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TCI: Invitation – Tourist Accommodation (Licensing) Ordinance, 1979 Consultation

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#TurksandCaicos, November 8, 2017 – Providenciales – The Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Culture & Gaming is inviting public feedback on the proposed changes to the Tourist Accommodation (Licensing) Ordinance, 1979 which seeks to address longstanding issues as it relates to lack of adherence to provisions outlined in the Ordinance and loss of government’s revenue.

In addition to correcting these deficiencies, the amendments aim to:

o To amend the language of Section 2 – Definition of Lodging;

o To amend current language of Section 16 – Penalties;

o To amend current language of Section 17 (3)- License Fee;

o To amend current language of Section 4 – Board may grant license;

o To propose new Inspection Fee.

The Ministry aims to regularize its relationship with Airbnb through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).   This is not an uncommon position, as many other countries have done so. As we attempt to address issues of revenue and maintenance of quality and standards with Brand TCI.

So far, the growth of Airbnb both locally and internationally is unprecedented and cannot be ignored.   Many of us are aware of the potential Airbnb has for revenue generation as a source of income for both individuals and the country.   A partnership arrangement with TCI would seek to garner global recognition and assistance needed in order to get our industry back on path.

The Ministry of Tourism is gravely concerned that if left unregulated, there can be fall out.  To mitigate against this risk, we are proposing several changes to the ordinance and regulations.  These proposed changes we believe are sufficient to give the TB the authority it needs to inspect premises and hold persons accountable to adherence of the law.

As a Tourism stakeholder your views, comments, and suggestions are critical to the progression of any proposed amendments.   As end users it is important that we have your cooperation to be sure of any measure of success.

With this in mind, we are asking you to peruse the attached list of proposed changes with your knowledge and experience of and with Airbnb, and respond to the questions outlined:

  1. Do you consider these changes as warranted? (Yes/No). Please respond separately for each question.
  2. If you said yes to any, please explain your response. (e.g. Fees too high, or too low, etc.)
  3. Are they sufficient to address your concerns regarding Airbnbs? (Yes/No)
  4. If your response is no, to question 3, please list areas of concerns you believe are not covered in the proposed amendments?

The Ministry of Tourism, in its efforts to foster partnerships with Airbnb and other core stakeholders is convinced that this intervention will be a catalyst for the industry’s growth in its ability to provide assurances of quality standards and compliance with local and international legislation.

Consultation Period – October 17th to November 16th, 2017

Ways to respond:

1) By email to correspondence documentation on TCIG website and Tourist Board website touristaccommodation2017@gov.tc

2) Face to face engagements with stakeholder groups by invitation.

Source documents are accessible on the Turks and Caicos Islands Government website at web address www.gov.tc or, Turks & Caicos Tourism website, www.turksandcaicostourism.com

We look forward to your attendance.

Respectfully,

Mrs. Cherylann Jones

P/S MOTECHG

 

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InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group 

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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

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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  

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#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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