-date.

In a press release, Jones said that onspecific dates in February and March, thereview will include procedures forconfirming the identity of all wagedemployees and taking copies ofidentification documents to be kept on filefor future reference. These steps will helpimprove internal controls for the payment ofwages in the future.

Accordingly, all TCIG wagedemployees are asked to note the paymentdates when they must provide proof of theiridentity. They are also asked to note thefollowing requirements:

On the dates specified for each island community, you must collect your wage chequein person.

They must provide photographic identification (ideally your NHIP card): this will bephotocopied by Treasury staff and held on file.

Only under special circumstances can arrangements be made for another person tocollect your wage. This must be requested in advance of your payment date by speakingto your local Treasury office.

Jones said individuals collecting a wage cheque on behalf of someone else mustprovide a signed letter from the employee authorizing collection on his/her behalf andmust also bring a copy of the employee’s photographic identification.

He noted that wage cheques will not be released from Treasury until persons haveprovided the required information.

Those who do not posses photographic identification are asked to contact their localTreasury office to discuss alternative identifications.

These procedures for confirming the identity of all waged employees will take placeon the following dates: Grand Turk - Friday 11th February, Providenciales - Friday 25thFebruary

South Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Salt Cay - Friday 11th March

Ministry of Financestrengthening the Payroll

process for TCIG waged Staff

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of FinanceDelton Jones

Fidelity Insurance (Cayman) Limited has transferred its insurancebusiness in the Turks & Caicos Islands to J. S. Johnson & Co.(Turks & Caicos) Ltd. (Insurance Agents and Brokers).The transfer became effective on 1st January 2011.

With offices currently located at Butterfield Square, J SJohnson has a long history of providing exceptional service in theTurks & Caicos, and is excited to extend this level of service to itsnew customers.

To ensure the smooth transition of business from Fidelity to J.S. Johnson, offices at Unit 1E, Courtyard Plaza, LeewardHighway, Providenciales will initially remain open to continue toservice customers.

Existing policies will remain in force and, upon expiry a newpolicy will be issued providing cover on a similar basis.Representatives are available to discuss the details of anydifferences in cover.

Customers with questions or concerns are asked to contactNakeeta Rigby at 649-941-5624 or via email [email protected].

FIDELITY AND JSJOHNSON TRANSFER OF

INSURANCE BUSINESS

LOCAL NEWSPage 6


By Sir Ronald Sanders

Toward the end of last year as a row raged betweenthe Board of Directors of Caribbean Airlines Ltd(CAL), owned by the government of Trinidad andTobago, and the Minister of Transport, JackWarner, alarm was expressed by severalcommentators at published reports in Port-of-Spainthat CAL might not proceed with plans to finalisea merger with Air Jamaica by April 30 this year.

These reports emanated from conflictingstatements credited to the former CAL ChiefExecutive Officer, Ian Brunton, in which he hadpublicly declared himself fully in support of theAir Jamaica merger but had simultaneouslyadvised the CAL Board not to consummate thedeal.

The cause for alarm was two-fold: the firstwas the effect that failure to complete the AirJamaica deal would have on the Jamaicangovernment’s economic support arrangements withthe IMF; and the second was the irreparabledamage that would have been done to Caribbeanintegration if the Trinidad and Tobago governmentleft Jamaica deep in distress by reneging on thedeal. Dr Eric Williams arithmetical calculation of“One from ten leaves nought” that effectivelyended the West Indies Federation, wouldundoubtedly have been invoked again – this timeby Jamaica.

Reassuringly, since then, the CAL Board hasmade it clear that it is in fact proceeding with theAir Jamaica transaction. New planes have beenbrought into service and the reopening of AirJamaica flights to London’s Heathrow Airport hasbeen announced.

Like many others in the region, who placesome store in a truly regional airline to ensure thatthe Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countrieshave some measure of independence from thevagaries of foreign carriers, I am gratified that themerger between CAL and Air Jamaica isproceeding and that Jamaica will own shares in themerged airline.

It is to be hoped that this is a first step in the

direction of a single regionally-owned airline thatwill serve all CARICOM countries not only fortourists, but also in the vital area of movingCaribbean people and goods around the region asthe regional integration process is deepened.

This raises the question of what happens withthe smaller airline, LIAT, which is essential tointer-CARICOM transportation especially forCaribbean people. For some countries, LIAT is,indeed, an “essential” service, for without it, thesecountries – especially Dominica and St Vincentand the Grenadines – would have to rely on small,private airlines that are insufficient to service theirtourism needs and their inter-regional trade.

LIAT is owned by three governments –Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and St Vincentand the Grenadines. All three are strapped forcash and if LIAT is not profitable year after year,these governments will have to dip into theiralready depleted Treasuries to support the airline.The prospect of that happening is not good. But,the other governments into whose countries LIATflies have shown no interest in supporting theairline, largely because they too don’t have thefinancial resources.In this regard, a merger between the new CAL

(including Jamaica) and LIAT would appear tomake good economic sense, although CAL’sdecision to purchase French ATR aircraft insteadof the Canadian dash-8’s that LIAT hastraditionally flown would pose a problem ofamalgamation.

But, even if that problem was overcome, thefurther difficulty would be devising a scheme foroperations and service that would persuade thegovernments of the countries now served by LIATthat they would not be at the mercy of Trinidad-centred considerations by CAL. This will requirevery careful negotiations, diplomatic skill, andpolitical resolve to reach and implement aworkable consensus. How much of this politicalresolve exists at the moment in CARICOM is aquestion to which there is no easy answer.

The answer is made more difficult by the

recent announcement by CAL that it will shortlyintroduce flights that will compete with LIAT onsome of its routes. The response of St Vincent’sPrime Minister Ralph Gonsalves to thisannouncement is instructive. He says that he is notopposed “to any competition for LIAT, but thatcompetition must be on a level playing field”.

His latter point may be an allusion to the factthat CAL enjoys the facility of fuel at a price lessthan the market price which LIAT has to pay.Paying less for fuel will give CAL an advantageover LIAT in one of two ways: either by allowingit to drop its prices to customers below LIAT’s,and, therefore to grab a larger market share; or bymaintaining the same price as LIAT and, thereby,increasing its revenues making it more viable thanLIAT. In either scenario, LIAT will suffer fromCAL’s competition by having to share thecustomers it now has.

One possibility that could give a CAL-LIATmerger credibility and confidence is theinvolvement of the International FinanceCorporation (IFC) as a disinterested third partywith experience in these matters. Such a mergershould try to ensure that the present owners ofLIAT end up with shares and a voice in themerged CAL operation.

In the meantime, the people of CARICOMcomplain of the high costs of travel within theregion. Of course, this is not only because of thecharges by CAL and LIAT for their fares, but alsobecause of the taxes that each governmentcharges passengers for the use of their airports.

There has always been a need to rationaliseair transportation within CARICOM in ways thatserve tourism and the movement of people andgoods within the region. That need has nowbecome urgent.

Dealing with it requires empathy amongCARICOM Heads of Government and Ministersof Transport and a firm resolve to deal with theissue in ways that would result around in aregional consensus. Can they do it? Yes they can,if every effort is made to put aside narrowchauvinism, by balancing it with the otherbenefits that regionalism brings to everyone’snational development. But, we shall see.

Turks and Caicos SunSuite # 5, Airport Plaza

ProvidencialesTurks and Caicos Islands

Tel: (649) 946-8542/ (649) 241-1510Fax: (649) 941-3281Email: [email protected]

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The Turks and Caicos SUN is a subsidiaryof The SUN Media Group Ltd.

We are committed to excellence in journalism,educating and informing our readers, servingand satisfying our advertisers and assisting inthe overall development of the Turks and

Caicos Islands.

Editorial Cartoon

On Airlines, Tourismand Caribbean integration


Big Josh Food Serviceis seeking

3 Domestic Worker1 Labourer

Salary $5 per hourPlease contact 342 6297

KENDRE WILSON, THE man who was apprehendedby the Providenciales police on Saturday, January22, in possession of cocaine said to boast streetvalue of more than half a million dollars, wasgranted bail in the sum of $120,000 when heappeared in Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, January25.

Wilson’s prescribed freedom is hinged onseveral conditions, including the acquisition of threesureties, the surrender of all travel documents, andalso to report to the Providenciales Police Stationtwice weekly between the hours of 12noon and2pm.

Wilson, who the police described as a “30 yearold Turks & Caicos Islander living inProvidenciales”, was charged with unlawfulpossession of cocaine and unlawful possession ofcocaine with intent to supply, after members of theProvidenciales Division of the Royal Turks andCaicos Islands Police Force reportedly nabbed himwith eight kilos or 18 pounds of cocaine at TheProvidenciales InternationalAirport Providenciales.

According to information officer, SergeantCalvin Chase, the seized cocaine has a wholesalevalue of US $90,348.00 and a street value of US

$271,044.00 USD.Wilson, who managed to secure bail, is to return

to court on April 10, to further answer to thecharges.

Meantime, the suspected cocaine that policeconfiscated from a Bahamian man who reportedlyattempted to smuggle it into the country last Sunday,has an estimated street value of $256,000, Head ofthe Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) SuperintendentAnthony Ferguson.

DEU officers arrested two Bahamian men onSunday as they disembarked a private aircraft atLynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), withwhat the officers suspect to be cocaine, accordingto police.

Information provided by DEU officials revealedthat officers stopped and searched the two men, ages38 and 45, around 10 a.m. when they got off aprivate charter that originated in the Turks andCaicos Islands.?

Their reports revealed that one of the men wascarrying a suitcase with 16 taped packages ofsuspected cocaine.

In recent months, the police have made a seriesof cocaine busts, especially in Providenciales, and

have arrested several persons in conjunction withthose busts. Some of those seizures were realizedwhile the police were conducting traffic operationswhen motorists, after being stopped and theirvehicles searched, were found in possession of thedrug. Other busts were made during random policeoperations in the community.

In a recent news conference, Commissioner ofPolice, Edward Hall and Assistant CommissionerRodney Adams, praised the community for theirassistance in helping the police to scale back thevarious crimes that up to late last summer, grippedthe Turks and Caicos Islands.

The SUN has learnt that over the past fewmonths, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Policeseized almost 40 kilo (88 pounds of cocaine.Cocaine said to have acquired in the TCI was alsoseized overseas, as it was reported in the Bahamaspress that two men travelling on a private planefrom Providenciales were arrested by that country’slaw enforcement officers, shortly after they landed.

The police said cocaine which were beingtransported in a suitcase by the men was confiscatedand they were slapped with drug trafficking charges.

Alleged cocaine smuggler on $120,000 bail

THE MILESTONES IDENTIFIED byUK Minister for Overseas Territoriesdo not include everything that willhave to be done before elections takeplace in the Turks and CaicosIslands, according to the Foreignand Commonwealth Office.

In an recently updated countryprofile on its website, the FCOstated: “In general the UKGovernment will have to be satisfiedthat the necessary reforms have beenput in place to address the issuesraised by the Commission ofInquiry, to prevent such

maladministration being repeated,and to engender the confidence ofthe international community. Themilestones listed in the WrittenMinisterial Statement are theminimum preconditions before theTurks and Caicos Islands can returnto elected government.”

In a Written MinisterialStatement in December 2010 theMinister for the Overseas Territoriesset out milestones that would need tobe met before elections could onceagain take place. These milestonesfocus on the restoration and

embedding of the principles of goodgovernance, sound financialmanagement and sustainabledevelopment.

The Minister for the OverseasTerritories visited the Turks andCaicos Islands in September 2010After consultation with leaders ofboth political parties, with membersof the Advisory Council andConsultative Forum, the Haitiancommunity and local businessmenhe announced that the UK did notwant to postpone elections anylonger than necessary, but they could

not be held in July 2011, asoriginally envisaged.

The FCO said significantchallenges still remained to beaddressed, including embedding thereform process; setting publicfinances firmly on the path to abalanced budget within three years;stabilising the economy;preparations for elections in light ofthe outcome of the constitutionaland electoral reform process; andfurther progress in the criminalinvestigations recommended by theCommission of Inquiry.

More than milestonesmust be met before elections in TCI

JOB VACANCIES1) DIVE INSTRUCTORSLooking for SCUBA Diving instructors with experience in the Turks and Caicos Islands diveindustry to conduct dive courses, lead dives and snorkel trips and assist on other eco-adventureactivities at Big Blue. Applicants must be a current PADI dive instructor and have the skills andpersonality for sales, reservations, & public relations. Starting salary of $2500 per month. Pleasedrop resume and cover letter to Big Blue at the Leeward Marina between the hours of 8am to 5pmor e-mail to [email protected]. You will be contacted for an interview if successful and the deadlinefor applications is 4th Feb 2011. Positions start in Feb and Mar 2011.

2) MARINE BIOLOGISTS / ECO-TOUR GUIDESLooking for persons with experience and qualifications in the field of Marine Biology to join BigBlue’s team of eco-tour guides and dive instructors. Applicants must have experience in tropicalwaters and be able to lead educational kayak, paddleboard, snorkel, scuba diving and sightseeing eco-adventures. Applicants must have a current first aid and CPR certificate and have the personality forsales, public relations and education. Starting salary of $2500 per month. Please drop resume andcover letter to Big Blue at the Leeward Marina between the hours of 8am to 5pm or e-mail [email protected]. You will be contacted for an interview if successful and the deadline forapplications is 4th Feb 2011. Positions start in Feb and Mar 2011. 2) KITE-BOARDINGINSTRUCTOR Looking for a kite-boarding instructor with at least 3 years experience teaching thesport. Applicants must have an additional 2 years experience kite-boarding and have the patience forlong hours working in the sea & sun. Starting salary $2500 per month. Please drop resume and coverletter to Big Blue at the Leeward Marina between the hours of 8am to 5pm or e-mail [email protected]. The deadline for applications is 4th Feb 2011. Position starts Feb 2011.

LOCAL NEWSPage 8


Dorothy Delancy

Seeking aLABOURER$4.50 per hourInterested

persons pleasecontact:241 - 0540

LAbourErneeded

5 days perweek

$5.50 per hourGeorge Penn242 8290

SUNSET MANAGEMENT LTD. (UNDERADMINISTRATION)

This is to advise the general public that Sunset ManagementLtd. has been placed under administration by the SupremeCourt of the Turks and Caicos Islands with effect from

January 18, 2011. Joint administrators have been appointedto administer the affairs of the said company.

Any individuals having any interest in any corporate entity forwhich company management services were provided bySunset Management Ltd. (under administration) are

requested to contact the joint administrators and providedetails of their dealings with the company. Information may

be sent to fax number 1-649-941-8379.

By order of:Joint Administrators, Sunset Management Ltd. (Under

Administration)Dated this 25st day of January, 2011

JUDY STUBBSSEEKS

2 LABOURERSSalary $5 per hour

Must be hardworking and reliableInterested persons should contact

243-3559

� Excellent leadership skillsExcellent customer service skills� Strong work ethics and team player� Track record in successful time� Excellent supervisory, organizationaland management skills� Excellent computer knowledge� Excellent command of the Englishlanguage – reading, writing andspeaking.

� Good communication skills and teamplayer� Detail oriented & organized individual� Ability to work shifts, early mornings,late nights, weekends and Holidays.� Clean police record� Able to work under pressure

Position require the following:Belongers need only apply.

Interested person should apply [email protected] or via fax to HR Department 649-946-4040.

No phone calls please. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

1 Restaurant Manager

LLAAMMOONNTT’’SS TTAAKKEE OOUUTTIs seeking:

CONSTRUCTION COMPANY HERZOGCaribbean Ltd., said it would be usingthe courts to collect $13 million owedto it by the Turks and Caicos IslandsGovernment, which it said accruedbetween 2006 and 2008, from roadrehabilitation and other work done.

Herzog, courtesy of a pressstatement through law firm Misick andStanbrook, declared that betweenNovember, 2006 and 2008, itsuccessfully completed asphalt andother road construction projects for theTurks and Caicos Islands Government.However, it noted that whileGovernment was the recipient of thejobs done, it still has not paid Herzogfor its efforts.

The statement by Herzog hasobviously rocked the Government’sapple cart, as Governor GordonWetherell, who was addressing a newsconference on Wednesday, January 26,said release must have been in error,since Government and theconstruction company was near asettlement.

However, Herzog said the courtaction was the only recourse availableto it, since the company exhausted allavenues in trying to get the moneyowed, even made an agreement at onepoint to have the funds paid

incrementally overtime. That, it saidalso fell through.

“Herzog made numerous efforts toaccommodate TCIG, as Herzog didnot want to have to file an action tocollect its money. In April, 2009,TCIG and Herzog entered into anagreement which allowed TCIG tomake payments to Herzog over time.

“However, unfortunately, after afew payments were made by TCIG,TCIG defaulted and stopped makingpayments. Attempts to negotiate asettlement with TCIG were notsuccessful,” the company said.

The news release added:“Regrettably, Herzog feels at this pointin time it had nowhere else to turn,other than to go to court and collect themoney which it is owed, as Herzog hasalready incurred the costs associatedwith the performance of this work.Thirteen million dollars is too muchmoney for a company such as Herzogto continue on its books as a receivablewithout receiving payment, especiallyin these difficult economic times.

“Herzog wants to be paid byTCIG so Herzog can pay its localsubcontractors who are located inTurks & Caicos Islands,” the companysaid.

However, His Excellency the Gov.

Gordon Wetherell disputed the releaseWednesday (Jan. 26), saying thegovernment is in negotiations withHerzog to pay what is owed.

“I was very surprised to see thatparticular statement because we are infact in the process of negotiating asettlement with Herzog, andagreement was reached on the basis ofthat. I believe that this statement byMisick & Stanbrook was issued inerror and that it will be retracted.”

On Thursday, January, 27, astatement which came from Herzogdirectly indicating that it was satisfiedwith recent re-engagement byGovernment through what it saidappeared to be, also expressing thehope that the talks would come to asmooth conclusion.

Herzog has been involved in anumber of projects in the TCI,including the Blue Hills main road inProvidenciales, other roads in NorthCaicos and the National Stadium and .

Herzog has presence in a numberof Caribbean territories includingAnguilla, Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire,British Virgin Islands, CaymanIslands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica,Montserrat, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia,St Vincent & the Grenadines andBermuda.

ProVo FooD FAirSEEKS

1 DomEStic WorKErSalary $5.00 per hour

interested person should contact 941-5688

Herzog wants its $13 million from Gov’t


Kevin Taylorseeksone

HouseKeeperSalary $350 every

2 weeksTo Clean and

MaintainHouse &

Property work331 4417

TURQUOISECONSTRUCTIONCOMPANY LTD

is looking for qualified and experiencedapplicants for the following positions .allinterested applicants should pleaseleave their resumes at TurquoiseConstruction front Desk. Only shortlisted individuals will be notified by

phone.For more information:Tel: 941-7376/ 941-7376

Fax: 941-7397E-MAIL: [email protected]

GENERAL MANAGERDescription:• Reporting directly to the CEO, this is akey position where you will be headingthe whole construction and engineeringteam.• Independently supervise all existingportfolio through Manager constructionof each project• This role will includes responsibility formanagement of the existing portfolioand the identification of new ventures,growth of the company acrossconstruction projects and contracts,overall management of the portfolioensuring timely execution within thebudget.

Experience:• 10 years or more of experiencemanaging construction projects ofincreasing complexity.• Ability to work under pressure andcoordinate numerous activities andgroups of people who need tocooperate to achieve maximumefficiency.• Good oral and written communicationskills.Academic qualifications: Bsc. CivilEngineering, Business administration.

Salary: $36,000.00 per annum

FOREMEN• Requires the individual to direct leadpeople and projects and meeting

standards set out by the management.• Ability to work independently withminimum supervision• Ability to work in cooperation withother crews and contractors.• Ability to read and layout constructionand drawing to site conditions.• Assist the manager of construction inproducing purchasing documents,assisting in study of spreadsheets suchas fuel usage ,hours etcExperience: 10 yearsSalary: $24000.00 per annum

CIVIL ENGINEERRequired an individual with knowledgeof the principles and practices of CivilEngineering and the ability to applythem to the planning, design,construction and maintenance offacilities. The individual should be ableto prepare correspondence and reports,analyze facts and exercise independentjudgment; establish and maintaineffective working relations; dealeffectively with representatives of otherorganizations and the public.Experience: 5 – 10 yearsSalary: $36000.00 per annum

INANCIAL CONTROLLERLooking for an experienced individual tomanage and supervise the planning,coordination, reviewing and evaluationof financial and /or administrativeprograms activities for a majorconstruction company within thecountry and perform related tasksQualifications: CPA / University Degreein accounts / Finance

Experience: 10-20yrs as aFinancial Controller in constructionCompanies, familiar with US GAAP

Salary: 36000 per annum

All applicants should be prepared towork on weekends and overtime. A

detailed job description will beprovided at the office to qualified

individuals.

Windsong Resort seeks to employ a Housekeeping SupervisorQualified individual should possess the following:

• Computer Literate - proficient in excel and word• Excellent written and oral communication• Ability to work well with others• Minimum of five years experience in position or similar• Willing to work evenings, weekends and holidays• Ability to Manage department is the absence ofHousekeeping Manager

Salary range $7.00 - $9.00 (compensation based onqualification)

Belongers need only applyQualified individuals should email resume to:[email protected]

TRAVELERS WILL SOON have theoption of first-class exceptionalpersonal service when the super-sleekand elegant VIP Flyers Club atProvidenciales International Airportopens its doors on January 31.

The VIP Flyers Club, a service-conscious sanctuary, will cater totravelers who need to relax and wait instyle while escaping the confinementand hustle associated with airportterminals.

VIP Flyers Club managed byOlympia Destination ManagementCompany (ODMC) is one of a kind inthe Caribbean. Intimate and luxurious,the 15-guest lounge is uniquely

designed to handle the demands ofTurks and Caicos travel. Not only willthe VIP Flyers Club cater to personsdeparting TCI but will also offer a FastTrack Service which will see theimpeccably trained staff meeting andgreeting passengers and assisting themthrough Security, Immigration andCustoms. This Fast Track Service willinclude private transfers, gettingtravelers and luggage to their privatelicensed car service in record time.

The Managing Director of ODMCsaid: “This is definitely a vision cometo fruition. OMDC is committed toproviding travelers with a level ofservice unparallel to others and saw the

opening of a VIP airport lounge as agreat opportunity to provide such aservice. We have already receivedrequests from companies to use theClub for private functions and we mustthank the TCIAA for being veryinstrumental in making this enhancedpassenger experience happen.”

For a US$40.00 entry fee,passengers will be able to enjoy up totwo hours of peace and comfort aheadof their journey, while watchingsatellite TV, browsing the internet orsimply taking in the panoramic viewsof the runway which enjoyingcomplimentary refreshments,

newspapers and magazines. Thelounge will also offer access to aprinter, loaner laptop computers andlaptop trays, free internationaltelephone calls, and is accessible to thedisabled.

In its 11 years of existence,Olympia Destination ManagementCompany (ODMC) has worked toestablish itself as a progressive andcredible destination managementcompany that caters to the increasingneeds of its key stakeholder groups. Itprides itself on delivering excellentservice, enhanced by innovativestrategies and quality leadership.

OMDC is the premiere destinationmanagement company operating in theTurks and Caicos Islands. Thecompany provides clients withdestination representation, groundhandling, hotel management andmarketing services.

Its principal has extensiveexperience within the tourism sectorand works closely with the Turks andCaicos Islands Airports Authority(TCIAA), Turks and Caicos TouristBoard and the Turks and Caicos Hoteland Tourism Association (TCHTA).

OMDC’s vast knowledge of TCI’stourism industry enables the companyto provide its clients with added valuethrough networking, tailored servicesand peace of mind.

New VIP Flyers Club opens atProvidenciales International Airport

LOCAL NEWSPage 10


TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDSFinancial Services Commission

Tender Request for Construction Services-Interior RedesignThe Financial Services Commission invites proposals from suitably qualified contractors to undertake a remodeling of theCommission’s offices. The brief scope of the works is as described below:• Remove existing partitions;• Supply of new partitions, fixtures and fittings according to the design specifications;• Installation of new partitions, fixtures, fittings and furniture according to design specifications;• Replace existing flooring with new raised surface and installation of carpeting as indicated;• Upgrading and improvement of plumbing, electrical and air conditioning systems;• The installation of permanent hurricane shutters;• Repainting of finished surfaces and the removal of debris.

Interested parties may pick up a copy of the design drawings and specifications, which will be provided at a cost, between thehours 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm Mondays to Fridays. Interested parties are required to submit their bids in writing to theCommission at its office at Caribbean Place, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos no later than 2:00 pm February 4, 2011. Latetenders will NOT be considered under any circumstance.

Tenders must be accompanied by the following:i. Valid business licence;ii. Certificate of Good-standing from the Companies Registry (for companies) or Business Names Registration forpartnerships and individuals;iii. List of personnel who will be involved in the execution of the works and their qualification and or experience;iv. Details of at least two (2) references for which similar works have been carried andv. Reference from the bankers of the interested parties.

Tenders should be submitted in ordinary form to include detailed description of the service provider and setting out thetimeframe for carrying out the works. The original and one copy of the Tender proposal should be placed in a sealed envelopeand delivered to the Commission’s office at Caribbean Place. The envelope should be addressed to the Managing Director ofthe Commission and clearly marked “Tender for Construction Works”.

The tender will be opened after the expiry of the deadline by a panel comprising the Managing Director, the FinancialController and the Office Manager. The Commission does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any other tender.

Financial Services Commission: 01/2011January 18, 2011

By Vivian TysonSUN Senior Editor

JETBLUE AIRWAYS, WHICH is due tobegin weekly flights between John F.Kennedy International Airport and theProvidenciales Airport, said the levelof business and the feedback that itwas getting has been encouraging.

Mateo Lleras, JetBlue’s ManagerCorporate Communications for LatinAmerica and the Caribbean, who wason the Providenciales recently,meeting with the Turks and CaicosIslandsAirportsAuthority and moversand shakers in the hotel industry, toldThe SUN that

According to Lleras, whilebookings were not overwhelminghigh, from all indications, theJFK/Providenciales route, in themedium to long term will be amongthat airline’s raft of success stories.

“We usually give a market tomature between one and three years,so we don’t expect a huge responsefrom the get go, but we have beenseen a steady line of booking for theroute. Every new route we open a lotof work goes behind it, not onlyanalyzing if the demand is there oroperational opportunity, but alsolooking at the prices, and one of thebiggest opportunities we saw is that

the airfare is highly priced.Once we enter a market, we like

to stick around it for the long term.There are very few cities in our historywhere we actually had to take theflight out. Every time we chose a cityis because we have a commitmentfrom the authorities, from the tourismboard and from all those who arestakeholders. Whether one, two orthree years, the market takes sometimeto mature and, we are definitely

committed to making that work,”Lleras said.

Lleras said from the meetings withthe tourism stakeholders, JetBlue wasfeeling confident that the new alliancewill work, since everyone pledged toput in their efforts to make it work.

“We feel we have a lot of support,we are very excited and we areconfident that we will make it grow,but definitely we are in it for the longterm,” Lleras said.

Lleras said apart from offering “fairfares”, clients should expect to beseated on leather, the most leg room incoach, since the coach space is up tothree inches wider that the averageairline. He said TV is affixed to the backof each seat with 36 channels ofDirecTV, plus free unlimited snacks anddrinks.

JetBlue’s first flight is February 17from JFK, while its first Boston flightis February 19.

JetBlue happy with response to TCI flights

Mateo Lleras, JetBlue’s Manager Corporate Communications for Latin America and the Caribbean says the airline has recvieveda steady line ofbooking for the route


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THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS Committee(FAC) of the House of Commons hasrecommend that the UK Governmentfully fund the work of the SpecialInvestigation and Prosecution Team(SIPT) or “risk severely underminingits own credibility in its use ofreserved powers, both in the Turksand Caicos Islands and in all of theOverseas Territories.

This recommendation wascontained in the most recent report ofthe FAC, which was ordered by theHouse of Commons.

The FAC also recommended that,should the need be identified, closepersonal protection should beprovided to the Special Prosecutorand the members of her team, andthat the cost of this protection shouldbe wholly met by the UKGovernment.

The report stated: “The securityof the Special Investigation andProsecution Team (SIPT), while itcarries out its work in TCI, is theresponsibility of the Royal Turks andCaicos Islands Police Force(RTCIPF). The RTCIPF carries outregular assessments of the securitysituation in TCI and reports to theGovernor and the regional lawenforcement adviser. The RTCIPFwould provide close protectionshould it deem that the threatwarranted this. If a need wasidentified for close protection which

the RTCIPF could not provide fromwithin its existing

resources, the UK Governmentwould give careful consideration toany request from the TCIGovernment for technical or financialassistance.”

The report noted that it isgenerally for territory governments tofund commissions of inquiry andcriminal investigations within theirjurisdictions, adding that makingsufficient budgetary provision for thecriminal justice system is part ofgood governance.

However, the FCO funded theinitial costs of the SIPT to ensure thatthe Special Prosecutor could start herwork as soon as possible. It wasnoted that at a press conference inTCI in April last year, the SpecialProsecutor announced that the SIPTwas at full strength and that its workwas on schedule. Ms Garlickestimated that 18 months was areasonable time for the inquiry to becompleted.

The team now has a permanentpresence in the territory. In astatement issued on 29 September,Ms Garlick confirmed that the SIPTwas continuing to make goodprogress and was confident ofmeeting the targets and deadlines thatit had set and agreed with theStrategic Oversight Group which wasestablished to oversee the progress of

the investigation and themanagement of its budget. She

said that if the SIPT succeeded in itsaim of bringing successfulprosecutions, it was her intention toensure that the TCI recouped most, ifnot all, of the costs.

“We will ensure that sufficientsafeguards are in place to protect theSIPT’s funding from the TCIGovernment budget for as long as itis required,” the FAC report said.

The Foreign Affairs Committeeis appointed by the House ofCommons to examine theexpenditure, administration, andpolicy of the Foreign andCommonwealth Office and itsassociated agencies.

The FAC also recommended thatthe Government respond positively tothe Governor’s requests and fund therequired number of additional Britishpolice officers through theDepartment for InternationalDevelopment (DFID) budget.

DFID’s focus in TCI is in the keyarea of public financial management.In a Written Ministerial Statement on1 July, the Secretary of State forInternational Developmentannounced plans for the provision ofa temporary package of financialsupport.

According to the FAC, work toput this package in place is currentlyunderway. This support is conditionalon the TCI Governmentstrengthening its capacity and

systems to manage its publicfinances, and balancing its budgetwithin the next three years. Toaddress the immediate shortfall,DFID provided a loan of £9.7 millionto TCI between June and August lastyear, and have agreed to provide afurther loan of up to £10 million tocover the period September toNovember.

The TCI Government allocatedan additional US$ 4 million to theRTCIPF earlier last year and hasrecruited four experienced UK policepersonnel in the fields of CommunityPolicing, Criminal Investigation,Crime Analysis, and Scenes ofCrime/Fingerprinting.

The FAC further recommend thatthe UK Government provide thecapital and running costs of theIntegrity Commission for an initial periodof three years.

A budget (US$500,000) for theIntegrity Commission has been agreed bythe TCI Government. The Commissionis chaired by Sir David Simmons, theformer Chief Justice of Barbados.

Persons in public life listed in theIntegrity Commission Ordinance willnow have to provide declarations ofincome, assets and liabilities and it willbe the Commission’s responsibility toexamine these and verify theiraccuracy. The implementation of aproposal for the development of anexecutive arm is under consideration.

Foreign Affairs Committee says UK should fundSpecial Investigations and prosecution Team

1 Labourer Bridget Robinson

is Seeking

$5 per hour call 347 8393

Page 12 TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH, 2011

Page 13

TURKS & CAICOS SUN JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH , 2011LOCAL NEWS

PPC LTD’S parent company supports

Diabetic Association


GENERAL MANAGERRequirements:• Seasoned General Manager with 5+ years of experience operating a 5 star, luxury resort in aremote location.• Knowledge of five-diamond requirements and service.• Strong operational expertise in rooms; food & beverage; facilities/systems (includingpreventive maintenance); spa; recreation and other ancillary disciplines• Ability to lead career development by attracting and retaining talented management,encouraging and supporting career development, and driving continuous learning• Ability to implement a highly consistent guest service culture• Experience with gathering/analyzing competitive market intelligence with ability to establishstrategies to penetrate and exceed fair market share• Must have strong financial acumen and be able to drive revenue that impacts results.Duties Include:• Full responsibility for operating success of the resort• Ensuring that the selection, training and ongoing direction for resort staff at all levels is suchthat it maintains high level of job satisfaction, morale and teamwork• Achieve resort financial/budgeting goals and expectations as established in the annual resortbusiness plan for all areas of responsibility, and organize/implement strategic and tactical plansto facilitate this aim• Consistently deliver accurate forecasting projections for areas of responsibility and implementeffective adjustments as required in staffing and other cost drivers to ensure profit integrity• Achieve high levels of quality guest service and satisfaction for resort guests.

Starting Salary 70K/Negotiable - Commensurate with Experience, Education & Training

HOUSEKEEPERDuties Include:• Restock linen and amenities on carts.• Run needed items to guest floors.• Assist the housekeepers as required.

Starting Wages $6.50 - $7.00 per hour/Commensurate with Experience.

GUEST SERVICE REPRESENTATIVEDuties Include:• Assist guests with any requests and field guest complaints, conducting thorough research todevelop the most effective solutions and negotiate results.• Provide property and room orientation for the guest upon arrival.• Communicate with all departments regarding in house VIP’s and any special needs.• Maintain an up to date working knowledge of all resort amenities as well as any specialevents.• Solicit guest feedback via guest comment cards.

Starting Salary $6.50 per hour plus service charge

ELECTRICIANRequirements:The job requirements of the Maintenance Electrician are to perform tasks using skills inplumbing, electrical, and air conditioning.

The ability to troubleshoot/ install and repair plumbing, fixtures, do electrical repair (switches,outlets, light fixtures) and repair of air conditioning units when required.

Due to the vast responsibility of maintaining buildings and grounds the duties will vary and areonly limited for safety or security reasons.

The Maintenance Electrician will do work requests whether in a written or verbal directive thatinsures the proper operation of the Regent Hotel and for the comfort of the guest.

Salary starting at $7.50 an hour commensurate with qualification and experience

Requirements for all Applicants:• Prior experience in a similar role at a property of similar size and quality.• Hardworking team player with excellent people skills and genuine desire to serve others.• Ability to read, write and speak English proficiently.• Ability to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 8 hours in length.• Willingness to work nights, weekends and holidays as required to meet or exceed guestexpectations at all times.• In addition to the performance of the essential functions, employees may be required toperform supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solelydetermined by the supervisor.• Regular attendance is essential to the successful performance of these positions. Employeeswith irregular attendance will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination ofemployment.

Interested applicants should apply to the Regent Palms, in person, for a first interview Mondaythrough Friday 10AM to 12PM and bring along a recent C.V. Appointments may also be madeby calling the Regent Palms Human Resources department at 946-8666 during businesshours.

IMMEDIATEOPENINGS

Fortis inc, PPc’s parent company has once again donated $2,000 in lieu of Christmas cards to a TCI non-profit organisation. Donations were made to charities based in each of the countries where Fortis Inc. operates. All employees were given the opportunity to submit the name of a charity to receive this annual donation. Once all names were submitted, we selected the Charity with the most votes. The recipient of the 2011 donation is the Turks and Caicos Diabetic Association, a national voluntary health association whose mission is to improve public and medical awareness about diabetes.

PPC Ltd understands the significance of having such an established association to bring about awareness amoung the people

of the Turks and Caicos Islands and has committed to assisting the Diabetes Association in their efforts. Corporate Services Manager, Daphne Penn comments, “members of the association have voluntarily dedicated their time and resources to promote healthy life styles in our local schools and communities while offering support and referrals for individuals suffering from diabetes; hence PPC’s willingness to continue being major sponsors of such a worthy cause.”

Penn also added: “Since Fortis Inc became our parent company they have given an overall total of $10,000 to the Cancer Society, Kidney Association, Provo Children’s Home,

Heart Foundation and now the Diabetic Association. Diabetes is a condition that has affected many persons in our communities whether it is directly or indirectly and we need to remain vigilant of this and assist where ever possible in keeping this Association operational.”

President of the Diabetic Association, Elaine Clare, was thrilled to receive the donation and

thanked PPC by stating: “When PPC contacted us to advise that we were the recipients of the donation we were extremely surprised and appreciative. The donation will definitely go a long way in helping us continue our Diabetes Awareness campaign. There are many persons in the TCI who can’t afford diabetic testing equipment and the funds from PPC will go towards this purchase. “

Fortis Donates to Diabetic Association

Advertise with us today for the best rates Call us @ 649-946-8542

Page 14

JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH , 2011TURKS & CAICOS SUNLOCAL NEWS

Turks and Caicos Islands showcased at TCHTA marketplace 2011

LOCAL NEWSPage 14


Graceway IGA Supermarket / Kwatcha Holdings is seeking applicants to fill theposition of a is seeking suitably qualified applicants to fill the following positions:-

WHOLESALE FOOD & SALES MANAGER.Job Requirements & Responsibilities:

• Responsible for overall management of product distribution and revenue of sales• Oversee the day to day management of wholesale department personnel tomaximize sale productivity• Oversees and manages the Supermarket growing wholesale accounts• At least five (5) years Sales or Marketing experience.• Five (5) years Chef Experience.• Good knowledge of wholesale foods, liquor, wines and beers.• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.• Competence in the use of Microsoft Word and Excel.• Good negotiation and interpersonal skills.• Must have a personal vehicle and a valid Driver’s License.• Must have pervious managerial experienced working in a supermarket retailenvironment• Applicant will be required to work weekends and holidays

Salary range: $36,000.00 - $42,000.00 annually.

GENERAL MANAGER

Summary of Duties

The position is responsible for the management of all aspects of Graceway GourmetSupermarket. This includes providing leadership and motivation to promote theconsistent execution of standard practices, policies and procedures. Setting the toneand leading the stores culture/environment to ensure success in all aspects ofcustomer service, profitability, operations, people development, merchandisepresentation and merchandise assortment.

Required Specifications and qualifications

• Over ten (10) years experience in supermarket retail and wholesale managementwith a minimum of five (5) years in a senior management position to includemanagement of individual departments.• Experience in company expansion projects with the ability to lead and develop newstore concept, design, layout, format and operations.• Proficient in the understanding of retail and wholesale accounting and goodbusiness practices related to documentation and record keeping.• Strong current product knowledge of the retail industry and a proven record in the

ability to achieve the budgeted financial and operating results, including sales,profitability, and wage percentage.• Experience managing and developing the human resources activities,maintain and develop organizational culture, values and reputation in market andwith all staff, customers, suppliers, partners and governmental bodies.• Must have the ability to identify, develop and direct the implementation ofbusiness strategy and report to shareholders on organizational plans, financialdisclosure and operational performance.• Ability to work extended hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Salary rate will commensurate with experience and ranges from $60, 000.00 -$72,000.00

REFRIGERATION TECHNICIANThe person selected for this position will be responsible for inspections andpreventative maintenance on mechanical systems which includes calibration andrepair of HVAC systems and pneumatic control systems.

Summary of Duties:

Performing work assigned by maintenance supervisor; cleaning and repairing, HVACsystems and piping repairs; rebuilding compressors, duct work, inspections andtroubleshooting; performing preventative maintenance on large refrigeration andHVAC systems.

Required Specifications and qualifications

• Vocational education in HVAC and Refrigeration systems• Training and experience in Electrical and plumbing maintenance• Computerized electronic controls and a working knowledge of computers preferred.• Five years experience in related fields. Drivers license mandatory.• Reading, writing and speaking the English language is required.

Must be willing to be on call 24 hours, must be able to work nights, weekends andholidays.

Salary ranges from $19,200.00 – $22,000.00/annum.

Deadline for submission of applicants is February 12th 2011Submit to: Graceway IGA Supermarket main office complex or email:[email protected]

The Turks & CaiCos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA), the Tourist Board and several resorts attended the annual Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Marketplace in Montego Bay, Jamaica. This much anticipated event spanned over a period of four days, January 15th to January 18th, 2011.

Caribbean Marketplace 2011 had the third largest attendance over the past 10 years with 1,518 delegates as compared to 1,362 in 2010. CHTA Marketplace is one of the most important annual sales and marketing event on the region’s tourism calendar, with the main objective of providing an avenue for suppliers and buyers to conduct negotiations that benefit the entire region. Destinations, airlines, car rental and ground handlers had the opportunity to meet with tour operators and wholesalers to discuss plans for the 2011-2012 season.

President Karen Whitt represented the TCHTA, along with delegates from The Somerset, Amanyara, The Gansevoort, Point Grace, Seven Stars, The Sands, Royal West Indies, Parrot Cay, Ocean Club Resorts, Alexandra Resort & Spa, La Vista Azul, The Regent Palms, Turks and Caicos

Club, West Bay Club, and Ralph Higgs, Director of Tourism at the Tourist Board.

Overall the feedback from the wholesalers, tour operators and other industry partners was very positive for the TCI. TCHTA’s President, Karen Whitt was extremely pleased with the outcome of this year’s Marketplace and commented that, “It was a very productive event for us and many of us signed some very lucrative contracts and forged new business relationships.

There was a 22% increase in the wholesaler buyer companies and this is a very good indication that interest in vacations to the Caribbean is returning. We look forward to seeing an increase in packages, promotions and ultimately bookings for TCI and the Caribbean on a whole. We definitely had really positive discussions which left us optimistic about the future of our tourism industry.”

Whitt added, “This year in particular we were able to use Marketplace as an opportunity to further promote the Providenciales International Airport’s expansion project. We highlighted that the expansion of the runway will be completed next year and will allow us to accommodate long-haul aircrafts as large as Boeing 777s.

Additionally, we were able to make specific mention of the recently added flights to Providenciales with JetBlue and Continental Airlines coming on board from February 2011.”

TCHTA Marketing is endorsed by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) as the official Marketplace of the Caribbean region.

Caribbean Marketplace is open to companies that qualify under the following categories:

• Suppliers – Hotels (bed and breakfasts, chains, management companies, resorts, timeshares, villas), Attractions, Destination Management Companies, Restaurants, Tourist Boards and Transportation Companies (airlines, automobile rentals, motor coach).

• Media advertisers/Marketing - Magazine advertisers, Website development and booking engines, Marketing representation, Distribution systems, Publishing companies and Media representation.

The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) represent a wide range of members from hotels and resorts to insurance companies and financial service providers, from watersports operators to catering outlets, from taxi drivers to human resources.

The Association aims to assist the organisations through networking opportunities, training, promotional activities and representation at all levels of decision-making in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the region.

Page 15


Grand Turk residents want to know what happened

to proposed Banyan Tree Hotel


POSITIONSAVAILABLE

ONE (1) QUALIFIED IT PROFESSIONALMinimum Requirements - The applicant must have:

• At least 5 years of extensive and intensive experience in IT desktop and networksupport and system administration• Experience in LINUX Server Administration (Ubuntu, CentOS)• Experience in TrixBox VOIP and any Free PBX phone system.• Ability in Online Surveillance Camera application• 4+ years VMWare ESX server experience is a must or any experience in 3 areas ofVirtualization• Knowledgeable in Active Directory, LDAP, DHCP, DNS, IIS, Terminal Service• Experience Supporting and Administering SAFLOK• Supporting CLubHouse Online (Web base Club Owners online Billing system)• Well experience in help desk environment and datacenter management as well as webtechnology• Knowledge of third party support such as Symantec backup, Symantec End point,TeamViewer,• Experience in Point of Sales and Jonas Accounting Software a MUST• Capable of quickly adapting to various changing IT environment• Able to explain, translate and instruct technical matters to plain English for easyunderstanding of non-IT audience• Dedicated and flexible individual with excellent troubleshooting and communicationskills• With an aim to further enhance knowledge and experience in different areas and field ofinformation and communication technology

Salary range: 30,000 to 40,000 annual

ONLY BELONGERS NEED TOAPPLYKindly submit all Applications at West Bay Club Front Desk Office or thru fax at941-8695

Closing date of applications is January 28, 2011

Residents of GRand tuRk want to know whatever happened to plans to build a Banyan Tree hotel in the country’s capital.

In September 2007, Banyan Tree Holdings Limited (“Banyan Tree” or the

“Group”), a leading developer, designer and operator of top-tier hotels, resorts, spas and galleries worldwide, announced that it has signed a management contract for a new Angsana branded resort and spa on the island of Grand Turk.

Since then, little or nothing has been heard about the hotel project and there have been reports that the beach front land may have since been sub-divided and sold.

“The Interim Government needs to do a serious investigation into this project and let the public know what really happened to the land and the plans for the Banyan Tree hotel,” a Grand Turk resident told The SUN. “That kind of hotel would have been a big boost for Grand Turk, because we need the hotel beds up here and we need the jobs.”

The proposed resort was to follow from Banyan Tree’s current development on the island of Barbados and would have been the first Angsana Resort and Spa within the Caribbean region.

At the signing of the management contract four years ago, Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree, Mr Ho Kwon Ping, said: “This project affirms Banyan Tree’s strategic intent to be a key player in the Americas. The introduction of Angsana Resort & Spa Grand Turk, will bring our brand of Asian hospitality to a larger group of discerning travelers.”

The resort would have comprised a hotel block with 160 suites, multiple F&B outlets, conference facilities and Banyan Tree’s multi award-winning Angsana Spa. It also would have consisted of exclusive Angsana residential villas for sale.

The site for the proposed hotel is located close to the Governor’s residence at Waterloo and has about a mile of pristine beach frontage.

911 helps police

the 911 CommuniCation Centre and The Police continue to work in unison in their diligent effort to combat Crime, says Police Sergeant Calvin Chase.

He said one such occasion occurred on Wednesday 26th January 2011 about 10:55a.m. when two vehicles were broken into in Turtle Cove Providenciales and a number of items were stolen from both vehicles.

Chase said the culprits used a getaway vehicle after committing the crimes, but a coordinated effort with assistance from the public resulted in the apprehension of a male Turks and Caicos Islander and the recovery of the stolen goods plus the getaway vehicle within an hour.

He said the Police in Providenciales are looking for a male Turks and Caicos Islander who is a person of interest in this incident.

Police Sergeant Calvin Chase

LOCAL NEWSPage 16


Air Turks & Caicosis seeking application for:

(1) SECURITY TRAINER

MUST HAVEExcellent leadership skillsExcellent customer service skillsStrong work ethics and team playerExcellent supervisory, organizational andmanagement skillsExcellent computer knowledge

SECURITY OFFICERS

(1) HOUSEKEEPER

Position require the following:• Excellent command of the English language –reading, writing and speaking.• Good communication skills and team player• Detail oriented & organized individual• Ability to work shifts, early mornings, late nights,weekends and Holidays.• Clean police record• Able to work under pressureBelongers need only apply.Interested person should apply [email protected] or via fax to HR Department 649-946-4040.No phone calls please. Qualified candidates will becontacted for an interview.

THE TURKS AND CAICOS Islandscould see a new financial packageinserted in the 2011/2012 estimates ofexpenditure, as the county searches forways to claw from the economic holein which it finds itself over the pastthree years.

Governor Gordon Wetherell,responding to questions from the mediaduring a briefing on Wednesday,January 26, said the revenue reviewimplemented by Governmentsometime ago was still taking place,explaining further that wideconsultations will initiate in February.

According to him, the decision tohave consultations will be hinged ongathering of feedback from

stakeholders in the community as to themost suitable step going forward.

“We expect early next month tomove into a phase of consultations withdifferent stakeholders on ideas for thefuture. Those would then come forwardto the Advisory Council and to theConsultative Forum. We would like tohave a package in place in time for thebudget, which is due by the end ofMarch,” Governor Wetherell said.

Since the world-wide financialcrisis, said to have been triggered byWall Street’s financial misdeedsespecially in the housing market, anumber of countries around the worldhave plunged into recession, includingthe Turks and Caicos Islands.

The financial situation in the TCI,according to the British, wascompounded by what has beendescribed as the past administration’spoor financial handling of the economy- an allegation the former PNPgovernment has refuted time and timeagain.

Governor Wetherell noted thatthere have been a number of otheraspects to the financial resurrection ofthe TCI, including the finalization of aninternational aid package, which hesaid the Finance Ministry has beenspearheading. The acquisition of thefunds, according to GovernorWetherell, is aimed at balancing theTCI budget within the next three years.

“All of these are important factors;they are interlinked, and we need to finda way which has implications for bothexpenditure and revenue – bringing inthe budget into balance over a period oftime,” Governor Wetherell noted.

by Environmental ArtsFlowersApplicant must have the following skills and experience:- knowledge of POS- experience managing inventory and stock- experience in merchandising- must speak fluent English and have an excellent telephone manner- must have own vehicle and a drivers’ licence- floral experience- willing to work flexible hours to including evenings and holidays- Remuneration of $8 per hour

Interested candidates should contact Louise at 941-5621or submit an application to Flowers by Environmental Arts.

IS SEEKING A RETAIL SUPERVISOR

Governor says new financialpackage could be in the works

Governor Gordon Wetherell

Page 17


Abundant Life marks 10 year with raft of activitiesJANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH, 2011 TURKS AND CAICOS SUN LOCAL NEWS

Page 17

Seeks to identify the following:

1 DJ / ENTERTAINMENT CO-ORDINATOR:must be technically competent with microphone,amplifier, speaker and center console. Able to uselaptop and other computer software to play and editmusic live; must possess organizational skill, able toadequately promote all areas of Margaritaville (food,beverage, retail); able to adhere to policy to playing85% Jimmy Buffet music; creatively host various gamesand entertainment without excluding or restricting guests/ participants, interact with guests. Be able to articulate,get along well with others, work long hours, and staycalm under pressure.

1 RETAIL TEAM LEADER:must have at least 2 years experience is a similarposition; computer knowledge in Excel and Word; ableto direct and lead team members, able to effectivelycommunicate both written and orally, provideadequate support to retail captain and be able to worklong hours – Salary will be commensurate with level ofexperience;

KITCHEN HELPERS, SERVERS, BARTENDERS, BUSSERS /RUNNERS, STILT WALKER / MASCOT: $ 6.00 per hour

All must be willing to work public holidays andweekends.Qualified persons will be short listed; belongers will begiven preference – proof of belongership is required.

PRAD EQUIPMENTRENTAL LTD Providenciales

TCI

RANDALL GARDINER is seekingto employ aMECHANICInterested candidates must

have:10 years experience in

mechanicsMust be able to work underlittle or no supervision

Must be able to work on callMust be flexible

Must be able to work onweekends and holidays

Contact 232-5501

Premier Contracting Services

Seeks two (2) qualifiedapplicants to work as

LABOURERSSix days per week. Salary willbe paid base on experienceand quality of work.

Applicants should apply inwriting or email by February

4th 2011Premier Contracting ServicesSuite 200 Graceway House,

ProvidencialesEmail: [email protected]

By Vivian Tyson

The TenTh anniversary of Abundant Life Ministries International was greeted by eating, exercising and praise and worshipping God.

The ministry headed by Bishop C. Alexander Williams III was founded in January of 2001. The church grew from its humble beginning of paying rent in a downtown Providenciales venue before moving to its present Leeward Highway location where it began hosting service in a roofless building to now sporting a swanky edifice with much glamour.

On Friday, January 21, Abundant Life threw an awards banquet at the Regent Palms, encapsulated in glitziness, fun and entertainment, while feasting on a sumptuous four-course meal.

The event, which was hosted by the famous Bahamian comedian David Wallace, saw founding members, as well as supporters of ministry receiving commemorative plaques and medals.

The awards given to some of the members and the well-wishers were

called “Live Achievement Awards”.At 5:30am on Saturday, members

of the church hosted a fitness walk for charity, with proceeds going towards the Cancer Society. Dozens of Church members, followers and well-wishers took part in the walk.

On Sunday afternoon, January 23, the church building was packed to overflow with members, close associates and dignitaries to celebrate the church’s signpost, featuring guest preacher Bishop Carlos Malone from Atlanta, Georgia.

The evening featured praise and worship, dance presentation, Junkanoo rush, soul-stirring gospel singing and highly-charged and reflective preaching. A montage highlighting Abundant Life Ministries’ journey through the decade was also shown, including the time of its roofless services at the current venue.

The highlight of the anniversary was the prodigious display of saxophone skills by head of the church’s music department, Javon Laporte, who wowed the packed hall with clinic performance, which

evoked a standing ovation, deafening cheers and whistles.

The ten year celebrations actually boiled over into three additional nights of revival services as mandated by Bishop Malone, who also charged the church to undergo fasting for periods of each day and pray at certain hour, saying that the result would be a faith breakthrough.

On Wednesday, January 26 –

Bishop Carlos Malone preaches during the altar call

the final night of the celebration, individuals were asked to take along copies of their business plans and their bills. Bishop Malone took plans which he said would be placed in his prayer box at his church, while the bills were tossed in a drum outside the church and set alight. The ritual, according to Bishop Malone, would bring debt cancellation.

Page 18

COME AND JOIN OUR WINNING TEAM!!!Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, the only 6 Diamond all inclusive property in the Caribbean and its authorized Recruitment

Agencies are inviting applications from suitably qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders for the following vacant positions.Applicants must have a clean police record and a good command of the English language both written and spoken. In addition candidates must

be able to work nights, public holidays and week-ends.The Resort thanks everyone for their interest in advance and advises that only short listed applicants will be contacted for an interview.

DINING ROOM DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

� ServersRequirements include:• One years experience in a restaurant with seating forover 100 persons an asset.• No food allergies• Physically fit

Dining Room CleanerRequirements include:• Physically Fit• Ability to carry out labour intensive cleaning taskThe rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to$6.00 an hour.

BAR DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

BartendersRequirements include:• Ability to mix a variety of drinks alcoholic and non-alcoholic.• Outgoing personality• Physically fitThe rate for the position listed above is $5.00 to $7.00an hour.

SupervisorRequirements include:• Three years supervising a bar and inventory• Excellent customer service skills• Knowledge of winesThe rate for the position listed above is $6.50 to $9.00an hour.

HOUSEKEEPING DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

Room Attendants/ Domestic Worker• Housemen• Public Area AttendantsRequirements include:• One years experience in a hotel environment anasset.• Physically fit

Linen Room Attendant/ ControllerRequirements include:• Excellent mathematics skills.• Knowledge of inventory• Physically fitThe rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to$7.50 an hour.

KITCHEN DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

ChefGard MangerRequirements include• Must have worked in a Resort kitchen or medium tolarge sized restaurant• Ability to read and follow recipes• Ability to create new and innovative dishesThe range in the rates for the positions listed above is$5.00 to $12.00 an hour.

Executive Pastry ChefSous ChefRequirements include:• Ability to manage staff and multiple kitchens• Professional qualification an asset• Minimum of 5 years in relevant experienceThe salary for the positions listed above is $25,000.00to $55,000.00 per annum.

OFFSITE PROPERTIES REQUIRES:LabourCare TakerRequirements include:• Physically Fit• Ability to carry out labour intensive task

The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to$9.00 an hour.

PHOTOSHOP DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:Photographers2 years experience in fieldThe rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to$8.00 an hour.

GIFTSHOP DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:Shop AttendantRequirements include:• Two years sales experience a must• Ability to meet sales targets and quotasThe rate for the position listed above is $5.00 to $7.00an hour.

Supervisor Gift Shop• Maintain par levels in inventory• Ensure daily, week, monthly and yearly Sales targetsare metThe rate for the position listed above is $6.00 to$10.00 an hour.

LAUNDRY DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

Laundry AttendantRequirements include:• Physically fit• Previous experience in commercial Laundry anassistThe salary for the position listed above is $20,000.00to $30,000.00 per annum.

SPA DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:CosmetologistTherapistRequirements include:• Knowledge or certification in Dermalogica Brand anassist• Ability to sell service and product• Ability to meet targets and sales quotasThe rate for the positions listed above is CommissionBased.

WATERSPORTS DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:Beach and Pool AttendantsRequirements include:• Keep the pool /beach area tidy and clean• First Aid qualification an assetAll persons in the Watersports Department must havethe ability to swim and pass a swim endurance test


ROOMS DIVISION DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:ButlerRequirements include:• Member of the Association of English Butlers• Ability to go above and beyond for guest

Front Office AgentConcierge AgentRequirements include:

• Background in customer service• Ability to go above and beyond for guest

BellmanRequirements include:• Physically Fit• Outgoing and friendly attitudeThe rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to$7.50 an hour.

STEWARDING DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

SupervisorRequirements include:• Physically Fit• Knowledge of how to clean and maintain commercialkitchens and equipment


STEWARDRequirements include:• Physically Fit• Ability to carry out labour intensive cleaning task


ENTERTAINMENT DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

Fun pals/Players & DancersRequirements include:• An outgoing personality required• Ability to sing and dance

Kids Counselor/ AttendantRequirements include:• An outgoing personality required• Certificate in early childhood education an asset• First Aid qualification an asset


ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:Electrician or PlumberRoom TechniciansA/C TechniciansCabinet Maker or Mason• Knowledgeable of in related fields both in theory andpractical


LABOURERRequirements include:• Physically Fit• Ability to carry out labour intensive task


GROUNDS DEPARTMENTS REQUIRES:HorticulturistGroundsman/ladyLabourer• Physically fit• Ability to carry out labour intensive task


Applications giving full details of qualifications and experience should be sent to:[email protected] or Fax to: 941-4870 Attn: M McClean-Vaughn

and

and should reach not later than February 12th 2011. Otherwise, please call anytime for an appointmenttel # 649-946-8000 ext 4138

The Human Resources DepartmentBeaches Turks and CaicosP.O. Box 186Lower Bight Road

The Labour CommissionerLabour DepartmentProvidencialesTurks and Caicos Islands



Alexandra Taylor is seekingone LAbourer

Wages will commensurate at 5.00 and hourall interested persons should be reliable , trustworty

and hard working.for further information please contact 242-0333

between the hours of 9 am to 4 pm

LOOKING FOR AN EXPERIENCED AIRCONDITIONING / REFRIGERATION TECHNICIAN

• Must have 7 to 10 years experience in air conditioning/refrigerationmaintenanceMinimum of 2 years working in a hotel with good customer skills.Must have some computer skills• Must be able to read, write and speak English fluently.• Must be willing to live full time on Ambergris Cay Maintaining all installationin refrigeration and air-conditioning in accordance with internationalstandards;Performs mechanical, plumbing, refrigeration and electrical repairsMaintains logs,TroubleshootingUse of appropriate tools and equipment to perform the jobOperates, maintain and repairs to ensure minimum discontinuityOrdering of spare parts to ensure consistent functioning without discontinuityReporting all security problems to the Facilities Manager;Able to read and follow prints, diagrams, manufacturer's directions andrecommendations.Able to work under minimal supervisionKnowledge and experience with Mitsubishi multi system will be anadvantage

Contact: Laurent Folie.at Cell: 232-2838.Email: [email protected]

The Leeway Highway intersection in the vicinity of Associate Medical Practices appears to be a magnet for accidents. A number of motoristsusing that section of the highway often exercise poor driving practices resulting a number of collisions some serious. These two motor cars which

collided at the intersection earlier were among the latest road smashes in that area.

ANOTHER LEEWARD HIGHWAY ACCIDENT

NOTICEANApplICATION by HERbERT INGHAM fOR THE DEvElOpMENTOf RETAIl STORES & bARhas been submitted to the Department of

planning for consideration of Development Permission on 10307/25/1 CloseHaul Road, Grand Turk.

Anyone wishing to make representations may do so in writing to theDirector of planning, Grand Turk, within twenty days of publication of this

Notice.

Notice dated: 15 January 2011

Page 20

JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH , 2011TURKS & CAICOS SUNLOCAL NEWS

‘Street side prophet’ predicts May 21 as judgment day

LOCAL NEWSPage 20


POSITIONS AVAILABLEELECTRONIC TECHNICIANS/

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Baggage handler starting salary $6.50 per hourSecurity Agent $7.50

Cleaners starting salary $10 per aircraftSubmit application along with photograph to:

General Manager TCA HandlingTown Center Mall, Providenciales

Tel: 649 941 5353

1 DOMESTICWORKER NEEDED5 days per week

Salary $5.00 per hourPlease contact 342-2348 for interview

By Vivian Tyson

A number of motorist and pedestrians passing the downtown area in the vicinity of the Rosie’s Delight Restaurant on Monday, January 24, were taken aback upon seeing a young man – Gary Daniels

– displaying a sign indicating that the world would come to an end on May 21, 2011.

Interestingly, Daniels’ predictions came at a time when many local and overseas men of the cloth who visited the TCI were predicting a return in economic fortunes for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The SUN which was as curious as the passersby, as to what led Daniels to believe that Jesus’ second coming would be on that day, spoke with the sign-bearer himself, who was only too willing to explain that his mathematical conclusion was based on his knowledge of the timeline of history.

“As second Peter chapter 3, told us – a day with the Lord is as a thousand years and a thousand years

as a day. God told Noah ‘for yet seven days I will bring a flood. He same day as Noah’s flood, 630 years of Noah’s life, he second month, the 17th day of the month – for yet seven days substitute a thousand years (equals) seven thousand years. That day is the second month, the 17th day of the Hebrew calendar (which is) May 21, 2011 in our calendar – May 21, 2011 on Noah’s calendar.

“All these dates are tying in and, fulfilling the feast of tabernacles. All the feasts have to be fulfilled – Christ, Passover Lamb, crucified on Passover – fulfilled; Feast of Pentecost – 50 days after His crucifixion where God outpoured His Holy Spirit on the Disciples and, He breathe on them the Holy Ghost. So the feast days and the Sabbath days are signs of things to come – we look to our past to find our future. We are looking to Noah’s flood because that is where God sends us,” Daniels said.

Daniels rubbished the earlier verse of John 10 verse 10 which said: “The Thief comes to kill, steal and destroy.”

“What God talks about is that he comes as thief. Now, what does a thief comes to do, Kill, steal and destroy. So, if somebody claims to be a Christian or a so called Christian, and say my God ‘my god is coming for me as a thief’, they are saying he is coming to kill, steal and them. But we read in Thessalonians: ‘Ye, Brethren are not in darkness that they should overtake you as a thief. You are children of the day’.

“The premise that I am showing here is not one of foolishness, I am sober-minded as when the true believers were speaking in tongues and they said ‘these men are full of new wine. As you can see, this is the brightness of the day; we are not filled with new wine. So, we see when the true believers declare the truth they are mocked, they are scourged,” Daniels further noted.

When asked by The SUN, what if his prophesy proved false, his response was: “Noah was asked the same question. So when they (people) said to Noah, you are building an ark and it never rained before, why are you doing this? Noah said, ‘God told me (and the people said) ‘sure He did, Noah, sure He did. What are you going to this ark and it never rained before?

“Surely, this message is not to convince anyone, it is a calling to all those who God has chosen before he created this world. Those who remained in unbelief they would be happy in thinking that that day would not come and, are at the mercy of God,” Daniels said.

Daniels said he was not affiliated to any denominational body, but was a listener of Family Radio based

in the US, and it was by listening and reading their teachings that he received his prophesies.

Like many of their international counterparts, a number of locals are skeptical of Daniels’ predictions, owing the scores of failed prophesies which preceded his.

The website – Religious Tolerance-org has recorded 26 failed end-of-the-world predictions by renowned religious leaders between 1921 and 1990, some of which caused followers of those faiths to take their own life after the predictions bottomed out.

One of the most infamous predictions was in 1959 when Florence Houteff's, who was the leader of the Branch Davidians faith group, prophesied that the 1260 days mentioned in Revelation 11:3 would end and the Kingdom of David would be established on April 22.

Many of his followers, who expected to die, be resurrected, and transferred to Heaven, sold their possessions and moved to Mt. Carmel in Texas, in anticipation of the "end time". It didn't happen. The group almost did not survive; many, it was reported, killed themselves afterwards.

Famed preacher and head of the 800 Club, Pat Robertson, predicted a few years in advance that the world would end in the fall of 1982. It obviously did not happen, but the failure of this prophecy did not seem to adversely affect his reputation.

The Branch Davidian snatched the headlines again in February 28, 1993, when some of its members took on federal agents in Waco, Texas, resulting in a number of the fatally shot.

Page 21


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TURKS & CAICOS SUNJANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH, 2011

Page 22

JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH , 2011TURKS & CAICOS SUNLOCAL NEWSTURKS & CAICOS SUN JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH, 2011

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Page 25Page 24 JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH, 2011 TURKS AND CAICOS SUNTURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH, 2011

Abundant Life Ministries International celebrates ten years of ministry in the Turks andCaicos Islands, and the event was marked by a litany of events, including an awards banquetwhere its longstanding members and well-wishers in the community were honoured. Theevent was also tagged with service on Sunday, 23 at its Leeward Highway location, with

guest preacher Bishop Carlos Malone from Atlanta, Georgia. On Saturday, January 22, thechurch members staged an early morning health walk in aid of charity.

Heartlyn Forbes (right) is presented with an awardby Bishop and Lady Williams at the banquet Russell and Karlene Cox (second and fourth from left) are

presented with medals

The Abundant Life Ministries International Praise Teamperforming at the church service

Heads of the two political parties, Clayton Greene (left) of thePNP and Mrs. Greene; and Douglas ‘Doug’ Parnell of the PDM

and Mrs. Parnell share in the church serviceThe two youngest members of the Abundant Life MinistriesInternational Dance Troupe were a hit with the audience

Members of the Junkanoo Band ignite the audience

The Abundant Life Ministries International Dance Troupe in a slicksynchronized move

Members of the audience react to the feelof the service President of the Providenciales Ministerial

Fellowship, Rev. Dr. Conrad Howell brings greetings

Pastor Washington Williams from the Bahamas belts out agospel favourite, while Bishops Carlos Malone (left) and C.Alexander Williams, Head of the Abundant Life Ministries

International look on

From left, Bishop C. Alexander Williams, his wife Elder ChiquitaWilliams and Bishop Carlos Malone of Atlanta, Georgia pray a

blessing of offering collected

Church leaders march into thesanctuary with Turks & Caicos Islands

and the Abundant Life MinistriesInternational Flags

First Lady, Elder Chiquita Williams moves to the rhythm ofjunkanoo band Members of the Abundant Life Ministries International

Praise Team

Church members and followers toss their bills in to a furnace,signifying a death cancellation breakthrough

A section of the congregation caught up in worship atthe anniversary church service Bishop Carlos Malone invokes God’s blessings over those who

came at the altar

Susan Capron is presented with medal byBishop and Lady Williams at the banquet

Members of the Public Relations Team displaying theirusual warm smile

A section of the congregation during theanniversary church service Sidney Stuart presented with a medal for his

longstanding membershipPastor Edvard Jean (centre) and Mrs Jean from the Abundant LifeExample of Christ Church – the French creole arm of Abundant LifeMinistries International also joined in the ten anniversary service

Longstanding members of Abundant Life Ministries InternationalEmmanuel Missick and wife Ella Missick are captured in a mood of

reflection during the church service

Members of the Music Department doingwhat they do best

Page 26

JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH , 2011TURKS & CAICOS SUNLOCAL NEWSTURKS & CAICOS SUN JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH , 2011

Page 27



Page 28

ComingI'm coming homeI'm coming home

Tell the World I'm coming homeLet the rain wash away all the pain of yesterday

I know my kingdom awaits and they've forgiven my mistakesI'm coming home, I'm coming home

Tell the World that I'm coming

[Diddy]Back where I belong, yeah I never felt so strong

(I'm back baby)I feel like there's nothing that I can't tryAnd if you with me put your hands high

(put your hands high)If you ever lost a light before, this ones for you

And you, the dreams are for you

I hear "The Tears of a Clown"I hate that song

I feel like they talking to me when it comes onAnother day another Dawn

Another Keisha, nice to meet ya, get the math I'm goneWhat am I 'posed to do when the club lights come on

Its easy to be Puff, its harder to be SeanWhat if the twins ask why I aint marry their mom (why, damn!)

How do I respond?What if my son stares with a face like my own

And says he wants to be like me when he's grownSh-t! But I aint finished growing

Another night the inevitible prolongsAnother day another Dawn

Just tell Taneka and Taresha I'll be better in the morn'Another lie that I carry on

I need to get back to the place I belong

[Dirty Money - Chorus]I'm coming homeI'm coming home




[Diddy]"A house is Not a Home", I hate this song

Is a house really a home when your loved ones are goneAnd n-ggas got the nerve to blame you for it

And you know you woulda took the bullet if you saw itBut you felt it and still feel it

And money can't make up for it or conceal itBut you deal with it and you keep ballin'

Pour out some liquor, play ball and we keep ballin'Baby we've been living in sin 'cause we've been really in love

But we've been living as friendsSo you've been a guest in your own homeIt's time to make your house your home

Pick up your phone, come on





[Diddy]"Ain't No Stopping Us Now", I love that songWhenever it comes on it makes me feel strong

I thought I told y'all that we won't stopWe back cruising through Harlem, Viso blocksIt's what made me, saved me, drove me crazy

Drove me away than embraced meForgave me for all of my shortcomings

Welcome to my homecomingYeah it's been a long time coming

Lot of fights, lot of scars, lot of bottlesLot of cars, lot of ups, lot of downs

Made it back, lost my dog (I miss you BIG)And here I stand, a better man! (a better man)

Thankyou Lord (Thankyou Lord)





DIDDY FT DIRTY MONEY

Home

I’m


JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH, 2011 TURKS AND CAICOS SUN ENTERTAINMENTPage 29

The decision to pack up and move onfrom "Live" wasn't a rash one, RegisPhilbin told TMZ.com Monday as heprepared to jet set to Miami.

"You know, we never reached anagreement on the contract, but I made upmy mind a long time ago," the reveredtalk show host said in the video clip,adding that "28 years in the same studio"was more than enough.

Philbin, who made his bombshellretirement announcement last week, iscurrently facing rumors that he quit theshowover a salary dispute, not old age ashe initially claimed.

The talk show host skirted aroundthe issue in the video posted on TMZ,but was firm about his decision.

"I don't know what they would'vepaid me," he said in response toquestioning paparazzi, "but I've left, I'mdone."

In the Jan. 18 episode in which heannounced his exit, the 79-year-old hostjoked, "There is a time that everythingmust come to an end for certain peopleon camera, especially certain oldpeople."

According to TMZ.com, co-hostKelly Ripa was "stunned" by Philbin'snews and heard about his decision just15 minutes before the pair went on air.Crew members were also furious aboutthe announcement, according to thewebsite.

Philbin's longtime agent of 25 years,JimGriffin - whom he fired shortly afterthe announcement - was similarlyshocked by the TV host's abruptdeparture from their partnership.

"When I first met Regis, he hadn'tworked in a year and a half and here weare," Griffin told the LosAngeles Times."We've had a great run."

The former "Who Wants To Be AMillionaire" host said hewill tape his lastshow sometime this summer.

Philbin is the latest talk show iconto make his departure from TV,following in the footsteps of talk legendsOprahWinfrey and Larry King.

Who could replace him?Larry King has put his name forward,offering to fill Regis' chair for a while ifneeded. But while the suspendered-onehad hismoment, that was about 20 yearsago.So, allow us to offer up some alternativesuggestions: Here, the eight guys to sitopposite Kelly Ripa.

• Mark Consuelos: Mr. Ripa (who hasbeen married to Kelly since 1996; thecouple has three children) is the onlyformer Philbin fill-in who appears tohave no other commitments, though heis set to star in an ABC comedy he and

Ripa are developing called "Port Love."

• Anderson Cooper: The anchor forCNN's "Anderson Cooper 360" has theadvantage of working in New York andhaving a long history in journalism. Heco-hosted the show with Ripa in 2007.

• Ryan Seacrest: Famous for jugglinghis duties on E!, "American Idol" and hisown radio show in LosAngeles, Seacrestwould take over Philbin's title of "mosthardworking man in show business" ifhe were to take the job located in NewYork.

WayneBrady:Brady has proven he canthink on his feet as a regular on theimprovisational comedy series "WhoseLine Is ItAnyway?" He has also provenhimself as a host, having helmed his own

daytime talk show for three years, andhosted "Don't Forget the Lyrics!" for twoyears.

Others include:Jeff Gordon: Nascar driver andsometimes co host

Neil Patrick Harris:The star of "How IMet Your Mother," who filled in forPhilbin recently

Jeff Probst: the 48-year-old host of"Survivor" is the qualified for anotherhosting job. He has filled in for Philbinseveral times.

Ricky Gervais: If ABC has plans toshake things up, 49 year old Britishcomedian Ricky Gervais (and TheOffice creator) would fit the bill.

Host Regis Philbin to retire from 'Live':'I made up my mind a long time ago'

Regis Philbin Anderson Cooper Ryan Seacrest

CHICAGO — OprahWinfrey recentlylearned she has a half-sister — aMilwaukee woman who was put up foradoption byWinfrey’s mother nearly 50years ago.

On "The Oprah Winfrey Show", asometimes-emotional Winfreyintroduced a woman she identified onlyas Patricia, explaining how thewoman’s years-long search for herfamily culminated in a meeting withWinfrey on Thanksgiving Day of lastyear.

The discovery is "the miracle of allmiracles,” Winfrey told her audience.

Winfrey said she was stunned tolearn about the sibling, telling heraudience that when Patricia was born in1963, Winfrey was 8 years old andliving with her father. She did not evenknow her mother was pregnant.

Patricia said she had tried years agoto learn the identity of the woman whogave her up for adoption, and onlystarted to try again a few years ago atthe insistence of her two adult children,who also appeared on today’s show.

Patricia said she feared her searchwould be fruitless after she got atelephone call from the state adoptionagency, which reported that her birthmother had been contacted and did notwish to meet her.

But, coincidentally, on the localnews that day, she saw a story aboutWinfrey’s mother, who described howtwo of her children had died. Those

details matched information Patriciahad seen in adoption papers, whichindicated she had two sisters and abrother, and that only the older sisterwas alive.

Winfrey’s mother, Vernita Lee, alsodisclosed that one of the deceasedchildren was named Patricia.

“The hairs on the back of my neckstood up,” Patricia said. “Because Iknew one of my siblings and I sharedthe same name.”

Later, she found more details thatmatched, including the fact thatWinfrey was born in 1954, the sameyear as the woman Patricia knew washer surviving sibling.

Winfrey, who said DNA testsconfirmed that the two are half-sisters,met with Patricia and their mother in aprerecorded segment of the show.

Lee, who recently suffered a minorstroke, said she never told Winfreyabout her half-sister, “because I thoughtit was a terrible thing for me to do, thatI had done, gave up my daughter whenshe was born.”

Winfrey said documents from thegirl’s birth reveal that Lee gave up thebaby for adoption because she did notthink she could get off welfare if shekept the child.

“I made the decision to give her upbecause I wasn’t able to take care of her.

So when I left the hospital, I told thenurse I wasn’t going to keep the baby.”

Winfrey said she was particularlystunned by the news because of the wayit came out. She said Patricia hadknown since 2007 that the two wererelated, but she never attempted toprofit off her discovery or contact thepress, even as she tried unsuccessfullyto contactWinfrey, her mother or othersin Winfrey’s family.

“She never once thought to sell thestory,” Winfrey said, describing howshe felt betrayed by other relatives whosought publicity.

Patricia said she didn’t considerrevealing that she and Winfrey werehalf-sisters to anyone but Winfrey,explaining that she did not want to hurtWinfrey.

“Family business should be handledby family,” Patricia said. “It couldn’t behandled by anyone else. That’s not fair.It wouldn’t be fair to you.”

Winfrey recalled how her othersister revealed to the press years ago thatWinfrey had had a baby when she was ateenager. The baby, Winfrey has said,died shortly after birth. And she talkedabout putting her sister, also namedPatricia, in rehab twice for drugaddiction, but that her sister ultimatelydied.

"It feels to me like you are Pat onher very best day," Winfrey told thewoman. "You are what she wanted to bewithout the drugs."

Oprah Winfrey finds sister she didn't know she had

Oprah Winfrey greeting her half-sister Patricia on an episode of 'The Oprah Winfrey

Page 30

JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH , 2011TURKS & CAICOS SUNFUN & GAMES

—2—

KFWS • MindGymJanuary 24, 2011

—3—

KFWS • MindGymJanuary 24, 2011

Page 31

TURKS & CAICOS SUN JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH , 2011FUN & GAMES

—13—

King Features Weekly Service

January 24, 2011

—13—


January 24, 2011

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A HIGHLY IMAGINA-TIVE DEFENSE

Partscore hands might lack the dramatic impact of game or slam hands, but they give rise to many ingenious forms of play.

Consider this deal where South winds up in two spades on the bidding shown. North’s double is a bit light by ordinary standards, but it is perfectly acceptable in the balancing seat after East’s opening heart bid is passed out. South’s jump to two spades is similarly justified by his holding of five spades and 10 high-card points, suggesting game if North has a sound double.

East wins the heart lead with the ten, and the out-come rests on his next move. Actually, there is only one card East can return at this point to defeat the contract, and that card is the three of spades!

Declarer is helpless against this return. If he plays a heart at trick three, East wins and cashes the A-K of trumps and two more hearts to put the contract down one.

If declarer instead plays three rounds of diamonds after the low trump return, discarding a heart on the third round of diamonds, West ruffs and returns a heart to sink the contract in a slightly different way.

The three-of-spades return is not as difficult a play as it might seem. East can tell from the bidding that South has both minor-suit aces and that the defense is therefore sure to fail unless East can win four heart tricks in addi-tion to his A-K of trumps.

Once this thought occurs to East, he must proceed on the basis that what he hopes is the case is actually the case. Accordingly, he returns a low trump at trick two and goes to the head of the class!

© 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

The Mommy DietBy Alison Sweeney, with Christie Matheson(Simon and Schuster, $24)Reviewed by Rose McAllis-ter Croke

NBC’s hit reality series “The Biggest Loser” and an actress in Hollywood, Ali-son Sweeney knows a thing or two about dieting and fit-ness. Sweeney, who stars on the long-running daytime drama “Days of Our Lives,” teams up with cookbook author Christie Matheson on “The Mommy Diet,” a prac-tical guide for moms-to-be on how to get physically and mentally fit before, during and after pregnancy.

Sweeney shares personal anecdotes and speaks truth-fully about motherhood and the toll it takes on a woman’s body, free time, self-image and sex life. She dispenses sisterly advice on the impor-tance of self-care, from easy-to-follow, illustrated exercises and figure-flatter-ing fashion tips to ways to avoid the nutrition traps that many new mothers fall into. She also shares her favorite snack recipes and play lists

of the songs that motivate her to get moving.

“The Mommy Diet” is organized in five sections: before pregnancy, during pregnancy, the nine months after pregnancy, a jump-start program for mothers who haven’t exercised regularly or at all since childbirth, and an overall maintenance pro-gram. Each chapter covers fitness and food, with spe-cific plans for working out and eating right.

As the mother of two young children who juggles two jobs, the 34-year-old Sweeney is an inspiration to all new moms who struggle to find the time to shower — let alone exercise. “The Mommy Diet” doesn’t make empty promises like other diet-loss books. Instead of focusing on obsessive calorie-counting like other diet tomes, it encourages readers to focus on the big picture and make every day count toward long-term fit-ness goals. In doing so, “The Mommy Diet” delivers a digestible message about diet, and one that readers won’t want to lose.


King Features W

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ARIES (March 21 to April 19) A gracious Lamb can learn more about a problem-filled situation than one who is openly suspicious of what could be happening. A friend might offer some well-directed advice.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Getting adjusted to an unexpected change might be difficult for the Bovine who prefers things to go accord-ing to plan. But help could come from a most welcome source.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) This could be a good time to get a head start on those career-related plans. The sooner you check out the pluses and minuses, the sooner you can act on your information.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) A personal situation you thought would no longer present a problem suddenly could produce some sur-prises. Try to sort things out with the help of trusted col-leagues.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) An upcoming move holds both anticipation and anxiety for Leos and Leonas who have some big decisions to make. Advice is plentiful, but it’s up to you to decide which way you want to go.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Someone from a previous project could provide valuable guidance on how to handle a current problem, especially where it might involve a legal matter.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A business

situation presents some unexpected complications. But rather than try to handle them all at once, it would be best to deal with them one at a time.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) You just might get what you want, despite the odds against it. In any event, be sure to thank all those people involved who believed in you and went to bat for you.

SAGITTARIUS (Novem-ber 22 to December 21) Before you even hint at an accusation, remember that you’ll have to prove what you say. So be sure you have what you need to back up your comments.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A roman-tic situation takes an unex-pected turn that favors some Sea Goats, but causes others to reassess how they’ve been handling the relationship.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A surprise turn of events could unsettle the Water Bearer. But it also might help open up an entire-ly different way of working out an important matter.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A smoothly run-ning operation could bump up against an obstacle. This is where your ability to assess situations and make adjustments can restore things to normal.

BORN THIS WEEK: Your kindness is legendary, and so is your strong sense of responsibility.


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• It was beloved British mystery novelist and play-wright Agatha Christie who made the following sage observation: “It is a curi-ous thought, but it is only when you see people look-ing ridiculous that you real-ize just how much you love them.”

• Some toads can live for up to a year without eating a single thing.

• Those who study such things say that not all your fingernails grow at the same rate. It seems the nail on your middle finger is a bit of an overachiever — it grows faster than the nails on your other fingers.

• Lawmakers in Corpus Christi, Texas, evidently once found home alligator farming to be enough of a problem that they felt com-pelled to pass a law making it illegal to raise the croco-dilians in a home.

• If you buy a postage stamp in Israel, rest assured that the glue you’ll be lick-ing on said stamp is kosher.

• If you (like me) are a fan of Krispy Kreme’s donuts, you may be interested to

learn that the pastries have been made with dough from the same secret recipe since 1937.

• During the first couple of years of life, dolphins gain an average of five pounds every month.

• Despite the fact that famed magician Harry Houdini exposed a number of mediums and psychics as frauds, Sherlock Holmes novelist Sir Arthur Conan Doyle persisted in believ-ing that Houdini himself was a medium.

• The subcontinent of India is steadily moving closer to the continent of Asia — by about 2 inches every year.

***Thought for the Day:

“Give all power to the many, and they will oppress the few. Give all power to the few, and they will oppress the many. Both therefore ought to have power, that each may defend itself against the other.” — Alex-ander Hamilton


By Samantha Weaver


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Your 2 Percent Windfall

The amount you pay for Social Security will tempo-rarily drop for 2011. In the past you and your employer have both paid 6.2 percent of your annual gross income into the Social Security fund. This year your portion goes down to 4.2 percent.

Here’s how that looks in real numbers:

—If you make $30,000, your Social Security tax will fall from $1,860 to $1,260, thus saving you $600. That’s $50 per month.

—If you make $40,000, your Social Security tax will fall from $2,480 to $1,680, thus saving you $800. That’s $66 per month.

—If you make $50,000, your Social Security tax will fall from $3,100 to $2,100, thus saving you $1,000. That’s $83 per month.

—If you’re self-employed you have been paying 12.4 percent of your income to Social Security. For this year, that will drop to 10.4 percent.

The government, one assumes, wants you to spend that extra money out in the marketplace to help the economy get back on its feet by creating other jobs. A better plan is to use it to help yourself.

Here are a few things you can do with that (albeit

small) amount of money:• If you have credit-

card debt, pick a card and increase your monthly pay-ment by that amount, per-haps even rounding up to the next $10 increment.

• Catch up on past due accounts that have been costing you extra in fees and interest.

• Add the extra as a princi-pal payment on an existing loan, thereby shortening the life of that loan.

• If you habitually run up debt at Christmas, once that debt is paid off, put the extra money in a Christmas sav-ings account at the bank. By the end of this year you’ll have enough to pay cash for all your purchases.

Whatever you do, don’t take on new payments on the assumption that you’ll con-tinue to have that increased amount in your pocket over the long haul.

NOTE: If you usually file early and itemize your deductions, the Internal Revenue Service doesn’t want your tax return yet. It’s not ready. The reason is that computers haven’t been programmed to accommo-date a few new changes in laws. Aim for the second half of February. If you use computer software, be sure to get the latest updates.

David Uffington regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Write to him in care of King Features Week-ly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to [email protected].


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FUN & GAMES

Page 33

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalvestold his country’s Parliament of a plotto assassinate him following his latestgeneral election victory.In a surprise ministerial statement

Gonsalves, who is also NationalSecurity Minister, said the plot washatched by two drug and money-laundering organizations in the countrywho were not happy about his UnityLabour Party (ULP) beating the NewDemocratic Party (NDP) in theDecember 13 poll because hisadministration was cracking down ontheir illegal activities.The ULP secured a third

consecutive term in office by winninga one-seat majority in the 15-seatParliament. Gonsalves said the plot,uncovered by “impeccable intelligencesources”, was hatched within a weekafter the victory.Cocaine traffickers and money

launderers are conspiring actively withothers to kill the PrimeMinister and onthe public airwaves people are beingexhorted by some to use any meansnecessary to remove a democraticallyelected government," he said, adding

that, either knowingly or unknowingly,some political and social personalitieshave become enmeshed in criminals'operations.Gonsalves said there had been

much success in fighting thesecriminals, with at least one majorplayer being incarcerated."Especially hard-hit have been

their money and other assets. Thesecocaine traffickers and money-launderers are feeling the heat andhave become desperate," he said.Gonsalves told his colleagues in

Parliament that an assassin hired by theconspirators was subsequently held bypolice but no charges related to thealleged contract killing have been laidbecause the security authorities "arekeen at protecting the most valuableintelligence sources”. He said theindividual has, though, been slappedwith other serious charges.According to the prime minister,

the man has managed to make calls tothe people who hired him even thoughno phone has been found on hisperson.What's more, Gonsalves said, a

Vincentian was approached to carryout the hit after the first man wasdetained by police but he refused whentold who the target was. ATrinidadian was then hired, headded.The Vincentian leader said

lawmen are still searching for theTrinidadian but he felt that citizens

should know about the matter at thistime.Prime Minister Gonsalves said,

however, that he would not allow St.Vincent and the Grenadines tobecome like some Latin Americanand other Caribbean countries wherecocaine traffickers and money-launderers are allowed the space tosuccessfully build gangs, controlterritory and communities, perpetratecriminal activities as untouchables,and pollute the streams of ourdemocratic and political processes."They will be accorded no space to

flourish. I advise those who aretempted for whatever reason to allythemselves to these criminals to stay intheir batting crease," he said.“Believe me, I am not afraid of

them."The Opposition Leader in St

Vincent and the Grenadines, ArnhimEustace, has distanced his NewDemocratic Party from an alleged plotto kill the country’s Prime Minister.Mr Eustace told parliament that

the party was disturbed by theaccusations.

St Vincent PM speaks of assassination plot

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves

PORT-AU-PRINCE- Haiti’s ruling Inite (Unity) party has not yet officiallyannounced whether its candidate Jude Célestin will remain in the presidentialrace, but media reports have already indicated that he is about to drop out.His withdrawal would pave the way for a runoff between Mirlande Manigat

and Michel Martelly, which was the recommendation of an Organisation ofAmerican States (OAS) expert mission that reviewed the first round of electionresults that put Celestin behind Manigat and ahead of Martelly."Jude Célestin will withdraw from the presidential race to facilitate a solution

to the electoral crisis," Senator Franky Exius was quoted by Reuters news agency,although an official statement promised by the party has not yet been made."Given the circumstances, we think this is the best decision to take.”Other media houses have reported that several Inite Senators and deputies

were in favour of Célestin being dropped to avoid international sanctions. Thereare also reports that Célestin, who was President René Préval’s handpickedcandidate, will soon write to the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) to informof his decision.Once the first round can be resolved, the CEPhas said, the next stage will take

place on March 20.The OAS recommendation that Célestin be eliminated from the runoff was

based on irregularities which the experts found in the tally and the internationalcommunity has been pressuring authorities to accept the findings, with the UNwarning of further unrest and the United States revoking the visas of severalHaitians linked to the Inite party.The CEP’s announcement last month that Martelly had not made it to the

runoff had sparked violent protests by his supporters and others who alleged thatthe election had been rigged to ensure that Célestin made it to the second roundwhich had been scheduled for January 16. The OAS expert mission, comprisedof four legal experts fromCanada, Chile, Mexico and Uruguay, was subsequentlycalled in to review and analyse the results.While the CEP’s preliminary first round results from the November 28 poll

showed that Manigat placed first with 31.37 percent of the votes, followed byCélestin with 22.48 percent, the OAS expert mission found that Manigat got 31.6percent, Michel Martelly 22.2 percent and Célestin trailed with 21.9 percent.Amidst the uncertainty in Haiti, OAS Permanent Council is holding a special

session today to discuss the situation.

HAITI’S RULING PARTYCANDIDATE MAY QUIT

ELECTION RACE AUS judge has ruled that Texan billionaire Allen Stanford is unfit to standtrial at present over accusations he led a $7bn fraud scheme.Mr Stanford is facing trial over allegations that he ran a pyramid scheme

based in Antigua which defrauded investors.He has pleaded not guilty to fraud, conspiracy and obstruction.Federal District Judge David Hittner ruled that Mr Stanford did not have

the present mental capacity to assist his lawyers.But he ordered Mr Stanford to undergo treatment at a US prison hospital

for an addiction to an anti-anxiety medication, and also receive additionalpsychiatric testing."The court finds Stanford is incompetent to stand trial at this time based

on his apparent impaired ability to rationally assist his attorneys in preparinghis defence," Judge Hittner wrote in his ruling in Houston, Texas."The court's finding that Stanford is incompetent, however, does not alter

the court's finding that Stanford is a flight risk and that no combination ofconditions of pretrial release can reasonably assure his appearance at trial,"he added.The charges against Mr Stanford capped a rapid fall from grace for a

man who had shot to prominence in the UK and the Caribbean for his lavishsponsorship of cricket.'Too good to be true'Mr Stanford, 60, is accused of running a scheme which persuaded

investors to buy certificates of deposit from Stanford International Bank,located in Antigua.Prosecutors have said they "promised returns that were too good to be

true".Mr Stanford has been in custody since June 2009, when he surrendered

to the US authorities after a warrant was issued for his arrest.His trial had been expected to start this week, but the judge said he would

set a new trial date once the results of the detox and further testing were in.Psychiatrists testified at a prior hearing that Mr Stanford was suffering

bouts of delirium linked to his addiction and also said he was incompetent tostand trial due to a brain injury he suffered as a result of a fight with a prisoninmate in 2009.Mr Stanford invested heavily in West Indies cricket and built his own

cricket ground in Antigua, where Stanford Financial Services was based.In 2008 he bankrolled a high-profile $20m cricket match between

England and a Stanford All-Stars team on the island.

Allen Stanford ruled unfitto stand trial for fraud

JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH, 2011 TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

CARIBBEAN NEWSPage 34


Members of a prominent Bahamian family in thereligious and legal communities are trying to makesense of the fatal shooting of one of their lastweekend.Attorney Dennis Gomez, the brother of Glenn

Gomez, Comptroller of Customs, and husband of anacting magistrate, was gunned down outside his lawfirm early Saturday morning.Police were said to be actively investigating the

ninth murder victim for the year, however up to presstime there were no significant updates in the matter.Struck multiple times in the chest - which

severely damaged vital organs - Mr Gomez died inhospital that evening shortly after 9pm. He was 57years old.Damien Gomez, attorney and cousin of the

deceased said: "He was very badly injured on Fridaynight and the doctor didn't expect him to live evenas long as he did - too much damage was done to his

heart and to his lungs."According to police, Mr Gomez had just left his

law firm at York Street off Shirley Street when hewas approached by two men - one of whom wasarmed with a hand gun - shortly before 2am onSaturday.Police indicated that Mr Gomez was

accompanied by a woman at the time of the shooting,however her connection to the victim is unclear atthis time.Mr Gomez - who was taken to hospital in a

private vehicle - reportedly received multiplegunshot wounds to his body after he struggled withhis attackers.Family members were said to believe that the

shooting was an "armed robbery gone bad," based onexisting information, however up to press time policehad not yet confirmed a motive. Relatives weresceptical that the shooting could have been related to

his career, asMr Gomez was said to have donemostlycivil cases - a mixture of chamber work and litigation.Damien Gomez said: "It could have been you, it

could have been me, it could have been my dad, mymother - it really underscores the intolerable level ofcrime - violent crime - in our community."As they wait for more facts about Mr Gomez's

untimely death, loved ones were said to be focusingtheir efforts on shielding his wife, Acting MagistrateJeneaneWeech-Gomez. The couple had no children.Other prominent family members include

Archbishop Drexel Gomez, former AnglicanArchbishop of the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and theWest Indies, Chief Magistrate Roger Gomez, and DrPerry Gomez.Damien Gomez added: "We're pretty confident

that the police are doing everything in their power toapprehend these robbers. We hope that in a shorttime the people are brought to justice."

Prominent lawyer shot dead in The Bahamas

Police apprehended the island's mostwanted fugitive, Christopher 'Dog Paw'Linton, during a massive police/militaryoperation in the StAndrew communities ofKintyre and Elletson Flats.From about 11:00 am, a large

detachment of police and Jamaica DefenceForce soldiers swarmed the tightly-knit,impoverished community where theyconducted a meticulous search for severalhours before they apprehended Linton in ahouse in the company of two women.The women, who were also detained,

were being processed by police last night.Moments before his arrest, Linton

contacted the Observer by cellular phoneand expressed fear for his life."I am afraid they are about to catch me.

I am afraid they may murder me," said anervous-sounding Linton, his voicetrembling as he spoke in a hushed tonefrom his hiding spot. "I want my lawyer tocome and get me."His family members also contacted the

Observer and expressed fear but at the endsaid they were happy he was not harmed."He called me and told me just minutes

before he was held that he loved me andthat he was afraid he would not make it outalive," a girlfriend of the fugitive said.Attorney-at-Law Dianne Jobson, who

is said to be representing Linton,commended the police on the professionalmanner in which they conducted thesearch."So far we heard that he was captured,

but we have not received any reports thathe was harmed. We have to be thankful forthat," said Jobson, who promised tomonitor the case as it unfolded.Meanwhile, steely-eyed soldiers and

police who were stationed in strategicpositions all over the community weretight-lipped."We have been in the area for several

hours carrying out a detailed intelligence-led operation that has resulted in theapprehension of this man," one policemantold the Observer.

As the police spoke, scores of curiousonlookers anxiously waited for news of theoperation.Linton was named as one of the

country's most dangerous criminals bypolice last November and was wanted inconnection with several murders andshootings in the August Town community.Police also brand him an extortionist

and said he taunted them that they wouldhave to speak to his AK-47 assault riflebefore they could take him in.In an exclusive interview with the

Observer last month, Linton denied theAK-47 taunt and said he was noextortionist.He also denied taking part in any

murder or shootings for which the policehad named him as a person of interest."They have tried to paint the ugliest

picture of me," he said and expressed fearof being killed by the police."I am fearful, I am very fearful. I think

about it every day," he said, adding that hislife as a fugitive was very stressful."You get up every day and think about

your parents, the people that you love. Yourealise that you can't be around them andyou can't be there for them," he lamented.Earlier this month, two members of an

August Town gang Linton reportedlycommands -- 25-year-old YannickMachelle Ellis, otherwise called 'SlimShady', of Gold Smith Villa; and DonaldLalloo Allen, otherwise called 'Matchilus',of Bedward Gardens -- were charged withthe deaths of 49-year-old bus driverMornest Hylton, 31-year-old Dania Forbesand six-year-old Jahame McKay all ofBedward Gardens in August Town.Police report that the three were

murdered after a group of about 30 gunmeninvaded the section of Bedward Gardensknown as 'Alley Four' where they kickeddown a door to their house.The men, who were armed with high-

powered assault rifles, opened fire killingthe three on the spot before torching thehouse.

Jamaica’s mostwanted man captured

CARACAS, Venezuela - A specialized ship has arrived inVenezuela carrying enough fibre-optic cable to connect the SouthAmerican country to Cuba, and will soon begin laying the cablealong the sea floor to establish a link expected to dramaticallyimprove telephone and Internet service for Cubans.The French-flagged ship Ile de Batz will begin rolling out the

cable across the Caribbean Sea in the coming days, said Jose IgnacioQuintero, a manager for Paris-based Alcatel-Lucent SA, which iscarrying out the project.He said the cable is scheduled to be functional in July, spanning

about 1,000 miles from Camuri in Venezuela to Siboney in easternCuba.Cuba is the only nation in the Western Hemisphere that is not

linked to the outside world by optical fibre.Instead, it relies on slow, expensive satellite links because the

U.S. government's embargo has prevented most trade between theisland and the United States and has made companies in othercountries shy away from doing business with Cuba.Quintero said no U.S. entities or American citizens are

participating in Alcatel-Lucent's project so that they would not be"exposed in any way to any type of sanction."WhileAlcatel-Lucentwas formed by a 2006 merger involving Lucent Technologies of theUnited States, it is incorporated in France.Cuban officials have said the project is expected to cost about

$70 million. Quintero declined to comment on the projected cost.After the cable reaches Cuba, a second segment of about 150

miles is to extend from the island to nearby Jamaica.

Undersea cable willopen communication

in Cuba

ADVERTISE TODAYIN THE TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

Buying or selling a product?Need a service or can provide one?

Have job openings available?Have an apartment for rent?

A house for sale?Celebrating a birthday or anniversary?

Is your company having special sales, discounts or promotions?

Come in and talk to us and we’ll work out thebest advertising package for you!

REACH THOU

SANDS!

JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH, 2011 TURKS AND CAICOS SUN CARIBBEAN NEWSPage 35

There has been an easing of tensionbetween the US and Cuba since MrObama came to power.

US President Barack Obama hassaid he will ease restrictions on UScitizens travelling to Cuba.

The president said he had instructedthe relevant government departments toallow religious groups and students totravel to the communist-run island.

President Obama said he believedthe new, more relaxed, rules which alsomake it easier to send remittances to

Cuba will support civil society there.The changes will not end the

decades-old US trade embargo.The rules will be modified to,

among other things:Allow religious organisation to

sponsor religious travel to Cuba under ageneral licence

Allow accredited institutions ofhigher education to sponsor travel toCuba

Allow any US person to sendremittances (up to $500 per quarter) to

non-familymembers in Cuba to supportprivate economic activity

Allow remittances to be sent toreligious institutions in Cuba in supportof religious activities

Allow US airports to apply toprovide services to licensed charters

'Improved contact'In a statement, President Obama

said the changes were aimed atdeveloping "people-to-people" contactsthrough more academic, cultural andreligious exchanges.

The moves follows an easing of thetrade embargo in April 2009, when thepresident ordered curbs on remittancesand travel by Cuban-Americans visitingfamily members on the island to berelaxed.

But Florida Republican Ileana Ros-Lehtinen said the changes would nothelp improve the situation in Cuba.

"They will not make the Castroregime show respect for human rights,and they certainly won't help the Cubanpeople free themselves from thedespotic tyranny which oppressesthem," she said.

The changes are expected to comeinto force in approximately three weeks.

US relaxes Cuba travel

$150millionproject slated for

San Salvador inThe Bahamas

St Lucian Nobel laureate poet DerekWalcotthas won one of the most prestigious poetryprizes in the world.

He scooped the TS Eliot Prize for Poetryon Monday 24 January for his 2010collection "White Egrets".

Mr Walcott was chosen from a shortlistof ten authors.

The judges said they felt that his WhiteEgrets was a moving, risk-taking andtechnically flawless book by a great poet.

The collection covers difficult subjectssuch as the complex colonial legacy of theCaribbean but also the wonders of modern StLucia - where Walcott was born eighty yearsago and now lives.

It also includes two poems written to United States president, BarackObama.

Derek Walcott won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1992.

WALCOTT WINS TOP POETRY PRIZE

Derek Walcott

Construction could begin as early as September 2011 onPhase One of the $100-$150 million real estate project “TheResidences at Columbus Isle”.

Partner of Club Med and owner of Sand and OceansInvestments Limited Jean-Marc Daigle told GuardianBusiness yesterday that the new development will not onlyreap benefits for San Salvador’s economy, but will increasethe marketability and transparency of Club Med on theisland.

“We just like the competition and to increase the activityof tourists on the island,” Daigle said. “We have a phase toput around 300 new rooms, so it’s twice as much as ClubMed is offering. It’s good for the island, it’s good foreverybody and it’s good for Club Med too.”

According to Daigle, Phase One of the project is valuedat nearly $25 million and will feature construction of 60condominiums, which will have 1, 2 or 3 bedroom designs. Itwill be located on Club Med’s Columbus Isle 4 TridentVillage which will be dispersed over a 7.28 hectare area.Prices for the properties will range from $375,000 to $1million.

He said the reason for the September 2011 start date wasto be in line with Club Med’s regular closure during thatperiod, saying that he wants to use the “same window” as theresort to undergo work.

Daigle also mentioned that it will be sharing charterservices with Club Med as well, which could translate intoadditional passengers coming to the island.

The joint project between Sand and Ocean and ClubMed will also provide additional opportunities for newowners, as they will have the option of letting Club Medmanage their property during their absence, creating a routeto generate revenue. They will also benefit from the amenitiesof Club Med four weeks a year either at The Residences oranother property affiliated with the resort throughout theworld.

The construction will be managed by Sand and Oceanand the Boulle School of Paris will be responsible for theinterior and exterior design. Daigle didn’t specify the exactamount of jobs that will be created for the project, but heindicated that a “large amount” of jobs will come out of thedevelopment.

Daigle said he is targeting 2012 as a completion date forthe entire project and is hoping that he could maintain thetimeline he has set for it.

“Only God knows but we expect to finalize everything in2012,” he said. “This is the goal.”

Page 36


JOHANNESBURG – Former SouthAfrican President Nelson Mandelawent home from the hospital Fridayafter suffering an acute respiratoryinfection. Officials said the 92-year-old was joking with his wife andnurses, and handling the difficulties ofold age "with the greatest of grace."

Surgeon-General VejaynandRamlakan told reporters that the anti-apartheid icon would now receive careat home after about 48 hours inJohannesburg's Milpark Hospital.

"It comes to us this afternoon withgreat joy to hear that he's beendischarged," grandson MandlaMandela told reporters at a hospitalnews conference that included DeputyPresident Kgalema Motlanthe.

Soon afterward, a convoy ofsecurity vehicles and a militaryambulance carrying Mandela left thehospital, reaching his nearby home inminutes. Neighbors were happy tohave him back.

"Everyone was holding theirhearts and saying not now," saidPatricia Ramaila, who has lived acrossthe street fromMandela for four years.

"Aperson like Mr. Mandela—we stillneed him."

Adearth of updates since Mandelawas admitted Wednesday afternoonhad led to speculation and concernabout his condition. Motlanthe, who isacting president while President JacobZuma is traveling abroad, said inretrospect communications should havebeen better.

"Madiba has received similarcheckups in the past and it's never raisedthe same public panic it has now,"Motlanthe said, explainingwhy officialshad not been prepared. South Africansaffectionately call the 92-year-oldMadiba, his clan's name.

Ramlakan, the surgeon general, saidMandelawas in stable condition and hadnot been on a respirator.

Mandela also had a respiratoryinfection eight years ago andcontracted tuberculosis in 1988 whilein prison, Ramlakan said. He addedMandela takes medication for achronic, unnamed condition, and needshelp to walk.

"Despite all of this, his amazingpositive attitude allows him to cope

with the difficulties of old age with thegreatest of grace," said Ramlakan, whois the SouthAfrican army's top doctor.The army is charged with the care offormer presidents in South Africa.

Ramlakan would not say whetherMandela's most recent infection was inthe upper or lower regions of hisrespiratory tract. A lower tractinfection could have signaled moreserious problems than an upper

respiratory problem."We are at the end of the day

talking about somebody who is 92years old," Ramlakan said. "When youare 92 years old, what is routine is verydifferent from when you are 19."

Mandela was released in 1990after 27 years in prison for his fightagainst apartheid. He became SouthAfrica's first black president in 1994and stepped down after serving one termin 1999. He largely retired from publiclife in 2004.

The public has seen only glimpsesof him recently, such as in November,when his office released photos of aprivate meeting between Mandela andmembers of the U.S. and South Africansoccer teams. The teams had just playeda match in his honor.

Mandela also appeared at theclosing ceremony of the World Cup inJuly, waving to the crowd as he wasdriven in a small golf cart alongside hiswife, Graca Machel.

Mandela's ex-wife, WinnieMadikizela-Mandela, had visited him inthe hospital Thursday but refused tocomment on his condition when sheattended a court hearing Friday.

Mandela home from South African hospital

Former South African PresidentNelson Mandela

CAIRO — Violent protest spread across Cairo andother Egyptian cities on Friday as thousands ofdemonstrators intensified their campaign to oustPresident Hosni Mubarak, pouring from mosquesafter noon prayers and clashing with police who firedtear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons.

The protests came after days and weeks ofturmoil across the Arab world that has toppled oneleader in Tunisia and encouraged protesters toovercome deep-rooted fears of their autocraticleaders and take to the streets. But Egypt is a specialcase — a heavyweight in Middle East diplomacy, inpart because of its peace treaty with Israel, and a keyally of the United States.

In what protesters called a “day of wrath,” acrowd of at least 10,000 people moved east fromCairo’s Mohandeseen neighborhood, trying to reachthe central Tahrir Square that has been an epicenterof protest. The demonstrations were on a scale farbeyond anything in the memory of most residents.

Near Tahrir Square, protesters set fire to a policetruck as police lobbed tear gas to try to block accessto a key bridge across the River Nile from the islandof Zamalek. Some demonstrators stamped onphotographs of the president and others chanted“Down, down with Mubarak.” The acrid stench oftear-gas spread across the capital reaching up thewindows of high-rise buildings. Television imagesshjowed plainclothes security policemen beatingprotesters.

At Al Azhar in old Cairo, thousands of peoplepoured from one of the most iconic mosques ofSunni Islam, chanting “The people want to bringdown the regime.” Police fired tear gas andprotesters hurled rocks as they sought to breakthough police lines. From balconies above the street,residents threw water and lemon to protesters whoseeyes were streaming with tear gas.

Similar demonstrations were also reported in thecities of Suez, Alexandria and several others,

includingAlArish in northern Sinai and Mansour inthe Nile Delta region.

According to The Associated Press, policedoused one of the most prominent oppositionfigures, Mohammed ElBaradei, with a water cannonand beat supporters who tried to shield him. Mr.ElBaradei, the former head of the InternationalAtomic Energy Agency, returned to Cairo onThursday, promising to join the largely leaderlessprotests that have so far been propelled by youngpeople.

Internet and cellphone connections have beendisrupted or restricted in Cairo,Alexandria and otherplaces, cutting off social-media Web sites that hadbeen used to organize protests and complicatingefforts by news media to report on events on theground. Some reports said journalists had beensingled out by police who used batons to beat and

charge protesters.One cell phone operator, Vodafone,said on

Friday that Egypt had told all mobile operators tosuspend services in selected areas of the countryThe British company said it would comply with theorder, Reuters reported.

InAlexandria, as soon as Friday prayers ended,a crowd of protesters streamed out of one mosque,chanting “Wake up, wake up son of my country.Come down Egyptians.”

Police there closed on the crowd, firing teargas as the demonstrators pelted them with stones.A stone struck the officer firing the gas from thetop of the truck in the helmet and the truck pulledback, but reinforcements quickly arrived andofficers marshaled a new offensive.

The protest in Alexandria turned into a block-by-block battle. The riot police managed to pushthe demonstrators one block back from themosque, sealing it off from both sides and slowlyadvancing behind the tear-gas truck.Several women shouted “dirty government,”

leaning from the balconies of their high-riseapartments to hurl bottles down on the police.Officers pounded their clear shields with their billyclubs and chanted in unison.

Then, almost incredibly, a more than two-hourpitched street battle ended with protesters and policeshaking hands and sharing water bottles on the samestreet corner where minutes before they wereexchanging hails of stones and tear-gas canisterswere arcing through the sky. Thousands stood on thesix-lane coastal road then sank to their knees andprayed. In Cairo, too, an eerie silence fell in onesection of the city at midafternoon, as hundreds ofprotesters began a prayer session in the middle of thestreet, according to live images fromAl Jazeera, theQatar-based satellite channel. Protesters bowed theirheads as smoke billowed into the air behind themfrom the skirmishes between demonstrators and riotpolice.

Egyptian anti-government protesters shout in front of riot policeblocking a bridge in Cairo

Egyptians riot to oust President Mubarak

JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH, 2011 TURKS AND CAICOS SUN WORLD NEWSPage 37

Toyota Motor Corp said it would recallmore than 1.7 million vehiclesworldwide, bringing its total for recallsto nearly 16 million since late 2009and dealing a blow to its efforts torestore its reputation for quality.

The recalls are for various issues,the biggest of which is to fixpotentially faulty fuel pumps andconnecting pipes in 1.34 millionvehicles, Toyota said.

Although the situation is differentfrom last year, when Toyota attractedintense scrutiny from U.S. safetyregulators over unintendedacceleration problems that wereblamed for dozens of fatalities, thelatest recall may make it harder forToyota to convince investors it has putits quality problems behind it.

Shares of Toyota, the world's topautomaker, extended early declinesand closed down nearly 2 percent onthe Tokyo Stock Exchange after theannouncement.

"Toyota faces harsh competitionfrom Honda Motor Co, which is in a

much better situation in the U.S.market -- this is reflected in its stockprice which now stands at multi-yearhighs," said Mitsushige Akino, chieffund manager at Ichiyoshi InvestmentManagement.

"That's why investors are a littlenervous and sold Toyota when thisnegative news came out," he said.

The models affected by the fuel

pump issue include the Noah minivanand other models sold in Japan as wellas 141,000 Avensis units soldoverseas. That is Toyota's biggestrecall in six years and its second-biggest ever for a single defect, saidToyota spokeswoman ShioriHashimoto.

Toyota said in a filing to Japan'stransport ministry that no accidents

had been reported because of thedefects.

Toyota was the only majorautomaker to see its sales fall in theUnited States last year, and justsqueaked by General Motors Co tokeep its spot at the top of the globalsales ranking.

Toyota said it was also recallingaround 335,000 Lexus units soldoverseas, including about 245,000 soldin the U.S. market, due to trouble witha fuel pressure sensor connected to anengine fuel delivery pipe.

In the United States, about152,500 IS250 models are affected bythe recall.

Lexus remained the top luxurybrand in the U.S. market last year, withsales of about 230,000 units. Butsecond-place Mercedes-Benz closedthe gap to less than 5,000 vehicles andgrew by 17 percent. Mercedes-Benz isowned by Daimler.

Lexus' 6 percent growth in salescompares with gains of 26 percent byHonda's luxury brand Acura and of 27percent by Nissan Motor Co's Infinitibrand.

Toyota recalls 1.7 million autos as quality woes mount

A Toyota logo is pictured on the front of a car in London

MOSCOW – President Dmitry Medvedev fired a federal transport policechief Wednesday and lashed out at "passive" officers who guard Russia'sairports and rail stations after an airport suicide bombing killed 35 people.Medvedev, often criticized as hesitant or ineffectual, appeared eager to asserthis power after Monday's attack at Moscow's Domodedovo Airport, whichalso left 180 people wounded.

He announced the firing shortly before leaving for theWorld EconomicForum in Davos, Switzerland, where he was determined to reassure worldbusiness leaders that Russia was a safe bet for their badly needed investment.

Medvedev began his address in Davos by accusing the airport bomberof trying to "bring Russia to its knees" and prevent him from attending thehigh-profile forum.

The airport attack, generally believed to have been a suicide bombing,was likely to unsettle investors not only because it underlines Russia'spersistent security problems but because eight foreigners were killed in theattack.

The dead include twoAustrian citizens, two Tajiks and one person eachfrom Britain, Germany, Ukraine and Uzbekistan, according to a revised list.

The bombing also has demoralized many Russians, weary of years ofseparatist violence in Chechnya and other parts of the southern Caucasusregion and of terrorist attacks attributed to the separatists, including lastyear's double suicide-bombing of the Moscow subway system in which 40people were killed.

"It has already been happening for so many years and there is a feelingit will never end," said resident Inna Guliyants, who attended a service atChrist the Savior Cathedral, part of the capital's official day of mourning.

The victims also were remembered at Domodedovo Airport, wheremany people came to lay flowers near the blast site. Among them was U.S.Ambassador John Beyrle, who expressedAmericans' sympathies in remarksshown on Russian television.

"We share the sorrow of the families of those who were injured andkilled," Beyrle said. "And we are in solidarity with you that there should beno refuge for those who are able to commit, to organize such a monstrouscrime against innocent people."

In Brussels, the NATO-Russia Council said its 29 countries "standtogether in the fight against terrorism, and we are determined to expediteour efforts to counter this scourge."

No claim of responsibility for the bombing has been made andinvestigators have not named suspects or even presented a consistent accountof what happened. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, in a characteristicallytough statement, on Tuesday vowed retribution for the attack.

Russian presidentfires police chief after

bombing

BERLIN – More than 65 years after World War Two, Adolf Hitler's last survivingbodyguard says that he can no longer respond to the continuous deluge of fan mailhe receives from around the world, because of his advanced age.

Rochus Misch is 93 and uses a walking frame to move around his apartment.He told the Berliner Kurier tabloid that, with most of the letters he receives askingfor autographs, it was "no longer possible" to reply because of his age.

"They (letters) come from Korea, from Knoxville, Tennessee, from Finlandand Iceland -- and not one has a bad word to say," said Misch, who is believed tobe the last man alive to have seen Hitler and other top-ranking Nazis in the flesh.

In the past Misch used to send fans autographed copies of wartime photos ofhimself in a neatly pressed SS uniform. Now the incoming fan mail, includingletters and packages, piles up in his flat in south Berlin's leafy Rudowneighborhood.

Misch also served as Hitler's telephone operator and courier. His memoirs,"The Last Witness," were published in 2008 in Germany and are in the works tobecome a feature film.

HITLER’S LAST BODYGUARDGIVES UP ON FAN MAIL

PURPORTED JFK AMBULANCE SOLD FOR$120,000 AT AUCTION

A car collector who wanted a "piece of history" paid $120,000 at an auction in Arizona for a 1963ambulance that purportedly carried the body of President John F. Kennedy after he was assassinated,auction officials said.

Addison Brown of Paradise Valley, Arizona, bought the gray Pontiac Bonneville despite reportsclaiming the vehicle being sold at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale was a fake, auction presidentSteve Davis said. The Navy ambulance was advertised as the vehicle that met Air Force One at AndrewsAir Force Base and transported Kennedy's flag-draped casket to Bethesda Naval Hospital for his autopsyand later to the U.S. Capitol to lie in state.

Barret-Jackson officials said they independently verified the authenticity of the vehicle.

WORLD NEWSPage 38


LONDON – The BBC said Wednesday that it plansto cut 650 jobs, more than a quarter of the total, at itsinternationalWorld Service as part of efforts to slashspending by 46 million pounds ($73 million) a year.The figures announced by the state-funded

broadcaster come after government announced large-scale public spending cuts to cope with Britain's highbudget deficit.The BBC said the job losses come as part of

preparation for the end of direct government fundingin April 2014. At that point, the corporation will befunded through television license fee, which is paidby all households in Britain with a TV.A group of around 50 World Service staff

protested outside the service's headquarters in centralLondon, holding up banners which read "WorldService RIP."BBC Global News Director Peter Horrocks said

the cuts, which the broadcaster says will reduce itsglobal audience by 30 million, was "a painful day forBBCWorld Service.""We are making cuts in services that we would

rather not be making," he said, but argued that the

scale of funding cuts meant "we couldn't cope withthis by efficiencies alone."The BBCWorld Service, launched in 1932, costs

272 million pounds a year and boasts an audience of180 million people worldwide across radio,television and online platforms. Its shortwave radioservice has for decades provided a link betweenBritain and much of the developing world, withservices in 32 languages.The cuts mean BBC will ax its Macedonian,

Albanian, Serbian, English for the Caribbean andPortuguese for Africa radio services, and will scaleback radio programming in seven languages —Azeri, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, Spanish forCuba, Turkish, Vietnamese, and Ukrainian —focusing instead on online, mobile and televisioncontent. In March, shortwave broadcasts will ceasein Hindi, Kyrgyz, Nepali, Swahili and the Great Lakesservice broadcast in Rwanda and Burundi.The cuts to a bastion of international news were

criticized by lawmakers in the House of Commons.Opposition Labour Party legislator Denis MacShanesaid the cuts would do "what no dictator has ever

achieved— silencing the voice of the BBC, the voiceof Britain, the voice of democracy, the voice ofbalanced journalism at a timewhen it is more than everneeded."Foreign Secretary William Hague defended the

move to cut radio programming in favor of onlineplatforms, stating that online Russian audiences haveincreased by 120 percent in the last year while radioaudiences have declined by 85 percent since 2001."That is why it is absolutely right for the World

Service to move more of its services to online andmobile services— that is the way the world is going,"Hague said.He said the BBC World Service, like any other

taxpayer-funded body is "not immune from publicspending constraints."The first 480 jobs will be cut in 2011, with that

number rising to 650 in three years. At present, theBBC World Service has a staff of 2,400 working for32 language services.BBCWorld Service said it also expects to generate

additional savings after themove to the BBC's Londonheadquarters at Broadcasting House in 2012.

BBC World Service plans 650 job cuts

MIAMI – A 16-year-old looking toboost his art school application took abow for being the one behind the grandpiano that mysteriously showed up ona sandbar in Miami's Biscayne Bay.Nicholas Harrington said he

wanted to leave his artistic mark onMiami's seascape as the artist Christodid in the early 1980s when he draped11 small islands in Biscayne Bay withhot pink fabric. And if it helped thehigh school junior get into Manhattan'sCooper Union college, that would beOK too."I wanted to create a whimsical,

surreal experience. It's out of the everyday for the boater," Harrington toldThe Associated Press."I don't like it be considered as a

prank," he said. "It's more of amovement."On Jan. 2, Harrington, his older

brother Andrew and two neighborslifted the instrument, which had beentrashed during a holiday party, onto thefamily's 22-foot boat and took it out onBiscayne Bay. There, they left it on the

highest spot along a sandbar.Harrington is the son of "Burn

Notice" production designer J. MarkHarrington. The piano is an old movieprop that sat for four years inHarrington's grandmother's garage.The teen had talked about hoisting theinstrument from a tree or using it in a

music video, among other projects, hismother said, but nothing happeneduntil the winter break from school.The teen said he grew up in a

family that appreciated art andarchitecture, and he had his parents'support for his scheme.The piano sat undisturbed in the

bay until last week, when SuzanneBeard, a local resident, took her boatover to the sandbar to take a look. Herpicture of pelicans roosting on theinstrument ended up on the NationalGeographic website. From there, thestory went viral, much to Harrington'ssurprise."We pretty much forgot about it

until it became super popular," the teensaid.He said he had planned to remain

anonymous — except for includingphotos of the installation in his collegeapplication — until others beganclaiming responsibility.It's not clear what will happen to

the piano. The Florida Fish andWildlife Conservation Commissionisn't responsible for moving such itemsand the U.S. Coast Guard won't getinvolved unless it becomes a hazard tonavigation.Harrington and his mother said

they are prepared to retrieve the piano."It's just another adventure," the

teen said.

Grand piano mysteriously appearson sandbar in Biscayne Bay, teen ‘fesses up

The grand piano on a sandbar in Biscayne Bay in Miami, Florida

BEIJING– China has mandatedthat all schoolchildren undergolessons on etiquette -- the latestexpression of concern overuncultured manners in one of theworld's oldest civilisations.Teachers will be required to

instruct primary school students inthe intricacies of basic decorum,respecting elders and proper tablemanners, according to guidelinesposted on the education ministry'swebsite.Middle-schoolers meanwhile

will learn how to hold politeconversations, be courteous toothers, dress properly, and how toobserve etiquette in telephone,email, text-messaging and othercorrespondence.In high school, the basics of

polite one-on-one conversation,adequate grooming and standingin orderly queues will be amongthe subjects stressed.Many of China's down-to-

earth citizens are notorious forpractices such as queue-jumping,

spitting and littering, which areseen as obnoxious in the countryitself as well as abroad.Beijing authorities launched a

range of civic improvementcampaigns aimed at such socialscourges in the run-up to the 2008Beijing Olympic Games, fearingthe capital's citizens wouldembarrass the city in the eyes ofthe world.However, such behaviour

remains common both in Beijingand elsewhere.

China orders etiquette classes for schoolchildren

JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH, 2011 TURKS AND CAICOS SUN WORLD NEWSPage 39

PHOENIX- In a brazen attempt reminiscent of a medieval siege,Mexican smugglers tried to use a hefty catapult to hurl drugs northover the U.S. Border, authorities said..

The Mexican military seized 45 pounds of marijuana, a sportsutility vehicle and a metal-framed catapult just south of the Arizonaborder near the small town of Naco last Friday, following a tip-offfrom the U.S. Border Patrol.

Surveillance video taken by National Guard troops deployed tosupport the Border Patrol caught a group of men apparentlyattempting to pull down a metal beam and load or test the catapult,which was powered by powerful elastic and mounted on a trailerclose to the metal border fence.

"It looks like a medieval catapult that was used back in the day,"Tucson sector Border Patrol spokesman David Jimarez told Reuters.

Arizona straddles a furiously trafficked corridor for human anddrug smugglers from Mexico.

The U.S. Border Patrol seize hundreds of tons of marijuana andother drugs each year, smuggled over or under the line using a varietyof means, including trucks, clandestine tunnels, horseback and evenmicro-light aircraft -- although the catapult was new, Jimarez said.

"I have not seen anything like that in my time before as a BorderPatrol agent ... although we are trained to handle any kind of a threatthat comes over that border," he added.

DRUG SMUGGLERS TRY TOCATAPULT DRUGS OVER US BORDER

LOS ANGELES – NBC Universal isnow NBCUniversal — without the space,the peacock or the globe silhouette.That was part of the message delivered tothe company's 25,000 employees at atown hall gathering on Thursday thatfeatured top executives from prospectivenew owner Comcast Corp.

The bird will remain part of the brandof NBC, the broadcaster, while thespinning globe will still be part of thegraphic for Universal, the movie studioand theme park operator. And officially,the company's name is still NBCUniversal. But the space-less corporatelogo is meant to represent the unity of itstwo main divisions as it is set to be takenover by cable operator Comcast in a dealthat is to close on Friday.

"We aren't a family of two favoritesons, rather one filled with talentedpeople and companies all tied for first,"according to a voice-over presentationthat introduced the logo to employees.

Attendees of the meeting got achance to ask questions and watchinterviews of executives such as ComcastCEO Brian Roberts and the incomingCEO of the media company, Steve Burke,via a feed that linked locations in NewYork, Los Angeles, Philadelphia andLondon.

The new corporate bosses talked

about looking for opportunities forsynergy, not just among NBC Universalproperties that include cable channelssuch as Bravo and E!, but withtechnology advanced by Comcast, saidsomeone who attended the meeting.

The person was not authorized todiscuss it publicly and spoke undercondition of anonymity.

Layoffs were not discussed, theperson said.

Each employee also received 25Comcast shares, worth $23.31 each onThursday; a family pass to one of theUniversal theme parks; and othermaterials, including a "Big Idea Book" inwhich they were to record their own.

On Friday, Comcast will take a 51percent stake in NBC Universal after ayearlong regulatory review resulted ingovernment conditions that prevent itfrom impeding the growth of onlinevideo services such as Netflix and Hulu.

The deal values NBC Universal ataround $30 billion, while Comcast, thenation's largest cable TV company, has amarket value around $65 billion.

General Electric Co.'s stake in NBCUniversal will fall from 80 percent to 49percent and it plans to exit completelyafter several years. France's Vivendi SAsold the remainder of its 20 percent staketo GE on Wednesday.

NBC Universal nowNBCUniversal under Comcast

DAVOS, Switzerland – A formerWikiLeaks spokesman launched a rivalwebsite Friday, saying he planned togive whistleblowers more control overthe secrets they spill.

The new platform, calledOpenLeaks, will allow sources tochoose specifically who they want tosubmit documents to anonymously,such as to a particular news outlet, saidDaniel Domscheit-Berg.

"We'd like to work with mediaoutlets that have an interest ininforming the public," he told reporterson the sidelines of theWorld EconomicForum meeting of top business andpolitical leaders in the Swiss resort ofDavos.

The difference between his group

and WikiLeaks, he said, would be thathis group leaves reviewing the materialup to the publication or advocacy groupchosen by the source to receive theinformation.

WikiLeaks has struggled to wadethrough the vast amounts of material itreceived — particularly the hundredsof thousands of U.S. diplomatic cables— and been criticized for sharing thedata with only a handful of mediaoutlets around the world.

Domscheit-Berg said giving moreprofessional journalists and analyststhe opportunity to receive and siftthrough documents would speed up theprocess while making OpenLeaks lessof a target, as it would not bepublishing any of the material itself.

"We are not going to get under thesame kind of scrutiny fromgovernments and big corporations asWikiLeaks is currently," he said.

WikiLeaks and its 39-year-oldAustralian founder JulianAssange havecome under increasing pressure sincebeginning to publish some 250,000secret U.S. diplomatic cables inNovember.

Domscheit-Berg, a formerspokesman forWikiLeaks who fell outwith Assange, said the two websitesand others soon to be launched couldcomplement each other, helping to"decentralize" the whistleblowingprocess.

OpenLeaks will begin testing inseveral weeks and could be fully

operational later this year, he said. Sofar it has received no outside funding,but should that ever be the case itwould be done transparently, he added.

Jeff Jarvis, who teaches journalismat the City University of NewYork andattended the launch, said theappearance of WikiLeaks, OpenLeaksand others points to a shift in controlover information.

"It used to be that he or she whoheld secrets held power," Jarvis toldThe Associated Press. "Now he or shewho creates transparency holds power."

"The inspiration that's occurringout of all this is very important," headded. "What it says to people in powerand government and business is: 'youcan't hide.'"

WikiLeaks rival launches new secret-spilling site

FBI agents have executed 40 searchwarrants throughout the UnitedStates as part of an investigationinto recent coordinated cyberattacks targeting major companies,the agency said.

The United Kingdom'sMetropolitan Police Serviceexecuted additional searchwarrants and arrested five peoplefor their alleged role in the attacks,the FBI said in a statement

Thursday.A group calling itself

"Anonymous" has claimedresponsibility for the attacks, theFBI said. The attacks wereallegedly carried out by people whoare active supporters ofWikiLeaks,but are not affiliated with thewebsite, a federal law enforcementsource said.

Late last year, the grouplaunched take-down campaigns

against organizations that haveshunned the site WikiLeaks. Underthe banner "Operation Payback,"the Anonymous group successfullycrashed MasterCard.com andstrained the websites of Visa andPayPal.

Anonymous allegedly makes itsattacks not through hacking, butmerely by directing a giant trafficsurge to the targeted website.That's called a DDoS attack, short

for distributed denial-of-service --and it's hard for most websites todefend against.

"The attacks were facilitated bysoftware tools the group makesavailable for free download on theinternet," the FBI said in astatement.

Facilitating or conducting suchattacks is illegal and punishable byup to 10 years in prison, the FBIsaid.

FBI investigates multiple cyber attacks

Page 40

The financial crisis could have beenavoided and was the result of poordecision making both in Washingtonand at top financial firms that fostereda culture of excessive risk taking,according to a draft report written byDemocrats on a panel that investigatedthe meltdown and obtained by Reuters.

The Democratic majority of the10-member Financial Crisis InquiryCommission spreads the blame widelyto regulators, politicians, financialfirms and credit rating agencies.

"We conclude this financial crisiswas avoidable," the report said.

It said regulators failed toadequately police financial markets,that financial firms had poor riskmanagement and corporategovernance practices, and thatgovernment was ill-prepared to handlethe fallout from excessive borrowingwhen loans soured.

"The crisis was the result ofhuman action and inaction, not MotherNature or computer models gonehaywire," the draft report reads. "Thecaptains of finance and the publicstewards of our financial systemignored warnings and failed toquestion, understand, and manageevolving risks within a systemessential to the well-being of theAmerican public."

The report will be officiallyreleased on Thursday but it has beenendorsed only by the congressionallyappointed panel's six Democraticcommissioners. Three Republicanmembers will release a separateminority report and a fourthRepublican plans to unveil a report ofhis own that will focus on government

housing policies.Reuters obtained a draft of the

final report that was circulated inDecember before it was fully editedand sent to the printer. On Tuesday theNew York Times first reported thecontents of the majority's report on itswebsite.

Tucker Warren, a spokesman forthe panel, did not respond to a phonecall or email seeking comment.

Among regulators the reportsingles out former Federal ReserveChairman Alan Greenspan and hissuccessor Ben Bernanke. The reportfaults Greenspan and his allies forpushing the idea that financialinstitutions could "police themselves."

Bernanke and former TreasurySecretary Henry Paulson werecriticized for not seeing the problemsin the subprime mortgage marketsearlier.

Clinton administration officials

were rebuked for pushing to shieldover-the-counter derivatives fromregulation.

As for the corporate chieftains atthe large financial firms that wereeither toppled or brought to their kneesby the crisis, the panel says itsexamination found "stunning instancesof governance breakdowns andirresponsibility."

Among those singled out areAmerican International Group,mortgage giant Fannie Mae andMerrill Lynch.

The report faults investment banksBear Stearns, Goldman Sachs, LehmanBrothers, Merrill Lynch and MorganStanley for "operating withextraordinarily thin capital" in 2007.

"Less than a 3 percent drop inasset values could wipe out a firm,"according to the report.

The report criticized credit ratingagencies such as Moody's Corp,

McGraw-Hill Cos' Standard & Poor'sand Fimalac SA's Fitch Ratings forgiving "their seal of approval" tosecurities that proved to be far morerisky than advertised because theywere backed by mortgages provided toborrowers who were unable to makepayments on their loans.

The report also discussed the roleplayed by "shadow banking," orunregulated financial firms, thesecuritization of private mortgage debtand over the counter derivatives.

The 10-member FCIC was set upby Congress in May 2009. It wasassigned the task of explaining thecauses of the worst financial crisis ingenerations.

In July, President Barack Obamasigned into law legislation written as aresponse to the crisis. Given that theDodd-Frank law has been enacted, it isuncertain how much of an impact thecommission's report will have.

Republicans on the panel alreadyhave criticized the Democrats'assessment as too broad to be acredible analysis.

The report could become fodderfor the heated debate this year over thegovernment's role in the housingmarket.

Congressional Republicans havecalled for the government to retreatfrom its role in promoting homeownership and have advocated gettingrid of or scaling back Fannie andFreddie Mac which are now controlledby the government.

For their part, the Democrats onthe crisis commission argue that themortgage giants "contributed to thecrisis, but were not a primary cause."

Experts say financial crisis was avoidable

Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan (L) and his successor Ben Bernanke (R) are blamed

J.C. Penney Co. is closing some stores, outlets and callcenter locations and continuing to work on an exit fromits catalog business in an effort to streamline operationsand boost profits.

The department store operator also said Mondaythat Vornado Realty Trust Chairman Steven Roth andactivist investor William Ackman will become boardmembers. Penney's enacted a "poison pill" in Octoberafter bothAckman andVornado took large stakes in thecompany.

Ackman and his hedge fund Pershing SquareManagement have pushed formajor changes at retailershe holds stakes in, such asBordersGroup Inc. andTargetCorp.

In pre-market trading Monday, J.C. Penney sharesjumped 3.5 percent, or $1.05, to $31.39.

In an interviewonCNBC,Ackman said J.C. Penneyis a great company and a great brand, but could be abetter retailer. He noted that the company has hadsuccess with its Sephora boutiques, but that sales persquare foot over the past 10 years have not madeprogress and margins are off.

Penney reported in November that its gross profitmargin slipped to 39 percent from 40.6 percent in thethird quarter due to heavy discounting and thediscontinuation of its big catalog.

Penney plans to close six underperforming stores

and two call center locations. It is also reorganizing itscustom decorating business, which includes closing acustom decorating fabrication plant in Sacramento,Calif., and shifting to managing 300 decorating studiosinstead of 525 of its current in-store studios.

The retailer's exit of its legacy catalog businessincludes shuttering 19 outlet stores that carry a largeamount of catalog merchandise. Penney announced inNovember 2009 that it would stop publishing its twice-yearly "big book" catalogs.The companywill also closeone furniture outlet store in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.;it will have two remaining such stores.

The company did not disclose how many job cutswould be involved in the actions, which will take placeduring the course of the year.

J.C. Penney currently runs more than 1,100department stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

"As we continue to position our company for thefuture, we determined that these steps are necessary tocapitalize on the growth opportunities we see aheadwhile we ensure we are managing costs appropriatelyand continually enhancing the profitability of ouroperations," Chairman and CEO Myron E. Ullman IIIsaid in a statement.

The retailer, based in Plano, Texas, expects themoves to add about 7 cents per share to 2012 earnings.It will take charges of about 8 cents a share in the fourth

quarter and 5 cents per share in 2011 related to theactions.

Penney, which will report its fourth-quarter resultson Feb, 25, has recently found some success withexclusive brands. The company is the only U.S. retailerto sell Liz Claiborne and Claiborne women's wear,except the Isaac Mizrahi-designed Liz Claiborne NewYork brand, which went to QVC. It is also the onlydepartment store selling MNG by Mango, a Europeanclothing brand, a big coup as fast-fashion players havebeen a big threat to department stores.

Earlier this month J.C. Penney reported revenue atstores open at least a year rose 3.7 percent in December,part of the crucial holiday selling period.The figure beatanalysts' expectations; the measure is a key indicator ofa retailer's health because it gauges results at existingstores instead of newly opened ones.

Ackman and Roth are expected to be a part of J.C.Penney's board by its board meeting on Feb. 22,increasing the board's size to 13 members from 11members. Another director is expected to be added inthe near future, the company said.

When Ackman disclosed the stake in October, hesaid Penney's stock was undervalued and he planned todiscuss "business, assets, capitalization, financialcondition, operations, governance, management,strategy and future plans."

In Penney's statement Monday, Ullman said, "Wewelcome Bill and Steve to the board. They share ourpassion for operational excellence and are committed toenhancing value for all of the company's shareholders."

JC Penney closing some stores


JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH, 2011 TURKS AND CAICOS SUN BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGYPage 41

WASHINGTON – The US budget deficit will hit arecord-breaking 1.5 trillion this year, the CongressionalBudget Office projectedWednesday, thanks in part to arecent tax cut deal.

Constrained revenues and increased spending torevive the economy will push the deficit to a whopping9.8 percent of gross domestic product this year, accordingto the forecast.

The CBO, which is considered a bipartisanscorekeeper in the hotly contested debate over US debt,said an expected uptick in tax revenues as the economyimproves would not fully materialize.

"The recovery nowunderwaymight be expected tolessen the budget imbalance in 2011 by increasing taxrevenues and decreasing spending for certain income-support programs, such as unemploymentcompensation," it said.

"However, revenue growthwill be restrained by theslow and tentative pace of the recovery and by the 2010tax act."

In December President Barack Obama signed intolaw a cross-party deal that extended tax cuts passed byformer president George W. Bush along withunemployment benefits.

With an aging population taking more in benefitsand contributing less to revenues, the cumulative deficitis expected to rise to $12 trillion between 2012 and 2021,or 97 percent of annual GDP.

Senate budget committee chairman,DemocratKentConrad, said the figures should serve as a "wake-up callto the nation."

"The fiscal challenge confronting us is enormous,"he said, "we can't continue to put this off. We need toreach an agreement this year."

Republicans and Democrats have sparred over thebest way to trim the deficit.

Critics charge that neither side has faced up toinevitable cuts to medical help and pensions that areneeded, butwhichwould spell political suicide if enacted.

Eying the ever-swelling US debt, Obama vowedsweeping reforms togovernment inhisState of theUnionaddress onTuesday, butwarnedpolitical foes against cutsthat would undermine the economy.

"In the coming months, my administration willdevelop a proposal to merge, consolidate and reorganizethe federal government," Obama said.

But he cautioned: "Let'smake surewhatwe're cuttingis really excess weight. Cutting the deficit by gutting ourinvestments in innovation andeducation is like lighteningan overloaded airplane by removing its engine."

US deficit to reach historic high

DUBAI- Dubai's boom may havefizzled, but you can still live the highlife perched atop the world's tallestbuilding as the glitzy Gulf emirateunveils one of the world's highestrestaurants.

Atmosphere, on the 122nd floor, isone private elevator ride up the glassand chrome Burj Khalifa.

Its designers say that Atmosphere,touted as the world's highestrestaurant, shows that Dubai may havelost its luster as a business hub after thefinancial crisis, but for those seekingthe lifestyle of the rich and famous, itcan still dish it out.

"Up here, you feel elegant andluxurious, you feel sexy," said therestaurant's designer, Adam Tihany,pointing to the mahogany-paneledrooms and cozy leather booths.

"You are floating ... it's a journey.This is your luxury yacht in the sky,"he said.

Atmosphere is a 57-secondelevator ride up 442 meters (1,350feet) that makes ears pop. DwayneCheer, the executive chef, tries to limitthe number of times he goes up eachday.

Cheer recommends the housespecialties of foie gras or the beeftartare--but prices here may burn thepocket books of all but Dubai's mostwell-heeled denizens.

Entrees at the contemporary grille,

serving up what EmaarHospitality's chief executive calls"eclectic, European cuisine", costan average of 340 dirhams ($93).Appetizers will set you backanother $50 each.

Atmosphere's views at noon showritzy Dubai's past and present: itsambitious artificial island project, TheWorld, lies unfinished amid the bluewaves on one side, and the sandyexpanses of stalled construction sitesare on the other.

Dubai's six-year boom, whichfueled construction of the world'stallest building and artificial islandarchipelagos, slammed to a halt in2008 after the global financial crisis.

Millions of dollars of constructionprojects were slashed or put on holdand the emirate is struggling to dig out

from under a massive debt burden,estimated at more than $100 billion.

Developers at Emaar Hospitality,of Emaar Properties, say the restaurantopening at these soaring heights is asign that the low point of Dubai'srecession is ending.

"I think really the hospitalitybusiness has picked up quite nicely,"said Emaar Hospitality chief executiveMarc Dardenne. "Dubai is still a veryattractive destination, with world class

hotels and world class restaurantsavailable."

The restaurant, for which ownersdeclined to reveal the costs, facedsome delays when Dubai's economyfirst stumbled. But it was eventuallycompleted, Tihany said, becauseconstruction for Burj Khalifa is alreadyalmost finished.

"The top of the crown jewel has tobe beautiful," he said. "The economywill follow suit, hopefully."

Dubai keeps aiming for skies with highest restaurant

The tallest tower in the world is seen during the opening of "At.Mosphere" the world's highestrestaurant in the Burj Khalifa in Dubai January 23, 2011. The restaurant, lounge and grill sits at 442

meters (1,350 ft) high on the 122nd level of the world's tallest building, with a panoramic viewoverlooking the city.

United Continental Holdings Inc. said it lost $325million in the fourth quarter because of expensesfrom combining United and Continental airlines.

Excluding those costs, the world's biggest airlineearned $160 million, or 44 cents per share, toppingthe expectations of Wall Street analysts, aspassengers paid more to fly. Revenue for each seatflown one mile rose 11.5 percent.

Company-wide, revenue rose 15 percent to $8.4billion.

Increased fares and traffic have helped the airlineindustry report improved fourth-quarter results. Butrising fuel costs are a concern. United Continentalpaid $2.45 billion for fuel in the last three months of2010, up 22 percent from a year ago.

United Continental expenses rose more than 10

percent for the quarter. Not counting fuel and otherspecial items, expenses would have risen 1 percent,

the company said.United and Continental closed their merger on

Oct. 1, and are now working to combine the twoairlines into one. More than 200 planes have beenrepainted with United's name and Continental'sglobe logo on the tail. The Chicago-based companyhas also begun to integrate some computer systems.It had $482 million in merger expenses for thequarter.

The company ended the year with $8.7 billion incash. It said it also paid down $148 million in debtearlier this month.

United Continental earned $854 million for thefull year if results from both companies are included.On that basis, revenue rose almost 19 percent to $34billion.

United Continental reports fourth quarter loss of $325M

Page 42

By Ezra Stuart

The West Indies could be the surprisepackage in the ICC CricketWorld Cupwhich will be jointly staged in India,Sri Lanka and Bangladesh fromFebruary 19 to April 2.This was the view of coach Ottis

Gibson before leaving the GrantleyAdams InternationalAirport yesterdayevening for Sri Lanka where theWindies will play their hosts in a three-match rescheduled One-DayInternational series, just two weeksprior to the World Cup.“I think we have a team that can

win the World Cup. We will go therewith the expectation of doing very welland putting ourselves in a position thatwe can reach the semi-finals, which isa very realistic possibility,” he said.“We would love to win and we

will try to win. The aim is to reach thesemi-final and look to go forward andsee how far we can get.”

Gibson reckoned that India,playing at home, will be a tough sideto beat as well as Sri Lanka and he alsomentioned Bangladesh – who will alsobe familiar with the conditions as oneof the joint hosts – as a team capableof upsetting more fancied teams.“Australia – never mind they just

lost the Ashes – in major tournaments,are always competitive and Englandhave some very good players. You cannever write off South Africa andPakistan.We also have some good players

but I think it is going to be a very wideopen tournament,” the coachcontended.“But with everyone focused on

these teams, we can stay in theshadows and I think that we are a teamthat can spring a few surprises,” headded.Gibson said he believed that

batting was going to be important onthe pitches in the subcontinent which

were usually slow and low.“I think it is going to be a batting

tournament and we have players likeChris Gayle, [Shivnarine]Chanderpaul, young [Adrian] Barath,and Darren Bravo is looking very good,while [Ramnaresh] Sarwan has a verygood record in the subcontinent.“If our senior players and our

batsmen put the runs on the board, it isgoing to be up to the bowlers to defendit.”Gibson also felt that the One-Day

series against the Sri Lankans – whichwas deferred from late last yearbecause of torrential rain – while itwould give the West Indies a finaltune-up in subcontinent conditionsahead of the World Cup, would not bethe ideal time to experiment withplayers.“It is a good opportunity to put

some of the plans that we are going totake into the World Cup,” he said.All three ODIs will be played at

venues which will host World Cupmatches, with the opener inHambantota on January 31 and theother two at the revamped R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo onFebruary 4 and 6.Fast bowler Kemar Roach, who

will spearhead the bowling attack, saidhe was ready for the challenge.“Obviously, I have a job to do

which I’m accustomed to and will do itto the best of my ability,” he toldMIDWEEK SPORT. “I’m not fazedabout bowling at the best batsmen inone tournament and will go out there,put my best foot forward and win theWorld Cup for the Caribbean.”

The squadDarren Sammy (captain), Chris Gayle,Adrian Barath, Sulieman Benn,Carlton Baugh, Darren Bravo, DwayneBravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, NikitaMiller, Kieron Pollard, Ravi Rampaul,Kemar Roach, Andre Russell,Ramnaresh Sarwan, Devon Smith.

West Indies could besurprise package at World Cup, says coach

Regional officials are contemplating staging aseverely scaled-down version of the CARIFTAGames this year.

Donna Watson, president of the BermudaTrack and Field Associa-tion, has indicated thatall reports about the demise of the Games aregrossly exaggerated.

"I know there has been a lot of information onthe Web regarding the hosting of CARIFTA2011," she told the Royal Gazette.

"I would like to say that this information isnot coming out of our official NACAC office.Please be careful of what is written on the Webregarding CARIFTA, as some of it is not entirelytrue."

She added: "The official word on whereCARIFTA 2011 is going to be held, or if it iscancelled, or if dates are changed, will come fromour official office and will be immediately passedon to all of the presidents of each association.

"It might have to be scaled down or someother provisions made, but I'm very positive thatit will happen."

The North American, Central American andCaribbean Track and Field Association hasexperienced difficulty in finding a country to hostthe Games, since St Kitts withdrew from itscommitment late last year.

Carifta Games'will happen' -

Bermuda official Stoke City manager Tony Pulishas admitted that he would besad to lose Ricardo Fuller if thestriker completes a £3m moveto Sunderland this week."You hope you don't lose

players like that, but if ithappens we have to move on,"Pulis told BBC Radio Stoke."Ric's been a great player

for this football club. He hasbeen one of my favourites hereand I'm sure he is to most of thesupporters."The Jamaica international

has scored 48 goals in 177 games for the Potters.Fuller, 31, joined Stoke from Southampton in

August 2006 for £500,000 and helped the club winpromotion to the Premier League in 2008.He has scored three times this season but has

only started nine league matches and was an unusedsubstitute in the 2-0 defeat at Fulham on Saturday.Pulis has a number of attacking options in his

squad and added another striker on Friday, with

John Carew joining on loan fromAston Villa for the rest of theseason.The Norway international

played the final 32 minutes atCraven Cottage, but could not fireStoke back into the game after thevisitors had been reduced to 10 men.Already a goal behind, Potters

captain Ryan Shawcross was sentoff for a foul on Clint Dempseyinside the penalty area, with theAmerican converting the resultingpenalty to seal the victory.Speaking about Carew's first

appearance, Pulis said: "It's difficult playing with10 men and being 2-0 down. He'll be a good signingfor us because I think he'll score."The sending off and the penalty killed the

game."Shawcross, who was also sent off in a defeat at

Sunderland in November, will miss the FA Cupfourth round tie at Wolves and the Premier Leaguetrip to Liverpool due to suspension.

Tony Pulis would be sadto lose Ricardo Fuller at Stoke

Ricardo Fuller


Page 43

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – NASCAR isreplacing the complicated scoringsystem it has used since 1975 with amore straightforward format.

None of the changes for the 2011season announced by chairman BrianFrance at the NASCAR Hall of Fameon Wednesday came as much of asurprise. NASCAR officials had beenbriefing teams for almost two weekson the changes in an effort to givecompetitors feedback on the directionbeing taken.

A race winner will receive 43points under the new system, and thepoints will decrease down to 1 for the43rd-place driver. There will be threebonus points for the winner, one bonuspoint for every driver who leads a lap,and one bonus point to the driver thatleads the most laps.

The maximum points availablenow will be 48.

"Now everyone will know, when adriver is down by 10 points, that heneeds to pass 11 more cars to take thelead in the point standings," Francesaid. "We (had) a point system that'shard to describe for ourselves. We justthought this was the perfect time ... (to)simplify it so people can follow."

NASCAR also tweaked theeligibility requirements for the 12-driver Chase for the Sprint Cupchampionship field.

The top 10 in points after the 26thrace of the season will make the Chasefield, while the final two spots will be"wild cards" designated for the highestrace winners not already eligible. Thewild cards will only go to driversranked inside the top-20 in points.

If no driver outside the top 10 has

any victories, the spots will go to thedrivers ranked 11th and 12th in thestandings.

Adding the wild card wasdesigned to reward winning, whichtwo-time champion Tony Stewart, theonly driver in attendance at theannouncement, applauded.

"I think that's a twist that reallymakes sense," Stewart said.

But what didn't make sense tomany, teams and fans alike, was whyNASCAR felt the points system wasits biggest problem heading into thenew season.

NASCAR is stuck in a steadydecline in both attendance andtelevision ratings, and not even lastyear's Chase — the closest since thechampionship-deciding format wasintroduced in 2004— seemed to ignitethe dwindling interest.

Although NASCAR made

numerous changes last season thatdramatically improved competition,fans still found reasons to gripe. Andfor the three days leading into France'sbig news, drivers and team ownerstook their turn weighing in on issuesNASCAR needs to address.

"I absolutely think the races oughtto be shorter, and I think the seasonought to be shorter," said RickHendrick, NASCAR's winningestteam owner. "It's just so long. If it wehad three more months off, I think thefans would be more eager to get backand watch it."

David Hill, chairman of FoxSports, called on NASCAR to shortenits races so that they fit into a 3-hourbroadcast window. Hill argued there'sfar too many distractions for fans to sitand watch races that stretch four-plushours.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR'smost popular driver, called the refusalto shorten races at tracks such asPocono Raceway, which at 500 mileshas long been considered by drivers tobe 100 miles too long, "this huge pinkelephant nobody wants to talk about."

But he speculated that promisesmade with handshakes long ago hadgiven many tracks lifetime agreementsto host two 500-mile races a year. Andthe monetary issues, Earnhardt said,made it impossible to shorten a 38-raceseason that runs from February toNovember.

"I think that the financial rewardsfrom having the season as it is are toogreat," Earnhardt said. "It's almost asif each race is a limb that you can'tamputate. It's too big a deal to shortenthe season. There's tons of money

involved and tons of livelihoodsinvolved, and people's careers.

"I don't believe we'll ever see ashorter season. I think in my lifetimewe'll see shorter races across the boardat 85 percent of the events, but never ashorter season."

Only France bristled at the notionthat there are larger issues confrontingNASCAR than a need to simplify thepoints system.

"There's a positive start to theseason," he quipped. "Look, we're verysatisfied with the most important thing:the level of competition. Obviously,we want to be trending up, not down.And television ratings ... we want tosee a lot of things with attendanceimprove.

"We're 63-years-old. Every sport isgoing to have periods where, for lotsof reasons, you're in a peak or a valley.We're going to have moments whereyou can select something that's notgoing well. That's fine. But we are onour course to deliver the most excitingracing in the world, and we're going toget there."

NASCAR president Mike Heltoninsisted the sport's leadership is hard atwork addressing the sport's problems,even if no solutions were offeredWednesday night.

"Everything we do is to make thesport better for the entire community.Everything we don't do doesn't meanwe're never going to," Helton said."We know we have issues to address. Ipromise you, we haven't spent the last365 days just working on these topicsthat we announced. There's a lot ofmoving parts and pieces that we dealwith every day."

NASCAR scraps points system for simpler versionJANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH, 2011 TURKS AND CAICOS SUN

NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick

MADRID– Spanish cyclist David Garcia has beenhanded a two-year doping ban following his positivetest at the last Tour of Spain, the Spanish CyclingFederation said Thursday.

Garcia, who finished in 11th place competingwith the Xacobeo team at 'La Vuelta', took the in-competition test on September 13 after which theMadrid laboratory analysing his sample detectedbanned blood booster EPO.

The World Anti-Doping Agency-accreditedlaboratory in Madrid indicated an adverse analyticalfinding of EPO and found the racer had testedpositive for another prohibited substance,Hydroxyethyl Starch (HES), based on samples takenon September 16 in Cologne, Germany.

HES is known to improve the blood circulation,but it also helps to mask the use of blood boostingsubstances such as EPO (erythropoietin) by reducingthe levels of red blood cells, known as haematocrit.

Under cycling rules, findings of HES masking

agent do not warrant an immediate provisionalsuspension, while performance-enhancing EPOdoes.

The ban on Garcia was yet another blow to the

reputation of Spain's cyclists as it came a day afterTour de France championAlberto Contador receivednotification of a one-year ban proposal from theSpanish Cycling Federation for his positive test fromlast year's Tour de France.

The International Cycling Union (UCI)provisionally suspended Contador in August inadvance of the Spanish decision after trace amountsof clenbuterol were found in a urine sample takenduring the Tour de France.

Contador insists he unknowingly ingested theclenbuterol from beef brought from Spain to Franceduring the second rest day of the Tour, just four daysbefore he won his third title.

Clenbuterol was banned by the European Unionin 1996 but it is still administered illicitly by somecattle farmers.

It is listed by the theWorldAnti-DopingAgencyas an anabolic agent that is prohibited for use byathletes at all times, both in and out of competition.

Spain's Garcia handed two-year doping ban

Spanish cyclist David Garcia

INTERNATIONAL SPORTSPage 44


PITTSBURGH -- The Green Bay Packers are justslight favorites (2-1/2 points) in Super Bowl XLV.But, of course, the Pittsburgh Steelers areattempting to making the most of the underdogrole.

"We're just gonna give up," Steelers safetyRyan Clark deadpanned on his team's first day ofpre-Super Bowl practice.

"We're just not gonna go. We're the underdogsanyway. They're better than us at every position, itseems, so we decided to go to Dallas, we're gonnabuy the tickets and sit in the stands and watch them

scrimmage, so that way the two best teams …""No, we're going to play, man. We're going to

go out and play hard. We feel like we have a goodenough team to win the game," said Clark. "Youknow, you don't get to the Super Bowl being a badfootball team. So they're the hot team right now.They're the team that quote-unquote nobody wantsto play, the team that everybody thinks is going towin. And that's fine. But if that was the case, wewouldn't play the game.

"So we're going to go out there and give 100%and try to win the game, and let the chips call

where they may."That said, Clark is impressed with the Green

Bay offense, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and hisreceivers.

"(They) make huge, huge plays after the catch,and a quarterback who can make every throw. I'mtalking about on the run, throwing back across hisbody, rolling out from the pocket, able to throw athrowback," said Clark.

"So he's amazing man. I think it's a really,really dynamic offense, probably the most dynamicwe've played this year."

Steelers really embracing underdog role vs. Packers

Unequal Technologies, makers of sportsequipment including the protective vest thatMichael Vick wore this season to protect his ribs,is making Vick the face of its company.

It's Vick's first national endorsement dealsince he spent 19 months in the pokey for his rolein an interstate dogfighting ring. A few monthsago, he had done some endorsement work forWoodbury Nissan, but it was just a local gig, andVick reportedly wasn't paid.

Before any of that dogfighting mess wentdown, Vick was one of the most sought-afterendorsers in sports. There was the Madden cover,the Michael Vick Experience, Coca-Cola, and abunch of others. Vick was on TVmore than RyanSeacrest.

Unequal Technologies isn't exactly Nike, soit's not like this means that Vick has snuggled hisway back into the hearts of the American public.We don't know yet what the Unequal people planto do with him, but the company's CEO, RobVito,described Vick's earnings on the deal as "sizable."

From Philly.com:"We believe it was worth it," he said,

"because of Michael Vick and how he can shedlight on the technology of our products."

"We're real excited about it," Vito said."Michael is good people. He paid his dues.President Obama reached out to him. He deservesan opportunity. This is what makes America sogreat. He's moved forward. He's a whole otherperson."

MICHAEL VICK LANDS ANATIONAL

ENDORSEMENT DEAL

MELBOURNE, Australia – Roger Federer saveda parting shot for anyone who thinks his time is upand a changing of the guard in tennis awaits.

“Yeah, I mean, they say that very quickly. ...Let's talk in six months again," he said.

The heavily hyped duel between Federer andRafael Nadal will not happen in Melbourne,opening a rare window for someone else.

Federer, the defendingchampion, lost to NovakDjokovic 7-6 (3), 7-5, 6-4 intheAustralian Open semifinalsThursday night. It marks thefirst time since 2008 neither oftennis' most dominant men willplay in a Grand Slam final.Less than 24 hours earlier, anailing Nadal's pursuit of a RafaSlam evaporated in aquarterfinal loss to fellowSpaniard David Ferrer.

Djokovic will play Ferrer or Andy Murray inthe final. On the women's side, the title match is setwith Kim Clijsters facing Li Na. Clijsters beat VeraZvonareva 6-3, 6-3, and Li eliminated top-rankedCaroline Wozniacki 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.

Federer and Nadal have combined to win 21 ofthe last 23 majors. This is also the first time since2003 that Federer, a 16-time Grand Slam winner,will not hold at least one of the four major trophies.

The Swiss great was outplayed by Djokovic,who reveled in the cooler night weather. It was thesecond straight time Federer has lost to the Serb —he had match points before losing in the U.S. Opensemifinals.

"It's disappointing and it hurts in the momentitself," Federer said. "I wish I could have won here

again for the fifth time. But wasn't possible tonight.It's not the end in any way. It's a start for many othertournaments after this."

Federer said he didn't play the key points well.He fell behind quickly in the first-set tiebreaker onbackhand errors, giving Djokovic four set points.

In the second set, he got up a break. Djokovicwas scrambling, twice tumbling to the court and

losing his racket as he tried tostay in rallies. But Federer, soused to moving in for the kill, leta 5-2 lead slip and dropped theset. From there it was just aboutover.

"Every time I had slightopportunity, either I didn't playmy best or he played his best,"Federer said. "It was a toughnight from this standpoint. Thoseare sometimes the way matchesgo."

Nadal limped away from his match, saying hehad a small muscle tear in his upper left leg andcasting doubt on his readiness for at least a fewweeks. Federer has no ailments to speak of.

"I feel very good. I'm very optimistic about thenext 15 tournaments, however many I'm playing,"he said. "I've barely lost matches lately really, soI'm happy with where my game is at, with wheremy condition is at.

"I'm really excited for what's to come. This isobviously a bit of a blow.At the same time, I playeda good tournament. I have no regrets."

Djokovic planned to relax and eat popcornwhile watching Friday night's semifinal betweenMurray, the 2010 finalist, and No. 7-ranked Ferrer.

Djokovic beats Federerto reach Australian final

Novak Djokovic Roger Federer

"It's disappointingand it hurts in the

moment itself,"Federer said. "I wish

I could have wonhere again for the

fifth time.

JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH, 2011 TURKS AND CAICOS SUN INTERNATIONAL SPORTSPage 45

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- LosAngelesLakers head coach Phil Jacksonopened up the 2010-11 season bydeclaring it would be his "last stand."The NBA's all-time championshipwinning coach said he would becontent to walk away after the seasonwhether he won title No. 12 or not.

The 65-year-old Jackson hadavoided heavy speculation of whetherhe would be a man of his word afterthe season or if the lure of another ringwould be too much to turn down, buta recent interview with ESPN'sHannah Storm left him reiterating hisfuture plans.

“Most everybody believes I'm notgoing to fulfill this 'last stand' promiseand I will come back and coach againbut it really is [my last season],"Jackson told Storm. "I really want todo this for myself.”

For more news, notes and analysisof the Lakers, check out the Land O'Lakers blog from the KamenetzkyBrothers.

Jackson told reporters afterThursday's practice reasons why hefeels there is some doubt surroundinghis decision.

"Well, I've had a coupleretirements in the process," Jacksonsaid. "In the 1998-99 season and alsothe 2004-05 sabbatical, which wasquite enjoyable. And last year, I didn't

have a contract at the end of the yearso, there was those things that havegone on that have contributed to thefact that it's the last year, but, maybe.... This year, there's no maybe."

With the regular season alreadymore than halfway finished and theLakers holding the third-best record inthe league at 33-13, Jackson said hedoesn't spend any time concentratingon his retirement, referring to it as"that other stuff."

Instead he is anticipating L.A.'supcoming seven-game, 14-day road

trip leading up to the All-Star breakthat the Lakers plan to come out ofwith an intensified focus on the finalthird of the season remaining.

"I think everybody kind of thenpoints to how is the standings [shapingup]," Jackson said. "Where are theygoing to be? Who's seeded where?Who plays well against the otherteams? How do you get your teamthrough this the right way with still thebest win-loss record and the besthealth they possibly could be in? Andthen we start thinking about that otherstuff."

Kobe Bryant, who has played 11of his 15 seasons in Los Angeles withJackson as his head coach and has hadhis rows with him in the past, didn'teven want to talk about the prospect oflosing his coach at first.

Said Bryant, "Man, you're askingme a question now about something[that will happen] in July?"

Bryant then said that Jackson'simpending departure is more of amotivation than distraction for theback-to-back champion Lakers in theirquest for a three-peat.

"Yes [it's motivating], for meespecially because we've beentogether for so long I want to makesure I do everything in my power tosend him off in the right way," Bryantsaid.

The first nine championships ofJackson's career have come in three-peat fashion and Jackson has a chanceto have his final ring come the sameway.

"I don't plan to be part ofbasketball," Jackson told Storm. "Idon't want to come back as anannouncer [or] someone thatcomments on it. I want to dosomething else. I have nights where Iwant to be going to the opera or to thetheater rather than followingbasketball three, four nights a week.But you have to do something thatreally grabs you and holds yourfascination, holds your passion. Youhave to be passionate aboutsomething. I have to seek that, I haveto find that."

Earlier in the season when askedif he could envision taking some timeoff and then returning to the game inthe manner of Philadelphia 76ers headcoach Doug Collins, Jacksonanswered with an abrupt "No."

"I think I put in my service time,"Jackson said before the Lakers playedthe Sixers on Dec. 31. "I thinkeverything got done with duediligence that I set out to do,especially with this organization andI've coached about as long as I want tocoach."

Phil Jackson still plans to retire

Lakers head coach Phil Jackson

Page 46 TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 28TH - FEBRUARY 4TH, 2011

Page 47


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