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VAT Accountability demanded by Bahamians, State Minister slammed over speech at PLP Convention

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Nassau, Bahamas, January 31, 2017It sounded rhythmic and it did rouse the party base during the recent PLP convention but now Bahamians are blasting the State Minister for finance for making hyped up claims which many believe are simply untrue. 

 That’s where the VAT money went was the recurrent chorus by Michael Halkitis on opening night of the Progressive Liberal Party’s Convention but Opposition challenges, fact checking and media interviews do not bear those claims out and challenged the Minister firmly on his now controversial speech. 
 
VAT was introduced in 2015 with tremendous national push back, still it passed into law that 7.5% would be charged on most goods and services. 
The tax far exceeded expectations and reportedly raised around a billion dollars, with some $850 million said to have been collected. The question was a lingering one, where did the money from VAT go and so Minister Halkitis’ use of the PLP podium to make the announcement was a sound decision, thousands would be watching. 
 
And they were, among them FNM Chairman, Sidney Collie who is now calling on the PLP Government to tell Bahamians the truth.  Collie is joined by the Democratic National Alliance and Greg Moss, the MP for Marco City who disagree with pronouncements by Mr. Halkitis.  In a media statement Collie said Bahamians will not believe the rhetoric and that Bahamians reject the new explanation that VAT monies did not go to pay off debt, but to fund projects.  In a radio talk show, Minister Halkitis was taken to task for the breakdown of the monies to projects. 
 
Perry Christie PLP ConventionNo schools he was reminded have been built in four and a half years of the 2012 Perry Christie Administration, so what did he mean when he said VAT money went there… “We are building new schools and have invested tens of millions of dollars in repairs and upgrades of existing schools, thus empowering our young people.  That’s where the VAT money gone.” 
 
The PLP Administration in this presentation by the State Minister also said it provided $12 million for the COB to University of The Bahamas transition and they have doubled scholarship funded from $7.73 million to $16.3 million.   Another $150 million to the National Health Insurance plan, $100 million to Bahamasair for a new fleet of aircraft and $232 million on border and marine resources protection. 
 
However, when asked this week about spending on all of the above Mr. Halkitis had to give a different version of events.  The State Minister for Finance instead explained that VAT money was used to help secure the loan for Bahamasair new planes and needs for improved border security and that some of the VAT money has been earmarked for assistance with NHI – not yet spent as he said during convention.  Halkitis defended that he did not believe he misrepresented the facts in his presentation. 
 
Still, those criticizing his speech express that they are more interested in hard facts, truths and evidence on the billion dollar VAT spending than they are with semantics.  Branville McCartney of the DNA called for the Central Revenue Agency which was supposed to be established as an oversight body for the Value Added Tax.  McCartney said the PLP is guilty of wasteful spending and went 100 times over budget and now the Party is using VAT money to make up for errors at tax payers’ expense.
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InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group 

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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.

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Crime

Male Charged with Robbery

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#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.

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Crime

Dock Yard Male Charged  

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#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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