News
PDM & Butch Stewert call Election Eve allegations BOGUS
Providenciales, TCI, December 14, 2016 – Hours before the 2016 General Election polls open, the PDM Party and Butch Stewart, Chairman of Sandals Resort International label a report charging that the two have struck some underhanded deal as ‘bogus.’
Among other things, the piece which has been circulating on social media says millions are owed in gratuities for hotel workers, that the lionshare is owed by Beaches Resort, that the SRI 
Chairman and PDM Leaders have agreed on floating work permits and that a group of other Provo hotel owners are caught up in the alleged arrangement.
The report suspiciously glorifies the PNP Administration which actually did not support Clarence Selver’s bill to pay gratuities; it exonerates Michael Misick and Oswald Skippings as resisting SRI Boss, Butch Stewert and says the PDM received a plane load of money from Stewart. Magnetic Media contacted Beaches today, the Resort denied the allegations and promised a formal refute.
The PDM tonight issued a statement…
The PNP in its last desperate attempt to salvage a dying lackluster campaign, has launched its party’s propaganda machine on the eve of elections. We expected nothing less from this Progressive National Party that will go down in history as the most uncaring, out of touch, and ineffective Government our islands has ever experienced.
In April 2016, the Peoples Democratic Movement successfully brought a Private Members Motion to the House of Assembly asking for the reinstatement of 100% gratuity which was amended by the PNP Government in 2004 that allowed 40% of the gratuity paid by guest to be retained by the Hotel Resort. Members of this Rufus Ewing led PNP Government gave reason after reason why gratuity could not be reinstated. All Government Ministers abstained from voting for this motion and this included Hon. Rufus Ewing, Akierra Misick, Washington Missick, Portia Stubbs Smith, Norman Saunders, Ruth Blackman, and Hon. Donhue Gardiner. This is a matter of public record. All 8 members of the opposition voted yes and the motion was carried. The PNP Government refused to implement the motion.
According to PNP estimates, Beaches and other hospitality groups will have to pay over 43.7 million in undistributed gratuities to every employee over the last five years. If this is true, Voters must ask themselves, why has the PNP Government allowed this amount to increase to such high levels these last four years? Voters must also ask themselves why did every PNP Government Minister abstaine from voting for the PDM’s Private Members Motion which purpose was to reinstate 100% gratuity?
As persons in the hospitality industry live paycheck to paycheck, struggling to make ends meet, this Rufus Ewing led PNP Government ignored the issue of 100% gratuity while simultaneously increasing taxes to generate revenue on the backs of our people. This PNP Government has failed the hospitality workers and voters on a whole these past four years.
We would like to remind voters that it is always the PNP Government that is known for selling out our people, and our Country to developers. This is the legacy of the PNP.
The PDM categorically denies receiving $350,000 from any developer. The PDM also categorically denies making any agreements to issue any floating work permits. If any political party or independent candidate has any evidence of any of the 52 candidates receiving funds outside the guidelines stipulated by the Integrity Commission, they should report these activities to the Integrity Commission immediately.
We are focused on becoming your next Government and bringing about the positive change our Country so desperately needs. We will not allow the slanderous attacks by our political opponents to distract us from this goal.
We encourage all our supporters to go to the polls early and vote PDM Straight Down. Vote for Change.
#MagneticMediaNews
#TCIGeneralElections
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.
-
Health1 week agoAstraZeneca withdraws COVID vaccines after millions took their jabs
-
Caribbean News7 days agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News6 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News6 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
TCI News4 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Caribbean News7 days agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news1 week agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
Bahamas News6 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays