News

Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture – Minister’s Statement

Published

7 years ago

July 27, 2017

Turks and Caicos, July 27, 2017 – Providenciales – Good morning Mr. Speaker, colleagues, strangers in the gallery and, persons listening via radio or other means; I trust your day is off to a great start. Let me also give a shout out to my people of North and Middle Caicos. I am always thinking about you.

Today I rise to provide you with a brief update on several notable policies and, amendments to various ordinances that have been passed or will be passed in the near future. These recent changes or proposed amendments are designed to improve governance in our country and to positively affect the lives of our people throughout the length and breadth of this country.

VRBO and Air BnB Policy
One such Policy which initiative my Ministry has advanced is the VRBO and Air BnB Policy. Mr. Speaker, the Ministry has made significant progress in this area through a number of productive fact finding meetings with key stakeholder including, Air B&B as an organization and through the findings of a consultation carried out in the TCI by a VROB specialists from Europe, who has helped with the implementation of VRBO policies in a number of Caribbean jurisdictions.

As you are probably aware Mr. Speaker, there is an urgent need to regulate VRBO, AIR B&B, Flip Cay and similar organizations conducting business across our islands. The proposed policies and regulations are intended to level the playing field for all accommodation providers, secure entry opportunities for local businesses which may seek to enter into this segment of the hospitality sector. The Policy and regulation are also designed to protect Government revenue and establish enforceable Quality Assurance Standards across all spectrums of available accommodations in the islands
Mr. Speaker, the Ministry is pursuing these new policies and, making the necessary legislative and regulatory amendments in concert with the Ministry of Finance and the Tourist Board.

National Parks Amendments
Mr. Speaker I would like to draw your attention to the proposed National Parks Amendments. The public consultation on the national parks order has been concluded. The Ministry and the DECR are currently compiling and reviewing the data received. The findings from this public consultation process will help to guide the decision making as it relates to the proposed Parks Amendments. Following which, the prerequisite paper will be drafted and submitted for cabinet’s review and endorsement.

It is envisaged that the proposed amendments will see the expansion of existing protected areas; place new areas under protection and re designate some current protected areas.
Mr. Speaker, the Ministry would like to assure this Honorable House, that in every circumstance, due consideration would be given to establish balance between the environment and commerce.

Fisheries Protection Regulation
Mr. Speaker, subsequent to the successful apprehension of M/V Captain Blaze, we were able to make several amendments to the Fisheries Protection Regulations to allow for seized products caught by spear guns (which is illegal in the TCI) to be sold to help mitigate the costs associated with the capture of poachers. Before this, these products would have been dumped. I am also pleased to advise that a revision to the said regulation was made to allow the DECR to donate illegally caught marine product to charitable organizations and senior citizens throughout the length and breadth of our country.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to assure this Honorable House that we will continue to review and update our Fishing Regulations, for the protection of our reefs and oceans.

Gaming policy and legislation
Mr. Speaker, the Ministry and the Gaming Inspectorate are working with the AG’s chambers to finalize the gaming bill in short order. The new Bill will see a complete overhaul of the gaming sector. One of the key amendments in the draft bill is the establishment of a gaming commission. This body will serve as a regulatory and enforcement agency.

Mr. Speaker, the Ministry has had broad consultation with stakeholders new Bill and have sought input from international gaming agencies to ensure that the TCI is in full compliance with all its international obligations as it relates to Gaming. The required processes to get the bill to the House for passage will commence shortly

News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

2 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

3 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

3 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.