News

Immigration Officers Should Not Be Made To Suffer Degrading Treatment

Published

6 years ago

November 22, 2017

#TurksandCaicos, November 21, 2017 – Providenciales – Our service men and women (Police, Firemen, Customs and Immigration) in uniform sacrifice their lives to keep us safe. Immigration Officers are known all over the world as a country’s gate keeper and should be compensated commensurate with the task of enforcing Border Control. In TCI, the Officers particularly those stationed at the Airport are made to suffer unbearable working conditions and risk being victimized for speaking up for themselves.

The bravery shown by the Immigration Officers sick-out for better working conditions and pay must be commended, as their actions are demonstrative of the fact that they too have reached the end of their rope with the myriad of issues that are in need of fixing, which still have not been addressed after months of the officers following the protocols to air their grievances.

The immigration officers (I.O.) struggle is real and it begs the following questions:

How can these I.O. live on a meager 1800 – 2200 per month in the island of Provo where the cost of living outstrips their salary by 45%?
How can these I.O. continue to be welcoming at our Borders when the issue of Outstanding overtime pay weighs heavy on their minds?
How can these I.O. come to work on holidays when they know they are entitled to double-time for holidays worked and spent away from their loved ones, when they are not being remunerated accordingly for their time and sacrifice;
Why are these I.O. not allowed a staff bathroom at the airport instead they are required to share bathroom facilities with landed passengers, which potentially means waiting in line. What are they to do in the case of an emergency?
Why should the I.O. have to pay to park their cars, or risk having them towed away for want of designated parking facilities;
How can the I.O. Supervisor work in the poor sanitary conditions present at the I.O. Office, where the Septic Tank requires sealing; and where the TCIAA and TCIG continue to be at a standoff as to whose responsibility it is to keep clean the immigration areas;
How can the I.O. sit comfortably in chairs that are in dire need of professional cleaning and re-upholstery;
How can the I.O. take vacation when their vacation requests go unanswered by the authorities;
How can the officers appear well presented when only two uniform are given annually to the officer to wear six days a week?.

Was this the private sector, the Government would have had the Labour Department shut down such a company responsible for such degrading and demoralizing treatment of its employees. Well, it is time for the “Change” Minister of Immigration, to change these 9 flawed working conditions for the staff in his Ministry. The people elected you because they wanted to see change, so be the change you promised these Officers you would be.

The immigration Officers jobs are already stressful by the very nature of their work and they often face the most criticism in this country being unfairly characterized as corrupt or “on the take”, well now it is time to show the Officers who have served this country loyally that they are appreciated. Do the right thing and: Pay the Outstanding overtime pay; Pay double-time for holidays worked by the IO;

Assign dedicated Bathroom facilities for the I.O.; assign designated parking facilities for the I.O;

Ensure proper sanitary conditions for the I.O. Office; Replace the I O Chairs;

Ensure that the Septic Tank in the I.O Office is sealed; Approve the vacation requests;

Issue 6 uniforms per officer for their six days of work;

We await the wave of “Change

Photo credit: F Chambers

News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

4 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

6 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

6 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.