Connect with us

News

A Very Grateful Man: TCIs Darron Hilaire laments following frightening ordeal with armed kidnappers

Published

on

Turks and Caicos, August 4, 2017 – Providenciales – The past few hours have been quite an experience.   One I never imagined I would ever face.     I spent the last two weeks, and more so the last two days studying the wisdom books of the Bible — Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Job.   I became extremely fascinated by a passage from the book of Ecclesiastes Ch 12:1, which says paraphrased, “Set your mind on Christ in your youth.”

I taught from this scripture in my boy’s small group session for the past weeks and have been eager to read the entire book to understand the intention of the author.   Through study I found out that in order to understood the message of Ecclesiastes, you also have to understand the message of Proverbs, which comes first, and Job, who comes last.

The Book of Proverbs highlights the concept and the principle of wisdom.   It simply indicates that whoever finds and exercises wisdom is guaranteed success in all areas of their life.

The Book of Ecclesiastes is written more from a critic’s tone of voice.   The teacher and the author describes how life is but a whisp of smoke. It is unpredictable.   Things good and bad happen to the wise and the unwise.   We all share the same destiny: death.   Death equalizes us.

The Book of Job builds on this wisdom, and ends with a beautiful and powerful message.   Job is tested by God to the extent that he loses everything he ever valued.   The scriptures indicate that he did absolutely nothing to deserve it.   He then decided to question God and ask, why did this happen to me of all people?   God responded to Job very vividly in a vision indicating that, there are some things in life we may never come to understand. The message of the book of Job was simply to trust in God’s wisdom.

I had a conversation with my Pastor earlier after mentioning this to him and he gave what I thought was a perfect summary.   He said, “fairness is not a biblical concept; trusting God is.”

I may never get closure.   Justice may never be served.   But I trust that God in his infinite and mysterious wisdom and divine sovereignty knows all things, and does all things well.

I recall not being fearful at all for the entire time that I was facing the ground, taking orders from masked gun men, tied up, held hostage in the backseat of my car, held at gunpoint, robbed, and released.   There was an overwhelming sense of peace and wisdom that saturated my consciousness and being to which I grateful to the Holy Spirit.

The robbers remarked that I was a good man and therefore handed me my bag, my wallet and after several request, my phone—unharmed.

I remember sitting to my desk yesterday afternoon reading Job and saying to myself, God, I hope I don’t have to be tested in such a way any time soon. Not knowing that, in a matter of hours, my time would come.  I am not the least bit discouraged.   I am more so empowered by the way my faith and trust in God has grown and has been growing.

I am encouraged to share this experience as I assist with leading the memorial for my 19 year old cousin who lost his life in an accident that I was 5 minutes away from experiencing.

May this be a lesson to all of us. God is Sovereign.   His wisdom is unmatched and not always understood.

And as the book of Ecclesiastes states,   “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”

Thank you all for the calls and comments. It was sincerely appreciated.

Blessings and love,

Darron D. Hilaire Jr. ❤️ߙ
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 ESV

Continue Reading

News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group 

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Crime

Male Charged with Robbery

Published

on

#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.

Continue Reading

Crime

Dock Yard Male Charged  

Published

on

#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.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING