News

“No! I am not Performing at the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival”

Published

9 years ago

April 7, 2015

Nassau, 07 April 2015- Like all of the other mistruths, wordplay and outright lies told about me, I will assume that the Minister of Tourism must have been misinformed, because according to the April 2nd, 2015 Punch newspaper article quoting the Minister, it is said that I am slated to perform at the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival 2015 event. This is not true. I am not booked to perform on any of the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival 2015 events.

I felt that this should have always been a one hundred (100) percent Bahamian Festival, showcasing Bahamian culture at its finest. As long as there are foreign acts at this so-called Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival, I will not perform.

If you want to invite foreign artists in, why don’t we get the private sector to put on these events, like a Jazz Festival, where you could invite an Usher, or Rihanna? Or a Caribbean Festival, privately funded, where you could invite our brothers and sisters from throughout the diaspora?

The Bahamian people’s money should be spent on Bahamian events, like Homecomings, Regattas, Bahamian Festivals, etc. I supported the Bahamianization of this Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival event to move it away from the Trinidad carnival direction that it is now on. Although I still hate that the word ‘carnival’ is being used, I pray, one day, that will also change.

I call on the Prime Minister to cancel the performance contracts of all those foreign acts, that is, if it is true that they have already been booked. Someone please tell me how can a non-Grammy award-winner be paid more than a Grammy award-winner? Is foreign truly better?

We need to put Bahamian entertainers as the event headliners. We should choose not to use the Bahamian people’s money to finance foreign entertainers at an event that should be about us and our cultural expressions, in all aspects.

I would like to thank the Punch newspaper for giving me the front page, once again, and for publishing such a nice looking photo of me. 😉 But no, I am not contracted to perform at the upcoming Carnival event and I will not be performing there at all. I will take a pass on this one.

Question, if the Prime Minister of The Bahamas appoints a committee and asks that committee to Bahamianize this already Trini-looking event and they refuse too, then it makes me think that the committee seems to be in charge and not the Prime Minister.

If there are funds to be allocated for this Junkanoo Carnival event in the millions, it goes without saying that the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of The Bahamas would have to approve it. So if the Bahamas Festival Committee is using the taxpayers’ money, then why are they not abiding by the request and wishes of the Prime Minister, the Minister of Tourism, nor the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture to Bahamianize the event, this year, and going forward? Starting off with making the headliner of the event a Bahamian act.

These are just some straight forward questions that I would like answered. In my opinion, it seems like the committee is a runaway train and is disregarding the Government’s wishes.

Unless this is what the Government wants? A Trini-Soca-carnival. Someone please let me know. There are audio recordings, throughout the media, of the Prime Minister, the Tourism Minister and the Youth & Sports Minister saying that going forward this will be a Bahamianized show. Bringing in artists from Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, Trinidad and who knows where else is not making this event more Bahamian, people.
I guess they are trying to draw in those nationalities who reside in The Bahamas to make this event a success. But at the Bahamian taxpayers’ expense?

In closing, once again, I will not be participating in the Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival 2015. My actions will speak louder than anyone’s words.

This Caribbean Carnival event is a waste of the people’s money, there is so much we could have done to enrich and support our own cultural performers & industry. When the Government gets serious about Bahamian entertainment and Bahamian culture, I’ll be there, front and center. Until then, I’ll sit this one out…

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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.