VOLUME 11 ISSUE 18

MAY 8TH, 2015 – MAY 15TH, 2015 VOLUME 11 - NO. 18 $1.00

www.facebook.com/tcisunTel: (649) 339-5879 Fax: (649) 941-3281Website: www.suntci.com Email: [email protected]

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ANYA CLEAREDIntegrity Commission says no Code of Conduct breach

SCOTIABANK TAKES PART IN ALL CANCER WALK

Scores of persons turned out to participate in the Seventh Annual National Cancer Society All Cancer Walk, which took place in the Grace Bay area early Saturday morning, May 2, 2014. Individuals as well as groups took part in the event. Among the institutions that took part were InterHealth Canada, NHIP, Beaches Resort, Fortis and Scotiabank. The event began and ended at the Scotiabank parking lot in Grace Bay. The participants journeyed along the Grace Bay Road to Leeward where they turned and trekked back along the route. The Scotiabank team can be seen in this photo.

The Integrity Commission says there is no evidence what Deputy Governor Hon. Anya Williams acted corruptly or breached the code of conduct during the controversial incident surrounding excess luggage by her family members and a dispute with customs officials at the Carnival Cruise Centre in Grand Turk, on August 7th 2014. The SUN obtained a report dated May 5th, 2015, in which the Commission, which comprised former Barbados Chief Justice Sir David Simmons (chairman), attorney Martin Green, accountant Nick Haywood and former Commissioner of Police Paul Harvey, stated: “Having considered all the evidence adduced and the respective submissions of counsel, the Commission finds that there is no cogent evidence whatsoever of any

conduct, whether by commission or omission on the part of the Deputy Governor, which amounts to a contravention of the Code of Conduct.” The case before the Integrity Commission was heard on March 17th, 2015 and May 4th, 2015. Williams was represented by Queen’s Counsel Ariel Misick and his son Jahmal Misick, while Richard Been appeared for the Integrity Commission. Following the ruling by the Integrity Commission, a statement from the lawfirm Misick & Stanbrook said: “ Hon. Anya Williams, the Deputy Governor, is pleased that the integrity Commission has exonerated her, by finding that she did not breach the Code of Conduct applicable to Persons in public Life, in relation to the incident which occurred at the Grand Turk Cruise Center on August 7th, 2014. This finding followed a full inquiry by the Commission. It was our view from the outset that the Deputy Governor

never breached the Code for all of the reasons set out in the Commission’s findings. Contrary to media reports, the Deputy Governor was not, in any way, present at the incident and was never involved. Despite the vicious attacks on her and innuendos in certain media circles, the Deputy Governor has always been and will continue to be, astute to follow both the letter and spirit of the Code, and to upload the high ethical standard expected of her.” In a separate press release, Eugene Otuonye, QC, Director of the Integrity Commission, stated: “Since there are related criminal proceedings arising out of the Cruise Ship Centre incident, the Commissioners did not take evidence from persons who are likely to be called as witnesses in these proceedings and as far as practicable were careful not to introduce before them evidence which touched or concerned those criminal proceedings.” The Deputy Governor’s cousin,

Athenee Harvey, Permanent Secretary in the Finance, has been charged with corruption following the same incident at the Grand Turk Cruise Terminal. She appeared before Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale in the Supreme Court, Providenciales on Monday, March 23, 2015, but the case has been adjourned to July 6, 2015 in Grand Turk. Meantime, at an extra-ordinary meeting of the Integrity Commission on 25th September 2014, the Commissioners took certain decisions arising out of the incident at the Carnival Cruise Center, Grand Turk on 7th August 2014. The Commissioners decided that

“there was no prima facie evidence of an act of corruption” by the Deputy Governor, but that “the evidence shows that there may have been a breach of the code of conduct” by her, and they decided to give further consideration to this aspect of the matter.

by Hayden BoycePublisher & Editor-in-Chief

LOCAL NEWSPage 2 TURKS & CAICOS SUN MAY 8TH, 2015 – MAY 15TH, 2015

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According to the report, at the Inquiry, the Commissioners were seised of a long written statement of the Deputy Governor dated 22nd August 2014 and addressed to Mr. Simon Baker, Senior Investigative Officer of the Commission; his reply of 23rd August 2014 and the Deputy Governor’s written response of 24th August 2014 to a series of questions to put to her in written by Mr. Baker. In addition, the commissioners heard oral evidence from the Deputy Governor in answer to questions put to her by counsel and the Commissioners. The report noted: “Since there are criminal proceedings arising out of the incident at the Cruise Center on 7th August 2014, the Commissioners eschewed taking evidence from persons who are likely to be called as witnesses in those proceedings. As far as was practicable, the Commissioners were careful not to

have adduced before them evidence which touched and concerned those criminal proceedings...the Commissioners have refrained from a recitation of the matter which may reasonably be addressed in the criminal proceedings.” As far as the inquiry is concerned, the Commissioners, in their May 5th ruling, said were satisfied of the following:

a)That on 7th August 2014, the Deputy Governor disembarked the ship at the Cruise Ship Center and went to her office to attend to correspondence that had come in while she was away from the islands.b)Thereafter, she went to a salon and then to her home. Later that evening, she returned to the ship.c)At no time did she speak to the Customers Officer who boarded the ship.

d)She had no packages when she disembarked and she left the ship with only her handbag.e)When she left the ship she was not aware that certain members of her group of travelers “had issues with customs”. Later that day she was apprised of a dispute between some members of the group and officials of the Customs Department.f)She had no knowledge of the contents of the individual bags and she made no request for anyone’s bag to be offloaded.g)She remained neutral after she was informed of the issues involving certain passengers and Customs Officers. She did not at any time involved certain members of her family and Customs Officials.h)She advised aggrieved family members to lodge an official complaint with the Commission.

Deputy Governor exonerated

Deputy Governor Anya Williams

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LOCAL NEWSMAY 8TH, 2015 – MAY 15TH, 2015 TURKS & CAICOS SUN Page 3

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LOCAL NEWS

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LOCAL NEWS

Deputy AG quits after a few months

The experienced and qualified female attorney who was appointed Deputy Attorney General of the Turks and Caicos Islands in January 2015, abruptly quit her $112,000 per year job, raising concerns and sparking heated debate in the legal fraternity and Government circles about the management and operations of the Attorney General’s Chambers. Wynante Adrien-Roberts, the former Solicitor General who hails from the Eastern Caribbean island of Dominica, was reportedly dissatisfied with the manner in which the Attorney General’s office operates and has decided to return to her native country. Well-placed sources told the SUN that Mrs. Adrien-Roberts “simply could not get along” with Attorney General Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, who many in legal circles allege is extremely arrogant, obnoxious and condescending. “It’s extremely difficult to work with the AG,” said a source who requested anonymity. “She thinks she knows everything and she likes to talk down to people. The only person she used to

listen to is Huw Shepheard (former Attorney General) but after he resigned she has become more biggoty and she lets you know right off the top that she only reports to the Governor.” The popular blog TCI Affairs which normally has impeccable information recently reported that the Deputy Attorney General left the post because she “did not like the inefficient manner in which matters are handled at the AG’s Chambers and the fact that he advice was no appreciated”. The blog also said that “life became a living hell” for the Deputy AG. Braithwaithe-Knowles, who described Adrien-Roberts as a “thoroughly qualified and experienced” attorney when she announced her appointment in January, has not issued any official statements or press releases on the sudden resignation, but the SUN can confirm that the post of Deputy Attorney General is being advertised throughout the Caribbean and in the United Kingdom. The job pays a salary of $103,800.00 per year, a transportation allowance of $2,220.00 per year, a telephone allowance of- $1200.00 per year and a professional allowance of $6,000.00 per

year. For persons recruited from outside of the Turks and Islands, a two (2) year contract extendable on mutual agreement to three (3) years is offered. Other benefits, in addition to the stated allowances include an end-of-contract gratuity of 15% of salary; return passage, business class or equivalent, for family of up to two children under the age of sixteen (16) years as well as duty free

concession on the shipment of personal effects imported within six (6) months of appointment. The advertisement for the Deputy AG sates: “This managerial position has system wide responsibility for the efficient administration of the Attorney General’s Chambers and resolution of complex legal matters arising in the area of or connected with the Public Service, civil litigation (including Judicial

Review) and International Mutual Legal Assistance. Providing supervision to other professional and clerical staff, the Deputy Attorney General is expected to generate satisfactory results when the qualitative and quantitative output of the staff is at a high level, the expenditure of the Attorney General’s Chambers is within the limits of the budget, and credible legal advice is provided to the Government in a timely manner when necessary. Adrien-Roberts earned her Legal Education Certificate in Law at the Norman Manley Law School in Jamaica, and has attended the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus in Barbados where she earned her LLB and LLM.She was part of the International Business Unit of the Government of Dominica and served as Solicitor General. She has experience in many fields including: developing legislative regulatory framework for the financial services sector, assessing applications for licences to operate offshore financial services, and ensuring compliance with international best practices for the financial services sector.

by Hayden BoycePublisher & Editor-in-Chief

Wynante Adrien-Roberts Hon. Rhondalee Brathwaite-Knowles

DEMA holds town hall meetings to discuss amendments to fishing ordinance

Salt Cay Community Pay Back Festival: Safety Precautions

This month Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) will hold a series of town hall meetings on South Caicos, Grand Turk, North Caicos and Providenciales, in order to inform interested and affected individuals of the amendments to the Fisheries Protection Ordinance. The proposed amendments include:

1.A ban on pelagic long-line fishing;2.A special licencing requirement for trap boats carrying more than 20 traps, including registration, reporting and trap placement restrictions;3.A minimum and maximum size restriction for Nassau Grouper;4.A minimum size for all snapper species, excluding red and black snappers;5.A minimum size for bonefish;6.A ban on gill nets;7.Regulations for stone crab;8.A ban on the taking of sea cucumbers;9.A ban on commercial export of sharks and rays; and10.Regulations governing the taking of lionfish.

Meetings will be held as follows:

•Provo meeting: Friday 8th May 7pm, Five Cays Community Centre; •South Caicos: Monday 11th May, 7pm, DEMA Office; •North Caicos: Tuesday, 12th May, 7pm, Adelaide Oemler Primary School;•Grand Turk: Friday 15th May, 7pm, Dillon Hall;

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact DEMA via email at [email protected] or call 338-4161.

May 9th ushers in the annual Salt Cay Community Pay Back Festival on Salt Cay. As this is a large festival enjoyed by many from across the islands, the Department of Environment & Maritime Affairs would like to take this opportunity to remind all those that will be attending of the following safety precautions:

•Safety first! Please consider your safety and that of those around you.

•Do not overload vessels when moving between islands, to reach the event;

•Please do not drink alcohol and handle a vessel as this puts you, those on your vessel and others in the water at serious risk;

•Ensure that all passengers aboard your vessel are wearing life jackets while on the vessel;

•Operate at a safe speed at all times;•Be respectful of buoys and other navigational aids, there to ensure your own safety.

DEMA ask that for your safety, as well of those in your vessel and in the water, that you adhere to these basic boating rules to ensure a safe and satisfactory day at the Festival.


TCI is a two party country, says PDM leader

Opposition Leader Hon. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson has brushed aside questions that the Oswald Skippings-led fledgling Progressive Democratic Alliance (PDA) will be a factor at the polls constitutionally due late next year. Skippings, who led the PDM to a narrow defeat at the hands of the Progressive National Party (PNP) in the last election held November 2012, where he did not secure his own seat, was reportedly pushed from the leadership before the February 2013 by-election, which the party also lost, this time under current leader Cartwright-Robinson. Skippings told the media that he and others were sidelined by the PDM by elements in the party, who disregard any contribution that they wanted to make. To that end, he and others, including former Immigration Minister Sam Harvey decided to depart the PDM and form the PDA. But Cartwright-Robinson said that third parties have never been a factor

in local politics and she does not believe the trend would change any time soon.

“We had three parties last election, and I think even though the margin of victory between two parties was narrow, it shows that we are a two-party country,” she said. Last election, popular businessman Harold Charles formed the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). But except for Charles, who got a little over a 100 votes, the party did terribly, in some constituencies unable to muster double

digits votes. Skippings, in an interview with The SUN, said that a number of party faithful had decided to break ranks from the PDM and join up with the PDA, and was certain that it would do what no third party had done at the polls, which is, if not win, make a great impression. But Cartwright-Robinson, acknowledging that while the PDA is a breakaway from the PDM, insisted that it would not hurt the party at the polls because the PDM has been busy making ensuring that it maintains its base especially. “Now, persons would believe that because the faction (that broke away from the PDM) has come from this party, what we have been doing is maintaining our base. And if I can remember, the Peoples Democratic Movement not only has a strong base but we receive the popular vote (in the last election). The people of the Turks and Caicos know, and the people of the Caribbean region know that it always either or, and it will always be either or,” she said. She hinted that sometimes voters

give third parties and caretakers the wrong signal, making them confident prior to the polls, about receive a shock after the votes are counted. “In 2003 I ran against Hon. Norman Saunders in South Caicos, and I was sure I won, and I lost by 70 something votes,” she said. In the meantime, Cartwright-Robinson told the News conference that the PDM is election ready. She said that the party has ensured all its caretakers are in place and anticipate that election could be called soon.

Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-RobinsonOswald Skippings

By Vivian TysonSenior Sun Editor

Burglars of Pastor Pedro William’s house plead guilty Two young men who, who broke into a pastor’s house in April and stole electronic items, including two flat screen television sets, pleaded guilty when they appeared in the Magistrate’s Count One on Providenciales, Tuesday, May 05, 2015. Tyrell Handfield, 22, and Jaquan Astwood, 17, both pleaded guilty to burglary and handling stolen property when

they appeared before Chief Magistrate, Clifton Warner, after being charged a day before. Reports are that the two men broke into Pastor Pedro Williams Long Bay Hills home sometime in April, o on a Sunday while church, and stole his two television sets. The SUN understands that it was at least the second occasion in

recent time that crooks had burglarized the pastor’s house. It was revealed that the pastor was notified about a burglary was in progress at his home and left the church to investigate. When he arrived at the scene, saw two men with his property lazing in his yard under a tree, apparently waiting for their ride to pick them up.

The men reportedly ran leaving the stolen items when they saw him and another man arriving. However, the pastor’s surveillance camera installed in the house after the first invasion, was able to capture the men committing the acts, and released it on popular social media site Facebook. The pair was eventually apprehended by the

Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and charged. In court, they were both fined $1,200 or seven months in prison. Handfield was given one week to pay the full fine, while Astwood has one month. Oreika Selver from the Attorney General’s Chambers prosecuted the case. Incidents of burglary, in recent times appear to be spiking on

Providenciales, with dozens of persons reporting that they have become victims in recent months and weeks. Two weeks ago, a number of persons took to social media to revealed that they houses were broken into and expensive and valuable items stolen. Long Bay Hills and Leeward areas appear to be the target of choice for the criminals.

New Internet provider coming to Turks and Caicos Islands A new company which is about to provide high-speed internet services to the Turks and Caicos Islands, says it is expecting to earn about $20million a year from the service. Pure Mobility International Inc., which has a contract to deploy one of its High-Speed, Wireless, Mesh, networks here, says is expected “to yield, on average, $20million in revenue per year for the next ten years, with additional, unrelated contracts to be announced shortly “. The company’s whose local partner is Sherlock Walkin, chairman of a company called Apollo

Telecom, met with Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing in Providenciales two weeks ago.Pure Mobility International Inc., is a subsidiary of Eagle Oil Holding Company, which is an independent, growth-oriented energy company engaged in the exploration and production of oil through the development of a repeatable, low geological risk, high potential project in the Venango County in Pennsylvania. The company owns interest in the Frank Farm Lease with 12 wells on 50 acres and the company has also acquired a producing lease. Pablo L. Nieto, Jr., CEO of Eagle Oil Holding, said:

“Pure Mobility’s network will provide residents and tourists not only with completely mobile, high-speed, wireless, internet service but also with Voice over IP (VOIP) phone service, Video on Demand (VOD) services and other IP-based services as they become available.” He added: “Once fully implemented, Pure Mobility’s services will usher the Turks & Caicos Islands into the world of advanced internet commerce, communications and interactivity, greatly benefiting the nation’s government, citizens, businesses, and economy.”

(from left to right), Mr. Mohammed Fahd, C.E.O. of Sweratel AB, Premier Mr. Rufus Ewing, Mr. Sherlock Walkin, Chairman of Apollo Telecom and Mr. Marc Desparois, C.E.O. of Pure Mobility International Inc.


LOCAL NEWS

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We are committed to excellence in journalism, educating and informing

our readers, serving and satisfying our advertisers and assisting in the overall

development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

IMMEDIATE OPENING

Upholsterer

The Upholsterer is responsible for repairing and rebuilding upholstered furniture, using hand tools with a wide knowledge of fabrics and upholstery methods.

The key responsibilities are: •Operate sewing machine to seam cushions and join various sections of covering

materials •Repair seats, sofas, curtains, carpet and mattresses •Gather and assemble specified upholstery materials and accessories for

upholstered furniture •Ensure that the upholstery workshop is tidy and clean •Keep inventory record of the stored upholstery items •Maintain machines and equipments in good condition at all times •Maintain upholstery in all outlets, lobby, corridor and guestrooms •Organize and take inventory of all fabric materials and sewing accessories •Ensure that the fabric materials that used in making the upholstery is correct •Assume duties and task assigned by Superiors

SkillS:Education, Qualifications & Experiences

The Candidate should ideally have a technical education in upholstery with at least 5 years previous experiences in a similar upholstering role. Experience as an upholsterer in housekeeping or in a hotel and a good command of English is considered an advantage.

knowledge & CompetenCieS The ideal candidate will be a friendly, caring, dedicated individual with good cross cultural sensitivity and the capability to identify priorities with a willingness to put in an extra effort and time when required. You will work well under pressure in a fast paced environment and enjoy working with a multi-cultural team and guests alike, while possessing following additional competencies:

Understanding the Job Taking Responsibility

Recognizing Differences Customer Focus

Adaptability Teamwork

Starting salary $9.00 per hour

Interested applicants should apply to Regent Palms, Human

Resources Department, Monday through Friday, and bring along an updated resume, or by emailing your resume to marjorie.

[email protected], no later than end of day Friday, May 8th, 2015.

The Alexandra Resort is inviting suitable applications for the following position:

Director of Food and Beverage

Reporting to the General Manager, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following:

➢Consistently offer professional, friendly and engaging service.➢Lead and manage the day to day operations of the Food & Beverage Division ensuring all service standards are followed.➢Drive innovative promotions, menus and concepts; creating a destination of choice for both Hotel and external guests.➢Lead and support all Food & Beverage departments in the achievement of their financial and operational targets.➢Prepare annual budgets and administer in a fiscally responsible manner.➢Implement effective control of food, beverage, labor and operating expenses throughout the F&B division.➢Assist in the preparation of the annual strategic plan and achieve the goals and targets therein.➢Ensure the implementation of standards in guest service and constantly seek out ways to improve product and service as well as increase volumes and profits.➢Follow department policies, procedures and service standards.➢Follow all safety policiesRequirements:➢Minimum of 5 years of previous Food and Beverage international experience in a senior leadership role ➢University/College degree➢Computer literate in Microsoft Window applications required ➢Strong interpersonal and problem solving abilities ➢Highly responsible & reliable with the ability to work well under pressure in a fast paced environment ➢Ability to work cohesively as part of a team ➢Ability to focus attention on guest needs, remaining calm and courteous at all times

salary for this position will commensUrate with qUalifications and experience.

please sUbmit applications to:

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a copy shoUld also be sUbmitted to the tci laboUr department.sUbmissions to be no later than may 22nd 2015

belongers need only apply

Statement from the May 7th Cabinet Meeting His Excellency the Governor, Peter Beckingham, chaired the 13th meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday 6th May 2015 at the Hilly Ewing Building on Providenciales. All Ministers were present except; Hon. Minister of Border Control and Labour;

At this meeting Cabinet:

•Noted a number of waivers to the Procurement Ordinance made in accordance with Section 21(1) and Section 21(12) of the said Ordinance. These include purchase of vehicles for Vector Control and additional chemicals to assist in stopping the spread of Dengue and Chikungunya and PPE and medical supplies to assist in preventing the threat of Ebola;

•Noted a report from the Premier confirming that a TCI Canada Friendship Working Group has been established. The purpose of the Working Group is to work in partnership with the Canadian Government to develop inter-governmental strategic policies to serve the mutual interests of both Countries. A delegation from TCI headed by Hon. Don-Hue Gardiner, Minister of Border Control and Labour will travel to Ottawa on 26th May 2015 to advance discussions in areas such as, Finance and Taxation, Law Enforcement, Parliamentary Engagement, Public Private Partnerships (PPP), Trade and Commerce and Education;

• Advised HE. the Governor to make an

order under the Telecommunications Tax Ordinance 2009 to vary the rate on such taxes as are associated with voice services over fixed lines from twelve per centum zero per centum;

•Advised HE. the Governor to approve amendments to the Business Licensing (Amendment) Regulations 2015 and Business Licensing Order, Section 29. The amendments remove the categories of Financial Brokerage and Financial Services on the basis that these categories are currently regulated by the Financial Services Commission;

•Advised HE. the Governor to approve an application by Caribbean Cruisin’ Ltd granting permission for them to operate in a Restricted Business Category in accordance with the Business Licensing (Amendment) Regulations 2014. Caribbean Cruisin’ Ltd is a company that provides Ferry services on the island of Providenciales;

•Expressed concern about the level of non-compliance within the reserved and restricted business license categories and requested that the Revenue Commissioner establish a Task Force to develop a strategy to increase compliance with Business Licensing requirements. The strategy to include regular reporting to Cabinet;

• Advised HE. the Governor to approve the re-appointment of the following members to the Physical Planning Board for the period 1st May 2015 to 31st March 2016; Burkley Malcolm, Chairman; Rico Smith, Vice Chairman; Marvin Simmons, Member; Russell

Garland, Member; Director of Planning; Director, Department of Environment and Marine Affairs and Director, Disaster Management and Emergencies. The appointments are made in accordance with Section 4 (2) of the Physical Planning Ordinance 2009;

• Advised HE. the Governor to approve the appointment of the following members to the Water and Sewage Board for the period 1st April 2015 to 31st March 2016; Permanent Secretary, Infrastructure, Housing and Planning, Chairman; Chief Environmental Health Officer, Ex-Officio Member; Chief Engineer/ Director PWD, Ex-Officio Member; Director of Planning, Ex-Officio Member; Director of Environment and Coastal Resources, Ex-Officio Member; Chief Economist, Ex-Officio Member; Energy and Utilities Commissioner, Ex-Officio Member; Alan Dickenson, Member; Emerson Hall, Member. The appointments are made in accordance with Section (3-8) of the Water and Sewerage Ordinance;

• Advised HE. the Governor to approve the appointment of the following members to the Tourist Board for the period 1st May 2015 to 30th April 2016; Don Gardiner, Chairman; Crystal Greene, Deputy Chairman; Wayne Garland, Member; Brenda Lightbourne, Member; Lloyd Stubbs, Member; Jayne Hutchinson, Member; Lasheko Seymour, Member; Shirmay Pratt, Member; Bianca Harvey Garland, Member; TCHTA Representative;


LOCAL NEWS

PDM leader expects challenge at convention

Leader of the Opposition People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) Hon. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson is bracing for challenges for her post when the party holds its 40th national convention between June 4 and 7 in the island capital of Grand Turk. However, the names of those opposing her would not be made officially public until the actual voting day because the party’s constitution does not allow for names to be released prior to the convention. “I am sure there will be (challenges to her position). There are many people capable of leading the People’s Democratic Movement, and we will certainly anticipate that there will be persons who will vie for the various positions that will be available. “Our party’s constitution does not speak to nomination or anything before (the day of the election). So truly, we will know the contenders on the floor at the convention as they are nominated moments before,” Cartwright-Robinson explained. In the meantime, Cartwright-Robinson has characterized her leadership as very vocal to the point that some members of the public began

to believe that the PDM has governing powers. “I have been the leader since December 2012. I believe that we have been an active and vocal opposition. We have been very vocal in the media, we have a radio show that we continue. We have also led quite a number of motions in the House of Assembly. I think we have been able to have passage of motions. “The payroll tax that we believe was not in the interest of the people of the Turks and Caicos, we have been able to stop in its tracks, also the Immigration Bill that really requires consultation with the people of the

Turks and Caicos Islands,” she said. In addition, Cartwright-Robinson said that elected members, who were made shadow ministers have been doing a tremendous job in their portfolio positions. She said that the party face is trying to make the public know that the party does not have governance powers. “Our biggest challenge is that people believe that we are the government. And they have been calling on us to govern when in fact we don’t have the authority to do. I quoted the former premier (Michael Misick) who said the opposition would have its say and the

government will have its way, and that is true, we can only speak to issues because the executive authority is invested in the government. “They are calling on the opposition to do more, and that is why we say to them that if they want a PDM government they should vote for a PDM government and to appreciate that this is a democracy, and in a democracy to the winner goes the spoils. The PNP wining eight seats and we winning seven, we are still in the opposition,” Cartwright-Robinson explained. Meanwhile, Cartwright-Robinson said that the promised effort by the PDM to repackage the party should manifest itself in the coming months. “We are going to have a rebranding of the party with the youth playing a greater role. We stand on our record. We have a very good track record from our very first leader through, in terms of governance. We know that there is a number of persons (still) cannot connect even with our past. But the one thing that is consistent is our representation. And that, certainly, we will not be rebranding,” she said. The convention will be held under the theme: “One People, One Destiny, One Movement”.


Opposition Leader Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson (centre) displays tickets and flyers announcing the party’s convention which will run from June 4 to 7 in Grand Turk. Looking on are Hon. Derek Taylor (left) and Hon. Delroy Williams.

Connolly says bullying spreading Shadow minister for education Hon. Josephine Connolly is claiming that bullying in schools is on rise, and not relegated to just Providenciales but Grand Turk schools as well. To that end, Connolly said she would be writing to Minister of Education, Youth, Sport and Library Services Hon. Akierra Missick for her to urgently address the matter. A few weeks ago, a video which captured an Ianthe Pratt student spitting on another student of pummeling with slaps, was released on popular social media site –

Facebook – after being filmed by one of the many cheering students. The video drew the ire of a number of persons, triggering the Ministry of Education to issue a news release on the issure. Connolly, speaking at the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) news conference on Monday, May 4, 2015, said that bullying in the TCI needs urgent attention. “I am sure you heard that bullying in on the rise, not just only in the schools in Providenciales but also in Grand Turk,” she said. The All Island elected

parliamentarian, making her assessment on the phenomenon said that it could be triggered by a number of factors including amalgamation of the different nationalities and the infiltration of other religions into the Turks and Caicos Islands. “We have children in our schools from different nationalities, children with different backgrounds, children that have challenges at home, children with different religious backgrounds. All of this could have contributed to what’s going on in the schools,”

Connolly said. Against that background, Connolly calls on government to enact guiding principles as a matter of urgency to thwart such activities. “I am calling on this government to put policies in place so when these things happen we can take it in hand. I have received so many phone calls from parents, talking about their kids being bullied at school. I have a list (of complaints), and I will be writing to the minister responsible and airing my concerns,” the opposition parliamentarian said.

Hon. Josephine Connolly

BAFS liquidators finalizing clients’ payout list The liquidation of the failed British Atlantic Financial Services (BAFS) appears to be well on course with the official closure of the Leeward Highway office, with the liquidator stating they are in the process of finalizing the payout list. Liquidators Joseph Connolly and David Walker announced that the office was closed on April 30, 2015 and as of May 1, 2015 individuals seeking information should contact him at [email protected] or 946-4890. He said also that persons with queries could visit the liquidator’s office at Abacus House on Leeward Highway. In mid-2014, the Financial Services Commission petitioned the Supreme Court to place BAFS into receivership because on the grounds that it has become insolvent, further arguing that if the court did not grant its wishes, company’s clients could stand to lose all their benefits. Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale, granting the FSC its wishes,

placed the limping financial institution into receivership for a short period so that the receiver could search for ways to turn around the company’s fortunes. When the matter resumed in the Supreme Court on November 20, 2014, Chief Justice Ramsay-Hale placed BAFS into provisional liquidation, and gave Connolly six weeks to secure a rescue package. If the package was not locked in by then, a winding up order would be enforced. However, when Connolly returned to court on January 9, 2015, he told the chief justice that prospective buyers saw BAFS’ assets as toxic and to that end had steered clear of the company. As a result, Chief Justice Ramsay-Hale ordered that the company be wound up and its clients paid. The Chief Justice placed Connolly and Walker as joint liquidators. The government, at one point, was interested in the rescuing of the ailing company. Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing, on learning of its woes, decided to explore the possibility of assisting it,

calling a news conference in November to highlight his government’s intention. He said at the time that assisting BAFS would depend on the extent of the hole that it had dug itself in. The liquidators set March 31, 2015, as BAFS’ close off date for clients to file in the liquidation process. Connolly said that during the month of April they contacted policy holders to finalize claims on the company. He said that the liquidators are working to decide on the clients list during May, explaining that as soon as the list is complete, payouts will be made. “We expect that all policy holders will have been contacted by May 1, any claimants who have not received a notice by May 1, 2015 should contact the liquidators. The liquidation is working towards finalizing its list of claims during May. Once the list is finalized the proposed distribution will be brought before the court for approval,” he said. Connolly said in a news release that the timing of the distribution will rest

on the number of issues arising from the process to finalizing the claims. British Atlantic Financial Services Ltd is a life insurance company, which also offers medical and endowment and annuities, which are saving and investment portfolios. The Governor, under section 37 (1) c of the TCI Constitution has regulatory responsibility for financial services. Managing Director for the FSC Kevin Higgins conceded in an earlier interview that the liquidation of BAFSL will result in significant losses for its clients. “Obviously, the problem with liquidation is that the people who put money in are not going to get all of their money back. For instance, you would put in $10,000 (and because of the liquidation) you get only $4,000. I am sure people will get something back, but not as much as they put in,” he said. BAFS has more than 4,000 account holders. The company was said to be more than $6million in the red.


LOCAL NEWS


LOCAL NEWS

PROVO WATER COMPANY LTD.We are currently seeking a qualified applicant to fill the position of Pipe Labourer:

REQUIREMENTS:•Minimum of 3 years experience in waterworks and piping networks. •Must be in good health to meet the demands of physically challenging work•Must be available for emergency maintenance calls on evenings and weekends according to rotational schedule.

•Must have a clean driver’s license

WORK ENVIRONMENT:•Hot, dusty and muddy conditions including confined spaces •Active roadways and associated traffic noise levels•Remote locations

JOB DESCRIPTION:•The Pipe Labourer is responsible for:•Using hand digging tools to excavate and bury pipes and plumbing fixtures•Installing, repairing and maintaining pies, fixtures and other plumbing used for water distribution in residential, commercial and industrial connections.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE TO: 1.Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.2.Reads and follows installation plans and establish the sequence of pipe installations.3.Measure, cut, thread and bend pipe to required angle, using hand and power tools or machine such as pipe cutters, pipe threading machines and pipe bending machine.4.Use hand or powered tools to excavate trenches and ditches.5.Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes and pipe fittings, using hand and power tools.6.Repair and maintain plumbing, replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes.7.Attend Emergency callout when necessary.8.Carry out all other duties as directed by the Supervisor.

Salary Range: US$ 7.00 - $ 9.75 per hour

All applications must be submitted by May 8th, 2015. Turks & Caicos Islanders need only apply.

Office ManagerPROVO WATER COMPANY LTD.

P.O. Box 39, Grace Bay RoadProvidenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Fax: (649) 941-8310Email: [email protected]

Valerie Jennings

HOUSEKEEPER SUPERVISOR

JOB DESCRIPTION

•Assign workers their duties and inspect work for conformance to prescribed standards of cleanliness.

•Investigate complaints regarding housekeeping service and equipment and takes corrective action

•Obtain list of rooms to be cleaned and list of prospective checkouts•Coordinate work activities among departments•Conduct orientation and in-service training

Submit applications to: [email protected]

Valerie Jennings story challenged An impeccable source in Grand Turk is questioning whether or not claims made by disabled woman Valarie Jennings of her being ditched by government after working for the Cultural Department is in fact genuine.Jennings, who recently has been making the rounds in the media about her abject plight, accused government of axing her from the Cultural Department, without awarding her the requisite severance package. Jennings said that she now requires medication for a severe medical condition, and because she is strapped for cash, is unable to do so. However, the source accused Jennings of not being entirely true with the public, since she was awarded $33,000 as her severance package, but she indicated that she wanted a million dollars instead. The source said that after Jennings was laid off, an individual with good standing in the community intervened on her behalf and came back with word that the Cultural Department had offered $33,000, but she refused on the grounds that she was owed much more than that, also issuing a correspondence as to how she arrived at the $1 million severance. The individual told Jennings that there was no way in law would give her that amount of cash, and suggested that she took the $33,000, and if she decided to agitate for more, she could do so in the future. But Jennings would not relent. The source said that Jennings was spotted in Grand Turks a few weeks ago bearing a placard indicating her dilemma. The individual, who initially offered to assist her saw her in the company of about two to three persons, and asked her whether the $33,000 still stands, to which she

answered in the affirmative. However, she said that it would be of no use to her medically, since her mortgage had surpassed $40,000. The source said that Jennings refused to accept the money because she realized that once she accepted it and it goes to the bank, she would not get it because it would go directly towards her mortgage payment. The source said Jennings claimed that she could not get medical attention because Director for Culture, David Bowen refused to sign off on it. The source said however, that the good Samaritan offered to assist her again. He told her that he would visit the National Insurance office to see what assistance he could get her, because that issue was separate from her medical concerns. It was learnt that National insurance requested medical reports for two periods, and once those were satisfied, she would begin to receive invalidity pension. The source said that once Jennings started receiving invalidity pension, National Insurance would advise NHIP to begin providing Jennings with medical coverage because she would be covered under the invalidity pension scheme. When the individual went back and told Jennings, she said she did not have the money to obtain the medical reports, and when the individual offered to pay for them, she reportedly refused. “If she is not satisfied with her severance pay that is her problem, but it is still there. But on the medical side, all she has to do now is get the medical report for the two periods and she would get the medical that she needs. So I don’t think that she was entirely honest with members of the public,” the source said.


LOCAL NEWS

The Alexandra Resort is inviting suitable applications for the following position:

IT Support Engineer

To provide support analysis and management and assist in the planning, developing, installing, configuring, maintaining and supporting hardware, software and communication systems in order to maintain the stable operation of the information systems and networks of our Hospitality Group.

Job Description:

➢Assist in analysing the IT needs of the Group and determining the immediate and long-range software and hardware requirements.➢Maintain, secure, troubleshoot and administer Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Internet (Cable/DSL/Wi-Fi connection) and IPTV➢Maintain & evaluate computer hardware, communication equipment, networking software, operating system and application software.➢Network administration and management.➢Maintain control records, implement & secure network traffic and optimize server performance.➢Perform and ensure System/Data back-ups and its recovery operations;➢Provide problem solving services and assist network users on system & software such as PMS, POS Software and Telephone Billing System.➢Interact and negotiate with vendors, outsourcers and contractors to seek products and services.➢Provide on-call technical support.➢Follow all safety policies

Requirements:➢Bachelors Degree in Computer Science or Information Technology➢10 years Working Experience in IT➢Knowledge of VLAN and switch management technology➢Strong customer service orientation ➢Microsoft Server Administrator, Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft SharePoint➢Knowledge of Apple Macintosh Operating System➢Knowledge of IQWare and/or Visual One would be a distinct advantage ➢Keen attention to details➢Highly self motivated and directed

Salary for this position will commensurate with qualifications and experience.Please Submit Applications to:

[email protected] copy should also be submitted to the TCI Labour Department.

Submissions to be no later than May 22nd 2015Belongers need only apply.

PROVO GOLF CLUBProvo Golf Club is seeking a suitably qualified individual to fill the following opening. Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.

GOLF PROFESSIONAL

JOB SUMMARY

•Provide competent golf instruction to members and guests.•Run Golf Clinics for larger groups needing instruction.•Assist with organizing charity golf events at PGC.•Fully co-ordinate group events from start to finish.•Assist in tournament sales and set up. •Assist in budgeting and forecasting.•Assist in a variety of other Professional Golf duties at PGC.

REQUIREMENTS

•Must have membership in PGA of America or Canada. •Strong computer skills using Microsoft Word, Excel and Publisher.

•Minimum (2) years or more experience as a Golf Professional.

•Proven organizational skills.

The salary for this position is commensurate with experience, training and education. Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by May 22, 2015 at [email protected] or by fax 649-946-5191. Only persons selected for an interview will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule

an interview.

$20million Provo Airport runway waste

The SUN has been reliably informed that the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority is scurrying to find approximately $20 million to patch up a design fault on the recently paved and lengthened Providenciales International Airport runway because it is threatening the safety of larger jets. The lengthening of the runway was done to attract larger craft, flown mostly out of Europe, but an aviation source said that the very planes that the airport is trying attract are the ones that the substandard work on the runway is endangering. An aviation source disclosed that because of the fault, the president of Boeing, the makers of the wide-body jet liner – Dreamliner – scrapped plans to flight to the TCI and instead chose Cuba as his destination of choice. The source said that the faulty runway also caused British Airways to fly in their own engineers to assess the situation. The SUN was also told that the TCIAA was getting Dexter International - the contractor who built the runway - to rectify the problem from its own pockets, but the construction company flatly refused on the grounds that it constructed the facility by following the design code it was handed. “The problem is, it is a design fault. They tried to get the contractor to pay for it, and the contractor said they are not paying for it because they built it according to design,” the source said. “The problem is, they tried to cut every corner. They sell as a bill

of right saying that they were going to be doing the rehabilitation of the runway. The fact is, they didn’t even rehabilitate it at all.” The source further disclosed that while the airport may have the desired length, it does not have the proper aggregate mix, resulting in easy disintegration. “There are codes that you go by to build these runways, so someone would come up with a design that falls within the code for certain category of airplanes. When they (TCIAA) sell Provo (advertised the Providenciales International Airport), they said that they are opening Transatlantic flights. But

in fact the work that they did is not designed for Transatlantic flights. For sure, you have the length, but you don’t have the compaction right and all that other stuff,” the source noted. The aviation source said also pointed out that the Airports Authority allowed Dexter to do its own quality control instead of ensuring that an international expert with proficiency in large jets come in and conduct the assessment. “If you have someone who is laying the asphalt, and he is doing his own quality control, then you have a conflict of interest, particularly on a project like that because he can bring his guys in and do its own testing and say, ‘well, it meets the standard that you have asked me to meet’, but you have no independent verification of that. The same guys who did the work for the airport were the same guys, who were the consulting engineering as well,” the source further noted. The source pointed out that that the defective area is somewhat to one side of the runway, which does not make it impossible for large jets to land, but said while taxiing are most likely to come in contact with the flawed areas. “The airplanes tend to land more on the centre line. The issues come now if they have to taxi through that (faulty part) because then you are going to have structural damage (to the craft) and you are going to have further damage to the asphalt as well,” the source pointed out.

Photo shows part of the airport runway where substandard work was carried out.


LOCAL NEWS


TURKS AND CAICOS NATIONAL INSURANCE BOARD

Vacancy: The Turks & Caicos Islands National Insurance Board, Headquartered in Grand Turk invites

applications from suitably qualified persons to fill the position of Chief Executive Officer within the NIB.

Reporting: Directly to the Board of Directors and, as required, to the responsible Minister Reporting Deputy Director Operations, Deputy Director Corporate Services, Positions: Financial Controller, Investment Manager, Corporate Secretarial Assistant Indirect Branch Managers – Grand Turk & Providenciales, Marketing & Public Relations Manager, Legal Counsel, Reporting: Human Resource Manager, Information Systems Manager Liaising The Minister and Ministry of Finance, The Chief Financial Officer of the TCI Government, Actuaries,

External Relationships: Auditors, Brokers, The National Health Insurance Board, Banks, Investment Companies, Insurance

Companies, Government Agencies, other National Insurance Organizations, Employers and Scheme participants, the public media

Objective: The achievement of overall objectives of the National Insurance Board within the guidelines of the National

Insurance Ordinance and Regulations and in keeping with its Mission: to achieve social protection for the aged, working population and their dependents by being financially viable and providing social security in a reliable caring and effective manner through competent motivated staff and informed leadership

Key Responsibility Areas:

� Provision of strong leadership and management of the NIB’s staff in pursuit of its objectives and the fulfillment of the NIB’s responsibilities.

� Achievement of strategic, financial and actuarial targets, and meeting obligations to subscribers. � Proper fiscal management and safeguarding the financial viability of the National Insurance Fund. � Development of strategies, policies and procedures for sound governance and ensuring adherence. � Coordination of the development and implementation of effective human resource and performance

management systems throughout the NIB. � Development and execution of internal and external communications strategies, including marketing and public

relations, to engage stakeholders for effective policy formulation and operations. � Provision of sound advice, recommendations and reports to the Board of Directors and the responsible Minister.

Required Qualifications:

� A minimum of ten (10) years experience in a senior executive capacity in a similar or related industry, preferably including some experience working with a multi-disciplined Board of Directors

� Masters Degree in Business Administration or related discipline from a recognised institution � Proficiency in strategic planning, financial analysis and portfolio management � Training in contemporary management practices and human resource development � Training in marketing and public relations, presentations development and execution, and report writing � Information technology knowledge and its application in monitoring performance standards � Strong communication and interpersonal skills � Proven track record of sound decision making and managerial performance

Please send your application and résumé by May 31, 2015. Compensation will be within the range of US$95,550 to US$110,000. Please respond by mail to: The Secretary Turks and Caicos Islands National Insurance Board Hon. Headley Durham Building, Church Folly Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, BWI

Blue Haven Resort is inviting suitable applications for the following position:

Director of Food and Beverage

Reporting to the Corporate Chef, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following:

➢Consistently offer professional, friendly and engaging service.➢Lead and manage the day to day operations of the Food & Beverage Division ensuring all service standards are followed.➢Drive innovative promotions, menus and concepts; creating a destination of choice for both Hotel and external guests.➢Lead and support all Food & Beverage departments in the achievement of their financial and operational targets.➢Prepare annual budgets and administer in a fiscally responsible manner.➢Implement effective control of food, beverage, labor and operating expenses throughout the F&B division.➢Assist in the preparation of the annual strategic plan and achieve the goals and targets therein.➢Ensure the implementation of standards in guest service and constantly seek out ways to improve product and service as well as increase volumes and profits.➢Follow department policies, procedures and service standards.➢Follow all safety policies

Requirements:➢Minimum of 5 years of previous Food and Beverage international experience in a senior leadership role ➢University/College degree➢Computer literate in Microsoft Window applications required ➢Strong interpersonal and problem solving abilities ➢Highly responsible & reliable with the ability to work well under pressure in a fast paced environment ➢Ability to work cohesively as part of a team ➢Ability to focus attention on guest needs, remaining calm and courteous at all times

Salary for this position will commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Please Submit Applications to:[email protected]

A copy should also be submitted to the TCI Labour Department.Submissions to be no later than May 22nd 2015

Belongers need only apply.

Attorney Mark Fulford takes SIPT trial without jury appeal to Privy Council

Young firebrand attorney Mark Fulford left the Turks and Caicos Islands on Wednesday for the United Kingdom to represent some of the former minister charged with corruption by the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT). Before departing the TCI, Fulford issued a stinging broadside against SIPT in what he highlighted as the gross injustices being meted out to his clients. “Today I travel to the United Kingdom in the tradition of fine Caribbean Attorneys seeking to represent a number of persons at the Privy Council, charged in the aftermath of the 2009 Commission of Inquiry. Every Belonger and also British subjects should note that this process exemplifies the weight and value of your rights and freedoms under the law. “Those who have been privileged to read Law know well that in English Law, we pride ourselves on a tradition of clarity and predictability. However, it does not take much to understand the dilemma in which I find myself together with co-counsels in the representation of these matters.

What we have experienced in the last five years has caused me the greatest of concerns in my legal career,” he said. He articulated that while clarity is the bedrock on which the English Legal System was built, the SIPT has been trying to muddy they water as it seeks conviction for former ministers, including ex-premier Michael Misick. “These cases, as they have been arranged for prosecution seem to fall outside the tradition of the

English Legal tradition. For instance, retroactivity, where you pass a law to criminalize past conduct is inconsistent with that tradition and moves against clarity or predictability. Retroactivity is after all, one of the tests used to determine whether a legal system is a valid legal system in jurisprudence. The right to jury trials is a fundamental feature of English justice, which the Rt. Hon. David Cameron, MP, Prime Minister of the UK, in this year of the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta – confirmed as the unalterable right of every British Subject, his feet in Parliament less than three months ago. So why should it be available to British subjects in the UK and not British Subjects in the Turks and Caicos?” he queried Fulford argued that by trying to remove the right to trial by jury, the SIPT seeks to dislodge one of the longest lasting signatures of justice. “When the very foundation of English justice is called into question then we must ask in what tradition are the conspirators working when they claim to represent the English tradition yet conspire amongst themselves to remove one of its most enduring features? “Then we are right to wonder

whether we are operating in the context of our ancient legal tradition or in some new context which permits manipulation of established principles in order to achieve a desired result. In legal analysis, only those systems which were considered evil did such things to the law. This brings to mind a regime such as the Third Reich,” Fulford charged. He added: “The case is about, a fundament principle of English justice, which all men are equal in the eyes of the law. And if we are all equal, why has a law been created after the Commission of Inquiry to remove jury trials? Why is it that only those who are conducting prosecutions stemming from the Commission of Inquiry are seeking to use the newly created law of juryless trials? “Finally, if serious crimes were committed on the TCI people as the prosecution claims, then why shouldn’t there be a jury comprised of the same TCI people against whom these alleged wrong are said to have been committed? After all it is not the TCI people whom the persons charged are alleged to have done wrong to? My people, your prayers and support are vital in keeping hope alive, for justice to be done in this matter,” he said.

Mark Fulford


LOCAL NEWS

Software Engineer/DeveloperHallmark Trust Limited is seeking a Software Engineer/Developer based out of

Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands.

The ideal candidate will possess a university degree at a recognized technical university and have a minimum of 5+ years’ experience as a software engineer/developer at a major bank and/or financial institution. The position will require liaison with financial institutions in the Caribbean and Latin American and therefore require proficiency in fluently speaking , reading and writing in both English and Spanish.

The position will also entail development and writing code for propriety software for use in banking systems/ABM Machines and e-commerce, in both English and Spanish, with an emphasis on the development of an e-wallet program. Software development and integration, e-commerce, website creation, Biometric security systems and firewall protection.

Salary will be commensurate with experience. Interested people should submit a detailed resume of qualifications to:

Hallmark Trust LimitedAttn: Human Resources

P.O. Box 656Courtyard Plaza Suite 1A

Providenciales, Turks & Caiios Islands

HAB MANAGEMENT LIMITEDHAB Management Limited is seeking applicants for the following position:

HOUSEKEEPER

Job DescriptionCandidates will be responsible to clean guest rooms as assigned, ensuring the hotel’s established standards of cleanliness. RequirementsShould have four years or more experience as a Housekeeper in a Hotel. Must have knowledge of proper cleaning techniques. Maintain positive guest relations at all times. Should be able to work cohesively with co-workers as part of a team. Must be able to read and write in English and understand verbal and written instructions. Good presentation and a pleasant, friendly personality required. Salary $16,000 per annum.

Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email

by May 25, 2015 at [email protected] or by fax 649-946-5191. Only persons selected for an interview will be

contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.

DOMESTIC WORKERAn experienced Domestic Worker is required for a

household based in Providenciales.References will be required.

Remuneration based on experience.

All applications must be submitted to:Employment Department

F Corporate & Management Services Limited007 Emily House, 1105 Leeward Highway,

Providenciales

Tel 649-339-6275 Fax 649-333-7777

Making TCI more attractive for tourists needs

more, says Governor

Speaking to the Hotel and Tourism Association on Tuesday, 5 May, the Governor, Peter Beckingham, cautioned that, despite the excellent tourism figures and recent award from TripAdvisor, there was still a lot of room to make The Turks and Caicos Islands a sustainable top destination in the Caribbean. “The TripAdvisor award, and the record tourism figures are above all a tribute to everyone engaged in the tourism industry, from resort owners

to cleaning staff. But no one should be under any doubt that the demands on us will get ever harder, and the competition tougher,” the Governor said. “We need to take a careful look at both our internal procedures, as well as a number of measures which directly affect visitors. I am well aware that your industry is still not happy with all the workings of the work permit system. I hear too many cases of applications taking too long. I am pleased to hear, following a recent meeting with business, that the Ministry of Border Control still plans to improve the process.” The Governor also encouraged the tourism industry and Government to be bold in its decision making about alternative energy. “All the energy experts who visit

TCI say that we must start to advance the use of alternative sources of energy. If not they say we will quickly get left behind by other Caribbean countries, not to mention the rest of the world, and be in a position where we price ourselves out of the market compared to countries like Aruba, which are way ahead of us in their use of alternative energy,” he added. Finally the Governor encouraged the tourism industry and the Government to do even more to promote the family islands, and to be more welcoming than we are to visitors. “I am constantly struck,” he said

“by how seldom visitors get beyond Grace Bay. I can understand that the typical 3-4 day American visitor may not have the urge to travel after arriving in Providenciales. But Grand Turk and the other family islands

need to receive a higher profile, and as a result get more visitors than the tiny proportion they receive of stay-over tourists. I will be interested to see how the Tourism Board proposes to spend its increased budget this year. I also would like to see an even more welcoming approach to visitors at Providenciales airport. They are literally the lifeblood of the prosperity or otherwise of everyone in the Turks and Caicos Islands.” The Governor said that the heads of the public service and government departments, as well as the management of the Airport Authority, need to be constantly asking themselves whether there are ways to make the TCI welcome better than it is. “There is still some way to go,” the Governor stressed.

Governor Peter Beckingham

National Health Sector Strategic Plan Consultancy The Turks and Caicos Islands welcomed Dr. Ramon Figueroa, Director of the Policy Analysis and Planning Unit, Ministry of Health, Belize and previous Health Systems and Services Advisor, PAHO/WHO, Barbados. Dr. Figueroa who holds a degree in Medicine and Master of Public Health visited the TCI 4th – 8th May, 2015 to assess the TCI Health Sector and to facilitate a National Health Sector Strategic Planning workshop with Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services leadership, Governments Departments and Health Sector stakeholders, 5th and 6th of May. The National Health Sector Strategic Plan will build upon the five pillars established in the 2006 Health Care Renewal Strategy, which are to:

•Improve the local delivery of secondary and tertiary care services by construction of two hospitals;

•Upgrade the Primary Health Care system;

•Develop a Healthy Lifestyles

Initiative;•Establish a National Health Insurance Plan (NHIP) as a health financing mechanism;

•Enact health sector regulatory mechanisms including the formation of a Health Regulatory Authority (HRA), which would govern and monitor many aspects of the healthcare delivery process.

The objectives of this consultation are to do the

following:

•Review and validate the strategic direction of the TCI health sector;

•Discuss and analyse the health system structure so as to ensure it meets the defined goals of the TCI health sector;

•Review and validate the vision, mission and core values of the TCI health sector;

•Review proposed strategic objectives and develop medium term objectives (outcomes), define strategies to achieve these outcomes, and define indicators to monitor and evaluate

achievements; and •Ensure the TCI Health Sector Strategic Plan is aligned and poised to achieve Universal Health Coverage overtime.

“The overarching goal is to lay the foundation for the development of a National Health Sector Strategic Plan in partnership with all key stakeholders

that will guide the achievement of our vision of a healthier and empowered people at every stage of development in communities conducive to healthy living” stated Wesley Clerveaux, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health and Human Services. “We encourage all persons in related fields to join us in welcoming Dr Ramon Figueroa.”


LOCAL NEWS

SOUTHEASTERN ELECTRIC

SEEKS1 Domestic Worker

Salary $5.00 per hour

Contact 442-2620

WANTED1 DOMESTIC WORKER

Applicant must be honest, reliable and hardworking

Contact Ms. Forbes at 243-6881

SALARY $6.00 PER HOUR

CONTACT 231-6279

1 LABOURER

Gloria ForbesSEEKS

WILLIAMS DRAFTING

SEEKS2 Auto Cad Technicians

Must have at least 8 years experience and familiar with

architectural drawing and designSalary is based on experience

Contact 344-8644

STAGE BAR & GRILL

SEEKS8 BAR LADIES

Must have several years experience will be favorable for employment

Salaries are negotiable

Contact 231-1916

APPLICANT MUST BE HONEST RELIABLE AND HARDWORKING AND VERY GOOD WITH

TAKING CARE OF SMALL CHILDRENALSO FLUENT IN ENGLISH & SPANISH

CONTACT 243-9397

FRANK C DUVERGE

NEED 1 BABYSITTER

IS LOOKING FOR TWO

LABOURERS

1 BAR MAID TO WORK IN NORTH CAICOS


CONTACT 342-6297

BIG JOSH RETAIL

1 ASSISTANT TECHNICIAN


CONTACT 331-2487

BITES & BYTESSEEKS

MUST LOVE CHILDREN BE ABLE TO HELP WITH HOMEWORK, MUST SPEAK

ENGLISH, COOK, CLEAN ETC

WITH SUPERVISION

CALL 231-6565

ONE (1) HOUSEKEEPER

KADEEN AGENCYIS LOOKING FOR

Cairsea Services Limited

Require one (1) Labour Salary : $5.00 per Hour

Must be reliable, hardworking

& honest.Hours: 8-5 and some weekends & holidays

apply in person

SKY LOUNGE AIRPORT

SEEKS1 Bartender

1 Domestic WorkerSalary

$6.00 per hourContact 244-2088

“ON MY MIND”By Damian Wilson

Caicos Bakery & Retail LTD

Is seeking suitable qualified applicants to fill the following position: Bakery & Pastry Chef Specialized in gluten free and organic products Have 5yrs experience in similar position Excellent Interpersonal skills Excellent written & verbal communication Ability to work within a team Must be a team player Suitable qualified candidates should apply in writing

or send resume to:

Caicos Bakery & Retail Ltd.Grace Bay Road (behind Caicos café)

Phone (649)242-2266(Eric)Email: [email protected]

40 Years on…

Question! What would you do, if you could do anything and not fail? Hold that thought for a moment. I’ll come back to it. As we get closer to National Heroes Day, I’m reminded of what a wise man once said: “The definition of insanity is doing the exact same thing over and over again but expecting different results”. Charismatic, caring, rebellious, misfit. These were all words used to describe the man who, in 1976, became this country’s first Chief Minister, the

late Hon. James Alexander George Smith McCartney, affectionately known as JAGS. JAGS and his band of trouble markers, so called by the powers that be, created a whirlwind of change within the Turks & Caicos during the mid 1970s. We received our first constitutional advancement in decades. Acknowledgement must be made of the Hon. Norman Saunders who, to my understanding, paid for the constitutional review. Sadly, JAGS was taken away from his family and his country in a plane crash over New Jersey, USA in 1980. His legacy was meant to be one of progressive change, one of advancement for the people of the TCI, one of building a strong nation.

So, where did we go wrong?

In 1976 there were several issues but three key ones were: 1.More power for the local government.2.Reducing the reliance on expatriate managers and supervisors.3.And reducing unemployment amongst locals

In 2015, three key issues are:1.More power for the local government.2.Reducing the reliance on expatriate managers and supervisors.3.And reducing unemployment amongst locals

So, have we truly made progressive change?

Yes, we’ve educated more locals; but have we allowed them to put that knowledge to use? Yes, we’ve put more monies in people’s pockets. But locals are still an invisible minority in their own economy. Yes, we’ve attracted world class brands; but who’s really benefiting? There has been no leader loved by so many across the board since. JAGS was a leader the people felt that they could trust. Today, we need leaders that we can believe in. Leaders that will lead the TCI, and not just be the leader of a PDM or PNP government. A real leader gives hope and inspires their people; not for the leader’s personal gain but so that their people can see what is possible beyond them. Being a leader takes more than just being popular. A good leader creates followers but a great leader inspires other leaders. 2016 will give us 40 years on this journey, like the Israelites in the wilderness. Where are we going? Now is the time we take stock and decide to continue or change course. My fellow countrymen we now have the power to do anything, good or bad, and not fail. My final question to you is: when the time comes next year, and you’re deciding on the kind of country your children and grandchildren will inherit, what will you do? We decide but they will pay the price.

GAS STATION CONSOLE

CLERK

Service Station in Provo requires a Store & Console Clerk to work six

daysPer week - $5.50

per Hour.Call [649]941-5189

Oyster House

SeeksFront of House

Manager Waitress Cook

Interested persons should

contact 339-5900


CONTACT 231-6279

1 LABOURER

Gloria ForbesSEEKS


LOCAL NEWS


By Todeline Defralien

Lyndon Gardinder takes objection to new FBO to Court of Appeal

In his pursuit for transparency as to how the land given to M Aviation to construct the Blue Heron private aircraft terminal, Lyndon Gardiner, owner of Caribbean Airways and the Provo Air Centre confirmed that he has filed an appeal for judicial review. Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale, on Wednesday, April 1, 2015, dismissed Gardiner’s judicial review application on the grounds that it was filed too late. However, Gardiner said that he is compelled to pursue the matter based on what he described as the blatant abuse of power by the authorities. But Gardiner, in his application to the Court of Appeal, said that Chief Justice Ramsay-Hale erred in her decision to throw out the submission. He filed the appeal on April 28. “The matters need to be examined. The Airports Authority is a public body; us as citizens have legitimate expectations to expect transparency and accountability from them,” Gardiner told a news conference on Monday, May 4, 2015.

The following is an extract of the appeals document filed by

Gardiner:

“The learned Justice erred in law and in fact by her erroneous application of the principles and practice of judicial review in so far as performing a wholesale judicial review of each and every ground in the originating claim without a full hearing therefore; that by so doing in that fashion the Appellant was critically deprived of evidence and documentation which naturally a decision-making body would have had to disclose and adduce as to their administrative process before a full hearing; “The learned Justice erred in fact and in law by failing to take any proper or due consideration of the fact that the TCIAA unreasonably

and repeatedly failed to answer any of the correspondence and questions by the Appellant, and in so doing the Judge placed an unrealistic burden on the Claimant to adduce evidence of matters that have been repeatedly raised in one-sided correspondence with the TCIAA but which have not been answered, whereas the proper inference to be drawn should have been against the Authority in relation to such matters; Delay

The learned judge erred in law and in fact by her finding: Contrary to the clear facts of the case found that there was no ongoing decision; in error distinguishing Hammerton v London Underground [2002] EWHC 2307; Failing to consider or pay proper consideration to the fact that the Claimant was not able to bid alongside Blue Heron as the TCIAA failed to publicly tender or give proper notice of same, whereas the proper inference that should have been drawn itself is that the failure by the TCIAA to either publish a tender or any proper or adequate notice was a material cause for the state of mind of the Appellant

and therefore any consequent delay; Failing to consider or pay proper consideration to the fact that the earliest date known to the Appellant as to the terms of the Lease and their being at an undervalue was not established until September 2015; whereas not only was this not properly addressed but at para 17 the learned Judge erroneously states that the challenge does not relate to “the contents of the lease”; Failed to give proper consideration to the various merits of the Claim, to wit:- In error she made a finding rejecting the argument that it was unlawful to lease at an undervalue on the basis that the rent is not so unreasonable that no authority could impose it and that the Crown Land policies do not apply (because the land was transferred by the Crown to the TCIAA).

Whereas as a matter of fact whilst the land was not Crown land this was only because it was transferred on the same day it was acquired by the Crown to the TCIAA; and whereas the proper inference to be drawn is that it should not be possible to avoid the Crown Land Policies by transferring land to a public body to lease or sell; and that any public body must abide the Crown Land Policies in such circumstances because otherwise it would be complicit in an abuse of power by the Crown and would undermine the policies themselves.

b) Absence of Board approval;

c) Absence of proper publication in Gazettte;

d) Non-compliance with s.6 of the Airports Authority Ordinance;

e) The Lease was not in commercial terms;

f) Lack of Belonger participation.

Bias

The learned judge erred at law and in fact in her finding as to the financial interest of Mr Gordon Burton, the Chairman of the TCIAA who signed the variation of Lease and received a pecuniary benefit as Managing Director of Caribbean Management Services Ltd which was corporate agent to M Aviation, to wit:-

i.She found that Caribbean Management Services Ltd would have received a Management Fee whether or not it obtained the Lease, therefore the Lease did not affect his financial interest;

ii.Whereas this finding ignores all the body of decided common law on bias starting from the basic principles of actual and apparent bias, to nemo judex in causa sua on down.

Public Interest

As to the merits of the case as a matter of public policy and public interest in patent error the learned Judge found that it ‘raises matters which are not of great public interest’.” During the news conference, Gardiner said he was confident of a favourable outcome on several points that it is appealing, how the Crown and Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority ( TCIAA) improperly seized private lands through the compulsory acquisition process and quickly leased it for an extended period to what he described as a foreign controlled company, to develop their private business. Favourable outcome is also expected on how he said he was denied multiple requests for information on the dealings, and how the public would be hurt by the Blue Heron being constructed directly on land that a parallel taxiway should have been constructed to reduce air traffic congestion and improving the safety of the Providenciales International Airport operations.

Lyndon Gardiner

Christie Desir Miss Haiti Universe 2014 visits TCI The reigning Miss Haiti Universe, Christie Desir, the tall, elegant and strikingly beautiful young lady who turned heads as the Miss Universe Pageant earlier this year, is on a brief visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands.While here, Desir, who is travelling with her assistant Markita Gibson, will meet with members of the Haitian community as well as women’s groups and schools. She also met with Margaret Lemaire of the Haitian Consulate. “I’ve very excited to be here in the Turks and Caicos Islands and I’m really looking forward to meeting with Haitian community to see how I can be of assistance to them,” she told the SUN in a interview on the beach of the hotel where she was staying. She will also make an appearance at Sakpasetci promotion’s “The Count Down to Haitian Flag Day 2015” on Friday May 8th, 2015 at Club 2005, V.I.P Lounge. Christie Desir born February

12, 1989 in Brooklyn, New York is an Haitian-American beauty pageant who was crowned as Miss Haiti Universe in 2014 and competed at Miss Universe 2014 in the USA. Following in her father’s footsteps, her plan is to build hotels where individuals can connect with self, culture, nature and captivate meaningful life moments. She holds a BBA in Marketing and a Minor in Fashion Styling. In her spare time she works on designs for her debut resort collection, which will be made and produced in Haiti. Her mission is to create more jobs and make a difference in her country. She believes that her remarkable internship with Sean “Diddy” Combs and experience working in marketing will help her in rebuilding Haiti’s image. Desir left her Branded Content & Partnership career at Interscope Records to travel back to her native land and follow her dream. The 5ft 10” beautiful young lady started her own foundation which

focuses on continuing education, providing hygiene products and bright futures for adolescent girls. Her goal is to highlight her country’s strengths and comparative advantages by building hotels and revitalize the tourist attractions. She holds a BBA in Marketing and a Minor

in Fashion Styling. In her spare time she works on designs for her debut resort collection, which will be made and produced in Haiti. Her mission is to create more jobs and make a difference in her country.

(Left to Right) Margarette Lemaire (Haitian Consulate), Miss Haiti Universe and Todeline Defralien (TCI Sun Reporter)


LOCAL NEWS

Minimum 2 years sales experience Experience in jewelry sales

Impeccable references and police clearance Impeccable English, other languages –advantage

High level of customer service and customer attending skills Sales references-advantage

JEWELER NEEDED WITH THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS Minimum 5 years experience in setting and sizing gold, silver

and gems Tel: 649-946-1083 Fax: 649-946-1988 E-mail:

[email protected]

Regulation 7 of the Physical Planning (Development Permission) Regulations, 1990

An Application, REGISTERED AC-100, by Ambergris Cay Ltd has been submitted to the Department of Planning for consideration of a project to provide a swimming area and recreational beach to support planned residential development at the site known as Monck Beach on Ambergris Cay. The Project includes excavation to create the swimming area, dredging high quality sand from a borrow site for placement to nourish the beach, and low profile coastal structures to stabilize the placed sand. The project is located at block/parcel 20502/556. Anyone wishing to make representation(s) may do so in writing to the Director of Planning, South Base, Grand Turk or through the Department of Planning, Downtown, Town Center Mall, Providenciales, within twenty eight (28) days of publication of this Notice.

Sade Williams launches her own cosmetic line

Sade Williams, a young local entrepreneur, has started her own cosmetic line which is called ‘Pout by Daybella. She was born in Grand Turk and grew up in Upstate, New York. She does not physically make the lipstick at home, but she works with a laboratory in Upstate New York that basically produces the lipsticks, while her aspect is picking out the colors, coming up with the names, doing the logo and coming up with the packaging. Sade started researching in 2012 and she created a Facebook page for her product in June 2013 and started selling and advertising her lipsticks, but it was a while before she had a product, a name or even a business card. It basically took about a year-and-a-half to get everything sorted out, because when she went to the different companies to help her launch it she had to order samples to ensure they were good quality products and that there were no scams involved. Sade said when you start off wanting your own cosmetic company you have to go and research different, private label companies to help you and before picking and signing to the one that she is with now, she went to four cosmetic companies. She was given her own

consultant with whom she worked hands-on throughout the whole process of making sure she had her own legitimate logo, business card and making sure that you are certified in whatever state you are working in. Sade said her inspiration came from simply wanting to start her own company and wanting to put her mark out there and to leave the world with something. She said at the time she was not a mother and her goal was to become her own businesswoman. “It did not even start off at lipstick at first,” she said. “I basically wanted to start making candles at the beginning of it all. I went out and actually started to order candle stuff like all of the wax and other materials to make it. Then I realized it was not something that I was truly passionate about and it happened to be when I was sitting down with a group of my girl friends and I was about to put on my lipstick and I was like, wait, wouldn’t it be really crazy if my name was on my lipstick! So it started from their and I just went searching and going to different countries and coming up with different marketing plans and that is how it all started.” Sade says she was not really inspired by anyone and that it was just something that came from within and her dream and desire for something that she could call her own and knowing that it was her product

and people were using it. She adds, “I get this sense of happiness when people actually like the product, and some tell me the like it or they love it, or that it looks good on them. Some even tell me that they like the names because they are really bold. Some ask me how I came up with it so it made me really happy to know that I made something and people want to wear it.” To anyone who wants to get in this field, her advice is to make sure that it is something that you are truly passionate about and you have to

educate yourself about your product. “You cannot just say ok, I want a lipstick line and sell lipstick and not know anything about it,” Sade advised.She went as far as to going online and learning about the different textures of lipstick form glossy to creamy to matte. She added that you have to analyze your colors because you cannot put a bunch of colors out their without knowing what is in or what people are not going to wear. She went ahead and researched on how people did hand-poured lipstick as well and she even tried hand pouring her own lipstick to sell and in the process she learned the difference of having a company manufacture the lipstick from her hand pouring it herself at home. “Even when you hand pour the lipstick it does not last very long and you have to be careful with directing it to heat then with the ones you are actually buying in a store that are manufactured in a factory because they do all sorts of processes to ensure that they can withstand heat,” she added. Sade Williams is currently an office manager for a MEP Company called Building Services Design Limited; she has worked with them for nine years starting off as the administrative assistant until she got promoted.

Sade Williams


LOCAL NEWS

Rooms Division Department Requires:

ü Concierge Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to:

o Five years supervising two or more Concierge desk o Excellent customer service skills o Ability to multitask and give the guest more than he or she

expects Bars Department requires:

ü Supervisor Requirements include but are not limited to:

o Knowledge of stock ordering and maintenance of par levels

o Ability to mix a variety of drinks alcoholic and non-alcoholic. o Outgoing personality o Ability to work in the sun o Physically fit

Butler Department requires:


o Five years’ experience supervising a Butler team o Member of the Association of English Butlers o Ability to go above and beyond for guest

Kids Kamp Department requires:


o Three years’ experience supervising a children’s camp o An outgoing personality required o Certificate in early childhood education an asset o First Aid qualification required

Laundry Department requires:

ü Shift Leader Requirements include but are not limited to:

o Leads a Laundry team during a shift o Experience with cleaning and chemicals o Physically fit

The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 to $12.50 an hour. Watersports/ Catamaran Departments require:


o Three years supervising a watersports team o International Dive certification required o An outgoing personality required o Strict adherence to safety procedures o Ability to swim

ü Deck Hand/ First mate

Requirements include but are not limited to: o Boat Captain license o Ability to Swim o First aid/ CPR Certification

The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 to $12.50 an hour. Housekeeping Department requires:

ü Linen Room Attendant Requirements include but are not limited to:

o Experience with inventory and maintaining par levels. o Physically fit

The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25 to $6.50 an hour.

The Administrative Department requires:

ü Managing Director Requirements include but are not limited to:

o Minimum 20 years previous General Manager experience o Experience with a 6 diamond hotel with excess of 700

rooms o Strong Food & Beverage, Rooms and Operational

background o Administrative & Financial proficiency

The salary for the position listed above is negotiable The Food and Beverage Department requires:

ü Food and Beverage Manager Requirements include but are not limited to:

o 10 years’ experience in F/B Management, o Knowledge of restaurant, bar/lounge, banquets, room

service and kitchen operational experience. o Knowledge of menu composition, food preparation and

basic food handling and sanitation standards. o Knowledge of OSHA standards.

The Kitchen Department requires:

ü Executive Sous Chef Requirements include but are not limited to:

o Culinary certification an asset o To create recipes and menus. o Oversee the training and development of staff.

Rooms Division Department Requires:

ü Front of the House Manager ü Front Office Manager ü Assistant Concierge Manager

Requirements include but are not limited to: o Five years managing two or more Concierge and/or Front

desk o Excellent customer service skills o Ability to multitask and give the guest more than he or she

expects The Grounds Department requires:

ü Assistant Grounds Manager Requirements include but are not limited to:

o Minimum 2 year diploma in related field. o Experience with tropical or sub-tropical plants,

Greenhouses and Irrigation o Physically Fit

Entertainment Department requires:

ü Assistant Entertainment Administration Manager Requirements include but are not limited to:

o Conceptualize and bring to production entertainment at the Resort

o Experience with Kids Camps o First Aid Certified

The salary range for the positions indicated above is $25,000.00 to $65,000.00 Engineering Department requires:

ü Tile Layer/mason ü Carpenter ü Senior Plant Operator

Requirements include but are not limited to: o Knowledgeable of in related fields both in theory and

practical The rate for the positions listed above is $6.25to $12.50 an hour.

Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa Summer Program: � Must be over 15 years old � Currently enrolled in school (Secondary, Community or other College or University)

Applications close June 15th 2015. Send resume and copy of passport along with a cover letter titled Beaches Summer Programme 2015 to the attention of M McClean-Vaughn email [email protected] or Fax to: 941-4870 or drop off in our secure resume drop box at the service gate.

There are limited spots; applicants will be advised via text of the interview date and time.

Come and join our winning team!!!Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, the only 6 Diamond all inclusive property in the Caribbean is 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 via text.

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 May 9th 2015.

The Human Resources Department Beaches Turks and Caicos P.O. Box 186 Lower Bight Road

The Labour Commissioner Labour Department Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands


Defining the overall consumer strategy (short/medium/long term) based on assessment of the market environment & trends, competitors trends, product & services trends, regulatory trends, commercial trends, with a clear view of key issues/opportunities, implications & recommendations, resulting in a clearly defined strategy that can be communicated & executed in the market.

Using research and analytics (qualitative & quantitative) to define key insights and based on this developing best in class insight led propositions that drive differentiation, deliver a best in class customer experience and innovation that will drive revenue growth. Driving development of single, dual, triple and quad play propositions & maximizing cross & upsell opportunities. Leveraging big data to become a competitive advantage. Defining the commercial & pricing strategy that allows Digicel to maximize revenue and profitability.

Responsible for defining the acquisition strategy for new customers and the retention strategy for existing customers that will reduce churn.

Defining the overall marketing strategy that will allow Digicel to differentiate as a brand & re-connect with the market, drive awareness, consideration & purchase to hit commercial targets (acquisition & retention). Hitting key marketing KPIs including brand awareness & consideration.

Defining the go to market sales strategy for retail, online, call center & indirect channels to market, that maximizes the coverage & return on investment while delivering a great customer experience

POSITION: CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER TCI

Reports to : CEOPositions available: 1

Main Responsibility:

The Chief Commercial Officer is responsible for developing and implementing commercial strategies to increase revenue, subscribers and profitability, to retain the customers and to manage the P&L and to hit & exceed the overall budget goals. Responsibility will cover all Digicel consumer subscribers (Pre/Post/Home Broadband/Cable) and will include defining insights, propositions, positioning & pricing, marketing & retail strategies and execution. Management of the product & pricing, marketing & retail teams.

Overall consumer customer experience champion that will ensure that Digicel delivers a customer experience with clear blue water between itself and its competitors. Overall responsibility for overall customer satisfaction scores (CSI and Net Promoter Scores)

Ownership for the consumer P&L – ensuring that all revenue, profitability KPIs are met and exceeded Managing a team of 15 on a daily basis, ensure that there are clear goals, people development plans and training in place and delivering high employee engagement scores.

•Expert analytical and numerical skills•Ability to understand interpret customer insight•Ability to develop insight led & differentiated propositions (acquiring and retaining mobile/TV/HBB customers) – 5 years plus

•Ability to create and interpret sales and margin data•Commercial expertise and financial awareness•Excellent verbal and written communication skills•Ability to deliver multiple requirements against tight deadlines and react to last minute change

•Ability to work under pressure in a fast paced environment•Ability to put together clear presentations & summarize complicated information

•Ability to write board reports and presentations and deliver these at monthly board meetings

•A tactical & strategic thinker with ability to implement ideas rapidly•Best in class experience of managing teams resulting in leading engagement scores

•Strong communication skills

• 5 – 10 years of experience telco & media industry• MBA ideally• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or equivalent • Outstanding track record of P&L management (5 years plus)

Interested applicants should forward their resume to [email protected]

II. Other Responsibilities

III. Skills and abilities

III. Skills and abilities

Beaches Turks and Caicos goes Platinum

Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa has joined an elite number of organizations in the world in achieving the highest level of EarthCheck Certification. In attaining Platinum, Beaches Turks and Caicos has been recognized for having consistently demonstrated their commitment to host communities and high standards of environmental care, over a period of ten years or more. Rather than opting for the easier path of simply collecting “green badges”, Beaches Turks and Caicos chose a more meaningful approach to sustainable tourism. This involved using EarthCheck science-based software and tools to measure the effectiveness of their environmental and CSR practices. Each day for the past decade, has seen all Beaches staff adhere to an internationally recognized standard of Best Practice. They have reported their environmental footprint to EarthCheck annually and permitted independent auditors to verify the credibility of their environmental and social claims. “The Sandals Group is committed to providing Luxury Included holiday experiences for our guests while minimizing the environmental and social impacts associated with our operations explained Managing Director Donald Dagenais.” These include, freshwater and energy

conservation; recycling and reuse programs for solid waste and wastewater treatment systems; eliminating the use of hazardous substances; reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; preservation of land and fragile ecosystems; focused community development and cultural relations; and the employment of qualified local personnel in keeping with our existing human resource policies. The environmental focus within our hotels also includes programs to minimize noise pollution and hazardous emissions where these are identified within our operations” Mr. Dagenais concluded. A number of key indicators such as energy and water consumption, total waste production, and community commitment were measured and

benchmarked against their peers. This provided a competitive picture of efficiencies and performance and identified where room for improvement remained. “There are no short cuts and no ways to buy your way in to the top spot,” explained EarthCheck CEO Stewart Moore. “Rather, this took everyone at Beaches Turks and Caicos a great deal of hard work and commitment over many, many years to achieve.” “They’re well ahead of most governments and industry players globally as a result of their efforts and serve as a leader in the field of sustainable practices. Their operations serve as an excellent example for how to gain buy-in from key stakeholders, achieve an excellent ROI, and increase asset effectiveness over time,” Moore

concluded. For economies reliant on travel and tourism, EarthCheck’s benchmarking data provides the only historical record of the global environmental impacts of the industry over the past 12 years. More importantly, it rates the effectiveness of industry efforts to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions (GHG) and conserve natural resources at a project-by-project level. For travellers the world over, it’s good to know there’s a credible body keeping track of sustainability claims. The EarthCheck logo represents travel and tourism’s efforts to come together and take meaningful steps to address the serious challenges faced by the planet.

EDITOR’S NOTES:

EarthCheck is one of the world’s largest certifiers of sustainable travel and tourism operators; with more than 1,200 clients in over 65 countries. EarthCheck certification complies with the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Greenhouse Gas Protocol, and the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) 14064 range of standards for greenhouse gas accounting.

Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort


LOCAL NEWS

The Sands is now accepting applications/resume for the following positions. Only highly self-driven & motivated, personable and professional individuals, whom have the desire to serve others, need apply:

POOL & BEACH SUPERVISOR Responsibilities:

•Oversees and maintain complete safety in and around pool and beach areas

•Follows operation standards in accordance to TCI laws and hotel procedures on job duties and life-safety

•Maintains proper levels of service and equipment furniture and maintenance

•Assist in the conducting of guest activities in the pool areas•Monitor entire cleaning operations for the cleanliness, health and sanitation of the pools and surrounding area

•Assist in every way possible to assure proper customer service is being upheld.

•Enforces pool and beach sanitation and safety rules and requirements•Supervises, monitors and upholds pool and beach areas for safety and customer service

•Trains new employees on proper protocol and customer service•Ensures all furniture setting are inline, organized and set to hotel resort standards

•Complete all tasks for the day and oversee all duties/projects in a timely fashion

•Ensure safety precautions are followed in pool area and identifies possible safety hazards and reports to management

•Monitors supply levels, and conducts regular monthly inventory required •Perform all other duties as assigned

Requirements:•High School Diploma •Prior pool/beach supervisory experience at a luxury property or hotel required

•Life-safety training and certification CPR, AED, First Aid, Water Safety required

•Being an excellent swimmer is required periodic certification is required•Working with Pool Chemicals required•Must be able to perform all job function and duties are performed during all weather conditions as required

•Must have direct knowledge and hands-on experience of all P&B non-motorized sports equipment, set-up, break-down and operations.

•Regular and routine pool maintenance required•Holidays, weekends and flexible shifts required•Must have excellent English speaking, writing and verbal communication skills

•Must have outstanding customer service and leadership skills•Must be dependable, reliable and have a professional “Can Do” attitude•Must be proficient in Excel, Word and Outlook•Must be able to lift and push a minimum of 30 lbs. •Must be able to multitask and follow directions•Must be detailed oriented with excellent follow-through skills

MAINTENANCE/ HVAC TECHNICIAN Responsibilities:

•To skillfully and professionally perform all scheduled maintenance related jobs

•Account for time spent on individual work requests/orders and actively seek further tasks when assigned tasks are completed

•To advise the Engineering Administrator when parts or supplies need to be reordered

•Perform weekly and monthly physical counts of all inventory stock and tooling and requirements

•Any other duties assigned and/or as deemed necessary by the Engineering Administrator

•Reassembling and testing equipment following repairs •Repairing and replacing defective equipment, components in addition to wiring

•Laying out and connecting electrical wiring between controls and equipment

•Obtaining and maintaining required certifications•Maintain machinery, equipment, and tools•Upkeep, installation, and maintenance of hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic, mechanical and electrical systems on all production machines

•Performs preventive maintenance and makes repairs to heating, ventilating, air conditioning equipment according to instructions such as replacing belts on motors, changing filters, bearings, etc.

•Lays out, assembles, installs, and maintains pipe systems and related hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, repairs and replaces gauges, valves, pressure regulators, and related equipment

Requirements:•As a HVAC technician, you must comply with all applicable standards, policies and procedures, including on-the-job regulations and safety procedures. Maintain a clean work area

•Detail-oriented HVAC mechanic experienced in both commercial and residential installation and services •Refrigeration experience required •Must meet minimum professional qualification/certification in Plumbing/ Electrical/ Mechanical and HVAC related trades •Follows proper safety practices and procedures as required of the position•Must have minimum of two years hands-on experience working on minor electrical, painting, plumbing and A/C

•Must speak, read, write and understand the primary language (English) used in the workplace

•Must work holidays, weekends and flexible shifts•Must work AM and/or PM shifts as business demands •Must have reliable transportation to get to and from work

PURCHASING AGENT / MAINTENANCE ADMINISTRATOR

Responsibilities:•To procure the highest quality materials, equipment, supplies and services for the hotel while minimizing costs

•Organizes, coordinates, and oversee purchases, deliveries both local and international suppliers, vendors and wholesalers for hotel/resort/company. Prepares for approval, all administrative paperwork, documents, invoices, and related required forms and reports as directed. Preparation of monthly owners accounts and to manage and maintain all STRATA inventories. To professionally source, purvey and purchase all local and international products and supplies as required

•Uphold and comply with established purchasing, maintenance, engineering STRATA operating procedures and standards. Maintains accuracy in inventories, bookkeeping records, spreadsheets analysis reports and administrative meeting documentations. Coordinates, administers and completes administrative tasks as required

•Monitors status regularly and adjusts supply levels as appropriate•Recommends and implements purchasing strategies that support achievement of the hotel/resort/company’s goals

•Assists, directs and supervises receiving, storage and distribution of all goods to effectively and efficiently meet hotel/resort/company requirements

•Verifies the dates, amounts and prices of all goods •Processes and executes requisitions/work orders, inventories and orders properly

•Manages the procurement of STRATA and operating supplies and equipment

•Ensures that all supplies purchased adhere to company standards•Identifies and utilizes low cost providers which adhere to established standards

•Leverages company purchasing power as appropriate by utilizing provisions

•Initiates and follows up on purchase orders, invoices, bills of lading, Customs and Duties, Freight, wires, charges, and credits

•Adheres to strict standard control processes•Manages and secures inventory•Maintains up-to-date cost and work order information•Provides management with cost calculations based on purchase prices•Prepares reports as requested to develop a more informative data base for use in decision-making

Requirements:•Must be computer literate, with excellent skills in Microsoft Excel, WORD and Outlook

•Excellent grammar, spelling and highly accurate computational skills required

•Regular/Full Time position only •Must speak, read, write and understand the primary language (English) used in the workplace

•Must work weekends, and holidays when required•Must have reliable transportation to get to and from work•Must possess current TCI Driver’s License and clean driver’s record to drive company fleet vehicle/s as directed/required

•Must have the ability to bend, squat, and frequently lift 50 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 100 lbs.

•Administrative tasks are performed indoors. Temperature is moderate and controlled by hotel environmental systems indoors; however, must be able to work in extreme temperatures like freezers (-10F) and kitchens (+110F), possibly for one hour or more. Outdoor work required for delivery receiving and directing required during all weather conditions

•Must possess prior working knowledge of engineering/maintenance purchasing systems and reports

•A minimum of 3 years’ experience in the Engineering/Maintenance Department and/or 3 years prior experience in the capacity of purchasing agent or higher required

LINE POSITIONS

HOUSEKEEPING ROOM ATTENDANT HOUSEMAN LABOURER POOL & BEACH ATTENDANT GROUNDSMEN PBX OPERATOR

For the above line staff positions, resort experience is an asset but not a requirement. Applicants must have a willing, positive and personable attitude as well as be willing to work holidays and weekends. They should also enjoy serving people and be willing to learn. Only Turks & Caicos Islands citizens need to apply to the Assistant Human Resources Manager at The Sands Resort

located on Grace Bay Road, Providenciales or e-mail: [email protected]. Deadline is May 29, 2015.


PROVO WATER COMPANY LTD.

Provo Water Company Ltd is seeking a suitable applicant to fill the following position:

POSITION: DOCUMENTATION ENGINEER

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION:

•Must be a graduate of Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business Management.

•With at least 5 year minimum experience in distribution systems management under a water utility company setting.

•Must be familiar with the distribution system or water pipeline network including all the description of its appurtenances, line assets and installed devices.

•Must be proficient in technical report writing and knows how to prepare project studies.

•Must have a background on legal documentations and contract preparation.•Must be analytical and apt in mathematical calculations.•Must be proficient in both written and oral communication.•Must be computer literate and familiar with computer maintenance management software (CMMS).

•Must be willing to do fieldwork and at night time or during wee hours in the morning

•Must be willing to work under pressure and perform multi-tasking.

JOB DESCRIPTION

1.Writes all documentations for any given PWC project and manages all paperwork required under the engineering department.2.Reviews all details of the design and processes in the distribution system to determine the type of documentation that may be required in every phases of the project. 3.Prepares feasibility study for any proposed undertaking which includes research, analysis, data consolidation, drafting and finalization of report for the PWC’s board approval.4.Prepares contracts on any upcoming project and drafts memorandum of agreement /understanding/undertaking for customers with specialized work requirement beyond the standard offering of PWC.5.Prepares work orders for the distribution department and issues payment certificate on contractors & sub-contractors on every finished project after careful assessment of its completion.6.Coordinates with other departments all paperwork and other materials related to project documentation. These documents include engineering drawings, technical specifications, modifications and project scheduling.7.Keeps and maintains accurate records of all projects and implements a system to keep the information available and up-to-date for both internal users and external customers. 8.Prepares an elaborate technical report as requested by customers on cases requiring enlightenment particularly on leaks, increase in billing, costing, technical investigation and any other assessment related to water and piping problems.9.Designs and develops engineering forms including its flows and processes to ensure proper channeling of task and information among department involved.10.Maintains a record of all engineering transactions and activities for ease of access and immediate reference.11.Prepares correspondence and other related documentation as required to secure government permit or special concession on any road work projects.12.Provides documentation to any private or government agencies as required in the fulfillment of a specified task.13.Prepares monthly consolidated engineering report on all projects and related activities carried out by the department.14.Perform other function as required by the head of the Engineering.

Salary Range: US$ 32, 400 – 42, 000 per annum

All applications must be submitted by May 15th, 2015. Turks & Caicos Islanders need only apply.

Office ManagerPROVO WATER COMPANY LTD.

P.O. Box 39, Grace Bay RoadProvidenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Fax: (649) 941-8310Email: [email protected]

CAR PURCHASING AND SALES SUPERVISOR

A Car Purchasing and Sales Supervisor is required for an establishment based in Providenciales.

Duties include but are not limited to: Examining merchandise to ensure that it is correctly priced and displayed and that it functions as

advertised; monitor sales activities to ensure that customers receive satisfactory service and quality goods; review inventory and sales records

to prepare reports for management and budget departments; keep records of purchases, sales, and requisitions; formulate pricing policies for

merchandise, according to profitability requirements.

Remuneration based on experience.

All applications must be submitted to:Employment Department

F Corporate & Management Services Limited007 Emily House, 1105 Leeward Highway, Providenciales

Tel 649-339-6275 Fax 649-333-7777

JOB ADVERTISEMENT

Gansevoort Turks + Caicos is a contemporary luxury full service boutique resort on Grace Bay Beach. We are looking for driven and energetic professionals with Five Star experience and who are committed to achieving excellence by ensuring Five Star standards and services are continuously delivered.

Guest Services Manager

Reporting directly to the Front Office Manager, Guest Services Manager oversees daily activities of Guest Services Department to provide guidance and leadership to all staff. They are also responsible to ensure consistent quality of customer service is provided to all guests in accordance with Gansevoort standards and tasked with representing the Gansevoort brand and reputation in the public, through both oral and written communications. Essentially, he or she becomes the face of the organization, interacting with employees, clients, the media etc.

The successful candidate must have/be;•Experienced in Front Office and Concierge with minimum 5 years for a luxury resort.

•Exceptional leadership skills with a proven record of providing consistently high guest experience standards balanced with operational efficiencies.

•Energetic, results driven leader with collaborative approach; focused on empowering people; developing skill in others through coaching, training and experiential learning.

•Thorough knowledge of the resort front office and concierge procedures, operations and equipment, with the ability to execute all aspects.

•Business and/or Hospitality degree or equivalent experience, with a passion for customer service.

•Self-motivated and dependable with an exceptional work ethic and strong problem solving skills

•Sense for perfection and attention to detail •Deadlines oriented with the ability to multi-task and establish priorities.•Proficiency with general office PC applications (i.e. Microsoft Office software and Opera)

•Professional appearance and demeanor •Must be fluent in English. Additional languages desirable.

Interested applicants can contact our Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm on (649)941-7555. E- Mail cover letter outlining your interest and supporting experience

in a particular position along with your Resume or C.V. to [email protected]

DOMESTIC WORKERRequirements:

•Ensure the cleanliness of all hotel areas•Assist in all Housekeeping responsibilities, cleaning of all guest rooms, stocking amenities and linens.

•Perform specific server duties including food and drink orders•Ensure inventory is used properly and in supply at all times•Possess knowledge of proper cleaning supplies and chemical handling •Must be fluent in written and spoken English•Previous experience in luxury resorts preferred

Salary Range: commensurate based on qualifications and experience

Contact: [email protected]


Number status requires number one service

Now that the Turks and Caicos Islands has been voted as the best island in the world, guests, especially those coming here for the first time expects service that is akin to a destination that is number one in the world. Those sentiments were expressed by Ingo Reckhorn, Public Relations Manager for Blue Haven, Beach House and the Alexandria Resorts, during a news conference at the Blue Haven Resort to launch this year TCI Hospitality Adventure. He said that the new title has no doubt come with a high level of responsibility and the country should embrace that duty and ensure that the TCI shines the brightest it possibly can. “As you probably know, Turks and Caicos was recently voted as the number one beach destination on Trip Advisor. So, it is a tremendous honour for Turks and Caicos, but it also comes with responsibility; responsibility to provide flawless guest experience, because, of course, our guests will come to the island now expecting a ‘number one in the world’ experience. We have to provide that experience in all touching points that the guest will have here on the island,” he advised. He said that the Turks and Caicos Adventure Programme, which started almost 10 years ago as the Lil Chefs Programme, is an excellence way to build capacity for the future. In addition to the Lil Chefs Programme, the Turks and Caicos Adventure Programme includes mechanics, spa and a new element – Captains Water Camp Experience.

“It is exciting that we are able to expand the programme with the Captain’s Camp Experience and also the Spa Programme, the Mechanics Programme and of course what started the Hospitality Adventure – the Lil Chef ’s Programme,” Reckhorn said. He said that the programme is to be bankrolled in part by its biggest fundraiser – Taste of Tapas – to be held on June 1 at Blue Haven Resort. He said that a number of restaurants have already signaled their intention to participate. “ Very important for us is to raise funds for the initiative for the youth of Turks and Caicos, for the young community among us to experience what it means to develop a passion for the key element of our economy. “We are starting the fundraising initiative with our big Taste of Tapas event, which will be hosted at Blue Haven on June 20th. We are very pleased that a number of restaurants have already agreed to participate, including the Grace Bay Club, Seven Stars and the Regent Palms, as well as the Beach House, Blue Haven and the Alexandria Resort. I am confident that a number of other restaurants on the island will still join in. The concept of the event is that guest would participate with a $50 donation to the TCI Hospitality Experience, which is in the form of ticket sales. The tickets are available at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association office in the Salt Mills Plaza upstairs. And then, for the $50, you get to participate in a beautiful event located around the Blue Haven pool with the different restaurants presenting a number of different tapas, and which also included in the price as well as a welcome drink,” he said.


Ingo Reckhorn


LOCAL NEWS



LOCAL NEWS

Precious Treasures stages Scholastics Book,

“Raising a Reader” launch

Precious Treasures International School, on Tuesday, May 5, 2015, launches its Scholastics Book library, which coincided with the launch of its “Raising a Reader” programme. The event was held at the school’s auditorium and attended by a number of parents, who were awed by the programme’s

offering and the level of books available in hard copy and online. The event took especially the adult attendees on a childhood journey back to nursery rhymes. Some of the parents were even given the opportunity to role-play some of the nursery rhymes. The following are highlights from the event.

A section of the book displayMr. Courtney Brown presenting a book to Oneika Rigby after correctly answering a question

Omisha Rolle collects a book from Courtney Brown, teacher at the Precious Treasures International School, after correctly answering a question

Carleen Byfield, teacher at the Precious Treasures International School dramatizes a story about crayons “why the crayons quit”

Sarah Amachee a Precious Treasures International School teacher, representing the ‘black crayon’, performs her segment of ‘why the crayons quit’

Erna Santos a Precious Treasures International School teacher representing the ‘Green Crayon’, acts out the skit, “Why the crayons quit” Teacher Valerie C. Warren dramatizes the ‘yellow crayon’, All the Precious Treasures International School teachers who participated in the skit, “Why the crayons quit.”

Mr. Courtney Brown displays a book to the audience while making his presentation

Nadine Bent, a teacher at the Precious Treasures International School, explains the values of being able to read well

Parents listen attentively as the Precious Treasures International School articulate about the Raising Readers Programme


LOCAL NEWS

Omisha Rolle collects a book from Courtney Brown, teacher at the Precious Treasures International School, after correctly answering a question

Carleen Byfield, teacher at the Precious Treasures International School dramatizes a story about crayons “why the crayons quit”

Allan Hutchinson, Directors of the Precious Treasures International School highlights the school commitment to top-notch primary education in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Valerie C. Warren, teacher at the Precious Treasures International School presents Telecia Darville with a gift after she acted out a nursery rhyme

Parents view one of the book stations

Some parents were thrilled at the variety of books available for display

Parent Devon Williams listens attentively as a teacher explains the books available at that section

Three children appears to be enjoying the books in one of the stations

Parent Drexwell Seymour performs the nursery rhyme, “I am a little Teapot”

Kayatana Fulford performs a nursery rhyme

Sarah Amachee a Precious Treasures International School teacher, representing the ‘black crayon’, performs her segment of ‘why the crayons quit’

Erna Santos a Precious Treasures International School teacher representing the ‘Green Crayon’, acts out the skit, “Why the crayons quit”


LOCAL NEWS

Women of Warfare takes Grand Turk

by StormThe country’s capital Grand Turk was the epicenter for women in the gospel ministry from April 29 to May 3, where the 7 Annual Women of Warfare Conference was held. The event was held at the New Beginnings Kingdom Ministries International House of Bethel under the leadership of Apostle Ruth Adams Ariza. The guest speaker for the conference was Prophetess/ Pastor Patrice Smith of The kingdom Explosion Ministries out of Nassau, Bahamas, with other speakers including Dr. Lillian Boyce of ‘Sister Sister’ (Providenciales) & Sister Lydia Tucker of Women of Purpose TCI. Both spoke at the banquet on Saturday night May 2. Sister Selina Wright Vega of women of Purpose TCI spoke on Saturday morning May 2.. Owenta Coleby James of healing waters Ministries Providenciales was Guest Palmist. Also attending was Pastor Karen Higgs of Faith and Truth Ministries, Pastor Julia Williams, Pastor Barbara Parker, & Pastor Mary Callendar Women’s President (WOW). Other attendees were Beathia Robinson, Melanie Smith and Maclean Robinson of ‘Sister Sister’ TCI. Below are highlights from the conference.


LOCAL NEWS

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LOCAL NEWS


LOCAL NEWSENTERTAINMENT

JOB DESCRIPTIONJob Title: Sales Account Manager for Mobile & Digital Advertising, TCI

Primary objective

Reporting to the TCI Head of Business Solutions with a matrix organization dotted line to the Regional Head of Sales and has responsibility to build, develop and roll out the Digicel mobile & digital advertising business in TCI with a specific focus on building, retaining and stimulating a large and profitable customer base

Overview

Seeking top performing Sales Account Manager with a proven track record driving results for brands and marketers through the development and delivery of mobile & digital marketing strategies and campaigns.

This Account Manager will be responsible for creating and maintaining a value-add client relationship at a senior level and for the quality and results of our cutting edge mobile & digital marketing campaigns.

Will play an instrumental role in terms of defining the insights and differentiated propositions, innovation, overall strategy, go to market approach, client relationships, project management & execution, interpretation of results and subsequent recommendations that drive the business.

He/she is responsible for managing the profit and loss for the advertising business.

Responsible for ensuring TCI has the right partnerships with: consumer & corporate brands, broadcasters, sports teams, media & entertainment companies, other agencies.

Key to this role will be a passion for client service excellence, continuous improvement and the ability to provide innovative mobile & digital marketing solutions that align with our clients’ goals & objectives.

This is a unique opportunity to leverage your passion for digital marketing and commitment to client service excellence to impact a dynamic digital marketing industry.

Opportunity for advancement and higher levels of responsibility exist based on company and individual performance.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

•Create and build an advertising business from the ground up including defining & executing the strategy (including target segments, propositions, pricing, communications, distribution, partners) & driving sales to exceed goals & P&L management.

•Understand clients’ marketing objectives and ROI to their customers and proactively contribute actionable solutions to their goals and objectives

•Assist brands in acquiring, engaging and deepening relationships throughout the customer lifecycle.

•Enable brands, agencies and media companies to launch a wide range of mobile & digital solutions from SMS, to MMS, QR Codes, on-screen, alerts, mobile web, mobile, incentives and integration with managed and social platforms, brand communities, apps, VAS services, subscription services, banner advertising on web, mobile and TV.

•Defines the overall advertising marketing plan that drives awareness, consideration and purchase

•Focus will be both on cross-selling & up-selling to existing Digicel and new customers. Identify and execute synergies between the advertising business and existing revenue and business streams e.g. customer acquisition, customer retention, customer demand stimulation.

•Achieve Advertising sales operational objectives by contributing sales information and recommendations to strategic plans and reviews; preparing and completing action plans; implementing production, productivity, quality, and customer-service standards; resolving problems; completing audits; identifying trends; determining system improvements; implementing change.

•Meets Advertising sales financial objectives by forecasting requirements; preparing an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective actions.

•Own & develop senior level client / advertiser / brand relationships to penetrate target accounts and develop new business including productization of advertising solutions to meet the client’s specific advertising needs. Equally, on sell side, own, manage and develop

relationship with ad networks and publishers in (local market)•Serve as the key client contact and own short-term and long-term client service relationship and mobile/digital marketing strategy for multiple accounts

•Develop and maintain account management communication and execution process independently for multiple clients including but not limited to: marketing campaign design and execution, communication, and interpretation/presentation of results

•Manage ongoing client communication including regularly scheduled meetings/calls and provide exceptional follow up, written reports and presentations

•Drive proposals and responding to RFPs •Understand program statistics and identify most relevant and impactful quantitative data to add value and insight to accounts

•Execute mobile/digital marketing campaign set-up, programming, monitoring and reporting

•Produce clear and concise writing in business communication as well as in detailing campaign/project results

•Contribute to financial management by driving account and project profitability and understanding how timelines and accuracy contribute to the bottom-line

•Ensure internal stakeholders including Product and Technology have the latest marketplace intelligence as well as ongoing customer feedback and requirements

•Manage and oversee all aspects of the advertising journey from customer base management, to inventory management to the execution of the campaigns using the Digicel technology on time and to the client’s requirements including working across departments to accomplish goals and collaborating internally to launch innovative ad programs that exceed client marketing objectives.

Academic Qualifications and Experience required for position

•Minimum 3-5 years relevant client service and sales experience in fast paced, digital marketing, developing strategies, propositions & delivering on targets

•A background in Digital Sales, Media Sales, Print Advertising Sales is highly desirable

•Strong understanding of online and mobile advertising platforms and expertise in digital/mobile ad monetization business models, advertising standards, and technologies.

•Degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications or related field.•Hands on client service/marketing experience across multiple categories including Retail, Consumer Brands, Agencies, Publishers, or Wireless Carriers

•Proven experience managing others to obtain best results. •Proven success developing and maintaining superior client relationships, growing revenue, delivering results, and anticipating roadblocks

•Demonstrated success applying marketing principles and fundamentals to cutting edge, complex marketing and advertising programs that drive client ROI.

•Build and maintain internal partnerships across all levels and departments, including operations, product, etc.

•Proven track record illustrating unique and compelling value proposition for clients and educating the customer on cutting edge technology enabled marketing and/or advertising solutions

•Superior project management, communication and critical thinking skills •Strong writing and presentation skills •Excellent organization and time management skills •Proven track record juggling multiple priorities and deadlines •Strong attention to detail and ability to complete large volumes of work efficiently and effectively

•Professional, high-integrity, reliable, organized, driven and results-oriented

•Superior MS Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)

Functional Skills

•Self-motivated and result-oriented approach to work.•Strong organizational skills.•Ability to multi-task and deliver against competing priorities.•Attentive to detail.•Ability to build strong relationships and work as part of cross functional teams.

•Ability to excel in a fast-paced and demanding service environment.•Able to operate autonomously and demonstrate initiative in problem solving, decision making with a proactive approach to the role.

•Initiative and resourcefulness in the conduct of duties.•Strong communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills.•Ability to relate to diverse working environments.•Excellent presentation, communication, and analytical skill sets for an executive level audience.

Interested applicants should forward their resume to [email protected]

LOCAL NEWSWORLD NEWSPage 30 TURKS & CAICOS SUN MAY 8TH, 2015 – MAY 15TH, 2015

FUN & GAMESFUN & GAMES

LOCAL NEWSCARIBBEAN NEWSMAY 8TH, 2015 – MAY 15TH, 2015 TURKS & CAICOS SUN Page 31


LOCAL NEWSCARIBBEAN NEWSPage 32 TURKS & CAICOS SUN MAY 8TH, 2015 – MAY 15TH, 2015



CARIBBEAN NEWSWORLDNEWSCARIBBEAN NEWSBarbados PM apologises to Gonsalves

over incident at airport

Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart has apologised to his St. Vincent and the Grenadines counterpart, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves “for any discomfiture” he might have suffered when a security guard attempted to screen him at the Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados on April 14. The incident occurred while Prime Minister Gonsalves was in transit en route to St. Vincent from Guyana. Gonsalves had entered the passenger lounge alone as no protocol officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bridgetown were on hand to greet him as his flight landed a few minutes earlier than scheduled. “I told him there was really no reason for it,’ Gonsalves said of the apology from Stuart. He told a press conference on Tuesday that Prime Minister Stuart

had said the incident was ironic as Gonsalves had on the outbound leg of the trip told himt that the protocol and security officers at the VIP lounge of the airport are “arguable the best that I meet anywhere in the world. “He said, ‘It‘s ironic that there was this incident when you had showered such praises.’ “I said, ‘Yes, and those praises still remain’, because the persons who interacted with me on that Tuesday the 14th were neither the protocol nor the security of the state of Barbados, that is, the Government of Barbados. They came subsequent. And, to tell you the truth, I didn’t take it as any big thing,” Gonsalves said, adding that he came off the plane “casually”, not wearing a jacket. He said his Cabinet colleagues later joked that it is probably because he was “so causal” and had lost so much weight that the security at the airport could not recognise him. Gonsalves, who said he was travelling alone, as he often does when taking trips across the region, also noted that contrary to media reports, the flight landed earlier rather than later. “But the important point, the protocol officers were not there. And sometimes that happens, because, I suspect, their co-ordination with LIAT.”Gonsalves said that when he did not see the protocol officer, he proceeded to the passenger seating area of Gate 9

rather than go to the VIP lounge, as he only had one hour between connections.He said there were two women on duty at the screening station. “If any of them had recognised me, they would have said to me, as they have done before, ‘Prime Minister, just …walk around the actual security screening, because they know that

… the protocol for screening is not applied to the head of state or head of government.” Gonsalves said that when none of the ladies indicated an exemption to him, he placed his bag to be screened and he went through the metal detector, which beeped. He said one of the women told him, “Sir, it beeped.” “I said, ‘Yes. It’s my shoe. There is something on it,” said Gonsalves who has in the past said he has an implant in the sole of one his shoes because one of his legs is slightly longer than the other. “She says, ‘Well you have to go through and take off your shoe. I said, no, that protocol does not apply to me. I am the prime minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” adding reports that suggested that he was arrogant in his response were “clearly a contrivance by somebody. “I always like to be fair to persons. Around that area, you have a noise, a din, and I spoke softly, not aggressively or anything to the lady. So I give her the benefit of the doubt and I went and

get my coffee.” Prime Minister Gonsalves said that when he was about to pay for the drink, an officer from a private security firm, told the vendor not to accept the money, as he had not been screened. “So I smiled, sipped my coffee and told him, ‘Don’t create a diplomatic incident. I am the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.” Gonsalves said that the male security officer did not touch him or say anything else but began to use his telecoms equipment. The Prime Minister said he then went and sat down and the protocol and other officials from the government of Barbados arrived shortly after.

“There was no altercation; I behaved quite cool and calm and that is the end of that story. I didn’t think then and I don’t think now that it was significant…,” Gonsalves said.

Barbados Prime Minister Freundel StuartSt. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime MinisterDr. Ralph Gonsalves

Jamaican real estate market is underpriced DESPITE beliefs that Jamaica’s real estate market is significantly overpriced, president of the Realtors Association of Jamaica (RAJ) Edwin Wint says the quality of the market has deemed it to be undervalued. In fact, Wint who was among guests from the RAJ at the Jamaica Observer Monday Exchange, stated that if Jamaica was to fix its security concerns, including crime and violence, the real estate market would have an ‘immediate knock-on effect’. “In any market you go, you can find some evidence of properties being overpriced. But if properties are in fact overpriced then they are not going to sell, and we are certainly not seeing that here because the properties are selling well,” he stated. “The quality of the market would suggest that it is underpriced.” Wint added that Jamaica is currently in a balanced real estate market situation, where neither the buyer nor the seller can take advantage of each other. “In general terms, if the properties are overpriced then we would probably be looking at a buyer’s market, meaning the customer can dictate the price. But we are certainly not in a buyer’s market here. The criteria for buyer’s market would not be satisfied when you apply the principles,” according to Wint. Last year, a report from Century 21 indicated that roughly 9,286 property transactions worth US$711

million (J$81.7 billion) were recorded during the year ending March 2013. The listings were boosted by investors seeking alternatives to low interest rates and, instead, focusing on returns of up to 15 per cent from real estate investments. “Investors look at the income the properties can derive, and when you calculate the income and the yield that it will bring, you’ll find that the return is above what other investment medium can give. And that’s why money is still being placed in real estate,” Wint told Sunday Finance. He stated that the implementation of Multiple Listing Service -- a database which enables 700 real estate practitioners to showcase listing information globally -- has analysed on a more intelligent level that Jamaica’s real estate industry on the global market is very stong. At the same time, the country is currently the most searched site on the National Realtors Association. Also speaking at the Exchange, Howard Johnson Jr, chairman of the MLS Committee of the RAJ, stated that many of these international investors are seeking residential units over US$350,000 ($40.2 million), while returning residents seek properties of up to US$200,000 ($23 million). “The national statistics that we have indicate there is more money out there for investment than is apparent, and real estate is a preferred investment medium,” he said.

Haitian American legislator ends hunger strike Today’s vote sends an unequivocal message that the Dominican Republic’s persistent abuse of Dominicans of Haitian descent must stop,” Assembly member Rodneyse Bichotte, the first Haitian American to be elected to the State Assembly, said. “As happy as I am to bring my hunger strike to an end, it was nothing compared to the deprivation and persecution suffered by Dominicans of Haitian descent,” said Bichotte, who represents the predominantly Caribbean 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn, New York. “I applaud my colleagues in the Assembly for joining me in voting to condemn these human rights violations” she added. The resolution addresses recent laws and court decisions in the Dominican Republic that have left hundreds of thousands of Dominicans of Haitian descent without citizenship rendering them stateless, as well as other human rights abuses. The resolution had widespread support from numerous organizations including the United States National Bar Association, the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, Amnesty International (AI), Haitian American Lawyer Association of New York (HALANY), 1199 Service Employees International Union (1199 SEIU), and the Coalition of Dominicans Against Racism (CDAR). “Individuals born in the Dominican Republic should not have their citizenship status retroactively

challenged,” said New York State Assemblyman David I. Weprin, who joined his colleagues in voting for the resolution. “I wholeheartedly endorse Assemblywoman Bichotte’s resolution that condemns the Dominican Republic’s recent court decisions, which retroactively deprived thousands of their own citizens of their fundamental right — the right to a nationality,” he added. The international human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, said it “welcomes the resolution and calls on all members of the Assembly to stand in solidarity with Dominicans of Haitian descent who have been stripped of their nationalit” The Dominican Republic had warned that it would from June 15, begin mass deportations of Dominicans of Haitian descent from the Spanish-speaking Caribbean country. “Such an action by the government will only exacerbate this humanitarian crisis,” Bichotte said.

Rodneyse Bichotte

LOCAL NEWSCARIBBEAN NEWSPage 34 TURKS & CAICOS SUN MAY 8TH, 2015 – MAY 15TH, 2015

CARIBBEAN NEWS

Obama administration approves Cuba ferry

service licenses

The return of passenger ferry services between the United States and Cuba took a major step forward on Tuesday when the Treasury Department issued licenses to at least two U.S. companies. One of the licenses was issued to Miami-based Baja Ferries USA, part of a major shipping group with passengers and cargo operations, including on Mexico’s west coast, according to the company. Another license was issued to Puerto Rico-based America Cruise Ferries, according to a lawyer who handled the license application for the company.

Ferry services between Cuba and the United States were cut off in the early 1960s, following the Cuban revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power.In December, the United States and Cuba announced plans to renew diplomatic relations after 54 years, and have since held high level talks. “If all goes smoothly we could have things up and running by September,” said Joseph Hinson, vice president of Baja Ferries USA. He added the company still needed to get approval from Cuba, as well as Florida port officials.

“This is a further step in bringing Cuba and the United States closer together,” said Robert Muse, a Washington-based lawyer who represented Baja Ferries and specializes in Cuba sanctions. The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which handles economic and trade sanctions, confirmed the licenses had been issued, but declined to say to whom or how many. The ferries would only be able to carry licensed travelers to Cuba, including Cuban Americans visiting

relatives and Americans traveling for educational and cultural tours. Approved trade and private sector business activities would also be allowed. Under the U.S. trade embargo, Americans are not allowed to visit Cuba on regular tourist vacations.Baja Ferries plans to offer services three to four days a week, using ships carrying about 1,000 passengers and cargo, on an overnight service with sleeping cabins and dining facilities. America Cruise Ferries also plans to operate three times a week between Miami and Havana with about 1,000 passengers as well as vehicles and freight, said James Whisenand, a Miami lawyer who handled the company’s application. “They would like to start operating immediately, but that is subject to final negotiations with the Cuban government,” he said. Three other companies received licenses according to the Sun Sentinel newspaper, including Havana Ferry Partners of Fort Lauderdale, which plans to operate a service from Key West to Havana.

US President Barack Obama

St. Lucia Government strengthening its website against hacking

The St. Lucia government says it is moving to strengthen cyber-security in light of the recent attack on the official web site of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines government. “This appears to be part of a trend of increasing reports of cyber attacks of various kinds regionally and internationally,” according to a government statement. It said “as the Government of St Lucia (GOSL) seeks to continually enhance its online presence and make more of its services accessible online to citizens and other users, it is ever mindful of the increasing importance of cyber security”. It said this isd why it has embarked on numerous initiatives and taken several proactive measures to reduce the possibility of successful attacks on Government information and technology assets as well as to reduce the negative impact should such incidents occur. The government said the measures are multi-layered and involve active cooperation among various personnel and collaboration with agencies and authorities at the national, regional and international levels. “The recent cyber attack in our sister OECS country highlights the need for everyone, at the Government, private sector, civil society and individual levels to be cognizant of the importance of cyber security,” the statement noted. “From the simplest of measures like strengthening passwords, periodically changing them and not

sharing them with others, to not responding to phishing attacks and other internet schemes that seek to cause you to post personal information online, to more detailed ones like regularly using up-to-date antivirus software and periodically conducting security scans of your computers and networks, we can all play our part in minimizing the risk posed by these cyber threats.” The government said that it would continue to employ all practicable means at its disposal to reduce its vulnerability to cyber attacks and to mitigate the impacts of such attacks should one take place. On Tuesday, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said that the email system of his administration was not compromised when the website was hacked on Sunday. A message on the landing page of the website Sunday evening suggested that it had been hacked by Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), an Islamist rebel group claiming religious, political and military authority over all Muslims worldwide. The message posted on the website referred to the United States and NATO, saying they are involved in “Organised butchery of Human race since it’s (sic) inception. “They overthrow governments of sovereign nations and they undermine, threaten, refuse to recognise and seek to destroy democratically elected governments like they are in , Syria , Iraq , Gaza, Palestine,” the message said.

Guyanese wanted for murder in United States nabbed in Trinidad

A 37-year-old Guyanese born United States citizen, who is wanted in that country on a number of criminal offences, including two counts of murder, has been arrested here, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of National Security. It said that Balkumar Singh, who was first detained on March 27, for violating Trinidad and Tobago’s immigration laws, under the name Shauwn Maharaj, was re-arrested by members of the local INTERPOL Bureau. It said that Maharaj was positively matched as Balkumar Singh who was being sought by US authorities on charges of murder, assault in the

first degree, reckless endangerment, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon and tampering with physical evidence. The statement said that a request was made by the US for the provisional arrest of Singh, who appeared before a Port of Spain Magistrate and was remanded into custody until May 28.The statement said that bail was refused. Singh, who has 14 convictions in Canada, including assaults and weapons charges, is also known by various aliases including Tevin Persaud, Terry Persaud; Kumar Doodnath; Terry Singh and Sean Maharaj, the statement said.

Kartel juror denies party planned to celebrate verdict

ATTORNEY Valerie Neita-Robertson yesterday suggested to a juror from the Vybz Kartel murder trial that she and her colleagues had agreed beforehand to convict the men and that they would throw a party to celebrate the verdict. But the witness, who was being cross-examined in the trial of a former juror who sat with her on the Vybz Kartel murder trial, denied that this had happened. Neita-Robertson put it to the witness that her client, Livingston Caine, had voiced his disapproval and said he was going to report the matter to the judge, but the witness denied this also. The witness denied both that a party was being planned and that a guest list for the party was made.During her re-examination by the prosecution, the witness said that Caine was the one planning a pool party and that he invited a female juror with whom he was discussing her underwear. Caine is being tried in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court on five counts of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and one count of attempting to pervert the course of justice. He is accused of attempting to bribe fellow jurors to return a not guilty verdict in the murder trial of Vybz Kartel and his four co-accused. Kartel and three of the men were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. Yesterday, before the conclusion of her questioning by Neita-Robertson, the witness testified that two of the jurors that sat on the murder trial of the entertainer lived on the same street.

Vybz Cartel

LOCAL NEWSWORLD NEWSMAY 8TH, 2015 – MAY 15TH, 2015 TURKS & CAICOS SUN Page 35

CARIBBEAN NEWS

ISIS hacks St Vincent government website KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent – The Islamic State (IS), an Islamist rebel group claiming religious, political and military authority over all Muslims worldwide, has hacked the official website of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines government (www.gov.vc), a message appearing on the website Sunday evening suggested. Visitors to the website were greeted by a message saying “Hacked By Moroccanwolf – Islamic State” and a photo of man firing a high calibre machine gun from the back of a pick-up truck.

A message appearing on the website says US and NATO Forces are involved in “Organised butchery of Human race since it’s (sic) inception. “They overthrow governments of sovereign nations and they undermine, threaten, refuse to recognise and seek to destroy democratically elected governments like they are in , Syria , Iraq , Gaza, Palestine,” he message said. “They support dictators as long as they are fulfilling US, EU & NATO interest in the region like they did in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

You speak of Freedom of speech and freedom of expression but you remain silent in the face of a people desire to seek freedom to exist — unless those people are Israeli Zionists! “Hypocrisy of this magnitude will bring the chickens home to roost and not peace and security as is your mantra!” the message further stated.Minister of Foreign Affairs and Information Technology Camillo Gonsalves could not be reached for a comment on the posting. On June 29, 2014, Islamic State proclaimed itself to be a Worldwide Caliphate, the concept of a single

theocratic one-world government. The new name and the idea of a caliphate has been widely criticised and condemned, with the United Nations, various governments, and mainstream Muslim groups all refusing to acknowledge it. As caliphate, Islamic State claims religious, political and military authority over all Muslims worldwide and that “the legality of all emirates, groups, states, and organisations, becomes null by the expansion of the [caliphate’s] authority and arrival of its troops to their areas”.

Marley Coffee settles lawsuit with former CEO

The US-based Marley Coffee, partially owned by Rohan Marley, the entrepreneurial son of the late reggae legend Bob Marley, has settled a lawsuit with its former chief executive officer (CEO) and former second largest shareholder, Shane Whittle. The company, which sells Jamaica Blue Mountain and other coffees, also announced plans to grow revenues to US$17 million (J$1.8 b) in the 2016 financial year amid hitting previous growth targets. The company settled the suit in March for some US$80,000 (J$8.8 m), according to just released financials. “Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, the company agreed to pay Mr. Whittle $80,000 which has been accrued as of January 31, 2015, (to be paid in equal payments of $10,000 per month beginning on April 1, 2015),” stated Marley Coffee in its financials.

“The company agreed to withdraw from a joinder in connection with the Federal Action pending between the parties (and certain other parties) as described below, the parties provided each other mutual releases and the parties agreed to mutually dismiss, with prejudice, their claims.” The case was filed in Denver, USA in July 2014 when Whittle, a

“former significant shareholder and officer and director of the company”

asserted a breach of contract in regards to allegations that he entered into a consulting agreement with the company for which the company failed to make payments. “The complainant alleged that Whittle entered into a consulting agreement with the company for which the company failed to make payments and that Rohan Marley, as both a director of the company and of Marley Coffee Canada, Inc, additionally agreed that, as part of Whittle’s consulting compensation, the company would assume a debt owed by Marley Coffee Canada to Whittle,” stated the financials. Rohan Marley as chairman and director holds or is connected to holding the highest shareholding at 13 per cent followed by Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee Inc at 9.99 per cent; president and chief operating officer, Anh Tran holds 4.0 per cent; and chief executive officer, Brent Toevs at 2.3 per cent. The shareholding was very different a few years earlier with Whittle holding a 29 per cent stake in the company and Rohan Marley at 33 per cent, according to the 2013 annual report. In 2010 Whittle resigned as CEO after serving since 2007, financials indicate. The company described Rohan

as being heavily involved in all of the family businesses including 56 Hope Road Music, Bob Marley Music, Zion Rootswear as well as various land and resort holdings across the globe. Rohan also founded Tuff Gong Clothing in 2004. “Our revenue expectations for fiscal 2016 are US$17 million, of which we believe most of the growth will be in the back half of the year,” stated the company in its financials.

“This projection is based on the current organic growth we’ve seen in our current distribution and doesn’t take into consideration any increases in revenue we may get from the launch of our Recyclable RealCups.”

Marley Coffee also expects gross profit margins to stay between 25-30 per cent. But the company also expects to continue making losses going forward. The company recorded a US$10.2 million net loss on US$9.5 million in annual gross revenue for its year ending January 2015. The net loss worsened year on year from the US$6.7 million loss made from US$6 million in gross revenues in 2014. The majority of the company’s sales are outside of the distribution of Jamaican Blue Mountain (JBM) beans and products. “Nonetheless, one of our main concerns for fiscal 2016 is a shortage in JBM. Hurricane Sandy and coffee leaf rust impacted the production output of JBM for 2014 and 2015. Jamaica and the industry expect a slow recovery in output. This tightening of supplies caused JBM prices to increase by about 40 per cent in 2014/2015. We are committed to ensuring our supply chain and providing our customers JBM. We are diligently working to secure more JBM as the market we created for it continues to expand. There still is a high demand for JBM in North America, but limited supply and rising costs may hurt sales,” stated the company, adding that it is currently working to address the supply issues.

Rohan Marley

EU funds project to develop coconut industry in Caribbean

CASTRIES, St Lucia — The European Union is financing a project aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of small-scale coconut farmers by identifying market opportunities, creating synergies between national and regional programmes and improving access to advisory services for improved production. The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) in partnership with the Geneva-based International Trade Centre (ITC) and the EU are implementing the Euro3.5 million (One Euro=US$1.29 cents) project. The project will be undertaken in nine Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) countries. CARDI said that within recent years the demand for coconuts and coconut bi- products has skyrocketed

on both the regional and world markets. “Many Caribbean countries have been unable to satisfy this growing demand due to setbacks experienced by industries in the early 1980’s. Principal among these have been the loss of international markets for traditional products, loss of consumer confidence, ageing populations and growing pest and disease problems.” CARDI said it welcomed the support to revitalise the coconut industry in the Caribbean because of its “significant potential to contribute to economic development and poverty reduction in the benefiting countries”. Phase one of the project will engage national stakeholders in formulating road maps for market-led development of the coconut and coconut products sector, as well as to agree on implementation plans.

Two Haitian nationals charged for false US tax returns

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) says two Haitian tax return preparers in Florida have been indicted in aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. Noe Mompoint, of Southwest Ranches, Florida, has been charged with 14 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false US federal income tax returns. Lucvens Francois, of Aventura, Florida, has been charged in a separate indictment with 19 counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of US false federal income tax returns. The DOJ said both defendants have surrendered to federal law enforcement authorities. According to the allegations in the indictments, Mompoint owned and operated the Tax Resource

Center, a tax preparation business located in Miami. According to the indictment, Mompoint filed tax returns for clients that reported fraudulent first-time homebuyer credits. Francois owned and operated a branch office of the Tax Resource Center, also located in the Miami area. Francois filed tax returns for clients that reported fraudulent first-time homebuyer credits and returns that claimed a variety of other false items, including false education credits, false business losses and false itemized deductions, according to the indictment. If convicted, Mompoint and Francois each face a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison and a fine of US$250,000 on each count.



WORLDNEWS

Germanwings pilot practiced fatal dive

Germanwings co-pilot Andreas Lubitz practiced his fatal descent hours before he locked his captain out of the cockpit of their Airbus A320 and rammed it into the side of a mountain, killing himself and everyone else on board in an apparent suicide flight. A preliminary report published Wednesday by French air accident investigation agency BEA said Lubitz carried out a “controlled descent that lasted for minutes and for which there was no aeronautical justification” during his flight from Dusseldorf to Barcelona on March 24. As CBS News correspondent Charlie D’Agata reported, on the return flight later that same day, Flight 9525 disappeared from radar screens over the French Alps. Prosecutors have said Lubitz locked the captain out of the cockpit after he went to the lavatory, and then deliberately set the flight controls to a steep but controlled descent into the side of a mountain. The captain can be heard on cockpit voice recordings demanding to be let back in and trying

to break down the reinforced door. Lubitz and all 149 others on board the plane were killed in the crash, which left the jet splintered into thousands of pieces on the side of a steep, rocky mountain. It was precisely the fatal maneouver that Lubitz practiced during the first flight on the 24th, according to the BEA report -- and not just once. “Several altitude selections towards 100 ft were recorded during descent on the flight that preceded the accident flight, while the co-pilot was alone in the cockpit,” the report said. Five years ago Federal Aviation Administration officials questioned Lubitz’ mental fitness, but they awarded him a U.S. pilot license after his German doctor said he had fully recovered from severe depression, government records show. The records, posted online in late April by the FAA in response to a Freedom of Information Act request, show Andreas Lubitz applied for a U.S. pilot license while he was employed by Lufthansa, the parent company of Germanwings, and was training

to be an airline pilot at a flight school in Phoenix in 2010. As part of the application, he initially submitted a medical form to the FAA asserting he had no mental disorders. He then resubmitted the form acknowledging he had been treated for severe depression from 2008 to 2009. The FAA initially sent Lubitz a letter warning that his license application could be denied and giving him 30 days to provide a letter from his doctor describing his treatment and his current condition. The license was granted after he provided letters from his doctor describing his treatment and saying he had recovered. Lubitz had suffered an episode of severe depression because he was unable to cope with

“modified living conditions,” according to the letters. Lubitz was treated with two drugs, Cipralex and Mirtazapin, which, along with therapy, “enabled him to develop sufficient resources for getting on with similar situations in the future,” the doctor, whose name was blacked out by the FAA, said in one letter

Florida couple convicted of having sex on beach BRADENTON, Fla. — A Florida couple accused of having sex on a public beach in front of families has been found guilty by a jury. It took the Manatee County jury about 15 minutes Monday to find 20-year-old Elissa Alvarez and 40-year-old Jose Caballero guilty of lewd and lascivious exhibition. Video played in the courtroom showed Alvarez moving on top of Caballero in a sexual manner in broad daylight. Witnesses testified that a 3-year-old girl saw them. Both Caballero and Alvarez will now have to register as sex offenders.The convictions carry a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. The Bradenton Herald reports that a sentencing date was not announced, but Assistant State Attorney Anthony Dafonseca said they will pursue a harsher sentence for Caballero than Alvarez, because Alvarez has no prior record and Caballero has been

to prison for almost eight years for a cocaine trafficking conviction. The state will ask for prison time for both defendants. “We gave them a reasonable offer, what we felt was reasonable, and they decided it wasn’t something they wanted to accept responsibility for,” Dafonseca said. “Despite the video, despite all the witnesses.” Ed Brodsky, elected state attorney for the 16th judicial district, joined

Dafonseca in prosecuting the case. When asked why the case was an important one to the state attorney, Dafonseca said it was important that the community knew what wouldn’t be tolerated on public beaches. “We’re dealing with basically tourists, that came from Brandon and Riverview and West Virginia, and they’re here on the beaches of Manatee County, our public beaches,” Dafonseca said, referring to the witnesses. “So

you want to make sure that this isn’t something that just goes by the wayside. And that it is well-known to the community, what will be tolerated and what won’t be.” Family members of the couple defended the two outside the courthouse, saying the crime did not deserve this kind of attention. “He’s a great person,” said Caballero’s mother of her son, declining to give her name. “There are other things out there we need to worry about, and they’re still loose, people who have done worse stuff.” Dafonseca maintained that the crime was not an innocent one, and that the couple’s attitude and behavior that day deserved punishment. “You think about 2:30 in the afternoon on a crowded beach, it takes a certain kind of person to do that in front of children only feet away,” he said.

NYPD officer shot in head diesA New York City plainclothes police officer who was shot in the head died on Monday, the fifth officer gunned down in as many months amid anti-law enforcement sentiment not seen since the turbulent 1960s, Police Commissioner Bill Bratton said. Officer Brian Moore, 25, was in an unmarked car pursuing Demetrius Blackwell, who was wanted on a weapons charge, when he was shot during the weekend in a residential neighborhood in the New York City borough of Queens, police said. Bratton said the Queens district attorney on Tuesday would seek a first-degree murder indictment against Blackwell, 35, who was being held without bail on attempted murder, assault, weapons possession and other charges. The shooting in New York comes amid months of mounting tensions after a

series of unarmed black men died at the hands of police officers, the most recent in Baltimore where six officers were charged on Friday in the death of Freddie Gray.Moore is the first New York City officer killed in the line of duty since two uniformed officers were ambushed last December. He was the fifth city officer shot in five months.Bratton, speaking at a press conference late Monday, was asked for his perspective on the violence against NYPD officers amid nationwide protests over accusations of police brutality.

“You’d have to almost go back to the late 60s to early 70s to see a time when there was so much anti-police sentiment in the country,” Bratton said.

“These are strange times,” Bratton said.Moore and his partner had been trying to question Blackwell, who has an

extensive criminal background, after they saw him seeming to adjust an object in his waistband, police said. Police said Blackwell pulled out a gun

and fired into the vehicle, striking Moore.The weapon, which was later recovered, had been stolen in Georgia in 2011, Bratton said.Moore, who came from a family of police officers, joined the New York City Police Department in July 2010, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio. He lived in the suburban Long Island town of Massapequa.Uniformed officers who had kept vigil outside Jamaica Hospital in Queens saluted as Moore’s body was taken away in an ambulance.

“The people of this great city should take pause this afternoon just to recognize the life of a brave young man who took an oath 4-1/2 years ago to keep the people of this city safe,” said Police Chief of Department James O’Neill, who worked with Moore’s father on the police force.

Brain Moore


Governor lifts state of emergency for Baltimore

BALTIMORE (AP) — The mayor called on federal investigators Wednesday to look into whether this city’s beleaguered police department uses a pattern of excessive force or discriminatory policing. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said even though complaints of excessive force and lawsuits alleging misconduct are down over the last few years, “we all know that Baltimore continues to have a fractured relationship between the police and the community.” Baltimore saw days of unrest after Freddie Gray, a black man, was taken into custody and suffered critical injuries. He died a week later. Protesters threw bottles and bricks at police during a riot on April 27, injuring nearly 100 officers. More than 200 people were arrested as cars and businesses burned. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency and called in 2,000 National Guardsmen and state police to help local officers. Hogan rescinded the state of emergency Wednesday and said all of the troops and state police had been pulled out. He said $20 million from state’s Rainy Day Fund will help pay for last week’s response. He said the federal investigation was “probably a step in the right direction.” The mayor’s request came a day after new Attorney General Loretta Lynch visited the city and pledged to improve the police department, telling faith and community leaders “we’re here to hold your hands and provide support.” Justice Department spokeswoman Dena Iverson said in a statement that Lynch had received the mayor’s request and “is actively considering that option in light of what she heard from law

enforcement, city officials, and community, faith and youth leaders.” A Baltimore Police Department spokesman had no immediate response. An email and text message was not immediately returned. At her news conference, the mayor also said officers would have body cameras by the end of the year. The Justice Department is already investigating whether Gray’s civil rights were violated, and six officers face charges in the arrest and death, ranging from assault to second-degree murder. The new investigation the mayor called for is similar to one was done in Ferguson, Missouri, following the shooting of an unarmed, black 18-year-old man by a white police officer. Such wide-ranging investigations look for patterns

of discrimination within a police department. They can examine how officers use force and search and arrest suspects. Baltimore City Council President Jack Young has been calling for such an investigation since October, his spokesman Lester Davis said. “The only way we’re going to get the kind of lasting and meaningful reforms that are going to produce results is through a full-scale civil-rights investigation,” Davis said. At the time the Ferguson inquiry was announced in September, it was described as part of a broader Justice Department effort to investigate troubled police departments and, when pervasive problems are found, direct changes to be made. The department said then it has investigated 20 police departments for a variety of systemic misconduct in the past five years, more than twice the number of cases opened in the previous five years. The investigations can sometimes result in a settlement known as a consent decree, in which the department agrees to make specific changes, and an outside monitor is appointed to make sure the police force complies with the agreement. The Justice Department reached a court-supervised agreement in 2012 with the New Orleans Police Department that required the agency to overhaul its policies and procedures for use of force, training, interrogations, searches and arrests, recruitment and supervision. In April, it issued a harshly critical report of the police department in Albuquerque, New Mexico, that faulted the agency for a pattern of excessive force and called for an overhaul of its internal affairs unit.

Baltimore’s Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announcing efforts to reform the city’s police department on May 6, 2015.

Clinton Foundation backer lashes out at political assassination process

MARRAKECH — A Clinton Foundation supporter on Wednesday lashed out at media coverage of the organization and the Clintons

— calling it “a political assassination process” — and urged the foundation to more forcefully defend itself. “I was in the U.S. 10 days ago. I opened the newspaper and I was shocked to see these attacks on the foundation,” said telecom billionaire Mo Ibrahim, as he sat beside Bill Clinton during the opening session of the Clinton Global Initiative meeting here. “I used to respect the American media. And I was amazed because I started to watch the news and Fox and other guys and none of those people asked a question: What this foundation is doing actually,” said Ibrahim, to applause from the audience. A Briton of Sudanese descent who has spoken at past Clinton Global Initiative events and whose daughter sits on its board, Ibrahim said, “What is wrong if Saudi Arabia gives money for a farm in Africa? What’s the big deal?” Hillary Clinton’s nascent presidential campaign has been playing defense over unsubstantiated suggestions that her actions

as secretary of state were influenced by donations to the Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton Foundation. The line of attack has gotten wider attention with the release of the book “Clinton Cash: The Untold Story of How and Why Foreign Governments and Businesses Helped Make Bill and Hillary Rich,” by conservative author Peter Schweizer. Hillary Clinton’s campaign has created a website called “The Briefing” to debunk the book’s allegations, and Bill Clinton on Wednesday, less than an hour after Ibrahim’s comments, pushed back against Schweizer’s allegations. “Even the guy that wrote the book, apparently, had to admit under questioning that he didn’t have a shred of evidence for this, he just sort of thought he’d throw it out there and see if it’d fly. And it won’t fly,” Clinton told CNN in an interview from Marrakech. For some supporters of the foundation, including Ibrahim, the Clintons’ defense of the foundation’s work hasn’t been enough. Ibrahim wondered aloud why the foundation isn’t doing more to highlight its years of bringing together governments, corporations and wealthy individuals to improve education and alleviate poverty and hunger around the world. “I just could not understand. I didn’t see anybody from the foundation standing up,” he said during the opening panel Wednesday, turning to press Bill Clinton directly as three other panelists sat in silence. “You should have stood up and really took issue — what is this money for? What have you done with it? … What’s the problem?” Clinton, appearing slightly uncomfortable, answered “I just work here, I don’t know,” prompting some nervous laughter from the audience. The former president suggested the media scrutiny was just politics. “You know, there is one set of rules for politics in America and another set for real life. And you just have to learn to deal with it.”

Telecom billionaire Mo Ibrahim speaks Wednesday at the opening session of the Clinton Global Initiative meeting in Marrakech, Morocco.

Hot Chocolate singer Errol Brown dies at 71 in the Bahamas

LONDON — Errol Brown, the lead singer of the band Hot Chocolate, has died in the Bahamas, his manager said Wednesday. He was 71. Manager Phil Dale said the singer, best known for hits “You Sexy Thing” and “It Started With A Kiss,” died earlier Wednesday of liver cancer. Dale said Brown’s death had come as a surprise. “(Brown) had been poorly over the past few months but he never discussed it,” Dale said.

“He’d be sadly missed by his friends and family. He was an extremely good personal friend. Brown moved to Britain from Jamaica with his mother at age 12. In 2003, he was honored by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to pop music and made a Member of the Order of the British Empire. Hot Chocolate released

their first record “Love is Life” in 1970, and enjoyed numerous chart hits in the 1970s. In 1981, they played at a pre-wedding party for Prince Charles and Lady Diana in Buckingham Palace. Brown is survived by his wife, Ginette, and two daughters.

Errol Brown

Obama most followed on Twitter, Pope most influential

BERLIN — A new study shows U.S. President Barack Obama is still by far the most followed world leader on Twitter, but Pope Francis is considered the most influential by the number of his messages retweeted. The annual Twiplomacy analysis of Twitter accounts released Tuesday by PR firm Burson-Marsteller shows nearly 57 million people following Obama, up from 44 million last year. Pope Francis was next

with 19.5 million followers on nine language accounts, up from 14 million in 2014. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had nearly 11 million followers, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had more than 6 million, and the White House had almost 6 million followers. Pope Francis’ words were spread widest, with an average of 9,929 retweets per tweet, compared to Obama in fourth place with 1,210.


Chile president to reshuffle entire cabinet

as popularity falls

Chile President Michelle Bachelet said she will reshuffle her entire cabinet in the next few days, a surprise announcement that indicates the depth of her concern about a collapse in her popularity. “A few hours ago I requested the resignation of all the ministers, and I will take 72 hours to decide who will stay and who will go,” she said in an interview

with a local TV station on Wednesday evening. Center-left Bachelet’s popularity has hit an all-time low in recent weeks after a series of corruption scandals. Earlier on Wednesday, the latest poll showed that disapproval of the president was still growing. As well as a scandal over illicit campaign financing that has mostly drawn in opposition politicians, Bachelet herself has been tainted by questions over a bank loan and lucrative land deal that benefited her daughter-in-law. Although she has always maintained she was unaware of the deal, in the program on Wednesday night - titled ‘What is going on with Chile?’ - Bachelet said she made “important mistakes” in not returning from holiday or commenting on the case in a timely way. The fuss over the scandals has overshadowed her political agenda at a time when she is trying to push through ambitious labor, education and other reforms. Most politicians from within Bachelet’s party welcomed the move. “Well done, President!,” tweeted left-wing senator Carlos Montes. “The resignation request marks a new stage.” It is not clear who, if any, of the ministers will stay. Traditionally the finance minister, currently Alberto Arenas, remains in place for the entire four years of an administration.

Chile’s President Michelle Bachelet speaks at a news conference after her welcoming ceremony in the presidential palace in Guatemala City

Retired surgeon Ben Carson slams slick politicians in presidential bid Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson slammed “slick politicians” in both parties as he launched his bid on Monday for the 2016 Republican nomination for president, casting himself as a problem-solver whose experience sets him apart from the field. Carson, a favorite of conservative activists, said the upcoming elections should bring in leaders with “common sense” to enact policies like reversing President Barack Obama’s 2010 health care overhaul and revamping the U.S. tax code. “I’ve got to tell you something. I’m not politically correct, and I’m probably never going to be politically correct because I’m not a politician,” Carson said in a speech in Detroit, his hometown. “Politicians do what is politically expedient, and I want to do what’s

right,” he said. Carson, who is 63 and the only black person currently seeking the nomination in either the Republican or Democratic parties, is a political neophyte. In polls of the Republican Party’s wide field of likely candidates, he currently gets about 4.8 percent of the vote, according to Reuters/Ipsos polls. That is well behind the leader, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who has not formally declared his candidacy but is widely expected to do so in coming months. Carson came from a poor family,

raised by a single mother. He rose to be director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore at age 33 and s u c c e s s f u l l y separated twins conjoined at the head. He became a conservative icon after the 2013 National Prayer Breakfast,

where he called the United States a nation in decay and criticized policies enacted by Obama, who sat nearby. His words have sometimes gotten Carson in trouble. He once called Obama a “psychopath” and has made comments on gay marriage that

infuriated the left. On Monday, Carson played up his outsider status. He talked about his childhood in rough neighborhoods with rats and roaches and drug dealers who sometimes gave children candy. He cited sacrifices his mother made to push his argument that safety-net programs cause government dependency instead of encouraging people to help themselves. Carson also said his background as a surgeon and running a program that awards scholarships to students showed his ability to solve tough problems. “I can name a lot of people in politics who have been there all their lives. You probably wouldn’t want them to polish your shoe,” he said.

“We need to be smart enough to think for ourselves.”

Ben Carson

Missing boy says stepmother put him in basementDETROIT — A boy missing for 11 days before he was found in his Detroit basement testified Wednesday that his stepmother ordered him down there and supplied him with food and electronic devices while investigators scoured the neighborhood searching for him last June.Charlie Bothuell, 13, spoke publicly for the first time about his days in the dark, cluttered basement. He said he occasionally went upstairs when no one was around to get food and use the bathroom, but that he never left the home.He blamed stepmother Monique Dillard-Bothuell for his plight and said he was too afraid of her to seek help.

“My word didn’t really matter over hers,” Charlie said.

He testified at a hearing that will determine whether Dillard-Bothuell and Charlie’s father, also named Charlie Bothuell, will go to trial on torture and child abuse charges. Defense lawyers claim the boy is lying.It’s unclear why Charlie was sent to the basement, although he said it followed a tumultuous period in which he was beaten with a plastic pipe by his father, removed from school, isolated from other kids and forced to perform daily rigorous exercises.Charlie said Dillard-Bothuell ordered him to the basement when he had taken a bathroom break during a workout on an elliptical machine. He said she gave him dry cereal and protein shakes and told him to “shut up and stay quiet.”

“I didn’t know what was going to

happen to me if I didn’t listen,” Charlie told a judge. “I had been threatened before that she would kill me.”He said he heard Dillard-Bothuell call his father and say he was missing.

13-year-old Charlie Bouthuell said: “I had been threatened before that she would kill me.”

Republican Huckabee appeals to working class in

launching 2016 bid Republican Mike Huckabee launched a bid for his party’s 2016 presidential nomination on Tuesday, zeroing in on the plight of blue-collar American workers who have been left behind in the country’s rebound from the Great Recession. The 59-year-old former Arkansas governor and former host of a popular Fox News television show is considered a long shot in the widening race to represent the Republican Party in the November 2016 election. He is the sixth Republican to make a formal run. Huckabee’s emphasis on American workers marks an attempt to expand his base beyond social conservative voters who the former Southern Baptist pastor rallied to an early, surprise victory in the 2008 White House race. Huckabee made clear he wants the Christian right behind him again in 2016, setting up a competition with like-minded rivals like Senator Ted Cruz of Texas. But he spent much of a fiery, populist speech on people struggling to make ends meet. “I don’t come from a family dynasty, but a working family. I grew up blue-collar, not blue-blood,” he said, in an apparent reference to former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, a likely rival whose old, wealthy family includes a father and brother who were presidents. Huckabee may also have been taking aim at Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton. While her upbringing was not on par with Jeb Bush’s, she is seen as part of a political dynasty started by her husband, President Bill Clinton. Huckabee’s message may play well in Iowa, which will begin the nominating process next January. Social conservatives play a prominent role in the state’s Republican politics. “There’s a large segment of working-class evangelicals within the Republican Party and I think he is hitting at the heart,” said Tim Albrecht, a Republican strategist in Iowa. Huckabee announced his bid in the small town of Hope, Arkansas, which both he and Bill Clinton, also a former Arkansas governor, call their hometown. At a community college where the event took place, audience members chanted, “We like Mike!” Huckabee spoke of his own simple life growing up in Hope, recalling daily prayers, fishing and hunting. He met his wife in high school. The candidate said hard-working Americans are being left behind in today’s economy, and blamed Democratic President Barack Obama for U.S. economic woes. While the U.S. unemployment rate has fallen to 5.5 percent from its late 2008 level of 6.8 percent, many working Americans have not seen their paychecks rise enough to pay the bills. “Ninety-three million Americans don’t have jobs,” Huckabee said. “And many of them who do have seen their full-time job with benefits they once had become two part-time jobs with no benefits at all.

LOCAL NEWSBUSINESS & TECHNOLOGYPage 40 TURKS & CAICOS SUN MAY 8TH, 2015 – MAY 15TH, 2015

CARIBBEAN NEWSBUSINESS & TECHNOLOGYBUSINESS & TECHNOLOGYApple Watch doesn’t

play nice with tattoos

SYDNEY - Early adopters of the Apple Watch, Apple Inc’s first new product in five years, are complaining that a number of its key functions are disrupted by their tattoos. Owners of Apple Watch - including this reporter, who bought a 42 mm version with stainless steel case and black classic buckle for A$1,029 ($979) - have found that their inked skin confuses the sensors on the underside of the device. Users of the watch, which went on sale last week, took to social media on Thursday under the hashtag #tattoogate to air their frustration with the flaw from Apple’s renowned design house. One anonymous user on Reddit, an entertainment, social networking, and user-generated news website, said the device’s locking mechanism, which should disengage when the watch detects it is being worn, failed to work on decorated skin. “My hand isn’t tattooed and the Watch stayed unlocked. Once

I put it back on the area that is tattooed with black ink, the watch would automatically lock again,” the user wrote. This Reuters reporter, who has a black tattoo on his left arm, also found that the watch locks on tattooed skin and does not deliver the soft pings that alert a user to incoming messages. The heart-rate readings were also significantly different on the tattooed and untattooed wrists. An Apple support article says the watch uses green LED lights paired with light-sensitive photodiodes to detect the amount of blood flowing through the wrist and calculate the frequency of heart beats. A website support page from the company says tattoos can interfere with readings from the heart rate monitor, but does not mention interference with other functions. “Permanent or temporary changes to your skin, such as some tattoos, can also impact heart rate sensor performance. The ink, pattern, and saturation of some

tattoos can block light from the sensor, making it difficult to get reliable readings,” it said. A spokesman for Apple in Sydney declined to comment on Thursday, but three Apple employees at its flagship Sydney store, including a senior advisor from its tech support line, said they were unaware of any issue. “To be honest, you’re my first caller about the Apple Watch at all,” the senior adviser told Reuters. The tattoo issue follows a report in the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday that some taptic engines, which produce the sensation of being tapped on the wrist, started to break down over time, a flaw that was slowing the rollout of the item. The report said the problem had been detected in some of the parts supplied by AAC Technologies Holdings Inc, based in Shenzhen, China. Shares in AAC Technologies dropped 8% on Thursday morning after the report. The company did not respond to requests for comment. A Taipei-based technology analyst, who is in regular contact with AAC, said he was not aware of the tattoo problem, but did not expect it would have a significant impact on production. “We have been hearing suppliers encountering some bottleneck issues for Apple Watch’s production such as problems with its displays, haptics or assembly,” he told Reuters, adding that those issues were quite common for new products.

Reuters journalist Matt Siegel inputs his passcode onto his Apple Watch as his tattoos prevent the device’s sensors from correctly detecting his skin, in Sydney, Australia

Buffett celebrates 50th year at BerkshireBerkshire Hathaway Inc shareholders on Saturday celebrated Warren Buffett’s 50th anniversary running the conglomerate, as the billionaire expressed optimism the company would thrive over the long haul, even after he is gone.Buffett and his second-in-command, Charlie Munger, fielded five hours of questions from shareholders, analysts and journalists at Berkshire’s annual meeting, including some that criticized the business practices of firms that Berkshire owns or works with, such as Brazil’s 3G Capital.The meeting had a more festive air this year, with one of the more than 40,000 people who attended shouting out “Warren and Charlie, we love you” at the start of the main event of what Buffett calls

“Woodstock for Capitalists.”“It’s not Disneyland, it’s Warrenland,” said David Rolfe, chief investment officer of Wedgewood Partners Inc.Berkshire holds more than 80 companies including the

Burlington Northern railroad, Geico car insurance, Benjamin Moore paint, Dairy Queen ice cream, Fruit of the Loom underwear, and See’s candies, and owns more than $115 billion of stocks.Its breadth and depth, which includes $63.7 billion of cash, has given Berkshire a strong balance sheet that Buffett said will help it thrive should the economy, propped up by low interest rates that many expect to rise soon, heads south.

“We will be very willing to act if economic turbulence of any kind occurs, and will be prepared, and most people won’t be,” he said.

He denied that Berkshire needed special regulatory oversight by possibly having become too big to fail.SUCCESSIONBuffett gave no hints about who would succeed him. He also alluded in one answer to his writing another of his popular letters to shareholders next February, suggesting no intention to leave soon.Yet he said he would not want someone whose sole background is in investments to become chief executive. “I would not want to put someone in charge of Berkshire with only investing experience and not any operational experience.”

Warren Buffett

JetBlue Airways and Amazon.com agree to stream

media in-flight JetBlue Airways Corp and Amazon.com Inc have agreed to stream television, movies and music from the Internet retailer in-flight, broadening travelers’ entertainment options, the companies said Tuesday. The service will be available on a majority of JetBlue’s aircraft this year via the airline’s free Wifi, so passengers can use their laptops and mobile devices. Travelers can rent or buy titles from Amazon, or stream content at no extra cost if they are Amazon Prime members. The companies did not disclose the commercial terms of the agreement. “This is the most comprehensive offering of entertainment content for any airline anywhere in the world,” said Henry Harteveldt, a founder of the travel-focused Atmosphere Research Group. He said most competitors don’t have Wifi fast enough to support video-streaming and instead rely on fixed media libraries. The companies appear to be forging a “very close” relationship, he said, and Amazon might pay JetBlue to help keep the airline’s Wifi free so that passengers can buy from the retailer.

Microsoft opens door to Android, iOS apps

SAN FRANCISCO - Microsoft Corp is making it easier for apps written for rival Google Inc’s Android and Apple Inc’s iOS systems to work on Windows phones, in a bid to attract users to its unpopular mobile devices, the company’s operating systems chief said on Wednesday. The move marks a radical shift in strategy for the world’s biggest software company, which still dominates the personal computer market but has failed to get any real traction on tablets and phones, partly because of a lack of apps. Microsoft has found itself in a circular trap, as many developers will not build apps for Windows phones which have few users, and few people want the phones which have fewer apps than Android or Apple phones. Getting apps built for Android and iOS onto its phones and tablets could be a shortcut to breaking out of that trap. “Microsoft is making a major play to win back developers,” said Forrester analyst Michael Facemire. “They’ve opened up the once-impenetrable castle walls.” Speaking at Microsoft’s developer conference in San Francisco on Wednesday, executive vice president Terry Myerson said developers will be able to use the vast majority of their Android code to turn their apps into Windows-compatible versions, which will work on Windows phones running a special subsystem. The apps will technically be Windows apps and available only through Microsoft’s online app store. The apps would automatically use Microsoft’s services such as Bing maps, rather than Google’s services, as an app would on an Android phone. That is a crucial distinction because Google gets revenue from ads on services rather than from the Android system itself. Myerson also announced a surprise move to make it easier for iOS developers to make Windows apps, saying that Microsoft’s developer software will be compatible with Objective C, the main programming language used by Apple. Google declined to comment. Apple did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Microsoft, which bought Nokia’s handset business last year, has only 3% of the global smartphone market. By contrast, Android phones, led by Samsung, control 81% of the market and Apple 15%, according to Strategy Analytics.


BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY

Netflix asks FCC to reject AT&T-DirecTV merger unless

changes made

Netflix Inc has urged the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to reject the pending $48 billion merger of AT&T Inc and DirecTV unless its concerns about the deal are addressed.A Netflix spokeswoman said on Tuesday that the video streaming company does not oppose the merger in principle but is rather seeking remedies that would help resolve its competitive concerns.

“While we are participating in the government’s review, we are not opposing the merger,” the spokeswoman, Anne Marie Squeo, said in a statement. “We’ve been

highlighting concerns about AT&T’s broadband practices and the need for appropriate remedies since last September.” According to regulatory disclosures posted on Tuesday, Netflix representatives met recently with more than 20 FCC officials and raised concerns about the combined company’s gatekeeping power as it would become the country’s largest pay-TV provider with potentially expansive broadband reach.Though the filing does not amount to a formal “petition to deny” the merger, it marks the strongest

language yet from Netflix on the proposed merger of the No. 2 wireless carrier and the largest U.S. satellite-TV company. Previous FCC filings from Netflix on the deal called for approval with conditions.

“The combination of these companies would increase the incentive and ability to limit competition and innovation in the online video space,” Squeo said. Netflix’s April 30 meeting with the FCC’s merger reviewers came just days after the agency’s strong opposition helped thwart another mega-deal between the two largest U.S. cable providers, Comcast Corp and Time Warner Cable Inc. The growing online video and over-the-top video markets became a critical issue in the review of that merger, fueled by heated opposition from Netflix, Dish Network Corp, some media companies and public interest groups.

The Netflix logo is shown in this illustration photograph in Encinitas, California

JPMorgan probed over role in French tax

evasion case

U.S. bank JPMorgan Chase has been placed under formal investigation in France as part of a probe into alleged tax evasion by senior managers at investment firm Wendel, a court official said on Wednesday. A Paris-based spokesman for JPMorgan declined to comment on the move, part of a wider investigation in which as many as 14 Wendel executives face charges including tax evasion and insider trading over transactions conducted in 2004-2007. The bank is suspected of acting as an accessory to tax evasion, the court official said. In a U.S. regulatory filing on Tuesday, JPMorgan said that in April it had been “notified that the authorities were formally investigating its role” in transactions financed by the bank on behalf of a number of Wendel managers. Though JPMorgan provided financing for the deal from its Paris branch, it was not a tax advisor, according to a person familiar with the matter who was not authorized to speak publicly. The deal was booked in France, the person added. France has vowed to crack down on tax avoidance by individuals, offshore companies and the financial institutions that serve them, following publication of leaked HSBC client data that had been handed to the Paris authorities in 2008. French magistrates last month ordered HSBC to post bail of 1 billion euros ($1.13 billion) to cover potential fines if convicted on charges that it helped French clients dodge tax. In the separate three-year investigation concerning Wendel, the former head of French employers’ organization Medef, Ernest-Antoine Seilliere, was formally accused of tax fraud last October. His predecessor at the helm of the investment firm, Jean-Bernard Lafonta, was placed under investigation five months earlier on insider trading charges. JPMorgan is also defending separate civil claims by some of the same Wendel managers, according to the quarterly 10-Q filing made on Tuesday, which gave no further details. “JPMorgan Chase is responding to and cooperating with the investigation,” it said. In afternoon trading in New York, JPMorgan shares were down slightly more than 1 percent, in line with other big U.S. banks.

A sign outside the headquarters of JP Morgan Chase & Co in New York

Disney revenue gets lift from theme parks, TV networks

Walt Disney Co’s quarterly revenue beat analysts’ expectations, helped by increased spending by visitors at its theme parks and strength in the company’s TV networks business. The company’s shares rose as much as 2 percent to a record high of $113.30 in early trading. Up to Monday’s close, they had gained 38 percent in the past year. Results for the quarter were also boosted by a surge in sales of toys and merchandise related to blockbuster animated film

“Frozen”. While the studio business failed to keep pace with last year’s “Frozen”-fueled growth,

“The Avengers: Age of Ultron” is expected to boost revenue in the current quarter. The sequel opened last weekend with $191.2 million in ticket sales in the United States and Canada — the second-biggest opening of all time.

“As much as the quarter itself was strong the outlook for the next few quarters, with so many big franchise properties coming to market, looks to be just as good,” Macquarie Research analyst Timothy Nollen told Reuters. Revenue at theme parks rose 6 percent to $3.76 billion, pushing up the unit’s operating income 24 percent as ticket prices and hotel room rates increased and visitors spent more on food, drinks and merchandise. Total revenue rose 7 percent to $12.46 billion in the second quarter ended March 28, topping the average analyst estimate of $12.25 billion. Net income attributable to Walt Disney of $1.23 per share also beat the average analyst estimate of $1.11 per share, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Walt Disney’s media networks business, which includes sports powerhouse ESPN, the Disney

channels and ABC, reported a 13 percent rise in revenue to $5.81 billion, helped by higher ad sales and affiliate fees. Higher programing and production costs at ESPN, however, pushed the unit’s operating income down 2 percent.ESPN is engaged in a fight with Verizon Inc (VZ.N) over customized TV packages that leave the sports network out of the basic channel bundle. The network sued Verizon last week, saying it was violating their contract. “We are certainly willing to work with various distributors to come up with packages that are of value to their consumers and also continue to provide value for us,” Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger said in an interview on CNBC. Revenue at the studio business dropped 6 percent to $1.69 billion, while sales at the consumer products division rose 10 percent.

American Becomes 2nd US Airline to Use Boeing’s 787 American has joined the list of airlines flying the Boeing 787 jet, which it hopes will appeal to passengers and open new, profitable international routes. Passengers boarded at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport on Thursday morning for American’s debut flight of a 787 to Chicago. Domestic service is just a warm-up. Next month, American will begin using 787s on flights to Beijing and Buenos Aires and eventually other places. American joins United as the only U.S. airlines using the plane, which

Boeing calls the Dreamliner. The 787 is made with lightweight carbon material and other advances to improve fuel efficiency. The interiors feature larger windows and mood lighting. The plane’s range and efficiency make it ideal for long flights, particularly to secondary cities in Asia, where there might not be enough demand to regularly fill a larger jumbo jet. The 787 has run into many delays and glitches, from labor strikes that slowed production to a problem getting

seats from a supplier. Most ominously, regulators grounded the worldwide fleet of Dreamliners in 2013 while Boeing developed a fix for lithium-ion battery packs that overheated. Just last week, U.S. officials ordered airlines to shut down the planes’ electrical systems every few months to prevent a loss of power that showed up in laboratory testing. Boeing is working on a more lasting software fix. Boeing has taken nearly 1,100 Dreamliner orders and has delivered about 270 planes so far, according to

a spokesman, but it continues to lose money on each one because of high production costs. American has ordered 42 Dreamliners and has taken delivery of the first five. United has 17 with 38 more on order, and Delta has 18 on order but none due for delivery until 2020. American took delivery of its first 787 in January. For several weeks, pilots who trained on 787 simulators have taken the planes out on practice runs, mostly across the western United States.

LOCAL NEWSBUSINESS & TECHNOLOGYPage 42 TURKS & CAICOS SUN MAY 8TH, 2015 – MAY 15TH, 2015

38 Million Homeless In Worst Forced Displacement In A Generation

At least 38 million people worldwide have been forced from their homes by violence or armed conflict, a new report on internally displaced persons has found. Of that number, 11 million were displaced in 2014 alone, spurred by ongoing violence in Syria, South Sudan and Iraq. “These are the worst figures for forced displacement in a generation, signaling our complete failure to protect innocent civilians,” Jan Egeland, secretary general at the Norwegian Refugee Council, which publishes the yearly report, said in a statement. Internally displaced persons, or IDPs, are migrants who do not meet the legal definition of refugees because they don’t cross an international border when fleeing violence or persecution. The report, which

the NRC’s Internal Displacement Monitoring Center has issued since 1998, focused on 60 countries and regions that have seen conflict and displacement in recent years. Last year’s shocking figure averages out to nearly 30,000 people forced from their homes every day by armed conflict or generalized violence.The steady increase in IDPs over the past decade reflects “the changing nature of conflict worldwide,” the report noted. Regions with the largest number of displaced persons have faced threats including the Islamic State group -- also known as ISIS

-- in the Middle East, Boko Haram in Nigeria, criminal groups in Latin America and separatists in Ukraine. Iraqi civilians suffered the largest displacement in terms of sheer numbers, with 2.2 million

leaving their homes last year. The ongoing war in Syria, now in its fifth year, forced an additional 1.1 million from their homes. Around 7.6 million Syrians -- 35 percent of the country’s population -- are now internally displaced. “Today’s armed conflicts put civilians in harm’s way as never before,” the report said. “The current humanitarian system, however, is not well set up to offer them the support they need.” Internal conflict can have a

“domino effect” on its neighbors, the report found. It highlighted the spread of unrest in the Middle East and central Africa that has forced many people to leave their homes. Thousands of people in northern Africa, fleeing poverty and war, have tried to cross the Mediterranean in

rickety boats, hoping to find a better life in Europe. But the dangerous crossing has heavy human costs. More than 11,000 people had to be rescued during the first 17 days of April and at least 1,800 have died this year. As the IDP population grows and disperses in a region, aid efforts grow less effective, the report noted. The current humanitarian system is ill-suited to deal with long-term displacement and efforts to repatriate and resettle displaced people are often overlooked, the authors concluded. “38 million human beings are suffering -- often in horrendous conditions where they have no hope and no future,” Egeland said. “Unless we challenge ourselves to change our approach, the shockwaves of these conflicts will continue to haunt us for decades to come.”

Oils bull run hides a deep disconnect, crude traders warn While oil futures prices rebound with vigor as analysts cite strong demand, the physical crude market tells a much more cautionary tale. Tens of millions of barrels are struggling to find buyers in Europe with traders of West African, Azeri and North Sea crude blaming poor demand. The deep disconnect between the oil futures and physical markets looks similar to the events of June 2014 when the physical market weakness became a precursor for a futures price crash. “Being large physical buyers of crude we have a direct pulse of the market and feel immediately when it is well supplied, as is happening now,” Dario Scaffardi, executive vice resident and general manager of independent Italian refiner Saras, told Reuters. “In the short-term, futures prices do not necessarily reflect accurately the physical market.” Benchmark Brent oil futures prices LCOc1 more than halved between June

2014 and January 2015 after OPEC refused to cut output and instead chose to undercut more expensive producers, including a booming U.S. shale oil sector. But since January’s lows of $46 per barrel, prices have risen back to $69 per barrel on Wednesday on fears the output in the United States would fall deeper than expected and on signs of a faster-than-expected demand rise across the world. However, data from OPEC and the International Energy Agency show the world is still pumping 1.5 million barrels per day more crude than it

consumes. Traders say they are seeing increased evidence of crude barrels struggling to find a home. Traders in Azeri Light crude, usually one of Europe’s favorite grades due to its high quality, said some 10 cargoes from the May tanker loading program are struggling to find buyers, just two days before June volumes are due to go into the market. As a result, the Azeri price premium to benchmark dated Brent is the weakest since December, when it hit a five year low. In the North Sea, Norwegian Ekofisk crude

fell to its weakest since August last year due to a significant number of unsold May cargoes, despite June program already trading. The worst situation, however, is in Angolan and Nigerian crude, which has struggled in the past two years due to the U.S. oil boom. Traders said around 80 million barrels of Nigerian and Angolan crude oil are on the market with at least a dozen May-loading cargoes still available. Indian refiners, which had bought large quantities of Nigerian oil in March and April, are now turning to cheaper Iraqi Basra and Venezuelan crudes. “Near term oil market fundamentals continue to look dire, particularly in the Atlantic Basin, with Nigerian, Mediterranean and North Sea differentials all weak,” analysts from London-based Energy Aspect consultancy said on Wednesday.

PUSHING THE MYTHIC ROCK UPHILL

There is no guarantee oil futures will definitely follow

the physical market as they did after June 2014. A number of unknowns could take oil prices either way. A failure to reach a nuclear deal between Iran and the West in June will reduce the likelihood of increased supplies from the Islamic Republic and therefore give prices some support. The ex-boss of BP (BP.L), Tony Hayward, said last month the withdrawal of capital and workforce from the U.S. shale oil industry was so steep that a new oil price bull market may come much quicker than expected. Others argue that shale producers have become much more efficient in recent months and can switch production back on as soon as prices reach $70 per barrel. The head of oil trading house Vitol, the world’s largest, Ian Taylor, said he saw another dip in oil prices soon. On the demand side, the biggest unknown is whether China will resume buying large volumes of oil for its strategic reserve in the second half of the year.

Oil pump jacks are seen next to a strawberry field in Oxnard, California

EU moves to help tech companies compete with US giants BRUSSELS — The European Union has unveiled a long-term strategy to help its technology companies compete with U.S. giants like Google and Amazon by unifying the continent’s digital sector and taking a hard line on abuses by dominant firms.The plan will mean making e-commerce easier across borders among the EU’s 28 states. It will also entail a new look at where industry giants may be stifling competition in online trade. That means reassessing the way companies like Google, Amazon, Facebook or e-Bay handle online trade. The EU touted the plan as an ambitious effort to foster new companies and create jobs in a region still struggling with the after-effects of the financial crisis.

“Creating a digital single EU market will be a big step in helping European firms to compete on an equal footing,” said Mark Skilton, a professor at the Warwick Business School. But the response from the technology industry was lukewarm. Digital Europe, the digital technology industry umbrella group, warned of the temptation to regulate too much. The rules would also take years to have an impact, with a final report on the new plan due only in two years. The 16 points of the plan announced by EU Commissioner Andrus Ansip cover three main areas:

BETTER ACCESS

Making it easier to trade and use services across EU countries is a key

point. The different regulations are a problem because privacy and consumer protection might be very different in, say, Romania and Sweden. Europe has trouble selling on the digital marketplace even when the rubber meets the road — literally. Almost two-thirds of online companies say that costs for parcel delivery are too high. So that needs to come down. The Commission also plans to end so-called “geo-blocking,” the practice of limiting services to one country’s borders. That would end the frustrating experience of traveling to a neighboring country and suddenly finding services like online TV streaming blocked. National copyright rules are also in the EU’s crosshairs. It aims to improve traveler access to films, music

or online news. At the same time it would crack down on infringements.

A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD

The Commission will seek common criteria for telecom rules across the bloc.Part of this effort is an inquiry into e-commerce rules to assess how much dominant companies might be stifling competition. The EU’s ongoing antitrust battle with Google, in which it alleges the company favors its own services in its search results, is part of this EU effort to make a level playing field.EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager threatened to take action if any other breaches of competition rules were found.


BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY

Stumbling blocks emerge for Brazil prosecutors in Petrobras case

Recent setbacks for prosecutors in a huge corruption scheme at Brazil’s state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA suggest they will struggle to win as many convictions as they seek. The Supreme Court’s decision last week to release from jail nine executives at construction companies suspected of paying bribes in the scheme, and put them under house arrest instead, reduces the chances of prosecutors convincing them to strike plea bargain deals that could result in additional charges. The ruling, and a separate decision by the court to halt some new depositions, suggest defense efforts to poke holes in the investigation, often by citing procedural issues, are starting to bear fruit. To be sure, legal experts do expect more convictions in the case in which former executives at Petrobras, as the company is known, and some of its suppliers are accused of inflating the value of service contracts and funneling the excess funds into their own bank accounts and to political parties, including that of President Dilma Rousseff. (Graphic on the alleged corruption scheme: reut.rs/1GQrMVf)Rousseff is not being investigated, but her ratings have suffered because of her party’s ties to the scandal and fears that economic fallout from the investigation will tip Brazil into recession this year. Prosecutors say bank records and witness testimony show at least 2.1 billion reais ($700 million) was embezzled. The probe has already

led to 97 indictments, including four former Petrobras executives, the senior engineering executives, and the treasurer of Rousseff ’s Workers’ Party.Dozens of elected officials have also been implicated in a separate investigation in Brasilia. The first eight convictions came on April 22, including a former Petrobras executive and a black-market money dealer, who were sentenced to a year of house arrest and three years in jail, respectively. Yet the recent Supreme Court decisions suggest prosecutors may struggle to reach their stated goal of presenting more charges and sending scores of politicians and executives to jail to change the way corruption is treated and punished in Brazil. “It’s going to be hard to get these convictions,” said Luiz Flavio Gomes, a criminal lawyer and director of the Avante Institute, an anti-crime organization in Sao Paulo, citing Brazil’s “precarious justice system” and the recent release of some defendants. In ordering the release of the nine executives, the Supreme Court rejected federal judge Sergio Moro’s argument that the suspects could commit more crimes unless they were locked up. Moro, who is guiding the prosecution, has not publicly commented on the ruling. But keeping the executives in jail was seen as key to pressuring them to reveal what they knew about the graft and bring about more indictments. A lawyer for the vice president of construction firm Camargo Corrêa

told Folha de S.Paulo newspaper that “the number of plea bargains will likely fall” because of the ruling.

UNTOUCHABLES

Since the scandal first broke last year, the investigation has enjoyed broad support among Brazilians who believe endemic graft and bribery keep their resource-rich country from reaching its full potential. The 42-year-old, telegenic Moro and a group of nine prosecutors in the southern city of Curitiba, where much of the investigation is carried out, have become celebrities. A photo of the prosecutors with the headline

“The Untouchables” ran on the front page of Folha a few weeks ago. Yet some warn the publicity may have inflated expectations. “Because of the size of the investigation and the amount of media attention it generates ... you almost end up assuming (the defendants) are guilty,” said Tatiana Farina, an economist affiliated with the University of Sao Paulo. Moro and the prosecutors declined to be interviewed for this story. They have previously defended their tactics, including the use of plea bargains, as permitted under Brazilian law and necessary to crack a case as big as Petrobras. One prosecutor, Deltan Dallagnol, has spoken of the opportunity to spur a “social transformation” by showing that corruption will not be tolerated. One major obstacle, however, is the justice system itself. Courts often have unclear or

overlapping jurisdictions, making them prone to small procedural errors.Defense lawyers argue that key elements of the case should be heard not under Moro’s jurisdiction in Curitiba but in Rio de Janeiro, where Petrobras is based. Leonardo Sica, the president of the Sao Paulo bar association, said that argument could get some of Moro’s rulings thrown out in coming months. Defense lawyers also say they plan to continue pushing back against Moro’s “preventive jailing,” of suspects before they have been sentenced or even formally charged. Moro has justified the measure with flight risk and potential threat to public order posed by the suspects. Andre Azevedo, member of the legal team representing jailed lobbyist Fernando Soares, who is accused of funneling bribes to politicians, said the practice violates the American Convention on Human Rights, which Brazil signed. “We have a list of cases that were thrown out in Brazil for these types of excesses,” he told Reuters. He called the Supreme Court’s decision to free some executives a “huge blow” to Moro. The Supreme Court’s recent rulings also suggest it is reluctant to give the Moro a free rein. That matters because elected officials enjoy special protection, which means 34 politicians, including the leaders of both houses of Congress, who have been named as possible suspects must be tried before the Supreme Court.

The first self-driving vehicle you see may have 18 wheels LAS VEGAS (AP) — Traveling about 55 miles per hour on a Nevada highway, the big rig’s driver looked like The Thinker, with his elbow on the arm rest and his hand on his chin. No hands on the steering wheel, no feet on the pedals. Mark Alvick was in “highway pilot” mode, the wheel moving this way and that as if a ghost were at the helm. Daimler Trucks North America LLC says its “Inspiration” truck, the first self-driving semi-truck to be licensed to roll on public roads — in this case any highway or interstate in Nevada — is the future of trucking. It’s a future that will still need drivers, but they might be called “logistics managers.” “The human brain is still the best computer money can buy,” said Daimler Trucks North America LLC CEO Martin Daum on Wednesday.Although much attention has been

paid to autonomous vehicles being developed by Google and traditional car companies, Daimler believes that automated tractor-trailers will be rolling along highways before self-driving cars are cruising around the suburbs. On freeways there are no intersections, no red lights, no pedestrians, making it a far less complex trip, said Wolfgang Bernhard, a management board member of Germany’s Daimler AG, at an event in Las Vegas.

But it will be years before an autonomous truck hits the highway for anything more than tests and demonstrations, the company says. The industry is watching the developments, said Ted Scott, director of engineering for American Trucking Associations, which represents trucking companies. He questioned what the economic benefit would be, with companies paying a driver’s salary on top of the new technology, even given the potential safety advantages including

less-fatigued drivers. “Being a tired driver is not as big of a problem as it’s often made out to be,” Scott said. The group representing truck drivers — the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association — isn’t sure the technology would affect driving jobs, noting the abundance of job openings now and the industry’s high turnover. “We mainly have questions,” said Norita Taylor, the group’s director of public affairs, citing current laws regulating how long a driver can drive and prohibitions on texting while driving. Al Pearson, Daimler Trucks’ chief engineer of product validation, said all the same laws still apply: No texting, no napping while in motion.

“We need an attentive driver,” he said, with the technology removing some of the stress.

People load in to a Daimler Freightliner Inspiration self-driving truck for a demo

Yellen cites potential dangers in US stock valuations Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen on Wednesday said high equity valuations could pose potential dangers but that stability risks across the U.S. financial system remained in check. “I would highlight that equity market valuations at this point generally are quite high,” Yellen said.

“There are potential dangers there.” Yellen’s view on the run-up in stocks was an answer to questions from International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde, who joined the Fed chief for the opening session of the

“Finance and Society” conference here.

“We’ve also seen the compression of spreads on high-yield debt, which certainly looks like a reach for yield type of behavior,” Yellen said. U.S. stocks were trading lower following the comments, building on earlier declines triggered by weak private job data. Another potential trouble spot that Yellen pointed out was low long-term interest rates, which could spike as the Fed normalizes its policy, causing disruption across the financial system. “When the Fed decides it’s time to begin raising rates, these term premiums could move up and

we could see a sharp jump in long-term rates. So we’re trying to ... communicate as clearly about our monetary policy so we don’t take markets by surprise,” she said. U.S. Treasuries continued to slide for a ninth straight day on Wednesday amid a global bond sell-off, with longer-maturity Treasuries declining the most. Yellen tempered these remarks by saying that she did not see any bubbles forming at the moment, and she described risks to financial stability as

“moderated, not elevated.”


LOCAL NEWSCARIBBEAN SPORTS

Jamaicans double up in relays without Usain Bolt

Jamaica won the showcase 4x200 metres relay without Usain Bolt as their American rivals dropped the baton at the IAAF World Relays in Nassau, Bahamas on Sunday. Nickel Ashmeade, Rasheed Dwyer, Jason Livermore and Warren Weir survived a shaky second exchange baton pass to claim the feature race in one minute, 20.97 seconds. But at least the Jamaicans, in winning their first race of the two-day meeting, got the baton around. The Americans were not so fortunate. A muffed passed between Isiah Young and Curtis Mitchell on the second exchange sent the baton flying, leading to their disqualification. Bolt did not run as a precaution, his manager said,

after the world’s fastest man felt tightness in his hamstring warming up. Second place went to France and Germany claimed third. Justin Gatlin, not realising the US had dropped the baton, still ran a blazing anchor leg to bring the Americans from seventh to third before their disqualification was announced. The US with Gatlin running a strong second leg, had beaten a Bolt-anchored team in the men’s 4x100 on Saturday. The two rivals are not expected to meet in a sprint showdown before August’s world championships in Beijing. Jamaica’s women added to the island nation’s delight with a come-from-behind win over the US in their 4x100. Twice Olympic champion

Veronica Campbell-Brown ran down U.S. anchor Carmelita Jeter to bring the Jamaicans home in 42.14 seconds, ahead of the Americans (42.32). Britain took third ahead of Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, Nigeria and Switzerland.All eight teams won automatic qualifying berths for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Americans swept the other three finals, the men’s distance medley and women’s 4x400 and 4x800 relays. The most important was the women’s 4x400, where Olympic berths were also at stake. Phyllis Francis, Natasha Hastings, Sanya Richards-Ross and Francena McCorory assured the Americans would be in Rio with their run of 3:19.39. Jamaica were second and Britain held off France for third.Poland, Canada, Australia and Brazil also qualified for the Olympics. Kyle Merber, Brycen Spratling, Brandon Johnson and Ben Blankenship combined for a world record 9:15.50 for the US in the infrequently held men’s distance medley, which consists of legs of 1,200, 400, 800 and 1,600 metres. Kenya took second and Australia were third. The US women were victorious in 8:00.62 in the 4x800, beating Poland and Australia.

Jamaica’s 4x200 relay team strike a pose on the medal podium after winning the event at the IAAF World Relays Championships in Nassau Bahamas; Nickel Ashmeade, Jason Livermore, Rasheed Dwyer and Warren Weir.

Bravo and Blackwood secure shared series for West Indies West Indies turned what looked likely to be a nail-biting chase into a canter over the line as the evening shadows enveloped Kensington Oval to secure a hugely notable shared series. Darren Bravo and Jermaine Blackwood, both reining themselves in from their natural preference to attack when the game was in the balance, formed the decisive partnership of 108 for the fifth wicket. Bravo played with great maturity for 82 off 148 balls, taking West Indies to the brink of victory with a flourish of boundaries only to pick out mid-off with four needed. Blackwood, given a life on 4, remained unbeaten and completed an outstanding Test - and productive series - by showing levels of restraint that had not always been on show at other stages of the three matches and lofted the winning shot down the ground. It was the stand-out period of batting in a game dominated by the bowlers, although showed up much of the batting that preceded it. Bravo and Blackwood came together with the innings teetering on 80 for 4 when Shivnarine Chanderpaul, looking a shadow of the player who has carried West Indies for so long, dragged on to James Anderson’s first ball after tea. With an eye to the future, it could be very significant that West Indies held their nerve without a major contribution from Chanderpaul. It might not be the end for him yet, but it

can’t be far away. Shortly after his departure, with West Indies 87 for 4, came a crucial moment. Blackwood, in a moment of hot-headedness that would not become a hallmark of a very calm innings, charged at Joe Root, had a mighty swing and missed, but Jos Buttler could not gather the stumping. It was the last clear-cut chance that England had before the match was gone as Blackwood and Bravo became increasingly confident once the target was below three figures. Bravo has often been accused, with some justification, of too many lapses in concentration and there were moments in this innings when he could have succumbed but impressively battled through. Before tea, the score froze as England strung together six consecutive maidens - a period which

brought the wicket of Marlon Samuels - and then when he moved into the 30s he was offered regular reminders by Buttler of his propensity to fall in such a position. Instead, he eased to a 116-ball half-century. Occasionally he came out of his shell, including hammering the first ball after tea from Root for six then twice launching Moeen Ali straight down the ground as the target came into view. The first of Bravo’s sixes off Moeen had been proceeded by 13 coming from an Anderson over (although two of the boundaries were byes and leg byes) which signalled there would be no final twist. The result is a huge tick for Phil Simmons at the end of his first series in charge. It is only six months since West Indies pulled out of the tour of India, which was followed by a poor World

Cup (although better than England’s). History tells us that problems are often not far away but, barring the final day in Grenada, the fight they have shown in this series offers some hope. Quite what Colin Graves, the incoming ECB chairman who has been at this Test, will make of it remains to be seen. He branded West Indies

“mediocre” before the series and said anything less than a series victory would bring serious questions. A few people may be sitting uneasily on the flight back to England. Alastair Cook’s job is unlikely to be under threat - helped by his first-innings hundred - but he will need to explain England’s collective batting failure in this match. They had the best of conditions after winning the toss but could only muster 257 and the way West Indies secured the win added much kudos to their bowling display to keep England to 123, as they added 84 more on the third morning in 21 overs. Cook was severely hampered in the field as he tried to defend 192 by the struggles of Moeen. Although Moeen removed Kraigg Brathwaite, courtesy of another fine slip catch from Chris Jordan, he again offered up far too many short deliveries. Cook could not trust him and was forced to turn back to Anderson. The way West Indies attacked Moeen is something he will have to be prepared for during the Ashes.

Darren Bravo guided West Indies’ chase with a superbly controlled innings

Grenada’s Kirani James to meet USA’s Merriitt in 400m

The world’s two leading one-lap runners will go head to head for the first time in 2015 at the Shanghai IAAF Diamond League meeting on 17 May. World 400m champion LaShawn Merritt and Olympic champion Kirani James will clash at the second meeting on this year’s IAAF Diamond League calendar with important bragging rights to be won ahead of the IAAF World Championships this August.These two athletes have been swapping global 400m titles since Merritt won the Olympic gold medal in 2008. The 28-year-old US sprinter went on to clinch the world crown in 2009 before James – the young talent from Grenada – emerged to claim both the world title in 2011 and the Olympic gold in 2012. Meritt became world champion again in Moscow in 2013 and will be keen to retain his status in Beijing this summer. The two met twice last year, most memorably at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Eugene when they crossed the line virtually together. James was given the verdict after a photo-finish in which both clocked a world-leading time of 43.97. They both dipped under the 44-second barrier again when they raced at Lausanne’s Athletissima meeting in July, James again coming out ahead with an area record of 43.74, a personal best and the quickest time in the world last year. Merritt was barely a stride behind in 43.92, his fastest of 2014. James went on to win gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, while Merritt bagged the 400m Diamond Trophy and $40,000 Diamond Race prize as well as taking victory for the Americas at the IAAF Continental Cup in Marrakech.

Olympic champion Kirani James



WORLD SPORTS

Deflategate probe clears Bill Belichick, suggests Tom Brady aware of tampering

An investigation into the so-called Deflategate scandal concluded it is more likely than not that New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady “was at least generally aware of the inappropriate activities” by two team employees that resulted in balls being deflated in the AFC Championship Game. The report, released Wednesday by attorney Ted Wells, found “it is more probable than not that Jim McNally and John Jastremski participated in a deliberate plan to circumvent the rules by releasing air from Patriots game balls,” but found no wrongdoing by Patriots ownership, coach Bill Belichick and his assistants, or equipment manager Dave Schoenfeld. Patriots owner Robert Kraft issued an immediate response, saying

the organization is disappointed by the report, which lacked “any incontrovertible or hard evidence of deliberate deflation of footballs.” Most of the balls New England used in the first half of the AFC title

game against the Indianapolis Colts fell below the league-mandated threshold of 12.5 pounds per square inch, theoretically making them easier to grip in adverse weather conditions.Colts general manager Ryan Grigson confirmed at the scouting combine in February that his team alerted the league to its concern during the week prior to the game. The Patriots vigorously defended themselves in the days following their 45-7 defeat of the Colts. Both Belichick and Brady denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of the underinflated balls. “I would never do anything to break the rules,” Brady said at the time. “I believe in fair play, and I respect the league.” Kraft defiantly touted the integrity of Brady and Belichick

when the team arrived in Arizona for Super Bowl XLIX and made it clear he expected an apology from the league in the event the Patriots were absolved of any wrongdoing. “I want to make it clear that I believe unconditionally that the New England Patriots have done nothing inappropriate in this process that were in violation of NFL rules,” Kraft said Jan. 26. “Tom, Bill and I have been together for 15 years. They are my guys. They are part of my family, and Bill, Tom and I have had many difficult discussions over the years, and I have never known them to lie to me. That is why I am confident in saying what I just said. “It bothers me greatly that their reputations and integrity and, by association, that of our team, has been called into question.”

Deflated Footballs

2015 Wimbledon singles champions to receive nearly $3M LONDON Prize money keeps going up at Wimbledon, with first-round losers as well as champions cashing in on record rewards. The All England Club announced Tuesday that prize money for this year’s grass-court Grand Slam will increase by 7 percent to reach a total of 26.75 million pounds ($40.60 million). The men’s and women’s singles champions will each receive 1.88 million pounds ($2.85 million).Organizers said the prize fund will be “the highest ever in professional tennis,” surpassing last year’s U.S. Open purse of $38.25 million. In the space of four years, Wimbledon’s purse has almost doubled in size from the 14.6 million pounds ($22.4 million) on offer in 2011. The increase has also filtered down to the early stages of the tournament. A first-round loser this year will receive 29,000 pounds ($44,500), a 7 percent increase from the 27,000 pounds offered last year. Tournament chairman Philip Brook said the prize money helps preserve Wimbledon’s premier status and rejected suggestions that the winners are overpaid. “I think without the world’s best tennis players, we wouldn’t have the world’s best tennis tournament,” Brook said. “We recognize the players are an essential ingredient of our championships and this level of prize money is affordable for these

championships and therefore we feel it is important that we should reflect that in what we pay the players.” The prize money for the singles winners will rise 7 percent from the 1.76 million pounds won by last year’s champions Novak Djokovic and Petra Kvitova. Men’s and women’s doubles winners will earn 340,000 pounds ($520,000), an increase of 15,000 pounds, while mixed doubles winners will receive a rise of 4 percent to 100,000 pounds ($153,000). Wimbledon will run from June 29 to July 12. The break between the French Open and Wimbledon, normally two weeks, has been extended to three weeks for the first time this year. The All England Club also said Hawk-Eye technology will be used on Courts 12 and 18, making it six courts in total equipped with the line-calling system. Overall capacity has increased by 500 to 39,000 because Courts 14 and 15 will be available again after being re-laid during last year’s event. A total of 19 courts will be in play for the championships.Officials said progress is running on schedule for a roof to be built on Court 1, which should be ready for the 2019 competition. All England Club chief executive Richard Lewis dismissed speculation that Wimbledon could sell British television rights to subscription channel

Sky and break its long-term association with the BBC. “There’s absolutely no intention to go down that route whatsoever,” Lewis said. “We have a very, very strong relationship with the BBC and we feel it works very well. And we see absolutely no reason to change that.

“Never say never, but not in the foreseeable future.”

Novak Djokovic of Serbia holds up the trophy after defeating Roger Federer of Switzerland in the men’s singles final at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships in Wimbledon, London, Sunday, July 6, 2014.

Fans sue Manny Pacquiao for fraud over pre-fight injury Manny Pacquiao and his camp face a class-action lawsuit filed Tuesday by two Las Vegas residents claiming fraud over the concealment of his injury before the fight against Floyd Mayweather. The suit seeks damages of more than $5 million from Pacquiao, manager Machael Koncz, promoter Top Rank and its chairman Bob Arum and president Todd duBoef. The suit alleges that they knew of Pacquiao’s shoulder injury and failed to tell the Nevada Athletic Commission and also to inform the fans who purchased tickets at the arena or the pay-per-view and those who bet on the bout, ESPN reported. “Defendants prior to and at the time the plaintiffs and the class decided to purchase tickets; purchase pay per view showings or wagered on the event the defendants knew and

had full knowledge and information that defendant Pacquiao had been seriously injured and was suffering from a torn rotator cuff,” the lawsuit stated. “Defendants further know that such injury would severely affect his performance.” After Saturday night’s fight won by Mayweather in Las Vegas in a unanimous decision, it was revealed that Pacquiao injured the shoulder while training and that his request to the receive an anti-inflammatory shot before the fight was denied. The plaintiffs questioned whether the fight was fair and that the Nevada Deceptive Trade Practices Act was violated. Billed as the Fight of the Century, the bout could exceed $300 million in pay-for-view revenue and about $72 million in ticket receipts, and wagers in Nevada could top $60 million.

Floyd Mayweather wants a rematch with Manny Pacquiao in 2016 Mayweather sent a text message to media ally Stephen A. Smith of ESPN about giving Pacquiao “another shot in a year.” Pacquiao said a right shoulder injury prevented him from fighting at his best and Nevada officials denied his request to take an anti-inflammatory shot in his dressing room before the bout. The 38-year-old Mayweather (48-0) entered Saturday with two titles already at 147 pounds and two more at 154 pounds. The 36-year-old Pacquiao’s record fell to 57-5-3. Mayweather won in one of the biggest fights in boxing history before a sold-out and star-studded crowd of 16,507 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. “He’s a hell of a fighter. I take my hat off to Manny Pacquiao,” Mayweather said. “Now I see why he’s one of the guys at the pinnacle.”

The chairman of the Nevada Athletic Commission, Francisco Aguilar, said the Pacquiao team did not disclose the injury until Saturday night, so the requests for permission to take the shot and to have a personal doctor in Pacquiao’s corner were denied. “It’s part of the game,” Pacquiao said at a news conference over the weekend. “I don’t want to make alibis or complain or anything ... (but) it’s hard to fight one-handed.” Pacquao insisted he believed he won and that he hurt Mayweather

“three or four times. ... I thought I won, but I have to review it when I go back to my hotel to see what’s happening.” Pacquiao, trainer Freddie Roach and promoter Bob Arum were vague on the details of the injury, but they even considered postponing the bout a few weeks ago. Pacquiao said he got hurt sometime after mid-March.


WORLD SPORTSLOCAL SPORTSBigger, Greener “Race for

the Conch” Set for July 4th!

One of TCI’s premier sporting events, the annual “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim, is set to take place in Grace Bay on Saturday July 4, 2015. Now in its 6th year, the highly praised international open water swim event will once again feature 1/2 mile, 1 mile, and 2.4 mile races, as well as a 100 meter Children’s Swim and 1/2 mile stand-up paddle board competition. ! In keeping with the “Eco-SeaSwim” part of the event name, race directors Ben Stubenberg and Chloe Zimmermann are stepping up the commitment to enhancing the TCI marine environment with a greener race. Only bio-degradable straws, cups, and plates will be used on the beach at Rickie’s Flamingo Cafe. Several large, re-usable bottles of water will replace small water bottles for hydration. TCI Waste will also put out extra bins for both garbage and recyclable products. Garbage can liners will also be biodegradable and no single use plastic bags will be used. “A clean ocean environment and

open water swimming are inseparable,” the race directors stated emphatically.! Moreover, local artisanal producer of personal care products, Provo Line Ltd. will provide ecologically friendly and reef safe sunscreen to all swim race participants on the beach. “We hope this will raise awareness of the harm caused to the reefs, as well as human health, by many commercial sunscreens and encourage use of sunscreens using natural, organic ingredients,” said Kristof Lingier, Founder/Owner of Provo Line and the Coconut Body Shop. As last year, the “Race for the Conch” will be held back-to-back the same weekend as Windvibes, which takes place on Sunday at Long Bay featuring kiteboarding and many other water sports activities. Since its inception in 2010, the

“Race for the Conch” has aimed to be a world class venue for top competitors out to win a conch trophy, as well as swimmers new to the sport testing themselves in a benign environment. At the same time, the charitable event has been a major promoter of swimming for all residents in the Turks & Caicos

and raised money for local non-profits.!“We are especially delighted that the race has sparked a greater interest in swimming in the Turks & Caicos, particularly young swimmers,” said Chloe Zimmermann. Added Ben Stubenberg, “It’s great to see so many local and visiting swimmers back every year to experience the friendly atmosphere of camaraderie and goodwill in such a spectacular swim environment. It’s part of what we all do to make the Turks & Caicos Islands the best destination for vacationers and a marvellous place to live.” Race organisers anticipate about 150 swimmers, about half of whom come from overseas and usually bring friends and family specifically to share the race experience. The event has gotten much favourable international press, most recently in the March issue of SWIMMER, the US Masters Swimmers magazine, that spotlighted the TCI swim race. In addition, the Daily News of Open Water Swimming continues to rate the “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim as one of top 100 open water swims in the world. ! The race will continue to have

a distinctive Turks & Caicos and Caribbean flavour. This includes hand carved conch trophies by Stanford Hanfield with bases made by Lucie Stubbs, local music, including steel pan performance by Provo resident Val Kallicharan, and fresh cut coconuts for rehydration refreshments from Coco Vibes. Locally roasted coffee by TCI Coffee Roasters will be featured on the beach. As always, great local cuisine will be served up by Rickie’s Flamingo Cafe. Non-profit groups supported by the “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim are the Provo Children’s Home, Reef Fund, and Turks & Caicos Islands Swim Federation. Swim race times as follows:2.4 Miles starts at 8:00 am! 1/2 Mile starts at 9:45 am! 1 Mile starts at 10:15 am The 1/2 Mile “Paddle for the Conch” starts at 11:30 am Racers must check in on the beach at least 1 hour before race time.More information about the race and registration is available at www.ecoseaswim.com. Sign-ups can also be done at Marco Travel located at Caicos Cafe Plaza, Grace Bay.

By Ben Stubenberg


Published by SUN MEDIA GROUP, Turks and Caicos Islands | Tel:649 946 8542 | Fax: 649 941 3281

Documents

VOLUME 11 ISSUE 18