News

TCI: Mr. Derek Been Appointed as New Director of Immigration

Published

6 years ago

December 18, 2017

#TurksandCaicos, December 18, 2017 – Providenciales – The Turks and Caicos Government is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Derek Been as the new Director of Immigration within the Ministry of Border Control and Employment Services.

Mr. Been who officially took up the post on Wednesday, November 15^th, 2017, holds a Post Graduate Degree from the University of Leicester Business School and previously dedicated over 10 years to the Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Service where he served as the former Under Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Communication and Immigration from 1999 – 2004; as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs from 2006-2009 and as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Utilities and Housing from 2009-2010, before taking up the post of Deputy Director of the Turks and Caicos Islands Ports Authority from 2010-2016.

During his tenure in government Mr. Been had the opportunity to assist in a number of key projects including the construction of the North and Middle Caicos Causeway, Leeward Highway, the introduction of the Ports Authority, the Public Works Change Initiative, the Blue Ribbon Commission and several other key projects.

Mr. Been is a civic leader having dedicated many years of service to the Boys Scouts where he serves as the Leader of the Grand Turk Division and is a member of the Turks and Caicos National Museum. He is also the founder and webmaster of Grand Turk Events which seeks to bring awareness to community events on the island of Grand Turk.

Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Her Excellency Anya Williams stated that she was pleased to welcome Mr. Been back to the civil service and in such a critical role at such a critical time; “I am pleased to congratulate Mr. Been on his appointment and to welcome him back to the Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Service. His appointment which is a critical one, comes at a very critical time as we seek to make a number of positive changes in the structures, systems and management in the Ministry of Border Control and more specifically in the Immigration Department.

Mr. Been possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience, having previously served as a former Under Secretary within this and numerous other ministries along with serving as a former Permanent Secretary within government. He is fully aware of both the challenges and needs of the department and has already in his short time in the department set about an action plan for change. I look forward to working with him and to supporting him in his role where I have every confidence that he will do exceptionally well.”

Deputy Premier, Honourable Sean Astwood added, “I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Mr. Been to the Ministry of Border Control and Employment. Mr. Been assumes the vital role of Director of Immigration at a pivotal moment in our country’s history, where now more than ever, there needs to be sound direction and developments in the policies and practices guiding both migration and immigration activities for the protection and security of our borders.

Mr. Been, as a former Civil Servant, Under Secretary and Permanent Secretary of numerous areas within Government, brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be fundamental to the department’s ability to address the many challenges that have inundated our communities and social systems over the years. While we have embarked on numerous initiatives for the reshaping of migration and immigration in the TCI, there is a long road ahead of us but I am encouraged by the energy and diversity that Mr. Been has on how the department, and indeed the country, can achieve its goals.

Over the coming weeks Mr. Been will be working to institute new guidelines and policies for the improvement and revitalization of his department and together, with our support, I expect that he will have another long successful tenure with us.”

Commenting on the appointment himself Mr. Derek Been said: “I am most thankful to Almighty God for granting me the opportunity to serve in such a role and at such a time. I am fully cognizant of the inherent challenges and threats that seem to dominate the immigration and labour sectors. However, opportunities also exist and the way we manage migration and immigration is critical to the cultural, social and economic well-being of these Islands and for those who conduct business and reside here permanently. The Immigration Department is essentially an enforcement body. The staff that I lead are expected to operate within the provision of the laws of the country. I expect the officers to be fair, firm and consistent in exercising their functions and we expect the Public and our clients to appreciate and adhere to the law.

As it relates specifically to the role as Director, I will support lawful entry to persons (business and pleasure) who will benefit these Islands, while preventing the abuse of the society and its economy.

I look forward to continuing the efforts to improve service delivery and processes that we manage, and to achieve efficiency and effectiveness. Critical to meeting our objectives is increased staff training and cross training, forging strategic alliances and the use of technology to protect our borders. I look forward to supporting the team at the Ministry of Border Control and Employment in achieving the broader objectives.”

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

5 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

5 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.