News
“Fix it!” TCI Premier calls for remedy to public sector staff issues which led to long lines and angry tourists
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – March 8, 2018 – Industrial action mingled with a contentious new shift system for immigration officers stationed at the Providenciales International Airport is what caused the embarrassing situation at the country’s main gateway when thousands of travelers were held up by dreadfully long lines.
Cell phone videos, photographs and comments from exasperated guests to the island and residents were circulated on social media and online exposing that the wait time and conditions for immigration processing at the airport was grueling. 
Hundreds of tourists huddled inside the arrivals lounge and queues stretching outside of the terminal building and onto the sweltering tarmac, where airline passengers were made to wait their turn in the unbridled heat of the sun were captured on film.
Magnetic Media heard reports that some guests were unable to stand up to the heat and literally fell out.
Everyone agrees that it is an unacceptable state of affairs.
The Premier called for the situation to be fixed and clarified that it is no longer Cabinet’s role to deal with human resources issues within the public sector. The Civil Service falls within the portfolio of the Deputy Governor, who is Anya Williams.
Premier Sharlene Robinson said: “The Public Service is led by the Deputy Governor, that power is delegated by the Governor of the Turks and Caicos islands. We have absolutely no authority, outside of Cabinet, to set up a shift system or to say what numbers of persons should be at the airport or not. Ministers don’t want to be in the day to day running, we are not allowed to be but people want their ministers at policy level.”
The Premier confirmed that ‘something’ had happened and that the Border Control Minister, Deputy Premier Sean Astwood called an emergency meeting with officers and the Deputy Governor. The meeting was also held on Thursday.
The Premier in a press conference on Thursday at her office in Providenciales, supported by three Cabinet ministers was visibly disapproving of the matter which had been a looming threat since November 2017. At that time, on the day of the inaugural flight of Southwest Airlines, Immigration Officers staged a ‘sick out’ due to claims of outstanding pay. Reports were that more industrial action was possible because matters were unsettled.
“This government is not pleased and what is happening at the airport is nothing short of embarrassing and unacceptable… we are now in a position where guests are uncomfortable on entering our country that is their first impression of the Turks and Caicos, we see the negative reports and that is not what we need right now,” said Premier Robinson.
The Premier added that the ‘Open for Business’ campaign which was driven by the Government and the Tourism sector in the aftermath of the September hurricanes worked well, and of least concern to the stakeholders was the now long lines at the airport created during what is a usual peak season for these islands.
“We have asked those who do have the authority to manage the public service to advise us as to what is going on, but not just to advise us but to fix it, it must be fixed,” said Premier Sharlene Robinson.
The PDM Government leader explained, “Until we begin to hold people accountable for where they are we are going to always have this sort of situation ongoing. People who are responsible directly, must be held accountable and I await that report… because now, we are going to take the initiative to visit with these guests and talk to these guests at they leave but to also visit with them where they are to say to them this is certainly not the welcome beautiful by nature offers.”
Present at the meeting was also Minister of Tourism Ralph Higgs who addressed his ministry’s strategy in a damage control effort.
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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