News
Beach Party protest concerning, evidence leaked that Developer told to remove blockades, Mike on beach with petition
#TurksandCaicos, January 6, 2018 – Providenciales – There is concern being expressed about the call for a beach party protest on Taylor Bay Beach in retaliation to a resident of the area trying to throw locals off the beach.
At least three political leaders have called for discretion after a former premier has summoned those against the idea that Taylor Bay Beach is private to come out to a beach party today, January 6, which will be complete – according to the invite – with DJ music by a popular local jock.
In a media release overnight, Premier Sharlene Robinson weighed in on the matter. There had been repeated calls for the country’s leader to speak out and on Friday night she did with a statement which outlined the land transactions and transitions of Taylor Bay Beach over the years, referenced the Planning Department’s recent denial of the property owners to legally erect a gate to prevent public access and addressed the planned party protest set for today.
“Once again, as already communicated by Hon Ralph Higgs, Minister with responsibility, we remind all persons seeking to enjoy Taylor Bay or any other beach, to do so in a dignified and respectful fashion and in a manner befitting our slogan, ‘beautiful by nature’. Turks and Caicos Beaches are known as being the Best in the World, bar none, let’s keep it that way.”
A message issued a day following the confrontation on January 1 involving beach goers and a known and vociferous resident who claims anyone on the beach is trespassing.
Hours before the Premier’s statement, documents exposing an application which was denied by the Planning Department by the owner was leaked. The document revealed that there was a request to erect a six foot chain link fence and six foot gate and that there was a denial of that request on six grounds as outlined by the Physical Planning Board.
The reasons cited by the Board were that the land is a public easement to the public Taylor Bay Beach; that the 11 foot wide easement has been used for 28 years as the public access to Taylor Bay Beach and is the only public access; that the applicant was after the fact requesting the permission because already erected was a six foot gate on the parcel of land in question; that the permission for the gate to be constructed after it was already put up on the land is a disrespect to the order of how things should be done and that any other development at the site would attract enforcement procedures and that if the development – ie the gate and fence – were to be approved, it would set a wrong precedent for future developments.
The applicant was also asked by the Board to remove the gate and the rubble blocking access. The denial and order to correct the situation at Taylor Bay Beach was addressed by Planning since May 2017, yet the property owner persisted in blocking access without legal repercussions as promised by the Board.
Also leaked, an email where the property owners were told to allow the beach party protest to go on unhindered by them. In response to a query, the property owners, numbering 19 people – were advised to gather evidence of the beach party by getting photographs and to capture the reveling, the noise, the parking and trash left behind.
It was said in that email that it was not expected that the Turks and Caicos Islands Police would get involved.
The issue has grabbed local and international attention and has spawned at least one original song, which sends the message that ‘in our country every beach is public, and the beach belong to we…”
So far, the Michael Misick led protest appears quiet. Photographs shared by the former premier on his Facebook page show people on Taylor Bay Beach quietly signing a petition after accessing the beach through the gate, which was left open.
Photo credit: Michael Misick
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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