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Deputy Premier Astwood responds to genuine concerns raised by the public and clears up misconceptions and intentional misleadings

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#Providenciales, December 3, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – The decision to delay the Service Charge (Hotel and Restaurant) Ordinance start date was an important one to safeguard the rights of our workers and to achieve a smoother implementation whilst protecting the objective of the Bill which is to ensure that the largest work force are greater benefactors of our most lucrative Industry. We wish to assure all workers in the Hospitality Industry that this is by no means a denial but a short delay of this benefit.

We have passed a Bill that achieves this, and also one that protects the Operators from what would have been loss revenue with the implementation of a facility fee for up to 5% which is more than the 4% of the service charge split under the current law.

We are pleased that even ahead of the official start date, registrations were being received by my Ministry who has the responsibility for labour and is properly placed with its management and oversight. We are however disappointed by the actions of a number of our people and PNP operatives who continue to try to undermine the implementation of this benefit and encouraging operators of Restaurants in particular to not cooperate. We remained baffled by the few members of the House of Assembly who thought the benefit too good for the hard workers in the Industry and who continue to fight something that is good for our people and in the most underhanded way.

The Hospitality Sector employs the majority of workers in the Turks and Caicos; it is a lucrative sector and those who work hard in the Industry must be further incentivized.  I wish to remind us all, that all Laws are always under review and we maintain that the Bill is not flawed but certainly will be improved following the consideration of these final submissions.  Despite the consultation on this matter beginning in 2015, we have received some late submissions including from the diverse villa rental sector,  that we believe are worthy of consideration and which will help to tighten the Bill to ensure its objective is achieved and there must be further education and clarification on these new proposed inclusions.  Despite the criticism that we know was sure to come, as a mature Government it is important that we allow additional time to complete this process and to include any further ideas that will help to enhance the Bill.  We recognize that persons are disappointed with the delay but also wish to further clarify that there would not have been a major increase seen in pay slips in December if at all as the December 1st deadline was in respect of bookings made after this date and TCI has a history of the average bookings being made 30 to 90 days before travel.

We wish to remind everyone that despite the rhetoric and attempts to change facts, the record accurately reflects that not one amendment was made or suggested on the floor of the House save for those by the Government and furnished to the Clerk the day before the Debate for circulation.  During the Debate not one member of the Opposition or Independent members made any substantive motion to amend and to suggest otherwise is to mislead the people of this country.  The PNP were largely calling for the exclusion of the expatriate workers from the scheme and we remain oppose to this as it is important to compensate all that work hard in this Industry as we expect all to perform to high standards.  We remain concerned about those who contributed opposing arguments to the Debate and who continue to have a vested financial interest.

We are committed to the full implementation of the Service Charge (Hotel and Restaurant) Ordinance and its new start date of February 1, 2019 which will allow any proposed amendments to be debated and passed in the House of Assembly.

 

Release: TCIG

 

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COURT DENIES BAIL; MISICK, HANCHELL AND CHAL MISICK TO REMAIN BEHIND BARS DURING APPEAL

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Turks and Caicos, July 6, 2026 – Former Turks and Caicos Premier Michael Misick will remain in prison as he appeals his conviction in the Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) corruption case after the Court of Appeal refused his application for bail pending appeal.

The Court also denied bail to former Cabinet Minister McAllister Hanchell and attorney Thomas “Chal” Misick, meaning all three men will continue serving their custodial sentences at His Majesty’s Prison while the appeals process moves forward.

The ruling is a significant development in one of the territory’s most consequential criminal prosecutions. It means the convictions remain in effect, and the men will stay incarcerated unless the Court of Appeal later overturns their convictions or otherwise orders their release.

The Court found the applicants had not established the exceptional circumstances required for bail pending appeal. It also determined there was insufficient basis to conclude that the appeals were likely to succeed or that the men would complete most or all of their prison terms before their appeals are heard.

Michael Misick was sentenced in May to four years and 26 days after being convicted on three bribery counts. Hanchell received a three-year sentence for bribery, while Thomas “Chal” Misick was sentenced to four years following his conviction for money laundering.

The convictions followed years of investigations and court proceedings arising from the SIPT inquiry into allegations of corruption involving former public officials and government transactions.

While the appeals remain before the courts, Monday’s decision confirms that the three appellants will continue serving their prison sentences. Their legal challenge now shifts to the substantive appeal, where the Court of Appeal will determine whether the convictions or sentences should be upheld, varied or overturned.

 

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Community Comes Together as ISU Community Engagement Exercise Delivers Essential Services in Kew Town  

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 3rd July 2026: Residents of Kew Town and neighbouring communities turned out on Saturday, June 27, to access a range of free services and information during the ISU’s Community Outreach Caravan at the Church of God Abundant Life Ministries.

The outreach initiative brought together several government agencies and partner organisations in a single location, providing residents with direct access to health, safety, and emergency preparedness services while creating opportunities for meaningful engagement within the community.

Services available throughout the day included health checks and education, vision screenings, emergency preparedness information, fire safety guidance, and community policing engagement. Participating partners included the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies, the Turks and Caicos Fire and Rescue Department, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force’s Community Policing Unit, the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit, and Menzies Optometry.

The exercise forms part of the ISU’s ongoing community engagement programme, which seeks to strengthen relationships with residents while improving access to public services through collaboration with partner agencies. By bringing multiple service providers together in one location, the initiative offered residents a convenient opportunity to access information, seek advice, and connect directly with agencies whose work supports the well-being of their communities.

The Informal Settlements Unit extends its sincere appreciation to the residents who attended and contributed to the success of the exercise, the partner agencies and organisations that dedicated their time and expertise, and the Church of God Abundant Life Ministries for graciously hosting the event. The Unit remains committed to working alongside communities and partner organisations to deliver initiatives that encourage engagement, strengthen partnerships, and improve access to essential services across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Beaches Turks & Caicos resort hosts high school tourism clubs from Providenciales and North Caicos  

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Clement Howell High School students and teachers being welcome by the General Manager at Beaches Turks and Caicos resort, Deryk Meany as they prepare to learn more about the daily operations of the resort and the team

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort recently welcomed students from Clement Howell High School in Providenciales and Raymond Gardiner High School in North Caicos for an immersive educational tour designed to expose young learners to the dynamic world of hospitality and tourism.

The visit formed part of the resort’s ongoing commitment to youth development and community engagement, providing students with insight into the operations of the Caribbean’s leading hospitality brand. During the tour, students were introduced to various departments across the resort, gaining a deeper understanding of the wide range of career opportunities available within the industry.

General Manager Deryk Meany addressed the visiting students, encouraging them to think creatively about their future career paths and to remain open to exploring non-traditional roles within the hospitality sector.

“The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and there is space for innovation, creativity and leadership at every level,” Meany shared. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, we are proud to provide opportunities for young people to jumpstart their careers, while also developing the skills needed to grow into future leaders.”

The local youth engaged with team members across multiple disciplines, including guest services, food and beverage, entertainment and operations.

Kawanza Morley, Tourism Club leader at Raymond Gardiner High School, expressed appreciation for the experience, noting its value in reinforcing students’ academic learning.

“This visit allowed our students to see firsthand how what they learn in the classroom translates into the operation,” Morley said. “We are grateful to Beaches Turks and Caicos for their hospitality and for creating such a meaningful and engaging experience.”

Educators accompanying the students also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between schools and industry leaders. Raphael Delpeche of Clement Howell High School commended the resort for its ongoing support of youth development initiatives.

“We are very pleased with the level of exposure our students received,” Delpeche stated. “This relationship continues to create valuable opportunities for our students to better understand the industry and envision their future within it.”

For many students, the tour provided inspiration and a renewed sense of possibility. Tamani Gardiner, a fourth form student from Raymond Gardiner High School, remarked on the professionalism and efficiency observed throughout the resort. “I was really impressed by how smoothly everything operates,” Gardiner said. “The level of professionalism from the staff shows what it takes to succeed in this industry.”

Similarly, Clement Howell High School student Tanika Lightbourne shared her enthusiasm for continued involvement with the resort through its internship programme.

“I’m looking forward to returning to Beaches Turks and Caicos for another year of internship,” Lightbourne said. “This experience has helped me grow and I’m excited to keep learning and developing as a young professional.”

Through initiatives like these, the resort continues to play a vital role in empowering youth across the Turks and Caicos Islands and preparing them for meaningful careers in one of the country’s most important industries.

 

Photo Caption (insert): Students from the Raymond Gardiner High School pause to capture a photo moment at the Treasure Beach Village overlooking the infinity pool during their recent resort tour and educational experience

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