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$1.00JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012 VOLUME 8 No. 04

15 IN COURT FOR LAND DEALFifteen persons, many of them prominentcitizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands,have been taken to court by the AttorneyGeneral and the Civil Recovery Unit, fortheir involvement in a major land deal.

The individuals are SamuelLightbourne Snr., Percy Williams, EnosGardiner, Christoval Williams, WendalSwann, Albert Grant, Chris Stubbs, SydrinPratt, Tom Lightbourne (deceased), OswaldWilliams, Conrad Howell, Edith Cooper,Ivy Cunningham, James O. Rigby andClaridge Wilson.

They are equal shareholders in acompany called Holiday ResortsDevelopment Limited, which wasincorporated in July 1996 and which hadplans to develop a tourist village that wouldhave included condominiums/villas, a hotel,a marina, a convention, a gambling casino,a horse track and an industrial area on 100acres of land that is part of the Pigeon Pondand Frenchman’s Creek Nature Reserve,which is located close to Silly Creek andChalk Sound and has a view of WestCaicos.

In a writ of summons that was filed inthe Supreme Court of the Turks and CaicosIslands on November 24, 2011, theAttorney General along with the CivilRecovery Unit is claiming that the land wasobtained by deceit, and that the companyand its officials made representations to theGovernment which it knew to be false andwhich caused the land to be transferred tothem.

The 15 individuals and their companyare also being accused of unjust enrichment.According to the court documents whichwere released the media by CRU headLaurence Harris, of the English law firmEdwards Wildman, the shareholders and thecompany received freehold title to the landwithout making any payments and unjustlyenriched themselves at the expense of theTurks and Caicos Islands Government.

“It was, and is, unconscionable for the(company and shareholders) to acquire andretain the land and/or any benefits accruingto it by reason of interests in the land,” thecourt documents stated.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

The controversial land that is part of the Pigeon Pond and Frenchman’s Creek Nature Reserve, which is located close to Silly Creek andChalk Sound and has a view of West Caicos, which can be seen in the background with the buildings.

FRENCH VISITORDROWNS WHILE DIVING

CHUCK HESSEFIRED FROM

CONCH FARM

JIM BAKERACQUITTED

ROBERT HALLLEAVING

EXPRESSIONSPLANS TO PURSUEPOLITICAL CAREER

PAGE 11PAGE 8

PAGE 12PAGE 5

LOCAL NEWSPage 2

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

In outlining the background to thecase, the court documents revealed thatthe company and its shareholdersinitially presented a developmentproposal to Derek Taylor-led People’sDemocratic Movement (PDM) inAugust 1996, which entailed developinga site of around 300 acres in and aroundWest Harbour Bluff. They wereinformed later that year by TCIG that itwould need to find an alternative site forits proposal as the proposed site fellwithin the Nature Reserve.

In 1997, they made amendments totheir proposal and held meetings withrepresentatives of TCIG. However,representatives of TCIG remainedconcerned over the prospect of protectedareas of land being developed forcommercial purposes.

In April 1998, TCIG's ChiefScientific Officer inaccurately advisedTCInvest that the Defendant's proposaldid not entail developing an area that fellwithin the Nature Reserve, although theadvice also raised concerns over thedevelopment of an area in closeproximity to the Nature Reserve.

Following the advice provided bythe Chief Scientific Officer, ExecutiveCouncil (ExC0) granted approval inprinciple for the Defendant's proposal toproceed. This approval wascommunicated by TCInvest to theDefendant on 19 May 1998.

By mid 1998, TCIG had receivedcomplaints from the Turks and CaicosNational Trust that approval in principlehad been given for the development of asection of the Nature Reserve.Furthermore, TCInvest had raisedconcerns as to whether the area shouldbe developed and whether the Defendantwould be able to properly finance thedevelopment.

In August 1998, meetings tookplace between John Steer, the SeniorCrown Counsel for Commercial matterswithin the Attorney General's Chambers,and the company Holiday ResortDevelopment, whereat a possible optionagreement was discussed that wouldprovide the company with anopportunity to put together a detaileddevelopment plan. Around the sametime, the company raised the idea ofconstructing a road from the MillenniumHighway to the development site,whereby Government would becompensated by receiving a plot of land.

In October 1999, Mr Steer wasreplaced as Senior Crown Counsel forCommercial matters within the AttorneyGeneral's Chambers by MarshaCummings.

DEVELOPMENT SCALED DOWNBy May 2001, ExCo had approved

TCIG executing the Agreement with thecompany. However, when theAgreement was sent to the company forsignature, they complained that it did notprovide for the development of land onSilly Cay. Ms Cummings confirmed tothe Defendant that Silly Cay would notbe included in any agreement andrequested that the company sign theAgreement and make the necessarypayment of $25,000 if it wished toproceed.

No further correspondence tookplace between the company and TCIGuntil June 2002, when the companyexpressed its desire to proceed with theAgreement on the terms previouslyoffered in May 2001.

Notwithstanding the concerns overthe land designated in the Agreementand the lack of any change to theboundary of the Nature Reserve, theAgreement was executed on 24 July2002.

The primary purpose of theAgreement was to ensure that the Crown

did not dispose of any part of a one-hundred acre plot within parcel 60300(which also contained the Land) that thecompany was interested in purchasingand developing.

Under the Agreement, the companymade an upfront payment of $25,000 inconsideration for the TCIG's agreementnot to dispose of the affected land. TheAgreement also provided the companywith an option to purchase a fifty acreplot within parcel 60300 if certainconditions were met (the Option). Theconditions of the Option were asfollows:

* Within three months of signing theAgreement, the company was to arrangefor the survey of the fifty acre site whichthe company wished to purchase, thelocation of which had to be approved bythe Ministry of Natural Resources andwhich in any event had to be outside thearea of the National Park.

* Within six months of signing theAgreement, the company was toproduce a land use plan and conduct anenvironmental impact assessment inrespect of the 100 acre plot, which wasto be approved by the Department ofPlanning and Department ofEnvironment and Coastal Resources.

* Within a year of signing theAgreement, the company was toproduce a development proposal for thefifty acre plot, which was to be approvedin principle by the Crown and TCIG.

* Within three years of signing theAgreement, the company was to submitan application for, obtain approval for,and construct, a road (the Road)connecting the Land to the MilleniumHighway. The standard of the Road wasto be approved by the Department ofPlanning and the Chief Engineer andwas to be not less than the standardrequired for the construction of theMillennium Highway.

* Within three years of signing theAgreement, the company was to supplythe Crown and TCIG such otherinformation as the Crown and TCIGreasonably required to satisfythemselves that the company had thenecessary technical and financialcapabilities to carry out thedevelopment.

The 50 acre plot that was to betransferred under the Option was to besold at a price of $30,000 per acre,minus the proper and reasonable costsincurred by the company in constructingthe Road to the proper standard.

The Agreement also contained aclause whereby if the company failed tocomply with any of the terms of theAgreement within the time limits set out,the Agreement would automaticallyterminate and the Crown and TCIGwould be released from all obligationsarising under it.

On 22 October 2002, the companysent a letter to the Chief Minister whichstated that it had completed the physicalsurvey of the 100 acre site anddemarcated the 50- acre parcel out of it.The letter also said that the companywas seeking to develop the land use planfor the 100 acre site.

CONSTRUCTION OF ROADWITHOUT PERMISSION

The company made an attempt tobegin construction of the Road in 2002without planning permission.Consequently, TCIG informed thecompany on 12 December 2002 that itshould cease construction of the Roadwhilst it obtained the proper planningpermission.

In early 2003, the companysubmitted a planning application for theconstruction of The Road. Thisapplication made clear that parts of theRoad would encroach into the NatureReserve. On 21 March 2003, thePhysical Planning Board (PPB) grantedconditional approval for the construction

of the Road. Amongst other things, thisrequired the Road to be "constructed ofwell-compacted fill and asphaltsurfaced".

The company arranged for acompany called Cove Construction Ltd(Cove) to begin construction of the Roadin early 2004. Cove provided servicesthroughout 2004, much of which was theleasing out of D8 bulldozers to roughlycut out the path of the Road. However,the construction work that was carriedout did not produce a road of thestandard required in the Agreement orthe standard required by the PPB.

The company did not arrange for thesurvey of a fifty acre plot outside of theNational Park and the land, which wasultimately acquired by the company,remains within the Nature Reserve.

The company did not, within sixmonths of the Agreement, conduct anenvironmental impact assessment inrespect of the 100 acre plot, which wasapproved by the Department of Planningand Department of Environment andCoastal Resources.

Although the company part—constructed the road, it was notconstructed to the same standard as theMillennium Highway and the road wasnot completed within the time framespecified in the Agreement, namelythree years from entry into theAgreement;

The company arranged for Cove topush through the path of the 6.3 miles ofRoad with a bulldozer in 2004. Covealso charged for the upgrading of a 3.5mile stretch of the Road so as to make itsuitable for vehicles.

However, Cove did not provideservices so as to construct the entire 6.3mile stretch of Road to the standardrequired by the Agreement and the PPB.Cove sent an invoice to the companydated 7 September 2005 a total of justunder $140,000 for the work it hadcarried out, much of which remainsunpaid.

In a letter to the Minister of NaturalResources on 13 January 2005, theDefendant represented that it had carriedout 7 % miles of road works. However,much of the Road had only been pushedthrough (i.e. flattened to make way forvehicles) for a 6.3 mile length. The Roadremains under 7 miles in length.

ROAD NOT APPROVEDThe Road was not approved by the

Department of Planning or the ChiefEngineer and was not constructed to thestandard required for the construction ofthe Millennium Highway, nor was itconstructed in accordance with theconditional approval of the PPB.

The Road has simply been pushedthrough with a bulldozer and has asurface consisting of crushed compactedlimestone, which washes out easily andresults in a poor quality surface: it is notasphalt surfaced. The road was notgeometrically designed either verticallyor horizontally, nor was any drainagemechanism accounted for.

In a letter to the Chief Ministerdated 31 May 2005, the companyrepresented that it had completed the'preliminary road as required by [theAgreement]". The company alsorequested at this time that the Land betransferred, and represented that theoverall costs of constructing the Roadwould be in excess of $1.5 million. Atthis time, the company had incurredcosts of under $140,000 (much of whichit had not paid).

In March 2007, the Chief Engineerwas asked to provide a price estimate forworks on the Road that would bring it upto the standard necessary in accordancewith the Agreement. This estimate wasprepared by the Senior ResidentEngineer on Providenciales, Mr HerrolSadler.

Mr Sadler estimated that it would

cost $1,703,856 to construct the Road toa suitable standard and includedprovision for "site clearance, cut and fillusing D8 dozer to suitable gradients,importation of suitable quarry fill androad base construction to include rollingand grading". The estimate was brokendown into two parts: firstly, siteclearance and bulk earthworks, whichwas estimated to cost $299,376;secondly, imported quarry base, whichwas estimated to cost $1,404,480.

At the time the estimate was given,the company had only arranged foritems falling within the first part of theestimate (i.e. some site clearance andbulk earthworks), which was the workundertaken by Cove. No work in respectof the base of the Road had beenundertaken, nor was it undertakensubsequently.

On 6 June 2007, the Minister ofNatural Resources, which was by thisdate McAllister Hanchell, wrote to thecompany indicating that the ChiefEngineer had certified that the cost of theworks on the Road were in the amountof $1,703,856, and as this exceeded thevalue of the Land, the Defendant hadbeen given approval to draw down onthe Land.

The company proceeded to drawdown on the Land notwithstanding thatit had not incurred costs of over$140,000 in constructing the Road andnotwithstanding the fact that it was inbreach of the Agreement, by virtue ofwhich the Agreement had terminated.

On 11 January 2008, the companywas registered as the owner of thefreehold interest in the Land. At the dateof registration, the Land remained withinthe Nature Reserve. No payment wasmade by the company in respect of theLand. Instead, the consideration wasalleged to have been provided for byway of construction of the Road inaccordance with the Agreement.

According to the Agreement, theprice of the Land amounted to$1,500,000, being 50 acres at $30,000per acre. The company was entitled todeduct the proper and reasonable costsit incurred in constructing the Road,which it represented to be $1,703,856.On that basis, the company was left withnothing to pay for the Land.

On 20 May 2011, EdwardsWildman Palmer UK LLP (EdwardsWildman) wrote to the company onbehalf of TCIG requesting certaininformation relating to the transfer of theLand;

On or before 25 July 2011, arepresentative of the company, TanyaParnell, contacted the Governor's Officewith regard to the proposeddevelopment. The Governor's Officeinformed the company that EdwardsWildman would be in touch with theDefendant;

On 25 July 2011, Edwards Wildmanagain wrote to the company on behalf ofTCIG chasing a response to its letterdated 20 May 2011;

On the same date, Laurence Harris,a Partner in Edwards Wildman, emailedMs Parnell indicating that TCIG wasawaiting a reply to a letter that had beensent to the company in May and that afurther letter had been sent chasing aresponse. Ms Pamell responded thesame day to say she had informed thedirectors of the company, and was"certain they will attempt to respondasap";

The Government is arguing that theAgreement therefore terminated prior tothe Transfer having taken place.Accordingly, at the time the transfer didnot take place, the neither Crown norTCIG had any obligation to transfer theLand to the Defendant.

They are saying that the Crown wasno longer obliged to transfer the Landunder the terms of the Agreement at thetime the Transfer took place, nor was itobliged to allow for the deduction of anycosts incurred in constructing the Roadby the company.

15 in court for land deal (CONT’D)

Page 3JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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Page 4JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012 TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

LOCAL NEWSPage 5

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

Chairperson of the ConsultativeForum Lillian Misick has stronglycriticised a group of individuals whodisrupted a meeting which was heldThursday night with some Filipinosto discuss the pathway to citizenshipin the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The SUN understands that theFilipinos were terrified when theirmeeting was stalled by someconcerned Turks and Caicos Islanderswho felt it was wrong to have twoseparate meetings with differentgroups to discuss the serious matter ofcitizenship.

However, Misick said thedisruption of the meeting at theGraceway Sports Centre “by a smallmob of TC Islanders manifested thekind of belligerent ignorance that wesimply cannot tolerate”.

She added: “It was unfair to theFilipinos who duly heeded the Forum’sadmonition to register for this meetingand paid out of their pockets toorganize it – just as groups of TCIslanders have done without any fuss

or controversy. And it wasdisrespectful to the Forum memberswho signed on to lead tonight’sdiscussions – just as other membershave done without any fuss orcontroversy.”

Misick said no member of theinterim administration and, inparticular, no member of theConsultative Forum has ever promotedor even suggested that there should beseparate meetings for locals andexpats.

She added: “In fact I was sodisappointed that so few locals wereparticipating in the nationalquestionnaire on the pathway tocitizenship that I issued a national pleajust weeks ago for more of our peopleto not only fill out thosequestionnaires, but also register withthe Forum if, like the Filipinos andother groups, they felt the need formore information and guidance in thisrespect. So the only reason there weretwo meetings scheduled is that a groupof locals decided to shun the process

that is being facilitated by the Forum.This of course is their right. But theyare the ones who decided to separatethemselves from the process, whichmakes any claim that the interimadministration is conducting one set ofmeetings for locals and one set forexpats as fatuous as it is mischievous.”

Misick said it would be one thingif this were the first time a group of TCIslanders has decided to duplicate (orarguably undermine) the efforts of theForum to inform and engage ourpeople on an issue of nationalimportance. But, she stressed, this isonly the latest manifestation of a“strain of anti-government, anti-Forumbias that has been doing nothing butsowing discord not just between localsand expats, but also amongstourselves”.

The Consultative Forumchairperson added: “It is often said thata lie can make it around the worldbefore the truth gets out of the door.Far too often this has been the case inour beloved country. The sad thing is

that our own people are invariably theones propagating those lies and we arethe only ones being hurt by them. Alas,there is nothing the governor or I cando to stop people fromrumormongering under fake names onthe Internet. But the governor can domore to stop this kind of mob-likebehaviour, and I urge him to take allnecessary steps to do so. For my part,I can only beg our people to considerthe source of their information beforeacting on it. Because, instead of beingproud of what happened tonight, allsensible TC Islanders should feelnothing but shame. I know the vastmajority of us do.”

Disruption of meeting withFilipinos condemned by

Consultative Forum Chairperson

Chairperson of the Consultative ForumLillian Misick

It appears that the year 2012 will be anotherextremely busy year for the Labour Tribunal, asalmost every day at least until the end ofFebruary; it will be convened to hear disputesbetween employees and their bosses.

The first case heard this year was betweenNadedge Parker and Air Turks and Caicos, whichhad a full hearing on January 10. That case continuedon January 11 and will resume at a later date.

The case between Calvert Lightbourne and theTurks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority had itspreliminary issues ironed out on January 11, andshould be decided on a later date as to whether or notit will go forward.

The case brought by ex-Regent Palms employee

Jamy Williams was settled on January 11 after bothparties reach a consensus.

Two matter involving Dayna Wallace and theNational Health Insurance Board (NHIB) had twohearings – on January 17 and 18 – and should continueat a later date.

The Marie Pena versus Tibor Machine Shopmatter continued on January 24, and should resume onFebruary 1. The preliminary hearing was held in thematter between Dreffiane Laquere and Albert’sCleaning Services and co-respondent Parrot CayResort on January 25, while there was a continuationof the Moise Hitcher versus Provo Landscaping matteron the say day, and will later be heard on February 9.

A full hearing will be held on January 31, in thematter between Rodin St. Louis and Express Water.Preliminary Issues between Winfield Alexander andthe Veranda Resort Management Services will also beheld on January 31.

The continuation of the case between RichardSantos and Murabella Spa will have its continuationon February 7, while on February 8, there will be threematters; the direction hearing of Eddie Silver versusTortog Airways, the preliminary issues of CecillaVasquez versus E and L Beauty Salon, which willcontinue on February 15, and another preliminaryissues matter between Ezionne Michel and othersversus Executive Cleaning.

On February 9, the court will begin preliminaryissues between Lorieuse Higgs and Beaches Resortand Spa. Later that day the court will hear the matterbetween Marie Romeo versus Lee Forbes.

A full hearing will be held in the Ruben Missickversus the Windsong Resort matter on February 14,and will continue on February 21. Over three days –February 22, 28 and 29 - the Labour Tribunal willhear the case involving Cheryl Shand versus CaicosHoldings Television LTD, the trading name for WIV.

Labour Tribunal has hectic schedule

Shortly after 9.30am on Thursday January26, a 55-year-old French tourist was rushedto the emergency department of the CheshireHall Medical Centre following a divingincident off Provo.

The patient was brought to shore by boatand met by an ambulance, with paramedicsadministering treatment throughout thejourney.

Intensive treatment was continued by ateam of highly-skilled doctors and nurses atthe hospital, but sadly this provedunsuccessful and the man was pronounceddead just after 10am.

A post mortem will now be held todetermine the cause of death.

Frenchtourist dies

while diving

COMMENTARYPage 6

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

I have been trying as best thatI can to find some semblanceof fairness or objectivity in thecivil recovery process that is tothe benefit of Turks andCaicos Islanders. It is all welland good for the team to besaying that they would begetting to the root of things soas to root out corruption thathas reared its ugly head in anumber of areas. However, asthings progress, we see a clearpattern emerging is that Turksand Caicos Islanders are thecorrupt ones, while the expatshave made a mistake so onlyneed to have their wristsslapped a bit!

The last legitimately electedgovernment did all that it couldto assist the operators of theShore Club project in every way possible so that itcould come to fruition. The Commission of Inquiry“flagged” a number of issues with respect to it andWetherell did all in his powers to keep it in a stalledposition.

Eventually a deal was cut and the operatorswere required to pay some undisclosed some sumto put them in the “clear”. But two Turks and CaicosIslanders that had provided some of the land onwhich the project is being built, Clyde Robinson andRichie Arthur are still being pursued for criminalwrongdoing. It is a clear indication that this isnothing more than an “us against them” situation. Ifit is tainted for one, then it must be tainted for all!

In 1996, 15 Turks and Caicos Islanders cametogether to form a company so that they coulddevelop a hotel project in Providenciales. They gotthe requisite approvals and began to proceed as bestthey could at the time.

They were required to build a road fromMillennium Highway, opening up and giving accessto other Crown Land. A valuation of the works wasdone and it was determined that it had a value ofsome $1.5M. 50 acres of land was transferred fromthe Crown to the company as compensation for the

works done.This method of payment

in land for works done wasno stranger to TCIG. Now allof a sudden, the value of theworks was undervalued andboth the government and thecompany made a mistake asto the obligations being met.This is so stupid, to say theleast! Every deal that was forthe benefit of Turks andCaicos Islanders was wrongaccording to the InterimRegime and its cohorts.

It is clear, according tothese people that everyAttorney General andGovernment of the past wasshortsighted when it came toensuring that Turks andCaicos Islanders got a fair

shake. How come they could unearth so muchwrongdoing on the part of Turks and CaicosIslanders and none on the part of foreigners? Nomatter how you carve it up, that must be animpossible situation.

They are now throwing in this red herring aboutTurks and Caicos Islanders “unjustly enriching”themselves through the granting to them of Crownland. So when an expatriate obtains Crown land,subdivides it or sell it in bulk and makes a profit itis sound business practice! But when a Turks andCaicos Islander does the same it is a corrupt practiceand should be frowned upon and the land andwhatever profits made must be returned to theCrown! These are the actions that create theatmosphere in which riots and unrest breed. Wehave to call these people out for what they are doingto us. The more we keep quiet, it gives them thepower to continue down this path ofdisenfranchising Turks and Caicos Islanders.

This nonsense of marginalizing Turks andCaicos Islanders raised its ugly head during theprocess of consulting on the pathway to Turks andCaicos Islands citizenship. There is no doubt thatpersons coming to our shores and wanting to be part

of our community are impacted by whateverpolicies or laws with respect to that.

However, to say that they must be part of theconsultation process makes an absolute nonsense toput it mildly. Who and how they qualify for ourstatus must at all times be left up to us and no othergroup or persons.

Can I as a Turks and Caicos Islander go to theUnited States and tell them on what terms andconditions that I should be granted citizenship? Theanswer must be a resounding NO! The Americansmake their rules and if we cannot abide by them,either we leave or they kick us out. I sure that youhave seen parents sent to their country of originwhile their children continue to be citizens oncethey were born there. Those are their rules that theyhave set up. Others grumble and moan about them,but unless and until the Americans decide to changethem, they will remain as is!

When the immigration advisor is going toparticipate in the division of our people from whatis ours, I must question her motive and the integrityof the final outcome of the consultation. That is whyit was good that quite a number of persons cried foulas well as attending the meeting set for “us” inProvidenciales.

We have to assert ourselves, otherwise thesepeople would continue to try and run rough shodover us. I certainly think that a consensus is beingarrived at as to the process for persons to be able toobtain Turks and Caicos Islands citizenship. Thepathway is becoming clear, transparent andunambiguous. Those Turks and Caicos Islandersthat have come to the fore to make their viewsknown, I certainly congratulate you! Do not now siton your laurels. The fight for the heart and soul ofour country has only just begun! Stay the course!He that endures to the end shall be saved!

• Royal Robinson was a former DeputyPremier and Minister of Finance and Health in

the Progressive National Party (PNP)Administration.

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EDITORIAL CARTOON

ROYAL ROBINSONCONTRIBUTER

WHO ARE THEYTRYING TO FOOL NOW?

LOCAL NEWSPage 7

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

Governor Ric Todd says he hastaken the decision that $10 millionshould be paid from the NationalInsurance Board (NIB) to the Turksand Caicos Islands Government(TCIG) to compensate governmentfor the provision of medical care foremployment related injuries since1992, although the NIB still does notagree to make a payment from itsEmployment Injury BenefitBranch’s surplus to TCIG, or theamount to be paid.

In a lengthy statement on thecontroversial matter, Governor Toddsaid he intends to make a law, the solepurpose of which is to ensure that thisone time transfer can take place.

“I have also put to the NIB mywillingness to discuss an amendmentto the NIB Ordinance to permit, inappropriately defined circumstances, atransfer between the sub funds of NIB.The NIB has also rejected thisproposal, responding that it sees noimmediate urgency to do so. I acceptthis, but I remain willing to keep thisoffer open to the NIB for a short periodif they do wish to fulfill, in part, theirown actuary’s recommendation,” Toddsaid. “Any statement or suggestion thatthis transfer constitutes “taking moneyfrom the people’s pension funds” isfalse. The money is not being takenfrom the LTPF, which is whollyunaffected by this transfer.”

The Governor said that theproposal to transfer USD$10 millionfrom the NIB to TCIG has regrettablybeen the subject of “ill-informed andoften incorrect comment”, adding thatthe public has been “unnecessarilyalarmed by false statements, forexample that the transfer is from “theirpension fund”.

He said the National InsuranceOrdinance divides the NIB Fund intothree sub funds called benefit brancheswhich are: the Long Term BenefitsBranch (LTBF) from which pensionsare paid; the Short Term BenefitsBranch (STBB) from which paymentssuch as maternity and sickness benefitsare paid; and, the Employment InjuryBenefits Branch (EIBB) from whichinjury, disablement and related

benefits are paid. According to the Governor, the

EIBB is further divided into tworeserve funds and under the law, thesethree sub funds must operateindependently of each other but aredescribed under the umbrella title ofthe National Insurance Fund andcollectively managed by the NationalInsurance Board (NIB).

He said that money contributed toeach of these three fund branches canonly be transferred from one branch toanother, if there is a temporaryinsufficiency in any one branch andonly then on a temporary basis(regulation 4(1) of the NationalInsurance (Finance and Accounting)Regulations).

Todd said the NIB and NHIBActuaries agree that in theEmployment Injury Benefit Branch(EIBB) there is a surplus of well overUSD$20 million. As already indicated,by law, he added, this surplus cannotbe transferred to any other branch ofthe NIB Fund: the money in each mustbe used only for the purpose for whichit was collected.

“However since 2009 the NIB hasa statutory obligation to transfer fromthe EIBB to the NHIB funds which areactuarially assessed transfers tocompensate the NHIB for medicalservices to beneficiaries arising fromemployment injury and occupationaldisease (Section 24(2)(e) of the NHIBOrdinance). By law the NIB wasobliged to transfer to TCIG from 1992– 2009 sums collected under the EIBBto pay for the cost to TCIG of medicalservices provided free of charge toemployed persons covered by the NIB(set out in International LabourOrganisation recommendation 194) foremployment injuries or occupationaldisease. These costs cover medicalservices that go much wider than justaccidents in the workplace. They willinclude the treatment for injuries andillnesses that may build up over yearsof working in circumstances that, overa sustained period, are not conduciveto good health. However, it is agreedthat inadequacies in medical recordsover the past 20 years make it near

impossible to establish precisely, onthe basis of documentation, what theverifiable claims are and how muchmoney the NIB owes to TCIG,” Toddstated.

He said the NHIB Actuary hasestimated that the sum owed is at leastUSD$10 million, adding that the NIBActuary has not provided an estimateto cover the period since 1992, but hasset out in Section 5.8 of the 6thActuarial Review of the NationalInsurance Fund carried out on 31March 2010, the following: “Section49 of the NI Ordinance provides forthe NI Fund to transfer to theGovernment amounts consideredappropriate to cover costs associatedwith the care and treatment of insuredpersons injured due to job relatedaccidents and illnesses.”

According to the Governor, in thepast, such transfers have beenminimal. With the introduction of theNational Health Insurance Plan(NHIP) the NHIB, which administersthe NHIP, has requested an annualtransfer to cover the costs associatedwith the care of NIB insured whosuffer work-related injuries and whoaccess care at facilities managed byInterhealth Canada. Given themechanism by which the NHIP isbeing financed, no bills are producedfor specific services provided. Also,the health care facility may not evenknow that the patient being treated issomeone ordinarily covered by theNIB.

The Governor continued:“Estimates of the likely cost of treatingjob related injuries and illnesses havebeen made on and range from $50,000per year to over $500,000 per year.While such costs are difficult toestimate given that not every injuryclaim will lead to medical treatmentand one severe injury could result inmedical care costs that exceed$500,000, informed estimates usingcomparisons of costs in other countriesmay be useful. The Caribbean countrywith health care costs most similar tothe TCI is The Bahamas. At theBahamas NIB, Medical Care costs arearound 5 times the amount paid inInjury benefits. Applying this factor toInjury benefit costs in the TCI wouldsuggest Medical Care costs at around$568,000. Therefore, the $500,000transfer for the current year may not bean unreasonable amount.”

He said that even though, on thebasis of this country comparator of 5times the amount paid in Injurybenefits, the estimated total over a 17year period would amount to slightly

less than US$10 million, the NIB stilldisagrees with the NHIB actuary’sassessment of US$10 million.

“It also argues that an appropriatetransfer of USD$837,000 to TCIG tocover the entire 17 year period from1992-2009 has already been made,”said Todd. “This is clearly a grossunderestimate of the amount owed toTCIG. Instead of paying anappropriate amount to the public purse,the NIB’s Employment Injury Branchhas, since 1992, amassed a verysignificant USD$20 million surplus.Much of this is money that shouldhave been paid to TCIG.

However, we now have betterinformation available to TCIG fromwhich to determine an appropriatepayment and it would be wrong andirresponsible to ignore this.Nevertheless, NIB has rejected myproposal to reach an agreement usingthe NHIB’s actuary’s estimate and theNIB’s actuarial assessment (above) asthe basis from which to try to reach adecision.”

He said the Advisory Council andthe Consultative Forum have discussedthis issue and there has also been arange of informal consultationsincluding, at my request, withrepresentatives of the AdvisoryCouncil, the Consultative Forum, theNHIB and the NIB to work towards anagreement.

“In fact, I have met NIB five timesto discuss this matter and I haveconsidered their writtenrepresentations. Regrettably, the NIBstill do not agree to make a paymentfrom its Employment Injury BenefitBranch’s surplus to TCIG, or theamount to be paid. Accordingly, I havereluctantly concluded that there is norealistic prospect of agreement beingreached. This presents me with aserious problem, which has to beresolved and which I have aresponsibility to resolve. Myconclusion is that the clear intention ofthe Law is that agreement should bereached between NIB and theGovernor on the amount of money thatshould be transferred from EIBB toTCIG. However, it has not provedpossible, despite repeated attempts, toreach agreement on the full amountowed since 1992. I very much regretthis. Given this lack of agreement, andtaking into account the NHIB actuarialadvice and the NIB actuarialassessment that for 2010 aloneMedical Care costs would have beenUS$568,000, I have had no alternativebut to take a decision on how large thetransfer should be.”

Governor says NIB must pay TCIG$10million despite their objection

BIG JOSH FOOD SERVICESEEKS

2 DOMESTIC WORKERS1 SALES CLERK

Salary $5.00 per hourContact 343-6297

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LOCAL NEWSPage 8

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

SUN OIL TURKS &CAICOS LTD

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITYOPERATIONS COORDINATOR

The successful candidate(s) will assume the role of Operations Coordinator. Thisposition reports to the Depot Manager and is responsible for the daily execution ofkey responsibilities within a bulk fuel facility. These responsibilities include the safereceipt, storage and distribution of bulk petroleum products in accordance with strictindustry and company standards. Successful candidates must be able todemonstrate good leadership skills, ability to work will with a team alone with strongwork ethics. Successful experience in the petroleum industry would be a plus.

Core Responsibilities• IMPORT: The coordination, documentation and reporting of bulk product receipt inaccordance with company procedures and local authority guidelines. • STORAGE: The execution of daily inventory and product quality controls along withall related documentation and reporting requirements.• DISTRIBUTION: The daily coordination of customer deliveries, delivery equipmentmaintenance and the execution and enforcement of all associated internal controlsand documentation.• MAINTENANCE: The execution and coordination of the Depot’s MaintenanceProgram in accordance with established company procedures.

Job Requirements• 5 years minimum work experience in a similar capacity. • A technical degree or diploma would be a plus.• Excellent computer skills with working knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs.• A strong safety record. Safety related trainings would be a plus. • A mechanical aptitude with some experience with equipment maintenance andrepairs. • Strong leadership skills with the ability to work as an effective team member.• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.• The ability to work flexible hours and weekends.

Benefits include: Competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate withwork experience and qualifications.Interested persons should apply no later than January 31, 2012 to:jobs@sunoilbahamas.com

Charles “Chuck” Hesse has beenfired from his chairmanship positionand as a director of the Conch Farmby Trade Winds Industries – themanagement company that runs thefarm - for what the organizationclaimed were costly businessdecisions into which he and othershad entered, and which almostresulted in the confiscation of theproperty.

Hesse was not the only casualty ofthe house-cleaning, as the slate of theentire board of directors was wipedclean. The new board of directorscomprised Chairman John Hartley;Dave Bozzer, Chief Financial Officer;new CEO Richard Berke; ShaunMalcolm; and marine biologist GeorgeNardi.

Nardi, according to Berke, isconsidered as one of the USA’s mostknowledgeable marine biologists in thefield of fish husbandry.

After being relieved of hismanaging duties, Hesse, Berke said, wasoffered a paid position at the farm, buthe refused the offer.

The new CEO of the Conch Farmindicated also that staff members hadbeen owed money, and the new board ofdirectors was attempting to determinewhich former staff members had notbeen paid, how much and what otherdebts were outstanding.

Berke said that Hesse and otherinvestors borrowed money from thefailed TCI Bank to establish ConchWorld – a tourism incursion on GrandTurk for cruise ship passengers. Thesum borrowed, according to thecompany’s lawyer Norman Saunders Jr.,was $3 million.

Berke said the Conch Farm onProvo was used as collateral to secure theloan for the Grand Turk project, sayingthat when the bank collapsed, bothentities – Conch World and the ConchFarm - became subjects for confiscationby the provisional liquidators.

“In June of 2010, the provisionalliquidators for the TCI Bank announcedin writing their intention to foreclose ona past due loan that had been made toConch World in Grand Turk. ChuckHesse and some other local investors hadborrowed money to create an excursionon Grand Turk for the cruise shipterminal.

“So, when the provisionalliquidators at the TCI Bank announcedthat they were going to call the loan,there was not only the risk of losingConch World on Grand Turk, which isthe borrower, but they were alsothreatening to take the rest of the assets,”Berke pointed out.

Berke continued: “At that time in2010, a new lender stepped forward, andthat lender bought the note from TCIBank. And that time that lender boughtsome stock in TWI (Trade WindsIndustries). That lender also providedsome additional funds for someoperations.”

Berke told The SUN that for the past20 months, he had worked with Hesse todevelop a new business plan for theConch Farm, and the directors would beoverjoyed to have him back to work atthe facility to make the plan become areality.

The new Conch Farm CEO said thatthe stockholders replaced the board withanother group of professionals with theintention of developing a commercialfish farm in conjunction with the ConchFarm in Provo.

“Chuck has remained the mostknowledgeable person in the worldabout conch-farming, and the board ofdirectors would like to employ chuck atthe farm, but he has rejected our offers.“As I am sure you realized, we can’tsurvive on tourism alone, and we don’thave any prospective industries in theTurks and Caicos Islands right now thathave the potential to employ anysignificant number of people.Commercial fish-farming andaquaculture is the future.

“One of the advantages of growingfish and processing fish in the Turks andCaicos Islands is that you don’t need totrain Turks and Caicos Islanders on howto handle seafood. They have been doingit all their lives, so, it does not requiretraining a lot of new people. It will createsome very good jobs; long term jobs anddecent pay. And this is an opportunityfor the TCI to diversify its financialbase, which could help the country,”Berke pointed out.

He said that the board was at thefinal stage of its fundraising efforts andby the end of June, preparation for the

new project should ram into gearbeginning with the renovation of thefacility.

“The new project is expected togrow fish for local consumption andexport, and the project is expected toemploy 75 people. The new directorsare serving on a voluntary basis; theyare not paid and they don’t have afinancial interest in TWI. With theexception of the marine biologist, thepeople on the board are all localresidents, who all agreed to serve withthe purpose of developing this project,”he revealed.

Berke said the Conch Farm wasinitially damaged by the dredging of theLeeward channel, which was latercompounded by the passage ofHurricane Ike. Both events, he said,caused the destruction of most of theinventory including eggs. He said thatthe facility still remained in operationand was getting tours six days a week.

He said the TWI now has freeholdtitle for the Conch Farm, which wassigned off by former governor GordonWetherell in 2010.

Hesse, in a past interview with TheSUN, complained that he had put in arequest for the acquisition of land onwhich the Conch Farm sits, but theproposition was ignored by successiveadministrations.

Efforts to reach Hesse for acomment on his axing from the topposition proved futile, as his attorneyPeter McKnight, said they wereconsidering whether or not to go publicon the matter at this time.

Chuck Hesse fired from Conch Farm BY VIVIAN TYSON

SUN SENIOR EDITOR

LOCAL NEWSPage 9

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

Carambola Grill and Lounge is seeking a suitably qualified individualto fill the following position. Only candidates who meet the minimumrequirements will be considered.

CHEFJob DescriptionThe Chef will be responsible for all aspects of managing the kitchenand kitchen staff, ensuring the quality preparation and presentationof all food for the restaurant.

Main Duties- Responsible for the day to day food and beverage operation of therestaurant. - Develop creative menus and catering packages to assure maximumappeal to customers.- Hire, supervise, schedule, train and develop kitchen staff.- Must maintain a clean and orderly kitchen and conform to all localsanitation standards

and regulations. - Oversee the inventory process for food and beverage products.

Requirements- Must have ten (10) years or more culinary experience from anaccredited culinary school

or equivalent work experience.- Thorough knowledge of food preparation, purchasing and inventoryprocedures. - Must be proficient in MS Office application and QuickBooks.- Good organizational and administrative skills required. - Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.- Must be willing to work a variety of day/night and weekend shifts.- Excellent people skills in order to communicate well with guests andstaff.

The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience,training and education. Interested applicants should contact946-4701 or email info@carambolatci.com

FINANCIAL / MANAGEMENTACCOUNTANT

Applications are invited for the position ofFINANCIAL / MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT

Location - Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Educational requirements - Bachelors degreein finance and accounting or equivalent

Professional requirements - US CertifiedPublic Accountant or UK Chartered AccountantSome practical experience in the financialservices sector, management accounting andaccounting IT systems is preferred.

ONLY BELONGERS NEED APPLY.Please submit applications to: Human Resources P.O. Box 270Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

The Civil Recovery Team, which isseeking to regain what it termed as ill-gotten land and cash on behalf of theCrown said it is now probing 51 caseswith others to come on stream soon.

From the new claims, the unit isactively seeking to recover in excess of$50million in cash and more that 1,200acres of Crown Land. The team is seekingto recover properties and or damagesfrom the sale of those pieces of land.

Laurence Harris, of the law firmEdwards Wildman, formerly EdwardAngel Palmer Dodge (EAPD), which wasappointed in December of 2009, said theprobe included cases identified by theCommission of Inquiry and others thatwere not mentioned in the inquiry butwere uncovered since the recoveryprocess began.

“The range of claims is mainly eitherfor the recovery of land of damages, orboth. There are claims for corruption,fraud – some of which were identified in

the Commission of Inquiry report. Wehave got claims for breaches of contract,for unjust enrichment, for recovery ofavoided stamp duty, and for a number ofother civil causes of action,” Harris said.

Harris said the Civil Recovery Unithas already recovered cash which is now

in Government’s bank accounts, sayingalso that they were waiting to collect otherfunds amounting to almost $2.5 millionas a result of court judgments. He statedthat some of the guilty parties have signedagreements to repay the money in thefuture.

Harris pointed out that more than 900acres of Crown Land has been recoveredand returned to the Crown, saying alsothat another 15 acres of land was due tobe collected.

“We have a substantial number ofclaims in other cases, which are currentlyon-going. If you were to take the fivelargest number of cases that we arecurrently pursuing, the government’sclaim in total are for recovery of morethan another 1,200 acres of land, and fordamages, very substantially in excess of$50 million,” Harris said.

Harris told media representatives thatthe Civil Recovery Team was seeking tocomplete the major civil matters by theend of this calendar year. He also pointedout that trial dates have already beenscheduled to begin, while others will bescheduled soon. He noted however, thatsome smaller cases that have alreadybegun may be pushed back to 2013 orcould be settled before going to trial.

“The Government continues to

encourage settlements in civil claims in away of bringing matters to an end morequickly. Some matters have settled, andthere are currently other matters wherethere are settlement discussions.

“If the Government is able to receivea sensible commercial settlement whichappears to be reasonable, having regard tothe size of the Government’s claim, andis consistent with the approach that theGovernment has been following in thosesorts of cases, then it will seek to settlethose civil claims.

“If they don’t settle and go to trial,then there will often be an appeal stageafter trial. In the TCI under the courtordinance here, there is an automatic rightof appeal from judgments in the SupremeCourt to the Court of Appeal, which iscurrently sitting twice a year in the TCI,but that might increase to three times ayear coming up,” Harris said.

The attorney said that appeals tend tobe heard about six months or a bit longerafter a judgment is handed down, whichhe said should be added to the proceedingalong with a further appeal to the PrivyCouncil, if leave is given.

A Privy Council appeal, according toHarris, takes about a year to be heardafter judgment is handed down by theCount of Appeal.

Civil Recovery Team probing 51 new cases

Laurence Harris

Must be able to work 6 days perweek, must be trustworthy andreliable. Salary $200usd perweek.Contact Carl/Marjorie Simmons at 649 331 5396.

DOMESTIC WORKER NEEDED

LOCAL NEWSPage 10

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

Public discussions on a new Pathwayto TCI Citizenship are increasing inintensity with a series of country-wide community meetings beingjointly facilitated by theConsultative Forum and theMinistry of Border Control andLabour.

Further meetings have beenplanned for Middle and North Caicoson Wednesday February 1st, anotheron Grand Turk on Thursday 2nd andSouth Caicos on Monday 6th. TheYouth Parliament will also discuss theprovisions at a meeting on FridayFebruary 3rd at the House of AssemblyChamber.

“I want to strongly urge all citizensto participate in these discussions,”said Forum Chair Lillian Misick. “Thisexercise gives us all a chance to helpcreate the framework that willdetermine the future make-up of oursociety; the TCI we wish to pass on tofuture generations. We may not havethis opportunity again for a long time.”

The Ministry has developed aconsultation document and anaccompanying questionnaire whichcan be downloaded from the TCIGwebsite www.gov.tc. Completedquestionnaires should be sent via emailto the Chair of the Consultative Forumat citizenship@gov.tc.

Key questions for considerationinclude whether TCI should move to apoints system for deciding Turks andCaicos Islander status. This approachwas first recommended in a 2004Immigration Review Commissionreport which proposed points for age,type of occupation, level of skill, levelof income, country of origin, ethnicityand ability to speak and write English.

The pathway to PermanentResidence Certificates (PRCs) alsoraises several questions including

whether persons should qualify purelyby investment in the TCI; what is anadequate time period for someoneapplying as a worker; and should thecurrent three categories of PRCs bemerged into a single category withoutlimitations or restrictions.

The length of time for marriagebefore a non-Belonger spouse canapply for TCI status is another keyquestion as is whether there should bea new offence of entering into amarriage on convenience.

The meeting in Middle Caicos onWednesday, February 01st will takeplace at the Conch Bar CommunityCenter at 3pm and the panel willcomprise Ethlyn Gibbs-Williams, Rev.Courtney Missick, SharleneCartwright-Robinson, Clara Gardinerand Lorraine Rogerson.

The North Caicos meeting willalso be held on Wednesday. February01st at the Teachers Resource Center inBottle Creek at 7pm. On the panel willbe Rev. Courtney Missick, SharleneCartwright-Robinson, Ethlyn Gibbs-Williams, Clara Gardiner and LorraineRogerson.

The Grand Turk meeting will be atthe H.J Robinson High SchoolAuditorium on Thursday, February02nd at 6pm. The resource persons willbe Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson andmembers of the Youth Fellowship. TheYouth Parliament will meet on FridayFebruary 3rd in the House of AssemblyChamber.

On Monday February 06th will bethe South Caicos meeting at the IrisStubbs Primary School at 7pm. Thepanel will comprise Rev. CourtneyMissick, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, Ethlyn Gibbs-Williams andrepresentatives from the Ministry ofBorder Control.

Public Discussionsscheduled on

Pathway toCitizenship

LOCAL NEWSPage 11

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

ROSE STOREFive Cays Seeks

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Salary $5.00 per hour5 days per week

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244 3336

At the end of April this year, thepopular talk show – Expressions –aired on Radio Turks and Caicos(RTC) will no longer has itsfirebrand host, as Robert Hall willleave that programme to contest oneof the At-Large Seats when electionsare called tentatively before the endof the year.

Hall confirmed his departure toThe SUN during an interview earlierthis week. He said that stepping downwould give him sufficient time toeffectively prepare himself forcontesting one of the seats.

“Yes, I intend to resign from theprogramme “Expressions” at the endof April, to give myself much moretime to concentrate on some privatebusiness and make myself available tothe political process. As you do know,I have been a former minister severaltimes in the PNP administration; I ama member of the PNP. I do not saymuch about those things on my showbecause I don’t want to use the radiostation and the programme as apersonal and political tool for me, butI can speak freely anywhere else andthat is why I can tell you that I ammaking myself available,” Hall said.

Hall added: “There is considerableamount of work to be done in terms ofeducating the masses at variousprocesses on the way forward, and thevarious parties in general, butparticularly the PNP, which I amassociated with, certainly needs to be

restructured and put on a firm footing,so that it can be a credible and forcefulorganization to represent the interest ofthe people, and hence I am makingmyself available to that.”

Hall told The SUN that while hewas more interested in running in oneof the At-Large Seats, such decisionwould lie with the movers and shakersof the party, stressing also that since heconsidered himself a team player, hewould abide by the party’s finaldecision.

“But I do believe, consideringwhatever profile I may have and enjoy,it might be the best thing for the partyand for myself to run in an At-LargeSeat,” Hall said.

In the meantime, Hall said hewould not consider running forleadership of the party in the event thatits current leader Clayton Greene, whoannounced last week that he has been

a subject of the Special Investigationand Prosecution Team (SIPT) probe,resigns. Hall gives one of the reasonsfor the apathy towards running forleader as the expected high level ofmudslinging that might take placeduring the leadership race.

“I will not be offering myself forleadership as such. I am committed towork tirelessly with regards torebuilding, reorganizing, reenergizingthe base of the PNP. And while I amnot offering myself as a candidate, ofcourse, if it is the expressed wish of thevast majority, then maybe it would besomething that I would find difficult torefuse.

“But one of the reasons why I amnot offering myself as a candidate (forleadership) is simply this – theconsiderable cutting down of oneanother that happens in these kinds ofcontexts – I am not really about that.And having been in the process for solong I am prepared to serve the partywith any credible leader. I believe thesuccess of the party depends on teamwork more than just one individual. Ihave played number two before, and itdoesn’t matter to me if I am numberthree or number four as the case mightbe.

“But certainly, if it were to fall tome, as there is no question in my mindin terms of my ability and, my trackrecords in leading roles speaks for itself,and of course, the dedication that I havedisplayed at almost anything that I havedone in this country and the selflessefforts that I have made in many timesat great sacrifice, one should realize thatabout me its all about serving more than

about the perks that come along withsome positions,” Hall asserted.

Hall declared that one of thereasons he will be embarking on anearly campaign and urge the PNP andthe People Democratic Movement(PDM) to do the same, is to makethemselves ready so that the InterimAdministration would not have anexcuse to kick the election can down theroad on the basis of ill-preparedness bythe parties.

“I am convinced that unless bothparties were to put themselves on anelection footing, that is, to get theircandidates selected; get their manifestosready; start to engage the public,educating them to the process; it’s onlythen that you can convincingly say tothe British ‘now, we are ready forelections, we must have electionsbefore the end of the year’. Right nowthey have the upper hand. They knowthat we are not ready, and so, they cando almost anything.

“But if we get the people of thiscountry together; and as much as I amspeaking for a party, I am more forcountry; I can work across party lines,and I hope in this endeavour, all partiescan be singing on the same page.Because, in 2012, to sit back with someforeign entity, some other individualsdictating the pace, no representation,taxation, redundancies and all the rest;that is totally unacceptable,” Halldeclared.

Hall indicated that following hisstepping down from his show, heintends to engage in news conferencesand a barrage of town hall meetingsaimed at educating the people.

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Robert Hall to leave Expressions radio show for politics

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

Robert Hall

LOCAL NEWSPage 12

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

MECHANICGOLF COURSE EQUIPMENT

Provo Golf Club seeks a qualified mechanic. A minimum of twelve(12) years experience in golf course equipment is required andthe applicant must possess the following skills and experience.• A history of maintenance of Golf Carts, mowers and tractors.• General maintenance and repairs of all equipment used andoperated on the Golf Course.• Ordering or replacing any parts necessary.• An aptitude to work unsociable hours is required. • Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email byJanuary 9, 2012 at ronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191.Only persons selected for an interview will be contacted by email ortelephone to schedule an interview.

Bishop Coleta Williams III seeks a MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR5 Days a week. Interested persons

should contact 941-4750

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South Caicos businessman Jim Bakerwas on Thursday, January 19, foundnot guilty in the Supreme Countbefore Justice Margaret Ramsey-Hale of four counts of rapefollowing an eight-day trial.

Baker was accused of raping afemale Haitian national, and wascharged in March of 2011. He wasinitially remanded at Her Majesty’sPrison on Grand Turk but eventuallyreleased on bail with stringentconditions.

Baker’s defence comprised of leadbarrister with 11 year’s experience LaraMaroof and Mark Fulford both of thelaw firm F Chambers and Co.

Maroof successfully applied for ano case submission in the matter,arguing that there was insufficientevidence by the prosecution to supportthe rape charges.

Prosecution attorney, Mrs. GlendaClarke, argued that there was sufficientevidence and the case should proceed.After hearing both Attorneys, the Judge

Ramsey-Hales ruled that there was noevidence of rape. She then instructedthe jury to return a not guilty verdict onall counts.

In the first ever successfulapplication for costs in the SupremeCourt in a criminal matter, Ramsey-Hale upheld the defence’s applicationfor all of the defendants legal fees to bepaid by the Attorney General’sChambers.

When contacted, Baker said he washappy that the matter was over and thathe could get back to putting his life ontrack again. He told The SUN that thematter had gravely affected his ability torun his business effectively and that hewas evicted from his place of abode formore two decades.

“You know, any man would feelreally good. I just want to start puttingmy life back together again. Of course itaffected my business and personal life.They barred me from my place where Ilive for 20 years and told me I couldn’tlive here (South Caicos). Only now thatI am free to live back in South Caicos.My business suffered tremendously, butI will pick it back up,” Baker revealed.

South Caicosbusinessman freed

of rape

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Freed businessman Jim Baker (right) with attorneys Lara Maroof and Mark Fulford

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

JESSIE FORBESSEEKS a

BABYSITTERSalary $5.00 per hour

Contact 232-1726

Page 13JANUARY 13TH - JANUARY 20TH, 2012TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWSDeputy Commissioner denies penalising

cops over Jah Cure concertBY VIVIAN TYSON

SUN SENIOR EDITOR

Deputy Commissioner of Police Brad Sullivan is dismissing rumours that a shake-up occurred at the B Division, which is the Providenciales branch, over what some members of the force are saying cause from a concert held in the Grace Bay area late December.

It is understood that the Jah Cure concert that was held at the Casablanca Casino in the heart of Grace Bay caused headaches for hoteliers in the area who complained bitterly to the Police High Command that their guests could not sleep because the event prolonged until about 4a.m. the next morning.

A police officer told The SUN, on the grounds of anonymity, that a woman who lived in the area called the police and complained that music from the sound system was disturbing her sleep and requested that the police turned down sound or shut the concert shutdown. But the source said the police on the 11p.m. to 7.am. shift refused the woman’s request on the grounds that there were other officers working at the concert and did not see it fit to act on that front.

To that end, the police source said the incensed woman began hurling disparaging remarks of racial proportion to the cops. It is alleged that the woman then called the high command, who instructed senior officers on shift to visit the venue and shut down the sound system.

But the cops refused on the grounds that there was nothing in law giving them the authority to arbitrarily shut down the concert. An argument

ensued between the senior officer and his superior, who subsequently recommended that two senior cops on the shift be transferred to a different division.

However, when The SUN contacted Deputy Commissioner of Police, Brad Sullivan to clarify the matter, he said that the rumour was false, as no body was demoted or transferred as a result.

“No officers were demoted in rank. That is a rumour that is not true. There is no truth to that at all, and there is nothing close to that, at least not that I am aware of. No one was transferred or demoted in any punitive way at all to deal with any discipline; there is nothing like that,” Sullivan said.

In the meantime, The SUN understands that some hotels on Grace Bay had to refund guests who complained bitterly about the noise and the Turks and Caicos Islands Hotel and Tourism Association is not happy.

At a recent Chamber of Commerce Meeting at the Windsong Resort, where Governor Ric Todd was the main speaker, Stacy Cox from that Hotel and Tourism Association complained to the Governor about the development and requested that something be done to rectify what she said had come to be nuisance to guests.

According to one hotelier: “On Grace Bay, we sell sun, beach and tranquility. When night falls there is no sun, and for the most part, the beach aspect of it is not as enjoyable as in the day, so the only thing we have left is tranquility. So, when the only remaining component is disturbed, we have a problem.”

In a December 25th email to Casa Blanca’s CEO Andy Stephens, Owner of Grace Bay Club

Mark Durliat wrote: “We (Grace Bay Club) are but only one of many properties in this tiny community who are immensely disappointed in the actions of your Casino last night. Your company’s decision to host such a disruptive event until 6am in a neighborhood of luxury residences and hotel rooms during the most busy week of the year was incredibly reckless and disrespectful at the highest level.

If your goal was to alienate yourself while also creating an enemy in Grace Bay Club and its guests, (and possibly other adjacent properties and theirguests) you have succeeded.”

The email continued: “Regrettably the displeasure that has been relayed to us from our guests and residential owners has forced us to now completely boycott your facility.

You will hopefully appreciate that for us to recommend it any longer to our guests would be idiotic. We understand you have plans to host another such event again on the 31st of December to which we object in the strongest way.You will know that this country is in the business of luxury tourism and parties such as this one which continue until 6am act completely contrary to that business. It has succeeded in discouraging some paying guests from returning and I can inform you that we have already had some financial damage as a result of early checkouts. We expect more, as well as negative

feedback on the popular travel websites. It is truly unfortunate that you have allowed your firm to act in such a manner toward your neighbors who have clearly been providers of customers to your business to this date.”

LOCAL NEWSPage 13

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

IMMEDIATE OPENINGSASSISTANT FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

• Solid training and in all areas of Accounting from A/P, A/R, GeneralLedger, Credit, Collections, Audit, Inventory control, Payroll,Budgeting, Costing, P&L preparation and analysis, etc.• Post secondary degree or equivalent qualification by experience• BA/BS Degree or equivalent.• Strong budgetary, projections, and cost control skills with ability toaudit complex transactions for adherence to accepted industryaccounting principles and policies and direct corrective action onexceptions.• Proven experience at resorts of similar size and quality. • Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts.Duties Include:• Work closely with Front Office, Reservations, Sales, and CateringDepartment to assist with identifying optimum ways to drive revenueswhile balancing market segments.• Supervise and participate in regular periodic reports andinventories.• Performing required audits, review submitted reports and follow upas needed• Oversee training and cross training of accounting staff.

REVENUE & RESERVATIONS MANAGERRequirements:• Solid understanding of the reservation process including the role ofWRS, distributionchannels and reservations flow.• Post secondary degree or equivalent qualification by experience.

• Ability to prepare revenue forecasts for department based onbusiness booked to date, current and historical booking pace andimpact of special promotions.• Ability to act as project leader for hotel utilization of the HARMONYProduct Suite• Ability to develop of business strategies for reservations which arealigned with theoverall objectives of the hotel. • Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts.Duties Include:• Maximize room revenue by utilizing yield management techniquesand managing theoperation of the Reservations Department• Prepares accurate twelve day, three and six month forecasts,monitors revenue andYield management and takes corrective steps to improve results.• Develop and implement strategies and practices which supportemployee engagements.• Work with Systems to manage and monitor inventories, rates andreservations

BELLMANDuties: • Ensuring luggage handling upon arrival and departure accordingto Regent’s standards.• Instructing taxi drivers about designated waiting area and pick-upand drop-off procedures.• Maintaining luggage carts, cleaning and polishing as instructed.• Using guests knowledge and information to ensure a high level ofguest recognition and personalized service.• Delivers phone messages, mail or packages, faxes, flowers, etc. toguest rooms. • Maintaining the upkeep and appearance of the resort lobby andentrance.• Providing valet parking services when requested.• Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts.

Interested applicants should apply to Regent Palms humanresources department in person, Monday through Friday and bringalong an updated resume or by emailingmarjorie.dorsett@regenthotels.com no later than Friday, February10, 2012.

Page 14JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012 TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

Fortis gives $2,000 to street naming programme

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

The street-naming initiative carried out by 911 received a healthy boast on Wednesday, January 25, when Fortis TCI handed that entity a cheque valued at $2,000 and witnessed by Commissioner of Police Colin Farquar.

Talisha Simons, Corporate Communication Officer at Fortis TCI explained that her company was happy to help with the erection of streets signs across the Turks and Caicos Islands, bearing in mind that it has been somewhat difficult for emergency personnel to respond effectively when

a call is made from certain communities.“We think what they are doing is great. We hope

to see them get those signs erected in those areas where they are getting major calls from, where right now it is a little bit difficult for emergency personnel to get to because those signs aren’t erected. We see it as a way to save lives,” Simons noted.

She further explained that Fortis prides itself on being a community oriented entity, supporting various organizations such as the Edward Gartland Youth Centre, the Diabetic Association, the Cricket Association through the sponsoring of their leagues, the Bight Park and played a key role in Earth Day

activities. She said Fortis was also looking to adopt a school.

For her part, Tammika Lall, the 911 Manager, in responding to the donation, said that since the signs were being made off island, the cost for each one, comprising mount and bracket, was $110. She said 90 percent of street naming across the country has been completed, and funds were being sought to ensure that the remaining 10 percent will be carried out in due course.

She said that 911 was working closely with the Mapping Department to ensure that the project is done with precision.

“Probably 10 percent of street naming is left; we have completed 90 percent. The Mapping Department has been instrumental in getting that part of the work done because we need to find you when there is an emergency, because the first place you call is 911.

“We go to our maps and we have a data base – once you have registered – it is in that data base and we can find you from a phone number. Then we can send the respondents – police, fire, whatever – we can send them to where you are registered,” Lall explained.

She said that since 911 was introduced the response has been a lot quicker.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Farquar said that the donation from Fortis TCI was timely, saying also that partnerships were paramount for effective policing.

“I think it is excellent that Fortis has come true with this donation because one of the things that the police rely on and the 911 programme relies on are partnerships. Fortis has really been helpful to us in the past, one time we even used one of their conference rooms to put on one of our workshops.

So Fortis is really working with the community to help advance the community programme, so I really appreciate what Fortis has done today,” Commissioner Farquar said.

Tammika Lall (fifth form right) collects the cheque from Fortis representatives. Joining in the presentation at centre is the Fortis mascot – the Electric Gecko. Also sharing in the moment are Commissioner of Police Colin Farquar (third from right); Inspector Roy Russell (fourth from right), who is in charge of 911 and Inspector Calvin Chase (second from right). Immediately beside the Gecko at left is Vice President in charge of Corporate Service, Allan Robinson, while third from the Gecko at left is Daphne Penn, Manager for

Customer Service, and who also presented the cheque.

Nixon Dickenson captures LIME’s Grand Prize in LIME’s Lifetime Campaign

Mr. Nixon Dickenson is the biggest winner among many customers whose Christmas gift from LIME will keep on giving for the next forty years. For the holiday season twenty- eight winners were announced in LIME’s Christmas of a Lifetime promotion with six customers winning landline, eleven winning mobile and eleven getting a prize of internet service for forty years. The difference with Mr. Dickenson is that he gets all three services for next four decades.

When the members from Team LIME surprised him at his office in Grand Turk, He said, “Are you joking with me?” “Is this April Fools? Are you serious?” Nixon then said, “I am so elated to be the Grand Prize winner and I am so appreciative of the prizes.”

Mr. Drexwell Seymour said, “We are so happy to present all these winners with 40 years of service from LIME. This gives us a chance to help meet the needs of our customers in a meaningful way.” Mr. Seymour continued,

“We know that telecoms services

are very important to the daily lives of our customers, and the family who will save on the internet bill could pay for music lessons, or extra classes. That’s the value we deliver to our customers.”

Customers were entered into the competition by paying their bill in full and on time; topping up $10 or more; purchasing a product or service from LIME and by signing up for a service during the period.

One winner, Ms. Denise Elmerich said, “I have been a LIME customer for 24 years now and I am

so happy to be a winner.” Many of the winners said, “I

have never won anything in my life”. But LIME wishes to recognize the Lifetime winners and to express thanks to all our customers for their patronage through the years.

Lifetime Mobile Winners Jason ForbesKenva Williams Turton WilliamsJoanna IvasiukCoree Robinson Torrell Garland

Jean TaylorShaudly GardinerShavonye ErnestDario Chase Rosabell Adams Grand Prize WinnerMr. Nixon Dickenson – 40

years of landline, mobile and ADSL services.

The Team at LIME wishes to congratulate all of our lifetime winners. LIME was here in the TCI for many years and we are so proud to give our customers 40 years of lifetime services.

Nixon Dickenson lifetime winner LIME staff and winners celebrate

Page 15JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWSCivil Recovery Unit and AG take former

Minister of Lands to court over landFormer Minister of Natural Resources McAllister “Piper” Hanchell and his brother Elliott Hanchell, the owners of a company called Akita Holdings Limited, have been taken to court by the Attorney General and the Civil Recovery Unit.

They are claiming that the two brothers and their company were unjustly enriched by acquiring land and they are also making a case for non-payment of rent and for the termination of the conditional purchase lease over the land.

In court documents given to the media by Laurence Harris, of the English law firm Edwards Wildman, on 10 November 2004, a Commercial Conditional Purchase Lease (CPL) over the Initial Land was entered into between Mr Hanchell and TCIG.

The CPL contained the following terms, amongst others: a leasehold interest in the Initial Land be granted to Mr Hanchell for 3 years, starting on 10 November 2004 and expiring on 9 November 2007.

Mr Hanchell was to pay an annual rental rate of $2,510 by 10 November of each year (2004, 2005 and 2006); Mr Hanchell was to construct 'a warehouse and storage' at a cost of no less than $200,000.

Upon the expiry of the 3-year term, Mr Hanchell had an option to purchase the freehold interest in the Land for $50,200, being a 50% discount from

a stated 'Open Market Value' of $100,400, provided that he had duly and punctually complied with his obligations under the CPL.

According to the documents, on 7 January 2005, a CPL over the Additional Land was entered into between Mr Hanchell and the Government. This CPL was also granted for the purpose of constructing a warehouse, it granted an option to purchase the freehold interest land for $25,000, and provided that the annual rental rate was $1,250. On 2 August 2005, an undated application for freehold title to the Initial Land and the Additional Land was received by the Planning Department from Mr Hanchell.

On 5 August 2005, the then Minister for Natural Resources wrote to Mr Hanchell stating that the Executive Council had agreed that freehold title over the Initial Land should be granted to him. In fact, according to court documents, the Executive Council had not considered the matter and Mr Hanchell, being a member of the Executive Council would or should have been aware of such.

The document stated that on a date unknown, but close to or after his appointment as Minister of Natural Resources, Mr Hanchell sent an email to officials within the Land Registry requesting that freehold title to the

Initial Land and the Additional Land be transferred to the Government. In this email, Mr Hanchell stated that freehold title to this land had been granted to him on 5 August 2005 and also represented that the freehold purchase prices had already been paid.

On 2 August 2006, Mr Hanchell introduced Paper 06/428 before Cabinet, which proposed that a commercial CPL over the Leasehold Land be granted to the Government. Mr Hanchell declared that his sister was one of the applicants and that he therefore had an interest in the application. However, he did not inform Cabinet that he was an owner of the company. Cabinet approved the grant of the CPL.

The writ said that on 2l October 2006, Mr Hanchell wrote a letter (in his capacity as Minister for Natural Resources) to himself (as an owner of the company) stating that freehold title in the Initial Land should be granted to the company in accordance with Cabinet’s decision. The letter did not mention the Additional Land. Furthermore, there was no Cabinet decision relating specifically to the Initial Land and Mr Hanchell, as a member of Cabinet, would or should have been aware of such.

On 3 November 2006, the company was registered as the owner of a leasehold interest in the Leasehold Land. The term of the CPL was from 2

November 2006 to 2 November 2009, with an annual rent of $5,075.

On 22 November 2006, Mr Hanchell made a number of payments to TCIG. Mr Hanchell paid $50,200 for the purchase of the freehold interest in the Initial Land, $25,000 for the purchase of the freehold in the Additional Land, and $30 and $3,263 for registration fees and stamp duty respectively in relation to the transfer of the Initial Land. On 8 December 2006, the company was registered as the freehold owner of the Initial Land and the Additional Land.

On 15 November 2007, collateral charges of $3.4 million were registered against the Initial Land and the Additional Land as security for loans made by FCIB to the company (the FCIAB Charge). On 13 May 2008, the FCIB Charge was increased to $3.9million.

The Civil Recovery Unit is claiming that the company has received benefits, namely its freehold and leasehold interests in the initial Land, the Additional Land and the Leasehold Land, alternatively the difference between the market value of this land at the time of the transfer of title to the company and the price paid by the company for the land. They are also saying that in receiving these benefits the company has been unjustly enriched at the expense of the government.

LOCAL NEWSPage 15

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

AVIONICSTECHNICAL

RECORD CLERK• Must be computer literate Windowsand have experience working in a • Database environment; • Must have knowledge of AircraftTechnical Log Book;• Must have experience as a Data Entryclerk.• Must Liaison with flight operationsKnowledge of Technical Recordkeeping• Must be able to Maintain the trackingof aircrafts times and cycles• Must be able to Prepare and managework load for mechanics

Salary commensurate withexperience.

Position require the following:• Excellent command of the Englishlanguage – reading, writing andspeaking.• Good communication skills and teamplayer• Detail oriented & organized individual• Ability to work shifts, early mornings,late nights, weekends and Holidays.• Clean police record• Able to work under pressure

Belongers need only apply.Interested person should apply toHR@flyairtc.com or via fax to HR

Department 649-946-4040.No phone call please. Qualifiedcandidates will be contacted for

interview

Groups CoordinatorBasic Purpose of Job: Responsible for (with the guidanceof the Sales & Weddings Mgr)• Assist the Sales & Weddings Manager • Promotion of the F&B banqueting facilities • Organization and Administration of the events -Ensuring that all Group functions are performedflawlessly• Timely and efficient execution of events. Understandand perform all required duties in the Promotion, Pre-Function, Function and Post Function of group eventsKey Responsibilities:• Support and assist the Sales & Wedding Manager• Supporting Groups on property with all aspects of theirevents• Production of a variety of documents (some of whichare confidential in nature)• Handling of correspondence as related to the job• Schedules meetings and appointments• Attend any in-house functions as requested by the F&BManagement • To have complete knowledge of local laws, customs and

hotel and company policy.• Liaises with other departments ensuring communicationand the resolution of problems. Liaise with TCI Touristboard on upcoming events and promotions.• Assist in developing action plan to GM’s & F&B Directoron how to meet banquet budget.• Gather vendor quotes for all outsourced items. • Coordinate the delivery of all goods.Basic Requirements:• 2-3 years experience in luxury resorts• Minimum of high school diploma, bachelor degreepreferred• Excellent knowledge of hotel reservation systems

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience

Interested persons may contact ourHuman Resource ManagerNo later than February 13, 2012Email: deleria.simms@verandatci.comOr hand deliver to our office at Veranda Resort andResidencesPrincess Dr. Lower Bight, Providenciales

CAREER OPPORTUNITIESVeranda is currently seeking qualified candidates that have the requirements listed along with an outgoing

professional manner. Our ideal candidates must love to work with different types of people, meetchallenges with a positive attitude and live the standards of our organization.

Page 16

SOMMELIER: Job Requirements:Grace Bay Clubs Food and Beverage operation is looking for aSommelier that will be responsible of all aspects of the hotels wineprogram. • He/she directs implements and maintains a service andmanagement philosophy, which serves as a guide to respective staff. • Ensuring that dining patrons are able to find a wine withintheir budget that fits their tastes and complements their food. • You will work with the kitchen to find suitable wines to pairwith dishes on the menu. • You will also work on the floor of the restaurant, helpingcustomers to decide the exact wine that best meets their needs. • Must have at least 2 years experience as Head Sommelier ina 4/5 star establishment, International experience required.• Must have worked in restaurants as a successful salesman,worked with wine lists that cover all the regions represented in ourwine list (Unites States, South American, South Africa, Australia,New Zealand, and Europe) and have an education as a Sommelier.Qualified Belongers need only apply.Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification andexperience

RESERVATION SALES SPECIALIST:Position Overview:Reservation sales specialists must be detail oriented, able to handledifficult situations efficiently while always maintaining a friendlyhelpful manner. Reservation Specialists are responsible for allduties within the reservations /pre arrivals departments, includinganswering the phone and maintaining a professional manner whileachieving mandatory sales and service standards. Specialists areresponsible in assisting with reservations and pre arrival questions.

Responsibilities & Qualifications: • Duties include answering emails in a timely and professionalmanner.• Preparing each guest for arrival including making dining, spaand excursion reservations obtaining flight information, preferencesand auditing reservations.• Entering tour operator, website and GDS reservationsaccurately and in a timely manner.• Each applicant must be able to perform multiple tasksquickly and efficiently, able to work flexible hours including additionalhours during busy time periods.• They must be a quick learner and able to achieve departmentand individual goals. • The Reservations Sales Specialist must have prior Sales,Customer Service, and Hospitality or Front Office experience.• All candidates must be fluent in the English language, forboth written and oral communication. Candidates should also haveexcellent grammar and spelling skills. • Opera reservation operating system experience preferred.Applicant must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicantshould be computer literate and have basic knowledge in Excel,Microsoft Word and Microsoft Outlook.Qualified Belongers need only apply.Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification andexperience

HVAC & REFRIGERATION TECHNICIAN:Position Overview:• Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevantequipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effectiveoperations for the protection of people, data and property. • Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenanceand corrective repairs on all refrigeration equipment and determiningwhen and what kind of maintenance is needed. • Mechanical - Knowledge of machines, computers, tools and

other equipment, including their designs, uses, repair, andmaintenance.

Responsibilities & Qualifications:• Applicant must be fluent in the English language, andpossess good communication skills (verbal, listening, writing) • The candidate must be innovative, pro-active and reliable.• 2 years Diploma in Trade Course A/C & Refrigeration;minimum 3 to 5 years experience in the hotel engineering andmaintenance department is a must.• Assists in the daily scheduling and weekly forecasting of allrefrigeration equipment maintenance work. • Ensures the execution of Construction Work Orders, and/ orRepair and Maintenance Order systems applicable to the hotel. • Maintains proper safety/ hygienic conditions in all equipmentrooms. • Supports and initiates program for the improvement inprocedures and the reduction of the Energy and utility costs. • Assist maintenance crew in ordering the required materialsprior to commencing the work and critical inventory• Attend to any kind of urgent break downs during the shift • Attend to guest complaints as well as complaints from otherdepartments regarding break downs or malfunction of equipments,this is not limited to AC units and or refrigeration equipment• Attend to guest room complaints as first priority • Check BMS current status and compare with the setparameters & action accordingly • Check mechanical rooms such as A/C & Ref: boilers, heatexchangers, pumps, AHU's, Pool, HVAC, AV etc. • Check the operation of air compressor, all pumps, chillers,boilers, elevators, fountain, hotel signage, walk-in coolers & andfreezer rooms and other commercial/ industrial refrigerationequipments etc. • Check the status of essential equipments such as fire pumps,Fire Alarm, Security systems • Clean all AHU's & FCUs as per schedule • Clean all condensers of coolers, freezers, walk-in coolers,walk-in freezers, chillers on a regular basis • Prepare A/C & Ref report in detail.Qualified Belongers need only apply. Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification andexperience

PERSONAL CONCIERGE/BUTLERJob Requirements:• Provides a very personal, detailed, seamless service toguests• Take care of guests needs in a highly professional manner.• Be seen by the guests in response to all the guest’s needsand requests.• The attention to detail required and the ability to anticipatethe needs of guests needs demand that the butler is a consummatehotel professional with impeccable standards• Strive to create an atmosphere that makes a ‘wow’impression on the guests• Will not accept anything less that the best availablepresentation of the suites/rooms and public areas of the floors.• Must take gentle care of all their guests from arrival untildeparture without imposing themselves on the guestQualified Belongers need only applySalary Range: Commensurate based on qualification andexperience

Career OpportunitiesGrace Bay Club is looking for candidates that have the requirements listed along with an outgoing professional manner.They love to work with different types of people, meet challenges with a positive attitude and live the standards of ourorganization. Their management style is one that balances a commitment to people and their development withbusiness/financial accountability and delivers an exceptional guest experience

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

Page 17

COOK:Job Requirements:• Middle level culinary skills• Dependable, proactive, organized, team player.• Education from a formal culinary program• At least two to three years cooking experience; preparinginternational breakfast, lunch and dinner in regional cookingenvironment. • Sanitation certificate.• Ability to plan, organize and execute meal plans • Must speak and read English fluently. Additionallanguages an asset.Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

SOUS CHEFJob Requirements • Secondary level education is required. Good writing,reading, listening and computation skills are necessary. • Education from a formal culinary institution is required.Kitchen terminology required. • Perform mathematical calculation including but not limitedto conversion of recipes, inventories etc• Advanced culinary and artistic skills, cooking methods,knowledge of all different kitchen departments and productidentification. • Deputize in the absence of the Chef de cuisine.• Prepare weekly rosters and payroll reports.• Check stock and requisition as necessary; record all stockwhich is to be discarded.• Ensure that all check lists are completed, Haccp,production, etc.• Assist the Chef de cuisine in the day to day managementof the kitchen.• Enforce Health and Hygiene regulations within the kitchenand heighten staff’s awareness of good personal and food hygienepractices and procedures, i.e. cleaning of kitchen, storage,handling of food, etc.• Identify training needs of staff and assist Head Chef withon the job training.Belongers need only to applySalary Range: Commensurate based on qualification andexperience

RESTAURANT SERVERS:Job Overview:Qualified individuals should have a minimum of 3 years restaurantexperience. Individuals must possess strong work ethics; have aworking knowledge of fine dining steps of service, and the abilityto provide our guests with an outstanding dining experience.Servers should be industry professionals with excellent food andwine knowledge.

Job Requirements:• Responsibilities include setup, organization and cleanup ofservice areas.• Responsible for staying current with daily menu items andchanging wine lists. • Must be able to work as part of a motivated, high energyteam that takes pride in their work. • Lifting of trays loaded with food, plates and glasswarerequired. • Responsible for responding to any situation at any giventime in a professional and courteous manner. This may includeanswering any questions posed by guests• Stack, lift, and carry trays in a systematic and safe manner.• Clean and retrieve tables in a neat, timely and professionalmanner.• Receive, process, and present all food and beverageorders according to Grace Bay Club standards.• Responsible for using suggestive selling techniques, whenappropriate, and doing so in a courteous manner to up sell and, inturn, increase the average check NIGHT AUDITORJob Requirements:• Performs all the audit of all hotel income, including Food &Beverages. Working and applying mathematical concepts. • Must possess excellent investigative and audit orientedskills. • Handles all functions related to the Front Desk including

cashiering and posting of charges to the guest accounts.• Performs regular spot checks on food and beverageoutlets.• Must have knowledge of hotel operating functions.• Applicants must be well groomed, personable and haveexcellent customer service skills• Full-time, week-end and holiday work required.

POOL & BEACH ATTENDANTSJob Requirements:• The candidate must have good communications skills andmust be able to work in a fast paced environment.• Individual is responsible for the set up and breakdown ofthe pool and beach umbrellas & beach beds.• 1-2 year related experience and/or training.• Provide towels/chairs/umbrellas to guests. • Perform side work including the folding of towels, preparingwater and fruit skewers • Clean ashtrays, straighten chairs, and keep all outsidebeach and pool areas free of debris. • Must be friendly and guest service minded.• Must be able to carry heavy loads and work outdoors forlong hours.Belongers need only to applySalary Range: Commensurate based on qualification andexperience

PASTRY CHEFJob Overview:We are currently seeking a self motivated Pastry Chef. Thisculinary experienced professional will be responsible forperforming various baking-related duties including preparingvarious types of breads ,rolls, cakes, pastries, cookies, and otherdessert items, working closely with the Executive Chef and todetermine the type and quantity of each item. This individual mustdisplay a positive attitude; have a high level of energy andcommitment to quality throughout all aspects of the job. Job Requirements & Qualifications:• Oversee the day to day operation of the Bakery. • Responsible for new product development as well asmaintaining existing recipes. • Creates new dessert items • Must be at least 18 years of age.• Requires a minimum of three (3) years pastry experienceto include a minimum of one (1) year supervisory experience inthe hospitality industry. • Requires working knowledge of methods and materialsused in commercial baking. • Must be able to operate various types of ovens, mixers,and other kitchen appliances. Requires the ability to read, interpret, and follow complex recipesand directions. • Must be able to work efficiently in a fast-pacedenvironment, meeting strict deadlines, and have goodinterpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively withpeople. • Self motivate, detail orientated professional • Extensive experience with plated desserts, artisan breadsand classic pastries.Belongers need only to applySalary Range: Commensurate based on qualification andexperience

Interested persons can contact our Human Resources Departmentno later than February 3, 2012@ (649) 946-5050 Ext. 1050Email: veronica.clare@gracebayclub.com oralbray.lightbourne@gracebayclub.comFax: (649) 946-5758P.O. Box 128 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, BritishWest Indies

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

Page 18JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012 TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

LOCAL NEWSPage 19

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

POSTIONS AVAILABLEGrand Turk Cruise Center LTD is currently seeking qualified applicants to fill thefollowing position:

CARPENTER•Applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in both rough and finishcarpentry and be familiar with the safe and efficient operation of most commonlyused power tools.•Shape or cut materials to specific measurements using hand tools, machines orpower saw.•Interpret sketches or basic plans to prepare project layouts and determinedimensions and materials required.•Build and repair wooden bridges and buildings.•Build or repair fixtures and fittings used in buildings.•Erect scaffolding and ladders for assembling structures above ground.•Repair or replace damaged or defective parts or sections of structures usinghand tools.•Finish surfaces of woodwork or wallboard in buildings using paint, hand toolsand paneling.•Inspect ceiling, floor tile, wall coverings, siding, glass or woodwork to detectbroken or damaged structures.•Knowledge of plumbing and/or masonry would be an asset.

Applicants must be willing to work nights, weekends and holidays. Must be able to lift min. of 50lbs, speak English and able to work well as part of aculturally diverse team.

SALARY / WAGES BASED ON QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE. Interested persons should contact:GTCC Human Resources Fax: (649) 946-1041 or

E-Mail: admin@grandturkcc.com

B’S BEAUTY BOXIs looking to employ

A Hair StylistTo work 6 days per week

Salary ranging from $5.00 to $7.00per hour

Applicants must be willing to work onweekends and holidays.

Perspective applicants must haveexperience in hair grooming and hair

carePlease submit all applications to the

Snack SpotOpposite Air Turk and Caicos, Old

Airport RoadProvidenciales

Turks and Caicos IslandsTel: 241-2185

DOCK DIRECTSEEKS

ONE LABOURERTo work 5 days per

weekSalary $5.00 per

hourContact 441-6669

ISLAND QUEENS BEAUTYIs seeking

A DomestIc Workersalary $5.00 per hour

contact 241-3943

The 11th Annual Middle Caicos Valentine’s Day Cup Model Sail Boat Race

One of the many talents that Turks and Caicos Islanders are known for is building things with their hands. Those who grew up in the 60’s, 70’s, and even 80’s learned to take everyday items and fashion them into toys, especially sail boats.

It’s amazing that with a few items such as an old sheet, cork, and a few sticks you can make the fastest sail boat you or your friends have ever seen. For some, the creation of toy boat building evolved from everyday items into wood.

That time old tradition has not

lost its flavour in Turks and Caicos culture with events promoting the practice such as the Middle Caicos Valentine’s Day Cup. The Valentine’s Day Cup takes the love for boat carving into a sporting event attended by a vast amount of people from around the nation.

The Middle Caicos Valentine’s Day Cup is a model sail boat race held every year around Valentine’s Day. Each year, boat carvers and boat captains gather at Bambarra Beach to show off their model sail boat creations. Some boats are small but powerful, some are huge and sleek.

Each year you are guaranteed to see a design you have never seen before. This year’s event, sponsored by Islandcom, will feature four different races - Class A for big boats, Class B for medium size boats, and Class C for smaller boats. Newly added to the event is the Women’s Cup race.

Islandcom CEO Kate Bonner speaking on the event says, “ Islandcom is delighted to sponsor the Valentine’s Day Cup once again.

We believe it is important to take part in community events that embrace the traditions of the Turks and Caicos Islands. We enjoyed ourselves immensely last year and were pleased with the community turn out.”

The most joyous element in the event is watching master boat carvers and children alike race with pride their own boat inventions. Event coordinator Sara Kaufman, looks forward to this years event.

“We at the Middle Caicos Sailing Association are absolutely ecstatic to be celebrating the 11th annual Valentine’s Day Cup. Each year gets better and better. We truly appreciate the community involvement from all around the TCI.”

While numerous model sail boats race the seas, on land attendees partake in the various entertainment and other festivities.

Slated at this year’s event there will be music, and games sponsored by the Islandcom Team for adults and children alike. Also at the event there will be a wide variety of local cuisine special to the islands as well as live entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

This year’s event will take place Saturday, February 11th at Bambarra Beach, Middle Caicos.

Ferry shuttle service from Providenciales to Bambarra Beach by boat and bus will be available to all who wish to attend.

LOCAL NEWSPage 8

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN AUGUST 12TH - AUGUST 19TH, 2011

By David NewlandsSun Reporter

In December of last year the groundwas broken for the radar station. It was said then, that the station wouldbe operational by February, or Marchat the latest.

In May, it was confirmed that theradar was still not functioning, thoughClara Gardiner, Permanent Secretary inthe Ministry of Border Control andLabour said:

“We are experiencing a few delays,but we are still making progress on theproject, that is as much as I can say atthis time. But it is on-going and wehope to finish the project soon”.

Now in August, six months afterinitial predictions for completion, thestation has still not reached completion.

The radar station, which is sited inFive Cays, Providenciales, is gearedtowards further protecting the bordersof the TCI by spotting illegal activitiesoff shore, including the transportationof illegal migrants, weapons and drugs.The station would be equipped to scanthe shoreline at 180 degrees, and beturned off when it sweeps over land inorder to prevent radiation exposure;once it reached the shore line it wouldreactivate.

The radar, which was a topic ofdiscussion since 2007 had only becomea reality in December of last year, whencontracts were signed to allow for itsconstruction; at first, the project was onschedule, the land was purchased, theroad was paved, and the complex waserected. However it appears to have hitan obstacle, which has hindered its

progress. Due to the fact that parts for the

radar were kept in storage for two years,they have become unfit for use. It isbecause of this, that the radar stationneeds government funding in order topurchase new parts and complete theconstruction of the facility.

The need for replacement parts isnot the only reason why the radar

station’s completion has been delayed;when a SUn reporter spoke with FredSkovberg, the Canadian national whoconceptualized the radar station, heremarked on the fact that the facilityneeded to be expanded.

Skovberg stated that the radarstation was originally intended to beattached to another government facility.This facility would have all of theamenities including staff quarters, toallow for staff to work at the radarstation, since it would be a 24 houroperation; however this second facilitywas never constructed, leaving only amonitoring booth and the radar itself.This extension is a requirement in orderfor the site to operate within its optimalfunctionality.

The extension and replacementparts both require funding from thegovernment in order to be purchasedand constructed in order to make theradar fully operational. When the Sunattempted to contact Gardiner, she couldnot be reached for comment.

Without Gardiner’s statement, thegovernment’s plans for funding andfurther progress of this vital operationare unknown.

Position:Director of Guest Experiences

Job Overview: A member of the Senior Leader Team. Responsible for theoverall performance of the Personal Concierges (Butlers) staff and theoperation of the Concierge Department; to include, but not limited to -staffing, training, scheduling, ensuring high guest satisfaction.Reports to: The General Manager

Minimum Qualifications:• Certification by a recognized Butler school• 6 - 10 years experience in Butler service• 5 years experience in the hospitality industry, preferably as ButlerManager• International hospitality experience• Read, write and speak English (2 or more additional languages desired)

Essential Job Functions:• Ensuring that the staff of the Personal Concierge Department providesworld-class and personal service to all guests.• Daily training through the Line-up process plus weekly/monthly trainingsessions with Personal Concierge and other staff members. Maintainingrecords of all training• Upholding the Grace Bay Resort’s Credo and culture• Co-ordinate and ensure smooth operations of all Guest Service areas• Build rapport with in-house guests • Utilize leadership skills, motivation techniques and experience in order tomaximize employee productivity.• Interact with all guests to ensure their satisfaction, to gather personalpreferences• Conduct himself/herself in a manner reflecting the position as adepartment head and a senior member of the Grace Bay Club managementteam• Update and maintain all Guest History Files.

Interested persons can contact our Human Resource Department attelephone: (649) 339-5050

Radar Operation put on hold

Clara Gardiner, Permanent Secretary in theMinistry of Border Control and Labour

Page 19JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS The Regent Grand and Villa Renaissance

receive Prestigious Awards HAB Management is delighted to announce that both the Villa Renaissance and Regent Grand are winners of Trip Advisor’s® Traveler’s Choice® 2012 awards in category of Top Hotels in the Caribbean.

This is the fourth year that Villa Renaissance has been the recipient of a Trip Advisor honor and the second for The Regent Grand.

“To be voted in at the number eight and eleven spots of the Top Hotels in the Caribbean is a marvelous achievement for our beautiful, boutique and beachfront hotels. Our staff has worked exceptionally hard since our resorts opened to provide a wonderful experience and excellence in value and service. We will continue to strive for the quality that has become expected of us, with our goal being to make sure we secure these awards for 2013”. Commented General Manager, HAB Management, Eoin O’Sullivan.

TripAdvisor® is the world's largest travel site attracting more than 50 million unique monthly visitors. Their branded sites show more than 60 million reviews and opinions posted on their sites making it the largest travel community in the world.

Now in its tenth year, the annual TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice® awards honor the world’s best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travelers; and unlike other hotel awards programs, the winners are based

on the opinions of millions of real and unbiased reviews and opinions posted by the world’s largest travel community.

2012 sees this year’s awards bigger than ever with 3,943 properties globally being recognized with dedicated lists featured for 30 countries and eight regions worldwide. The lists cover 19 new markets and expanded categories from "Top 10" to

"Top 25" winners, providing more inspiration for travelers seeking remarkable properties around the world.

Villa Renaissance is a magnificent beach front Retreat located directly on internationally renowned Grace Bay beach on Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

With 28 luxurious one, two and three bedroom beachfront villas and 8 charming and equally luxuriously appointed poolside cottages, Villa Renaissance offers its relaxed elegance at surprisingly accessible rates. Expansive ocean frontages; romantic "Juliet" balconies; full modern kitchens featuring stainless steel appliances and marble countertops and an international décor of only the finest quality, makes the luxurious appointment seemingly endless!

Alongside the elegant mosaic pool, find shady walk ways, pool bar, charming cottages. A central archway, takes you into the center of the majestic building, leading out to the endless splendor of

Grace Bay. Stretching across 300 feet of award winning

Grace Bay Beach, the Regent Grand, ideally situated in the heart of Grace Bay, minutes away from shops and restaurants, takes you into a world of elegant privacy and the timeless grace of Italian design.

This beautiful, boutique and beachfront property enjoys spectacular views of Princess Alexandra National Park which includes one of the largest coral reef systems in the world. From private, over-sized balconies you will see the surf breaking on the reef just two hundred yards offshore, protecting Grace Bay and giving it some of the calmest, crystal clear waters in the world!

HAB DEVELOPERS HAB is the leading Developer in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Founded in 1983 their portfolio includes the Turks & Caicos Water Company, Provo Golf and Country Club, the Villa Renaissance, The Regent Grand and the Regent Village.

They also own large tracts of land on North Caicos and elsewhere on Providenciales.

HAB Group has been at the forefront of Property Development and has a reputation within the Turks and Caicos Islands as outstanding developers of luxury beachfront condominiums. HAB are in the process of developing their most prestigious development to date, The Vellagio.

LOCAL NEWSPage 18

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

Page 20JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012 TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

SCIENCE PAPER 02SECTION A

This section consists of five (5) structured questions. You are required toAnswer ALL questions from this section in the spaces provided.

1. Use the words in the list provided to complete the given sentences

*pollutant *friction *vertebrate * epidermis*transparent * wind vane * bacteria * non-conductor*water *magnet

(a) The outer layer of the skin is called the_____________________(b) Any substance that contaminates or harms the environment is called_________________(c) When the skin is cut the body may be invaded by ___________________(d) The earth’s surface is covered by more than 70% of _________________(e) A ______________________ shows the direction of the wind.(f) Two objects rubbing against each other produce ____________________(g) A ___________________________ pulls iron and steel objects to it.(h) Plastic is a _______________________ of electricity.(i) Light rays can pass through__________________ objects.(j) An animal with a spine (backbone) is a ________________________.

2. A Indicate whether the following statements are True (T) or False (F) by drawing a circle around your answer. (a) Heredity influences our looks T F(b) A flesh eater is called a carnivore T F(c) Saliva does not play a role in digestion T F(d) Anger is a good sign of self control T F(e) Peer pressure always influences others to do wrong T F

B. Match the word or phrase in Column A with the correct word or phrase in Column B by writing the number on the lines in Column A.

COLUMN A COLUMN BA form of energy________ Diaphragmh Digestive juice in the stomach _______ Rock vTubes that carry blood_____________ HeatSheet of muscle that works in breathing _______ Gastric juiceNatural solid found in the earth’s crust______ Blood Vessels

3. Fill in the spaces from the word list below to complete the given paragraph.

*ovaries *eggs *sperm *reproduce * offspring*nubertv *fertilization *sexual * testes * sex organs

Young children are unable to ________________________because their ______________ are not fully developed. In order to produce _____________the female ________________ must produce __________________ and the male_____________________ must produce . When the egg and Sperm are brought together, ________________________takes place. This Process of reproduction in humans is called _________________________ reproduction.The stage of life when the sex organs begins to develop is known as ___________________.

4. The tongue is an elongated muscular organ located in the mouth. Answer the questions which follow. (a) List two functions of the tongue

1____________________ 2 ______________________________ (b) What four tastes do taste buds recognize?

1____________________ 2 ______________________________3____________________ 4 ______________________________

(c) Why are you unable to taste food very well when you are having a cold? ___________________________________________

(d) State two ways by which your sense of taste and smell can protect you.________________________________________________________

5. Use the diagrams below to help you answer the questions which follow: A. Complete the following table of names and functions.

B (i) Name one food item that will help you develop strong bones and teeth. (ii) State two things you should do if one of your friends breaks a bone while playing.

SECTION B

6. The picture below is showing the leaves of a plant.

(a) What is the main fuction of the leaf of a plant?_________________________________________________

(b) Name the three main things that plants need to make their food.1____________________ 2 ______________________________3_________________

(c) How is water carried from the root of the plant to theleaves?_____________________________________________________

(d) List two functions of the roots of plants.____________________________________________

(e) the shoot system in a flowering plant is made up of a stem, leaves, buds, and flowers.State one function of the stem of a plant _________________________(f) Explain why flowers of plants have bright colours.

GSAT Past Papers will continue next week

LOCAL NEWSPage 22

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

A plethora of people attended BigBlue Unlimited’s Expo 2012 onMonday, 23 January 2012.

The Expo, which was held atOpus Restaurant in Grace Bay,Providenciales, marked the officiallaunch of the Big Blue short film andof the company’s education initiativewith TCI Public High schools.Stakeholders in the tourism industryas well as members of the localcommunity came out in full supportof the young local company, whichstarted in 1997.

The Expo showcased numeroustours and services offered by thecompany and saw a full team of 17Big Blue members engage with thecommunity and discussing their

work. It was also, according to PhilipShearer and Mark Parrish, ownersand founders of Big Blue, anexcellent opportunity to recognizeand honor individuals from thefamily Islands as well as a specialresort who have contributed tomaking the Turks and Caicos Islandsone of the best destinations in theCaribbean. As such, five individualsfrom North and Middle Caicosreceived Eco Tourism awards on thenight.

During the ceremony, MarkParrish said that persons such asSusan Butterfield were a shiningexamples “ of generosity, hard workand dedication.”

He stressed that the Awards

winners of North Caicos and MiddleCaicos were true ambassadors for theislands. The recipients were CardinalArthur, Johnston Dee Thomson,Lawrence Campbell, SusanButterfield, Danny Forbes and SarahKaufman from the Middle CaicosCo-op.

The evening ended with theannouncement of the donation of aprogram geared towards high schoolstudents’ involvement in marinepreservation. During an interviewwith Turk and Caicos Islands’ localmedia, Philip Shearer stressed theimportance of a sustainable approachto working in the tourism industry.

“The Marine Aptitude Programproposes to work with school

teachers to enhance topics alreadyoffered in the classroom.” he said.

He added: “The emphasis wouldbe on the appreciation andunderstanding of the marineenvironment and associated pursuitsso that students would be wellprepared for employment in the ecotourism sector and would make wiseconservation decisions for the TCI inyears to come.”

The program which is welcomedby the incoming Permanent Secretaryof Education, Judith Campbell, willonly be offered to the public highschools and will include subjectssuch as conchology, coastal ecology,geography and geology of the TCIand Oceanography.

Big Blue Unlimited hosts

- Highlights the importance of marine preservationfor the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands

Expo 2012

Ray Azimar and Ben Zirin from Big Blue showingPaddle boards

Pastor Bradley Handfield, David Bowen, Lynn Robinson and Sharon Myburg

Co-owners of Big Blue Unlimited Philip Shearer and Mark Parrish

Keisha Reid from Veranda, Jay Stubbs and Tanya Carson

Shirley Williams receives the Award on behalfof Parrot Cay.Lawrence Campbell aka “Big Mac” receives Eco tourism Awards

Johnston Dee Thomson knownas JD showing his Eco Tourism

Award.

Susan Butterfield and Brent Forbes

Big Blue Team talks about Paddle Boarding and other eco activities

Ray Azimar, Ted Weldon from Sailrock project , Alvado

Page 23JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

APPLY NOW!

University College of the Caribbean (UCC)in partnership with

Turks & Caicos Institute of Professional Studies (TCIPS) offers...

For further information contact:

Tel: 339-8177 or 876-935-0989Toll free: 1-800-744-4UCCemail:oecsprogrammes@ucc.edu.jm

Online

Programmes also available

“I have no regrets with UCC Online! I have the full support of my instructors and found the information to be in-depth and relevant to my job. I’m looking forward to my next set of online courses. Great

experience! Great value!”

Besseyoud GouveiaAntigua

Page 24JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012 TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWSPage 25

JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

Page 26JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012 TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

S O L I C I T O R S

Since investigations began into bribery and corruption allegations in the Turks and Caicos (TCI), Rahman Ravelli Solicitors has been advising current and potential clients in need of expert legal advice.

Rahman Ravelli has spent much of 2011 in detailed legal discussion with the TCI authorities regarding the investigation and the interests of its clients. Our feedback informs us that our clients are most attracted to us by our pro-active handling of litigation and our swift, strong and intelligent legal representation that gets results.

Recently, Rahman Ravelli has again received much sought-after entries in legal guides cataloguing the UK’s and the world’s highest-rated legal fi rms.

In the world’s most prestigious legal directory, The Legal 500, Rahman Ravelli was rated as an excellent fi rm specialising in fraud and regulatory matters. It singled out Rahman Ravelli’s founder Aziz Rahman for his “fi rst class and highly experienced’’ handling of cases.

The UK’s most authoritative legal guide, the Chambers UK Guide, said of Aziz Rahman:

“He courts growing recognition as a very bright, dedicated and shrewd tactician who prepares all of his cases to an incredibly high standard.’’

The recognition came after a year in which Rahman Ravelli took on high-profi le UK and international clients and successfully represented them in some of the biggest fraud cases.

Last year, Rahman Ravelli secured the acquittal in London of the main defendant in the $0.5 billion Imperial Consolidated case – one of the largest ever investment fraud trials.

The fi rm has a ten-year track record of success in representing clients of all nationalities in courts around the globe. Rahman Ravelli continues to build on its huge experience of defending clients all over the world who have faced corruption allegations involving billions of dollars. With a growing number of national state agencies worldwide now confi scating people’s assets, many people need such representation to defend what is theirs.

Rahman Ravelli is going to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to challenge the UK government’s right to make a person forfeit assets without them

having been convicted of a crime. This forfeiture is possible under the UK’s Proceeds of Crime Act; upon which the TCI POCA Ordinance was based. Our pioneering ECHR challenge is typical of our “outside of the box’’ thinking that ensures our clients receive fair treatment.

Rahman Ravelli’s worldwide experience, network of expert partners around the globe and record of success make it the logical choice for people looking for legal representation because of the TCI’s fraud and corruption investigation.

Rahman Ravelli represents clients in cases brought by all manner of UK, US, European and worldwide agencies. Clients gain the expertise and resources of a big fi rm and yet also benefi t from our personal touch. Our international clients can talk to our staff and can access their lead lawyers 24 hours a day. For each client, we assemble a bespoke legal team and devise the most intelligent, appropriate defence case while keeping the client informed clearly of every development.

Rahman Ravelli. Sharp legal minds with a personal touch.

Rahman Ravelli Solicitors… Defending people against fraud and corruption allegations in the TCI and around the world

www.rahmanravelli.co.uk | International 24-hour phone number +44 (0)1422-346666 | E: enquiries@rahmanravelli.co.uk

RAHMAN RAVELLI ADVERTORIAL.indd 1 23/12/2011 10:46

Page 27JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWSPage 26

JANUARY 13TH - JANUARY 20TH, 2012 TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

Page 28

The One That Got AwaySummer after high school when

we first metWe make out in your Mustang to

RadioheadAnd on my 18th BirthdayWe got matching tattoos

Used to steal your parents' liquorAnd climb to the roofTalk about our futureLike we had a clue

Never planned that one dayI'd be losing you

In another lifeI would be your girl

We'd keep all our promisesBe us against the world

In another lifeI would make you staySo I don't have to say

You were the one that got awayThe one that got away

I was June and you were myJohnny Cash

Never one without the other wemade a pact

Sometimes when I miss youI put those records on (Whoa)

Someone said you had yourtattoo removed

Saw you downtown singing theBlues

It's time to face the musicI'm no longer your muse

But in another lifeI would be your girl

We'd keep all our promisesBe us against the world

In another lifeI would make you staySo I don't have to say

You were the one that got awayThe one that got awayThe o-o-o-o-o-one [x3]The one that got away

[Bridge:]All this money can't buy me a time

machine (Nooooo)It can't replace you with a million

rings (Nooooo)I should've told you what you

meant to me (Whoa)'Cause now I pay the price

In another lifeI would be your girl

We'd keep all our promisesBe us against the world

In another lifeI would make you staySo I don't have to say

You were the one that got awayThe one that got awayThe o-o-o-o-o-one [x3]

In another lifeI would make you staySo I don't have to say

You were the one that got awayThe one that got away

Etta James, the influential 1950s rhythm-and-blues singer best known for her show-stopping hit "At Last," died on Friday from complications of leukemia in a Californiahospital surrounded by her family. She was 73.

Her death prompted tributes from numerous musicians and artists who wereinfluenced by her singing, from pop star Mariah Carey to Aretha Franklin and legendaryrock band The Doors.

James died in her home town of Riverside, California, east of Los Angeles, said hermanager and friend of some 30 years, Lupe De Leon. She would have turned 74 onWednesday.

James was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago and had been in failing healthfor a number of years. Her live-in doctor said in December she was terminally ill withleukemia. James also suffered from diabetes, kidney problems and dementia and washospitalized late in 2011 because she was struggling to breathe.

The three time Grammy-award winning R&B singer saw numerous ups-and-downsin her career and personal life. She struggled with obesity and heroin addiction, ran ahot-check scheme and had troubled relationships with men, including some gangsters.Her weight ballooned, and in 2003 she underwent gastric bypass surgery and lost morethan 200 pounds.

Yet in the music industry, among fellow R&B artists and rock icons, James' careerwas legendary. With songs like "The Wallflower" and "Good Rockin' Daddy," the three-time Grammy winner was a key figure in the early days of rock 'n' roll, and her signaturesong, the 1961 ballad "At Last," proved her mastery of the blues.

In the 1960s, James signed with Chicago's legendary Chess Records label and sangsongs like "At Last" and "Trust in Me" that were backed by orchestras. Over the decades,James' hit the R&B charts with 30 singles, and placed nine of those songs in pop music'stop 40. She has often been cited as influencing singers including Raitt, Janis Joplin andTina Turner.

James won her first Grammy in 1995 for her album, "Mystery Lady: The Songs ofBillie Holiday." She also won Grammys in 2003 and 2005, as well as a lifetimeachievement award in 2003 from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences,which gives out the Grammys.

She is survived by her husband, Artis Mills, two sons Donto and Sametto who playedin James' backing band, and four grandchildren.

Blues singer Etta Jamesdies at 73 years old

‘Whitney's fortune is gone. Musicindustry heavy hitters are supportingher and her label is fronting her cashagainst her next album, but no oneknows when that will be released’ a

source told Radaronline.com.Read: WHITNEY HOUSTON BROKE?

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

ENTERTAINMENTPage 29

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

British singer Adele is still proving tobe the ultimate chart-breaker. “Set Fireto the Rain,” the singer’s third 21single, has toppled Rihanna’s “WeFound Love” to claim top spot on theBillboard Hot 100. Ri Ri’s CalvinHarris-assisted track, which slips tonumber two this week, spent 10 totalweeks on top of the chart, the stoutestrun at that spot since Ke$ha notchednine weeks there at the beginning of2010 with “Tik Tok.”

“Set Fire to the Rain” is Adele’sthird number one, joining “Rolling inthe Deep” (which spent seven weekson top last year) and “Someone LikeYou” (five total weeks in 2011). Ofcourse, 21 is also the number onealbum in the country this week, whichmeans that Adele rules both chartssimultaneously. That’s not necessarilya remarkable feat, as plenty of artistshave lorded over both chartssimultaneously, and 10 artists haveeven done it with two songs (mostrecently, Usher pulled it off with the

Confessions singles “Yeah!” and“Burn” back in 2004). But in aninteresting bit of trivia, Adele is nowthe only artist in history to rule bothcharts with three different singles fromthe same album. Scoring three numberones is tricky business, but scoringthose hit singles while still keepingyour album sales robust is more or lessimpossible. What’s more impressive isthat Adele continues to climb thesecharts and break these records withoutmuch promotion, as she has onlyrecently emerged from a brief sabbaticalshe took to recover from vocal cordsurgery.

According to Bilboard, Adele’s 21just notched its 17th week as the numberone album in the country, which ties itwith Billy Ray Cyrus’ Some Gave Allon the all-time most weeks at numberone list. Adele’s next target is theWhitney Houston-centric soundtrack toThe Bodyguard, which spent 20 weeksat number one. Considering Adele has aGrammy bump to look forward to, and

with her greatest chart-toppingchallenger Nicki Minaj now sitting outuntil April, another three weeks on topseems like child’s play.

Once she crosses that threshold,Adele enters into a whole new salesuniverse. The Bodyguard has the mostweeks at number one in the SoundScanera (1991-present), though there areeight other albums that have spent moreweeks at the top of the chart. Thesoundtrack to West Side Story is theofficial all-time leader, with 54 weeks atthe pinnacle in 1962-63. That record,like Cy Young’s all-time wins mark forpitchers, is unlikely to ever be toppled,but it was also set in an era when albumsales were an extremely loose science(or, at worst, not a science at all). Should21 notch 21 weeks at number one(poetic!), it should be considered therecord holder in this particular category.

If anyone still doubted thecommercial appeal of an old-fashionedsoul singer who can channel rawemotion into song, Adele has put those

doubts to rest. Not since 1993 has analbum remained at No. 1 on theBillboard 200 chart for as long as heralbum, “21” (XL/Columbia). Thatalbum finished its 17th week atop thesales chart since its release in theUnited States last February, selling95,000 copies last week. That’s the bestany album has done since “TheBodyguard” soundtrack, released in1993, was on top for 20 weeks,Billboard reported.

Adele sets another record,topples Rihanna from No. 1 spot

British singer Adele

Rihanna is launching a reality TV,competition-style fashion show.She will executive produce, cast,and edit the show, as well as serveas part of the grand prize.However, she won’t be hosting –that duty has been given to UKsinger Nicola Roberts.

Undiscovered fashiondesigners will compete to dressRihanna, ultimately creating astage outfit for her Wirelessperformance in London’s HydePark in July 2012.

Unfortunately, the show is setto air on the UK’s Sky Livingchannel. She told them: “I’vealways had a great love of fashion.It’s a constant source of inspirationin my life, and is a big reason whyI’ve grown into the person andartist I am today.”

The channel’s website says:“The show will celebrate theextraordinary talent and creativityin the British fashion scene. WithRihanna, a fashion icon herself,and Nicola, who created her ownDainty Doll make-up range, at thehelm, the show will recognise theincreasing influence popstars haveon mainstream trends.”

Let’s hope some clips make itthis way

RihannaTo LaunchReality TVFashionShow

Despite the pain from his split with Heidi Klum, Seal sayshe believes the pair can avoid a messy breakup.

"In terms of our love and respect for each other, it hasn'tchanged at all," he says in an interview airing Friday onTavis Smiley on PBS. "And I think that when two peoplefeel that way about each other, it is easy – it is easier to makethat transition."

Seal adds that their children "are our first priority" andthat the pair can still remain friends "especially when thereare other things to take into consideration like family."

"What one has to do in this situation is remain civil andto retain one's dignity and to be professional and tounderstand that we are not the only people on this planet thatgo through this," he says. "It is just unfortunately a chapterof life." Making the publicity rounds Monday to promotehis album Soul 2, Seal also taped an interview on The EllenDeGeneres Show, where he explained why he was still

wearing his wedding ring."It's just pretty much a token of how I feel about this

woman," he says on the show airing Wednesday. "We haveeight years, eight wonderful years together. Just because wehave decided to separate doesn't necessarily mean you takeoff your ring and you're no longer connected to that person.We will be connected in many ways 'til the rest of our lives."

As to whether he'll wear the ring for the rest of his life,he says, "Who knows?"

"But right now it feels really comfortable on my handso I have no intentions of taking it off anytime soon," hesays.

The separation, he tells DeGeneres, left him and Klumjust as "shocked" as everybody. But he says the pair foundthat "you just grow apart after awhile."

"It's a shame," he says. "To say that neither of us weregrieving would be an out-and-out lie."

Seal opens up about his splitfrom Heidi Klum

She’s about to make her big screencomeback in the remake of Sparkle withpopstar Jordin Sparks but WhitneyHouston is reportedly 'broke'.

The 48-year-old singer - who hasovercome crack cocaine addiction - hasallegedly spent all of her fortune,including a reported $100million recorddeal.

Whitney is being financiallysupported by her record label Arista,which has given her an advance paymenton her next album, according to reports.

‘Whitney's fortune is gone. Musicindustry heavy hitters are supporting herand her label is fronting her cash againsther next album, but no one knows whenthat will be released’ a source toldRadaronline.com.

‘She might be homeless if not for

people saving her. She is broke as ajoke.’

Whitney - whose ex-husband isBobby Brown - is believed to be in such adire financial position she has even had toresort to contacting friends for small loans.

The source added: ‘She calledsomeone to ask for $100. It is so sad. Sheshould have Mariah Carey money, andshe's flat broke.’

A spokesperson for the singerstrongly denied the claims when contactedby MailOnline and said: 'That is ridiculousand not true! She stars in SPARKLE outin August which she also Exec produced.She just wrapped the film.'

In August 2001, Whitney signed thebiggest record deal in music history at thetime with Arista/BMG, renewing hercontract with the label for $100million

to deliver six new albums.She released her last LP I Look to

You in August 2009.In August, her first film since 1996’s

The Preacher’s Wife will hit cinemas inthe US and Houston plays, Emma, themother of Sparks’ character, Sparkle.

In a new shot from the flick, the paircan be seen all glammed up for the newversion of the blockbuster about how agirl group experiences turmoil after oneof their members turns to drugs andanother achieves their desired famealone.

Co-star Jordin spoke highly of thediva to People magazine.

‘She was so cool and very motherlytoward me. If I ever looked like I neededsomething, here she came saying 'Areyou okay?'

Whitney Houston is flat broke afterspending her $100m fortune

Page 30JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012 TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

Page 30

MAY 27TH - JUNE 3RD, 2011TURKS & CAICOS SUN

—2—

KFWS • MindGymOctober 4, 2010

—3—

KFWS • MindGymOctober 4, 2010

FUN & GAMES

Page 31JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

Page 31

TURKS & CAICOS SUN MAY 27TH - JUNE 3RD, 2011

—15—

King Features W

eekly ServiceO

ctober 4, 2010

—13—

King Features W

eekly ServiceO

ctober 4, 2010

—29—

A NECESSARY ASSUMPTION

If a contract can be made only when the defenders’ cards are divided in a certain way, declarer must play for that distribution to exist. He lays his plans accordingly and dismisses all other dis-tributions from his mind. Here is a typical case:

West leads the king of clubs, won by dummy’s ace. The situation is far from promising, since it is pos-sible to lose three hearts, a club and a diamond.

However, there is a good chance that West, who over-called, has the king of dia-monds, in which case one loser can be lopped off. Fur-thermore, dummy’s fourth diamond offers the prospect

of saving still another trick. But this latter possibil-

ity is complicated some-what by the built-in block in diamonds. Thus, suppose declarer draws three rounds of trumps immediately and leads the diamond queen. Whether West plays the king on this trick or the next, South is unable to utilize dummy’s fourth diamond, and he goes down one.

This threatening complica-tion should start South on a train of thought that will lead him to the winning solution. He should cash the Q-J of trumps and then lead the queen of diamonds, leaving one trump at large. It does not matter whether or not West covers; in either case, South plays three diamonds in succession, ending in his hand.

As it happens, West cannot ruff the third diamond, and South makes the contract, since he can next cross to the king of spades and discard a loser on the nine of dia-monds.

It is true that declarer runs the risk of the second or third diamond being ruffed, but, because making the contract is his primary consideration, he has no choice but to pro-ceed on the assumption that the winning distribution actually exists.

© 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.

Unstoppable in Stilettos: A Girl’s Guide to Living Tall In a Small WorldBy Lauren Ruotolo(Health Communications, $14.95)Reviewed by Rose McAllister Croke

Diagnosed at the age of 2 with a rare genetic disorder called McCune-Albright Syndrome, Lauren Ruotolo learned early on that she couldn’t let people put lim-its on her.

Doctors advised against Lauren running and play-ing due to her weak, eas-ily bruised and breakable bones. It was recommended that Lauren would be best suited for a wheelchair, rath-er than endure the intense physical therapy needed for her to walk. Faced with a monumental choice at the tender age of 5, Lauren was empowered by her parents and physical therapist to make the biggest decision of her life. Lauren chose to walk.

Today, Lauren walks with a pair of crutches, often in shoes with heels that resem-ble miniature skyscrapers. At 4 feet, 2 inches, Lauren’s

condition may have stunted her physical growth, but it gave her an enormous gift: a feisty attitude and fearless approach to living life on her terms.

In “Unstoppable in Stilet-tos,” Lauren shares her brave story of personal power and self-acceptance. Written in a candid, conversational style, each chapter begins with “Lauren’s Lesson,” in which she shares her hard-earned wisdom from her unique life experiences. From choosing to walk and auditioning in front of a famous rapper to moving on from rejection 31 times to get her first job offer, Lauren imparts humorous and motivating stories on how to overcome incredible odds and approach life with gusto.

In a time when so many people are unemployed and down on their luck, “Unstoppable In Stilettos” is a timely book that is uplift-ing and impactful. Lauren Ruotolo’s can-do attitude has enough spark and wit to ignite another person’s own revolution of purpose and self-discovery.

© 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.

King Features W

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ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Some flashes of Aries ire might erupt as you con-front an unusually bewilder-ing situation. But you should be able to keep your temper under control as you work through it.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) That marriage ‘twixt the arts and practicality that Tau-reans excel at once again highlights your enjoyment of much of the week. How-ever, you need to watch any sudden urge to splurge.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Even with all the plus-ses apparently outweighing the minuses, you still might want to defer an important decision to make sure you have all the facts you need.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) One or two problems might threaten to derail oth-erwise smoothly running sit-uations at work or at home. But a few well-placed words should help get things back on track quickly.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) This could be a good time for all you Leos and Leonas in the spotlight to open your generous Lion’s hearts and share the glory with those who helped you accomplish so much along the way.

VIRGO (August 23 to Sep-tember 22) You might want to get advice from someone who’s been there and knows these situations better than you do, before investing time or money (or both) in a questionable matter.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Be careful how you handle a workplace mat-ter that seems out of place

in the schedule you’ve pre-pared. Before you act, one way or another, find out who set it up and why.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Your enter-tainment aspect is strong this week. Besides providing a wonderful break from every-day obligations, sharing fun times brings you closer to those you care for.

SAGITTARIUS (Novem-ber 22 to December 21) Having a weekend fun fest? Your friend or relative who’s down in the emotional dumps could perk up if you find a way to include him or her in your plans.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) If you’re in one of those “the Goat knows best” periods, you might want to ease up and try listening to what others have to say. You could learn something.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) That new challenge is getting closer, and you should be out there now showing facts and fig-ures to potential allies to help persuade them to rally to your support. Good luck.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Getting a head start on holiday plans could help free up some time later to spend on other projects. Meanwhile, a colleague has some ideas that you might find worth discussing.

BORN THIS WEEK: You are always there for others, and sometimes you need to be reminded that you need to be there for yourself as well.

© 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.

—21—

• It was Polish-born Brit-ish novelist Joseph Conrad who made the following sage observation: “Being a woman is a terribly difficult task since it consists princi-pally in dealing with men.”

• Contrary to popular belief, seagulls don’t really explode if they eat Alka-Seltzer.

• Pizza is one of the most popular foods around the world, but in other coun-tries it doesn’t always look the way it does when you order out here in the Unit-ed States. For instance, in India you’re likely to find toppings like pickled gin-ger, minced mutton and a kind of cottage cheese. Bra-zilians like green peas on their pizzas, Costa Ricans like coconut and Pakistanis favor curry. A popular pizza in Japan has potato, bacon and mayonnaise, while eel and squid also are common toppings.

• If you’re in the mood to indulge yourself — and have the means to do it — you can vacation in the penthouse suite at Hotel Martinez in Cannes,

France. At a rate of more than $35,000 per night, it’s one of the world’s most expensive hotel rooms.

• An electronics shop in Seattle once advertised that it was selling stereos for “299 bananas.” As it turns out, 30-some odd customers showed up to take advan-tage of the special — in a literal fashion. They each brought — you guessed it — 299 actual bananas. The local zoo ended up being the beneficiary of all the extra produce.

• The first state in the Union to declare Christmas an official legal holiday was Alabama, and it happened in 1836.

***Thought for the Day:

“Travel is fatal to preju-dice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vege-tating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” — Mark Twain

© 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.

By Samantha Weaver

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FUN & GAMES

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KFWS • MindGym October 4, 2010

Scammers Add to Bag of TricksThe scammers who want

to separate us from our money never sleep. And they’ve gotten more cre-ative than ever.

Scammers are targeting those who make purchases on Amazon.com and are raking in millions of dollars. They send out a mass e-mail, complete with a duplicate of the Amazon logo, with a thanks for the most recent purchase. A variation is to send an e-mail saying that the Amazon.com account has been compromised. The purchaser is asked to click a link, which either down-loads a virus or brings up a webpage that asks for login and credit-card informa-tion. Since so many people buy from Amazon.com, the scammers actually are hitting large numbers of purchasers. With personal information in hand, they go on a spending spree.

Hotels are notorious for lack of security in their com-puters, and scammers are having a field day with it. It’s thought that hotel com-puters are the No. 1 location for credit-card scammers to attack. And it’s not just the mom-and-pop motels — the major chains are getting hit too. There’s not much that can be done, except to check your credit-card statements

the minute you get them. There’s a movement afoot to have credit-card holders check their purchases and balances on a daily basis to stop the frauds faster. How-ever, there is danger in that as well, especially if you use WiFi and check your account from an unprotect-ed location.

There must be money in online auto sales, because scammers have targeted that area, too. To accomplish the fraud, scammers create a website or e-mail address that is only one letter off from a legitimate site. All it would take is a small typo to put purchasers in contact with the scammers instead of the actual dealership. Purchasers would inquire about buying a vehicle, and the scammers would tell them how and where to wire the money ... and of course, the vehicle is never deliv-ered.

Anytime there’s a disaster or storm, beware of phony solicitations. With the BP oil spill, it’s said that some creative scammers were even taking money to get clean-up jobs for people who applied. Hurricanes, deep snow, floods — they’re all perfect for the scammers who prey on our generous spirits.

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

© 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.

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FUN & GAMES

Page 33

• Trinidad Prime Minister cleared byIntegrity Commission

HIGHLIGHTS

Ingraham changesBahamas Election laws

Attorneys for embattled Texas financierAllen Stanford have mounted a defencethat contends their client was a savvybusinessman whose financial empirewas legitimate and who never failed topay what was owed to investors.

This is the hand that the courtappointed defence lawyers playedwhen Stanford’s court case went to trialthis week after several years of delays.

Prosecutor Gregg Costa told jurorsin the Houston federal court thatStanford used investors’ money to buyhomes and yachts and fund cricketmatches, stealing their hard-earnedsavings so he could live the lavishlifestyle of a billionaire.

The prosecution says Stanford’sbusiness empire was built on smokeand mirrors and he bilked investors outof more than US$7 billion over 20years as part of a massive Ponzi schemecentred on sales of certificates ofdeposit from an Antiguan bank heowned.

However, Stanford, denies theclaims and says his businesses werelegitimate, is charged with 14 counts,including wire and mail fraud. He facesup to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Robert Scardino, one of Stanford’sattorneys, told jurors the financier wasa clever and resourceful businessmanwho for 22 years paid investors everypenny that he promised them.

“We’re going to prove to you that(his business empire) was real and itexisted,” Scardino said.

Scardino told jurors that Stanforddidn’t need to steal depositors’ moneyand use it as personal loans.

“If he needed money, could go to abank and borrow up to US$1 billion,”

he said.Scardino suggested to jurors that

the chief financial officer for Stanford’scompany, James Davis, is the realculprit behind the financial fraudalleged by prosecutors. Davis haspleaded guilty and is expected to testifyon behalf of prosecutors during thetrial.

Davis “ran the company, hemanaged the business, he handled themoney,” Scardino said. “Stanford waskind of an absentee CEO, the visionary,the guy who had the ideas.”

In court documents filed earlier thismonth, Stanford’s attorneys argued thathe intended to pay CD investorsthrough his other companies ifauthorities hadn’t seized them andbegun selling them off.

Stanford, 61, is expected to testifyduring the trial, which will likely last atleast six weeks.

Once considered one of the UnitedState’s wealthiest people, with anestimated net worth of more than US$2

billion. His business empire was runthrough the Houston-based StanfordFinancial Group, but at its heart wasAntigua-based Stanford InternationalBank. The bank mainly sold certificatesof deposit, or CDs, that promisedsubstantially higher rates of return thanUS banks and promised investors theirmoney was safe.

Prosecutors say Stanford usedmoney from the sale of the CDs, whichwere sold to clients from more than 100countries, to pay off those purchasedearlier once they matured and tosupport his other businesses, whichincluded other banks, a brokerage firmthat sold the CDs, an airline, cricketgrounds and restaurants. They sayStanford used up to US$2 billion ofinvestor funds as personal loans tosupport his lifestyle, and that he andthree former executives at hiscompanies who also face chargescovered up their misdeeds byfabricating the bank’s records andbribing Antiguan regulators.

Stanford defence lawyers say he was successful without fraud

Former Trinidad andTobago Prime

Minister stable afteruffering stroke

Former prime minister PatrickManning remains warded in a stablecondition at the San FernandoGeneral Hospital after he suffered,what his son Brian Manningdescribed as “a mild stroke” onMonday night.

Manning who is the longestserving Member of Parliament, withservice of 40 years, is the OppositionPeople’s National Movement (PNM)Member of Parliament for SanFernando East. His constituents lastnight held a candle-light vigilinclusive of prayers for his recovery.

Manning fell ill on Monday nightat his Sumadh Gardens, Vistabellahome. He remains warded in stablecondition at the Intensive Care Unit(ICU) of the Hospital under tightsecurity. Reporters were told thatManning suffered an embolismwhich is a blood clot in the brainwhich led to the stroke.

“It is a wait and see situationright now. And really we thank thecountry for their prayers and all theother well-wishers. We hope thatthose prayers continue,” BrianManning said. Speaking outside thehospital, Manning’s wife Hazel, saidthat her husband is “doing very well”.

It is estimated that the Caribbean hasbeen losing about 90 thousand visitorsper year from Britain, because of theAir Passenger Duty, APD. The estimatecomes from the Caribbean Hotel andTourism Association, CHTA, whichsays the tax has resulted in 270thousand fewer tourists visiting theCaribbean from Britain.

The CHTA also says that its

findings indicate there has been anapproximate 20 per cent reduction inethnic market travel to the region. TheAPD, which is a pollution tax placed onairlines which use British airports is toincrease by a further 8 percent this April.

In what has been described as a“slap in the face of the Caribbean,” bythe UK, after almost two years of fiercelobbying, APD rates to Caribbean

destinations remain considerably higherthan those to some competitordestinations, namely Hawaii.

CHTA President Josef Fortsmayrsaid the loss of visitors from Britain isserious situation, because UK travellersusually book extended vacations and areamong the highest spenders.

Mr Fortsmayr says that while travelfrom Continental Europe is on theincrease, the UK is the troubling zone.

In addition, Premium Economypassengers coming to the region willcontinue to be charged the same APD asFirst Class passengers.

APD results in loss of 90thousand Britons to Caribbean

The Caribbean is to receive £75 million (US$116.5 million)in development projects from the United Kingdom overfour years to help with job-creation, improve security, andcombat the threat posed by natural disasters and climatechange.

UK Secretary of State for Foreign and CommonwealthAffairs, William Hague said the funds represent aconsiderable increase on previous aid budgets, signaling thestrong commitment to the region.

The disclosure was made during the just-ended two-day7th Seventh UK-Caribbean Ministerial Forum held underthe theme, “Sustainable Growth Towards Prosperity”.

“We are one of the few nations in the world that ismaintaining its international development commitments ata time of financial difficulty. We will stick to our pledge toraise our aid to 0.7 of GNI (gross national income), and youwill find us a reliable partner,” he told participants.

Foreign Secretary Hague said the core task of bothregions was to create new opportunities for trade,investment and innovation in their respective economies.

Sam Condor, the Foreign Minister for St Kitts andNevis and the forum co-chair explained that the conferencerevitalized the partnership between the two regions asreflected in the 31-point Plan of Action agreed to.

The discussions, he stated, centred on economicresilience, climate change and security as well as the UKAir Passenger Duty (APD), which regional officialscomplain discriminates against the Caribbean.

Minister Condor stated that the region’s tourism sectorwas staggering under the weight of the tax that has madetravel very expensive.

He urged the UK to consider reforming the APD tolevel the playing field and provide a win-win situation forboth regions.

Jeremy Browne, Minister of State, UK Foreign andCommonwealth Office described the two-day politicaldialogue as fruitful, noting that the Forum provided aframework for continuing activities with the HighCommissioners in London.

UK boosts Caribbean aid

Patrick Manning

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

CARIBBEAN NEWSPage 34

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

NASSAU, Bahamas – The CaribbeanHotel and Tourism Association(CHTA) has passed a resolution urgingCaribbean Community (CARICOM)governments to initiate immediately“all necessary steps” to discuss thecontroversial Air Passenger Duty(APD) with the British government.

“We want it made clear that APDis damaging the Caribbean tourismeconomy and the once positiverelationship between the UnitedKingdom and the region,” according tothe by the CHTA board of directors.

A “Final Action Plan” documentissued at the end of the weekend UK-Caribbean Forum held in Grenada,British and CARICOM foreign

ministers agreed “to continuedialogue…in the spirit of cooperationand in the context of the importance oftourism to the economic developmentof the Caribbean, with a view toassisting the region in mitigating anydeleterious effects that the applicationof the APD may have on itseconomies”.

London late last year announcedthat the APD rates to Caribbeandestinations will continue to beconsiderably higher than those to somecompetitor destinations.

The detailed tax tables show thatthe tax on economy long-haul flightsof more than 6,000 miles will rise from£85 (US$132) to £92 (US$143) per

person. The new measure goes intoeffect in April this year.

But according to the CHTAresolution calls on regionalgovernments to make it clear toLondon that the APD bandingstructure contravenes the spirit of theEconomic Partnership Agreement(EPA) signed between the EuropeanUnion and Caribbean Forum(CARIFORUM) countries in 2008.

In addition, the regional hoteliersare urging Caribbean governments toreview alternate options to address theissue including the bringing acomplaint to the World TradeOrganization (WTO).

“The Caribbean Hotel and

Tourism Association fully supports anysuch action as may be initiated by theCaribbean Tourism Organisation and iswilling to partner with the CTO indoing so based on availableresources,” the resolution noted.

The CTO has reported a markeddecrease in visitor arrivals from theUnited Kingdom, noting that in 2007,the number of visitors coming to theCaribbean from the UK market was1,373,600. But that figure has declinedto 1,103,400 in 2010.

The CHTA said that despite thedisappointment it applauds the effortsand support of the CTO and individualCaribbean governments since 2008 toget London to revise the APD

Regional hoteliers want new initiativesto deal with controversial APD

PORT OF SPAIN,Trinidad – Prime MinisterKamla Persad Bissessar hasbeen cleared of wrongdoingby the Integrity Commissionfollowing a complaint sheinterfered in the appointmentof the Director of theFinancial Intelligence Unit.The Integrity Commissionthis week dismissed thecomplaint made last year byOpposition Leader Dr KeithRowley and ruled there wasno breach of the Integrity inPublic Life Act, a statementfrom the Office of the Prime Minister said.

Rowley leveled the charge after Persad Bissessar vetoedthe Public Service Commission appointment of MichelleAustin to the position of Director of the Financial IntelligenceUnit.

The prime minister said her decision was based onrepresentation by Minister of Finance Winston Dookeran whofeared that the stability of the work undertaken by the unitwould be adversely affected by a sudden change at the helm.

Dookeran had commended acting Director Susan Franciosfor her efforts in the strategic planning and management,stating that this contributed to the improved rating given toTrinidad and Tobago by the Financial Action Task Force.

The opposition leader said he would abide by the ruling.“If the Integrity Commission after investigating the matter

has found that there was no breach, then so be it,” he said,adding, “The facts don’t change but we have to accept theruling of the commission.”

The parliamentary opposition has suggested that the statewas black listed by the Financial Action Task Force, but thiswas rejected by the government.

The administration later said the country had been placedon the “dark grey list” and was subject to enhanced monitoring.

The statement added that Trinidad and Tobago’s positionwas upgraded to the “light grey” list after a review in June2011 found it had taken action and showed progress.

Trinidad Prime Minister Persad Bissessar

Trinidad primeminister cleared

by IntegrityCommission

NASSAU, The Bahamas — President of theCaribbean Hotel and Tourism Association(CHTA) Josef Forstmayr says the lack ofcompetition in the regional airline industry isstifling the tourism sector resulting inoutrageous ticket prices and an ill-conceivednetwork.

Addressing the official opening of theCHTA Caribbean Marketplace 2012 yesterday,Forstmayr said regional travel was also beinghampered by Caribbean nationals not beingable to travel freely between their countrieswithout being subjected to visas, longimmigration lines and other bureaucraticindulgences that stifle any sense of hospitality.

The CHTA official said that with thecombined population of the Caribbean totalling40 million, intra-Caribbean tourism oncerepresented 13 per cent of the market, the sameas Canada.

However, he noted that conditions hadchanged significantly with very little traveltaking place among the organisation's 18member countries.

"As a result of the lack of a competitiveand truly regional airline, regional tourism hasbeen suffocated by outrageous ticket prices anda cumbersome and ill-conceived network.

"We need to establish the very bestwelcome and farewell to all our visitors as wellas returning residents within the Caribbean.

"This must be a call to action to allgovernments and airport operators to focus onthis issue. Too often, we hear that long lines,antiquated bureaucracy and surly attitudes arecommonplace in our islands ...this is notacceptable," Forstmayr told hoteliers, travelagents, tour operators and buyers from theregional and international community.

He said the CHTA estimated that in 2010,

the Caribbean governments collectively paidUS$45 million to secure airlift, only to find thatthe situation is still inadequate and way tooexpensive for visitors.

Figures released by the Caribbean TourismOrganisation (CTO) suggest that 2010 was arecord year for 'stop-over' arrivals with 23.1million visitors, and their forecast for this yearis a four per cent growth.

Forstmayr said that the Caribbean tourismindustry's marketing and business developmentunit, CTDC, has taken an important steptowards relaunching its vacation website, andthat Caribbean Marketplace is "as strong asever" with registration numbers this year veryencouraging.

"There is no question that our buyers whoare attending Caribbean Travel Marketplaceare in large part responsible for theseencouraging and welcome statistics.

"The Caribbean remains the most tourism-dependent region in the world and thesubstantial volume of transactions -- generatedby the 15,000 appointments -- that will takeplace here over the next two days will bolsterthe Caribbean nations' economies directlyresulting in a better standard of living for ourCaribbean citizens," he noted.

He said there has to be a strong consensusof regional leaders and the public so that traveland tourism will receive the full support itneeds as the Caribbean's most vital exportindustry.

"It is the fastest way to create jobs, growthe economy and generate income for all.Every citizen needs to understand that, whetheror not he or she works directly in the tourismareas, every tourist's dollar brings economicand social benefits to every level of oursociety," he added.

Lack of competition in airlineindustry stifling regional tourism

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TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

NASSAU, The Bahamas -- BahamasPrime Minister Hubert Ingrahamintroduced amendments to theParliamentary Elections Act on thatwould allow Bahamian students inJamaica, Barbados and Trinidad andTobago to vote at consulates in thosecountries, and to allow forinternational monitoring agencies toobserve the upcoming general election.The legislation also seeks to modify theprovision that determines the size of theballot boxes for overseas voting so thatthey can fit into the overheadcompartments of airplanes.

Ingraham said parts of the law aretoo restrictive.

“The government has determinedthat the time has come in The Bahamasto permit independent observers toobserve our election process and inorder for that to happen the law has tobe amended to accommodate it,” hesaid.

“We have one of the mostrestrictive laws anywhere for whathappens in a polling station. Forinstance, you will notice that in any partof the world a television camera wouldbe in the polling booth showing when

somebody votes, etc., not all day but itwill show you a candidate voting. Wedon’t allow that in The Bahamas. You[have] to be outside the door.”

Ingraham told reporters lastWednesday that he would welcomeany organization that wants to monitorthe election.

“They can let us know and we willfacilitate them and accommodatethem, whether it’s the OAS(Organization of American States), the

United States of America, the UN(United Nations), whoever monitorselections in the world. If they want tocome to The Bahamas to see how anelection is done, they can come,” hesaid.

“We are going to have an open,fair and transparent process and so weare taking time to ensure the electionprocedures and things that need to bedone, are done, prior to calling anelection.”

Turning to the amendment thatwould allow students in the threeCaribbean nations to vote, Ingrahamnoted that there are University of WestIndies campuses on those islandnations where The Bahamas does nothave embassies.

He noted however that there arehonorary consuls on those islands.

Asked by a sitting member if thegovernment would seek to establishconsuls in other Caribbean countries,Ingraham repeated, “We canaccommodate Barbados, Trinidad andJamaica.

“That is what I can accommodate.That is what I am proposing at themoment.”

He said he wishes he couldestablish voting stations across theworld.

Previous amendments made to thebill last year, will also allow studentsto vote in Miami, Atlanta, Washington,New York, London, and Toronto.

Under the new legislation, pollingplaces will be established at Bahamianembassies and high commissions.

In addition to students, Bahamianseligible to vote outside the countrywould include staff of Bahamianembassies, high commissions or otherforeign missions of The Bahamasposted overseas and their spouses ormembers of their immediate familiesresiding with them.

Public officers or Ministry ofTourism staff on official duty outsideof the country and staff of the BahamasMaritime Authority or any otheragency of the government are alsoeligible to vote outside of the country.

Voting would take place on thesame day as the advanced poll and atthe end of that poll the sealed ballotboxes would be returned to TheBahamas and delivered to theparliamentary commissioner.

e Bahamas Prime Minister HubertIngraham introduces changes to elections laws

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Haiti'spresident said he hopes to double thenumber of rural households that receiveelectricity within two years by offeringpeople small loans to buy solar kits.

The announcement by PresidentMichel Martelly is part of a $45 million-plus energy package that aims to introduceelectricity to thousands of people in thisimpoverished nation who otherwiseilluminate their homes by candlelight.

The program, dubbed "Give me light,give me life," seeks to build credit for ruralHaitians as they take out loans to purchasesmall solar kits for charging their cellphones or computers. It also aims to linestreets with light posts in the countrysideand repair power lines in poorneighborhoods in the capital.

"If a country wants to talk aboutdevelopment it's imperative to talk aboutenergy and electricity," Martelly said at anews conference at a hotel in downtownPort-au-Prince.

The need for energy in Haiti is criticalto the reconstruction of Haiti as theCaribbean country struggles to recoverfrom a massive earthquake two years agothat devastated much of the southern halfand initially displaced 1.5 million people.

The 40-year-old state-run Electricity ofHaiti can only power 200,000 homes,Martelly said, and only 30 percent of thepopulation in this country of 10 million hasaccess to a power supply. Even then, mostparts of Haiti only have electricity for a fewhours a day, forcing many businesses and

some homes to rely on generators andexpensive fuel imports.

The new program will call on smallerHaitian banks to issue $30 million in loanswith an interest rate of 7 percent, payableover seven years. The credit will helpfamilies purchase solar kits that will eachcost between $250 and $350.

The families in question live in two ofthe most remote corners of the country —the Grand-Anse, the mountainous tip of thewestern peninsula, and the Northwestprovince.

In the end, the program seeks to give apower supply to 200,000 householdswithin two years before moving onto therest of Haiti, Martelly said.

"We feel they have less access than therest of the country," said Rene Jean-Jumeau, Secretary of State of Energy.

Another part of the program, budgetedfor $15 million, will give the governmentloans so that mayors in the countryside canline 375 kilometers (233 miles) of streetswith lamps. It will begin in three years.

The government project will also focuson urban areas. It will repair street lightsand electric posts in 10 popularneighborhoods with $300,000 from thenational treasury.

The program joins other efforts toboost energy production in Haiti.

The Inter-American DevelopmentBank last month announced that it hadapproved a $20 million grant to helprefurbish Haiti's Peligre hydroelectricplant, the country's largest renewableenergy generation facility.

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The Guyana-based CaribbeanCommunity (CARICOM) Secretariat says despite somesuccesses, there is still need for improving some core elementsof the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

In a statement, the Secretariat said that the studiesfacilitated through the CARICOM Trade and CompetitivenessProject (CTCP) – an arrangement between Canada andCARICOM – show that the CSME is operating overall at about64 per cent.

The CSME, which regional governments regard as a majorinitiative to counter the effect of a changing global environment,provides for the free movement of goods, skills, labour andservices and the right of establishment across the region.

The Secretariat said that the five core CSME regimes arefunctioning “but not at the level of effectiveness contemplatedby the Community. The studies were carried out over the lastthree years.

The Secretariat said the “core regimes operate throughtransactions between governments and CARICOM businessesand persons.

“The CSME functions on the basis of a number of centrallegislation, institutional arrangements and administrativeprocesses. These legal, institutional and administrative measuresform part of the foundation elements from which compliance isdetermined and measured,” the statement said.

It said the major deficiencies are with respect to the freemovement of services and the regime on the right ofestablishment.

“In addition there is need for improvement with the regimefor the free movement of skills regarding the level of efficiencyand effectiveness of administrative transactions betweengovernment authorities and CARICOM nationals.”

The studies were designed to help create the capabilitieswithin member states to deliver the rights conferred underCARICOM agreements and to further enhance the effectivenessof the CSME.

Haiti leader launchespower program

Studies show despitesome success, CSME still

not fully embraced

Page 36

HIGHLIGHTS

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ROME - Costa Cruises has offered topay 11,000 euros ($14,500) incompensation to each of the more than3,000 passengers aboard the ship thatcapsized near the island of Giglio twoweeks ago, Italian consumer groupssaid on Friday.

The offer, negotiated by theconsumer groups, is an attempt byCosta Cruises to limit the legal falloutof the accident.

Each passenger would also receivea refund on the cruise and costs of theirreturn home. The offer applies to allpassengers, whether a child or an adult,who suffered no physical injuries.Injured passengers will be dealt withindividually.

Those accepting the offer wouldhave to agree to drop all future

litigation, and receive payment withinseven days.

Costa Cruises' U.S. parentcompany Carnival Plc is alreadyfacing legal action for compensation.

Codacons, a consumer groupwhich did not participate in thenegotiation, is collecting names for aclass action suit to be filed in Miamirequesting 125,000 euros for eachpassenger.

Carlo Rienzi, president ofCodacons, said the offer wasinsufficient and urged passengers tosee a doctor to check whether they hadsuffered psychological trauma.

Meanwhile, John Arthur Eaves, aU.S. personal injury lawyer, is urgingpassengers to file individual lawsuitsin the United States. Eaves represented

families of some of those killed whena U.S. military jet struck and severedcables holding skiers in a cable car innorthern Italy in 1998, killing 20.

"The class action is not the righttool for this case," Eaves told ReutersTelevision. "In this case people need tobe treated like individuals. Everyone inthis boat had different damages."

But Roberto Corbella, head ofItaly's association of tour operators,and who helped Costa negotiate theoffer with the consumer protectiongroups, urged passengers to accept it.

"Lawsuits have uncertainoutcomes, they take a long time, thereare legal costs, and some studiesindicate that it's not at all certain thatpassengers would get more than thecompany is offering," he said.

Crew member Gary Lobaton hasalready filed a lawsuit against Carnivalin a U.S. district court. His lawyers

said in his court filing that he was notaware of the "dangerous conditions" ofthe cruise ship until it was too late toabandon it safely.

On Thursday, Italy's top-rankingCoast Guard official, Marco Brusco,said Concordia Captain FrancescoSchettino lost "a precious hour," whichmade evacuating the ship moredifficult.

Had the order been given earlier,"the lifeboats could have beenlaunched calmly, people could havebeen reassured," Brusco said in Senatetestimony.

Passengers have complained theevacuation was chaotic, with some leftwaiting in lifeboats for two hoursbefore being able to leave the ship.Several bodies were found by divers insubmerged evacuation assemblypoints, wearing life vests.

Sixteen bodies have so far beenrecovered and 16 are still missing afterthe 290-metre long cruise liner strucka rock near the Tuscan island.

As divers continued to comb thesubmerged parts of the ship, Dutchsalvage team SMIT finalizedpreparations to remove fuel from theship's tanks.

Costa Concordia offerssettlement for passengers

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WORLD NEWSPage 37

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran is ready torevive talks with the world powers,President Mahmoud Ahmadinejadsaid, as toughening sanctions aim atforcing Tehran to sharply scale back itsnuclear program.Even so, he insisted that the

pressures will not force Iran to give upits demands, including to continueenriching uranium, that led to thecollapse of dialogue last year.The United States and its allies

want Iran to halt making nuclear fuel,which they worry could eventuallylead to weapons-grade material and theproduction of nuclear weapons.Iran says its program is for

peaceful purposes — generatingelectricity and producing medicalradioisotopes to treat cancer patients.The 27-member European Union

imposed an oil embargo against Iranon Monday, part of sanctions topressure Tehran into resuming talks onthe country's nuclear program. Itfollows U.S. action also aimed atlimiting Iran's ability to sell oil, whichaccounts for 80 percent of its foreignrevenue.

No date is set for the possibleresumption of talks between Iran andthe five permanent U.N. SecurityCouncil members plus Germany.Negotiations ended in stalemate inJanuary 2011, and Iran later rejected aplan to send its stockpile of low-enriched uranium abroad in exchangefor reactor-ready fuel rods.Iran had previously indicated that

it is ready for a new round of talks.Ahmadinejad is the highest-rankingofficial to make the offer.He accused the West of trying to

scuttle negotiations as a way to furthersqueeze Iran."It is you who come up with

excuses each time and issue resolutionson the verge of talks so that negotiationscollapse," Ahmadinejad said in a speechin Kerman in southeastern Iran. "Whyshould we shun talks? Why and howshould a party that has logic and is rightshun talks? It is evident that those whoresort to coercion are opposed to talksand always bring pretexts and blame usinstead."Iran begun uranium enrichment at a

new underground site built to withstandpossible airstrikes earlier this month, inanother show of defiance againstWestern pressure to rein in Tehran'snuclear program.Centrifuges at the bunker-like

Fordo facility near Iran's holy city ofQom are churning out uranium enrichedto 20 percent. That level is higher thanthe 3.5 percent being made at Iran'smain enrichment plant at Natanz, central

Iran, and can be turned into warheadmaterial faster and with less work.Iran says it won't give up its right to

enrich uranium and produce nuclearfuel, but it has offered to allow theInternational Atomic Energy Agencyinspectors to visit its nuclear sites toensure that its nuclear program won't beweaponized.Ahmadinejad also said sanctions

and oil embargo will backfire because ithas minimum trade with EU."Americans have not purchased

Iranian oil for 30 years. Our central bankhas had no dealings with them ... our(total) foreign trade is about $200billion. Between $23 billion to $24billion of our trade is with Europeans,making up about 10 percent of our totaltrade ... Iran won't suffer," Ahmadinejadsaid. His comments were posted on stateTV's website.Ahmadinejad said sanctions won't

harm the government, but only thepeople.The EU had been importing about

450,000 barrels of oil a day from Iran,making up 18 percent of Iran's oilexports.

Ahmadinejad says Iran ready for nuclear talks

Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Argentina's president has condemnedthe UK prime minister's claim last weekthat her government takes a colonialistattitude to the Falklands Islands.Making her first public appearance

after undergoing surgery, CristinaFernandez de Kirchner criticised DavidCameron's comments.A surgery scar was visible on her

throat as she spoke at governmentheadquarters in Buenos Aires.This April marks 30 years since the

start of the Falklands War."They are trying to paint us as bad

guys, or violent guys and really, that isnot who we are," Mrs Fernandez told apacked auditorium after 20 days ofmedical leave for thyroid surgery.Mr Cameron outraged many in

Argentina last week when he accusedthe country of having a "colonialist"attitude over the disputed islands.Protesters marched on the British

embassy in Buenos Aires on Friday,burning the Union flag, and demandingthat diplomatic ties with London besevered.Referring to Mr Cameron's

comments, Mrs Fernandez said thatpeople only talk in such a way whenthey do not have solid arguments.Mrs Fernandez's comments came

mid-way through her remarks tosupporters at the Argentine PresidentialPalace.Her remarks illustrate how potent

the issue of the Falklands Islandsremains across Argentine society.

Argentina’sFernandezattacks UK

comments onFalklandIslands

Two decades after evicting U.S. forces from their biggestbase in the Pacific, the Philippines is in talks with theObama administration about expanding the Americanmilitary presence in the island nation, the latest in a seriesof strategic moves aimed at China.Although negotiations are in the early stages, officials

from both governments said they are favorably inclinedtoward a deal. They are scheduled to intensify thediscussions Thursday and Friday in Washington beforehigher-level meetings in March. If an arrangement isreached, it would follow other recent agreements to basethousands of U.S. Marines in northern Australia and tostation Navy warships in Singapore.Among the options under consideration are operating

Navy ships from the Philippines, deploying troops on arotational basis and staging more frequent joint exercises.Under each scenario, U.S. forces would effectively beguests at existing foreign bases.The sudden rush by many in the Asia-Pacific region

to embrace Washington is a direct reaction to China’s riseas a military power and its assertiveness in staking claimsto disputed territories, such as the energy-rich SouthChina Sea.“We can point to other countries: Australia, Japan,

Singapore,” said a senior Philippine official involved inthe talks, speaking on the condition of anonymity because

of the confidentiality of the deliberations. “We’re not theonly one doing this, and for good reason. We all want tosee a peaceful and stable region. Nobody wants to haveto face China or confront China.”The strategic talks with the Philippines are in addition

to feelers that the Obama administration has put out toother Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam andThailand, about possibly bolstering military partnerships.The United States already has about 600 Special

Operations troops in the Philippines, where they adviselocal forces in their fight with rebels sympathetic to al-Qaeda. But the talks underway between Manila andWashington potentially involve a much more extensivepartnership.Officials in the Philippines — which has 7,107

islands — said their priority is to strengthen maritimedefenses, especially near the South China Sea. Theyindicated a willingness to host American ships andsurveillance aircraft.Although the U.S. military has tens of thousands of

troops stationed at long-standing bases in Japan, SouthKorea and Guam, as well as the island of Diego Garciain the Indian Ocean, it is seeking to solidify its presencein Southeast Asia. Some of the world’s busiest traderoutes pass through the South China Sea and the nearbyStrait of Malacca.

Philippines may allow greater US military presence

in reaction to China’s rise

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WORLD NEWSPage 38

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

Amid tears, salutes and standingovations, Representative GabrielleGiffords submitted her resignationfrom Congress on Wednesday to focuson her recovery from an assassinationattempt in Tucson, Arizona, last year.

In farewell remarks that hinted ata second political career in the future,the Democratic lawmaker said: "I willrecover and will return. And we willwork together again, for Arizona, andall Americans." Her remarks were readto the House by one of her friends,Democratic Representative DeborahWasserman-Schultz.

Giffords' fellow Arizonan,Republican Representative Jeff Flake,held her hand as the speech was readas they stood at the front of thechamber. Her resignation takes effectat the end of Wednesday.

In resignation letters to House ofRepresentatives Speaker John Boehnerand Arizona Governor Jan Brewer,Giffords spoke of the need to dedicateherself fully to her recovery fromattempt on her life.

She added in the letter that "mydistrict deserves to elect a U.S.Representative who can give 100percent to the job."

The three-term representative, apolitical centrist who was seen as arising star in the House, was holding ameet-and-greet event at a Tucsonsupermarket on January 8 last yearwhen a gunman opened fire.

Six people were killed, includinga 9-year-old girl, a Giffords aide and afederal judge. Twelve others werewounded including Giffords, who wasshot through the head.

She has since received intensive

therapy at a Texas hospital to recoverfrom the injury that left her withbroken speech and a marked limp.

Jared Loughner was charged withfirst-degree murder, the attemptedassassination of Giffords and othercrimes stemming from the shooting.He pleaded not guilty and was foundmentally unfit to stand trial.

Since the shooting, Giffords hasappeared in the House chamber onlytwo other times. In August, shesurprised her fellow lawmakers whenshe showed up to vote forcontroversial legislation raising U.S.borrowing authority.

On Tuesday night, Giffords wasembraced by President Barack Obamawhen he arrived in the House todeliver his State of the Union address.

During tributes on Wednesday thatlasted about an hour, Boehner, likemany lawmakers in the chamber,choked up and dabbed at his face witha tissue. The Republican speakerkissed Giffords twice after helping herto the chamber's podium.

At a time of deep politicaldivisions in Congress and across theUnited States, House Democraticleader Nancy Pelosi said,

"Congresswoman Giffords' message ofbipartisanship and civility is one thatall in Washington and in the nationshould honor and emulate."

Watching the tribute from a galleryin the House chamber was Giffords'mother, Gloria. The congresswoman'shusband, Mark Kelly, a U.S. astronautwho in May commanded one of thefinal space shuttle missions, alsoattended the session.

As Giffords exited the Housechamber, she was aided by anemotional Wasserman-Schultz andembraced by a tearful House aide.

Giffords announced on Sundayshe would step down, and has sincecarried out final visits and duties in theswing district where she won re-election by only 4,000 votes in 2010,a year when many Democrats lostseats as Republicans took control ofthe House.

She cast a last vote in the Houseon Wednesday for legislation shecrafted with Flake to levy newpenalties on traffickers using small,low-flying aircraft to smuggle drugsacross the U. S. border from Mexico.

In a rare display of bipartisanship,the vote on the legislation was 408-0.

Giffords quits Congress to focus on recovery

Gabrielle Giffords

Scientists have surprisingly discovered that a mere trace of alcohol doublesthe lifespan of a tiny worm that has become a workhorse in biochemistrylaboratories around the world.

The dramatic finding by researchers at the University of California, LosAngeles, suggests that the availability of ethanol -- the type of alcohol foundin alcoholic beverages -- may play an important role in delaying the agingprocess, at least in the life of C. elegans, a benign worm that is less than .04of an inch long.

The discovery was described as "shocking" by biochemist Steven Clarke,senior author of a study published in PLoS One, a peer-reviewed journalpublished by the Public Library of Science.

Clarke, who described the research with the almost giddy excitement of aman who is pursuing a great scientific adventure, admits he doesn't know whyalcohol would have such a dramatic increase in the worm's lifespan, but he'scertain of one thing -- it didn't take a lot of booze to trip whatever makes thistiny critter live so long.

The amount that worked best was roughly equivalent to a tablespoon ofethanol in a bathtub full of water, he said. Or for beer drinkers, that translatesinto one bottle of suds diluted with 100 gallons of water.

That's "basically nothing," Clarke said in a telephone interview, but it wasenough for the tiny worm. The worm normally lives for only about 15 days,but a trace of alcohol extended that to up to 40 days, according to the study. Ifthat worked for humans, we could sniff a little booze first thing in the morningand stick around for a couple of centuries.

That, unfortunately, is a really long shot. But the possibility is tantalizing,because we have much in common with C. elegans.

First, a word about the hero in this story. Half a century ago molecularbiologist Sydney Brenner suggested that the tiny worm could be very usefulto researchers, and the creature has since played a big role in science. Itreproduces quickly during its short life, so many generations can be studiedin a relatively brief period of time. It is a very simple organism, making iteasier to study, yet it shares many biological systems with humans.

It has been described as "non-hazardous, non-infectious, non-pathogenic,and non-parasitic," and "transparent," and it has constantly amazed scientists.During one four-month period alone 73 articles about the worm appeared ininternational science journals.

The worm is particularly useful in the study of aging, and it has been atthe forefront in research in Clarke's lab. Clarke and his colleagues -- PaolaCastro, Shilpi Khare and Brian Young -- were using the worm to study theeffects of cholesterol, which is crucial for humans but dangerous in thebloodstream. The first hint of what lay ahead came when the researchers putC. elegans larvae in a solution of ethanol, which works as a solvent, andcholesterol.

That research led to a paper showing that the cholesterol increased thelifespan of worms. But a phone call from a colleague at the California Instituteof Technology introduced the first twist in this scientific journey.

Drink Alcohol, LiveLonger? Works for Worms

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — A former dentist in Massachusetts has pleadedguilty to Medicaid fraud for using paper clips instead of stainless steel posts inroot canals.

Michael Clair is scheduled to be sentenced next Monday after pleadingguilty last week in New Bedford Superior Court to a variety of charges,including defrauding Medicaid of $130,000 assault and battery, illegallyprescribing prescription drugs and witness intimidation.

Prosecutors say the 53-year-old Clair was suspended by Medicaid in 2002,but continued to file claims from August 2003 to June 2005 by using the namesof other dentists in his Fall River practice.

Authorities say instead of stainless steel posts for root canals, he usedsections of paper clips — which can cause pain and even infection — in aneffort to save money.

Dentist accused of paperclip use in root canals

CANBERRA, Australia — Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard stumbled andwas caught by a security guard as riot police helped her force a path through acrowd of rowdy protesters following a ceremony to mark Australia’s national dayThursday.

She appeared distressed as she was pulled away from the protesters but wasunharmed. She later remarked that she was made of “pretty tough stuff” andcommended police for their actions.

Some 200 supporters of indigenous rights had surrounded a Canberra restaurantand banged its windows while Gillard and opposition leader Tony Abbott wereinside officiating at an award ceremony.

Around 50 police escorted the political leaders from a side door to a car. Gillardstumbled, losing a shoe. Her personal security guard wrapped his arms around herand supported her to the waiting car, shielding her from the angry crowd.

The protesters had been demonstrating for indigenous rights nearby at the so-called Aboriginal Tent Embassy, a ramshackle collection of tents and temporaryshelters in the national capital that is a center point of protests against Australia Day.

Australia Day marks the arrival of the first fleet of British colonists in Sydneyon Jan. 26, 1788. Many Aborigines call it Invasion Day because the land was settledwithout a treaty with traditional owners.

Abbott appeared to be the target of protesters, who chanted “shame” and“racist” outside the restaurant.

The Tent Embassy celebrated its 40th anniversary on Thursday. Abbott hadearlier angered indigenous activists by saying it was time the embassy “movedon.”

Australian prime ministerstumbles as riot police escort her

through 200 angry protesters

WORLD NEWSPage 39

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

ALEX Salmond hopes to position anindependent Scotland as a "beacon forprogressive opinion" for those south ofthe border.

The First Minister, writing in theGuardian newspaper, sought to comparepolicies, particularly on health, with thoseof the Tory-led WestminsterGovernment.

Salmond wrote: "An independentScotland can be a beacon for progressiveopinion south of the border and furtherafield, addressing policy challenges inways that reflect the universal values offairness and are capable of beingconsidered, adapted and implementedaccording to the circumstances andwishes within the other jurisdictions ofthese islands and beyond.

"That is a far more positive andpractical Scottish contribution toprogressive policy than sending atribute of Labour MPs to Westminsterto have the occasional turn at theWestminster tiller - particularly as theopposition's policy is increasinglyconverging with that of the coalitionon the key issues of the economy andpublic spending."

Mr Salmond, the SNP leader, hasan overall majority at the ScottishParliament and intends to hold areferendum on independence inautumn 2014.

He underlined his ambition tobring about independence as the meansby which people can "best fulfil theirpotential".

He recalled the support given at aBBC Question Time appearance inLiverpool where he urged Englishvoters not to allow Westminster partiesto "destroy" the NHS south of theborder.

And he highlighted Scottishpolicies for free university tuition, noprescription charges and free personalcare for the elderly.

Scotland was also first in the UKto implement a smoking ban inenclosed public places, he said.

Mr Salmond said the currentBritish constitutional settlementprevents Scotland from "innovating" inmore areas, such as welfare.

He added that an independentScotland would play an "active and

responsible" role in the world."After Scotland becomes

independent, we will share more thana monarchy and a currency. We willshare a social union," he said.

"It just won't be the same as arestrictive state which no longer servesthe interests of either Scotland orEngland."

But a poll carried by thenewspaper showed the SNP still haswork to do if it wants Scotland to leavethe union.

The ICM survey put support at30% with 63% against. A YouGov pollfor Channel 4 on January 16 showed39% support for independence, with61% opposed.

Independent Scotland can be ‘beacon ofprogressive opinion’ for rest of UK

MESA, Ariz.) — Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer came to greetPresident Barack Obama upon his arrival outside PhoenixWednesday. What she got was a critique. Of her book.

The two leaders could be seen engaged in an intenseconversation at the base of Air Force One's steps. Bothcould be seen smiling, but speaking at the same time.

Asked moments later what the conversation was about,Brewer, a Republican, said, "He was a little disturbed aboutmy book."

Brewer recently published a book, "Scorpions forBreakfast," something of a memoir of her years growingup, and defends her signing of Arizona's controversial lawcracking down on illegal immigrants, which Obamaopposes.

Obama was objecting to Brewer's description of ameeting he and Brewer had at the White House, where shedescribed Obama as lecturing her. In an interview inNovember Brewer described two tense meetings. The firsttook place before his commencement address at ArizonaState University. "He did blow me off at ASU," she said inthe television interview in November.

She also described meeting the president at the WhiteHouse in 2010 to talk about immigration. "I felt a little bitlike I was being lectured to, and I was a little kid in aclassroom, if you will, and he was this wise professor andI was this little kid, and this little kid knows what theproblem is and I felt minimized to say the least."

On the tarmac Wednesday, Brewer handed Obama anenvelope with a handwritten invitation to return to Arizonato meet her for lunch and to join her for a visit to the border.

"I said to him, you know, I have always respected theoffice of the president and that the book is what the bookis," she told reporters Wednesday. She said Obamacomplained that she described him as not treating hercordially.

"I said that I was sorry that he felt that way. Anyway,we're glad he's here, and we'll regroup."

A White House official said Brewer handed Obama aletter and said she was inviting him to meet with her. Theofficial said Obama told her he would be glad to meet withher again. The official said Obama did note that after theirlast meeting, which the official described as a cordialdiscussion in the Oval Office, the governor inaccuratelydescribed the meeting in her book. The official spoke oncondition of anonymity to describe a private conversationbetween the president and the governor.

Governor Brewergets book critique

from Obama PARIS: The French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, has said he willleave politics if he loses in the forthcoming presidential elections. The disclosure came in a report in Le Monde newspaper whichsuggested that Sarkozy had been talking to 'friends' about life afterpower. "If I lose, I will give up politics. Yes, that's a certainty," hewas quoted as saying. "I will rebuild my life. You will never hearof me again."

But it later emerged that the 'friends' were journalists to whom the president had spokenoff the record during a visit last weekend.

Despite poor opinion-poll ratings, officially Sarkozy remains confident of winning a secondterm. He believes the opinion-poll lead of Socialist candidate, FranAois Hollande, will "meltaway" in February.

Sarkozy: I’ll quitpolitics if I lose power

More details are emerging about the rescue byU.S. Navy SEALs of two aid workers, anAmerican and a Dane, in a daring nighttimeoperation in Somalia this past weekend.

Jessica Buchanan and Poul Hagen Thistedhad been held by pirates since being kidnappedin October.

Buchanan was in Italy on her way home,recovering from her ordeal, and an undisclosedillness.

Early on Wednesday, two teams fromSEAL Team 6 - the same unit that killed Osamabin Laden - parachuted under the cover ofdarkness out of an Air Force C-130 transportplane into the Somali city of Cadaado.

From there, they hiked nearly two miles toan encampment, where nine pirates were killed.The SEALs suffered no injuries. Armyhelicopters then picked up the SEALS andBuchanan and Thisted and flew them safely tothe African nation of Djibouti.

Howard Wasdin, a former member ofSEAL Team 6, says, "The fact that they wereable to get in, get both of these hostages out(kill all of their captors) and not get anAmerican killed is just a tribute to how goodthese guys really are, how well-trained theyreally are."

Jessica's father John Buchanan - whospoke to his daughter Tuesday night - tells CBSNews, "she was emotional, but she's good.She's got some health issues, not lifethreatening. She'll be fine. She said, 'Daddy, I

love you, and I'll be fine.'"Buchanan and Thisted were abducted

while working for a Danish aid group. Thekidnappers reached out to the families throughthe aid organization, demanding ransom. Thefamilies then used private negotiators, whoworked in tandem with U.S. officials to try tosecure their release.

"The FBI were looking over their shoulderthe whole time," John Buchanan told CBSNews. "They were efficient, they were kind,they were just on top of everything."

New intelligence that Buchanan's healthhad gotten worse prompted the decision to usemilitary force.

Meanwhile, half a world a way, PresidentObama was preparing his State of the Unionaddress when he got word that SEAL Team 6had rescued the two hostages.

Following the speech, a White Housestaffer phoned John Buchanan and told him towait for an important call.

"It was 40 minutes of not knowing whatthat call would be," said John Buchanan. "Aguy came on the phone and said, Mr.Buchanan, the next voice you'll hear will be thepresident of the United States.' I said, 'O.K.' Hesaid, 'John, this is Barack Obama. I've got somereally good news for you. Your daughter,Jessica, has been rescued and evacuated by ourSEAL team and she's on her way home."'

It's expected that Buchanan will bereunited with her family in the coming days.

Details emerge of SEALrescue raid in Somalia

French president, Nicolas Sarkozy

Page 40

AT&T Inc posted a $6.7 billionquarterly loss due to a hefty break-upfee for its failed T-Mobile USA mergerand other charges on top of costlysubsidies for smartphones such asApple Inc's popular iPhone.

Its shares fell about 1 percent afterthe news. While the No. 2 U.S.wireless provider beat analysts'expectations for subscriber additions,the growth came at a cost as itswireless service margins plummeted.It also took a big non-cash pension-related charge on top of its $4 billionbreak-up package.

While advanced devices likeiPhone can help subscriber numbersand revenue, they also shrink earningsas operators like AT&T and its biggerrival Verizon Wireless heavilysubsidize the device to attractcustomers to two-year contracts.

AT&T's wireless service marginbased on earnings before interest, tax,depreciation and amortization droppedto 28.7 percent from 43.7 percent inthe third quarter and 37.6 percent ayear earlier.

"If there's any reason to be upset,it certainly is the margins," said StifelNicolaus analyst Chris King, but he

noted that strong smartphone salesshould help AT&T in the long run.

The No. 2 U.S. mobile providersaid it had added 717,000 subscribersin the quarter, beating the averageexpectation for 570,000 from sevenanalysts.

But AT&T's subscriber growthstill lagged well behind VerizonWireless whose parent VerizonCommunications reported on Tuesdaythat its wireless venture with VodafoneGroup Plc had added 1.2 millionsubscribers in the quarter. VerizonWireless margins were also hurt bysmartphone sales, but not as much asAT&T. Roe Equity Research analystKevin Roe said that only time will tellif the race to sign on smartphonecustomers will be worth the massivedrag on margins.

"Its not getting easier. It will betougher in 2012," he said. "The cost tocapture and retain customers willincrease as competition increases."

AT&T forecast earnings growth inthe mid-single-digit percentage rangeor better for 2012 and said it may beable to accelerate its earnings growthrate after 2012.

AT&T posts $6billionloss on hefty charges,

iPhone costs

Microsoft chairman and philanthropistBill Gates pledged a further $750million to the troubled global AIDSfund on Thursday and urgedgovernments to continue their supportto save lives.

"These are tough economic times,but that is no excuse for cutting aid tothe world's poorest," he said in Davosat the annual meeting of the WorldEconomic Forum.

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS,Tuberculosis (TB) and Malariaannounced two days ago that itsexecutive director, Michel Kazatchkine,was stepping down early followingcriticism over misuse of funds and cutsin funding.

The public-private organization,which has the backing of celebrities likerock star Bono, accounts for around aquarter of international financing tofight HIV and AIDS, as well as the

majority of funds to fight TB andmalaria.

But it has been forced to cut backand said last year it would make no newgrants or funding until 2014.

The Bill & Melinda GatesFoundation is giving $750 millionthrough a promissory note -- a freshinjection in addition to the $650 millionthat the Gates charity has contributedsince the fund was launched 10 yearsago.

While that will give an immediateboost, more is needed fromgovernments, which have provided thebulk of the $22.6 billion that has beenraised by the Geneva-basedorganization to date for its work in 150countries.

The commitment of governmentswas shaken last year when the fundreported "grave misuse of funds" in fourrecipient nations, prompting some

donors such as Germany and Swedento freeze their donations.

Gates, however, played down theproblem and praised the fund'stransparency, which he said hadexposed corruption problems that mightwell have remained hidden at otherorganizations.

"If you are going to do healthprograms in Africa you are going to havesome percentage that is misused," hesaid.

"We've looked at where they'vefound money that wasn't appliedproperly and how they tracked that ... thefact is the internal checks and balanceshave worked."

Recent scientific studies have shownthat getting timely AIDS drug treatmentto those with HIV can significantly cutthe number of people who becomenewly infected with the virus, increasingthe case for maximum access to drugs.

So the decision in 2011 to cancelfresh funding, due to waning politicalcommitment, has alarmed healthcareactivists like Medecins Sans Frontieres(MSF).

"Now that new scientific evidenceshows that HIV treatment itself could beone of the best ways to turn the epidemicaround, it's time for governments to rollup their sleeves and commit to gettingthe Global Fund back on track," saidTido von Schoen-Angerer, MSF's headof access.

Bill Gates injects $750 millioninto troubled AIDS fund

Bill Gates

Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. filed a new patent infringement lawsuitagainst Apple Inc. this week targeting the most recent version of the iPhoneas Motorola's merger with Apple rival Google Inc. moves toward finalregulatory approval.

Motorola filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Southern District ofFlorida, alleging Apple has infringed on six patents related to mobiletechnology.

Each count in the complaint names Apple's iPhone 4S, introduced lastOctober, as an allegedly infringing device. Apple this week reported quarterlyresults that included record sales for the company, thanks in part to strongdemand for the iPhone.

The complaint filed on Tuesday also names Apple's iCloud content storageservice as an infringing product. The iCloud service was unveiled last year.

Motorola's latest suit comes as the Libertyville, Ill., company nears thecompletion of a long-anticipated merger with Google. Google, based inMountain View, Calif., announced in August it would purchase Motorola for$12.5 billion, and the companies are currently seeking antitrust approval fromregulators.

Google's Android mobile software has emerged as a significant rival toApple's iOS platform used to power the iPhone and other devices.

Google has stated publicly that the Motorola purchase is intended in partto help bolster Android's legal standing, and protect it from patent litigation.

The merger agreement filed publicly by the companies appears to limitMotorola's ability to independently file new patent infringement suits.

However, Motorola had previously filed a related patent suit against Applein Florida, in 2010.

"Today's action relates to the same patents we are already asserting inFlorida against Apple," a Motorola spokeswoman said in a statement."Motorola Mobility has worked diligently over the years to develop cutting-edge technology and to build an intellectual property portfolio that is respectedby the entire industry."

A Google spokeswoman declined to comment, noting that the companyand Motorola are still operating separately.

An Apple representative also declined to comment.

Motorola Sues AppleOver iPhone 4S, iCloud

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

“RIM had its era, but now it seems very hard to gainback market share in the smartphone market even if the topmanagers are changed,” said one expert. “The iPhone andAndroid are well established in the market.”

- Read RIM STRUGGLES AGAINS APPLE

Will Blackberry regain its Market Share?

BUSINESS AND  TECHNOLOGYPage 41

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

Research In Motion Ltd. shook up itstop management, replacing co-ChiefExecutive Officers Jim Balsillie andMike Lazaridis, who guided theBlackBerry maker for two decades andstruggled to compete against AppleInc.Thorsten Heins, a chief operating

officer who joined RIM four years agofrom Siemens AG, will replace the pairin the CEO post effective immediately,RIM said in a statement. DirectorBarbara Stymiest will take over aschairman, as the two also cede theirco-chairmen positions. Lazaridis, whofounded RIM in 1984, will becomevice chairman; Balsillie will remain aboard member without any operationalrole.The shakeup comes after Balsillie

and Lazaridis showed little sign ofbeing able to stop Apple and GoogleInc.’s gains as the Silicon Valleycompanies remade the mobile-computing market with devices suchas the iPhone and iPad. Waterloo,Ontario-based RIM’s stock tumbled 75percent last year as sales slumped, andthe two men, both 50, drew investorcriticism for releasing productswithout the features necessary tocompete.“Heins is a product execution guy,

he’s not a visionary,” said EhudGelblum, a New York-based analyst at

Morgan Stanley. “Heins has to givepeople a reason why they need aBlackBerry. It’s going to be verydifficult for him.”RIM, once the most valuable

company in Canada, fell 3.2 percent to$17 at the close in New York Jan. 20,giving it a market capitalization of$8.9 billion. In German compositetrading today, the stock climbed 4.2percent to the equivalent of $17.90 asof 12:52 p.m. in Frankfurt.RIM has lost 88 percent since its

peak in 2008, when soaringBlackBerry sales pushed its marketvalue to more than $80 billion. Lastquarter, sales fell about 6 percent to$5.17 billion.Lazaridis, Balsillie and Stymiest

all said the decision to step down wasthe men’s own and not a response tooutside pressure. The shift is a result ofthe company’s evolution and theintroduction of new technologies thatwill give RIM more competitiveproducts, Lazaridis said.“This marks the beginning of a

new era for RIM,” he said in aninterview. “It was a bit of bumpy ride.We’ve done it as best we could.Thorsten is the ideal choice. He has theright skills at the right time.”RIM’s share of the global

smartphone market sank to 11 percentin the third quarter from 15 percent a

year earlier, according to research firmGartner Inc., stung by customerdefections to the iPhone, and handsetsthat use Google Inc.’s Androidsoftware, including SamsungElectronics Co.’s Galaxy.The company faced a Jan. 31

deadline to report the findings of areview of its management structure.

RIM agreed to the review to fend offan effort to overhaul management byinvestor Northwest & EthicalInvestments LP, which had proposedthe company split the chairman andCEO roles.“RIM had its era, but now it seems

very hard to gain back market share inthe smartphone market even if the topmanagers are changed,” saidMitsushige Akino, who oversees about$600 million in Tokyo at IchiyoshiInvestment Management Co. “TheiPhone and Android are wellestablished in the market.”The BlackBerry, which gained

popularity among bankers, lawyers,executives and politicians for itsreliability, has also began losing itshold of the corporate market as morecompanies allow workers to useiPhones and Android handsets.The BlackBerry is “a secular loser

to Apple and Android devices,” IttaiKidron, an analyst at Oppenheimer &Co. in New York, told investors in anote last month. There are few signsRIM can recover as “execution issuesremain a drag,” he said.

HAB MANAGEMENT LTD.Applications are invited from suitably qualified individuals to fill the followingposition:

BAKERMain Duties• Check Production schedule to determine variety and quantity of goods bake.• Measure and mix ingredients to form dough or batter following recipes.• Roll, cut and shape dough to form rolls, pie crusts, tarts, cookies and relatedproducts.• Cut, peel and prepare fruits for pie fillings.• Place dough in pans, molds or on sheets and bake in oven. Observe productswhile cooking and adjust controls.• Mix icings and other toppings and decorate cakes, pastries and other bakedgoods.• Use a variety of kitchen tools, including electric mixers, pans, rolling pins andcutting tools.• May develop new recipes.

General Activities• Monitor baking process to identify needed adjustments.• Get information from products schedules and recipes.• Handle and move ingredients, tools and cooking pans.• Control mixing processes and oven controls.• Implement products by following recipes or creating new ones.

RequirementsApplicants must have at least 2 years working in a high class bakery or restaurantmaking a variety of bread and pastries to a high standard. Applicants will berequired to work early morning hours so having personal transportation is anecessity for this position. Perform other duties as assigned, requested or deemednecessary by management. Applicants will be required to work on a full time basis.Must be able to walk, stand or stoop for the duration of shift (at least 8 hours).Applicants must be able to understand/speak/read/write English proficiently.Applicants must be detail oriented, must be hardworking and a team player. Workwith minimal supervision. Wages for this position is $7.00 hourly commensurateexperience and training.

Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby via email by January 9, 2012 atronnie@habgroup.com or by fax 649-946-5191. Only persons selected for aninterview will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview.

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said onWednesday he would not expect to be asked tocontinue as Treasury chief if President BarackObama wins re-election."He's not going to ask me to stay on, I'm

pretty confident," Geithner said during aBloomberg television interview conducted inNorth Carolina, where Geithner toured anelectronics manufacturing plant.Geithner said he was confident Obama

would win a second term in the Novemberelection and said he would then "have theprivilege of having another secretary of theTreasury."There would be "something else for me,"

Geithner added.Geithner's intent to leave Treasury after a first term is no surprise since

he had considered leaving last summer but then agreed to stay on at Obama'srequest. Treasury said at the time that Geithner would continue as thedepartment's chief through the November elections.Geithner has been Obama's only Treasury secretary, taking office in

January 2009 when the economy was in deep recession. He has had to dealwith a series of pressing issues, from a housing downturn to the ongoingEuropean debt crisis.He said European leaders, widely criticized for failing to deal more

forcefully with their debt crisis, finally seemed to be making progress."They're doing a lot of things to put in place reforms that help fix their

financial problems, hopefully help them grow more rapidly," Geithner said,though he added: "They've got a lot of work to do."Geithner is headed for the annual World Economic Forum held in Davos,

Switzerland, where he is expected to meet with a number of Europeanfinance ministers and press them further to act."We will tell them to keep at it, make sure they deliver and put in place

a stronger, more credible firewall," he said, referring to the need for Europeto put up a rescue fund that is strong enough to give investors the confidencethat risks of financial contagion are contained.

RIM Changes CEOs as BlackBerrymaker struggles sgainst Apple

Geithner sayswouldn’t serve in anObama 2nd term

US Treasury Secretary TimothyGeithner

Thorsten Heins replaces co-Chief ExecutiveOfficers Jim Balsillie and Mike Lazaridis,

Page 42JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012 TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

TCIRFU launch Spring League

The Turks and Caicos Islands Rugby Football Union (TCIRFU) recently launched their boys spring league with beach rugby matches and BBQ. Tourists and residents were on hand to witness many of the players from the TCIRFU’s Under 19s and Under 15s take part in a number of highly competitive matches at the Children’s Park in the Bight. Reuben Adams and Eduardo Villaneava landed some big hits while Michael Williams and Cardashio Williams crossed for a number of impressive tries.

TCIRFU Director of Rugby Sean O’Neill is excited to start the new season “it’s great to have the boys season under way after the Christmas break. Last year we had a number of the junior players step up to play in the

competitive senior match in December and they played very well. We are looking forward to developing more talent so these players can go on to represent the Turks and Caicos on a national level.”

TCIRFU Captain Blair Mason said that “Having won the Shield at the North America and Caribbean Sevens last year it has given all of us a taste of what we can achieve and these are the young guys who can take rugby to the next level in the Turks and Caicos.”

Training takes place on Saturdays at the Meridian Field at 10am. Age grades include from Under 12s, Under 15s and Under 19s. For more information please contact pro@rugby.tc or director@rugby.tc NEW PLAYERS ALWAYS WELCOME.

AFC Academy and SWA Sharks score

season-opening wins AFC Academy and SWA Sharks FC open their accounts on positive notes as the WIV-sponsored Provo Premier League season got underway at the TCIFA Academy field on Saturday, January 21.

In their first encounter AFC Academy got past new entrants HAB FC 3-2 margin, while in the feature encounter the SWA Sharks turned back another first timer Pedagogue FC 5-3.

HAB, despite having never played together for a full 90 minutes, managed to get on top in the first half with Academy not being able to really get going. After a number of chances for HAB going begging, a controversial penalty was awarded to HAB which the evergreen Dukens Dorisca duly converted.

The second half was more evenly contested, but HAB then lost their defender and Captain Tienne Jacque after a brave challenge to head a low ball which resulted in a head injury.

This unsettled HAB somewhat and they lost some shape which gave the Academy opportunity to capitalize on their youth and pace using several long balls over the top. On the other hand the Academy goalkeeper pulled off some brilliant saves to keep his team in the game.

However, after this Fred Dorvil equalized for the Academy with a good finish but HAB recovered their composure and continued to threaten, resulting in Dukens putting them 2-1 up after one of a number of good moves.

The Academy hit back again with Fred Dorvil fashioning another good goal to set up the game for a finale. In the end the spoils were taken by the Academy after a penalty was awarded to them and Fred Dorvil converted.

In the second encounter, the new-look Sharks with new coaching staff of Collis & Hassan, and an injection of youth after some good work on player recruitment in the off season, looked slick in their pursuit.

Pedagogue, coached by Alex Cranston, also looked to be a formidable bunch comprising mainly of teachers with the addition of a number of Beaches players and others.

Initially, the game was fairly even until good work from Pedagogue caused a goalmouth scramble and the ball somehow ended up in the net via Sharks keeper, Alex Paul.

After this, the Sharks fought back and started creating good chances via the midfield of Paul Collis and Chris Bryan and in particular some good wing play by Xavier Gili and Ralph Pierre using the pace and movement of Rey Garcia and Stevens Derilien.

This paid off with a goal for Rey Garcia and another towards the end of the half for Derilien. The Sharks defence looked fairly solid at this point, although Pedagogue did force a couple of saves from Paul but the Sharks went into the break on top with a 2-1 lead.

The second half saw both teams doing well, although the excellent Derilien shone and scored the next two goals for the Sharks with two good finishes.

After this, the Sharks started to tire and Pedagogue began to use some of their experience to carve out some chances which resulted in a fine Ricky Villa-esque one man dribbled goal from Ian Chang and another from Kevin Brown to leave a nervy finish for the Sharks with the new centre back pairing of Marlon Davidson and Marc Fenelus coming under a little pressure and showing that work is required on the communication at the back.

Both sides brought on substitutes and in the end Derilien scored his fourth goal of the match to seal the points for the Sharks.

Amanyar donates soccer gear to Oseta Jolly

The Oseta Jolly Primary School sports programme got a boost earlier this week when Amanyara Resort pesented that school with a cheque valued at $1,580 to go towards the institution’s preparation for the Inter-Primary School Football competition.

Tikiera Seymour, Assistant Naturalist at Amanyara, said the donation was just a small part of the resort’s pledge of community development in the Turks and Caicos Islands, stating that the resort had partbered with that school once before.

“This is the first cash donation that we have donated to the Oseta Jolly Primary school, but we have donated before in the form of a presentation. We have adopted the Oseta Jolly Primary School, so they are under the Amanyar unbrella for 2012. And we hope to do many more projects in the form of presentations as well as donations with this institution.

“We had a visiting conservationist by the name of Zander Strodes, who was here to do turle presentation at our resort, and we chose Oseta Jolly, where we did presentation on turtles and the dangers of throwing litter in the water and what teachers, students and the general public can do to help to conserve turtles in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Seymour said.

Seymour said Amanyara has also entered into a partnership with the Clement Howell High school and will be doing a number of projects with them in the near future. Vice Principal, Heartlyn

Wright, who collected the cheque on behalf of the school, said the donation was timely, as it came in time for the students’ preparation for the event, which should begin in short order.

“I am happy to say on behalf of the principal (Rachel Handfield), we are proud to say how well we appreciate this gift from the Amanyara, for our students to participate in the sport, because at this time, most students might find it difficult to afford to contribute to purchase a uniform at this time. So, we thank Amanyara” Wright said.

Meanwhile, Sports Master at the school, Errol Jackson said too, that he was appreciative and grateful for the kind gesture by the resort.

“I am grateful of the fact that we still have corporate citizens and companies who are interested in investing in the development of our young people here in the TCI, even though we are in a time of grave economic crisis. I am delighted to know that the facts still remain that there are people who are still investing in young lives.

Oseta Jolly are defending champions of the Under 11 Boys in the Inter-Primary School Football Compeititon, while the girls, which Jackson described as a very young and inexperienced team, made it to the seminifnals, where he said they lost to a more experienced team.

“This year, I believe, again, that our team will do well. All we need to do is just ensure that we work together as a unit,” Jackson said.

Page 43

MUMBAI, India — Estranged WestIndies batsman Chris Gayle inked anew deal yesterday with BangaloreRoyal Challengers (RCB) for the nexttwo seasons of the Indian PremierLeague.

Media reports indicated that Gayleis set to earn US$500,000 (J$43million) under the deal.

Gayle was part of the KolkataKnight Riders for the first threeseasons of the lucrative tournament,but he went unsold in last year'splayers' auction.

This proved to be a slice of goodfortune for RCB and Gayle. He laterjoined the franchise as an injuryreplacement player for Australian left-arm fast bowler Dirk Nannes.

Gayle went on to become thehighest scorer in last year's IPL andwon the Orange Cap as well. He also

played for Royal Challengers in theChampions League Twenty20, leadingthe side to the final, where they lost tothe Mumbai Indians.

"We are delighted to make ChrisGayle a permanent member of our IPLsquad," said Siddhartha Mallya,director of Royal Challengers SportsPvt Ltd, in a media release.

"He is one of the best batsmen inthe world. His form helped us qualifyfor the final of the 2011 edition of thetournament."

"We are confident that withplayers like him in our side, we willtake the extra step this season, and winour maiden IPL title."

Gayle said he was happy to beback at his home away from home.

"I had a great time representingRCB last year," he said. "It is a terrificoutfit. The players are brilliant.

"They are complemented by thesupport-staff and administrators, all ofwhom have gone out of their way tomake the players comfortable, andgive them the freedom to expressthemselves on the field. To me,Bangalore has been a home away fromhome."

IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla saidGayle adds a lot of value to thetournament with his explosive batting.

"Chris Gayle is one of thosecricketers who was born to excel in allformats of the sport," he said.

"He was at his destructive best inIPL 2011, and one can safely assumethat we will see a lot more fireworksemanate from his blade in theforthcoming IPL seasons."

Gayle has not played for WestIndies since last year's World Cup onthe Asian sub-continent, following a

long-running dispute with the WestIndies Cricket Board overcontroversial remakes he made in aninterview with a radio station in hisnative Jamaica.

Meantime, a leading Indian firmannounced that Gayle will be brandambassador for its line of whiskey.

Gayle also signed a deal to bebrand ambassador for Whyte &Mackay whiskey of Vijay Mallya's UBGroup, which also owns RCB.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Explosive batting led by Dwayne Bravoand Kieron Pollard followed by crippling bowling coasted Trinidad &Tobago to their second straight Caribbean Twenty20 title on Sunday witha crushing 63-run victory over Jamaica.

Bravo smashed four fours and three sixes in the top-score of 49 from43 balls and Pollard was just himself, slamming one four and four sixes,three in the final over from Krishmar Santokie, supporting with 39 not outfrom 13 balls, as T&T posted a challenging 168 for five from theirallocation of 20 overs in the Grand Final at Kensington Oval.

Before a near capacity crowd, T&T's bits-and-pieces bowling attacknever allowed Jamaica's typically free-scoring batsmen room to shake theshackles free and restricted the double-crown regional champions to 105for five in their 20 overs.

It was the second time T&T defeated Jamaica in a regional T20 finaland avenged their loss in the Regional Super50 final last October inGuyana, preventing Jamaica from becoming Triple Crown champions.

This was also the first major tournament that T&T have won undernew captain Denesh Ramdin, following the controversial resignation ofthe long-standing Daren Ganga.

The biggest prize for T&T, however, is a third trip to the lucrativeChampions League T20 later this year in India, where they will face theworld's best T20 franchises.

Meantime, Jamaica's senior head coach Junior Bennett saidinconsistent batting and sub-par fielding in the final against Trinidad &Tobago cost the nation its first hold on the West Indies Cricket Board(WICB) Caribbean Twenty20 (CT20) title.

He bemoaned the fact that despite team talks and careful planning,poor execution played a significant role in the resounding and profoundlyembarrassing 63-run loss to Trinidad & Tobago in Sunday evening's finalplayed under artificial lights.

"We dropped chances and they were crucial catches at crucial stagesof the game. Having Trinidad 86-4 in the 15th over we couldn't have askedfor better than that. We discussed the players for Trinidad that could reallyhurt us and they were the ones we dropped and it cost us dearly. We lettwo of them off the hook.

"I don't think our batting was consistent throughout the tournament.We didn't get the starts at the top of the order. Aside from that, we bowledexceptionally well and our fielding was okay, but in the final it let usdown," he said.

Gayle signs two-year deal withRoyal Challengers Bangalore

Chris Gayle

Explosive Trinidad andTobago batting demolishes

JamaicaIF you can run and jump 10 barrierswhile competing in the 400m hurdles in52.42 seconds, can you imagine how fastthat person can go if he'she runs the flat400m without any obstacles?

The general thought is that personwould do extremely well, but track andfield isn't that straightforward.

Olympic 400m hurdles championMelaine Walker decimated a world-classfield at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in52.64secs and a year later, miraculouslywent faster, adding the Berlin WorldChampionship in 52.42, the secondfastest time ever over the distance.

The world record of 52.34 (SET IN2003) is held by Russian YuliyaPechonkina.

Quizzed by the Observer if shewould consider running the flat 400,Walker smiled, bit her lips and replied:

"I'm not sure. I'm not a lover of theflat 400, neither the 400 hurdles, but it'sworking for me and I'm grateful for the400m hurdles, but I don't think I'll be agreat 400 flat runner", she asserted.

The 400 hurdles race is one of themost demanding of all events in thesprint-hurdle group. It requires speed,endurance, and hurdling technique, allalong with unique awareness and specialconcentration throughout the race.

Being one of, if not the best, in thatgruelling event, Walker would find theflat event much easier.

"Over the years I have run 4x400sand run really great, but that's when I was

a sprinter. Now it is different, I haven'trun it in a while, so I don't know what mypotential is.

"But I'm thinking about doing acouple this year and see what it lookslike, then I will know if I'm able to run4x400 or not," said Walker.

With Jamaica's 1600m relay teamconstantly falling short in getting thebetter of the powerful United States teamand sometimes the Russians, somepundits believe that her inclusion in therelay squad would bolster Jamaica'schances of winning that elusive goldmedal.

"I'm always open to run a relay leg,but it's for the people who made theirspots and vow not to give it up and I'mnot going to bear the burden of knowingthat someone wanted to compete and Iactually didn't run a flat 400 and given aspot, then I'm been envied for that spot.

"I always said if there is a spot I cantake, please have that person who wantme to take their spot tell me that it's OK,then I will run," she said.

As for defending her Olympic title inLondon, Walker, who turned 29 onJanuary 1, said everything is goingaccording to plan so far.

"I can say all things going well so farand I'm very pleased. I'm not having toomuch problems and I'm dealing with itand...training well," said the former StJago star who in 1999 was second in the200 metres at the World YouthChampionship in Poland.

Olympic gold medalist in400metre hurdles doubtful

about running the flat 400metre

EXPECTATIONS RUN HIGH FOR CHRIS GAYLE"He was at his destructive best in IPL

2011, and one can safely assume that we willsee a lot more fireworks emanate from hisblade in the forthcoming IPL seasons."

- INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE CHAIRMAN

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

Page 44 TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

Page 45

The Indianapolis Colts have hiredRavens defensive coordinator ChuckPagano as head coach.

The team said Pagano will beintroduced at a news conference onThursday. It will be the first headcoaching job for the 51-year-oldPagano, who has been a careerassistant until now with stops inOakland and Cleveland in the NFLand stints at schools including Miamiand North Carolina.

"It's difficult to leave the Ravensbut I couldn't pass up on this greatopportunity," Pagano said in astatement released by the Ravens. "I'mjust thrilled and so excited."

Pagano interviewed with the Coltson Tuesday after Baltimore waseliminated from the playoffs Sundayin a 23-20 loss to the New EnglandPatriots in the AFC ChampionshipGame.

This season was Pagano's first incharge of the vaunted Ravens' defense.Pagano followed Greg Mattison, wholeft Baltimore after two seasons asdefensive coordinator for the sameposition at the University of Michiganin January 2011.

Under Pagano, Baltimore allowedthe third-fewest points and yards in

the league in 2011. Safety Ed Reed,linebackers Ray Lewis and TerrellSuggs and nose tackle Haloti Ngataalso made the Pro Bowl under Pagano.

"I like it," Pro Bowl defensive endRobert Mathis wrote on Twitter.

Pagano replaces Jim Caldwell,who was fired after the Colts' 2-14season in which quarterback PeytonManning never played a down as herecovered from neck surgery.

The move is just the latest in adizzying series of changes by owner

Jim Irsay.The Colts fired Caldwell last

week after three seasons. The teamwent to the Super Bowl duringCaldwell's first year, but this yearlocked up the No. 1 overall draft pickwith a horrid performance that alsocost team vice chairman Bill Polianand his son, general manager Chris,their jobs.

Irsay has since hired 39-year-oldRyan Grigson as the new GM whileletting go of Caldwell's staff. In all, 11of the 20 coaches who started theseason are gone and others they maygo, too, once Pagano arrives.

Pagano is the fourth formerRavens defensive coordinator to landa head coaching job, followingMarvin Lewis, Mike Nolan and RexRyan.

The Wyoming graduate andformer strong safety for the Cowboysbegan his coaching career in 1984 asa graduate assistant at SouthernCalifornia and spent time at in thecollege ranks at Boise State, UNLV,East Carolina and Miami beforejoining Cleveland to coach thesecondary. In 2005-06, he wasdefensive backs coach at Oakland,then served as defensive coordinator

at North Carolina before joining theRavens when John Harbaugh becamehead coach four years ago.

"Chuck is unorthodox," Suggssaid. "He's like the Joker. You neverreally expect what he's going to do,and everything has a motive."

The Ravens considered Pagano tobe just one of the guys.

"What makes him good? Herelates to the players a whole lot,"defensive end Cory Redding said."He's almost like a player in a D-coordinator's position. The guy has somuch fun with us. He treats you likemore than a player. It's like we're hissons. He wants us to do well. He keepsit fresh. He knows everybody'sstrengths and puts them in position tomake plays."

Asked last month if he hadaspirations to be a head coach, Paganoreplied, "When I was a kid growingup, my dad being a football coach, heasked the same question of all theassistants that he ever hired: 'Is yourgoal to be a head football coach?' Healways said if somebody hadanswered him, 'Not really, I'm OK justbeing a position coach,' then I don'tthink he really wanted him on his staffbecause he wanted ambitious guys.

Colts name Chuck Pagano coach

Chuck Pagano

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012

"It's difficult to leave the Ravens butI couldn't pass up on this great

opportunity..." - PAGANO ON BEING NAMED HEAD COACH OF THE COLTS

Page 46JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012 TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

Page 47JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWSPage 47

TURKS & CAICOS SUN JANUARY 6TH - JANUARY 13TH, 2012

TURKS & CAICOS SUN JANUARY 6TH - JANUARY 13TH, 2012

Page 48JANUARY 27TH - FEBRUARY 3RD, 2012 TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

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