News

Bahamas government reports ‘considerable progress’ in Baha Mar negotiations

Published

9 years ago

July 29, 2015

Nassau, 28 Jul 2015 – The Government of The Bahamas announced today that 4 party talks, held from 26 to 28 July, between Baha Mar Ltd (“the Developer”) (led by Mr. Greg Djerejian – BML Vice President Asia-Pacific); the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (“the Contractor”) (led by Mr. Chen Guocai – Vice President); the China Export Import Bank (“EXIM”) (led by Mr. Liu Liange – President) and the Bahamas Government (led by Hon. Allyson Maynard Gibson QC – Attorney- General) resulted in considerable progress on the commercial terms of an agreement between Baha Mar and China Construction. The remaining major point of difference between the parties is Baha Mar’s refusal to provide their part of a guarantee required by EXIM to secure a commitment of additional lending to enable completion of the Project. Representatives of the parties included numerous professional and expert advisers. The negotiations were frank and cordial, conducted on an impartial manner presided over by the Honourable Allyson Maynard Gibson QC, representing the Prime Minister of The Bahamas.

EXIM and the Government of The Bahamas were Observers at bilateral talks held from 20 – 24 July between the Developer and the Contractor. EXIM also chaired a meeting between the Developer and Contractor on 24 July 2015, at which the Government of The Bahamas was an Observer.

The 4 party talks were convened in an attempt to resolve issues arising from the Developer’s inability to complete Baha Mar due to construction cost overruns and other serious financial matters

Baha Mar did not attend day one of the talks. Mr. Sarkis Izmirlian, Baha Mar’s principal, did not attend the 4 party talks at all.

On several occasions during the talks the Attorney General restated that the Governments sole objective is that as soon as possible the Project should be remobilized with a view to completion of the Project and the opening of the resort in the shortest possible time. The Government prefers agreement between the parties which is why the Prime Minister asked the delegation to return to Beijing for a second attempt at a negotiated settlement in the context of 4 party talks. Useful bilateral discussions were held between the parties on the way forward for completion of project as soon as possible.

During the 4 party talks the parties arrived at several proposed compromises. While urging the parties to arrive at an agreement during the talks, EXIM pointed out that the contract documents between the parties stipulates that cost overruns should be borne by the Developer and that the Contractor should finish the Project. The contract documents were drafted in this manner so that the Project would be completed and the parties would then be free to pursue remedies against each other in the courts. As EXIM indicated, Baha Mar has decided not to complete the Project in accordance with the contract documents.

The new financing proposed for Baha Mar would include $200 million in new lending by EXIM, over and above the amount still available under its existing credit facility. EXIM has insisted that its new $200 million credit extension be guaranteed by the Contractor and/or the Developer. The Developer has proposed to provide a standby letter of credit to back $25 million of the new $200 million credit extension. The Contractor has offered to guarantee the remaining $175 million on the condition that it receives a corresponding guarantee by the Developer. In the most recent discussions the Contractor has agreed that the amount of the guarantee could be limited to $100 million. The Developer has declined to provide any guarantee (apart from the $25 million letter of credit) and has proposed as an alternative that the Government provide EXIM with a “sovereign guarantee” of up to $175 million in place of any guarantee by the Contractor.

The talks ended with the parties agreeing to continue discussions among themselves. It was understood, however, that in the meantime the parties might continue to pursue other legal options.

The Bahamas delegation is on its way to The Bahamas where it will brief the Prime Minister and Cabinet at the earliest opportunity.

The Attorney General thanked representatives of the Chinese Government, EXIM, the Contractor, the Developer and The Bahamas delegation for their valuable assistance in facilitating the talks. The Attorney General also thanked the Prime Minister for the time and attention he gave to this exercise by being continuously available day and night for consultations and guidance.

News

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

6 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.