News

Masquerading Festive Parade held on Grand Turk

Published

6 years ago

January 5, 2018

#TurksandCaicos, January 5, 2017 – Grand Turk – The Masquerading Committee, the brainchild of Ms. Valerie Jennings and President, Mr. Valentino Selver Jr. and member express sincere thanks to all the sponsors, participants, and the entire community of Grand Turk, for making its first annual New Year’s Day Masquerading Festival Parade, held on January 1, 2018, a great success.

After a sudden downpour of rain, the Masqueraders and the local ripsaw band “rushed” the streets, led by Mr. Cushy Alice/Ellis, who did an excellent job of leading the parade from the Lester Williams Park, South Back Salina to the Clock Tower, Downtown. In tote, were the local ripsaw band, followed by participants and next by the famous “We Funk” Junkanoo band led by the man himself, the TCI king of Junkanoo, Mr. Ketch Penn.

The sweet, sweet sounds of the music of both groups drew hundreds of spectators, including residents and tourists alike, who stopped to view the parade, take pictures, dance, shake and rock with the music.

Other highlights of the parade were the masqueraders on bicycles – David Smith riding his bicycle doing short twists and turns; while Mr. Edgar Jennings walked his colourful bicycle displaying TCI flags along each side; and Mr. Kingsley Francis masquerading on his horse.

Also among the many participants was Mrs. Doris (Dar) Williams, wife of the last oldest Masquerader and Grand Turk’s famous rip saw band, Mr. Edgar Williams (who himself unfortunately could not made it out to attend the event). There were also a few of the community’s elderly ladies in attendance, such as Mrs. Iris Penn, Mrs. Irene Astwood, Mrs. Winifred Jennings and Mrs. Helena Williams who enjoyed telling stories about the Masses of the olden days, as they swayed to the music and enjoyed the celebration.

The parade ending at the Clock Tower where there was a brief ceremony, called to order by the Vice President of the Masquerading Committee, Ms. Valerie Jennings, to thank all participants and to crown winners as follows:

Senior King of Masses – Mr. Stanley Symonnette

Senior Queen of Masses – Mrs. Veronica Williams

King of Masses – Mr. Carl Williams

Queen of Masses – Ms. Maria Rigby

Prince of Masses – Mr. Valentino Selver Jr.

Princess of Masses – Miss Valjonique Selver

Other winners included:

Best Masquerader Dancing with a House on the Head – Mr. Thomas (Mellie) Simms

Best Rip Saw Band (which was led by Mr. William (Brer Doggie) Robinson

Best Female Costume – Ms. Maria Rigby

Best Male Costume – Mr. Carl Williams of North Back Salina

Best Masquerader on Horse Back – Mr. Kingsley Francis

Best Poorest & Original Costume – Mr. Terrence (MacGyver) Taylor

The Butterflies – representing the island of Grand Turk

Masquerader Ms. Kathleen Simms – representing the island of Salt Cay

Masqueraders Ms. Flossie Williams and her daughter Angela – representing the settlement of Palm Grove

Masquerader Mr. Greg Astwood – representing the settlement of Over Back

Band Leader, Mr. Walter (Cushy) Ellis and Mr. Carl Williams – representing the settlement of North Back Salina

Masquerader Mr. Stanley (Coot) Carter and Company – representing the settlement of West Road.

Masquerader Mr. Thomas (Mellie) Simms – representing the settlement of South Back Salina.

Masqueraders for South Caicos and the Special Needs groups were unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances.

Everyone seemed to have a good time and happy to welcome back the return to Masses. Many said that they were “very impressed”, “loved it” and that it was “off to a good start”. Mrs. Lynn Missick-James, was the first spectator to arrive at the parade and helped to provide some of the stuff for the participants with words of encouragement. Mr. Alton Higgs, another one of TCI’s cultural legends, shouted from a passing car “Keep the culture going!”. Another spectator, Mrs. Jane Williams from Salt Cay commended the parade in saying that it was a great way of bringing the community together.

We will continue to celebrate as our ancestors did with the tattered clothing and houses on their heads and rip saw music. We are calling on all schools, churches, civic groups, and island and settlement groups to start preparing. Get your participants to learn from the elders in the community how to make costumes and how to dance with a house on your head. Get ready for Masquerade Festival Parade 2019. We promise you it will be bigger and better.

May God continue to bless us all as we seek to promote, preserve and display our beautiful traditions.

Special thanks to:

All members of our committee and others who stepped in to help in some form and encouraged us.

Mrs. Eunettie Glinton and her family

Mrs. Rita Gardiner

Ms. Danzella Jennings

Ms. Delphine Simons

Mr. Thomas Simms

Mr. Codeno Missick

Ms. Willis Williams

Mr. Walter Ellis

Mr. & Mr. Edgar Jennings

Mrs. Tanya Taylor

Mrs. Tonya James

Mr. Edwin Dickenson

Mrs. Teresa Andrews

Mrs. Alice Williams

Mr. David Smith

Mr. Stanly Carter and company

Mr. Stanley Symonette

Mrs. Susan Astwood

Ms. Sharon Simons

Mr. Dan Williams

Mrs. Peach Caley

Mr. Alexander Swann

Mr. Ernest Clarke

Mrs. Veronica Williams

The Department of Tourism

The Department of Culture

Ministry of Tourism

Ministry of Health

Hon. Oswald Skippings

Mr. Arthur Lightbourne

Intercaribbean Airways

Radio Turks & Caicos

Press Release: Valerie Jennings

News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

2 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

3 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

3 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.