LE REVE RECASTS - “MARDI GRAS: A NIGHT ON BOURBON STREET, ITS FOURTH ANNUAL GALA BALL
Organizers of the Le Reve Gala Ball, a charitable event - will be hosting their fourth annual prestigious gala event in Providenciales, the jewel of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Rescheduled from its original November 2010 date due to Hurricane Tomas, preparations for the fourth annual fundraising gala are in the final stage. The “Mardi Gras” theme will offer guests a reason to party with a purpose. With the masquerades, parade and theatrics of a carnival, guests will be transported to the drama, richness and grandeur that is Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter.
This years’ formal cocktail affair will take place on Saturday, April 2, 2011, at The Veranda on Grace Bay Beach. The event promises to be an evening of pure enchantment and frivolity, combined with its usual elegance and excellence in service. Guests will enjoy a street fair, marching band, dancers, singers and a live auction to boot. Le Reve’s last gala, “Diamonds are Forever” was hosted at The Regent Palms where the black-tie affair sold out, and successfully raised some $12,000 to benefit the TCI Kidney Foundation.
“Although we were disappointed that Tomas required us to postpone the gala, we expect this year’s event to be our most exciting yet. The festivities will be second to none – food, music and culture – what could be better? You don’t have to travel to New Orleans for Mardi Gras; you can enjoy the experience right here in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said Ms. Michelle Swann, President of the Le Reve Gala Ball Organising Committee
The continued aim of the committee through this event is sustained partnership with the community in accordance with the ideals of their motto: “Realizing one charitable dream at a time.” Additional event information will be released in the coming weeks.
To learn more about sponsorship or vendor booths, kindly contact Ms Michelle Swann on (649) 231-4429 or Edith Skippings on (649) 231-1515 or visit: www.lereveball.tc.
Three Delegates will represent the TCI at the CCLD
Three Turks and Caicos Islanders are selected to be among of 120 persons from Canada, Caribbean and Bermuda to participate in the Caribbean Canada Emerging Leaders Dialogue.
Participants from all sectors of the economy will be invited to take part in this exciting learning experience that broadens perspectives and improves decision-making practices.
Built on the proven model of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Study Conference – with over fifty years of experience and the Governor-General’s Canadian Leadership Conference, the CCELD 2011 brings together a diverse group of influential and emerging leaders to participate in a series of learning tours in varied cultures and communities.
RTC News has learnt that Consultative Forum members Drexwell Seymour & Sharlene Cartwright Robinson along with Gordon Burton will represent the Turks & Caicos Islands. Speaking with Sharlene Cartwright Robinson she stated that "It was an application process and our TCI delegates are scheduled to leave May 28th."
The Dialogue is sponsored by Bank of Nova Scotia and will last for two weeks.
Lime loses JA$1.3 billion in first quarter
Losses have continued to grow in the quarter ended December 2010 for telecoms company LIME Jamaica according to the latest published financial report. But bosses are pointing to plans which it is hoped would lead to a turnaround to profitability for the company.
For the period, net loss stood at $1.3 billion, 270 per cent greater than the $351 million loss in the comparative prior year's quarter, but the launch of LIME's mobile TV, and a national marketing campaign also took place in the quarter and necessitated increased spending, company executives noted. They also pointed to the planned expansion of LIME's 3G penetration and other planned developments as prospects for a turnaround in profitability.
The negative results could not be mitigated by the mere 9.7 per cent increase in revenue for the quarter, but bosses cited progress in areas of the company's operations including the launch of the hugely popular mobile TV in the quarter, a strong growth in mobile gross adds and a reduction in postpaid churn by 14 per cent as positive results. Other ways in which the company hopes to stop the haemorrhaging at the bottom line are an expansion in the broadband penetration and landline business and a possible offloading of its field operations to a global service provider.
"The talks are geared at examining opportunities to achieve cost savings and improved customer service," LIME chairman Chris Dehring said in a statement to shareholders on the discussions with the provider.
However, the negative first quarter results followed a J$6.6 million increase in outpayments, 51 per cent more than that in the corresponding quarter of 2009; a $1.2 billion increase in other cost of sales, and a $220 million increase in total operating expenses.
The increase in total operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortisation, was due to increased brand promotional activity and higher employee costs due to union pay agreements, Dehring said. There was a 28 per cent, or $237 million increase in employee expenses for the quarter and a 16.6 per cent increase in administrative, marketing and selling expenses, $1.9 billion more than in the prior year's quarter. At the annual general meeting held in September last year, then general manager Geoff Houston said LIME would 'more than double' its marketing budget for the 2010/2011 financial year.
A 23 per cent reduction in depreciation recognition, to $981 million mitigated a more significant decline in operating expenses. According to the statement by the chairman, "the decrease reflects increased depreciation in prior quarters as a result of the review of the useful economic lives of the asset base".
Losses also occurred in the company's foreign exchange line, with a $13 million loss in the quarter under review, versus a gain of $89.6 million in prior year's quarter as interest rates continued to decline as a result of the Jamaica Debt Exchange. Other finance costs declined however, $472 million, but this was not enough to mitigate an overall loss of $480 million in the quarter as finance income reduced 77 per cent to $4.8 million.
Garfield Sinclair, managing director of LIME Jamaica however conceded that the company still has a way to go back to profitability despite a vastly improved image and the mobile innovation. "We're now seen as innovators again, with exciting new services like mobile TV, which will only enhance our ability to permanently attract mobile customers to our network," Sinclair also said in a statement on the results.
"Our landline business will receive a much needed facelift in the coming quarter and has already begun to show renewed signs of strength in December with a 19 per cent increase in Gross Adds over the previous year," Sinclair said. In September last year, chairman Chris Dehring noted that LIME had already added over 100,000 new customers to its roster and would aim for more before the end of that year.
The company is also planning an improvement in its broadband penetration particularly in relation to small and medium enterprises.
"We believe broadband penetration continues to be far too low given its positive effect on GDP growth and we will therefore continue to work with the government and our communities to expand broadband service in Jamaica," Sinclair said.
Dehring remains positive about the future of the more than 140 year old company. "We continue to focus on our 3G expansion and investment in improved service delivery and customer service. We believe this will position us strongly to capitalise on the improved economic climate when the recovery begins," he said.
Source: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com
Egypt's Mubarak steps down, vice president says
President Hosni Mubarak has decided to stand down as president of Egypt, Vice President Omar Suleiman announced on state television Friday.
Suleiman said the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces will "run the affairs of the country."
Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters exploded in cheers on the streets of Cairo after the announcement.
"Egypt is Free!" they chanted.
A source with close connections to Persian Gulf government leaders told CNN that Mubarak had gone to the Red Sea resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh.
Consultation to begin on European Union funded revenue study
TCIG has today released a presentation charting the macroeconomic and fiscal history of the Turks and Caicos Islands since the 1990s. The presentation will be used to set the context for consultations on the European Union funded revenue study due to begin next week.The history can be read in it's entirety in the Press Release section of this site.
Brian Titley, the UK Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor, remarked that the presentations underlined the fragility of the TCI economy and its public finances. ‘These problems have built up over time and will not go away overnight. Corrective action is needed and now. Whatever administration is in government would face the same tough choices.’
The presentation reveals a history of poor administration and unsustainable economic growth through an over investment in the construction of real estate during the latter half of the last decade that outpaced demand.
‘The benefits of the rapid growth in construction activity were too narrowly distributed and short lived. At the same time there was a 3 fold increase in public sector spending to the exclusion of much needed investments in other business sectors, public infrastructure and in the education and training required to modernise public services and the economy. Together these decisions increased the vulnerability of the economy to external shocks’.
‘TCI is a small economy and in danger of getting smaller. If it is grow and compete effectively in an increasingly competitive regional and global economy it must correct its public finances, improve its public services, grow its consumer base and remove barriers to business innovation, creation, competition and growth. Not to do so will only damage the interests of Belongers and all residents in the long run’.
The tax consultations will play an important part in setting TCIG’s budget for 2011/12 which is being led by the Chief Financial Officer Caroline Gardner with Delton Jones, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance.
They commented: ‘The announcement last week of the UK Government’s intention to provide a loan guarantee to the TCI represents a vital opportunity to turn around TCIGs finances, but revenue reform remains essential. TCIG has a growing structural deficit in its public finances; recurrent revenues have never covered recurrent government spending’.
Although revenues were buoyant during the middle of the last decade, due principally to the sale of crown land and increased imports of construction materials, public sector debt has exploded in the last 5 years. It will continue to grow rapidly unless wasteful public spending is cut and revenues improved. A narrow tax base, poor tax administration and the unchecked granting of tax exemptions and concessions by the previous administration have undermined the public revenue system in the TCI. It is no longer fit for a modernising economy. The need for reform has long been recognized within the Ministry of Finance but was overlooked by previous administrations.
‘There will always be some winners and losers from fiscal measures’ Ms Gardner continued, ‘but some existing taxes can be simplified and replaced by more efficient ones so the overall burden need not increase significantly. This, however, cannot take place overnight because new tax collection systems first need to be in place’.
Public consultations on the EU revenue study are due to start late next week. Work on the study began in October last year and follows up Professor Alan Roe’s review of the revenue system in early 2010. However, the study has already concluded that the introduction of a low annual tax on property is not administratively feasible or prudent in current economic conditions. The Government has accepted these conclusions.
The Ministry of Finance is also releasing the latest national accounts statistics for the TCI economy in a preliminary report. ‘Developing estimates of economic activity in our country is a demanding task and raises a number of difficult issues’, explained Delton Jones. ‘I am therefore grateful to my colleagues in the Department for Economics Planning and Statistics for their continuing hard work and analysis to address these issues and improve our statistics’.
NO TCI TOP MODEL 2011
Organizers of the most highly anticipated event in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the annual TCI Top Model Contest & Fashion Extravaganza - have been compelled to put hold to planning this year’s event due to the adverse economic climate affecting the country.
Envisioned to showcase the beauty and creativity of young aspiring fashion and design talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands, The TCI Top Model Contest & Fashion Extravaganza is an event “ Where beauty, fashion and drama collide – to create an evening of true opulence and glamour”. Last year’s event “The Beautiful Experience” saw 18-year-old Ashley Smith capturing the coveted TCI Top Model Contest and Raynelis Howell - winning the TCI Fashion Designer of the Year Competition.
Slated for Friday, April 29th - this year’s event was expected to be more elaborate than the former two: bigger prizes, the same level of excellence and top modeling agencies from America’s East and West Coast scouting for fresh faces. Courtney Robinson, TCITM’s Executive Producer said: “We put a lot of time, care and preparation in staging the TCI Top Model Contest & Fashion Extravaganza. Providing the necessary training, grooming and guidance for the participants is fundamentally utmost. The TCITM is not an ordinary catwalk show, modeling contest or fashion competition, it is an event geared to give participants an opportunity of a lifetime: exposure and a springboard to a career in fashion design, fashion modelling and photography in the TCI and, hopefully further afield.”
More youth to play soccer in TCI
A recent recruitment drive on Providenciales has paid great dividends with around 300 youths having joined both the boys and girls leagues. And reports are that schools that have previously not been involved in the TCIFA’s Youth Development Programme, have, shown more interest.
According to Matthew Green, TCIFA’s Technical Director- “Institutions such as Shining Stars, BEST Institute and Whole Gospel Academy have joined other government and privately run schools - thereby ensuring that their students are exposed to other sports and a diverse athletic conditioning “What is even more pleasing is that the kids are TCI nationals and their parents seem very supportive. Several schools have also started after school soccer clubs, which is creating further interest,” added Green.
Green has been visiting several schools, speaking during their general assemblies, at Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meetings, as well as conducting sessions and helping to set up soccer clubs. Of the drive, Christopher Bryan, President of the Association said: “It’s extremely encouraging seeing the increase in numbers of youth players this year. It’s the Football Association’s aim to give every child in TCI the opportunity to play a sport which is beneficial to a child’s development on many different levels and this is being realized through the hard work of Technical Director Matthew Green, our General Secretary Sonia Bien-Aime and all our youth coaches.” With regards to implementing Youth Development Programmes on the islands of North and Middle Caicos, the TCIFA is hopeful that the Sports Commission can assist in this area, as it its aim to cultivate a love for football and develop the sport in the country goes from strength to strength.
Stowaways treated at the Cheshire Medical Centre
RTC has learnt that about 3:30pm on Wednesday February 9, two male patients were admitted to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre emergency department.
“It is believed they were Dominican stowaways, found aboard a vessel that had arrived into TCI waters the day before. They were brought into the hospital by ambulance and accompanied by Customs officers.
“Both were complaining of minor aliments although neither was considered to be in a serious condition.
“The pair are undergoing treatment and will also be tested for all other conditions and diseases, as is standard InterHealth Canada practice in these situations.”
The spokesman told RTC News: “On Wednesday, four Dominican males in their 20s were brought to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre after being discovered stowed away on the same vessel.
“All four were discharged into the custody of Customs officers after being treated for dehydration.”
Point Grace hosts Robert Hall
The Turks and Caicos Weekly News named Robert Hall the ‘Person of the Year’ for 2010 and Beverly Williams, Manager of Point Grace said it was their honour to host Mr. and Mrs. Hall at their Grace Bay located property.
Mr. Hall, who flew in from Grand Turk, compliments of Air Turks and Caicos and Magnetic Media said it was an incredible experience.
“This is a beautiful facility, and I have had a tremendous time here. The management and staff have been just great,” said Hall on the day of his departure.
Point Grace also ensured the couple was able to dine at Grace’s Cottage where Chef Vincent Poieevin and his cooking staff, prepared a meal which was all the rave.
“The food was absolutely fabulous; and it was not only for the food itself, I loved the ambience of the restaurant; it was just romantic.”
Point Grace wanted to treat Mr. Hall, who on Monday February 7, 2011 also broadcast his Expressions talk show live from his suite, to the weekend to demonstrate to residents that Point Grace is not off limits and welcomes residents for dining, spa treatments or resort stays.
Mr. Hall, who once worked at the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board, believes the Turks and Caicos offers a most unique tourism product.
“Although we have a mixed tourism product, Providenciales has been primarily the upper end and that has bode well for The Turks and Caicos.”
As for what he thought of his three bedroom, top floor suite, complete with ocean views from three rooms; Hall said it was breathtaking.
“The rooms, everything is great. I can see why it has been repeatedly been winning several awards. There were so many things which my wife and I have enjoyed. For one thing the hotel could not have been situated on a better stretch of beach, Grace Bay Beach. The ocean view is splendid, day and night. In the mornings looking out, as many of the sports activities and boats get out there, there are people walking or jogging the beach and then in the evening, the lights along the shore - magnificent.”
Robert Hall was also thankful for being considered and named Person of the Year 2010 and had gracious remarks for the Weekly News.
“Gemma Handy wrote a beautiful article, to the point where I had to say, ‘is that Robert Hall she’s writing about?’ she spent some time with me on my show in Grand Turk.”
Mrs. Maria Hall said the weekend was just lovely and explained that she was and is proud of her husband’s accomplishment.
Robert Hall lightheartedly added: “When they broached the subject with me, I was really, really pleasantly surprised because I don’t work for accolades though a good salary would be nice. In fact when I started the programme, I wasn’t even being paid because it is about providing a service to the people at a critical time. More seriously though, it is sure nice to know that members of the public do appreciate the efforts I have been making and so I am indeed thankful to Blythe Duncanson and his readers for their selection of me.”
Point Grace also provided chauffeured service in their classic white, London Cab.
O’SOLEIL TO BE TRANSFORMED INTO CHOCOLATE HEAVEN
On Saturday, 19th February The Salvation Army in association with O’Soleil Restaurant will transform the Somerset’s Croquet lawn into a “Chocolate Heaven” for an unforgettable delicious evening.
The first 2011 charity event on the cards for O’Soleil will bring together Pastry Chefs from a wide cross section of the islands to showcase their creativity as they compete for the best edible chocolate creations.
Chocolate connoisseurs and chocoholics attending the Chocolate Lover’s Showcase will enjoy featured performances by a Toronto Symphony Orchestra violinist while savouring a chocolate themed drink, a specialty coffee or sipping a complimentary glass of champagne courtesy of the Wine Cellar. Persons will also get the chance to participate in a silent auction with proceeds going towards The Salvation Army. The event which starts at 8:00 p.m. will conclude with an awards presentation for “Top TCI Dessert”, “People’s Choice Award” and a “Honourable Mention Award”.
Gordon Lightbourne, O’Soleil’s Director of Food and Beverage, who expressed delight at hosting the inaugural event said, “The Salvation Army is noticeably active in our local communities and O’Soleil feels that it is fitting to support the organisation by graciously hosting this showcase on their behalf. TCI’s Pastry Chefs are some of the best in the world and their level of creativity is truly remarkable. I encourage everyone to come out and have a great time while supporting this worthy charity.”
Lightbourne added, “We also encourage persons to continue to support O’Soleil and look forward to welcoming you at our Tuesday Caribbean Nights, Mojito Thursdays, and our popular Friday night Happy Hour.”
Tickets for the event are $50.00 and sales go towards The Salvation Army’s high school lunch programme. Tickets are available for purchase from Green Bean Cafe in Turtle Cove, or by contacting Mathew at 431-9711 or via email at Mathew_trayler@car.salvationarmy.org.