News
Save The Bays Congratulates Government on Freedom of Information Act Consultation, Urges ‘Real Teeth’ in Final Version of Legislation
For immediate release on or after April 18, 2016
Fast-growing environmental movement Save The Bays today applauded the government’s announcement that it would pass a Freedom of Information Act this year following public consultation.
“Freedom of Information is one of the basic tenets of any democracy and was one of the first five goals for which Save The Bays was founded,” said Joseph Darville, chairman of the organization with nearly 20,000 friends on Facebook. “We congratulate the government of The Bahamas and the Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Jerome Fitzgerald, under whose portfolio Freedom of Information falls.”
While Darville offered plaudits for what Save The Bays continually says is “the principle of the public’s right to know the public’s business,” he also urged the government to pass a bill with real teeth.
“We don’t want the dentures version of this legislation,” he said. “We want a bill with real teeth. The public has a right to know the decisions that are made on our behalf, decisions that are made hopefully for our benefit and for the benefit of generations to come and decisions that rely on our, the taxpayer’s, funds for implementation. Paying lip service to freedom of information and then couching the legislation in terms of not releasing much of that information using words like ‘not available because of a national security risk’ will not do. Bahamians are becoming increasingly savvy and we won’t fall for a national security risk answer any time we ask a reasonable question concerning the signing of a contract or the approval for a development, the granting of Crown Land or the sale of natural resources.”
Members of the media and the Bahamas Press Club have been calling for freedom of information legislation for years. The call grew louder in recent months as continuing dump fires fowled the air and filled the skies with toxic fumes while the contract with a new dump management company remains a secret.
“Members of the medical community have warned of both short-term and long-term dangers from the smoke; hundreds, maybe as many as a thousand, demonstrated in black with masks over their faces in a peaceful march organized by RABL last week and yet we still do not have access to information that should be in the public domain,” said Darville. “Introducing an amended bill and inviting extensive public consultation online as well as at town hall meetings is a positive move in the right direction.”
A Freedom of Information Act was passed by the former administration, but never signed into law. When the present government came into power in May 2012, it promised to review and introduce an act, later saying the bill in its current form was flawed and lacking in strong regulations. It debated between a complete re-write and amending the former legislation. Earlier this month, Fitzgerald announced a substantially amended version would be available for public consultation and comment.
“Despite the headlines in various papers, Save The Bays wishes to take the high road that we must all walk if we are going to reach a consensus on how important the environment is to each and every single person in this great nation and learning what our government – whichever government is in power, it does not matter – learning what our government is doing with regard to development, marine protection, natural resources, air and water quality is an essential tool for quality survival.”
A petition that includes calling for Freedom of Information among other principles has drawn nearly 7,000 signatures on the Save The Bays website www.savethebays.bs and news is constantly updated on its Facebook page.
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.
#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.
#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 05th, 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 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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