News
PNP Leader press conference a mix of history, praise, warnings and demands for correction of Taylor Bay Beach debacle
#TurksandCaicos, January 6, 2018 – Providenciales – Bundles of misinformation in the media is what brought the Leader of the Opposition, PNP out in a press conference following the confrontational situation on New Year’s Day between locals wanting to enjoy Taylor Bay Beach, and a man who claims he owns the property and charged the group with trespassing.
Comments have focused on the Taylor Bay Beach blockade which locks out locals and visitors as an old one, started nearly a quarter of a century ago when the now Opposition Leader was the then country leader; Washington Misick in his press conference on Wednesday says it is time to move past the past.
“Don’t yield to the past. We are at a different time in history, a different date and we can look forward or move backward.”
Hon Misick considers the back and forth on the hot button issue and focus on the origin of the dilemma to be a waste of time. Still the former Chief gave a backward glance…
“For persons back then who were yearning for something better than what was available at the time, they saw it as an opportunity to move the islands forward and so whether we blame them or not, that is the reality. In the early or mid 1980s, a couple of hundred acres of land was given on a conditional purchase lease to a group of Canadians which encompassed what you now see as Chalk Sound and it started from the South Dock area at the hill just above the port past Sapodilla Bay and Taylor Bay where I think on the corner there where Mosey lives– it kind of stopped there and included southland to the left.”
Misick said the land was subdivided and sold and confirmed that at the time, because there was no demand for access, no access was factored in.
When it comes to the questions about how the land, including the land allotted to the Crown also became sold off with no public beach access designated, Misick again took reporters down history road and explained that in a trade for land needed for community roadways in the Bight area, a company – comprised of Belongers and Expatriots – was given the Crown land in Taylor Bay.
“In the end, what happened is that Taylor Bay – that land – was then sold on to Dick Clark, then from Dick Clark to Michael Ashcroft. The issue of access apparently was never ever actually completely settled and so we end up with a mess today.”
The former Finance Minister said also that the messy matter was one that the former PNP Administration tried to resolve, but there was no resolution and never any news of their attempt to set things right. Current Leader of Opposition business Misick shared that the process of trying to rectify the public access issue at Taylor Bay started some 18-months ago when Rufus Ewing was the premier.
Authentic leadership is how Washington Misick described his stance on the matter of a beach party styled protest, complete with DJ Music arranged by his younger brother and former PNP Leader and ex-Premier, Michael Misick. The elder Misick, during his Wednesday press conference held at Prestigious Properties explained that he may take some heat from within his own Progressive National Party for the position which discourages illegal behavior.
“We must always come down on the side of the law and there is a legal and proper way to fix this problem. I admire the courage of the young man on the beach who took the pictures. I admire him for standing up and confronting bigotry. There is no place for bigotry in this country and we should not tolerate it. On the other hand, we have a right as self respecting people to make sure that whatever we do, we do it within the confines of the law. We also ought to petition the authorities to make sure that the effort that was made by the PNP to have the legislation changed, to make it clear what should happen at places like Taylor Bay, that that should happen quickly.”
Misick used the press conference to outline that it was a decision under his leadership in the early 1990s which caused there to be more equity in the distribution of land in Chalk Sound, which is considered an elite residential area of Providenciales.
“It was yours truly, who took the land, thwarted the arranged and made sure the land was ten subdivided and given to Belongers. That is the truth, that is documented… if it wasn’t for that action, there would not be a black man living in Chalk Sound today…”
Although many, including the PDM Chairman, Doug Parnell say the PNP created the mess and should have fixed it in their time; Washington Misick said the PDM government is now empowered by the voters to make the change in the law as they now occupy the leadership seat.
A media statement detailing the history of this land debacle was promised by the Leader of the Opposition and was issued on Friday.
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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