News

Williams Auditorium transforms with New Community Focus

Published

9 years ago

December 17, 2014

PROVIDENCIALES, TCI DECEMBER 15, 2014 — For over 13 years Williams Auditorium has been enjoyed as a premier and community events center in the Turks and Caicos Islands and come January 2015 the use of the facility will alter dramatically. Williams Auditorium will instead offer a low cost wholesale grocery option for the people of the islands.

“It was not an easy decision to shift the community focus of Williams Auditorium, but with the significant slump in business and greatly reduced need for the 10,000 square feet premises for events; we decided it was a good move to allow Sunny Foods Retail & Wholesale to lease the space and move in,” said Hon. Delroy Williams, owner of Williams Auditorium.

Golden Sunrays Ltd or Sunny Foods is nearly done with its modifications to Williams Auditorium and will bring wholesale grocery shopping to Five Cays and beyond. The lease to Sunny Foods Retail& Wholesale will last for ten
years.

Originally, Sunny Foods was hoping to open the doors of its „cash and carry‟ in December 2014. The company, which brokered the lease to operate from Williams Auditorium for at least the next decade has added a new side entrance, overhauled the interior of the structure and graded the parking lot, which is one of the most expansive parking areas in the country.

“I do understand the role Williams Auditorium has played in the lives of my people; Williams has hosted concerts, funerals, pageants, weddings, church services, awards ceremonies, banquets, political functions, events for just
about every ethnic group and there have been graduations – but this was a decision to see the building used on a regular basis,” explained Hon. Williams.

It was in November 2000 that Williams Auditorium began construction; it took Williams eight months to go from clearing the two and a half acres of land, to erecting the steel, constructing the concrete siding and outfitting the interior for any event of any size hosting from locals to international celebrities. Award winning singers and performers like Beres Hammond, Beenie Man, Lucky Dube and Morgan Heritage; Gospel music royalty including Shirley
Cesar, Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton and Juanita Bynum; International, regional and local music stars: Zenglen, Ronnie Butler, K.B., Local, Sagittarius “Winston Jennings”, Keno& Kaz, V6, Lee & the Force, Barbara Johnson, Byron
Lee & the Dragonaires, Richie Spice, Washington Williams and the Cooling Waters, Marlin Award winning Gospel artists: Simeon Outten and TCIs own Robyn Hinds and the nation‟s most beautiful, intelligent and talented people.

“It‟s so funny to think about how Williams Auditorium came to being. I was a part of the Provo Day Committee and we needed a venue after some fall out with another spot we had rented. Some members of the Committee were so
upset by the situation that I personally vowed that by the next year, we would have our own place to host Provo Day.”

In July 2001, Williams Auditorium was ready for use and ready for Provo Day. The ability of Hon. Williams to deliver on this pledge has now become a hallmark characteristic for the businessman/politician who is well regarded for his ability to „get the job done.‟ “I know the venue will be missed; particularly for organizations like Clement Howell High School which has held its graduation ceremony here year after year, yet I believe there is hope for a new Williams Auditorium; don‟t count me out. We can come back when there is a market demand; we can build again.”

The official handover of Williams Auditorium to Sunny Foods Retail & Wholesale was on Monday December 15, 2014.

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News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

2 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

3 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

3 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.