TCI News
TCI: ‘Big mistake’ says Deputy Premier after Gansevoort staff ‘change’ letter leaked
#Providenciales, December 12, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – A letter issued under the guise of being ‘fair play’ for resort staff at the Gansevoort, was condemned and labelled ‘punitive’ and an apparent retaliation to the implementation of the amended Hotel and Restaurant (Service Charge) Ordinance 2018.
The law, since September, makes it mandatory for hospitality workers to receive 100 percent of service charges on guests’ bills; ending decades of partial payments to workers.
Among those getting that social media circulated letter was Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Employment, Sean Astwood.
“I saw the letter this morning and I immediately contacted the Gansevoort to confirm its authenticity because on first sight of it, I thought someone was actually playing mischief with the company. However, the company confirmed that it is a letter they had issued out to their employees…” said the Minister on Tuesday.
Gansevoort had expected the amended law to come into effect on December 1, 2018 because that was the date announced by the PDM Administration. The letter to staff at the resort, restaurant and spa property was dated November 27, 2018.
On Tuesday, during a press conference aimed at debriefing the public on results of an official trip to the United Kingdom, the Deputy Premier, when questioned about the letter had strong words for the Gansevoort and other properties considering similar tactics in reaction to the service charge ordinance amendments taking effect.
“I have already scheduled a meeting with the owner of the Gansevoort and already verbally expressed my concerns for the content of that letter. Not just for the simple things of uniforms and food but the implications on transference of work permits etcetera.”
Gansevoort Turks and Caicos is actually owned by Wymara Ltd and Stelle Ltd. The letter from the owners informed staff that they would now see salary deductions to pay for uniforms, that they would have to buy their own lunch meals because the complimentary cafeteria would no longer be offered and that areas like the spa and restaurant would opt out of levying the service charge altogether; leaving the size of tips up to the guests.
Gansevoort splits the service charge with management and staff; staff gets 65 percent.
Deputy Premier Astwood said upcoming discussions with the resort sector will lead to more changes to the Service Charge Ordinance, hence the delay in its implementation. As the minister with oversight of the Service Charge law, DP Astwood explained that the forum would give resort property owners the chance to further express their trepidations.
“I can say to you that it is not something that I intend to take lightly and actually I will take this opportunity to caution companies, to make sure that any type of what seems to be retaliation or harm that would come unto staff would not be taken lightly and they should refrain from it.”
The Deputy Premier expressed concern about the position the company plans to take in relation to staff transfers from the restaurant – Stelle – to the resort.
The two page letter says: “There is an option for Stelle Ltd employees, should you wish to move over to become Wymara Ltd employees and share in the service charge pool. These employees will be reissued new employment contracts (still employed in their restaurant positions). Work permit employees will be given the option to move over to become Wymara Ltd employees when their existing work permit expire(s) and applications will be treated as first time application(s), thus providing a risk of not being approved.”
Gansevoort, in that staff ‘change’ letter explained, “Whilst we are sure you will understand as your share of service charge has increased, the Management Companies share has been completely taken away and as a result of this, we have regrettably had to reduce some of the benefits we have been able to offer to you over the past 10 years.”
The Premier was in the press conference on Tuesday. It was clear that Hon Sharlene Robinson found the various controversies emerging since the amendments to the law which gives resort employees significantly more take home pay, vexing.
“It is very disappointing, the atmosphere that has been created,” said Premier Robinson who is also responsible for Finance and brought the Service Charge Bill to the House of Assembly, “for the last 14 years, people have been 
doing as they like even with the legislation. It is not new, it is a change in rate, yes it became mandatory… but this has just revealed the meanness of some corporate citizens, the meanness.”
The Premier reminded that the law, in its changed formed, is already passed and assured that there would be no roll back.
“We provided a resort facility fee, a fee that would allow them to regain what they are losing so to roll back benefits is because you want to.”
A two month delay reignited debate on the Hotel and Restaurant Service Charge 2018. On February 1, 2019 the ordinance will come into effect and impacts bookings at resorts made after February 1, 2019 only.
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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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