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Press Release: Hon. Akierra Mary Deanne Missick – Member of Parliament Leeward and Long Bay

Published

7 years ago

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#TurksandCaicos, September 14, 2017 – Providenciales – It is with a grateful heart that we thank Our Lord God for seeing us through during the passage of Hurricane Irma.   When we look at how we fared compared to our neighbors who Irma also visited, we can indeed say the TCI is blessed, and must continue to give thanks and praise.

I’ve had an opportunity to visit with residents in Leeward and Long Bay before and after the passage of Hurricane Irma.   Many of my neighbors fared as well as can be expected with a storm of that magnitude, but there are a great number of them whose homes look well and fine from the outside but inside tells a very somber and different story.   The one common thread in Leeward and Long Bay is that we are ready to rebuild.   To my excitement, when I read TCIG were proposing a Concession Order also known as a “tax holiday” on materials and goods for rebuilding, I shared the news with my constituents.

While I am grateful that a “tax holiday” will be provided in the Turks & Caicos Islands for the importation of goods and materials to assist in the rebuilding exercise, I must express my concerns and lobby the Government on behalf of the People of Leeward and Long Bay and the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands to extend the “tax holiday” for a further month.

As it stand now the Concession Order as written, provides a list of items that can be imported and benefit from the “tax holiday”.   The list is extensive, and for that we are grateful as Hurricane Irma, left more than structural damage in her wake.   The reality is rebuilding for many of us, stems further than lost shingles and roof tiles, but also we have seen extensive damage to furniture, clothes, books, office and home supplies and appliances due to water and wind damage.   My greatest concern is the deadline of October 31st 2017 to benefit from the “tax holiday”.   Many of my constituents whom I’ve spoken with in relation to the “tax holiday” cannot be in a position to benefit from the “tax holiday” by October 31st 2017.

Whilst duties on imports are a revenue stream for Turks & Caicos Islands Government, and we are in the 3rd quarter where revenue dips, the 4th quarter will occur in the high season with many resorts predicting reopening for the high-season.

Firstly, TCIG Civil Service received an advance on their September salary by 50% in order to prepare for Hurricane Irma.   That advance is repayable in the October pay period.   Secondly, Private Sector employees will have just 4 weeks’ salary to utilize to purchase goods and materials and have them shipped to the Islands by October 31st 2017 in order to benefit from the “tax holiday”.   This is not feasible; many of us had to prepare for Back to School, and then Hurricane Irma, causing savings to take a double hit at one time.   Now we are also using the last dollars in savings to make basic repairs to properties and business in case there is a substantial amount of rain over the next few weeks, clean-up post Hurricane Irma costs are mounting for us to attempt to have semblance of a normal life.

Many are still without electricity and will be so for the foreseeable next few weeks, and thus using funds to fuel generators, and or purchasing batteries for fans and flash lights.   It should be noted that October 31st 2017 is a mere 6 weeks from now.   How is this “tax holiday” going to benefit Islanders, when those that had insurance may not be able to have their payouts processed in time to purchase and ship their goods, and for those without insurance how can they borrow in a time like this?

I urge the Government, to extend this deadline by another month, which would capture a further pay period for Islanders, so that they can rebuild at costs plus freight, and return these beautiful by nature Islands and their lives back to normalcy

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InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group 

Published

4 days ago

on

May 14, 2024

By

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

Published

5 days ago

on

May 13, 2024

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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  

Published

5 days ago

on

May 13, 2024

By

#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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