News

Contract Signing for Construction of Police Fire Station for Grand Bahama

Published

9 years ago

June 1, 2015

Grand Bahamians, in particular, will not soon forget the names “Francis” and “Jeanne”. For too many, the effect of these back-to-back hurricanes remains very present in their lives. For too many, recovery has been long and hard; and for too many, hope has been a tough option.

Because of this, my visits to Grand Bahama are taken as occasions to renew hope and to encourage positive attitudes in a people that I know to be among the most resilient of Bahamians. I am, therefore, very pleased to be here to witness this event, which will restore and enhance a work environment befitting this District’s hardworking team.
Unfortunately and unexpectedly, in 2004, Hurricanes Francis and Jeanne brought irreparable damage to the landmark metal, pre-fabricated fire station located at East Settlers Way. Officers and staff, I am advised, continue to execute their duties from cramped accommodations in the former Mobile Division Headquarters.

The challenges of economy have caused delay of what Government committed to do since 2012. That delay, though, has not translated to denial. Grand Bahama will have a new state-of-the-art Police Fire Station from which officers can serve the population well into the future – and very soon.

Today, I am very pleased to witness the execution of a contract in the amount of $6,109,999.75 between the Government of The Bahamas and Patrick McDonald Construction Company to construct the new Police Fire Station for Grand Bahama. The contract period is not to exceed 70 weeks. The terms of the contract is the standard Government Long Form contract with some modifications.

The journey toward today began with the invitation of three (3) building contractors located in Freeport, Grand Bahama to submit competitive bids. Initial bids were submitted and publicly opened at the Ministry of Finance Tenders Board Meeting in Nassau on 16th December 2014.

A Tender Report was prepared by the Quantity Surveying Firm Veritas Consultants Ltd, and the same was presented to the Tenders Board earlier this year. A recommendation was made to Cabinet for consideration. A decision was subsequently made, and today, we bring to you the product of Cabinet’s decision.

The purposed Police Fire Station Project will be designed and built on approximately three (3) acres of relatively flat land at Fairfield East on the corner of Sergeant Major Drive and Settlers Way, East Freeport. The Government of The Bahamas appreciates then kind donation of this land by the Grand Bahama Port Authority.

The Station features an 11,660 square foot main Administrative Building, two-storey and masonry structure. The ground floor will house the daily administrative offices for its staff, as well as a reception area with public restrooms. There will also be a police training room, an operator’s office, police locker room, exercise room, day room, dining room, and kitchen. Additionally, there will be a First Aid Room for staff that may fall ill or sustain injury during working hours.

The upper floor will house police dormitory for both male and female police officers. There will be eight (8) single bedrooms, two double bedrooms and five bunk beds for male officers. The female officers will be provided housing with four (4) bunk beds, separate bathrooms, changing areas, and showers. A common laundry room will serve all officers.

Adjourning the Administrative Building is a single storey masonry fire garage will house four fire trucks and have some support spaces for storage, tools, and lockers. A grease pole will connect the garage to the dormitory level of the main building.

There will also be standalone masonry buildings to service the fire trucks and other police vehicles associated with the police fire station.

Patrick McDonald Construction Company submitted the lowest and comprehensive bid at tender. We thank the unsuccessful companies that participated in the process. We thank the Royal Bahamas Police Force Fire Branch for your tolerant professionalism. Above all, we thank Grand Bahama for your patience. Hope remains alive and well.

END

Hon. Philip E. Davis, Q.C., M.P.
Deputy Prime Minister/Minister
29th May 2015

Up Next

Employment Bill consultation ends June 12

Don't Miss

Condolences on the passing of Bishop Cornell Jerome Moss

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

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

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.