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Press Statement by the Progressive National Party on the Appellate Court’s decision made 21 February, 2017

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Providenciales, TCI, February 22, 2017 – The Appellate Court of the Turks and Caicos Islands yesterday February 21, 2017 issued its long anticipated Judgement in the matter of the Tuscany and Venetial Strata Corporations V Turks and Caicos Government and Dessarolous Group – developers of the proposed five star Ritz Carlton Hotel.  In an oral release of the judgement in open court it upheld the   decision of the Supreme Court that the former PNP government exercising its perogative, followed the correct procedure in changing the policy to allow the development of 12 storey structures in designated areas of Providenciales.   It dismissed the appeal filed by those opposed to the height increase to 12 storeys.   The matter was heard in September of 2016, with the Court of Appeal reserving judgement until this morning.

The leader of the PNP and the Opposition Hon. C. Washington Misick said “I am delighted that for the second time the Court has agreed that the process used to change the policy allowing for the increase of building heights in designated areas in the Turks & Caicos Islands by the former PNP Government was indeed correct.  I hope that this game of attrition by the opponents of this project aimed at frustrating the developer and protecting the status quo will now come to an end.  We in the Opposition, look forward to the Developers following the normal planning and continuing with their development to the benefit of the economy and the people of these islands.”

The construction of the Ritz Carlton Resort proposed development in which the Rufus Ewing government had invested tremendous effort with the objective of increasing visitor accommodation, jobs, and counter-balancing other powerful interest in the industry was scheduled to commence development in the middle of 2015, but was frustrated by robust opposition from competitors and their surrogates since 2015.

Those in opposition to the development of this high-end project was supported by the current PDM government.  While in opposition, members of the PDM party either opposed the project outright or gave opponents of the project tacit backing. Among those who gave their tacit support to the opponents is the current Premier, who at no time expressed support for the project.   In addition, comments made in her recent contribution to the throne speech may be interpreted that the project may be subject to a new development master plan.  This statement has created uncertainty around her government’s commitment to the project.

Now that the court has ruled, the Premier should make a clear and unequovacal statement  as to whether her government stands behind the project or not.   Such a statement may be  pre-emptive and should send a strong message to the petitioners who it is rumoured are considering an appeal to the Privy Council.

royal robinsonCommenting on the judgement, PNP Chairman, Honourable Royal Robinson stated, “It is imperative that the current governmenent pushes forward with ensuring that this project comes to fruition, as it will tremendously benefit the people of this country opening up new opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.”

 

 

 

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DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REGULATIONS INTRODUCES “RATE YOUR RIDE” SYSTEM FOR TOURISTS VISITING THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

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FROM THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 27th March, 2024 – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Department of Tourism Regulations is proud to unveil the “Rate Your Ride” system, a new initiative designed to enhance the vacation experience for tourists exploring our picturesque islands.

The “Rate Your Ride” system empowers tourists to provide valuable feedback on the quality of transportation services they receive while visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through an easy-to-use online form, tourists can rate factors such as cleanliness, comfort, safety, and professionalism of drivers, helping us to assure the highest quality of service standards across all modes of transportation.

By participating in the “Rate Your Ride” system, tourists play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation services in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Their feedback will enable us to identify areas for improvement and ensure that every visitor enjoys safe, comfortable, and convenient travel throughout their stay in the Turks and Caicos.

The code will also be publicly accessible through the cooperation of volunteer drivers who will make the rating code available in their vehicles. Flyers and stickers displaying the code will be distributed at hotels, resorts and airports. The mandated display of these codes is expected to align with the rollout of our tourism regulations in 2025.

For more information about the “Rate Your Ride” system and other initiatives by the Department of Tourism Regulations, please visit gov.tc/tourismregulations/or contact us via telephone at 946-4970 and email at tourismregulations@gov.tc.

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THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH SERVICES CONDEMNS RECORDING OF PERSONS WHO ARE IN CRISIS

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FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 27th March 2024– The Department of Behavioral Health Services is appealing to the general public to refrain from recording and circulating videos of persons who may appear to be experiencing a mental health crisis. Anyone can experience a mental health crisis at some point in their life. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Persons may struggle with very common conditions such as Anxiety and Depression or be diagnosed with more serious conditions like Bipolar Disorder or Psychosis.

“There are a lot of misunderstandings about various mental health conditions and how they may manifest. In addition, there are a number of negative perceptions and misconceptions that society exhibits towards people with mental health problems. However, just as we would show care and concern for someone diagnosed with Cancer, or any other physical illness, in the same way, we need to be as caring and helpful to persons with mental illnesses”– stated Director of the Department of Behavioral Health Services, Dr. Alicia Malcolm.

The Department is urging the public to call the following numbers if you see someone who appears to be experiencing a mental health crisis:

338-5473/338-3616: Providenciales, North or Middle Caicos

338-3614/338-3612: Grand Turk, South Caicos, Salt Cay

338-6301: Nights and Weekends

If someone is putting themselves or someone else in immediate, serious risk of harm, call 911.

The Department of Behavioral Health services is here to help and provides the following services which are free and confidential:

Location of above services:

o             Sam Harvey Building, Down Town, Providenciales,

o             Primary Health Care Department, Cheshire Hall Medical Center, Providenciales 

o             Department of Behavioural Health, Duncombe Alley, Grand Turk

 

Let’s all do our part in creating a community where people with mental health problems feel respected, supported and cared for. 

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/ or the Department of Behavioral Health Services Faceebook on https://www.facebook.com/TCIDBHS/.

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Breaking Ground: TCI Could Lead in Regional Communication Standards

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Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom, 27th March 2024: The PR, marketing, and communications sector is poised for potential growth and could lead the Caribbean region in terms of industry standards says Damian Wilson. Wilson’s suggestion comes after the release of a new research report into the current trends and future direction of the sector as a possible emerging industry in the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI).

Wilson is the report’s author, which conveys the findings of research which he initiated. “One of the key research results is the considerable optimism by industry practitioners and government alike, with persons seeing growth potential. I believe that we can become regional leaders in this field. I believe that one of the initiatives that could be used to do this is by establishing a ‘TCI Centre of Communications Excellence’ within the TCI Community College. Such an institute would be dedicated to communication and media innovation with a particular focus on digital communications and ICT,” says Wilson.

He further explained, “I believe that the PR, marketing, and communications sector, like much of the country, is at a crossroads and could have an even greater impact on our socio-economic fabric. Some may have concerns about our small size, but I believe this makes us far more agile than our neighbours. All in all, any potential growth must be underpinned by new investments, professional development, and a strategy to integrate the sector into the broader economy.”

Wilson also said that he sees his research as a first step in understanding our own industry sectors in the TCI and would love to see more profound research and analysis conducted. He’s hoping that the report will spark discussion along those lines. The report is entitled ‘Current Trends and Future Direction: A Preliminary Report on the PR, Marketing, and Communications Sector in the Turks & Caicos Islands’. Anyone wanting a copy of the report can contact Damian Wilson via his email, damian.wilson.pr@gmail.com.

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