News

Montego Bay Commemorates International Day of Peace

Published

8 years ago

September 26, 2016

Kingston, Jam, September 26, 2016 – Hundreds of persons converged in Sam Sharpe Square in Montego Bay, St. James, to commemorate the United Nations General Assembly’s (UNGA) International Day of Peace on Wednesday, September 21. The day, which is observed annually worldwide, is devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace within and among all nations and peoples.

Montego Bay’s celebrations, held under the theme: ‘Building Blocks for Peace’, were spearheaded by the Peace Management Initiative’s (PMI) western branch in partnership with the Citizen Security and Justice Programme (CSJP). The day’s activities included a peace march; worship service; discussions involving residents, community groups and churches, among other stakeholders; as well as a poster competition.

Western Regional Coordinator for the CSJP, Adenike Stephenson, told JIS News that the organization partnered with the PMI and other stakeholders to mark the day in response to the upsurge of violence in St. James

“We partner in these efforts to build awareness and to send a message that more Jamaicans need to stand up and put an end to what is happening in our country. All of us – residents, agencies, civil society and churches – need to come together,” she said. Ms. Stephenson said the CSJP’s collaboration with the organizers was indicative of the stakeholders’ united approach in working towards culture change that facilitates and promotes peace. She further said it demonstrates that they are working towards, among other things, offering opportunities for persons to come together and build a better Jamaica by changing the culture of violence.

The PMI’s Violence Interrupter for Canterbury in St. James, Reuben Robinson, endorsed the undertaking by the CSJP and other stakeholders to engender peace in his community by advocating for culture change.

“If I see youngsters over 18 years old in the community and they are jobless, it is my responsibility to get them a job or into a skills training programme. I was a gang member, someone who never went to school…(and) PMI sent me to school. Persons in my community know about me and who I was; so the youngsters will listen to me more readily than anyone else,” he said.

Mr. Robinson believes there is need for more interventions like the CSJP and PMI to address issues affecting persons, particularly youngsters.

“My vision for Montego Bay is for there to be less killing and police and civilians living like they are one. I hate guns; I want to see at least one week when no one dies here,” he stated

Under the violence interrupter initiative, rehabilitated criminal offenders are trained to anticipate where violence may occur and intervene to prevent its eruption.

This exercise often entails the facilitator developing relationships with gang members and familiarizing themselves with the profiles of various communities.

Its model is similar to Cure Violence, a programme in the United States that has been credited with yielding significant success.

Another Montego Bay resident welcomed the International Day of Peace celebrations, noting that the commemoration was very important to the citizens.

“We have children and we would like to see them grow up in a peaceful environment where they can go out and we parents do not have to worry for their lives. I would like to see everyone come together and youths put down the guns, stop the killing and work out their differences,” the resident stated.

Related Topics:building blocks for peace international day of peace celebrated in Jamaica

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News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

3 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.