News

BAHAMAS PRIME MINISTER MEETS WITH CARICOM LEADERS AHEAD OF ENERGY SUMMIT

Published

9 years ago

January 29, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

26th January 2015
Prime Minister Christie meets with CARICOM leaders ahead of energy summit
Elcott Coleby
Bahamas Information Services

Nassau, Bahamas (26th Jan) – Wasting no time in his official capacity as the effective political head of CARICOM, Bahamas Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie caucused with his Heads of Government Sunday evening in Washington DC ahead of the inaugural Caribbean Energy Security Summit scheduled to begin on Monday.

While the Caribbean Community was clear in its desire for increased access to new funding and investment opportunities, they wanted to take a wait and see attitude by first listening to and analyzing the policy position and proposals presented by the United States before finalizing their regional policy position.

In chairing his first official Heads of Government meeting, Prime Minister Christie said that in representing a diverse group such as CARICOM, there are bound to be varying levels of demands that countries would like to see fulfilled and consequently, varying levels of satisfaction when decisions are made. It was however necessary for all countries to take full advantage of the opportunities such a summit will present.

“We are well aware that there will be significant corporate personalities present who are interested in investing in our countries so it is going to be I think critical for me to reflect the conditions and views of the countries represented by CARICOM” said the Prime Minister.

Speaking more directly and specifically to the needs and concerns of CARICOM was the country’s Environment Minister Hon. Kenred Dorsett who said that it was important that “conditions associated with the funding does not preclude any member country from being able to access it; making sure that it’s new funding so that we don’t find themselves precluding us from getting from traditional sources that we’ve already been able to access fund from – will be very important and to ensure that at the end of the day, the actual mechanism by which funding is granting is centered in the CARICOM region to ensure greater level of accountability.”

Another important issue up for discussion according to the Environment Minister was the availability of and access to natural gas from the United States and a clearer explanation from the US delegation on the licensing and approval processes for the export of vitally important energy source into CARICOM countries. This is important as CARICOM looks to use cleaner and cheaper fuels like natural gas and reduce its reliance on traditional fossil fuel such as diesel and heavy fuel oil or bunker C.

Further, the Environment Minister said he hoped The Bahamas is not judged on its gross domestic product and eliminated from eligibility for critical funding. This has been a long standing and vexing challenge for The Bahamas in accessing critical funding for national development. Both the country’s Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie and Foreign Minister Hon. Fred Mitchell have addressed this issue in various international forums.

According to the US State Department, this Summit is a key component of the Caribbean Energy Security Initiative (CESI) that the US Vice President announced in June 2014. It brings together government, finance, and private sector leaders from the United States, the Caribbean, and representatives of the international community to promote a cleaner and more sustainable energy future in the Caribbean through improved energy governance, energy diversification, greater access to finance, and donor coordination.

Related Topics:bahamas CARICOM energy summit perry christie

Up Next

VAT Appeal Commission Established, Members to be Introduced to the Public this Week

Don't Miss

Save The Bays Youth Environment Ambassadors See Green Side of Heavy Industry

Deandrea S Hamilton

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

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

4 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

4 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.