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Turks and Caicos, July 20, 2017 – Providenciales – When most people think of the phrase “The Art of the Deal” – their minds quickly turn to the book authored by now United States President Donald Trump, with Tony Schwartz.   The book is said to be a commonsense guide to personal finance and was a ‘best seller’ in the US.   However, the deal I would like to know the art of is: why after two years and millions of dollars spent in legal fees across the board – would the 12 storey appeal be withdrawn from the Privy Council by the Tuscany and Venetian Strata Corporations.   The council, as you may know, is the highest court in the Turks and Caicos Islands.   Many inquiring minds would like to know; myself including.

Nevertheless, before we get to that question, afford me the opportunity to set the stage.   Many didn’t quite understand why said Strata Corporations were challenging the building of a 12 storey project, that being – the Ritz Carlton, which is a little over a mile away.   To give you some perspective, here are some hotels/resorts between the Ritz Carlton project site and the aforementioned resorts: Ocean Club, Club Mediterranean, Royal West Indies, Caribbean Paradise Inn, The Grace Bay Club, The Oasis at Grace Bay Hotel and Lofts, Villa Del Mar, Ocean Club West, The Pinnacle on Grace Bay, Ports of Call Resort and Seven Stars Resort.   That’s eleven (11) different properties in closer proximity to the Ritz Carlton site than the group that sued.   It could not be said that The Ritz Carlton would undermine their property value.   Nor would it change the makeup of the Grace Bay Beach strip, as it was too far away.   Moreover, the often discussed ‘shadow’ would not disturb their guests’ sun bathing, as the distance was too great to cause an impact.   So again, why the original lawsuit?

Let’s dig a little deeper. It is reasonable to think that most business people or investors purely operate from a paradigm of self-interest and profit above all else.  Principally, this being the heart of capitalism and we ascribe to a capitalistic doctrine here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.   In addition to the Ritz Carlton’s 12 storey project, I am reliably informed that there are/were at least two (2) other 12 storey projects in the pipeline. However, those project were awaiting the outcome of this court case.   One of the projects was to be erected on a vacant site adjacent to one of the resorts named in the lawsuit.   Consequently, this case was never about the Ritz specifically.   This case was about   ‘building height’ threshold. If The Ritz Carlton got the go-ahead, so to would the property next door.   This, of course, would have been unfortunate in the complainants view.

Many have speculated that the appeal was withdrawn for political reasons.   However, the PDM is on record in their support of the low density high end resort model.   A model which they take credit for pioneering. So again, if a change in government for lack of inward investment was the desired outcome for the developers, why withdraw the appeal, if you don’t want 12 storeys in your neighborhood?   I’d surely like to know the specifics of the deal that was struck by all parties involved.   In a recent TCI Sun newspaper, attorney Conrad Griffiths alludes to a few factors.   TCIG, a party in the case, would have a stake in the outcome of the deal.   With hope, one that was beneficial for the country.   Conversely, the public has a right to know the price of such withdrawal.

A birdie whispered in my ear that a part of the settlement terms is that the Ritz Carlton Project would be ‘allowed’ to move forward at 12 storeys and the two other projects would be ‘allowed’ to move forward at 10 storeys and 8 storeys respectively.   Of course the 8 storey project will be adjacent to the 7 storey Venetian thus keeping the developer happy as there will only be a one (1) storey difference in height between the buildings and keeping the aesthetics of the area the same.   So self interest and capitalism wins again.

I could be misinformed but given that our Premier recently lauded her support for Freedom of Information in the same TCI Sun newspaper, we trust that she would see fit for the public to be fully informed about the specifics of this deal.   Oh, and stating “it’s confidential” – is not a good enough excuse.   As we all know, with any secret, the truth will come out in the end.   Just a cautionary tale, historically, US Presidents always state that they don’t negotiate with terrorists, and surely – the TCI worker has been terrorized over these late two years by this unfortunate saga in the way of repressed job and career opportunities with a chance for self empowerment in a beloved Turks and Caicos Islands.

Stay Blessed,

Jamell Robinson

 

 

 

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DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REGULATIONS INTRODUCES “RATE YOUR RIDE” SYSTEM FOR TOURISTS VISITING THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

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FROM THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 27th March, 2024 – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Department of Tourism Regulations is proud to unveil the “Rate Your Ride” system, a new initiative designed to enhance the vacation experience for tourists exploring our picturesque islands.

The “Rate Your Ride” system empowers tourists to provide valuable feedback on the quality of transportation services they receive while visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through an easy-to-use online form, tourists can rate factors such as cleanliness, comfort, safety, and professionalism of drivers, helping us to assure the highest quality of service standards across all modes of transportation.

By participating in the “Rate Your Ride” system, tourists play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation services in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Their feedback will enable us to identify areas for improvement and ensure that every visitor enjoys safe, comfortable, and convenient travel throughout their stay in the Turks and Caicos.

The code will also be publicly accessible through the cooperation of volunteer drivers who will make the rating code available in their vehicles. Flyers and stickers displaying the code will be distributed at hotels, resorts and airports. The mandated display of these codes is expected to align with the rollout of our tourism regulations in 2025.

For more information about the “Rate Your Ride” system and other initiatives by the Department of Tourism Regulations, please visit gov.tc/tourismregulations/or contact us via telephone at 946-4970 and email at tourismregulations@gov.tc.

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THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH SERVICES CONDEMNS RECORDING OF PERSONS WHO ARE IN CRISIS

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FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 27th March 2024– The Department of Behavioral Health Services is appealing to the general public to refrain from recording and circulating videos of persons who may appear to be experiencing a mental health crisis. Anyone can experience a mental health crisis at some point in their life. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Persons may struggle with very common conditions such as Anxiety and Depression or be diagnosed with more serious conditions like Bipolar Disorder or Psychosis.

“There are a lot of misunderstandings about various mental health conditions and how they may manifest. In addition, there are a number of negative perceptions and misconceptions that society exhibits towards people with mental health problems. However, just as we would show care and concern for someone diagnosed with Cancer, or any other physical illness, in the same way, we need to be as caring and helpful to persons with mental illnesses”– stated Director of the Department of Behavioral Health Services, Dr. Alicia Malcolm.

The Department is urging the public to call the following numbers if you see someone who appears to be experiencing a mental health crisis:

338-5473/338-3616: Providenciales, North or Middle Caicos

338-3614/338-3612: Grand Turk, South Caicos, Salt Cay

338-6301: Nights and Weekends

If someone is putting themselves or someone else in immediate, serious risk of harm, call 911.

The Department of Behavioral Health services is here to help and provides the following services which are free and confidential:

Location of above services:

o             Sam Harvey Building, Down Town, Providenciales,

o             Primary Health Care Department, Cheshire Hall Medical Center, Providenciales 

o             Department of Behavioural Health, Duncombe Alley, Grand Turk

 

Let’s all do our part in creating a community where people with mental health problems feel respected, supported and cared for. 

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/ or the Department of Behavioral Health Services Faceebook on https://www.facebook.com/TCIDBHS/.

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Breaking Ground: TCI Could Lead in Regional Communication Standards

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Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom, 27th March 2024: The PR, marketing, and communications sector is poised for potential growth and could lead the Caribbean region in terms of industry standards says Damian Wilson. Wilson’s suggestion comes after the release of a new research report into the current trends and future direction of the sector as a possible emerging industry in the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI).

Wilson is the report’s author, which conveys the findings of research which he initiated. “One of the key research results is the considerable optimism by industry practitioners and government alike, with persons seeing growth potential. I believe that we can become regional leaders in this field. I believe that one of the initiatives that could be used to do this is by establishing a ‘TCI Centre of Communications Excellence’ within the TCI Community College. Such an institute would be dedicated to communication and media innovation with a particular focus on digital communications and ICT,” says Wilson.

He further explained, “I believe that the PR, marketing, and communications sector, like much of the country, is at a crossroads and could have an even greater impact on our socio-economic fabric. Some may have concerns about our small size, but I believe this makes us far more agile than our neighbours. All in all, any potential growth must be underpinned by new investments, professional development, and a strategy to integrate the sector into the broader economy.”

Wilson also said that he sees his research as a first step in understanding our own industry sectors in the TCI and would love to see more profound research and analysis conducted. He’s hoping that the report will spark discussion along those lines. The report is entitled ‘Current Trends and Future Direction: A Preliminary Report on the PR, Marketing, and Communications Sector in the Turks & Caicos Islands’. Anyone wanting a copy of the report can contact Damian Wilson via his email, damian.wilson.pr@gmail.com.

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