TCI News
Letter to the editor: What has happened to Civil Servants’ Pension and Gratuity??
#Providenciales, June 29, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – Certainly many has seen a video currently on social media which essentially is a shortened version of a point of view expressed by Drexwell Seymour in greater detail several weeks ago. Since we are talking pensions, I now ask what 
has happened to Civil Servants’ pension and gratuity? What is good for the goose is good for the gander. Hundreds of civil servants saw their benefits striped from them April 1st, 2012 when the Pensions Ordinance was amended. Stick a pin on that date as we will revisit it shortly. While this current administration has condemned the works of previous PNP administrations, it is quite convenient their acceptance of the politicians’ pension policy.
If anything, one has to wonder why the British Interim Government would strip civil servants of many benefits, including a 10% salary cut, yet would not modify the Legislator’s Allowances Ordinance i.e. Politicians Pensions? Was it to buy future Politicians silence on the issue when it was brought to the consultative forum and advisory council? Did those that almost qualified with one term under their belts think to themselves, boy if I speak up for civil servants on this issue, I might jeopardize by ability to get pension at 50 years old. As the outgoing Vice President of the Civil Service Association, I don’t recall the current Premier putting up much of a fight when the bill was tabled in the consultative forum.
So again, what has happened to Civil Servants’ pension and gratuity? There are a few ways you can deal with this situation: The first option, being to reinstate the system that was operated pre-amendment to the pension’s ordinance. This was promised on page 54 of the PDM 2016 Manifesto “the Change Document” which quotes “a PDM Government will seek to reinstate gratuities for post 1992 staff and the introduction of Pensions for the Civil Service.” When will this take place?; The second option, implement the gratuity and pension scheme proposed the Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing led Administration that is still on the book and can be actioned immediately;
Or a third option and my preference, reinstatement the ability for employees hired pre 1992 to convert 25% of their pension as gratuity, and implement a service wide performance based rewards program which will pay out bonuses in 2-3 year intervals as was fought for by the Civil Service Association during the Interim Administration. To pay for it, I would freeze all gratuities for new or renewed contracts and redistribute those savings within the program. The goal is equity for all civil servants, not the imbalance that currently exists between contract workers and TCI Workers.
Hopefully, this issue does not go the way 100% Service Charge has gone thus far.
P.S. The Honorable Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Charles Washington “Washy” Misick, has faithfully served the Turks and Caicos Islands for over 25 years. A wise man isn’t bamboozled by distraction. So please, no more distractions, just deliver!
Stay Blessed TCI.
Jamell Robinson
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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