News
TCI Parliamentarian reports on commonwealth workshop for Public Accounts Committees
(London, UK) – Monday, December 4, 2017 – Hon Akierra Mary Deanne Missick, Member for Leeward and Long Bay ED5, Providenciales, TCI is taking part in a 4-day commonwealth workshop to examine the government’s spending of public money and prevent tax avoidance and to promote tax transparency in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The 2017 Westminster Workshop for Public Accounts Committees (PACs) will bring together over 60 chairs, members and clerks of PACs from across the Commonwealth to offer practical, interactive sessions from 4-7 December in the Houses of Parliament of the United Kingdom. Hon. Missick is the Chair of the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Assembly.
The skills-based workshop, which has been organized by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK (CPA UK), is aimed at further building the knowledge and capacity and will include a Tax Transparency Workshop by the OECD. CPA UK is providing partial funding for the attendance of Hon Missick as the House of Assembly’s international travel budget was recently frozen by the Ministry of Finance. Hon Missick will be a panel expert at the workshop presenting on the topic “Commonwealth Public Accounts Committees in Action – the TCI context”.
Hon Missick said “it is unfortunate that Hon John Phillips and Deputy Clerk Lydia Butterfield could not attend this workshop as planned due to the recent decision to freeze the House of Assembly’s travel budget. This workshop is invaluable for the development of an effective PAC in the TCI and building capacity for the House of Assembly staff.
I am grateful to the CPA UK for providing me the opportunity to engage other PAC chairs and clerks on best practices for an efficient and effective PAC through this workshop. Ensuring the ‘People’s Money’ in TCI is used in the manner intended as budgeted, procedures for expenditure are followed and ensuring there is value for money in Government spending is the PAC’s overarching concerns.”
The final day will be dedicated to the 1st Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Association of Public Accounts Committees (CAPAC), a committee designed to strengthen good governance.
Chair of the UK Public Accounts Committee, Meg Hillier said:
“The 2017 Westminster Workshop provides a unique opportunity for public accounts committees to discuss common challenges and experiences.
“I am pleased to see so many commonwealth PACs working together to strengthen and improve their Committee so taxpayers get the best value for money of public spending.”
Deputy Director of the OECD, Grace Perez-Navarro said:
“Good governance requires a good use of public money which is why I am pleased to be a part of the 2017 Westminster Workshop on Public Accounts Committees.”
Strengthening Commonwealth Public Accounts Committees
The Workshop follows on from a series of recent programmes to strengthen PACs in Commonwealth countries including Ghana and Montserrat will also have representatives participating in the Workshop.
Public Accounts Committees are aimed at examining public spending to ensure taxpayers money is spent effectively and efficiently.
After the agreement of the 2015 Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA), parliamentarians and policymakers nationally and internationally have become increasingly focused on strengthening tax policies and frameworks as a key means of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
CPA UK has supported the establishment of the Association throughout its initial formation period and has run the CAPAC Coordinating Unit (CCU) until January 2016. Currently, the CCU is hosted by the Parliament of Malta.
For further information, please contact:
Hon Akierra M D Missick, Chair
Public Accounts Committee
House of Assembly
Grand Turk
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.
#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.
#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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