Simons outlines his PNP leadership candidacy 10 defendants ...

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▶ 04 LocaL April 26, 2012 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ www.fptci.com Gov. takes leave, attends FCO leadership conference on OTs His Excellency the Gov. Ric Todd left the Turks and Caicos Islands on April 23 on leave until April 30, when he will attend the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s annual leadership conference in London. “This is a tremendous opportunity for me to promote the people and business of the TCI to our peers both in the U.K. and across the other Overseas Territories,” the governor said in an April 23 statement. “We share a unique heritage, and meeting together in this way helps us to find new ways of improving the lives of our citizens and their economies by looking at what we can learn from, and do for, each other.” Government Chief Executive Officer Patrick Boyle was sworn in as acting governor until Todd’s return May 7. Todd is expected to meet with governors and administrators from the U.K.’s 13 other Overseas Territories to discuss the progress of the approaching FCO’s Overseas Territories White Paper, FCO strategy implementation as well as improving financial management and human rights. Minister Henry Bellingham will join the conference, and Department for International Development Minister Alan Duncan is expected to attend. Caribbean governors will meet separately to discuss matters of mutual interest such as building prosperity, economic reform and regional integration. Two days will be dedicated to FCO-wide plenary sessions on diplomatic excellence, security, prosperity, the U.K. economy and an update on the London Olympics. On May 2 Todd is scheduled to attend a workshop being held by Lord Howell and Sir John Major on the subject of U.K. engagement with the Commonwealth and priorities for the Diamond Jubilee Fund. There will be a series of outreach sessions covering passport repatriation, procurement procedures and governance structures, developing tertiary education for overseas territory citizens, and financial services. Baby meets his 911 lifesaver When Antonio Santus called Provo’s 911 Centre back in February, he was a devastated man. He was convinced he had just watched his one-monthold baby son die in front of him and was requesting the body be removed to the morgue. Little Hareph had suddenly stopped breathing and was showing no signs of life whatsoever. In Antonio’s mind, only a miracle could now save his child’s life, and it came in the shape of Nerissa Fortune, who answered the call. The 911 supervisor immediately calmed the distraught father and set about giving clear and precise instructions as to how to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in an attempt to revive the child. After a few agonising minutes, the youngster started breathing again, by which time paramedics had arrived on the scene. “It was very hard to hear to begin with because, understandably, both dad and mum were very emotional,” Nerissa explained. “But once I was able to calm Antonio down, I was able to pass on the basic instructions. “This involved telling him how to do CPR which is a very specialist procedure on such a young child. At the same time we made an emergency call for an ambulance and I just kept talking to Antonio and telling him as to what to do. “Thankfully, Hareph began to breathe again, which was obviously a wonderful moment for us all. I just kept talking and reassuring Antonio until the ambulance arrived and then the paramedics took over.” Two months later, Hareph is now a happy, fit and healthy baby boy who shows no ill effects from his dramatic ordeal. And there were tears of joy when dad, mother Angeline Petigny, Hareph and his twin brother Harephson, went to meet and thank Nerissa at the 911 Centre in William’s Plaza. “We are so happy to meet Nerrisa and thank her for what she did,” Antonio said. “Because of her and the grace of God, our little boy is alive today. “When I made that call it was to ask for Hareph to be taken to the morgue. In my mind he had passed away. But Narissa used all her amazing skills and training to help save his life, and she will always have a very special place in our hearts and in Hareph’s life. “Thank you so much to Narissa and all the 911 staff. They do an incredible job, and I just don’t have the words to express how grateful we are.” Narissa, who presented a cuddly toy on behalf of the 911 staff, insists she was “just doing my job.” “Of course it feels good to know that I helped save a little baby’s life, and Hareph will always be special to me,” she said. Narissa Fortune and baby Hareph. “But it’s what I and my colleagues are trained to do, and I was simply doing my job. Antonio also did an incredible job too and he deserves much of the credit. “The 911 centre provides a wonderful service, and I’m sure the outcome would have been the same whoever happened to answer the call that day. “It’s just heart-warming that this incident had such a happy ending and it was a real honour and a pleasure to meet the family and I thank them for taking the trouble to come and say hello. It means a great deal to me and all of us at the centre.” Meanwhile Hareph’s sudden lose of breathing remains a mystery with doctors unable to determine exactly what happened. “No one is really sure what it was and why it happened,” said mother Angeline. “All we know is that our precious son is fine now, and we thank Narissa for that.” New Crown land fees to take effect May 1 New fees for administrative transactions involving Crown land will take effect May 1. The fees for application for lease, license and easement over Crown land, surrender of lease and other charges are aimed at recovering administrative costs. “In order to ensure we are operating effectively and are able to sustain and improve our current levels of service, we have had to explore different funding options,” said Commissioner of Lands Tatum Clerveaux in an April 23 press release. “By introducing application fees and other charges we ensure that the costs of the services provided, which include administration and officer time, are recovered crown land Fees p f directly from those utilizing the service, and are not borne by the entire general public, including those who are not engaged in these transactions.” “The new charging regime will also give us the opportunity to set targets by which we can monitor the level and quality of the service given. We will be able to enhance our customer service and provide our customers with faster document turn around time.” Some of the charges are already introduced under the Conditional Purchase Lease Limited Time Scheme, but the remaining charges will be introduced in May and reviewed within six months. ParT a – GraNT oF LEasE or LiCENCE Tourism development - hotel, golf course, etc. ...................$1,000 Marina ..................................................................................................$1,000 Mining .....................................................................................................$500 General industrial ...............................................................................$500 Communication site ..........................................................................$500 Commercial recreation ....................................................................$250 General commercial excludes hotel, marina, golf course ..$250 Public utilities ....................................................................................... $250 Residential ............................................................................................. $100 Agricultural ........................................................................................... $100 Institutional/Community ................................................................ $100 PART B – OTHER ITEMS Extension/conversion/surrender of a conditional purchase lease ......................................................................................................... $100 Surrender of a lease (other than a conditional purchase lease) ..........................................................................................................$50 Grant of an easement ....................................................................... $100 Extinguishment of an easement .....................................................$50 Copy of record held by the Crown Land Unit (per page) ......$10 Development giving boost to South Caicos economy saIlrOck continued from page 1 workers are being employed. With a large scale project like Sailrock, Malcolm said hiring skilled and unskilled workers is an indication it will have a large impact on the local economy, particularly in the future as it continues to grow. The firm is not only hiring local workers, but also training them, hoping to make an impact for the future. Gardiner said he only hires outside workers when they need special skills not available on island, but he is ensuring local workers are be trained in those skills. “Even though I may not be here doing the work, you will have a lot of local people on South Caicos who will then know how to do a little bit of masonry, carpentry and steel work,” Gardiner said, something he believes will go a long way to helping the future economy of the island. Although D&D Construction is a North Caicos firm, Gardiner said most of his past work experience had been on Provo. Since the construction boom went bust in recent years, business has been slow. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me,” Gardiner said of doing a project of the magnitude of Sailrock. “I have a chance to employee a lot of locals on an island where we need employment.” The Sailrock project is a large scale development on the island of South Caicos that will ultimately consists of vacation villas, a hotel and includes restoration of historic buildings around the island. “This project will keep me busy for 2012 and most likely beyond,” Gardiner said. Ted Weldon, Sailrock Developer Ltd., said D&D Construction was selected through a competitive bidding process. “We were most impressed by Delano and his organization, and their ability to perform on the job.” To date Weldon said they have exceeded expectations. Although nicknamed “the Big South,” the island of South Caicos is relatively small in relation to the largely developed island of Providenciales. Weldon says he and partner Colin Kihnke place the sustainability of the island as a large priority in their overall development plan. “We are developing our project in a way that is respectful of the wonderful surroundings and beauty of the islands,” he said. “We are also respectful of creating opportunities for the local community to share in the success of it all.”
p www.fptci.com _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ April 26, 2012 f ▶ 05 The Providenciales Chamber of Commerce has increased its efforts as a result of the organization’s mounting concerns about the impact of new government policies on the business community and other negative factors impacting local commerce. These include regular meetings with the country’s Chief Financial Officer Hugh McGarel- Groves that members have found beneficial and whose suggestions have been taken into account. “It is vital that we ensure the business community is not overlooked and while we have had to fight for some of the face-time we are getting with certain in country and visiting groups, our membership can rest assured that The Chamber is not resting on its laurels,” explained Chamber President Tina Fenimore. “The sweeping changes in some 50 ordinances demand vigorous attention; and we have been giving them just that with our Executive team meeting more frequently and going above and beyond what has been required in previous years.” Among the extra activities of the Provo Chamber has been the preparation of several positions papers, but much more has been underway. “Over the next few days, weeks and months the public will be excited at the ‘coming out’ of our behind the scenes work and what it means for business development and its future in the islands,” Fenimore said. The chamber plans to be heard more regularly on radio, seen more regularly on television, appear more regularly in print and continue to build its online presence. It has a Face- book page and is working on revamping its website platform to be even more interactive. “Additionally, I am working with our secretary and administrator at the Provo Chamber to launch an e-newsletter where the work of the Chamber can be more regularly accessed and assessed by our members and the public,” Fenimore said. LocaL FSC action plan proposes deposit insurance ordinance FortisTCI and AEP Limited The Financial Services Commission has published a five-year plan that proposes improvement to its role of supervising insurance, securities, trusts and banks, including a deposit insurance ordinance. No details of the deposit insurance ordinance are included in the plan. The lack of deposit insurance caused most depositors in the Turk and Caicos Islands Bank Ltd. to lose nearly all of their money when the local institution was closed in April 2010 by the FSC. Liquidation is still ongoing, but customers hold little hope of recovering most of their losses. An FSC report said the bank’s senior management caused the small indigenous bank to fail, but the FSC should have stepped in sooner to correct years of persistent problems. That report, plus recent reviews by the International Monetary Fund, the Toronto Centre and the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force, pointed out shortcomings of the FSC and what was needed to solve problems and meet international standards. A draft plan including those recommendations was presented Feb. 17 to stakeholders including the Bankers Association, Association of Licensed Trustees, the Insurance Managers Association and the Insurance Association. The plan announced April 25 will be available on the FSC’s website (www.tcifsc.tc) and be periodically updated. “The Action Plan is the culmination of a great Provo Chamber is working for progress On the Web Read more about the chamber’s plans and activities with this story at fptci.com or in our online Public Documents section On the Web Read the FSC’s Action Plan on its website at www.tcifsc.tc. deal of work by the FSC and its partners in the financial services sector, and represents a summary of our objectives for the next five years,” said FSC Chairman Errol Allen. “Completion of these objectives will provide the TCI with an extremely robust and practical legislative and regulatory framework designed to support the industry into the future.” The plan calls for improved reporting, more staff and training for the FSC, and a number of new laws. For banking and trusts, new legislation will include the Financial Services Commission Ordinance, Banking Ordinance, Bank Insolvency Ordinance, Deposit Insurance Ordinance and Trustees Ordinance, according to the plan. The FSC has transferred its Banks and Trusts department and the Finance and Administration department to its Providenciales offices, and has begun relocating its Insurance department. “The Action Plan charts a positive way forward for the sector and describes the steps that will be taken to ensure the TCI keeps pace with the latest international regulatory standards,” His Excellency the Gov. Ric Todd said in the announcement. “I am sure the private sector will rise to the challenges ahead and work with the FSC to ensure that TCI’s reputation as a financial services centre is enhanced.” Scotiabank customers in Turks and Caicos now have a chance to win $100 when they bank online. In a program that began April 16, Scotiabank clients can go online to learn about the benefits and features of online and mobile banking. By watching videos, customers earn ballots and will be automatically entered into a draw. Clients can up their chances even further by signing up for online or mobile banking where they will earn more ballots and have a higher chance of winning the draw taking place June 30. “This is an exciting opportunity for our customers to discover the bank’s award winning mobile and online banking services and to learn how to use these tools to their advantage,” said Cecil Arnold, Scotiabank country head. “Online and mobile banking are convenient ways for our clients to do their banking whenever and wherever they want while ensuring the safety and security of their money.” In 2011, Scotiabank was awarded Best Consumer Internet Bank in 20 Caribbean countries and Best Corporate/Institutional Internet Bank in 11 Caribbean Countries by Global Finance, Life Savers Health & Safety Consultants � First Aid Courses & Recertification �Fire Safety & Extinguisher Course �Emergency & Basic �CPR/Defribillator Babysitting, Child & Elderly Care � First Aid Kits & Restocking Wendy Hill Certified Professional Trainer Call: 649-241-3300 email: fireworks123@live.ca FortisTCI submits 2011 annual regulatory filing have submitted their Annual Regulatory Filings for the year ended Dec. 31, 2011, to the Electricity Commissioner. Reflecting economic weakness of the local economy, the utility reported overall growth of 0.3 percent in energy demand. All sectors showed a decline in sales except for commercial and small hotels, driven primarily by a strong 2011 tourist season, according to the utility. Sales for large hotels decreased because of extended closures following Hurricane Irene, and residential sales decreased by 2 percent as residents increased energy conservation efforts, the utility said. The company reported earning profits of $8.7 million and spending $26.37 million for capital investments, including a second larger, more efficient generator for improved generating efficiency, reduced maintenance costs and improved reliability. It also finished a new corporate headquarters and customer service centre and built an 800,000-gallon fuel storage facility. “Although we had an extremely busy year, the company and its employees rose to the challenge,” said Fortis TCI CEO Eddinton Powell. “Major headwinds included the continuing global recession and the impact of Hurricane Irene which resulted in the temporary closure of some of our commercial customers.” “Despite the economic recession, we continued to be a significant investor which provided much needed buoyancy to the local economy. Our investments in both physical and human assets are part of the Company’s long term strategy to ensure that the TCI has one of the best electricity systems in the world.” “The current spike in fuel prices, which has driven up the cost of electricity to our customers, remains one of our biggest challenges,” he said, citing a reduction in fuel usage. “We are committed to increasing fuel efficiency even further.” Bank online and win cash an internationally renowned monthly magazine, for the most successful and innovative online banking system. The bank was also the first to launch the Mobile Banking App for BlackBerry and iPhone users, which operates on the same advanced security platform as Scotia OnLine. For those worried about the security of online banking, Scotiabank says online and mobile banking run by banks are as safe to use as the systems in their branches. “Scotiabank’s online and mobile banking services are supported by a number of security measures to ensure the integrity of transactions and account information,” Arnold said. “For example, the Online Security Guarantee ensures that customers be fully reimbursed in the event that they experience direct financial losses due to unauthorized activity.” For more information Visit turksandcaicos.scotiabank.com to Bank Online and Win.
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Simons outlines his PNP leadership candidacy 10 defendants ...

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