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Turks & Caicos LOO on recent Hurricane Relief Contribution from Haitian Government to the TCIG

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7 years ago

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#TurksandCaicos, November 3, 2017 – Providenciales – Contrary to what common sense would suggest, TCIG has accepted 630 generators, 1,000 sheets of plywood, 4,500 tarps, 2,000 sheet rocks and 4,000 metal roof sheets from the Haitian Government – In making the donation His Excellency Jacques Adolphe, Haiti’s Consul to the TCI, implied that the supplies were for the benefit of “our compatriots …. who consider this beautiful by nature country their second home.”   This is being received against the threat of TCIG demolishing the shanties in which many Haitian immigrants reside; and an official remittance to Haiti of $3 million dollars a month ($36 million dollars annually) The physical remittances is also considerable .   These sums will increase during the rebuilding stage of the TCI recovery from the recent hurricanes.

There is something absurd when the UK (the world’s 5th largest economy) rank the TCI too rich to be an aid recipient, and Haiti (with an economic ranking of 146 out of 157 ) decide to provide relief for the TCI with a GDP per capita of $26,000 (twenty six thousand dollars) compared with its own GDP per capita of  $750.00 (seven hundred and fifty dollars).    At first, this appears counterintuitive but, on examination of the facts it’s a brilliant strategy by Haiti, and one that a naive Turks and Caicos Islands Government have apparently not questioned.

First, the threat of demolishing the shanties is an empty one and amounts to political “sabre rattling” on the part of the Government.   The Turks and Caicos Islands is a subscriber to the UN Human Rights Charter, and unlike Haiti it has a long track record of respecting its obligations.  Therefore, any policy to demolish these shanties must rightfully be made in the context of a country housing strategy which must provide for adequate housing for all who have a legal right to reside in the islands.

Second, given the dependence of the Haitian economy on receipts from its citizens abroad, it is in Haiti’s best interest to export as many of its people as other countries would accommodate, and therefore she has no interest in stemming the exodus.   As well, it is worth noting the not so subliminal reference by the consul of TCI being a second home, inferring and reinforcing the mindset of the need to repatriate their earnings to their first home.

The idea that within days of the worse Atlantic Hurricane on record, Haitians would be fleeing their homeland to impacted countries, reinforces the desperation of life at home.   By making this gift against its own abysmal housing crisis, Haiti is sending a message to those of its citizens who are illegally invading the TCI, that it has made provision to accommodate them here, and TCIG having now accepted their gift, should use it to assist with the construction of a multi-family short-term accommodation facility, as part and parcel of a strategy to replace the shanties with strictly controlled adequate housing, taking into consideration that housing does not necessarily mean property ownership.

Conclusion: To continue to receive relief from Haiti is enabling the exodus of Haitians to the TCI.

Press Release: Leader of Opposition

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InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group 

Published

4 days ago

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May 14, 2024

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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

Published

5 days ago

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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

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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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