News

Guyanese Pilot Detained in Puerto Rico for US$620K Stashed in Private Jet

Published

9 years ago

November 28, 2014

Guyana Aviation Press Release, 27 Nov 2014 – A Guyanese pilot/businessman is currently being held in a Puerto Rican jail after he failed to disclose a large sum of cash which was hidden in several parts of the private jet he was onboard.

Khamraj Lall was the co-pilot onboard the jetliner bearing tail number N822QL when it stopped in the American annex of Puerto Rico to refuel.

United States Customs and Border Protection agents were conducting routine checks onboard the aircraft when they discovered large sums of the US currency totaling over $600,000. The airport agents had asked Lall and two other occupants to declare the money they were carrying. Lall was at the time traveling with his father and the pilot of the craft.

The pilot declared US$60 while together, the co-pilot and his father produced US$12,000. The hidden cash was found under a row of seats near to the plane’s exit and a suitcase with garbage bags of money was also found near the engine.

After the first sum of money was found under the seats, he told the authorities that it was proceeds from his business and he had forgotten that he had it there.

The authorities nonetheless continued their search, and found the remainder of cash near the engine. The pilot was then reported as taking full responsibility for the cash. He stated that his father and the pilot had nothing to do with the hidden money. The flight was said to be heading for Georgetown, Guyana.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramesh Ghir told Guyana Aviation that the local aviation authorities are “shocked” by the recent developments. Ghir confirmed that Lall is a Guyanese businessman who has a private hangar at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

He said the pilot was given permission some time back to construct the hangar where he is to conduct medical evacuations and other private flights out of Guyana. Lall is said to own two private jets.
However, after news of Lall’s detention surfaced, more information surfaced that the pilot was given special privileges at CJIA where he was allowed to forgo necessary customs and immigration among other security checks. Ghir and Minister of Transport, Robeson Benn both dismissed the claims declaring that all persons using the airport facilities have to go through the mandatory security procedures.

The facility is however located some distance away from CJIA’s arrival and departure building. The private hangar is very secluded. One has to turn right off the main road, to the southern end on the CJIA tarmac onto ‘Khali Road.’ This then takes you to the only building in that location of the airport.

There is a private security hut ahead of the hangar’s main building. No airport security is visible in this location.

Airport staffers told Guyana Aviation that because of the location, one can access the facility without authorities or anyone else ever knowing. This they say can be dangerous in terms of security, “while you may never know what kind of business is going on at the back there.”

It was stated also that Head of State Donald Ramotar would have traveled a few times on state business with the private jet. The bigger question asked was whether the flight was paid for with state funds or not. Benn opined that the flights could not have been free.

When asked, Ghir hinted to Guyana Aviation that it would not have been possible for the jet to smuggle money into or out of the country since it would have gone through the relevant security checks. The hangar is expected however to provide arrival and departure areas, executive lounges and spaces for customs and immigration agents among other facilities. The high-end clients will not have to go through the airport’s main arrival and departure facilities.
Currently, the private hangar is incomplete, Benn said. Much of the furnishings and internal work is to be concluded.

Lall who is said to have several other business ventures in Guyana, is expected to attend a bail hearing in Puerto Rico next week.

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News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

3 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.