News

Government underscores the impact of climate change on the country

Published

11 years ago

September 25, 2013

NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS – The effects of climate change will have the potential to drastically change the landscape of The Bahamas and its residents, the Minister of the Environment and Housing the Hon Kenred Dorsett told a workshop on Monday, September 23, 2013.

He was addressing The Climate Smarting Comprehensive Disaster Management Country Work Programme opening ceremony on behalf of the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, at the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture conference room on Thompson Boulevard.

Captain Stephen Russell, Director of the National Emergency Management Agency and Lyndon Robertson, project coordinator, Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, CDEMA, also addressed the opening ceremony. The workshop, slated for September 23 to 27, 2013 aims to develop a strategic country work programme for comprehensive disaster management that is climate smart and gender-sensitive, amongst other things. It also seeks to educate participants of Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and its need to be integrated into The Bahamas’ Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) Programme.

Facilitated by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, CDEMA and the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, the workshop further seeks to identify peculiar needs of The Bahamas for achieving Comprehensive Disaster Management and to determine what concrete changes are needed to address these needs. Recently, many studies have highlighted the effects and impact of climate change on The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean, which calls for measures to be put in place to counteract the effects.

In March 2012, a CARIBSAVE Partnership study assessed that 15 low-lying states in the Caribbean were particularly vulnerable to climate change and needed to “develop pragmatic response strategies to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience”. And, The Bahamas, like the other 14 Participating States is experiencing coastal erosion and expect to see changes in average atmospheric temperature, reduced average annual rainfall, increased sea surface temperatures and the potential for an increase in the intensity of tropical storms. Additionally, there is a predicted increase in the intensity of tropical storms and hurricanes.

“All of this is dire news and we must begin to act now to help secure our countries,” Mr. Dorsett said. “As developing countries and small island states, we will be the first and the hardest hit.” With continued coastal and beach erosion and the rising sea level, the country’s tourism product will be threatened, he said. “The effects of climate change will be great and have the potential to drastically change the lives we live now. The livelihood of almost every fisherman and farmer will be threatened and thereby food security. The quality of water and its availability is also threatened,” he said.

In The Bahamas these threats are almost replicated on each island and cay, covering over 100,000 square miles. “Our work to mitigate the effects of climate change must be replicated throughout the length and breadth of The Bahamas. This makes it that much more challenging for us and much more necessary that we intervene now,” Mr. Dorsett said. In this vein, he regarded the workshop as both timely and relevant. The overall objectives are to: enhance the understanding of vulnerability to natural and anthropogenic hazards in the Caribbean; expansion of Country Work Plan activities and responsibility; agreement on the outcome and output level results for the national CDM Programme, amongst other things.

In 2012, a significant template for The Bahamas’ fist Country Work Plan was created by a number of government agencies in collaboration with CDEMA and NEMA. These agencies were charged with the responsibility of keeping the plan and maintaining it every three years. The Bahamas Government has begun the process of identifying vulnerable areas throughout the country and intends to enforce land use and building code policies.

The Bahamas Environmental Scientific and Technology (BEST) Commission and the Ministry of Works and Urban Development are tasked with monitoring, the implementation and enforcement of these policies supported by legislation. Additionally, the Bahamas National Geographic Information Systems (BNGIS) will assist the mentioned agencies with the execution of these responsibilities through collaborating and supplying spatial data and maps.

By LINDSAY THOMPSON BAHAMAS INFORMATION SERVICES

News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

4 days ago

May 14, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.

Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.

Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.

Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.

Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.

The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.

Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”

He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”

Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion

Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.

Crime

Male Charged with Robbery

Published

5 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.

The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:

One Count: Robbery
One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear

Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.

The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.

Crime

Dock Yard Male Charged

Published

5 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.

The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05^th, 2024.

Mr. SIMON faces the following charges: 

One Count: Robbery;
One Count: Gang Membership
One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.

The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.

Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02^nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.