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Invest Turks and Caicos to provide funding to qualified small businesses

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Providenciales, 30 Dec 2015 – Soon small businesses will be able to access money and technical assistance as the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise and Development law is enacted.

Invest Turks and Caicos Agency is the vehicle government will use to source qualified applications according to the ordinance which was published in late November.

The Government will provide the money for both the ‘cash grants’ and the professional support Invest Turks and Caicos Agency is legally loosed to provide.

The Ordinance not only outlines what Invest Turks and Caicos Agency is mandated to do and how it is legislated to do it, but it defines what is a micro business and what is a medium business and how they must qualify to satisfy both the Agency and the Minister responsible.

The Minister of Investment and Trade will be the consulting Cabinet member for the applications but there is some worry on how fairness for applicants will be guaranteed. This very concern was brought to light in the House of Assembly debate on the bill, but Magnetic Media understands that little was done to resolve the potential for, so called, ‘curry favoring’ in the selection process.

Still, a process is established on how the applications by the small businesses will be considered. The requirements are considered stringent by some, the categories of businesses which would qualify is called limited by others and the funding which is set at a maximum of $10,000, is believed to be too small by yet more.

Still, by March 2016 the Invest Turks and Caicos Agency should have the monies to do this work through the new national budget.

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.

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Virgin Atlantic Appoints Sean Edwards as New Country Manager for the Caribbean

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Virgin Atlantic is delighted to announce the appointment of Sean Edwards as its new Country Manager for the Caribbean. With extensive experience in the airline and travel industries, Sean is set to lead Virgin Atlantic’s operations and drive growth in one of the airline’s most strategically important regions.

Returning to Virgin Atlantic after five years, Sean previously led the Loyalty and Travel department at Sandals Barbados and played a pivotal role as Commercial Manager for the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. In his new role, Sean will oversee teams in Barbados and steer the commercial success of Virgin Atlantic throughout the Caribbean, ensuring the airline continues to deliver exceptional service and operational excellence for its customers.

Simon Hawkins, Vice President Americas Virgin Atlantic , commented: “I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Sean back to the Virgin Atlantic family and to my team. His exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and deep understanding of our brand make him the ideal person to build on our successes and drive continued growth. I’m confident that under his guidance, we will strengthen our performance and seize new opportunities to expand our presence and partnerships in the region.”

Sean Edwards, Country Manager for the Caribbean, expressed his excitement: “I am incredibly excited to be returning to Virgin Atlantic and stepping into this new role. Leading such a dynamic and passionate team is truly an honor, and I’m eager to collaborate closely with our valued customers and trade partners. Together, we will continue to drive exceptional results, strengthen our relationships, and further solidify Virgin Atlantic’s position as the airline of choice in the Caribbean. I look forward to building on our successes and delivering record-breaking performance in the region.”

The Caribbean is a cornerstone of Virgin Atlantic’s global network, and Sean’s leadership will be key to strengthening partnerships and exploring new opportunities across the islands. This October, Virgin Atlantic proudly celebrates 26 years of flying between London and Barbados. The airline continues to expand its services, with both the A350 and A330neo now serving the Barbados route, demonstrating its commitment to providing modern, efficient, and comfortable air travel.

In addition to the long-standing London-Barbados flights, Virgin Atlantic’s inter-island services from Barbados to Grenada and St Vincent offer even more opportunities for local and international traveller’s to experience the beauty and vibrancy of the Caribbean

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BORDER FORCE-LED OPERATION IN SOUTH CAICOS RESULTS IN ARREST  

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PRESS RELEASE 
 
FROM THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS BORDER FORCE

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 11th October 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force led a successful operation in South Caicos on 9th and 10th October 2024, targeting illegal work activity. The operation resulted in the apprehension of seven individuals, including two females and five males.

Four of the apprehended individuals are currently detained by Border Force for illegally working in the Turks and Caicos Islands. They are being processed and face potential legal consequences. The remaining three individuals are in the custody of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) following the discovery of cannabis during the operation prompted by indications from the Border Force canine unit. One of these individuals will also face charges for overstaying in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

This operation highlights Border Force’s strategy to combat immigration and customs offences throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands. The inland operations, including workplace enforcement, aim to address the root causes of illegal immigration by tackling illegal working. Border Force is committed to not only apprehending and deporting illegal immigrants but also prosecuting both undocumented workers and employers who facilitate illegal employment.

Emilio Seymour, Director General of Border Force stated “Our recent operation in South Caicos demonstrates our commitment to fulfilling our obligations to the Turks and Caicos Islands. We will continue to enforce our nation’s immigration and customs laws through inland operations throughout TCI. I am incredibly grateful to our officers for their dedication and hard work, as well as the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force for their invaluable assistance.”

Border Force is issuing a stern warning to businesses and individuals alike: Employing undocumented workers is an offence. Those found guilty face significant penalties, including fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to two years. Additionally, undocumented workers themselves are subject to deportation upon conviction. Individuals who harbour illegal immigrants or facilitate their entry into the Turks and Caicos Islands face even stricter penalties, including fines of up to $20,000 and imprisonment for up to four years.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity related to illegal immigration to the following channels: TCIintel@gov.tc, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s tipline at 866-347-2423, or online at https://www.ice.gov/tipline.

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PM INVITES INDIAN INVESTORS TO EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES IN JAMAICA

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KINGSTON, October 8 (JIS): Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has invited Indian investors to explore business opportunities in Jamaica.

He cited prospects for innovative business investment in tourism, infrastructure development, renewable energy, animation, medical tourism and health.

He noted that, with the island’s extensive harbour and port systems, “We are the gateway for Indian innovation in the Americas.  I think the time is right for a trade and business delegation from India to visit Jamaica. I mentioned this to Prime Minister [Shri Narendra] Modi and he welcomed the possibilities of such a trade delegation.”

The Prime Minister was addressing a dinner reception on Tuesday (October 1), during his working visit to India.

He said that his trip is intended to herald a new era of Jamaica-India friendship and partnership.

Dr. Holness said that Jamaica is looking forward to working with the Confederation of India Industry (CII) to explore areas of cooperation.

Of special interest, he noted, is working with Indian companies on joint research projects and technology transfer “to enhance Jamaica’s research and development landscape, particularly in the areas of biotechnology, as well as products and drug development, using Jamaica’s natural resources”.

“We also want to welcome Indian companies providing software development and maintenance, cybersecurity, back-office, finance and accounting services,” he added.

Based in New Delhi, CII is a non-governmental trade association and advocacy group that represents the interests of Indian businesses in various sectors, chiefly engineeringmanufacturing, consulting, and services.

The organisation works to create and sustain an environment conducive to the development of India.

 

CONTACT: SIMONE HYLTON

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