News

Jamaicans Attend Independence Service In Washington

Published

9 years ago

August 5, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 4 (JIS): Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica turned out in large numbers on Sunday,
August 2, at Howard University’s Dumbarton Chapel for a service of Thanksgiving, in celebration of Jamaica’s 53rd anniversary of independence.

The annual church service, which is the centrepiece of the Embassy of Jamaica’s commemorative activities, was attended by a capacity audience, which included members of the Jamaican community in the Washington metropolitan area, Baltimore and Richmond, Virginia.

Also in attendance were several members of the Washington Diplomatic Corps, along with a strong contingent of CARICOM Ambassadors as well as representatives of international organisations in Washington.

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller, in her message read by Charge d’Affaires at the Jamaican Embassy, Marsha Coore-Lobban, said that independence 53 provides for Jamaica and Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora, a timely moment for reflection.

“At this juncture in our history and development, as a nation and people, we reflect on the road we have travelled, the significant social, economic and political advances we have made and the challenges we have encountered and overcome,” she said.

The Prime Minister said that amidst the celebrations, “we should ponder the developmental challenges that remain and fashion strategies and approaches to mobilize the nation to surmount them.”

Mrs. Simpson Miller pointed out that the nation’s resolve to face the future with confidence, is strengthened by the many successes in the past, and that one of the proudest and most enduring achievements has been the country’s exemplary democratic tradition that has stand the test of time.

She said that Jamaica’s mature democracy continues to guarantee the people important social, economic, political and religious freedoms that have now been enshrined in a charter of fundamental rights and freedom anchored in the Constitution of Jamaica.

“It is on this time-honoured achievement that we stand today to proclaim our independence theme this year, ‘Proud and Free, Jamaica 53’, said the Prime Minister.

Delivering the sermon, General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance,
Rev. Dr. Neville Callam, recalled that after 131 years, without a gun being fired, the Jamaican people were emancipated.

“Today, we strive to live into the reality of our emancipation and independence by continuing the fight for freedom from mental slavery and other deleterious consequences of negative developments in our history,” proclaimed the General Secretary.

He said that in spite of the many challenges the people of Jamaica face, “we are encouraged by the signs of hope that dot the landscape of Jamaica’s contemporary history.”

The former pastor of the Tarrant Baptist church said “we should also consider the way we have preserved a liberal democratic ethos in Jamaica,” noting that people of many nations could learn much from the way “our elections are conducted.”

He listed some of the country’s achievements to include the exploits of the sporting stars – Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, Shelly-Ann Fraser, Veronica Campbell-Brown and Brigitte Foster-Hylton.

Rev. Callam also recalled the performances of the Sunshine Girls and the Reggae Boys on the netball and football fields, respectively; and the amazing developments in the arts and in medical research.

Lessons were read by Senator Shirley Natham-Pulliam of the Maryland Senate; Jacob Phillips, who represented the young in the Diaspora, and Colonel Jacqueline Payne Borden, President of the Washington based Jamaica Nationals Association. The gospel reading was done by Dr. Milton Morris.

The service was officiated by Jamaican Theologian and Dean of the School of Divinity at Howard University, Dr. Bertram Melbourne, assisted by Rev. Sylvia McDonald Kaufman, one of the Pastors at the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel.

The offering at the service will benefit the Portland Infirmary and Bellevue Hospital.

Following the church service, a reception was hosted by Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Jamaica, Marsha Coore-Lobban.

Up Next

Jamaicans Urged Not To Relax Against The Mosquito

Don't Miss

Press Statement By The Hon. D. Shane Gibson, MP Minister of Labour & National Insurance

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

Subject identified

Published

1 day ago

May 18, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY

***MEDIA RELEASE***

May 18^th, 2024.

Following a police shooting incident on May 14th, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is now able to name the deceased male subject, with the permission of the family.

The Serious Crime Unit contacted the relatives of the deceased, and formal identification has taken place, with the subject being identified as 14-year-old Antorens Dorcely, also known locally as ‘Toto’.

During this challenging time, the RTCIPF also expressed its deepest condolences to the deceased’s family, and the force will continue to offer support through our Family Liaison Officer.

In light of this incident, the RTCIPF is urging the public to show respect and sensitivity towards the grieving family by refraining from sharing any footage of the deceased on social media.

Sharing such material can cause additional distress and harm. We emphasize the importance of empathy and respect for the family’s privacy as they navigate their grief. The death of any young person is a loss to the TCI.

The RTCIPF is committed and dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that all aspects of the incident are carefully examined and the findings are communicated transparently to the public.

A request has been made to an external police force to conduct a review of the incident. This is a routine procedure and intended to ensure an independent and objective review of the facts. The community’s cooperation and respect during this time are essential. The RTCIPF assures the public that we remain dedicated to upholding justice and accountability.

News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

5 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

6 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.