TCI News
TCI swamped by unskilled labour force, Natl Skills Audit suggests islanders should have more babies
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, Thursday April 26, 2018 – The Turks and Caicos has a problem in its skills offering to the job market; there are not enough university graduates and far too many unskilled labourers comprising the workforce, revealed the recently published National Skill Audit.
“At present there is an over-supply of labour among persons with primary and secondary education, while there is a huge demand for workers with vocational education and university education, respectively.” 
The audit, completed since May 2017, was performed by Dunn Pierre Barnett & Associates Ltd and was commissioned under the Rufus Ewing Administration. The information is striking and in over 320 pages and eight chapters, the data generated after a one year review exposes what skills are available in the Turks and Caicos and the effect of the migrant workforce in the country, among other things.
In the report, made public on the government website since February, evidence is presented to confirm what many people already know; that the Turks and Caicos has far more people available for work in the unskilled category of labour than there are trained professionals for skilled category. Thanks to the audit, it is now more clear how severely under supplied the skilled workforce really is.
The Skills Mismatch, as the report headlines the section, is very telling; demonstrating in the illustrative table that the TCI has 100 per cent more primary school educated workers than it needs; that the TCI has 22 per cent more high school educated workers than it needs but that there is a dramatic shortage when it comes to those with high school and vocational training, only 15 per cent of the demand is filled, which creates a gap of 85 per cent. 
Additionally, the report exposes that university degree holders are also sorely lacking. Around 30 percent is what the country has in the way of professionals to take on the jobs available to individuals with college degrees, leaving a 70 per cent hole in the human capacity in this category of worker in the Turks and Caicos.
The report also cites that despite the strong opinions which are often expressed in opposition to such a huge expatriate labour force, the Turks and Caicos Islands has a 200 year old history of needing the migrant worker, desperately.
“At present, the local TCI worker population cannot effectively respond to the rapidly growing demand for skilled workers. Thus, corporations have to rely on foreign workers for the next five to seven years or until he government and the people set effective to ensure and enforce locals’ participation in the labour market.”
The report makes suggestions and urges policy change in consultation with the population. Among its practical ideas, that Turks and Caicos Islanders should have more babies. 
“At present, the fertility rate of the Turks and Caicos (1.70) is one of the lowest in the Anglo-Caribbean and third lowest in the wider Caribbean…The onus will be on the citizens to make a conscious effort to increase their current fertility rate to meet and maintain the needs of the country.”
PHOTO CAPTION: 2018 NEW YEAR BABY. Parents Nanoune Celestine and James Arthur with Baby Bradley Arthur.
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.
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