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Press Statement from Dr. The Honorable Rufus W. Ewing, Former Premier, Turks and Caicos Islands

Published

7 years ago

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#TurksandCaicos, September 15, 2017 – Providenciales – This is my first official public statement since the unfortunate and catastrophic impact of Hurricane Irma.   I resisted making a statement other than wishing goodwill on my people for several reasons, but the main one being that during these challenging times we need to be focused squarely on rebuilding our beautiful country, bringing it back to normalcy and getting our people the relief that they need to get back on their feet.

However, there are several issues that trouble me that I see as counter productive or not facilitating our recovery efforts. I would address the first one now as the level of hypocrisy by the British government’s infuriates me.

These islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands otherwise known as British Overseas Territories, yes “British Overseas Territories” of which the Queen is Head of State where her appointed Governor represents her interest are now conveniently considered to be “foreign”.   Even during this current declared “state of emergency” where the U.K. Govenor is fully in charge and can bring in British troops without the consent of the people.    But we are now “foreign” not “British” and cannot qualify for foreign aid because of our OECD status of being a wealthy country.   I cry shame on the British Government with a Department for International Development that can find £25million of aid to help Rohingya Muslims being driven from their homes by the military but cannot support its own.   Mind you not that I want the support, especially when it comes with strings attached as it did with our $260M loan guarentee, but it is the principle of the matter of the British Government living up to its obligation.   Furthermore  the time is more than right for us to be reimbursed the millions of dollars spent on the ongoing and never ending SIPT trials.   As we say locally if you not helping us you are hurting us and so you should cut us loose and let us go so we can find allies who would be more generous and with whom we can have greater mutual benefits.

It is obvious that the U.K. Government is calling the shots with respect to the management of post hurricane Irma disaster, because I am sure if our elected Government were calling the shots the general public would know and would have been forewarned of the massive presence of British troops in the islands carrying out the duties as police officers.   I agree with the need for prevention of violence and looting, but communicating the need for these strategies is what our citizens, residents and visitors expect rather than be alarmed about a military invasion and imposition of martial law.

One full week has now passed since the hurricane has decimated our capital Grand Turk and South Caicos and the only utterances we have heard from the British government give us no indication  that their sovereign commitment to these islands will involve anything more than the customary  transient presence to troops in the acute post disaster phase.   To the  British I say: Coming to our shores with guns and boots doesnt bring our people relief they need, you need to instead  come with some of the £13 billion in aid funds that have  been earmarked for the British Overseas Territories.   If you cannot get the OECD regulations changed then you need to fund this relief effort yourself because we are owed  this and much more by your government.   This is a moral disgrace of international proportions that must be remidied immediately!

We the overseas territories want a partnership not dictatorship!

Press Statement: Hon. Rufus Ewing

 

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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

6 days ago

on

May 13, 2024

By

#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

6 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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