TCI News
TCI: ‘Reno’ work to NJS Francis to top $3 million, Premier explains
#Providenciales, November 29, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – The NJS Francis Building cost The Turks and Caicos Islands Government over $6 million to acquire and the structure is now severely run down and in dire need of refurbishment; that ‘reno’ work will reportedly top $3 million and force all occupants out according to Premier and Finance Minister, Sharlene Robinson.
The Premier agreed to a one on one interview with Magnetic Media on Wednesday (November 28) to address some of the burning issues and among them is the state of disrepair of the building bearing the name of a Turks and Caicos former Public Works minister and home to Parliament, Finance and the Office of the Premier – the NJS Francis Building located in Grand Turk.
“That project is included in this budget to the tune of $3 million; the majority of the damage to that building – he is correct – is not Irma and Maria it is an old problem and it is now our responsibility but at the end of the day it is very disingenuous to behave as if that building was just now falling apart.”
Premier Robinson was responding, in part, to a statement from the Opposition Leader, Washington Misick who slammed the PDM Administration for not, more quickly getting repairs done on the NJS Francis Building.
“Last year there was a project to the tune of $1.8m, when we were informed that there was a contract…and that we had to move from the building (NJS Francis)…” the Premier said this move would have included all tenants and shared that it had to be postponed because of a lack of foresight by the former PNP Administration.
“There was absolutely no funding in place for the relocation of these offices so at the end of financial year, pretty much, you had no funding available and you could not move forward with that project because you had no re-location, no new rents (budgeted) for the Ministry of Finance, for the Premier’s Office and that is the reason that project was cancelled at the time,” she explained during the interview conducted at her office in Providenciales.
For years, reports on the crumbling state of the building have made headlines and drawn criticism. For the second time in just over two years, the occupants of the NJS Francis are required to move out for renovation work. The House of Assembly has already been dismantled and reassembled at the HJ Robinson High school auditorium.
“Even before the hurricanes my government worked on a maintenance policy; and as with all governments but worse in the Turks and Caicos, we build buildings and we do not maintain. The situation with the NJS Francis building is that it is on the water. The salt air, the salt water, the thumping from ferocious waves at times will require more maintenance and zero maintenance was happening since the government bought that building to the tune of $6.1m from National Insurance.
The Premier said the National Insurance Board did have a maintenance contract in place when it was the owner of the NJS Francis, but that contract was discontinued by TCIG.
While the vistas surrounding the NJS Francis Building are stunning with the hues of blue of the Atlantic Ocean on the west side and the historic Pond Street salinas opposite its eastern side; it comes at a price. The extreme exposure to extreme elements has caused much of the extreme damage and the extremely hefty repair bill.
“I was Leader of the Opposition for four years and there was no air conditioning on the side where I was. We had House Meetings where members of the House of Assembly on the government side could not sit there when the building was leaking because there were shortages in the microphones.”
Last week, Leader of the Opposition, Washington Misick slammed the Premier for allowing the dilapidation on her watch. Misick recommended she resign and the Premier has now officially hit back.
“Now I notice that the Leader of the Opposition has woken from his slumber again to come out and say that I should resign or call snap elections for a building that has been falling apart from the time we purchased it many years ago.”
The difference explained the Premier between this move and the one under the Rufus Ewing administration in 2016, is that it is planned, comprehensive and fully budgeted.
“Under the former administration we did some quick patchwork. Persons would remember we did relocate to the HJ Robinson for a few months; we should have done the complete work then. But at the end of the day things happen for the best and I would say that because that contract would have been frustrated after the storms and we would have had to gone back to square one. The truth is it is poor planning on the part of the former administration, in that a contract may have been awarded but there was no relocation expenses budgeted. ”
Meanwhile, Premier Robinson said there will be no ‘snap elections’ because she is not dissolving parliament. Her advice to the elder statesman is for his party, the Progressive National Party, to wait its turn.
#MagneticMediaNews
#renoworkatNJSFrancisbuilding
TCI News
CLEARING THE AIR ON T.I.D.E.S AND AMBASSADORSHIP: ELEVATING THE TOURISM EXPERIENCE THROUGH KNOWLEDGE
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 1st May 2024 – The introduction of ambassador cards is a concept that is unfamiliar to many residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands. T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Cards are now awarded to individuals who’ve completed the T.I.D.E.S certification or training program, which was previously primarily for taxis and VIPs but has now been expanded across the hospitality sector. This initiative, spearheaded by the department and ministry, aims to instil a sense of pride in recipients, signifying their role as ambassadors of the country. This was emphasised in the latest press conference hosted by the Ministry of Tourism at the Office of the Premier on February 26th that as representatives of a thriving nation, those on the frontline of the tourism industry, including taxi drivers and hospitality staff, should take pride in promoting the country’s heritage and culture. The T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card embodies what makes Turks and Caicos great and conveys this pride to all who interact with visitors and locals alike.
T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card: A Badge of Cultural Proficiency
The T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card is not just a card; it’s a symbol of excellence in service and a commitment to providing an incomparable experience for tourists. The T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card has been designed to embody the best that the Turks and Caicos have to offer: a tangible expression of cultural proficiency and local knowledge. As the tourism industry embraces the Ambassador Card, we hope to see the transformation of cardholders who are truly not merely employees; they are ambassadors of the Turks and Caicos Islands, well-versed in historical landmarks, local dishes, and cultural activities. This proficiency ensures that visitors receive an authentic and enriching experience during their stay.
Streamlined Certification Process
Obtaining the T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card is a process that reflects the commitment to the highest standards of service. Cardholders undergo a comprehensive three-hour training programme, covering topics on TCI History and Culture, Customer Services and Tourism Safety and Sustainability. On successful completion of the programme, participants are awarded the T.I.D.E.S Ambassador ID card and certificate which is valid for two years.
Government and Stakeholder Collaboration
The launch of the T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card is a collaborative effort between the government and stakeholders. The initiative will continue to be refined through ongoing stakeholder engagement, ensuring that the cards meet the evolving needs of our ambassadors and the tourism industry. There is currently a backlog of cards that are ready for collection.
“The TIDES Ambassador card is not just a symbol of excellence; it signifies a deep commitment to our country’s heritage and culture. We urge those working in the tourism sector to register for TIDES to not only gain valuable training but also to embrace the role of ambassadors for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Collecting your card and certificate is crucial; it opens doors to a world of opportunities and sets you apart as a standard-bearer of quality in our thriving tourism industry,” said Talia Thomas, Deputy Director, of the Department of Tourism Regulations.”
QR Code Integration
The security of the T.I.D.E.S Ambassador Card is of utmost importance. The card’s most important feature is the inclusion of a QR code that establishes a direct link between tourists utilising the tourism product and the Department of Tourism Regulations. This innovative feature facilitates a quick and convenient verification method and safeguards against any potential misuse or fraudulent activities. The QR code, when scanned, leads visitors to a dedicated section of the government website, providing real-time validation of the card’s authenticity and the ambassador’s certification status. This advanced security feature not only instils confidence in tourists but also underscores the commitment of the Turks and Caicos Islands government to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all visitors.
Conclusion
Stakeholders can visit our office on the third floor of Regent Village in Grace Bay, Providenciales, to collect their cards.
Education
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION’S DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS SERVICES HOSTS SUCCESSFUL WEEKEND FOR INCLUSIVE EVENTS.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 8th May 2024 – The Department of Special Education Needs Services (SENS), under the Ministry of Education, organized a series of inclusive events over the weekend dedicated to celebrating children with special needs and raising awareness about autism.
The weekend kicked off with the SNAP Center Fun Day on April 26th, which welcomed children with special needs from special education classrooms across Providenciales and clients of the SENS Department. The Fun Day offered a range of engaging activities tailored to the unique needs of the participants, fostering a sense of joy, inclusivity, and community.
“We are delighted to have provided a platform for children with special needs to come together and enjoy a day filled with fun and laughter,” said Dr. Anya Malcolm, Director of SENS.
“Our goal is to create inclusive spaces where all children feel valued and supported.”
Following the success of the Fun Day, the Department organized a Rainbow Walk on April 27th in honor of Autism Awareness month. The early morning walk was well attended by over 100 individuals, including esteemed guests such as the Governor H.E. Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure Hon. Jamel Robinson, Minister of Health and acting Minister of Education Hon. Shaun Malcolm, Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin, and other dignitaries, and demonstrated solidarity and support for individuals with autism and their families.
“We are grateful for the overwhelming support from our community and honored to have had distinguished guests join us for the Rainbow Walk,” remarked Hon. Shaun Malcolm.
“Their presence underscores the collective commitment to promoting understanding and inclusivity.” Permanent Secretary for the Ministry responsible for Special Education Needs Services, Mrs. Cherylann Jones was also present at the inaugural event and praised the department for the successful walk.
She also noted that in the next year the intention is to hold these walks across all islands.
Although the Minister of Education, Hon, Rachel Taylor, was away on official duties, she conveyed her full support for the walk and other initiatives conducted in the month of April.
She commented, “I am proud of the Department’s efforts in organizing these events and raising awareness about the needs of children with special needs. I look forward to greater support in the future as we continue to strengthen our special education needs services.”
The Department of Special Needs Services extends sincere appreciation to all volunteers, sponsors, and community partners whose contributions made the weekend of events a resounding success.
For more information about the Department of Special Education Needs Services and upcoming events, please contact sens@gov.tc.
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