News

VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING TO RECEIVE HELP

Published

9 years ago

January 10, 2015

KINGSTON, Jan. 8 (JIS) – Persons who have been victims of human trafficking are to be assisted with rebuilding their lives, through proceeds from this year’s staging of the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast.

This was announced during a press briefing held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston today (January 8) to launch the event.

Providing details on the social project to be undertaken this year, Secretary of the National Leadership Prayer Breakfast Committee (NLPBC), Clyde Edwards, said it would be incorporated into proposed plans by the Ministry of Justice and the United Church in Negril “to help those who have gone through the trafficking challenge and to provide for them housing and rehabilitation.”

Human trafficking is estimated by the United Nations to be a US$32-billion per year global trade.
Jamaica is a source, transit, and destination country for women and children trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labour.

However, the Government has been working to combat the issue of human trafficking, with the establishment of the National Task Force Against Trafficking in Persons (NATFATIP); amendment of the Trafficking in Persons Act in 2013; an islandwide public education campaign; and the establishment of a new shelter to house victims.
Additionally, the administration has equipped the police force to treat with human trafficking offences by establishing an anti-Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Unit in the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).
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Victims…2
In the meantime, highlighting the importance of the theme for the event: ‘Restore…Reconnect…Rebuild with God’, Chairman of the NLPBC, Rev. Dr. Stevenson Samuels, said the committee considers it necessary to challenge the nation to rebuild and reconnect with God.
“As nations enter into new periods of growth and development, the need for rebuilding and reconstruction becomes very necessary, old systems and models become outdated and archaic. They therefore become irrelevant for the new circumstances which face the nation,” he said.

Rev. Samuels noted that many citizens, including members of the Diaspora, are calling for the creation of a new Jamaica where peace and respect will be major features of the society.

He said that while the committee joins in this call, it recognises that the change has already begun, pointing to the improved performance in Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations; more young people accessing tertiary education; and that new entities have been established to promote integrity and eradicate corruption.

This is the 35th staging of the event, which will be held at the Jamaica Pegasus on Thursday (January 15), starting at 7:30 a.m., under the patronage of the Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen.

The speaker will be pastor from the Calvary Baptist Church in Montego Bay,
Rev. Everton Jackson.

The event will be preceded by a week of prayer (formerly referred to as a prayer blitz), which begins today (January 8).

Attendance at the event is by invitation only and includes leaders of the church, State and civic life. The event will be carried live on the Internet and on television.

The purpose of the annual prayer breakfast is to foster greater unity in the nation, particularly among leaders at all levels, through prayer and fellowship.

The first prayer breakfast was held in January 1981 arising out of the church’s concern for peace and justice, reconciliation and unity in the nation.

Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS) has been sponsoring the event for the past 30 years.

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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.