Volume 8 Issue 7

Website: www.suntci.com Email: [email protected] Tel: 649-946-8542 Fax: 649-941-3281 www. twitter.com/suntci

$1FEBRUARY 17TH - FEBRUARY 24TH, 2012 VOLUME 8 No. 07

NIB TAKES GOVERNOR TO COURTBoard refuses to pay $10million demanded by Turks and Caicos Islands Gov’t

Fishermen from the Turks and Caicos Islands are catching some monster fish right now withlightening fast Wahoo especially prevalent offshore. This "whopper Wahoo" weighed in atjust over 110 lbs caught on the local legendary boat "The Gwendolyn " recently. Our picture shows Anne Thomasson from England and Marvin Stubbs, first mate for GrandSlam charters based in Turtle Cove Marina, Providenciales. Strong winds have kept the boatsinshore this week but the crew is itching to get back to action shortly, says Codney Capron thelocal skipper of Gwendolyn.Gwendolyn holds the Caribbean record Wahoo title at 123 lbs. The world record Wahoo wascaught just 1 year ago and stands at 154 lbs.

Whata Wahoo!!

The National Insurance Board (NIB) has filed court action againstGovernor Ric Todd and the Interim Administration over theGovernor’s decision to pass new legislation to enable the transferof $10 million from the National Insurance Fund (NSF) to theTurks and Caicos Islands Government.

The matter was down to be heard in the Supreme Court in GrandTurk on Monday, February 20th, and it is understood that the NIB hassecured the services of a prominent law firm from England to assistin their legal challenge.

The NIB conducted two filings; the first, which was filed onFebruary 10, was to challenge the legality of the transfer, while thesecond, which was filed on February 15, was to have the courtexpedite the matter.

Chairman for the NIB Ervine Quelch, told a news conference onThursday, February 16, that Governor Ric Todd’s announcement inOctober last year to transfer the funds, which would eventually begiven to the National Health Insurance Board (NHIB), caught all theNIB Board members by surprise.

He said that when a couple of meetings were eventually heldbetween the NIB and Governor Todd, not only did Board membersvehemently objected to the decision, but also offered alternatives tothe $10 million that the administration was going after.

“All of those things were either not considered or rejected by theGovernment, and they continued to press on, and in fact, indicatedthat if we didn’t accede to their request, then they would be preparedto implement legislation themselves, to make that possible. The boardtook legal advice both locally and internationally on the matter.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

PRINCIPAL UNDER PROBE FORFLOGGING STUDENT PAGE 2

CHALK SOUND LAND OWNERSTO BE REFUNDED PAGE 7

PRC BACKLOG CLEARED PAGE 8

LILLIAN BOYCE’S STEPPINGSTONES COLUMN PAGE 17

VODAFONE WANTS TO BUY CABLEAND WIRELESS PAGE 40

LOCAL NEWSPage 2

TURKS AND CAICOS SUN FEBRUARY 17TH - FEBRUARY 24TH, 2012

A view of the bar

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“And based on that advice, theBoard was advised that the Governor’sactions, in this regard, were consideredto be unconstitutional, in that, hepreferred to compulsorily acquire theproperty of the NIB by way of fundsfrom the National Insurance Fundcontrary to the provisions of Section 16of the Constitution.

“As a result of that, the NIB,precipitated by the Governor’s urgentrequest that we issue a cheque for $10million, decided that it would instituteproceedings immediately to challengethe constitutionality of the law. Thoseproceedings have been filed in theSupreme Court by notice of motion onthe 10th of this month (February),”Quelch said.

The NIB has maintained that it hasnot been provided with any objectiveevidence to support the view that itowes TCIG/NIB $10 million in relationto medical expenses associated withproviding medical services to personsthat sustained work related injuries,adding that based the current size of theTCI economy it is difficult to justify theamount that is currently beingrequested by TCIG.

Quelch said that, on top ofcompelling the NIB to turn over thehuge sum, Government had createdways to avoid paying approximately$11 million in penalties after itdefaulted on paying over $7 million incontributions on behalf of itsemployees. This they did, according toQuelch, by introducing an amnesty,which also encompassed all thebusinesses that are in the country.

But Quelch has been firm in hisbelief that the amnesty was createdmainly for Government to avoid payingthe huge sum, since the figureovershadowed the $4 million owed byall the businesses in the TCI combined.

He said that Government was also$5.5 million behind in rent and otherpayments on the NJS Francis Buildingin Grand Turk and $181 in rent for theHilly Ewing Building inProvidenciales.

The NIB Chairman was hopefulthat an amicable solution could bereached by its lawyers and the AttorneyGeneral’s Chambers, and so, to avoidwhat he described as protractedlitigation process, and to arrive atsensible terms of arrangements thatwould be in the best interest of theNational Insurance Fund.

“The loan for the fit out sevenhundred and twenty-odd thousand plusinterest for the fixtures and fitting of theNJS Francis Building was never beenpaid despite the fact that we have beenpressing on this, and auditors have beenreminding us of our fiduciaryresponsibilities to get these things doneon the interest on those payments andunpaid rent.

“In the final analysis, the NIB hadbeen working with government and had

been patient with government, to allowthem to be able to discharge thoseindebtedness in an ordinarily sort offashion,” continued.

He pointed out that beforedemitting office, former Governor,Gordon Wetherell, was active in tryingto get the NIB to write off the debts, amove he said was supported by theAttorney General Chambers.

He said however, that the NIB feltconstraint to acceded to such requestand endeavour to seek independent andlegal advice, which he said confirmedthe NIB long held view that it wouldinappropriate to write off the debts.

He said, too, that the new ChiefFinancial Officer …McGarrel-Groveswas taking what he described as andaggressive and antagonistic positiontowards the NIB, saying that the Boardhad received what he described asthreatening correspondence from him,especially since court action was filed.

“The Board, then, took a consciousdecision that perhaps the best wayforward would be to try and negotiate

some sort of a commercially justifiableterm which we can deal with thesematters. But the attitude of the TCIGovernment lead negotiator – forwanting of a better word – Mr.McGarrel-Groves - obviously took theposition that any disagreement or anysign of the NIB not acceding to theiridea of a commercially justifying term,was either confrontational,uncooperative or not in the best interestof the public,” he noted.

Quelch said that when the NIB didnot budge on its position, Governmentcreated an avenue to legally circumventthe payment of the surcharges byintroducing an amnesty for allbusinesses that were outstanding onstaff contribution. He pointed out thatthe NIB objected to the amnesty, butthe administration went through with itnonetheless.

“In the final analysis, when theBoard decided that it would not begoing to do that (write-off governmentdebt), supported by legal advice, theeffort was, ‘let’s introduce an amnesty’,and frankly to, in essence, write offGovernment debt as far as surchargesare concerned,” Quelch said.

He said Government’s debt hadbeen owed over a protracted period oftime, as according to him, some pastadministrations were not living up totheir legal obligations. In total $7million was owed in staff contribution,and because it was not paid over alongperiod, it attracted a surcharge of $11million. However, Government usedpart of the syndicated loan obtainedthrough CIBC First Caribbean, topayoff the $7million.

The Government is represented bythe Attorney General and leadingcounsel from the UK and has no furthercomment at this time. Quelch said NIBlegal fees could cost between $50 anda $100,000. The NIB has more than$160 million is saving.

NIB takes Governor to court ...Cont’d

Some members of the teaching staff at the ClementHowell High School in Providenciales are coming tothe aid of the school principal Lloyd Fearon who isthe subject of two investigations – one by the policeand the other by the Public Service Management –after being accused of “brutally beating a student”,while attempting to break up a fight on the schoolcompound last week.It is understood that a parent filed the complaint tothe police after his son showed him a mark on his skinthat he said was created by the principal’s cane.

The boy was said to be among a throng of studentspectators jostling to get a clear view of a fight by twomale students, when Fearon came swishing his caneto break up the melee.Some teachers at the school maintained that hadFearon not emerge at the time he did, a murder couldhave taken place on the compound, in light of reportsthat one of the fighting boys almost crossed thethreshold of unconsciousness, and minorresuscitation. The incident has created a firestorm in theblogosphere, with a number of unflattering commentsagainst Fearon, some bordering on personal threat. When The SUN contacted Fearon for a comment, hereferred us to the Education Department, who he issaid had undertaken to address the media. When thisnewspaper contacted Director of Education, EdgarHowell, he confirmed that the police and the PublicService Management were investigating the incidentand therefore could not say when those investigationswould be concluded.“There was an incident, and that matter is underinvestigation by the police, because a formal

complaint was made by the parent of the child. Wehave already conducted our own investigation andmade reports to the office of the Public ServiceManagement. But the police investigation supersedesany investigation that we carry out. But reports havealready been submitted on the incident,” Howell said.However, one teacher at the school, who said that shewas an eyewitness to the incident, and was eveninvolved in trying to break the fighting students apart,has come out public as to what she saw and her rolein the incident. The following is a correspondence from the teacher:“I am Dorothy Chambers, a teacher at CHHS, and Iam using this medium to shed light on the alleged“brutal beating” incident that has been reportedelsewhere. I can categorically state that if Mr. Fearondid not turn up swishing his cane, murder would havebeen committed on the school compound from thefight that was taking place.

“About two years ago I took the decision never to tryand get to a fight or to try and stop any fight becauseof how badly my back got damaged from a studentwho was running to be a spectator and slammed meto the floor. For days I was in pain and could hardlymove. “On the day of this latest incident, I had to go backon my decision, because I visualized the death of oneof these young men. The security personnel and Iwere trying to get to the young men who were in thefight but the student spectators could not bepenetrated. “I screamed, I begged- as I wanted to prevent the lossof a life - but to no avail until Mr. Fearon came aroundthe corner swinging his came from left to right to

disperse the crowd. Then, and only then, was thesecurity able to get to the boys and save the life of theone that was on the ground. “I must say that seeing the boy’s life flash before meI said a prayer of thanks for Mr. Fearon’s timing asthe cane swishing from left to right was the only thingto which the students responded. “I understand when you don’t like someone, but letus be fair. Some members of the public are trying touse an incident that saved the life of a young man toget a “pound of flesh” from Mr. Fearon. Thecomments made on the aforementioned blog are veryoffensive and abusive. “Such hatred and venom coming from a communitydoes not augur well for a country. People, parents Iwish you would come and spend a week at CHHS, tosee the level of disrespect, abuse, acts of extortion,intoxication, just to name a few of the things we haveto endure on a daily basis. “Instead of trying to crucify us for doing good, helpus to educate, socialize and save your child. Do notenable your children when they do wrong. Do notencourage them to lie and cheat. Teach them torespect authority or they will not respect you. “The very next day, there was another fight. I was soupset with a male teacher who did not come to helpme, but now I realize that I owe him an apology. Ishudder to think what would have been done and saidabout this teacher, if he had helped and one of theboys got a scratch. This is why Mr. Fearon is in thispredicament.“Finally, remember there is a GOD who sees ALLthings. Be not deceived; GOD is not mocked: Forwhatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.Galatians 6: 7.”

Clement Howell principal underinvestigation for beating incident

“If Mr. Fearon did not turn upswishing his cane, murder would

have been committed on the schoolcompound,” says teacher.

NIB Chairman Ervine Quelch is flanked by board members Robert Brace (left) and Floyd Seymour.

Page 3FEBRUARY 17TH - FEBRUARY 24TH, 2012TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

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LOCAL NEWSPage 4

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

LOCAL NEWSPage 4

AUGUST 5TH - AUGUST 12TH, 2011TURKS & CAICOS SUN

TURKS & CAICOS SUN AUGUST 5TH - AUGUST 12TH, 2011


LOCAL NEWS

COMMENTARYPage 6


By Royal S. Robinson, MBE

It has now been nearly three yearssince the British have taken over ourcountry ostensibly to right wrongsand put us on a sound economicfooting.

However, to date, all that we areseeing from their sterling effort is acontinuing mountain of debt, taxesupon unholy taxes, a shrinkingpopulation with disposal income andthe list of economic woes goes onand on.

When we had change leadershipfrom Misick to Williams, oureconomy, like all world economieshad slowed down. This was becauseas a result of a number of factorsincluding the over leveraging by anumber of major international banksand the housing market that reallytanked and a number of mortgageswere upside down and under water.

This situation for us needed slight coursecorrection, and like the other world economies, astimulus package that would arrest the bleed, restoreinvestor confidence and put us in a position to rideout the storm.

There were some activities that needed to bereined in and get better value for money. TeamWilliams came in, put a stabilization packagetogether and was well in the way to achieving theplan. The key plank in the plan was the requirementto borrow $ 120M that were to be utilized to doamong other things, through policy-based initiatives,build a primary school, repair the road link betweenMiddle and North Caicos, build the campus of theCommunity college that would have included asection for technical education teaching and training,work on the airport in Providenciales and of courserestructure and consolidate our debt obligations sothat they could be manageable and not onerous!

In order to get better value for money, it wasrecognized that some restructuring of the publicservice, in a sensible and sustainable manner overmatter of time. Discussions were well on the waywith CARTEC to provide technical support for suchan effort.

The British wanted none of that to happen andwent full steam ahead in their bullying manner ofwresting the country from the hands of an electedgovernment that was willing and able to workcollaboratively with them in righting our ship ofstate. No matter what they try to say now, at the timethat they took over, our debt to GDP ratio was in theorder of 25% and the stimulus package that we

wanted to use would have putus in the just over 40% range.

With the stabilizationpackage, jobs in construction inparticular would have beencreated, the take home pay ofpersons in other sectors wouldhave been assured and the slidecould have been arrested. Theyrefused to allow us to borrowthat money even when theyknew that the plan was a viableand workable one. But theywere the experts and we wereno more than countrybumpkins. But it was thesecountry bumpkins that utilizedthe Encouragement ofDevelopment Act and otherlegislative instruments that putus on a path that led us to becalled “The Star of theCaribbean”! We understood

and understand the dynamics of our economy andwhat it took to keep us ticking. We need a continuousinfusion of investment dollars for private sectorprojects. But that investment climate must besustainable and free, as much as possible, from the“boom and burst” scenarios.

The British dragged their feet in securing themoney even after they took over. When they diddecide to borrow money, things had gotten reallyworst, and the amount of $85M was only a band-aidplaced on a gaping, pulsating wound.

It did not work because at the time it was toosmall and was not directed at things that would leadto job creation and the multiplier effect. Theybrought in expert after expert that tried to institutepolicies and programmes that were doomed to failurebecause they did not enlist the people on the groundwho knew a thing or two. So we went from onedisaster to another and all that these persons couldsee as a solution is to bury us under a mountain oftaxes.

We are a low tax jurisdiction. When the potentialinvestor sees us moving out of that comfort zone,then he backs of to see if things would change beforehe plunks down his money. Because of the worldsituation, everyone that has ready capital is holdingon to it and would only let go of it if there is alegitimate deal involved. Our legitimate deals havebeen by way of incentives. These guys have takenthat completely out of the equation, contrary to theEncouragement of Development Order. Othercountries and just about every state in the UnitedStates have some form of tax incentive to encouragethe willing investor to come and provide jobs and

services.There is now no entity in the country actively

engaged in trying to do the things here or overseasthat would show that this country is open forbusiness and that this a safe environment in whichto do business. Businesses do not relocate here justby chance. People with investment money mustalways be wooed to come here. When this is notbeing done, we will find us in the quagmire that weare now in.

Capital will take flight if there is nothing toencourage it to stay. People will not stick around ifthey feel that they are not welcomed, particularly ifthey have other options. This Interim Administrationfor all of the bell and whistles and the fanfare withwhich it usurped the rightfully elected governmentis finding itself day by day on hard times.

These junior operators and has-beens that theyare bring here have no experience or expertise isrescuing a declining economy that is now saddledwith an inordinate amount of debt that they haveincurred. Let it be well known, when they took overthe debt position was $71M. Now it has skyrocketedunder good financial and prudent management of ouraffairs to over $191M and counting! Let us not befooled by the nonsense being put out by MinisterDuncan! He seems to be as clueless as his minionshere who are spewing out bad advice consistently.

They borrowed $260M on our behalf, so theysay, but so far have failed to say what the real termsand conditions of the loan that we are going to beexpected to pay back or on what they realisticallyhave spent the money on. It certainly has not beenspent on any infrastructure projects that would helpstimulate the economy and engender investorconfidence.

And Minister Duncan, please refrain from usingthat “bills in drawers” foolishness as a cover-up ofthe gross incompetence of the so-called experts thathave been sent here to right the economy. From dayto day they cannot get their stories right as far as thedeficit is concerned. They must be, after having afew “pinters” and sucking in our nice, calm friendlybreeze be sticking their finger in it to see from whichdirection it is blowing and then come up with thenumbers. They have now broken it, so they better fixit. They like to be talking about contingent liability!Well this is one they had better take on. We are notgoing to allow them to ride our backs with this one.

I will defer further mention of the right-sizing ofthe public service exercise that they have embarkedon, save to say that they have made a royal cock-upof it. No pun intended!

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

the Progressive National Party (PNP)Administration.

Turks and Caicos SunSuite # 5, Airport Plaza

Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands

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

Read us online at www.suntci.com

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Hayden BoyceSenior Editor: Vivian TysonWeb Designer: Patrina Moore-PierreGraphics Editor: Joleen GrantOffice Manager: Dominique RigbyDistribution Manger: Kelano HowellAdvertising and Marketing Manager-Patrina Moore-Pierre

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

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

Caicos Islands.

ROYAL ROBINSONCONTRIBUTER

e british must takeownership of our bad economy

EDITORIAL CARTOON

LOCAL NEWSPage 7


FAMILY DELIGHTSeeks

AN ASSISTANT MANAGERStarting salary negotiable

Contact: (649)242-0388

Residents of Chalk Sound, whosehomes were ruled by government tohave been constructed on protectedareas, will no longer be grantedalternative land to construct theirdwelling or issued money equatingthe value of the construction on theland that they said were promised byGovernment in 2010.

In a letter from Mary Harvey,Permanent Secretary in the Ministry ofEnvironment and DistrictAdministration and dated January 16,2012, the Government told theresidents that it would no longerhonour its previous promise, whileoffering no clear reason as to why sucha decision was taken.

Instead, the InterimAdministration told the residents thatit would refund them for the moneyspent on their land and also pay them7 percent per annum from the time ofpurchase in exchange for transfer theirtitles.

That letter stated: “Following arecent top level review of allocation ofland within the Chalk Sound NationalPark and Pigeon Pond& Frenchman'sCreek Nature Reserve, it has beendecided that the former policy ofoffering of offering alternative plotsfor relocation should be brought to anend. Accordingly, the previous offer ofrelocation that you received has beenwithdrawn.

“Instead, the Government of theTurks and Caicos Islands would nowlike to offer full refund of the purchaseprice of your plot, together with 7%per annum simple interest from thedate of your purchase in exchange forthe transfer of the title back to theCrown. No other compensation isoffered for any other monies that mayhave been expended.

This offer is valid for three

months from the date of this letter. Ifyou do not execute the transfer withinthis timeframe, the offer will bewithdrawn and no further offers will bemade. If you decide to retain the titleto your parcel, then you should notethat any developments and utilizationof that parcel must be in accordancewith the applicable laws of the Turksand Caicos Islands.”

The residents said the letter struckat the heart of another letter that wasissued to them 2010, from that sameoffice, by Deputy Commissioner ofLands, Tatum Clerveaux. That letterstated:

“Further to the correspondencefrom the Ministry of Environment &District

Administration informing you thatParcel….. is located within theboundaries of a Protected Area, and assuch, may not be utilized for aresidential development, please beadvised that the Ministry has compileda list of alternative parcels to makeoffers of relocation.

“The Ministry is now awaiting acurrent assessment of the value of theparcel, which you now hold freeholdor leasehold title before an offer can bemade. Once the valuation is received,a document package will be forwardedto H.E. The Governor for his approval.This approval will be in the form of aletter offering an alternative plot toeach owner with a six-month timelimit for acceptance.”

One of the landowners, AlvinParker, told The SUN that the decisionby Government was heart-rending forsome of them, because not only thatGovernment had tossed them under thebus, but was treating them as if theyacquired the properties by illicitmeans, asserting also the residentswent through the proper channel to

attain the plots.“They told us that they were going

to do a research and evaluations to findout who got land and how many acresof land individuals have; that has neverbeen done; that was mentioned in ameeting with the Advisory Council.They said that the matter would be puton hold until the research was done;and that research never took place, andit is almost two years now.

“They also came and issued uswith letters offering us pieces of landin various places on Provo. Somepersons may have taken up the offersbecause, at the time, persons were veryeager to build for various reasons.Some folks got married, some havefamilies, and they needed to build sothat can secure a home for theirfamily,” Parker noted.

He added: “Now, myself and a fewothers have already constructedhomes, some were living in theirhomes and some were in thedevelopment stage. We were told thatour development would be evaluated,and we would be compensated for thedevelopment on the land. So far, noone has come back to us aboutanything. They did some evaluation,but they never came back to us withany kind of proposal as far as moneyis concerned.”

Parker said it is unfair for theauthorities to now come back and toldthem that they were prepared to onlygive money equaling the value of theland and not for the development,saying that such a move wastantamount to disrespect.

“We drafted numerous lettersthrough our lawyers, to the AG’sChambers and the governor at thetime, but we were totally disrespectedand totally ignored in both cases. Ithink they wrote back to us once and

told us that it is what it is, and that’sit,” Parker said.

He told The SUN that the residentsaimed to take the matter to the court inorder for them to either remain on theland unmolested or be granted pay forthe property plus costs incurred fortheir developments.

“We followed the laws from startto finish. We applied for a piece ofproperty; it was granted. We were toldthe cost; we paid that. We decided tobuild our homes; we submitted ourplans to Planning, the plans wereapproved and we started construction.So, we did everything by the law,”Parker asserted.

He also called on the HumanRights Commission to champion thiscause on their behalf, since the processof them acquiring the land was aboveboard, and they were now beingtreated as if they were squatters.

“They were treating us as if we didsomething wrong of if we squatted onthe land. It boils my blood when youlook at the (squatting) situation in FiveCays, to see how they corrected thesituation. And us, who bought the landfrom Government, were treated as ifwe stole the land or if we squatted onthe land. It is totally unfair that we cannot get to sit down with Governmentto discuss this.

“A number of persons who ownland down there (Chalk Sound), workfor government. And it is almost ifthey are afraid and shying away fromdefending their rights because of theiremployers. They are afraid of beingvictimized at the end of the day, andthat is why although we have abouteight persons who have property downthere, you would find that only about10 persons speaking up,” Parkerrevealed

Chalk Sound land owners to be refunded

LOCAL NEWSPage 8


PLANT WORKERSCaicos Pride Products, a seafood processing plant in South Caicos is seekingpersons to work as Conch peelers and Lobster and Fish cleaners in their fish plantlocated in South Caicos. Persons will be required to live in South Caicos, must bewilling to work long hours, weekends and on some public holidays.Pay is commensurate with performance.Interested persons can send application to [email protected] orfax to 649-946-3571 or contact the labour department.Closing date for application is March 31, 2012.

FISHERMENCaicos Pride Products, a seafood processing plant in South Caicos is seeking tohire Captains and fishermen for their 40 foot fishing boat. Applicants must beexperience in deep sea fishing and be willing to stay at sea for up to 5 days.Wage is based on commission. Individual will be required to take and pass drugtest twice per year.Interested persons can send application to [email protected] orfax to 649-946-3571 or contact the labour department.Closing date for application is March 31, 2012

ACCOUNTING CLERKCaicos Pride Products, a seafood processing plant in South Caicos is seeking tohire Accounting Clerk.Responsibilities include:• Invoicing, Bills payment.• Collection of Accounts Receivables.• Payroll, Inventory of products and supplies.• Documentation of shipments.• Other functions assigned by the Manager.

Qualifications:• Minimum of 6 years related experience.• Knowledgeable on Cost Accounting.• Computer proficient in MS Office .• Must know accounting program QuickBooks.• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills (English).• Must be an excellent team-player.Only Turks and Caicos Islanders need to apply.Interested persons can send application to [email protected] orfax to 649-946-3571 or contact the labour department.Closing date for application is March 31, 2012

VACANCIES

The Immigration Board wishes toremind all applicants that inaccordance with the ImmigrationRegulations, application forms forwork and residence permits shall beaccompanied by evidence of theapplicant’s good health.

In the past, negative blood testresults for HIV and syphilis have beenaccepted as sufficient for that purpose.It has been decided that the onlyevidence of good health to be acceptedwill be a letter from the National HealthInsurance Board that is based upon acomplete Certificate of Good Healththat has been designed for the purpose.

This requirement is now in effectfor all applications, includingapplications for endorsement of spousesand dependents, but not for renewals.

The Certificate of Good Healthmust be signed by a licensed medicalpractitioner in the applicant’s country ofresidence, and will be checked foraccuracy and authenticity by a doctornominated for the purpose by theNational Health Insurance Board.

If a medical practitioner is unableto sign off the items contained in theCertificate of Good Health, then theperson concerned is ineligible for

consideration for a residence permit,work permit, or endorsement as aspouse or a dependent, and anapplication should not be submitted.

The new form may be obtainedfrom Immigration Services offices inGrand Turk and Providenciales, ordownloaded from the website of theImmigration Board –

www.immigrationboard.tc .The form should be forwarded to

the medical practitioner by whom theapplicant intends to be examined. Aseparate form is needed for a spouseand each dependent. Completed formsshould be submitted for checking in anenvelope addressed to the Secretary ofthe National Health Insurance Board. If

satisfied with the authenticity of theCertificate, the doctor nominated byNHIB will issue to the applicant (ortheir employer) a letter addressed toImmigration Services confirming thatthe applicant is in good health. The letterfrom NHIB should then be included inthe application as the required evidenceof good health. No other evidence willbe accepted.

If you are currently preparing anapplication, please make sure that stepsare taken to obtain the necessary letterfrom NHIB to submit with theapplication.

Certificate of good healthrequired for work permits

The general public will recall that the Ministry ofBorder Control and Labour temporarily suspendedthe receipt and processing of all new applications forPermanent Resident Certificates on February 26, 2010.

The Ministry is pleased to confirm that through thededication and hard work of staff in the PRC Unit, thebacklog has been cleared however, the suspension is likelyto remain in effect until after the public consultation onthe pathway to citizenship has concluded and newlegislation for granting Permanent Resident Certificates isenacted.

In August last year the Consultative Forum wasadvised of the existence of a backlog of over 1600outstanding applications for British Overseas TerritoryCitizenship by naturalisation or registration which had

built up through other stages in the process over a longperiod of time.

“It is important that these applications be processedtherefore, the case working team in the PRC Unit will nowdevote their full attention to processing them,” theministry said in a release.

The ministry said that naturalisation and registrationapplications that are received on or after Monday,February 13, 2012 will not be assessed until after casesthat have been pending for many years are cleared.Potential applicants are accordingly encouraged not toapply until further announcements are made about thelifting of the suspension. Applications received afterMonday, February 13, 2012 will not be catalogued.

PRC Backlog cleared

LOCAL NEWSPage 9


HAIRPORT INTERNATIONAL BEAUTY SALON

Salary $350 per weekMust have atleast 8 years

experienceContact 347-6542

1 NAIL TECH

Majority of the 350 to 400 public sector workerswho applied for the Civil Service SeveranceScheme package should be issued with theircheques in March, this according to Spokesmanfor the Governor’s Office, Neil Smith, who madethe revelation during his Tuesday media briefingin Providenciales.

About 700 of the little over 2,500 civil servantshad applied for the package.

Smith said the process should have started inFebruary and pick up pace thereafter. He said therewas strong possibility that those nearing theirpension years will not be given marching orders,since that would go counter to what Government wastrying to achieve.

Smith also stressed that Government wouldendeavour to hold on to staff members that aredeemed talented and useful to the fortification of thesector. He said, too, that Government could refuse

applications from those who it deems too expensiveto let go, since the administration was operating ona tight budget.

Allegations were also rife that a number ofpersons, who opted against accepting the package,were pushed to take it on the basis that their chanceof retention in the sector could be tenuous. It isarticulated that the move was being spearheaded bydepartment heads.

But Smith reiterated that, while he was unawareof such practice, stressed that the programme wasdesigned as a voluntary scheme and not acompulsory severance scheme, and as such, no oneshould be forced to accept it. He said though, thatthe positions of some of the persons who rejected thescheme could be placed on the chopping block, andas against that background, they should weigh theirpositions carefully before deciding not to take theoffer.

The Governor’s Office Spokesman told mediapractitioners that the majority of those who acceptedthe offer would receive what he described as “life-

change packages” that would allow them totransform their lives for the better, since they wouldreceive two year’s salary.

The campaign to chop the civil service cameabout as Government seeks to cut costs and balancethe budget in order to pave the way for freshelections that would return the country to local rule,after the UK fired both the Government andOpposition while scratching parts of theConstitution.

In 2010, the wages of civil servants was slashedby 10 percent. Government explained that the movewas to cut cost while making the sector more viable.However, it later revealed that the pay cut would notbe enough to save the sector, and only a reduction innumbers would prevent government from crashing.

However, before the final offer was made, theInterim Administration butted heads with the CivilService Association on several occasions, as thelatter charged that the package and the terms initiallyof severance were not in the best interest of theworkers.

To this end, the Civil Service Association stageda number of marches and strikes, as it forcedGovernment to make an about face, which wasachieved when the administration decided to makea number of adjustments, which included increasingthe pay package.

Majority of voluntary severedCivil Servants to go in March

BY VIVIAN TYSON SUN SENIOR EDITOR

On Wednesday 15th February 2012 Lavardo Smith, Collin Delancy Jnr& Ronego Missick appeared in the Grand Turk Supreme Court oncharges of Murder, Robbery, Possession of Firearm with intent to rob,Discharging Firearm and Conspiracy to rob. They were remanded incustody at Her Majesty Prison in Grand Turk until their trial.

Murder-accused remandedHaving surpassed the one millionmark in tourism arrivals for 2011,expectations are high for the Turksand Caicos Islands Tourist Boardfor an even more successful year in2012.

Last year, for the first time sincerecord-keeping began in the 1980s,the TCI recorded more than a millionvisitors, with the total number for thecalendar year being 1,009,270, withcruise arrivals, with the lion share,accounted for 655,497, while stop-over arrival yielded 354, 223.

While enjoying tremendousbusiness from its US market, theTourist Board said it is expectinggrowing business from the Canadianmarket this year courtesy of additionof the new in season direct flight fromthe eastern Canadian city of Halifax,Nova Scotia.

“The destination continues todraw on its major source market, theUnited States with Canada in secondplace. The United States continues itsdominance in arrivals to thedestination due in part to major airliftto the destination that increased in2011, namely JetBlue from New Yorkand Continental from New Jersey,”the Tourist Board said in a release.

Director of Tourism, Ralph Higgspointed out that the TCI that theincrease in tourism arrival numbersserved as good news for the countryand the industry, since it representsthe potential for growth in the short,medium and long term.

“Surpassing the one millionmark is a major accomplishment forall of us, our partners andstakeholders in the industry and whilewe are pleased and proud we are alsocognizant of the work that lies ahead,”Higgs was quoted as saying.

Stacy Cox, Executive Member ofthe TCHTA, said the arrival statisticsfor 2011 pointed to a very good yearfor the local tourism industry,declaring that the Hotel & TourismAssociation was very happy to see therecord-breaking number of arrivals tothe island over the last two years.

“Our joint efforts with the TouristBoard are bearing fruit and signify theimportance of working closely on themarketing of our islands. Promotionscoupled with the increased airliftwhich we have garnered from ourmajor source markets last year, shouldresult in further increases over thenext few years,”

In the meantime, Chairman of theTurks and Caicos Tourist Board, Dr.Hubert Fulford noted: “Thedestination and its people, partners inboth public and private sectors shouldbe proud of this milestone,” sayingthat no efforts should be spared inshoring up the arrival numbers.

On December 1, 2011, TheTourist Board, in the collaborationwith the TCHTA, the Turks andCaicos Islands Airports Authority(TCIAA) and the Grand Turk CruiseCenter (GTCC), welcomed theirmillionth and one million one visitorsat both the ProvidencialesInternational Airport and the CarnivalCruise Center on December 31st2011.

The cruise ship winner wasreceived return vacation ticketssponsored by JetBlue andaccommodations by the Tourist Boardand the TCHTA. The ProvidencialesInternational winner was awarded a 7day vacation back to the destinationwith airfare provided by JetBlue, aswell and accommodations sponsoredby the Tourist Board and the TCHTA.

Hotel industry players expect wellover a million tourists in 2012

LOCAL NEWSPage 10


INTERISLAND AVIATION SERVICES GROUP ISSEEKING:

TWO DOMESTICWORKERS

Responsible for cleaning and the general upkeep. Salary $6.00 per hour.• Ability to work shifts, early mornings, late nights, weekendsand Holidays.• Clean police record• Able to work under pressure

Belongers need only apply.Interested applicants should apply to [email protected] or viafax to HR Department 649-946-4040.No phone calls please. Qualified candidates will be contactedfor an interview.

A group called the "Men of GrandTurk" came together on a call to havetheir voices heard on the Pathway toCitizenship by Mr Carlis Williams(Cee's Supermarket).

They held two initial meetings onFebruary 2nd and February 7th, 2012 atthe L.I.F.E. Center on Old Airport RoadGrand Turk.

Those sessions were chaired byRoyal Robinson and Herbert Been andwas attended by an average of 20 men.From both meetings a preamble andmatrix were put together and a signingdrive hosted in the Kishco Parking LotGrand Turk on February16th, with agoal of collecting 400 signatures inGrand Turk which is considered arepresentative sample.

Up to press time the group hadcollected 373 signatures which will bescanned and sent to [email protected] address set up by theForum and the originals delivered to DrLinda Williams member of theConsultative Forum in Grand Turk.

The following is the Men of GrandTurk’s proposal for acquisition of Turksand Caicos Islands status:

We have discussed and resolvedthat any consultation on any process toprogress an applicant to Turks andCaicos Islander status should remainwithin the purview of Turks and CaicosIslanders, and Turks and CaicosIslanders alone.

No outside group should in anyform or fashion be encouraged to, orallowed to participate in such a process.Furthermore, the final configuration ofthe results of any such consultationshould be left for final debate andapproval by a democratically electedgovernment!

That being said, we agree andaffirm the following:

There shall be one pathway towardsTurks and Caicos Islander status, and

that should be by way of being marriedto a Turks and Caicos Islander throughthe birth connection, having beenmarried for a period of not less than 10years continuously prior to application,that the spouse be of good character, hasthe ability to read and write English,pursue and pass a course of Turks andCaicos Islands studies at a recognizedTurks and Caicos Islands’ Institution oflearning.

Applications shall be made onbehalf of the spouse by the Turks andCaicos Islander. There shall not be anyability to transfer Turks and CaicosIslander status by way of the personobtaining such status by way of a grant.Turks and Caicos Islander stratus byway of a grant shall have the ability ofbeing revoked for infractions such asbeing away from the country for aperiod of 7 years and having run afoulof the law.

PRC AND BOTCUnskilled workers should have no

right to apply for a PRC. They shouldbe given work permits for a maximumperiod of 5 years after which, they shallbe required to leave the country for aperiod of 2 years before an applicationfor another work permit on their behalfcould be made.

Female work permit holders, onbecoming pregnant in the Turks andCaicos Islands, shall be required toreturn to their country of residencebefore the third trimester of suchpregnancy in order to give birth to theirchildren. In the unlikely event that achild is born in Turks and CaicosIslands, a BOTC would be granted saidchild to allow him/her to travel.

The pathway towards a BOTC shallbe through the acquisition of a PRC.

There shall be a points system inplace that would allow application for aPRC. Such point system shall beginfrom the WORK VISA applicationprocess. A form of the points system thatis advocated is attached.

Men of Grand Turkpropose a new process

for acquisition of Turksand Caicos Islander

Status

Northwest Point Resort-Property / Maintenance

ManagerApplicant must have minimum 5 yearsextensive experience in all phases ofmaintenance for 50 unit CondominiumResort including plumbing, electrical, A/C,F/W pool chemistry, landscaping. Knowledgeof reverse osmosis water equipment andsewage treatment is desirable as are book-keeping skills.

Successful applicant will supervise 3 staffworkers and report to off island Board ofDirectors. On site housing accommodation isprovided. Position requires an individual whoenjoys hands on maintenance as well aschallenging work and will be available for24/7 emergencies.

Salary Open depending on qualifications. Belongers only need apply.Apply to Owen SmithNorthwest Point Resort Tel: 941-8961 ext 2208email: [email protected]

seeks3 BAR GIRLS AND

ONE JANITOR

salary negotiable based onexperience

Stage Bar andGrill

WilliamsDrafting

seeksOne Front Desk ClerkOne Janitor/ CleanerSalary Negotiable

Interestedapplicants please call

Tel: 231-1916

ONE DOMESTIC HELPERShould be able to Lift heavy objects, clean, iron & wash.One Gardener to maintain yard. Must have experience ingardening. Persons must be able to work weekends and holidaysS Belongers need only applysalary $6.00 per hourApplicants must be able to write and understand EnglishFax resume to 946-4040 or email [email protected]


LOCAL NEWSHIV/AIDS numbers in TCI falling

By ViVian TysonSENIOR SUN EDITOR

Even though the official data is still being tabulated, from all indications it appears that HIV/AIDS cases in the Turks and Caicos Islands is down, this according to Head of the National AIDS Programme, Aldora Robinson, in an interview with The SUN.

Robinson owed the decline to the ongoing robust AIDS awareness campaign across the country. She said that the figures showed that persons in the community were taking heed to the dangers of unprotected sex.

“From what we have seen, the numbers appears to be decreasing. It seems that our (safe sex) message is actually being effective. We have a number of awareness programmes that we use to reach the community regarding safe sex. We have the Rap Port, we have all the commercials that bring awareness. You have educational sessions that are being done in the schools and at churches,” Robinson said.

She said, too, that there is a mobile HIV/AIDS awareness testing programme in effect. She said the mobile unit travels to work places and carrying out testing in addition to dispense awareness to employers and employees of the ramification of having unprotected sex.

“We would go into different organizations, if they would allow us. The last organization that went to was the police, where we addressed police women. We are about to go back and address the men, and we are hoping to do some tests at

LOCAL NEWSPage 11


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 [email protected]

Scotiabank. “So, I think that the apparent decline is based

on the awareness campaign that we have. I know that the younger population is using condoms more than the older population; the message is resonating more with the younger people than the older ones,” Robinson noted.

The last time that data was collected, which was about three to four years ago, it showed that HIV/AIDS was on the rise in the TCI, and as a result, a number of campaign initiatives were introduced to tackle the pandemic.

One of the signature campaigns that the National AIDS Programme to capture the imagination of the youth is the National High Schools Debate competition, which always gets good support from those institutions.

The National AIDS Programme is now also

seeking new ways to reach the populace, and as a result the Grant Turk AIDS Sub-Committee was in the process of staging a fund-raising fashion show scheduled for February 24, to come up with money to purchase books for the Health and Family Life curriculum for schools on that island.

In the meantime, persons in the community continued to feel the presence of the programme, as between February 14 and16, the National HIV Unit carried out its annual testing and awareness on Providenciales. On February 14, the unit visited Blue Hills; on February 15, it went to Kew Town, while on the February 16, it went to the Bight.

National AIDS Programme said the initiative was done as a means of ensuring that those living in the Turks and Caicos Islands know their status.

It said the objective behind the programme was to achieve zero new infections and zero deaths.

Page 12 TURKS AND CAICOS SUN FEBRUARY 17TH - FEBRUARY 24TH, 2012


LOCAL NEWSLOCAL NEWSPage 13


Mervin Jennings Tel: 941-8714SEEKS ONECARPENTERSalary: $10 per hour

44 hour week. Interested applicants pleasecontact the number listed.

UNITED CONSULTANTOn behalf of clients

Cedar Lodge Café, BenAppetit Restaurant, Heavy

ConstructionSeeks

2 Waitress $ per hour2 Carpenters $6 per hour2 Green Keeper $5 per

hour1 Bartender $5 per hour

1 Barmaid $5 per hour1 Driver $6 per hour

Contact 346-7875

ACE PLUMBLINGNEEDS

1 PLUMBER Salary $6.00 per hour

Contact Hudson Gardiner at347-7192 or 431-2707

V & M SECURITY LTD SEEKS

1 SECURITY GUARDSalary $6.50 per hour

Contact 242-6938

MILLS Institute receives long-awaited school bus

After months of fundraising, the parents, staff and students of mills institute were excited to receive their long- awaited school van. This sleek, fully air-conditioned, 15 seater Ford E35o is needed to transport students to and from school, for class field trips and other school business.

On Tuesday, February 7th the whole school gathered for thanksgiving devotions during

which the school's chaplain, Pastor Sherlock Padmore invoked god's blessing on the vehicle. Also present at the special devotions were the school's director Dr Carlton Mills, the PTA President Mrs. Bethel Forbes and PTA Treasurer Mrs. Tannia Hall.

The school extends a big thank you to all who supported our fundraising events. This would not have been possible without you.

LOCAL NEWSPage 14


TROPICAL IMAGING/BRILLIANT IS LOOKING FORTHE FOLLOWING TALENTED PEOPLE.

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERExperienced in all aspects of high-end digital photography and

workflow, plus several years practice in creative wedding, portraitand commercial photography.

Self-motivated, willing to work weekends and holidays you mustalso be a customer service fanatic.

Email all resumes/links to [email protected]

Seeking aNAIL

TECHNICIANSalary $6.00 per hour

Please contact 231-6399

INTERNATIONALBEAUTY SALON

Bigger Better Car WashWishes to employ a

DOMESTIC WORKER, CAR WASHER,LABOURER AND SALES CLERK

Must be willing to work late hours. Wages starting at $5 perhour. Please contact Marsha Simmons and Elcie Bernadin for

more information on 231-0662.

DAVIS WALKIN SEEKS

2 LABOURERMust be hardworking and reliable

Salary $5.00 per hourContact 333-1778

GLOBAL SERVICES Needs

MARKETING MANAGER &MARKETING AGENT

Qualifications: 5 years international experience must be trilingualassociated diplomas communication or marketing

degree. Salary $10.00 per hourPlease call 649-331-3020

SAMUEL WILSONSEEKS1 LABOURERSalary $5.00 per hourContact 341-4343

In keeping with FortisTCI’s 2012strategic plan focused on increasingcustomer relations, last Thursday,February 9th, the Providencialesbased utility company held their firstof numerous ‘Customer InformationSessions.’ The gathering took placeafter invitations were extended toExecutive Board members, Officers,and Directors, of the ProvidencialesChamber of Commerce and theTurks and Caicos Hotel and TourismAssociation.

Guests received an inside look atthe day to day operations at FortisTCILtd. They explored plant facilities andnew office accommodations, whileengaging in open dialogue with thePresident and CEO Eddinton Powelland the FortisTCI Executive team.Powell stressed the need to formstronger relationships between thecompany and the community; a meansof fostering open lines ofcommunication. “Our CustomerService Forums will give us anopportunity to listen to our customers’needs. It will also give us the ability toexplain the unique challenges and

opportunities facing the utility industry,particularly in the Turks and CaicosIslands,” said Powell.

Discussions began with anoverview of Fortis Inc. and itssubsidiaries, before emphasis was

placed on the high cost of fuel in theCaribbean, the importance of energyconservation, the realities of renewableenergy as it relates to the Turks andCaicos Islands, and other mutualconcerns between the utility and the

business community. Stacy Cox,Association Executive of the TCHTAstated, “I am extremely happy to havehad the opportunity to hear and seewhat was presented today. It personallyclarified a number of misconceptionsthat I had about this company.”

Powell also highlighted thecommitment that FortisTCI has to thecountry. He said, “FortisTCI has avested interest in the community, withtotal investments approaching $200million, and growing. We arecommitted to a strong and competitiveeconomy inthe Turks and CaicosIslands and it is the businesscommunity that will ultimately turn theeconomy around.”

Those that attended Thursday’smeeting were equally satisfied withbeing given the facts. Executive Boardmember of the Chamber of CommerceClayton Been shared his thoughtssaying, “I was pleased by the honestyand openness of our conversation.Having been somewhat of a scepticmyself, it is clear from this session, thatFortisTCI and their entire team have apowerful story that is yet to be told.”

FortisTCI meets with Chamber ofCommerce and the TCHTA

Officials from Fortis TCI touring with members of the TCHTA and the Chamber of Commerce

LOCAL NEWSPage 15


CookMain DutiesPrepare food items of consistent quality in accordance withproduction requirements and quality standards whilemaintaining a safe sanitary work environment. Start prep workon food items needed for the menu of the day. Organize all of the various prep itemsneeded from different areas to ensure that all items are inplace and ready for service. Inform the Executive Chef of anyshortage of supplies that need restocking before itemscompletely run out.

RequirementsApplicants must have a minimum of three-year culinaryexperience working in a restaurant. Comprehend and followrecipes and cooking techniques. Must have thoroughknowledge and understanding of food service sanitationstandards. Thorough knowledge and understanding ofstandard kitchen equipment and its use. Applicants must bewilling to work varied shifts, split shifts, nights, weekends andholidays as required by management. Perform other dutiesas assigned, requested or deemed necessary bymanagement. Applicants will be required to work on a fulltime basis. Must be able to walk, stand or stoop for theduration of shift (at least 8 hours). Applicants must be able tounderstand/speak/read/write English proficiently. Applicantsmust be detail oriented, must be hardworking and a teamplayer. Work with minimal supervision.

Interested applicants should contact Veronica Rigby viaemail by February 27, 2012 at [email protected] orby fax 649-946-5191. Only persons selected for aninterview will be contacted by email or telephone toschedule an interview.

HAB MANAGEMENT LTD.

BY WILLIAM K. MCCOLLUM AND ANDREW J. NEWLANDS

Per Andrew Rosindell (ChairmanTurks and Caicos All Party Group,House of Commons, London):“During the then Governor GordonWetherell administration a loan forUS$260 million was arranged withguarantees by Britain.

However, in both the Wetherell ledgovernment and under currentGovernor (Ric) Todd, budget targetshave yet to be met as predicted. Thishas resulted in a growth of the TCIgovernment’s debts. High taxesimposed in an attempt to balance thebudget have caused businesses toclose. This, joined with layoff ofnumbers of government workers addedin the Misick years, has causedmassive unemployment and lack ofinward investment.”

Fresh from the World EconomicForum, Switzerland come these wordsfrom David Cameron (PrimeMinister): “Unnecessary Regulationscan destroy jobs” and he accused theEU “of doing things to make life evenharder despite the need for business to

grow”.Boy, does this ring bells in Turks

and Caicos Islands (TCI). “Tinkeringhere and there and hoping we’ll drift toa solution simply won’t cut itanymore” and this is what we accusethe Wetherell and ToddAdministrations of doing i.e. WHEREIS THE REAL TRANSPARENTFINANCIAL PLAN NEVER MINDTHE 8 MILESTONES.

Prime Minister Cameron getsbetter however: “We need an economynot a government based on spendingbut on savings and investments andentrepreneurial dynamism; not on oneindustry in one corner of the countrybut on all our businesses in all ourregions.”

“If you are looking to set up aheadquarters abroad, are you going toinvest where your premises can betaken away from you? Wherecontracts are routinely dishonoured?Where there is political upheaval? Orare you going to invest where there areproperty rights, the rule of law,democratic accountability andpersonal safety/security (wordsunderlined added by the writer)?”

Finally a comment on V.A.T(Value Added Tax) based on TheLondon Telegraph’s article Friday 27thJanuary:

In an effort to prop up the failureof this tax to deal with the realities oflife, the Taxman interviewed ispromoting “a snitch like society suchas was around in East Germany post1945:” per the taxman “householdershave a duty to ensure others do notevade paying their share of tax “. U.K.even has a Whistle Blower Hotline!

We all know some form of tax hasto be paid to provide variousgovernment services or there won’t beany. The question is in what formshould we be taxed. Now I for one donot wish to be subject to living undera SNITCH/INFORMANT REGIMEakin to the STAZI (Secret police withinformant support) of E. Germany.

The bulk of present revenue isgenerated by import tax payable atpoint of entry; this is well policed, taxis collected in a cost effective manner.

However good the theory ofintroducing VAT, and there are sometheoretical merits, in practical terms itis being imposed on a society wheremany retail businesses do not keepaccounting records of the standardnecessary. Therefore the imposition ofVAT, however well intentioned, willimpose additional costs on businessesat a time many are struggling tosurvive. The cost to the government of

administering, collecting andenforcing VAT will be very high, onewonders what the net tax revenue willbe.

The recent “special levy of$10,000,000.00 on the NIB” deservesspecial mention as a one-off crutch toprop up an impossible to affordnational medical tax scheme; whichlevy in turn is being propped up by a7.5% reduction(from 1st Jan 2012) inpensions. Moreover, the NIB is still tobe paid-out on its priority charge of$5.5 Million forming part of the TCIBank Ltd. liquidation.

Some milestones of our own toconsider: 1) Commercial intellectual capacity inour Government;2) Simplification of doing business inTCI;3) Implementation of the pure PRCInvestor Category to attract more longterm residents so businesses can growin order to survive. The present pushto promote citizenship rather thanPRC’s is unnecessarily divisive. Manyinvestors just want the right to livehere peacefully, they don’t need tohave the vote; &4) A basic front end all embracing andyet easy to collect import duty systemwith adequate enforcement of paymentprovisions. The way forward can be made mucheasier and clearer if we adopt all ormost of these thoughts.

All taxation and no investment promotion

The National Trust works inpartnership with the Turks & CaicosIslands government, internationalconservation organizations, localbusinesses, Boards, schools and mostimportantly, the Turks and CaicosIslands people. With its primarymission to protect and preserve thenatural, historic and cultural heritageof the TCI, The National Trust, serveseveryone who understands theimportance of protecting the Islandsculture, natural environment andhistorical heritage.

Governed by an elected councilrepresenting all of the inhabitedislands, headed by Mrs. EthlynGibbs, the National Trust is the onlystatutory, independent organization inthe TCI responsible, bound by itsmission statement, "to safeguard thenatural, historical and culturalheritage of the Turks and CaicosIslands for present and futuregenerations and for the enjoyment ofall."

Founded in 1992 through thepassage of enabling legislation by theTurks & Caicos Islands Government,provides the National Trust a broadmeasure of powers to identify,investigate, classify, protect andpreserve any area, site, building,structure or object of cultural, historicor natural significance. The NationalTrust maintains the right to holdproperty in trust, has ability to declaresuch property inalienable.

Throughout history, the Turks &Caicos Islands has endured manychanges. The Islands have weatherednumerous natural calamities, in morerecent times, several man-made onesas well. From the very beginning, thearchipelago served as an importanttrade centre, providing abundantnatural resources including salt, fish,conch and seashells prized by theindigenous people who populated the

TCI and most of the surroundingislands. Research projects, supportedby the National Trust have uncoveredmultiple archeological sitesthroughout the TCI, helping tocomplete our timeline in history.

Over the years, the NationalTrust has served as guardian for theTurks & Caicos Islands natural andhistoric sites and continues toeducate, promote awareness of thesespecial places. Several projectsincluding Wades Green on NorthCaicos, Conch Bar caves on MiddleCaicos, Little Water Cay andCheshire Hall on Providenciales aremaintained by the Trust as naturaland heritage sites. Public access tothese and all other sites, are clearlymarked with informative signage,pathways. Residents and visitors areencouraged to frequent these sites,learn about our abundant natural,cultural and historical heritage.

The National Trust is supportedby membership fees, privatesponsorship and project grants andfulfills its mission by implementing arange of sustainable projects andinitiatives, some of which arerevenue generating and used tofinance new programmes. Thesupport of corporations andindividuals help provide theresources necessary to continue thegood work of the National Trust,directly reflect on the reason why wecall The Turks & Caicos Islands, “beautiful by nature”.

Over the next several weeks, theNational Trust will publish a series ofarticles, providing insight into itsongoing efforts, commitment toprotecting TCI heritage and severalexciting new developments that theTrust will undertake. We encourageeveryone to visit us online atwww.tcinationaltrust.org or contactus at (649) 941-5710.

Getting to know theTCI National Trust

Page 16

Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, the only 6 Diamond all inclusive property in the Caribbean is inviting applications from suitably qualified Turksand Caicos Islanders for the following vacant positions.

Applicants must have a clean police record and a good command of the English language both written and spoken. In addition candidates must be able to worknights, public holidays and week-ends.

The Resort thanks everyone for their interest in advance and advises that only short listed applicants will be contacted for an interview.

BAR DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

Bar PortersRequirements include but are not limited to:• Outgoing personality• Physically fit The rate for the position listed above is $5.00 to 5.50an hour.

HOUSEKEEPING DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

Room Attendants/ Domestic WorkerHousemenPublic Area Attendant/CleanerRequirements include but are not limited to:• One years experience in a hotel environment anasset.• Physically fitThe rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to$5.50 an hour.

Linen Room ControllerLinen Room AttendantRequirements include:• Knowledge of inventory, stock and par levels• Computer literate• Physically fitThe rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to$7.00 an hour.

Housekeeping SupervisorRequirements include but are not limited to:• Supervises and may participate in housekeepingservices including cleaning, mopping, scrubbing,sanitizing the floors and other surfaces as well as therefinishing, waxing and polishing of floors, tile workand other various floor and wall surfaces in stairways,hallways, restrooms, offices, laboratories, recreationand locker rooms.The rate for the position listed above is $6.00 to $8.00an hour.

KITCHEN DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

Kitchen HelperRequirements include but not limited to:• Must have worked in a Resort kitchen or medium tolarge sized restaurant

Cooks (Grade 1,2 and 3)ChefGarde MangerRequirements include:• Must have worked in a Resort kitchen or medium tolarge sized restaurant• Must have over three years experience• Professional qualification an asset The range in the rates for the positions listed above is$5.00 to $12.00 an hour.

STEWARDING DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

SupervisorRequirements include but are not limited to:• Knowledge of the clean requirements of kittens andenvirons• Physically Fit• Ability to supervise a team

The rate for the position listed above is $6.00 to $7.00an hour.

StewardRequirements include but are not limited to:• Physically Fit• Ability to carry out labour intensive cleaning task


PHOTOSHOP DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

PhotographerShop AttendantRequirements include but are not limited to:• 2 years’ experience in field • Ability to sell and make quotas

The rate for the positions listed above is $5.00 to$8.00 an hour.

WATERSPORTS DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:Beach and Pool AttendantsRequirements include:• Sweep, mop, and assist with the maintenance of thepool.• Keep the pool area tidy and well stocked• Ability to swim

Dive InstructorDive MasterRequirements include:• International Dive certification required• An outgoing personality required• Strict adherence to safety procedures• Ability to swim


ROOMS DIVISION DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

Front Office AgentConcierge AgentRequirements include but are not limited to:• Background in customer service• Ability to go above and beyond for guest

ButlerRequirements include but are not limited to:• Member of the Association of English Butlers• Ability to go above and beyond for guest

Bell CaptainBellmanMinibar StockerRequirements include but are not limited to:• Physically Fit• Outgoing and friendly attitude


THE COST CONTROL DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

LabourRequirements include but are not limited to:• Experience in working in a refrigerated storage.• Physically FitThe rate for the position listed above is $5.00 to $6.00an hour.

GROUNDS DEPARTMENTS REQUIRES:

Grounds man/ ladyRequirements include but are not limited to:• Physically fit• Ability to carry out labour intensive task


ENTERTAINMENT DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

Fun pals/Players/ Dancers/ ClownsRequirements include but are not limited to:• An outgoing personality required• Ability to sing and dance


ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

Electrician or PlumberCarpenterRoom Technicians PainterCabinet Maker MasonTile layerRequirements include but are not limited to:• Knowledgeable of in related fields both in theory andpractical


LabourerRequirements include but are not limited to:• Physically Fit• Ability to carry out labour intensive task


Come and join ourwinning team!!!

Applications giving full details ofqualifications and experience should be sent

to:[email protected] or Fax to: 941-

4870 Attn: M McClean-Vaughn

The Human Resources DepartmentBeaches Turks and Caicos

P.O. Box 186Lower Bight Road

and

The Labour CommissionerLabour DepartmentProvidenciales

Turks and Caicos Islands

and should reach not later than February18th2012. Otherwise, please call anytime for an

appointment tel # 649-946-8000 ext 4138


LOCAL NEWSPage 17


Veranda is currently seeking qualified candidates that have therequirements listed along with an outgoing professional manner.Our ideal candidates must love to work with different types ofpeople, meet challenges with a positive attitude and live thestandards of our organization. RESERVATIONS MANAGER

Job OverviewThe job will entail overseeing the reservation functionality of theresort and working closely with the Director of Reservations tomaximize group and leisure revenue while providing accurate andtimely information on reports as it relates to the group segment.The Reservations Manager will have the exciting opportunity todevelop this department from a blank slate. Key ResponsibilitiesThis essential position reports to the Director of Reservations andResident Manager and will manage all aspects of the reservationsdepartment and pre arrivals concierge including but not limited to;entering group room blocks, maintain pick-up and cut-off dateanalysis; ensuring billing, special requests and VIP information isset in the system as well as communicated to the essentialdepartments of the hotel; fielding incoming calls related toReservations groups, special requests as well as, spa, golf and

restaurant reservations; managing the TA commissions process;working closely with the reservations call center to maintainupdated information and provide support; attending andinvolvement in pre-convention meetings, attending weeklyoperation, revenue and sales meetings as well as daily stand-upmeetings. Basic Requirements2 - 3 years experience in a supervisory or management role for theReservations or Front Office department of a AAA 4 or 5 diamondquality organization Hotel Property Management experience, Opera preferred Understanding of group reservations and block process Advance computer and typing abilities Advance knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook Excellent organization and time management skills Good interpersonal skills basic accounting and mathematical skills required Excellent written and verbal communication skills.. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experienceInterested persons may contact ourHuman Resource ManagerNo later than February 20, 2012Email: [email protected] hand deliver to our office at Veranda Resort and Residences

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

You all have been kind readers of thefirst edition of Stepping Stones andbefore I start this second edition, Ipause to say thank you very muchfor your kind comments.

As I move around and interact withfriends and family, I try to pay attentionand make an effort to be conscious ofmy surroundings, our conversationsand us, generally, as human beings.Now, one can only agree that every daywe are faced with more hardships andit is getting increasingly difficult tokeep current with our bills, enjoydining out, or treating ourselves with ahairdo or some new shoes. That is oftenthe story I hear, and the things Iobserve. The truth is; it is difficult thesedays to satisfy even our most basicneeds- to properly provide for theneeds of our children and families.

I look around and I can see thatchildren and the elderly suffer the mostduring these hard times. The decline ortermination of social benefits and theannouncement in the news a few weeksago by the human rights chair, thatthere are over one hundred childrenwithout a seat in school, confirms myobservations.

I look again. I can see civil servantsin the Turks and Caicos Islandsanxiously wringing their hands as theyare forced to take the governmentredundancy package. Listen with menow. I can hear almost everyone

naming and blaming and pointingfinger at others including myself. Butyou and I both now, casting blamenever helps. We know that finding asolution is much more helpful, so let’sdo just that! I believe we can make thisthe appointed time in our lives.

In the midst of the uncertainty anddistress, I see we are surrounded. Weare surrounded by tools. We know forevery job, business venture oradvancement, we need some type oftools, equipments or skills.

We already have the gifts of humanintelligence and will-power. We allhave the power to think and move; andyes- we all have the ability to change ifwe want to. God has made us aremarkable species. He made us withall the natural resources we need tothrive and survive. We have theknowledge; and we have the skills tosolve most of our current national,personal and social issues here in ourTurks and Caicos Islands. Everythingwe need is already present around us.If we are missing anything at all (and Iam going to take the risk to say), itseems to me to be a lack of love,justice, effort, care and concern.

Let this not be a sad story, filledwith characters that are not able toidentify their tools, use their skills ordiscover their will power to becomecreative and productive.

What is happening to us? Have we

forgotten our potential and ourpurpose? None of the inequities in oursociety could exist without ourcontribution. The sad events that arereported in the news confirm our sensethat it’s the midnight hour; that ourworse nightmares have become ourwaking reality and we should feelafraid.

Take a moment and reflect on afearful period in your life. It paralysesyou; it makes you feel helpless.

Well God didn’t send us here to bepowerless spectators, but to becomepowerful initiators. I believe by nowyou have some of your tools in mind. Ican think about the very car you aredriving, have you ever thought aboutthat badly needed delivery service orthat transportation business?

I believe that most of us have thesecommonly used necessities such asstoves, washing machines or an ironand a board. We have refrigerators andmost of us have an extra bedroom andthere are so many other tools such asthe computer around us. I can testify-that is how I got started many yearsago. By using what I have. And you cantoo. It may not be much, but it is a start.

We can use whatever we have, tostart that much needed business for thatmuch needed income. We have manyqualified Turks and Caicos Islanders

who can use their skills to bring hopefor the future. We are each otherharvests; we are each other businesses,each others magnitude and bond.

A model for harmonious livingwon’t be created by the governmentand we cannot rely solely on ourreligious leaders to initiate it.Theologies would say “Love is theguiding principle in the world” but areligious or spiritual philosophy has nomeaning until we practice it.

So what would you use or give tomake our community, our country, abetter place? What would you give ordo to ease the suffering in ourneighborhoods? With so manyinjustices, taxes and neglect, what doyou care deeply about?

Listen inwardly and hear themessages God sends to your heart.Now choose your tools and walk withme step by step moving forward. Let’swork and make good differences,because if you are not actively engagedin easing the suffering, you arecontributing to the pain.

Until next week reflect with me…we are all in the same lifeboat, and inorder to survive we must use our oarsto pull smartly in the same direction.Where we go from here depends onyou and me.

ALBERT HIGGS SEEKS

1 LABOURERSalary $6.50 per hour Contact 243-7783

WITH LILLIAN BOYCE

Page 18

THE GROUNDS DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

Grounds ManagerAssistant Manager/ Senior SupervisorRequirements include but are not limited to:• Minimum 2 year diploma in related field.• Experience with tropical or subtropical plants, Greenhouses andIrrigation• Physically Fit

THE ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

Office ManagerRequirements include but are not limited to:• Experience in managing the affairs of an Office of a RegionalManager.• Extremely confidential • Professional designation and asset

ZONE MANAGER/EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT MANAGERRequirements include but are not limited to:• Experience in F&B, Rooms Division and operations• Experience in managing a boutique hotel or an operationencompassing rooms, restaurant and environs

THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

Assistant Training ManagerRequirements include but are not limited to:• Qualified to teach English Butler Program to certification• Knowledge of Food and beverage, Front office, Concierge (thisis not exhaustive)• Ability to design training programs

THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

Food and Beverage ManagerRequirements include but are not limited to:• Experience in managing multiple Restaurant outlets with seatingof over 200• Five (5) years relevant experience in Fine Dining, Al La Carteand Buffet

THE PHOTOSHOP DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

Photoshop ManagerRequirements include but are not limited to:• Experience managing multiple photo retail outlets• Experience meeting sales targets • Ability to cross and up sell• Three (3) years relevant experience

The salary for the positions listed above ranges from $25,000 to$75,000 per annum

THE KITCHEN DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

Executive Chef• Maintain control of the standards for purchasing and receivingitems. • To create recipes and production methods, as well as compilenew banquets methods when required. • Oversee the training and development of all kitchen staff. • Experience in managing over four (4) kitchens

Executive Sous ChefSous chefRequirements include but are not limited to:• To create recipes and production methods, as well as compilenew banquets methods when required. • Oversee the training and development of staff.

THE WATERSPORTS DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

Watersports ManagerDive shop ManagerRequirements include but are not limited to:• Experience managing a Dive shop operation• Ability to up and cross sell • PADI certification to dive • PADI certification to teach instructors• First Aid Certification

THE COST CONTROL DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

Cost Control ManagerRequirements include but are not limited to:• Experience in controlling cost example fuel, electricity, water.• Experience in controlling a multi-million dollar portfolio• Ability to cover day and night shifts

THE KIDS KAMP DEPARTMENT REQUIRES:

Pirates Island ManagerRequirements include but are not limited to:• Experience in running a teens and tweens program.

• Professional designation in a related children developmentprogram • Over 3 years managing a children’s operation

The salary for the positions listed above ranges from $25,000 to$75,000 per annum

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

McClean-Vaughn

The Human Resources DepartmentBeaches Turks and Caicos

P.O. Box 186Lower Bight Road

and

The Labour CommissionerLabour DepartmentProvidenciales

Turks and Caicos Islands

and should reach not later than February 18th 2012.Otherwise, please call anytime for an appointment

tel # 649-946-8000 ext 4138

Come and join our winning team!!!

Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa, the only 6 Diamond all inclusive property in the Caribbean is inviting applications fromsuitably qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders for the following vacant positions.

Applicants must have a clean police record and a good command of the English language both written and spoken. In additioncandidates must be able to work nights, public holidays and week-ends.

The Resort thanks everyone for their interest in advance and advises that only short listed applicants will be contacted for an interview.



LOCAL NEWS

MATHEMATICS PAPER 21. S = 10, T = 5.What is the value of 6S + 5T?

2. The length of a fence is 16m. What is the length in cm?On sports day a student jumped a height of 1m 61cm. What was this height in meters?

3. A mini bus travelled at 75km per hour. How far did it travel in 3hrs?

4. Aunt Tanya is buying football socks for her 5 nephews. She wants each boy to get 3 pairs of red socks and 4 pairs of white ones. How many pairs of socks does she need to buy?

5. Mrs. Simons in Salt Cay made a batch of Salt Cay candies this morning. She sent half the batch to Grand Turk, and then she sent 50 to South Caicos. She gave half that amount to Providenciales and kept the last 22 for herself. How many candies did she make this morning?

6. Matthew studies 20 minutes every Monday and 30 minutes every Tuesday. On Wednesdays he studies for 40 minutes, if he repeats this pattern on Thursday what is the total amount of minutes he would study for the week?

7. Ava and Nate were asked to mark the race track with cones. They placed one cone every 15 meters that they walked. They placed the last cone at the 180 meter mark. How many cones did they place?

8. David drank half a box of apple juice. His brother, Maurice drank % of what was left. If the box holds 2 litres, how much ml did Maurice drink?

9. Water was pumped into a tank at a rate of 20 liters per minute. How much water was in the tank after one hour?

10. The average of 4 numbers is 22. Three of the numbers are 19, 17, and 21. What is the fourth number?

11. Use the table below to record how the amounts of money that father had to pay at the end of the month would be done using the smallest amount of bills and coins as possible.

Amounts $20 $5 $1 50c 25c 10c Sc 2c 1c to be paid

$8.26 $53.15 $35.42 $23.50

12. Ona Glinton Primary School has 267 students. Iris Stubbs has 89 fewer Students that Ona Glinton. How many students are in both schools?

13. Quinton gave away 7/8 of his marbles and had 96 left.a. How many marbles did he have before?b. lf % of his total number of marbles was red. How many red marbles did he have?

14. Find the area of the polygons listed below.

15. 650 students from Providenciales were surveyed about their lives. The diagram below shows the results of one question. Use the survey results in the graph below to answer items a — d.

Students’ Survey Results

c. How many students were quite happy with their lives?

d. Of the total number of students who were very happy, 200 were boys. How many students were girls?

16.What is the size of the angle marked a?

17. What is the size of angle e in the triangle below.

18. This is a graph of pets that belong to the students of Miss Smith’s class. Use the information from the graph to answer the questions.

a. How many dogs do the students have? b. How many birds do they have? c. How many cats do they have? d. How many fish do they have? e. Do they have more fish or cats?

Stay tuned for more GSAT past papers next week.

a. What percentage was very happy with their lives?

b. What percentage was not happy with their lives? 4

30

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LOCAL NEWSPage 25

FEBRUARY 17TH - FEBRUARY 24TH, 2012TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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Page 28

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Blue Note Ultra Lounge; the island’s newest upscalenightspot, saw an evening full attendees enjoying entertainment from Saint George FashionHouse, saxophonist Janardo Laporte, Smoke and Honey Band and spinning by DJ Lilshortof Techno Sounds.

There were also big giveaways from Digicel TCI, KB Home, Secret Garden, Chic andSassy Hair Salon, Hillview Boutique, along with several other special treats.

Blue Note is a high-end lounge of the Atrium Resort in Leeward, Providenciales, whichaim is offer something special and interesting to the island’s nightlife on a classy scale.

Valentine’s Night at Blue Note Lounge


1. Models Nekeira Stuart-Hanna, Myles Karam & Washanda Registre in Saint GeorgeFashion House

2. Keno Hall of Smoke and Honey Band

3. Micheal & Raceine Bovell enjoy their night outwith champagne toasts

4. Carl Simmons & Wife take a moment to smile for the camera 5. Former Premier, Galmo Williams and his wife Althea Williams

6. Friends and couples came out to celebrate Valentine’s Day7. This happy couple was all smiles 8. One of the many couples who came out to

celebrate the night

9. Mark & Ava Fulford and a guest give the camera happy smiles

10. This group enjoyed their night at the Blue Note Lounge

ENTERTAINMENTPage 29


Whitney Houston was once the darlingof the music industry with a voice andcareer few other singers could evencome close to matching. But at thetime of her death Saturday, Houston'scritics were skeptical that the starwould ever return to the praise andfortune of her glory days.

At the height of her career,Houston’s work on “The Bodyguard”soundtrack sold more than 17 millioncopies in the United States alone. Shecommanded millions for films and wasranked in the top 20 of Forbes’ mostpowerful entertainers. In 2001, despiteher personal problems beginning tocome to light, Arista signed her to anunprecedented six-album contractvalued at more than $100 million.

Yet in the last decade, Houston’spowerful voice had slowly begun toslip away from the public attention andthe stories about her becamedominated by reports of substanceabuse instead of her substantial talents.

In 2009 Houston returned to thestudio and released her first album inseveral years, titled “I Look to You,”which sold 304,000 copies in its firstweek, entering the charts at No. 1 andgiving her the best debut week of hercareer. She followed this with aworldwide tour, which was widelypanned by critics who were leftdisappointed by her distressed vocalchords. The tour still managed to gross$36 million.

But just three weeks ago, the rumormill started churning that Houston wasbroke, and now more details are startingto unravel as to how and why the iconicsinger may have died with few dollarsigns to her name. In January, RadarOnline reported that the music mavenwas in financial ruins and on the vergeof bankruptcy, and had even resorted toasking friends for small amounts ofcash to get her through.

“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. She

might be homeless if not for peoplesaving her,” an insider told theentertainment site. “She is broke as ajoke. She called someone to ask for$100. It is so sad. She should haveMariah Carey money, and she’s flatbroke.”

According to several reports, Sonymusic mogul Clive Davis, wholaunched Houston’s career, loaned hermore than $1 million last year to assistin the rehabilitation process of gettingclean.

Experts tell Fox411’s Pop Tartscolumn that the simple reason forHouston’s financial troubles is her druguse.

“When people become addictedthey become more impulsive and oftenhave impaired memory and attention. Inaddition to squandering money ondrugs, they are easy prey for unethicalfinancial managers and consultants whoexploit their vulnerabilities,” Dr. Sack,CEO of the famed Malibu rehabilitationfacility Promises told FOX411’s PopTarts column. “It’s certainly possiblethat Ms. Houston fell victim to either orboth of these problems.

"While her public sightings werelimited to doctor's visits and anoccasional club outing over the pastyear, Whitney traveled heavily over thecourse of 2010 – staying in upscalehotels at her many overseas destinations,which included romps in Sydney, Parisand London,” said Michael Lavalette,

managing editor of the GossipCenterNetwork, which tracks all celebritysightings and paparazzi pictures.

And despite the sudden resurgenceof Houston’s music in the wake of herdeath, her estate may not actually benefitas much as one might expect. UnlikeMichael Jackson, who controlled andowned much of his music, Houston wasnot entitled to a prominent share ofrevenues from her work. She did notwrite her own hits, and doesn’t haveshare in the revenues for publishingrights. Sony’s Legacy Records owns thecatalog of her albums and instead paidHouston singing royalties. As for “TheBodyguard,” Time Warner-operatedmovie studio Warner Brothers controlsthe rights, which means Houston doesn’tprofit from downloads or sales.

Still, author and trial attorney ChrisLeibig begs to differ that Houstonpassed away a pauper.

“No one of Houston’s caliber, withthe potential for ongoing sales, would betechnically broke,” he added. “Unlikeathletes and so forth, whose opportunityfor salaries and endorsements wouldusually have a shelf-life based on theperson’s current productivity, artists andwriters and the like can suddenlybecome more popular after dying.Unless she sold away the future rightsto her material, whether she wrote herown songs or not would not be thequestion.”

Whitney Houston squanderedmultimillion-dollar fortune, sources say

Whitney Houston

Sources say that Sony Music executives will meet this week to decide how tomarket the Whitney Houston catalog. The late singer's nine albums and otherrecordings have suddenly become big sellers again.

Houston's extraordinary voice sold 200 million albums and singles,making her one of the most successful singers of all time. Yet just before herdeath, tabloids declared Houston was flat-broke and asking friends forhandouts.

Houston's representatives deny she had blown her fortune. After all, thesinger had signed a $100 million record deal in 2001.

Zack O'Malley Greenburg, staff writer of Forbes magazine, told CBSNews, "We know she made a boatload of money while she was alive. Sheearned probably a quarter of a billion dollars on recorded music alone.Whether or not she actually died broke still is kind of being sorted out."

Houston's New Jersey estate was nearly foreclosed on in 2006 when shefailed to pay her property taxes and she admitted to spending lavishly on drugsand partying in the past decade.

In an interview with ABC's "Primetime," Houston said, "My business issex, drugs and rock 'n' roll. My friends, you know, we have a good time."

After Houston died Saturday at age 48, her songs were suddenlyeverywhere. Her greatest hits album shot to the No. 1 spot on Amazon andwas the top iTunes download for her most famous song, "I Will Always LoveYou."

Houston's estate is expected to take in about $10 million this year, butthat's far less than others will make because Houston did not write or own hersongs. The bulk of royalties go to the songwriter and the publisher. In fact,they get about eight cents every time one of their songs is played on the radio.

Dolly Parton wrote "I Will Always Love You" in 1973 and has made afortune on it ever since.

The late Michael Jackson co-wrote and owned most of his music. Justlast year, his estate took in $170 million.

"Whitney Houston's estate is not going to approach Michael Jackson'sestate in terms of post-mortem earnings," O'Malley Greenburg said. "Shedidn't accumulate the kind of assets during her career that Michael Jacksondid."

Before her death, Houston did produce and star in the remake of theupcoming film "Sparkle." She recorded two songs for the film, which willnow be her final performances and a new source of revenue.

After winning six Grammy Awards andselling million of albums worldwide, Britishsinging sensation Adele stunned the musicindustry by suggesting she is about to take thenext five years off in an interview with Voguemagazine.

The 23-year-old, whose full name isAdele Laurie Blue Adkins, told US Vogue --in an interview carried out well beforeSunday's Grammy Awards ceremony in LosAngeles, but only widely reported Tuesday -- that she wants a break from her career toconcentrate on her relationship.

"I am f------ off for four or five years. IfI am constantly working, my relationshipsfail. So at least now I can have enough timeto write a happy record. And be in love and be happy," she said when asked about herfuture.

But the singer took to her blog Wednesday to shoot down the reports."I've a few days off now, and then it's the Brit Awards here at home and then I'm

straight into the studio. BOYYAHH! 5 years? More like 5 days!" the British starpenned Tuesday. In the original interview, the singer, whose best-selling album "21"was fueled by a failed relationship, said she was "madly in love" with her 37-year-oldboyfriend Simon Konecki, a British charity fundraiser.

"He's wonderful. He looks after me," she said.Adele's expressed desire for a break came as a particular shock to her fans,

considering she used the Grammy Awards to stage a return performance after havingsurgery on her vocal chords last year to remove polyps. She did reveal to Vogue,however, that it was her enforced silence as she recovered from the surgery that mayhave led to the dramatic statement.

"I've never fully appreciated the things that I've achieved until now," she said. "Infact, my entire life has changed in the last 10 weeks. I've never been so happy, and Ilove it." Adele took out three major awards at the Grammys -- Album Of The Year for"21," Record Of The Year for "Rolling In The Deep" and Best Song for writing"Rolling In The Deep" with Paul Epworth.

Whitney Houston’sfinancial worth after death

Adele

Adele backpedals oncomments about taking a

five-year break


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TURKS & CAICOS SUN JUNE 18TH - JUNE 25TH, 2010FUN & GAMES

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN JUNE 18TH - JUNE 25TH, 2010

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Homeowners WhoAre ‘Underwater’The Home Affordable

Refinance Program has beenextended, which is goodnews for potentially millionsof homeowners. Set toexpire this summer, the pro-gram now will run until June2011.

HARP is aimed at home-owners of properties that arecurrently worth less thanwhat is due on the note,known as being “underwa-ter.”

Because of the home-pricedeclines of a still-failinghousing market, more andmore people are experienc-ing the loss of equity in theirhomes. While most under-water homeowners continueto make payments and arecurrent, it’s been reportedthat when homeowners facelosses of equity of more than25 percent, defaults andforeclosures increase. Fore-closures are up to 4.6 per-cent of all homeowners now.

Some merely walk awayfrom the house when allhope of regaining equity islost. Without solid loan-to-value numbers, a homeown-er can’t refinance. Withoutgood appraisal numbers —because neighborhood val-ues have fallen — there is norefinance. Homeownerscan’t sell their homes, either,if they’ll still owe more thanthey can get for the house.

In many cases, the under-water homeowner is not atfault. Unemployment cancause whole neighborhoodsto fall, as owners sell at low

prices one step ahead offoreclosure, bringing downvalues.

To qualify for the refinanceprogram:

• You must be current onyour mortgage.

• Only Fannie Mae orFreddie Mac loans can par-ticipate.

• The lender must approveand agree to rewrite the bal-ance of the loan and take atleast 10 percent off the prin-cipal.

• After the refinance, themortgage amount cannotexceed 115 percent of thevalue of the home.

• The new mortgage pay-ments must be less than 31percent of your income.

• The property must beyour primary home.

• If you have a secondmortgage, the first and sec-ond will be combined.

• Your FICO credit scoremust be 500 or above.

If you have an interest-only loan or an interest ratethat will rise, a HARP refi-nance can help stabilizeyour payments by givingyou a fixed rate. If you havea high interest-rate loan, aHARP refinance can helpreduce your payments.

For more information,check the government’sMaking Home Affordablesite at makinghomeafford-able .gov. Click on Eligibili-ty, and scroll down to HomeAffordable Refinance Pro-gram.

David Uffington regretsthat he cannot personallyanswer reader questions,but will incorporate theminto his column wheneverpossible. Write to him incare of King Features Week-ly Service, P.O. Box 536475,Orlando, FL 32853-6475,or send e-mail to [email protected].

© 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Gansevoort Turks + Caicos is a contemporary full service luxury boutique resorton Grace Bay Beach. We are looking for driven and energetic professionals withFive Star experience and who are committed to achieving excellence by ensuringour luxury standards and services are consistently delivered to exceed ourcustomers expectations.

GENERAL MANAGER:The General Manager is the primary strategic business leader of the property withresponsibility for all aspects of the operation. The General Manager must overseeproperty performance, sales & marketing initiatives and strategies, manage profitabilityand revenue generation. Additionally, the General Manager must be able to attract talentand build talented teams and be multi-skilled and celebrate diverse environments andcan relate to people from a variety of backgrounds. The General Manager must have atleast 10 years experience in managing in a five star boutique hotel with minimum 3 as aGM.

Essential duties include but not limited to: • Maximize revenue and profitability, represent the hotel in the community and head theexecutive committee of the property. • Manage all sources of revenue to include rooms, food and beverage, and others. • Ensures all departments are profitable and maintain strong working relationships withall stakeholders. • Achieve exceptional levels of guest and team member satisfaction • Promote the Gansevoort culture at every opportunity and stay true to its core values • Operate the hotel under the covenants of the management agreement, and otherrelevant brand standards/SOPs. • Establish the strategic plan and execute to fulfill property revenue and profit objectivesin accordance to annual budget, marketing plan and capital expenditure plan. In collaboration with the hotel's financial controller, prepare and manage the budget andquarterly forecast process, and general reporting requirements internally, with brandleadership, banking affiliates, owner's representatives and investors. • Continually analyze market trends and direct team accordingly to obtain objectives. • Creates local and national marketing plans and pricing strategies and knows marketsegments. Responds quickly to changing market conditions and revises strategiesaccordingly. • Actively participates in sales discussions, meetings and plans. Knows key accountexecutives and business base. Knows monthly production levels for each sales team. • Produces monthly financial reports and knows at all times where the hotel standsagainst budget. • Protects the hotel and its assets through enforcing and maintaining a preventativemaintenance program. • Provide exceptional customer service to all hotel guests, making their stay ascomfortable and accommodating as possible while achieving team and Brand goals. • Follows company policies and procedures and is able to effectively communicate themto subordinates.

FRONT OFFICE MANAGER: Applicant must have excellent communication andproblem resolution and conflict management skills, at least 4 years experience in LuxuryHotel Front Desk with at least 2 years in management and maintain a presentable imageconsistent with the expectations of our clientele. Technical skills include Microsoft Officesuite, Opera PMS and OVOS, training and coaching skills as well exceptional customerservice and organizational skills. Hospitality Management certificate or equivalentexperience required. English language required with additional languages an asset.

Essential duties include but not limited to:• Directs operation of guest experience from arrival at airport to rooming of guest.• Financial responsibility for collecting all room bills and for ensuring maximumoptimization of room inventory• Works with central reservations, revenue management, sales and finance to maximizerevenue potential• Guides and coaches the development of Front Desk Managers, Agents, and Bellman.• Provides training and ongoing instruction and coaching to ensure SOPs are followedand consistent, high quality service level is delivered and sustained• Manages reservations from on line, credit card collections, deposits, roomassignments, guest amenities and room drops• Continually monitoring all transactions to ensure accuracy – must be detail orientedand very organized• Dealing with all levels of guests and associated issues or concerns. Must becompetent and confident professionally dealing with guest issues (conflict resolution)and resolving them to protect the business and satisfy the guest.

RESTAURANT MANAGER: Report Directly to the Food & Beverage Director. Thisposition is responsible for managing all activities of the Food & Beverage Departmentsfor the organization. The daily operation of vessel’s Beverage Sales Operation includingthe effective administration, supervision and execution of programs consistent with thecompany standards and goals of providing excellent service while generating maximumrevenue.

Essential duties include but not limited to: • Directs the activities of restaurant service personnel, Bartenders, Beverage Attendants,Host/Hostess. • Directs and ensures the implementation and execution of corporate policies andprocedures.• Controls, measures and reports Outlet sales performance on a daily basis and takes

required corrective action to ensure operations are in accordance with the companystandards and objectives. • Creates new opportunities and maximizes existing ones to generate extra revenue. • Maximizes profitability by increasing turnover (revenue and covers). • Ensures that department’s operational budget is strictly adhered to and that all costsare strictly controlled. • Recommends measures to control/reduce costs. • Works closely with the Controller and provisioning in regards to inventory taking, costcontrol, loading, ordering and storing. • Ensures that all bars are counted after each shift and investigates discrepancies. • Assures correct pouring and ensures proper void handling. Requirements: College or University degree in hospitality management, businessadministration or related field preferred. International equivalent suffices. 4-6 years restaurant operational management experience in 4/5 star hotels, restaurants • Fluent in English, both verbal and written. A second language is preferred. • Experience in managing a large multi-national staff. • Extensive knowledge of varying brands and quality of liquors. • Knowledge of new and old world wines including food and wine pairing. • Ability to read, interpret and demonstrate the preparation of drink recipes. • Ability to investigate and solve guest complaints, follow up and meet/exceed guestexpectations. • Extensive knowledge of Micros POS and OperaSalary Range: 50,000-60,000 annually commensurate with experience

POOL & BEACH ENTERTAINMENT MANAGER:This position is responsible for ensuring complete compliance with all hotel standardsand overseeing the entire Pool & Beach Entertainment operation which includes Pool &Beach Attendants, Kids Club Coordinators and contracted service providers. The Pool &Beach Manager has overall responsibility for safety, maintenance coordination, inventoryand servive at the pool and beach, as well as managerial, administrative, facility, aquatic,communications and leadership duties, including:

Essential duties include but not limited to: • Ensure quality, safety and guest/owner satisfaction in the operation of programs andservices.• Keep all equipments and furnishing in 1st class condition.• and coordinates resort recreational activities including, group beach activities whenneeded, individual/games organized daily Kids Club outings and special functions,seasonal programs and special events.• Manage and oversee lifeguards: Plan and organize workloads and staff assignments.• To ensure that all employees deliver the company brand promise and provideexceptional guest service at all times.• Responsible for scheduling of all workers. Minimum Requirements: • 3-5 years experience in sports & recreation administration, management andentertainment• Must be CPR Certified. Boat license or certification desirable and certified to sail HobieWave.• Must have proven strong coaching and leadership skills, excellent written andcommunication skills.• Must be a certified pool operator.• Fluent English (additional language an asset.)Salary Range: $25,000 – $40,000 annually commensurate with experienceHousekeeping Manager: needed for the Housekeeping Department. The Manager isrequired to have at least a high school diploma and previous experience Housekeepingexperience in a luxury resort environment. Responsible for training new employees andensuring work schedules are coordinated to maintain the highest level of consistentquality for our guests and owners. The manager will oversee the work of the employees,order cleaning supplies as needed, assign and inspect work. The manager assigns tasksto employees and may make cleaning suggestions to help improve service. Managermust be able to resolve guest issues regarding the cleaning or hotel services. Must beComputer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office software and Opera to preparereports, employee schedules, inventories, budgets as required; should have goodcommunication skills; and MUST be detail-oriented and tenacious.

LAUNDRY MANAGER: 3 years experience in laundry as a Supervisor. Familiarity withpresser/folder an asset. Responsible to maintain accurate inventory of linens andtowels, forecast reordering, protect assets, train, and coach and manage staff. Salaryrange $7.00 - $12.00 hourly

KITCHEN UTILITY/STEWARDING: Attention to detail, maintain a clean environment tohigh standards and must be able to set up event areas. Salary range $5.00 - $8.00

PUBLIC AREA ATTENDANT/ROOM ATTENDANT :Loves to clean. Clean and maintain guest’s rooms and general areas. Clean andreplenish amenities as per the resort standards. Salary range $5.00 - $8.00 hourly

SECURITY AGENTS: Excellent communication skills oral and written. Observant at alltimes. Experience in investigations and dealing with challenging situations. Goodcustomer service skills. Salary range $7.00 t0 $10.00 hourly

HOUSEMAN: General cleaning of guests room areas assists room attendants withheavier tasks, window washing, linen delivery and removal. Salary range $5.00 - $8.00hourly

SERVERS: Provide guests with food and beverage service – restaurant, bar, roomservice, beach & pool. Able to work on feet all day and good mathematic skills,experience in fine dining service, an asset. Salary range $5.00 – $8.00 hourly

Interested applicants can contact our Human Resources Department, Mondaythrough Friday 10am to 5pm. Closing date for all application is March 9th, 2012E- Mail cover letter outlining your interest and supporting experience in aparticular position and, along with your Resume or C.V. to [email protected]


Page 33

• UN Presence in HaitiUnder Review

• Crime hurtingCaribbean economies

New TaxLaws forBermuda

HIGHLIGHTS

Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, inretort to comments made followingHaitian President Michel Martelly'sremarks to Bahamians of Haitiandescent during his visit to TheBahamas, said they were not asoutrageous as they were thought to be. President Martelly met with thousandsof Bahamians of Haitian descent lastWednesday and reportedly told themto vote for the party that has theirinterests at heart.

This and other comments were notreceived well by many, including bothrival political party leaders, and in thedays to follow their disapprovalcaptured headlines.

While in Andros paying a specialvisit to one of the revered matriarchsthere, the leader of the Free NationalMovement (FNM) addressed thoseconcerns he had regarding commentsHaiti's president made.

When questioned whether hethought the whole situation was blownout of proportion because of thecurrent political climate, the primeminister said in retrospect "one can seethat they are not as outrageous as onethought they were."

He also said, when asked ifBahamians have a right to beconcerned.

"Who am I to determine whatBahamians have a right to say? This isa free country, Bahamians have a rightto say whatever they wish to say," hesaid. "Bahamians, generally speaking,are very sensitive about foreigners andvery sensitive about foreigners tellingthem anything about their country andwhat to do, etc. and so they areperfectly entitled to feel incensed andoutraged and enraged."

He said he would think that interms of households in The Bahamas,that the vast majority would have beenenraged when they heard thecomments in the context in which theywere given.

The prime minister also cleared upsome misconceptions as to the purposeof President Martelly's visit.

Prime Minister Ingraham said TheBahamas government did not invitePresident Martelly here and there is noneed to invite the president of Haiti orany other president of a friendlycountry to The Bahamas.

"A government of any countrywith which we have relations, can havetheir head of government visit TheBahamas at any time they choose. Itdoesn't require our permission to doso," he said, noting that just as hedoesn't need permission from thepresident of the United States to travelto America, or from the leader fromJamaica, Barbados, or Haiti to travel totheir country.

In fact, he said he became awareof President Martelly's intended stopvia the Ministry of Foreign Affairs onSaturday and it was confirmed later inthe day that the president hadrequested to meet with the GovernorGeneral and him.

"Mr. Branville McCartney of the

unestablished party calling itself theDNA (Democratic NationalMovement), says that I invitedPresident Martelly to The Bahamas.That is untrue," said Prime MinisterIngraham. "You don't go and shootyour mouth off and make statementsthat are untrue and that can easily beverified in advance. Carelessness is nota good thing for a young politician, orindeed an old politician. I caution Mr.McCartney not to continue tellinglies."

He said, secondly, the President ofHaiti made several statements asreported in the press and through thebroadcast media on two items thatappear to have elicited public concern.

Prime Minister Ingraham alsoexplained that there were no FNMpoliticians at the function at JoeFarrington Road, while pointing outthat there was, however, a ProgressiveLiberal Party (PLP) Member ofParliament and former AttorneyGeneral Alfred Sears and PLP candidatefor Fort Charlotte Dr. Andre Rollins.

He added that President Martellyalso met the following day with leaderof the Opposition Perry Christie at theformer prime minister's house whereMrs. Christie and a number of hiscolleagues were.

The nation's chief executive

pointed out that he would think that ifChristie had an issue with whatPresident Martelly had said, he wouldhave raised it with President Martellywhile at his house and not have waiteduntil Friday night at his candidates'launch.

Ingraham said that is clearly whathe would have done, while noting thatat the time the Haitian president hadcome to see him he was unaware of thecomments he had made.

"One of the statements that hemade that I take issue with is when hesaid children of Haitian descent born inThe Bahamas are entitled to citizenshipand that they are stateless because theycannot apply for citizenship until theyreach the age of 18," he said.

Those individuals, he added, arenot stateless; they have the nationalityof their parents under The Bahamas'Constitution which differs from theHaitian and the American Constitutions.

"Persons born in The Bahamas ofnon-Bahamian parentage do not have aright to Bahamian citizenship until theyreach the age of 18 and subject to themmaking an application before they reachthe age of 19. Otherwise, they lose thatright," he said.

"And so from birth until 18 they arenationals of the country of their parents;mostly their father. The Haitian

Constitution differs from that. And so Ithink that President Martelly wasmistaken in suggesting that our positionwas identical to Haiti's or the UnitedStates, because persons born in theUnited States become citizens of theUnited States at birth. That is not theposition of The Bahamas."

The second statement whichPresident Martelly made in which heencouraged his former citizens whohave become citizens of The Bahamasto support the political party of theirchoosing at election time, Ingrahamsaid Martelly was perfectly entitled" todo so.

"In fact, quite frankly, I don't seewhy it would be difficult for TheBahamas countenance saying toBahamians living in America, Jamaicaor Barbados, etc, that if they are goingto vote and they are entitled to vote inthose countries, that they ought tochoose the Party that best fits what theirinterest is," he said.

"And so, insofar as the persons whoare citizens of The Bahamas who wereformerly Haitian nationals, we certainlylook forward to receiving the votes ofthe majority of Bahamians whether theywere born in The Bahamas ornaturalized in The Bahamas orotherwise.

Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Ingrahamclarifies Haiti President's remarks


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Bermuda’s financial services sectorcould be hit hard by a US effort tocombat tax evasion by Americans withinvestments in offshore accounts.

Tax experts with PWC Bermudasaid yesterday that most financialinstitutions in Bermuda will need tomake major changes to their businesspractices over the next several years.

The Foreign Account TaxCompliance Act (FATCA) will nextyear require foreign financialinstitutions to report directly to theInternal Revenue Service (IRS)information about financial accountsheld by US taxpayers, or by foreignentities in which US taxpayers hold asubstantial ownership interest.

Some tax advisers characterise theregulations as “know your client onsteroids” essentially requiring financialinstitutions to identify their USaccount holders, name names and evento withhold tax when Americans don’tcomply.

The US Treasury and IRS recentlyissued their proposed regulationsregarding FATCA and PWC expertssay the US appears to be trying toaddress industry concerns..

“The proposed regulations willclarify the far-reaching impact thatFATCA will have on foreign financialinstitutions with US assets or clients,including those located here inBermuda,” said Rick Irvine, PWCBermuda’s Tax Leader.

“Companies in the financialservices industry such as banks, hedgefunds, private equity funds, broker-dealers, clearing organisations, trustcompanies and insurance companies,will soon be compelled to gathercertain financial information andreport it to the IRS.”

Mr Irvine said that in issuing theseproposed regulations, the USGovernment appeared to have listenedto global stakeholder comments andmade an effort to address theirconcerns to minimise the additionalcompliance costs imposed on financialservices institutions.

“They have further grandfatheredcertain financial obligations fromFATCA compliance and extended theoverall exemption period until 1January, 2013,” Mr Irvine said.

“Additional changes includesimplified due diligence procedures

and reporting requirements for certainindividuals and entities, and extendedtransition periods for reportingfinancial account information to theIRS.”

Paul Eldridge, managing director,Tax Services, PWC Bermuda, added:“Despite these changes, most financialinstitutions in Bermuda will need tomake significant changes to theirbusiness practices over the next severalyears, including adapting their people,process, technology and internalgovernance systems to handle theincrease of due diligence proceduresand ultimately comply with FATCAregulations.”

In a significant announcementrelating to FATCA, a joint statementwas also released by the governmentsof the United States, France, Germany,Italy, Spain and the UK, stating thatthey are exploring a common approachto FATCA implementation throughdomestic reporting and reciprocalautomatic information exchange.

“At this time, Bermuda is amonga number of global financial servicescentres that are not included as a partyto the joint statement,” Mr Irvine said.

“That’s not to say that othercountries won’t be added to such anagreement at a later date.”

Mr Irvine pointed out that once theFATCA withholding rules come intoeffect, if an institution fails to comply,they will be subject to a 30 percentwithholding tax on any US sourceincome and gross security saleproceeds made to its proprietaryaccount.

In addition, accountholders whodon’t provide the non-US financialinstitution (FFI) with FATCA-requireddocumentation would be deemed“recalcitrant”.

The FFI would then be obligated todeduct a 30 percent withholding tax onany withholdable payment credited totheir accounts.

“It’s important for financialinstitutions to realise that FATCA is morethan just a tax issue,“ Mr Eldridge said.

“It involves governance, complianceand process changes that will impacttheir entire business.

“By planning the work and startingnow, businesses can minimise thedisruption to their operations as thedeadline approaches.”

New US tax law to have big impact onBermuda’s financial services sector

WASHINGTON – A leading United States senator has warned that Cuba couldbecome a potentially significant hub for illegal drugs entering the United States.Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, who chairs the US Senate Caucus onInternational Narcotics Control, issued the caveat while conducting a Senatehearing on international drug trafficking.

“I would be remiss not to mention Cuba. Just 90 miles from Florida, Cuba hasthe potential to be a major trans-shipment point for illicit drugs,” she said.

Her statement comes just weeks after Cuba’s state-run newspaper, Granma,reported that the country last year confiscated more foreign-borne drugs than inany time during the past seven years.

A senior University of the West Indies (UWI) fellow warned about the impactof heightened crime on the Caribbean.

In participating in an Organization of American States (OAS) Policy RoundTable on “Public Security in the Hemisphere”, Anthony T. Bryan, of UWI’sInstitute of International Relations, cautioned that without the implementation ofadequate measures, “it won’t be long before the Caribbean is deeply enmeshed inwhat you see going on in Central America.”

Bryan underscored the growing drug problem in the Caribbean, though hespecified that it is fundamentally of marijuana.

“Despite the gravity of the situation, as it seems to us, I do not classify any ofour countries as being narco-states,” he told the OAS’40th Policy Round Table.“They are not there yet and, hopefully, they won’t ever be there” he added.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Haiti’s earthquakereconstruction efforts and its mandate are underreview by the UN Security Council.

This comes as there is mounting public uneaseover the UN role in Haiti following allegations of rapeinvolving Pakistani soldiers, and a deadly choleraepidemic in 2010 linked to the peacekeeping force.

A 15-member delegation is expected to travel tothe country and visit earthquake resettlement campsand a police training academy. They are also expectedto meet with President Michel Martelly who hasproposed replacing the peacekeeping force with areconstituted Haitian army.

US ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Ricesaid: "We will see how the United Nations supportsHaitian government institutions in security andgovernance. We will examine economic developmentefforts and we will look at the ongoing humanitarianchallenges."

In its first mission since 2009, and the delegationalso aims to evaluate reconstruction efforts followingthe massive earthquake in 2010 that displaced morethan a million people. It also plans to see how it canhelp strengthen the national police force, which hasonly 8,000 officers in a country of 10 million.

In addition, the members of the delegation will

also visit a treatment centre where patients with thedeadly cholera are being treated.

Now an epidemic, the disease has been a sourceof tension between Haitians and peacekeepers afterseveral studies showed that a unit from Nepal, wherethe disease is endemic, likely brought the disease.

Haiti now has the world's highest cholera rate andthe disease has killed more than 7,000 people andsickened more than 526,000 others, Haitian officialssay.

Meanwhile, the strengthening of Haiti’s policeforce is being favoured over the restoration of its armywhich was disbanded in 1995.

UN presence in Haiti under review

Senator singles out Cuba aspotential drug smuggling point

CARIBBEAN NEWSPage 35


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PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad —Rising crime across the Caribbeanthreatens the region's tourism-basedeconomy and has exposed a weak andineffective judicial system, accordingto a sweeping U.N. study released onWednesday.Every Caribbean nation except

Barbados and Suriname reported aspike in homicide rates and gang-related killings over the past 12 yearseven as violent crime has fallen orstabilized in most other places acrossthe globe, according to the 2012Caribbean Human DevelopmentReport.The U.N. said it was the largest

survey ever to focus on crime in theCaribbean.

U.N. officials singled out Jamaicaand Trinidad for alarming levels ofgang-related homicides that almostdoubled from 2006 to 2009.Jamaica has the world's third-

highest murder rate, with about 60murders per 100,000 inhabitants, whileTrinidad reported a fivefold increase inits murder rate over the past decade andnow has 36 killings per 100,000people."The report challenges

governments of the English and DutchCaribbean to action," said TrinidadPrime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, adding that she supports thereport's recommendations.The Caribbean Community trade

bloc found that gang-related crime

costs member countries as much as 4percent of their gross domestic product.Jamaica loses $529 million a year,

according to the report."Violence limits people's choices,

threatens their physical integrity anddisrupts their daily lives," said HelenClark, the U.N. Development Programadministrator who unveiled the reportin Trinidad.The report recommended that

Caribbean nations reduce access toillegal firearms, create youth programsto prevent crime and provide jobs forthe urban poor. Local governments alsoshould ensure that law enforcement isaccountable and more respectful ofpeople's rights, the report said."The criminal justice system still

faces challenges," according to thereport, which cited delays, lowconviction rates and prisonovercrowding across the Caribbean."Caribbean correctional systems

are far from being able to balanceprotection of the public against theneed for efficiency and fiscalprudence," it said.The report's recommendations are

based partly on a survey of 11,555people in seven countries: Antigua,Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, SaintLucia, Suriname and Trinidad.Nearly half of those surveyed said

they worried about being crimevictims, and nearly 80 percent said theyfeel criminals should receive harsherpunishments.

UN says Caribbean crime hurting economies

WASHINGTON– The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)confirmed on Monday that it is assisting police in Nevis, an island near St.Kitts, in the investigation of the knifepoint robbery last week of a USSupreme Court justice at their Leeward Island vacation home.Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and his wife Joanna were robbed

last week at their vacation home on the Caribbean island of Nevis by a manarmed with a machete, a court spokeswoman said.“We are assisting the local police with their investigation,” said FBI

spokesman Paul Bresson in a brief statement.Police in Nevis which has a population of 12,000, said they were

investigating the incident, adding that there are no suspects or arrests at thistime.The US Supreme Court, the highest court in the country, has also

confirmed that Justice Stephen Breyer, 73, his wife and several family friendswere the victims last Thursday of a knife-wielding robber at the Breyervacation home in Nevis.The US Marshals Service, which provides protection for travelling

justices of the Supreme Court, said that it “is aware of the incident involvingJustice Breyer on the Caribbean island of Nevis and is assisting the SupremeCourt Police and local law enforcement authorities with the investigation asneeded”, spokesman Jeff Carter said.It was not the first time that a crime has been committed against a

member of theU.S. Supreme Court.In 2004, then-Supreme Court Justice David Souter suffered minor

injuries when he was mugged by a group of young men as he jogged alonenear his residence in Washington.In 1996,Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the victim of a purse snatching

as she walked home with her husband and daughter from the John F. KennedyCenter for the Performing Arts to their nearby residence in their Watergateapartment complex. No one was hurt.

FBI probing robbery of US Supreme Court

Justice in Nevis

ST.GEORGE’S, Grenada – The ongoing dispute between Taiwan andGrenada over monies reportedly owed by the Caribbean nation to its formerAsian benefactor could cause the shutdown of the Maurice BishopInternational Airport. These fears have surfaced as airlines serving the island from

international markets have recently begun paying money into an escrowaccount, as a result of an order from an American court as an act of restitutionin the dispute between Grenada and Taiwan. Chairman of the airports authority, Rodney George, reportedly

confirmed that Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, British Airways, and Deltahave been forced to comply with the court order to pay money owed to theGrenada Government into an account setup by Taipei.“It is quite unfortunate but it is happening. We have already been notified

by Virgin airlines. It is British airways. It is American airlines. And it isDelta” said George in a local radio interview.“All the major airlines that are flying to Grenada with the exception of

Caribbean airlines. Virgin Atlantic took effect three weeks ago. BritishAirways and Delta two weeks ago”.Taiwan had commenced legal action to recover EC $70 million dollars

(US$25million) in default loans from the state owned export import bankshortly after Grenada broke diplomatic relations in 2005.George says the airport authority has already lost about half a million

US dollars in landing fees, and taxes normally collected by the airlines onbehalf of the Government.He says the authority has already written to finance Minister Nazim

Burke outlining the plight and requesting assistance from the state.“I have to add that this is of real concern to us and the airport and we

are flagging it heavily with the authorities because it could cause ouroperations at the airport to grind to a halt “the airport authority chiefcommented.“It’s a very serious matter and one that has been keeping me awake at

nights”. The prospect of operations at the airport grinding to a halt issomething that will have dire consequences on the entire country. The nextthree to four weeks are critical”.The fees are being withheld from the Government after Taiwan filed an

injunction with cruise ships and airlines servicing Grenada, demanding thatmoney due to the island should be paid to it.Information Minister Glen Noel confirmed late last year that the fees

cruise ships normally pay the state are now being deposited in a specialaccount because of the loan dispute.“The revenues that we normally collect that would just not be available

to us that would just flow into this escrow account and it means the revenuesthat we normally collected that will be used to service our debt and ournormal operating cost like salaries .. .that money would just not be availableto us” George explained.“We really do not have much avenues to do anything because our

position with our bankers. we are up to our neck as far as our over draft limitis concerned so I supposed the only option now is to see if we can get centralgovernment to make up the shortfall until this is cleared”.The Government had said that it hired a US law firm which has begun

legal proceedings in an effort to have the injunction overturned.

Dispute with Taiwan threatensGrenada airport

Page 36

• Iran continues nuclear development• Sarkozy announces re-election bid• 350 killed, scores injured in Prison

Fire

HIGHLIGHTS

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Ramp Attendants• Over 5 years experience inmaneuvering heavy dutyequipment e.g.(pushing and towing aircraft).• Experience in generalhandling of General Aviation.Narrow body and wide bodyaircraft.• British Airways, JAR OPS,Supervisor Aircraft loadingqualified.

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Chancellor Angela Merkel said Fridayshe would seek a cross-party candidateafter the resignation of Germany'sscandal-hit president dealt her a blowas she battles to lead Europe out of acrisis.

Merkel announced talks with allmajor political parties to find aconsensus candidate to replaceChristian Wulff, who earlier steppeddown after prosecutors demanded thelifting of his immunity fromprosecution.

"We want to hold talks with theaim of being able to propose a jointcandidate for the next president of theFederal Republic of Germany," Merkeltold reporters in a sombre two-minutestatement.

She had "great respect" but also"deep regret" over Wulff's decision tostep down in the wake of a series ofscandals, she said, adding he hadserved Germany "with great energy" athome and abroad.

Prosecutors in Lower Saxony state

where Wulff was formerly premier saidlate Thursday they had askedparliament to lift his immunity in orderto investigate allegations he abused hisposition.

Merkel's hand-picked choice forhead of state, a fellow member of theconservative Christian Democraticparty, has faced almost daily mediaallegations that he accepted favourswhen he was premier of Lower Saxony.

It is the second time in two yearsthat Germany's president -- who largelyplays a ceremonial role but who alsoacts as a moral arbiter -- has quit beforethe end of his term.

Wulff, 52, said earlier in a brief butdramatic televised statement from thepresident's sumptuous Bellevue palacethat he was stepping down "to free upthe way quickly for a successor".

Germany needs "a president thatenjoys the trust of not only a majority,but a broad majority of citizens" hesaid, saying recent events had shown"this trust and therefore my

effectiveness have been damaged"."For this reason, it is no longer

possible to carry out the office ofpresident both domestically and abroadthe way it needs to be done," he said.

"I have made mistakes, but I wasalways honest," he said.

Merkel, who now must juggle therace to replace him with efforts to helpsteer Greece away from bankruptcy,said she would first speak to the partiesthat make up Germany's coalitiongovernment.

Analysts saw Wulff's resignation asa political blow for Merkel.

"All in all, Christian Wulff'sresignation should hardly have anyimpact on the current negotiations ofthe second Greek bailout package,"Carsten Brzeski, senior economist atING bank said.

"However, domestic politicalpressure on Angela Merkel couldincrease again and will not make herlife any easier," he added.

Steven Bastos, political scientist

from the Genshagen Foundation, saidWulff's departure had the potential tocomplicate the debate in Germany overefforts to agree a Greek bailout.

"It's clearly a political defeat forMerkel which weakens her politicallyand even more because she hassupported him for so long," he said.

Wulff had been under intensemedia scrutiny for two months aftermass circulation Bild reported he hadfailed to declare a 500,000-euro($660,000) home loan secured at anadvantageous rate while Lower Saxonypremier.

Almost daily claims followedculminating late Thursday inprosecutors in the northern Germanstate asking parliament to lift hisimmunity to probe allegations he hadenjoyed favours from a film producerfriend.

Wulff also became embroiled in apublic spat with Bild, the most-readpaper in Europe, after leaving a furiousvoicemail on the chief editor's phoneand claims he tried to gag publicationof the home loan story.

Wulff's predecessor Horst Koehlerabruptly resigned in 2010 over remarksappearing to justify the use of Germanmilitary power to protect the country'seconomic interests.

Blow for Merkel as Germany’sscandal-hit president resigns

WORLD NEWSPage 37


A massive fire swept through anovercrowded prison in Honduras andkilled more than 350 inmates,including many trapped screaminginside their cells, officials said onWednesday.

A senior official at the attorneygeneral's office, Danelia Ferrera, said357 people died in the blaze that beganlate on Tuesday night at the prison inComayagua, about 75 kilometers (45miles) north of the capital Tegucigalpa.

It was one of the worst prison firesever in Latin America, and local radioreports said many of the inmates wereburned to death inside their cells.

"We heard screaming from thepeople who caught on fire," oneprisoner told reporters, showing thefingers he fractured in his escape fromthe fire. "We had to push up the roofpanels to get out."

Worried and angry relativessurrounded the prison on Wednesdaymorning with some throwing rocks atpolice and trying to force their wayinto the prison. Police responded byfiring shots into the air and tear gas atthe protesters, who were mostlywomen.

There was confusion over thedeath toll, with some reports that the357 figure included more than 100inmates who escaped during the fireand others that the dead and missingtotaled 402 people - almost half theprison's inmates.

Lucy Marder, head of forensicservices in Comayagua, said policereported that one of the dead was awoman who stayed overnight and therest were prisoners, but she said someof the presumed dead could haveescaped. Local media reported that theComayagua fire department chief alsodied in the blaze.

Honduras has the highest murderrate in the world, according to theUnited Nations, and there are frequentriots and clashes between members ofrival street gangs in its overcrowdedprisons. But it was not yet clear if the

fire was started during a riot or if it wasaccident.

The gangs, known as 'maras',started in the United States and thenspread down into Central America,with members covered in distinctivetattoos and involved in drugtrafficking, armed robbery andprotection rackets.

The Comayagua prison housedmore than 850 inmates -- well aboveits capacity. Local police chief HectorMejia read out the names of 457survivors outside the prison, butrelatives were not appeased.

"This is desperate, they won't tellus anything and I think my husband isdead," a crying Gregoria Zelaya toldCanal 5 TV as she stood by a chainlink fence.

Local firemen said they wereprevented from entering the prison dueto gunshots. But Daniel Orellana, headof the prison system, said there was noriot.

"We have two hypotheses, one isthat a prisoner set fire to a mattress andthe other one is that there was a shortcircuit in the electrical system," hesaid.

Across Honduras, prisons arefilled to double their capacity withabout 12,500 prisoners in jails meantto hold 6,000. More than 100 prisonerswere killed in a fire in the textilemanufacturing town of San Pedro Sulaseveral years ago, and survivors saidlater that guards fired on prisonerstrying to escape the blaze.

Honduras clocked more than 80homicides per 100,000 people in 2009,a rate 16 times that of the UnitedStates, according to a United Nationsreport last year.

The country is a major drugtrafficking transit point for SouthAmerican cocaine moving north toconsumers in the United States, andauthorities say there is increasingpresence of violent Mexican drugcartels in the country.

A political crisis ripped throughHonduras in mid-2009 when a widely-condemned coup toppled thedemocratically elected president butthe country has been trying to healdivisions since the election ofPresident Porfirio Lobo later that year.

Honduras prison fire killsmore than 350 inmates

Honduran forensic workers remove corpses in plastic bags from the National Prison in Comayagua,some 90 kms north fo Tegucigalpa, on February 15, 2012. At least 350 prisoners were killed and

scores injured.

Cancer has spread in Hugo Chavez's colon, spine andbones, and the Venezuelan president could have onlynine months to live, Spain's ABC newspaper reportedMonday, citing medical records provided byunidentified intelligence sources.

"His health appears to be deteriorating at a morerapid pace. Clearly there has been metastasis in thebones and the spine," the ABC report says, citing whatit said were doctors' observations after medical testsDecember 30.

The newspaper did not divulge its sources ordetail how it checked the information's accuracy. Anofficial in Venezuela's information ministry said thenewspaper's report was invalid and the governmentwould not comment on its contents.

In June, Chavez said doctors in Cuba hadremoved a cancerous tumor from his body but did notspecify what type of cancer it was. He announced inOctober that treatment had cured him of cancer, butthe government has released few details about hishealth.

"There are no malignant cells in this body. Theydon't exist," Chavez, 57, said at the time.

The ABC newspaper report details what it saysare doctors' differing estimates of Chavez's lifeexpectancy during the course of his treatment.

According to ABC, in June doctors diagnosedChavez with prostate cancer but said he could live forfive years or more with treatment.

In late October, ABC says, the president's medicalteam said the number of cancerous cells in his bonemarrow had increased. In late December, accordingto the newspaper, doctors said they had found a tumorin Chavez's colon. The president was refusing a moreintense recommended treatment and could have onlynine months to live, ABC says, citing medical records.

Citing a January 12 medical report, ABC saysChavez was receiving "increasing doses of painkillersand stimulants that have helped him give theimpression that he is stabilizing and have given him a

high level of visibility."Emili Blasco, author of the article and the

newspaper's Washington correspondent, defended thestory in an interview with CNN en Español onMonday night.

He called the report "reliable," and stressed thathis paper has no agenda.

A lawmaker from Chavez's United Socialist Partyof Venezuela mocked the newspaper report's claims,which come at the start of a politically-important yearfor the Venezuelan president.

Chavez has pledged to run for re-election in 2012,dismissing speculation that his illness would force himout of politics.

"We have laughed a lot about this because they

insist, but they are seeing a Chavez that is active, thatis working, that is in front of the government, of theparty, of the fight, of the problems of the people andwho is demonstrating that he is healthy," lawmakerAristobulo Isturiz said at a news conference broadcaston state television.

Isturiz, who is vice president of Venezuela'sNational Assembly, noted that an energetic Chavezgave a state of the union speech that lasted more thannine hours earlier this month. The desires of politicalopponents of Chavez are fueling speculation, Isturiztold reporters.

"Desires are one thing, and there are many whowish Chavez had not nine months, but one month (tolive)," he said.

Chavez cancer spreading, Spanish newspaper says

Gabrielle Giffords, the former Arizonacongresswoman who survived an assassinationattempt one year ago, is getting a Navy vesselnamed in her honor.

The Navy said Friday that its newest LittoralCombat Ship, a small, agile surface vessel, will beknown as the USS Gabrielle Giffords. The ship’s“sponsor” will be Roxanna Green, the mother ofChristina-Taylor Green, the 9-year-old girl whowas killed in the Tucson shooting that woundedGiffords in January 2011.

In a statement, the secretary of the navy, RayMabus, described Giffords and Roxanna Green as“sources of great inspiration” who “represent theNavy and Marine Corps qualities of overcoming,adapting and coming out victoriously despite greatchallenges.”

The future USS Gabrielle Giffords will be the17th ship to be named for a woman and the 13th tobe named after a living person, according to the

Defense Department.The naming of Navy vessels has not always

been a simple affair. In April 2010, after the serviceunveiled plans for the USS John P. Murtha, criticslobbied Mabus to reconsider, citing the formercongressman’s opposition to the Iraq war. Earlierthis year, the Navy announced plans for the USNSCesar Chavez, after the labor leader, drawingobjections from conservatives.

On Friday, Giffords attended the event wherethe Navy announced the plans for the ship in herhonor. Hours earlier, she had joined PresidentObama as he signed the last piece of legislation shehad authored before her retirement, which grantslaw enforcement officials greater authority tocombat illicit drug trafficking on the border.

“I’m confident,” Obama said in a statement,“that while this legislation may have been her lastact as a congresswoman, it will not be her last actof public service.”

Navy ship to be named for Gabrielle Giffords

WORLD NEWSPage 38


TEHRAN, Iran – Iran claimed that ithas taken two major steps towardmastering the production of nuclearfuel, a defiant move in response toincreasingly tough Western sanctionsover its controversial nuclear program.President Mahmoud Ahmadinejadoversaw the insertion of the firstIranian domestically-made fuel rodinto a research reactor in northernTehran, the country's official IRNAnews agency reported.

Separately, the semiofficial Farsagency reported that a "new generationof Iranian centrifuges" had beeninstalled and had gone into operationat the country's main uraniumenrichment facility at Natanz in centralIran.

The West suspects Iran's nuclearprogram is aimed at producing atomicweapons, a charge Tehran denies,

insisting it's geared for peacefulpurposes only, such as energyproduction.

The crisis has already resulted insanctions placed on Iran's economy,and there are fears that it could escalateto military action.

Iran's nuclear announcementscame as the country said Wednesday ithalted oil exports to six Europeancountries — the Netherlands, Spain,Italy, France, Greece and Portugal —in response to recent new EuropeanUnion sanctions.

Iran has said it is forced tomanufacture nuclear fuel rods, whichprovide fuel for reactors, on its ownsince international sanctions ban itfrom buying them on foreign markets.In January, Iran said it had produced itsfirst such fuel rod.

IRNA boasted that the nuclear fuel

announcement is the final step in theentire cycle of nuclear fuel — fromextracting uranium ore to producingthe finished rods.

Fuel rods are tube metalscontaining pellets made of low-enriched uranium. The rod is theninserted into a fuel assembly, whichthen is placed in the core of the reactor.

IRNA said the nuclear fuel rodswere produced at Iran's nuclear fuelfabrication plant in Isfahan, centralIran.

The centrifuges that Iran claims tobe now manufacturing are machinesthat are used to enrich uranium. Low-enriched uranium — at around 3.5%— can be used to fuel a reactor togenerate electricity, which Iran says isthe intention of its program. But ifuranium is further enriched to around90% purity, it can be used to develop a

nuclear warhead.Iran has been producing uranium

enriched up to 5% for years, and beganenriching up to near 20%, considereda threshold between low and highenriched uranium — in February 2010.

Iran claims it needs the higherenriched uranium to produce fuel forthe Tehran reactor that makes medicalradioisotopes needed for cancerpatients.

Israel is worried Iran could be onthe brink of achieving nuclearweapons capability, and many Israeliofficials believe sanctions only giveTehran time to move its nuclearprogram underground, out of reach ofIsraeli military strikes. The U.S. and itsallies argue that Israel should hold offon any military strike on Iraniannuclear facilities to allow more timefor sanctions to work.

Iran claims two steps to nuclear self-sufficiency

French President Nicolas Sarkozy officiallyannounced Wednesday that he is running forre-election, in a post on his newly launchedTwitter account.

Sarkozy, who heads the center-right UMPparty, is currently trailing his chief rival,Socialist candidate Francois Hollande, inopinion polls.

Announcing his candidacy via Twitter,Sarkozy said that not running for a secondterm would be like abandoning his post.

He said the reforms undertaken by hisgovernment were starting to produce resultsand that he intended to give the French peopleback their voice by holding referendums.

The first round of voting is scheduled forApril 22, with a second round to follow May6.

The latest opinion polls suggest Hollandeis the favorite in the first round of voting,attracting 30% support to Sarkozy's 26%, according to polling institute IFOP.

Other candidates include Marine Le Pen, of the far-right National Front, and thecentrist Francois Bayrou.

The news of Sarkozy's candidacy was expected, but the official announcementmeans he can now campaign at full tilt for the next 10 weeks.

He is likely to play up higher than expected growth figures of 1.7% for 2011, as heseeks to convince the French people that the economy is in safe hands.

The unemployment rate is likely to be a big issue on the campaign trail, however,at almost 9.3% of the working population.

Sarkozy may also seek to portray himself as someone who has put France at thecenter of global events during his five-year term in office, using the slogan "A strongFrance."

Earlier, the French president became the latest high-profile figure to join the socialnetworking site Twitter.

His official account was launched Wednesday morning under the official handle@NicolasSarkozy.

"Hello everyone, I am very pleased to launch my Twitter account today. Thank youto those who will want to follow me!" his welcome tweet read.

Sarkozy's second official tweet urged his followers to watch him being interviewedon French television. "I have accepted the invitation by TF1 to appear on their newscastat 8 p.m. this evening, I hope you will join me."

Eleven hours after posting his first message, he had more than 47,000 followers andwas following one other Twitter account, his presidential office -- the Elysee Palace.

In a recent interview with national newspaper Le Figaro, Sarkozy laid out what islikely to be the framework of his campaign.

He told the newspaper he prioritized work and responsibility, and that he wouldpropose two referendums, so he could hear from the French people on imposing tougherrules on immigrants and unemployment benefits.

Asked about his greatest regret in his first term, Sarkozy responded: "When I seeall that's left to do and what we have not done...."

Sarkozy was first elected in May 2007.

Sarkozy announcesFrench presidential re-

election bid

French President Nicolas Sarkozy

Prosecutors in Italy lodged an appeal Tuesday of the acquittal of Americanstudent Amanda Knox in the murder of British student Meredith Kercher.

Knox and her ex-boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, were convicted ofmurder in the town of Perugia in 2009 but were cleared when they appealedthe verdicts in October. The case gripped the attention of the public in theUnited States, Italy and Britain. Knox's family said in a statement issuedthrough a spokesman that the appeal was unwelcome, but no cause forconcern.

"The appeal of Amanda's acquittal by the prosecution was notunexpected as they had indicated from the day of the verdict that theywould appeal," the statement said.

"We are not concerned about this appeal as Amanda's innocence wasclearly and convincingly proven in her appeal trial. This is simply anotherexample of harassment by the prosecution against Amanda and makes thisterrible, painful incident continue to go on for Amanda, Raffaele and theirfamilies." Giovanni Galati, a Perugia prosecutor, had earlier told reportersthe acquittal should be overturned because Knox and Sollecito were guilty,according to Italian news agency ANSA.

"We are still convinced that they are the co-authors of Meredith'shomicide," he is quoted as saying.

Knox was 20 and Kercher was 21 when the two shared a home as theystudied at the university for foreign students in Perugia, Italy. Kercher'ssemi-naked body was found in November 2007 at the home, with her throatslashed. Sollecito, 23 at the time, was Knox's boyfriend.

Francesco Sollecito, father of Raffaele, told CNN in a phone interviewTuesday that the family was "not happy about the decision. My son istrying to get back to normal life."

Knox's Italian defense lawyer, Carlo Dalla Vedova, told CNN he hadhoped the prosecutors would not appeal.

"This story was too much under the spotlight, and beside (that) thereis suffering, there are two young people that unjustly spent nearly fouryears in prison," he said. "The best way of respecting this suffering wouldhave been silence."

Her U.S.-based lawyer, Theodore Simon, said that although theprosecution has appealed, very little has changed in the case.

"The appellate jurors conducted a thorough, painstaking, searchinginquiry into the true facts and determined in a lengthy, logical andcomprehensive decision that Amanda Knox was not guilty of the tragicloss of Meredith Kercher," he said.

The filing of the appeal has raised the question of whether an arrestwarrant or extradition order could be issued for Knox if her acquittal isannulled, or if she could be made to serve the remainder of her initial 26-year prison term.

Criminal law professor Nicola Di Mario told CNN that if the HighCourt was to annul the appeals court ruling that overturned the conviction,the defendants would not automatically go back to jail.

However, the prosecutors could, in theory, ask that they be returned tojail if there is a risk that the defendants might escape, or that they couldrepeat the crime or interfere with the evidence, Di Mario said.

Lawyers for Knox and Sollecito had focused on discrediting DNAevidence that played a role in the 2009 conviction.

Knox returned to her hometown of Seattle with her family followingher release.

Another man, Ivorian drifter Rudy Guede, was convicted separatelyof Kercher's killing. Guede admitted having sexual relations with Kercherbut denied killing her.

Italian prosecutors appealdecision to overturn

Amanda Knox conviction

Page 39

Grace Bay Club is looking for candidates that have the requirements listedalong with an outgoing professional manner. They love to work withdifferent types of people, meet challenges with a positive attitude and livethe standards of our organization. Their management style is one thatbalances a commitment to people and their development withbusiness/financial accountability and delivers an exceptional guestexperienceMASSAGE THERAPISTSJob Requirements:• Grace Bay Club is looking for a Massage Therapist/Esthetician who is anenthusiastic team player with excellent customer service.• The therapist will be responsible for administering professional facial,massage and body treatments to our guests.• Must have a thorough knowledge of the skin with numerous massagemodalities.• Must possess a general understanding of body treatments and bewilling to train in our spa’s specific facial, massage and body treatmentofferings.• Must possess excellent communication skills and be able to learn theproduct and service knowledge necessary to effectively provide wellnesssolutions to meet the needs of our guests.• The Therapist will be required to properly care for equipment, performprep work, clean and restock spa rooms• Assist in all areas of the spa operation as requested by Supervisors orcoaches.• Be flexible with your schedule, supporting the needs of the spa.• Build respectful and cooperative relationships with colleagues andleaders.• He/she must maintain the standards of Grace Bay as found in thestandard operating procedures of the department, an as they areamended from time to time.Education and Experience:• Secondary level education is required. Good writing, reading, listeningand basic computation skills are necessary.• Previous experience in a 5 star spa is required.• International qualifications (or qualifications equivalent tointernational standards) are required in Esthetics and Massage Therapy. Qualified Belongers need only apply.Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experienceKITCHEN HELPERRequirements:• Assist with Food & Beverage service• Receive and store supplies.• Stock cupboards, refrigerators and salad bars• Clean food preparation and storage areas• Assist with food preparation• Work with minimal supervisionQualified Belongers need only to apply.Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experienceEXECUTIVE ASSISTANTRequirements• Minimum 5 years experience as executive personal assistant.• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.• Problem solver, effective communicator and team player.• International, five star, hospitality experience.• Dependable, trustworthy, exceptionally organized. • Ability to work with little to no supervision• Must have demonstrated PC skills including PowerPoint, MS Project,Excel pivot tables and databases.• Must read and speak English and Chinese fluently.Qualified Belongers need only to apply.Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experience BARTENDERRequirements:• Applicant must be a minimum of 19 years of age.• Be fluent in written and spoken English.• Possess a High School Certificate.• Have two years experience as a Bartender, or one year as a Bar back in afive star-hotel upscale environment.• Perform specified Bartender duties, including food and drink orders,preparation, and serving.• Direct and assist the Bar back and beverage servers.• Follow specific cash and system handling procedures.• Be responsible in the serving of alcohol and the laws and regulationssurrounding it.• Maintain ongoing knowledge of the hotel operations.• Maintain the cleanliness, working order, and presentation of the bar top,

tables, service areas and outlet itself.Qualified Belongers need only apply.Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experienceASSISTANT CHIEF ENGINEERRequirements:• At least an associate degree or equivalent in electrical, mechanical, orelectronic engineering • Minimum of three (3) years practical experience in operating andmaintaining electrical, mechanical, and/or electronicplant/equipment/systems, preferably at a luxury resort• Proficiency in Word and Excel• Proficiency in Opera and SAP would be an asset• Good time management and follow-up skills• Must be able to operate in a high-pressure environmentResponsibilities:• The day-to-day management of the technical team and the operationand maintenance of all plant, equipment and civil works (cables, pipework, drains, structures etc.) .• Utilizing all relevant systems/programs in the management of thedepartment (Opera, SAP, Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM), etc.)• The completion of work orders, energy conservation activities, etc. andanalyses as required.• Assisting with inventory management and the development,implementation and management of all engineering projects.Qualified Belongers need only apply.Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experienceLABOURERRequirements:• Operate, maintain and repair the property’s heating, ventilation areconditioning and refrigeration systems• Perform Laundry and Kitchen services• Perform preventative maintenance on the hotel’s systems• Pool cleaning, chemical testing, adding chemical as required.• Maintain the proper use, cleaning, maintenance and storage of all tools.• Responsible for cleaning grease traps, lift stations, checking & treatmentof sewage treatment plant.• Assist with additional Maintenance Department tasks as assigned Belongers need only to applySalary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experiencePOOL & BEACH MANAGERResponsibilities: • Managing all aspects of the beach and pool, in accordance with the hotelstandards.• He/she directs, implements, and maintains a service and managementphilosophy that serves as a guide to the Water Sports staff. It is theresponsibility of the To oversee and supervise Water Sports & BeachManager to oversee and supervise the Beach and Pool Attendants,ensuring guest services at the beach and pool are running efficiently andsmoothlyRequirements:• Have two years work experience as a Supervisor in Water Sports in aluxury hotel.• Be fluent in written and spoken English.• Possess First Aid certification and CPR Training.• Be a strong swimmer.• Monitor the Attendants’ activities to ensure the guests’ needs are beingtaken care of regularly.• Greet and inform all guests of the available Water Sports activities.Actively promote excursions.• Monitor the cleanliness and maintenance of the beach and pool area, aswell as the equipment and furniture at those areas• Maintain awareness of all Water Sports activities and Tour Operators onthe island. Actively promote excursions.• Ensure there are enough supplies, such as fresh towels, for the guests.• Make certain liability waivers are signed, and all administration iscomplete.• Observe and monitor the safety of guests and visitors.Qualified Belongers need only apply.Salary Range: Commensurate based on qualification and experienceInterested persons can contact our Human Resources Departmentno later than March 2, 2012@ (649) 946-5050 Ext. 1050Email: [email protected] Fax: (649) 946-5758P.O. Box 128 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, British WestIndies

Career Opportunities


Page 40

... Once Washington's only option for securemobile communication, RIM has struggled to offseta rising tide of companies allowing their workers touse their own devices for work or supplying them

with rival devices, which have made strides towardsmatching the BlackBerry's famed security...

HIGHLIGHTS

IMMEDIATE OPENINGSTEWARDING MANAGER

Requirements: • Prior experience managing the stewarding department of a 5star Luxury Resort. • Must have an excellent working knowledge of the kitchens,equipment, food productions, sanitation, hygiene and safety.• Post secondary degree or equivalent qualification byexperience• Must be able to organize and delegate large banquetfunctions.• Must be able and willing to work all days and shifts.

Duties Include:• Ensuring the maintenance of a clean, sanitary kitchen bysupervising steward employees• Issuing cleaning supplies to stewards, checking usage andmaking adjustments • Ensuring that kitchen floors and walk-ins are clean • Monitoring cafeteria and providing assistance to kitchenemployees during set-up and clean-up• Working closely with the Food & Beverage department• Taking inventory of and ensuring proper amounts of china,dishes etc. are available at all times• Ensuring the training of and proper daily use of all safety,hygiene and sanitation practices

Interested applicants should apply to Regent Palmshuman resources department in person, Monday throughFriday and bring along an updated resume or by [email protected] no later than Friday,February 17, 2012

LONDON — Vodafone Group PLC,the world’s largest mobile phonecompany, said it is considering apossible bid for Cable & WirelessWorldwide PLC, causing shares in thetelecoms network provider to jump 27percent.Responding to reports in weekend

newspapers, Vodafone said it was “inthe very early stages of evaluating themerits of a potential offer for CWW.”Vodafone said any offer would

most likely be made in cash, but saidthere was no certainty that an offerwould be made.The Sunday Times suggested that

Vodafone might offer 700 millionpounds ($1.1 billion) for Cable &Wireless, which had a market value ofnearly 550 million pounds based onFriday’s closing price. The newspaper

said Apax Partners LLP was also apotential bidder.Vodafone now has until March 12

to either announce a firm intention totake over the company or be barredfrom launching a bid for six months.C&W Worldwide owns the U.K's

biggest fiber network dedicated tobusinesses. It also has an internationalcable network that reaches acrossEurope, India and throughout Asia.But it has had a tough time since itsspinoff from parent Cable & WirelessPLC in 2010, suffering a sliding stockprice and management changes.In a statement Monday, C&W

Worldwide acknowledged Vodafone'sannouncement, adding that "the boardwill make any further announcementas may be required in due course." Arepresentative for buyout firm Apax

Partners—named in media reports as apossible alternative bidder—declinedto comment on the matter. The company has been plagued by

management chaos, with three changesat the top in less than a year. Thecurrent chief executive, Gavin Darby,previously was Vodafone’s U.K. CEO.The C&W Worldwide cable

network serves 150 countries directlyor through local partners. It alsooperates a U.K. fiber network servingbusinesses.C&W Worldwide, created in 2010

by a demerger, supplies telecomsservices to businesses and publicsector bodies. The other half of thedemerger, Cable & WirelessCommunications PLC, suppliesbroadband, mobile and other

communications services to consumersand small- and medium-sizedbusinesses in the Caribbean, Panama,Macau and Monaco.C&W Worldwide traces its origins

from the development of telegraphy inthe 19th century. The Cable andWireless name dates from 1934,reflecting the company’s move intoradio as well as cable links.C&W Worldwide, which is set to

post a third-quarter trading updateThursday, had a net loss of £591million for the six months ended Sept.30, compared with a year-earlier netprofit of £87 million. The latest resultswere hurt primarily by items totaling£624 million. First-half revenue fell4.5% to £1.07 billion.

Vodafone confirms reports it is consideringtakeover bid for Cable & Wireless Worldwide

Kellogg Co agreed to buy Pringles potato chips from Procter & Gamble Cofor $2.7 billion in a cash deal that will almost triple its international snackbusiness, sending its shares higher.The transaction will also let household goods maker P&G leave the food

business after its agreement with Diamond Foods Inc fell apart.Shares of Kellogg, which is aiming to expand a snack portfolio that

already includes Keebler cookies and Townhouse crackers, rose 4 percent.Adding Pringles salty chips to the mix will increase the size of Kellogg's

snack business to where it will account for as much of total revenue as itswell-known cereal business.P&G agreed to sell Pringles to Diamond Foods Inc last year, but that deal

fell apart this month following the discovery of improper accounting that ledDiamond to replace its chief executive and finance chief. The U.S.government is looking into Diamond's accounting practices."With the results of their audit committee investigation and the

management change, that was no longer feasible," P&G Chairman and ChiefExecutive Bob McDonald told reporters gathered in Cincinnati for a P&Gevent.Pringles will become Kellogg's second-largest brand behind Special K,

McDonald said."They are looking to establish a global snacks business on par with their

global cereals business and Pringles will be a big part of that," McDonaldsaid.When Kellogg CEO John Bryant was asked why his company did not

buy Pringles when it was up for sale last year, he said it was hard to competewith the Diamond offer.Also, Kellogg is now more interested in growing its international snack

business than it had been, he said.While Pringles was a revenue-driver for P&G, bringing in about $1.5

billion a year in sales, it was the only remaining food business and no longerfit in with the company's focus on items such as beauty and personal careproducts.In recent years, P&G also sold off its Folgers coffee business and Jif

peanut butter.P&G said the deal would lead to an after-tax gain from the deal of $1.4

billion to $1.5 billion, or 47 cents to 50 cents per share, about the same amountestimated when it first announced the deal with Diamond in April 2011.About 1,700 P&G employees will move to Kellogg.Kellogg will borrow $2 billion to complete the deal and expects to limit

its share repurchase program for about two years.

Kellogg to buy Pringlesfrom P&G for $2.7 billion

- READ BLACKBERRY FACES NEW CHALLENGES


BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGYPage 41


WASHINGTON- World BankPresident Robert Zoellick said he willstep down in June and Washingtonpledged to put a replacementcandidate forward within weeks for ajob that has always gone to anAmerican.

The Obama administration said itwould open the process tocompetition, marking the first time ithas shown willingness to loosen itsgrip on the world's top developmentlender.

Zoellick took the reins at the Bankin 2007 after a staff revolt pushed outPaul Wolfowitz, and he movedquickly to return the institution's focusto alleviating poverty.

Developing countries have foryears pressed for a greater voice inleading global financial institutionsand are likely to stress the importanceof a competitive process, but theUnited States is still widely expectedto retain its hold on the job.

"It is very important that we

continue to have strong, effectiveleadership of this importantinstitution, and in the coming weeks,we plan to put forward a candidatewith experience and requisite qualitiesto take this institution forward," U.S.

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithnersaid in a statement.

While Geithner called for an"open and expeditious process,"analysts say Washington can ill affordto give up the post without risking theU.S. Congress cutting funding for theBank.

In an interview with Reuters,Zoellick said his decision to leave onJune 30 at the end of his five-yearterm was his own and was not due topressure from the Obama administration.

The former U.S. chief tradenegotiator and deputy secretary of statedismissed speculation he would join aRepublican presidential campaign as"not true," saying only that he woulddecide what to do next once he leaves theWorld Bank.

"It really was my own decision,"Zoellick said. "My personal sense is it'stime to move on and I think once youfeel that way you shouldn't stay."

Under Zoellick, World Bank lendingincreased sharply to $44 billion in fiscal

2010 from $13.5 billion in 2008,reflecting the increased developmentneeds of fast-rising countries in Asia,Africa, Latin America and the MiddleEast.

Zoellick also won approval for an$86.2 billion increase in the Bank'sgeneral resources. It was the firstincrease in more than 20 years. Hechampioned more voting power foremerging economies and convincedChina, Brazil and others to contributemore funding.

Despite budget strains in thedeveloped world, Zoellick lobbied forand secured more than $90 billion inpledges to replenish a separate WorldBank fund for the poorest countries.

In an effort to modernize the WorldBank, he has given a greater voice toemerging economies. He has alsochampioned the need for bettergovernance in regions such as theMiddle East, where street proteststoppled dictators in Tunisia, Egypt andLibya.

World Bank president to step down

World Bank President Robert Zoellick

A recent federal analysis showing that 400 shades of popular lipstickcontained trace amounts of lead has exacerbated an ongoing disputebetween regulators and consumer activists over how much lead issafe in cosmetics.

Five lipsticks made by L’Oreal and Maybelline, owned byL’Oreal USA, ranked among the top 10 most contaminated of thecosmetics, according to testing by the Food and DrugAdministration. Two Cover Girl and two NARS lipsticks also landedin the top 10, as did one made by Stargazer.

For years, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has been pushingthe government to set limits for lead levels in lipstick. The FDA hasresisted, insisting that the amounts detected in various rounds oftesting do not pose safety risks. But in a letter to the agency thismonth, the consumer group said that federal regulators have noscientific basis for this conclusion and it pressed the government totake action.

Reports of lead in lipstick date to the 1990s, and have resurfacedperiodically since then. In 2007, the Campaign for Safe Cosmeticstested 33 red lipsticks and found that two-thirds of them containedlead — and that one-third exceeded the FDA’s limit for lead in candy.The FDA followed up in 2008 with its own tests on 20 lipsticks andexpanded its analysis to include 400 lipstick shades in the mostrecent study.

But the agency, which posted its latest findings on its Web sitein December, said that comparing lipstick to candy is unfair.

“It is not scientifically valid to equate the risk to consumerspresented by lead levels in candy, a product intended for ingestion,with that associated with lead levels in lipstick, a product intendedfor topical use and ingested in much smaller quantities than candy,”the FDA said in its online comments.

The Personal Care Products Council, a trade group thatrepresents the cosmetics industry, agreed with the FDA’s assessment.

Halyna Breslawec, the council’s chief scientist, said her grouphas petitioned the agency to limit the amount of lead allowed incosmetics. The consensus on what that limit should be — 10 partsper million, Breslawec said — is higher than the levels detected bythe two rounds of FDA testing and is in line with proposals in Canadaand Germany.

The FDA is evaluating whether it should recommend an upperlimit.

Breslawec said that lead is not intentionally put in lipstick or anyother cosmetic but that many color additives approved by the FDAare mineral-based and therefore contain trace levels of lead that isnaturally found in soil, water and air.

But determining the true safety level for lead in cosmeticsremains the stumbling block. The FDA’s most recent analysis foundthe highest lead concentration — 7.19 parts per million — inMaybelline’s Color Sensational Pink Petal lipstick. But the averagelead contamination in the 400 lipsticks it tested last year was 1.11parts per million, very close to the average from the agency’s 2008analysis.

400 shades of found to contain lead,

FDA says

In another blow for beleagueredBlackBerry maker Research In Motion,the U.S. federal government's mainprocurement agency is issuing iPhonesand Android-based devices to some ofits 17,000 workers.

While the General ServicesAdministration does not impose itspurchasing decisions on other parts ofthe government, the terms andconditions it negotiates can be used as ablueprint for other agencies.

"We actively seek to be progressivein our adoption of new technologies sothat we can learn the lessons which willinform our client and customeragencies as they seek to go down asimilar path," the GSA's chiefinformation officer, Casey Coleman,told Reuters in a phone interview onTuesday.

Once Washington's only option forsecure mobile communication, RIM hasstruggled to offset a rising tide ofcompanies allowing their workers touse their own devices for work orsupplying them with rival devices,which have made strides towardsmatching the BlackBerry's famedsecurity.

The GSA - which manages $500billion of government assets includingtelecom, information technology andreal estate - is also testing the use ofemployees' personal smartphones andtablets on their secure networks, apopular move for corporations lookingto cut costs.

Coleman said that BlackBerryremains by far the most usedsmartphone at GSA, with devices fromApple and those using Google'sAndroid software accounting for less

than 5 percent of the agency's fleet,which covers the majority of GSAemployees.

The personal smartphone pilot is tosupplement rather than replacegovernment-issued devices, she said,and the GSA has no plans to abandonRIM servers, which manage secureBlackBerry traffic.

RIM charges a fee for use of itsservers and data centers, whichcompress and encrypt email and othersensitive data.

The GSA's move is just the latesthurdle to face Waterloo, Ontario-basedRIM.

Another U.S. agency, the NationalOceanic and AtmosphericAdministration (NOAA), said last weekit would ditch the servers that run itsBlackBerrys by June as it trimmed costs.

Oilfield services companyHalliburton plans to switch 4,500BlackBerry-toting employees to iPhones,saying it's is better suited to its needs.Several banks have also welcomedBlackBerry rivals.

The NOAA move was made possibleafter it switched its desktop-basedsoftware to Google Apps forGovernment.

Coleman said the GSA moved toGoogle Apps in June, cutting its costs inhalf compared with its legacy desktopsoftware.

The GSA plans to offer a service soother agencies can quickly order Web-based email, she said.

"This is an area that is changingand evolving rapidly and as the marketchanges we will continue to seek toprovide our employees with the bestdevices for them to do their best work."

BlackBerry facesnew challenge

from US agency


LOCAL NEWS

AFC Academy Pedagogue FC in 1-1 tie

Pedagogue FC earned their first point of the season when they ended 1-1 against AFC Academy in last weekend’s lone game in the WIV-Sponsored Provo Premier League, which was played at the Academy field.

Dane Ritchie scored for Pedagogue, while Fred Dorvil netted for Academy, in what was a closely contested affair. Both goals were scored in the first half.

It was AFC Academy that drew first blood, when Dorvil scored, after the referee ruled that an infringement was committed in the box, and Dorvil successfully carried out the honours.

Apparently stung by the goal, Pedagogue go their game together and launched a series o of attacks on the Academy goal, and it bore fruit when they were awarded a penalty, which Ritchie made no mistake in converting, to end the half in the balance.

In the second half, Pedagogue picked up where they left off, with a number or raids, but a number of chances were wasted.

However, late substitutions by the Academy brought them back to life as Pedagogue began to tire, and they were on top for the last 15 minutes with four easy one on one

chances missed or saved, including an open goal by Luis Turbyfield from six yards, to win the game.

Gerry Gregg also pulled off a stunning save late on, at the other end to thwart Pedagogue and save a point.

Academy coach Matthew Green was pleased with his team’s performance: “The boys cannot be faulted for their effort and commitment on the field but they still have a lot to learn about how to kill a game off when they are in the ascendancy. We created more than enough chances to win the game but ultimately our finishing let us down as too often the guys lose their composure in front of goal. However, they are a very young team and will continue to improve as the season goes on."

Coach Cranston of Pedagogue was also pleased with his team’s efforts. “I am pleased with a better performance and our first point of the season, but we need to work on our finishing and be more clinical”.

Haroon Swaby was the President’s Player of Week. In this week’s encounter, Pedagogue FC was scheduled to go up against HAB FC at 4pm, whilst the clash of the top two teams, Cheshire Hall FC and SWA Sharks, was schedule for 6pm.

Canadian amputee marathon runner Rick Ball peps young ballers

Children from the TCIFA Youth Academy were treated to a visit from a special guest last weekend when Canadian single leg amputee marathon runner Rick Ball spoke to players from the association's youth programmes. The heroic athlete lost his left leg after a motorcycle accident when he was twenty-one. However, rather than let the incindent hinder his goals he saw it as a challenge to overcome and has lived a remarkable life ever since.

Technical Director Matthew Green invited Rick to visit the TCIFA Academy fields after meeting him whilst attending the Provo Private Schools athletic meet last week. Green hoped Rick could share stories about his life with the players and inspire them to achieve greater things.

"It was great to have Rick take time out from his vacation to meet with our players. His story is an inspiration to us all and proves that one can achieve anything if you believe in yourself and receive support and encouragement". Green added "we have so many talented young people in this country, but sadly many of them do not realize their full potential and they allow negative people or small obstacles to hold them back. Hopefully Rick's words will encourage our players to stay focussed and committed".

After giving a brief review of his life, Rick passed around

several of his artificial legs and answered a series of questions form the enthusiastic and inquisitive group of players. He was accompanied by his two sons Brayden and Carter who posed for photographs after their father had a chance to prove his speed to the young players.

The amputee athlete normally competes in long distance races (he has run a marathon in under three hours) however he showed he is no slouch over the shorter distances by running against a group of players from the girls academy.

Rick said he has thoroughly enjoyed his stay in the Turks and Caicos Islands and plans to return in the future, however he is now focussing on qualifying for the Olympic Games in London later this year.

"It has been great to interact with the young people of these beautiful islands. The kids are very enthusiastic and it is great to see associations like the TCIFA putting a lot of time and effort into developing these children into excellent athletes and responsible young people. They have a great set up here and I would encourage more young people to take up the sport and see where it can take you. I have been lucky to have travelled a lot in my life and this is due to my involvement in sport, you never know what opportunities may come your way if you work hard and follow your dreams".

News Story from the desk of the Commonwealth Games Association In our efforts to continue developing grassroots sports in the TCI, the Commonwealth Games Association is proud to announce the commencement of LEARN TO SWIM program designed for the girls and women of Grand Turk.

Every Saturday for the month of February the Commonwealth Games Association will be providing swimming lesson at Bohio Beach at 8:30am. Registration is $10 and includes a free bathing suit for the children!

Our first swimming lesson took place on February 4th, when 22 girls came excited with their swimsuits and swim caps. It wasn’t 10 minutes before the girls went from squealing to giggling. The little girls learned how to blow bubbles, put their face in the water and started to learn how to float. The older girls and adults

started to learn some of the basic techniques in swimming.

Ali Smith, who just completed his Caribbean Coaching Certification Program in St.Vincent and the Grenadines, headed up the coaching with the assistance of Canadian Capacity Support Officer Kathleen Reeves.

We would like to thank Ms. Lisa Catrell of Kansas, a visitor to Grand Turk, for collecting several bathing suits in Kansas and sent them down to assist with our program.

The Commonwealth Games Association is excited to see the participation grow in the community and we encourage all females to take part.

For more information please email [email protected] or drop by the office on Church Folly Rd beside the Sports Commission.

Rick Ball encourages young footballers

Page 43

SARWAN TO PLAY FOR LEICESTERSHIRE, NOT W.I"He has an impressive Test record and his availability to play

all forms of the game for us during the 2012 season is an addedbonus. We wanted to sign an experienced overseas batsman and

Ronnie certainly fits the bill."

Former West Indies opener Chris Gaylesays he does not intend to apologise tothe West Indies Cricket Board (WICB)for comments he made in a radiointerview last May regarding the teamand the state of West Indies cricket.

The 32-year-old, who has notrepresented the West Indies sincemaking the accusations, made thedisclosure shortly after belting 165 forJamaica during last week's WICBRegional Four-Day Tournament clashwith the Windward Islands.

"There is no rethinking of mydecision as it relates to apologising. Thatis out of the window. The ball is in their

(WICB) court," said Gayle."In fact, I am not really focusing on

that right now. What I am focusing on iswhat is in front of me. That is wheneverI get the opportunity to represent JamaicaI will, and whatever contracts I signoverseas," he declared.

Gayle, who last represented the WestIndies during last April's ICC World Cup,has been at loggerheads with the WICBsince the controversial radio interview.

During the interview, Gayle openlycriticised some of the polices andprocedures of the WICB and a number ofits officials, including coach OttisGibson.

The WICB then issued a statementlast October stating that for Gayle to beconsidered for future West Indiesselection he would need to retract hisstatements.

Gayle, however, has refused toapologise.

Since then, the big left-hander hasgone on to represent severalinternational clubs in Twenty20competitions, including India's RoyalChallengers Bagalore, Zimbabwe'sMatabeleland Tuskers, Australia'sSydney Thunder, Bangladesh's BarisalBurners, and South Africa's SunfoilDolphins.

Chris Gayle says he will not apologise toWest Indies Cricket Board

Chris Gayle

World football governing body FIFA has said it iswithholding the pension of its former vice presidentand Trinidad and Tobago Works Minister JackWarner.Warner resigned from FIFA last June followingbribery allegations that saw fellow Vice PresidentMohamed Bin Hammam banned for life.

But the former TTFF special adviser was stilldue a pension that could earn him as much as$230,000 (US$36,238) per year until he turns 96years old.

The FIFA Media Office confirmed that this isnot being paid.

"We can confirm that at present Jack Warner isnot receiving a FIFA pension," the FIFA MediaOffice told internet news site Wired868.com."Please kindly understand that we are not able toprovide you with further details on this matter at thisstage."

FIFA also said it is monitoring Trinidad andTobago's football but is not yet ready to act.

On Wednesday, a court-appointed marshalseized all removable assets from the head office ofthe Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation(TTFF) on the instructions of 13 members of the2006 World Cup squad.

The raid followed the TTFF's failure to make asecond interim payment of $4.6 million(US$724,000) that was due to the "Soca Warriors"since October 2011. The Warriors already receiveda payment of $7.2 million (US$1,140,384) earlierlast year after High Court Judge DevindraRampersad ruled in February 2011.

The Warriors, the TTFF and its former presidentOliver Camps return to court on Tuesday.

"At the time of writing, we have not receivedany official information from Trinidad and Tobago,"FIFA told Wired868.com. "We are currentlymonitoring the situation through the media and assuch please kindly understand that we are not in aposition to make any comments at this stage."

FIFAwithholding

Warner’s pension Experienced stroke-maker Ramnaresh Sarwan seemsset to be unavailable for West Indies' upcomingengagements after striking a deal with Leicestershireas their overseas player for the imminent Countyseason.

The club announced that it had signed the elegantright-hander for the entire 2012 season subject toapproval from the West Indies Cricket Board and UnitedKingdom immigration authorities.

"We are delighted to have completed the signing ofRamnaresh Sarwan," said chief executive Mike Siddall.

"He has an impressive Test record and hisavailability to play all forms of the game for us duringthe 2012 season is an added bonus. We wanted to signan experienced overseas batsman and Ronnie certainlyfits the bill."

Sarwan's commitment to the club rules him out ofAustralia's tour of the Caribbean, which runs fromMarch 16 to April 27, and the subsequent tour ofEngland that bowls off May 5 and ends June 24.

West Indies also host New Zealand in theCaribbean from June 23 to August 2.

The 31-year-old averages 40 from 87 Tests and41 from 173 one-day internationals, but has notplayed for West Indies since last June because offitness issues.

Last month, he was dumped by Guyana for theCaribbean Twenty20 as confusion reigned over hisfitness and was mysteriously omitted from the squadfor the ongoing regional first-class championship,after initially being named.

Sarwan, who has played for Gloucestershire inthe past, is expected to join the Leicestershire squadon their pre-season tour of Barbados next monthbefore flying to the UK for the start of the season onApril 5.

Leicestershire will compete in Division Two of theCounty Cham-pionship and will open their seasonagainst Glamorgan at their home ground at GraceRoad.

Sarwan unlikely toplay for WI this year

The British government announced it would relaxstiff income tax rules for the 2014 CommonwealthGames, a move that could lure Jamaican sprintsensation Usain Bolt and a host of top-tier athletesto the Glasgow showpiece.

Under British law, non-residents are required topay a 50 per cent tax rate on their appearance fee,and also cough up a quantity of their worldwideendorsement income.

The regulation has forced Bolt, the reigningOlympic 100 and 200 metres champion, to opt outof the London Aviva Grand Prix for the last twoyears.

"With six months tomorrow to go until London2012, I'm pleased to announce this specialexemption for Glasgow 2014 which will prolongthe Olympic legacy and help spread the long-termbenefits into Scotland," said chief secretary to the

Treasury, Danny Alexander."Everyone wants to see the best athletes

compete at Glasgow 2014 and this exemption willmake that more likely. Seeing the Sir Chris HoyVelodrome, it's clear that Glasgow will be anoutstanding venue for the Commonwealth Gameswhich showcases the best of UK and internationalsporting talent."

Glasgow 2014 chairman Lord Smith hailed theUK government's new initiative, pointing out itwould now make the Games appealing to theworld's best athletes, including the galaxy ofJamaican sprinters currently on the internationalstage.

Of recent, the Commonwealth Games havefailed to attract elite athletes as they have opted forthe brighter lights of the World Championship andthe Olympics.

UK lifts tax to pull out Bolt


- LEICESTERSHIRE’S MIKE SIDDALL ON SIGNING SARWAN

Page 44

TORONTO — Jeremy Lin calls hisrags-to-riches NBA story “a miraclefrom God,” adding that it is more thanjust a coincidence that everything issuddenly breaking right for him.

“Anytime something like thishappens, a lot of stuff has to be put intoplace, and a lot of it is out of mycontrol,” the Knicks phenom pointguard said. “If you look back at mystory, doesn’t matter where you look,but God’s fingerprints are all over theplace where there have been a lot ofthings that had to happen that Icouldn’t control. “You can try to call itcoincidence,” Lin continued, “but atthe end of the day, there are 20, 30things when you combine them all thathad to happen at the right time in orderfor me to be here. That’s why I call it amiracle.”

A Harvard graduate and the firstTaiwanese-American player in NBAhistory, the 23-year-old was cut by twoother NBA teams before the Knickspicked him up and sat him on thebench. After moving to the startinglineup earlier this month, he scoredmore than points in his first four starts,109, than any other NBA player since1976.

Lin addressed a large media

contingent following the Knicks’morning practice at Air Canada Centre.He was asked about everything fromhis living arrangements to his meteoricrise from bench warmer tointernational sensation. Lin said thatthere have been times throughout hiscareer, dating back to his college days,when he questioned whether he was agood enough player. He asked himselfthat same question when the Knicksassigned him to the D-League in earlyJanuary.

In December, Lin was cut by boththe Golden State Warriors and theHouston Rockets. He was signed bythe Knicks on Dec. 27 and wastechnically the fifth-string point guardbehind Toney Douglas, ImanShumpert, Mike Bibby and BaronDavis. He got a chance only becauseDavis, recovering from a back injury,suffered a setback days before Linplayed extended minutes against theNets.

Lin has stayed in the lineup sinceand is making the most of hisopportunity.

“I think it’s a miracle from God,”Lin said. “That’s how I would describeit. Because obviously I don’t thinkanybody expected this to happen the

way it happened.”In his first four NBA starts, New

York’s new point guard scored 109points, dished out 33 assists and nowhas the red-hot Knicks riding a five-game winning streak.

The Knicks — and the rest of theteams that passed on Lin— clearly hadno idea what they had in the undraftedHarvard graduate taking up a seat atthe end of the their bench. But with adeadline for a guaranteed contractlooming and several key injuriesopening up playing time, the Knicksdecided to see what the kid could do.And, as everyone knows, Linsanityensued.

Now instead of releasing Lin, theteam should be looking to lock him upfor the long haul.

His expiration date was comingup,” Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni toldthe New York Times last week. “Wehad to evaluate to see if there wassomething there or not.”

Lin’s contract for the rest of thisseason — which kicked in the dayafter Lin’s first start against Utah —will pay him $788,000 for the rest ofthe season. After that, he’ll be arestricted free agent, which allows theKnicks to match any offer he might

receive on the open market. The teamcan use its midlevel exception, whichis higher than the average playersalary, to re-sign Lin. And if Linmaintain his hold on the starting job,you have to figure the team will doeverything within its power to keephim.

The more immediate question ishow well will New York’s offenseperform when Amare Stoudemire andCarmelo Anthony return? WillD’Antoni be forced to reign Lin in toallow the team’s stars to get theirshots? Or will Melo and Amare be toldto go with the flow and let Lincontinue to run the team?

Few expect two superstars — withsimilarly supersized egos — to simplyfall in line behind Lin and morph fromthe main attraction into a supportingcast. Anthony and Stoudemire willtake the ball out of Lin’s hands whenthey return, forcing the point guard tobe more a distributor and less of ascorer. But with his ability to get to therim, Lin has shown he’s more of ascorer than the last point guard tosucceed in D’Antoni’s uptempooffense — perennial All-Star SteveNash.

Jeremy Lin says his storybook run withNY Knicks is ‘a miracle from God’

“If you look back at mystory, doesn’t matter where

you look, but God’sfingerprints are all over theplace...You can try to call itcoincidence, but at the end ofthe day, there are 20, 30things when you combine

them all that had to happen atthe right time in order for meto be here. That’s why I call it

a miracle.”- JEREMY LIN

BELGRADE, Serbia -Novak Djokovicsays he felt even more indebted to hiscompatriots after receiving Serbia's topstate honor from President Boris Tadic in aceremony at the national assembly buildingon Wednesday.

President Tadic said the five-timeGrand Slam singles winner deserved theKaradjordjeva Star Medal for "specialmerits in representing Serbia."

Djokovic said in his speech that "mypeople have indebted me even further withthis."

He added, "I may have dreamed ofraising the trophy at Wimbledon, but Icould never have thought that my countrywould reward me with such great honor."

The top-ranked Djokovic has wonWimbledon, the U.S. Open andsuccessfully defended the Australian Opentitle in the last eight months.

Djokovicgets top

honour fromSerbia



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