News

Possibly 90% of Victoria Library contents gone

Published

7 years ago

March 9, 2017

Turks and Caicos, March 9, 2017 – Grand Turk -Some 80 to 90% of what was in the historic, Victoria Public Library is gone; gobbled up in that early morning fire today at the Grand Turk public library.

Magnetic Media just moments ago spoke to former Chief Minister, Hon. Derek Taylor, who said he has seen the damage at the burned building and believes that almost everything work anything is gone. Taylor, like so many others lamenting on the fire, is saddened about the incident which he says cast a dark cloud over the Capital today.

“When I got the call I was in shock. That someone would – because from all accounts it seems to be arson – that someone would get rid of our institution, a building that has been here for ages and that has served the total community. Not only the school children.”

Mr. Taylor explained that gifts to the library from the United States, Canada, the U< and from around the Caribbean were consumed by the blaze, despite valiant attempts by people darting into the burning building to save the twelve decades of books and memorabilia. Hon Taylor said shelves which had been there from the library was opened, books, research papers, desks and so much more are all gone and only a art of the building remains now after what is strongly suspected to be arson.

“The library was built with curry limestone and next to the library, I think it can be salvaged because it still had the roof on it when I left earlier this morning. The main library, the roof has been destroyed and what has been salvaged in terms of books, pamphlets and that sort of thing is what we are trying to get stored. We are asking those who would have plastic containers to bring them so that we can store the books elsewhere.” It was shared that the books and other items salvaged are dry.

Grand Turk has no domestic fire unit and has not had one for over a decade now. Despite promises to correct the situation on the island which sees the largest traffic of people in the country due to the Grand Turk Cruise Center, there remains no remedy. Police confirm that the fire was reported around 4:41 am but as late as 8aam, there was still a fire at the small iconic building which is located on Duke Street.

Hon Taylor said he believes the process is prolonged when it comes to fire response due to a number of factors including: where the fire fighters have to come from, the permissions the airport fire crew has to receive and that tit is not a unit dedicated to fighting domestic fires. “We are dealing with fire fighters who are stationed at the airport and I take it that they have to seek permission from their supervisors and what have you in order to come to town. I think that is the normal procedure.”

In January 2016, the country was horrified by a fire, intentionally set at HJ Robinson High which consumed a newly constructed block including the school’s computer lab. It is a crime yet solved and a set-back of $2 million for the country. Months later, in November, one of the homes recently completed by the EU Hurricane Ike funding was destroyed by fire. It was also reported that the fire of Beatrice Gardiner’s home in Grand Turk, was intentionally set.

The Victoria Public Library saw construction start in 1887 and was opened in 1889, and was dedicated to Queen Victoria on the occasion of her Golden Jubilee.

#MagneticMediaNews

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.