TCI News
EU gives $3.34 million more to Turks and Caicos public schools
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, November 19, 2018 – Amidst a contentious negotiation season in the United Kingdom about its future with the European Union, a contract has been signed for more money to come to the public education sector of the Turks and Caicos through the EU’s development fund.
Nineteen months after signing a financial commitment of €14.6m for EDF11 monies to support education sector reform, there is additional funding which officials last Tuesday explained will offset the multi-million dollar bill of more resilient reconstruction of public schools.
Education Minister, Karen Malcolm welcomed Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska, Head of the Delegation of the European Union based in Kingston, Jamaica on her inaugural visit to the territory and thanked Her Excellency for this new show of backing for public school education.
“Today we are here to witness the ceremonial signing of a second phase of support from the European Union. Following the passage of the hurricanes last year, the public school suffered a devastating blow with over 90 percent of all schools impacted. The government made a commitment to rebuild our schools and other public buildings, but not to the standard that they were, but to build back better to be more resilient,” said the Minister.
Minister Karen Malcolm, in her remarks at the signing revealed that government has earmarked more than $12m over the next two years for rebuilding and for establishing a stronger system of response to disasters within public education.
Ambassador, Her Excellency Malgorzata Wasilewska explained that the Turks and Caicos’ request for increased support in the aftermath of the hurricanes of 2017 is what initiated this additional funding of €2.92m or USD $3.34m.
“The Education Sector has sustained severe damage from the hurricanes causing extensive damage to the school infrastructure and prompting the closure of all the public schools across the islands for several weeks,” said the Ambassador who also had commendation for TCIG and cited its swift response with alternative classrooms following hurricanes Irma and Maria.
The Ambassador added that two of her team from the EU’s regional office had visited for an assessment of the schools following the hurricanes.
“Being the largest donor in the TCIs educator sector, the European Union has further stepped up its support for the post hurricane recovery following your approach to us early in the year. Today’s event is therefore a true demonstration of the commitment of the people of Europe to support the efforts of the Government of the TCI to bring the education sector back to normalcy. This additional €2.92m from the 11th EDF Emergency Reserve has a clear objective to support recovery efforts in the education sector with a particular emphasis on resilient reconstruction and rehabilitation of damaged school infrastructure.”
In all, this means financial help from the ‘still 28 nations’ of the European Union to the tune of over $20m.
Premier Sharlene Robinson and Deputy Governor Anya Williams, who is also the EU Program manager for the TCI signed on behalf of the Turks and Caicos; both with comments of gratitude on behalf of the approximate 4,000 students who stand to benefit most directly from the overhaul.
“We have a very long and beneficial relationship with the European Union and we are extremely grateful that we continue to benefit and we stand again to benefit toward are energy sector as well,” the Premier who in February 2017 signed the EDF 11 financial agreement added that, “Today I am happier to receive the additional funding for the financing agreement that will continue to assist our schools in recovering and my government continues to take the position that our schools are take priority. It’s important that we get our kids back in environments that are conducive to learning.”
Deputy Governor Anya Williams shared that there have been remarkable strides through the EDF 11 reforms; the three overarching goals were again outlined in her comments at the ceremonial signing on November 13, 2018.
“The program focuses on three key areas which are challenges but also objectives of ours. The first is, of course, to increase capacity and that’s through the construction of a new primary school fully funded by the EU here in Providenciales. The second of course is to increase teacher education and teacher learning by focusing on teacher 
training itself and I am very pleased with the progress we have been able to make in that area. Not only has the requirement been that 25 percent of our teachers would be enrolled in service bachelor programs but we’ve exceeded that expectation because at this time there are no untrained teachers any longer in our government system.”
Deputy Governor Williams said the third objective is motivated by what the needs of the labour market.
“We are trying to and working hard to introduce more technical vocational programs across the islands.”
The signing of the EDF11 extra funding or addendum to the initial €14.6m was held at the Office of the Premier, Hilly Ewing Building, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.
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SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY
***MEDIA RELEASE***
May 18th, 2024.
Following a police shooting incident on May 14th, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is now able to name the deceased male subject, with the permission of the family.
The Serious Crime Unit contacted the relatives of the deceased, and formal identification has taken place, with the subject being identified as 14-year-old Antorens Dorcely, also known locally as ‘Toto’. 
During this challenging time, the RTCIPF also expressed its deepest condolences to the deceased’s family, and the force will continue to offer support through our Family Liaison Officer.
In light of this incident, the RTCIPF is urging the public to show respect and sensitivity towards the grieving family by refraining from sharing any footage of the deceased on social media.
Sharing such material can cause additional distress and harm. We emphasize the importance of empathy and respect for the family’s privacy as they navigate their grief. The death of any young person is a loss to the TCI.
The RTCIPF is committed and dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that all aspects of the incident are carefully examined and the findings are communicated transparently to the public.
A request has been made to an external police force to conduct a review of the incident. This is a routine procedure and intended to ensure an independent and objective review of the facts. The community’s cooperation and respect during this time are essential. The RTCIPF assures the public that we remain dedicated to upholding justice and accountability.
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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