TCI News
TCI: Op-Ed – Letter to the Editor
#Providenciales, December 10, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – With lack of vision or limited knowledge the people and a nation will perish.
In this day and age where electronic devices are so readily available, children are spending an absorbent amount of time on their phones and may lack the attention span needed to focus academically. In essence, every child is not cut out to be a scholar and as a developing country, its extremely important that we recognize this sooner then later. We need to make career advice more systematic and more objective. With that being said, why aren’t we investing in more technical schools? As Guyanese political activist and historian Walter Rodney wrote, “The rise of the middle class can only be effectively chronicled and analyzed in relationship to the schools.”
Let’s start with secondary education. Are we waiting too long to start prepping our children to help identify their inner talents? From ages 9 or 10 children usually have an inclination of what or whom they want to be. As parents, teachers and civic leaders, we have an obligation to cultivate those thoughts, behaviors or skills.
Talks of independence has been buzzing around especially when the Brits exert their powers on the local constitution in certain ways. As a dependent territory, I do believe the road to independence should always be on the horizon but it starts with long term planning. Nevertheless, don’t cut off your nose to spite your face as the old cliché would have it. We must Identify areas of need that will benefit our people and the country as a whole and then create a road map to achieve those goals. Focusing more on technical skills and less dependence on the service industry will provide the means for more of our people to join the middle economic classes and for their offspring to rise even higher.
Just to name a few areas of important educational opportunities. Marine mechanics or Agriculture on a larger scale, in my opinion both are a dire need in this country. Any kind of inclement weather the ships are temporarily grounded or delayed and there are limited or no fruits and vegetables available on the islands of Grand Turk or Salt Cay. And if so, it’s substandard quality. For heavens sakes, this is the most needed commodity for sustainable health.
Agriculture; in Middle and North Caicos where land is plentiful and during the bygone days the grounds were very fertilize, why not embark on large scale farming. I realize the native population is insufficient in terms of providing the needed workforce for this, but there are other alternatives. Let’s increase migration through a legal process to include encouraging the illegals to come forward and create a pathway for citizenship to those willing to work the farming industry for x number of years. Migration in search of a better life is a global issue and will continue to exist. Most of the immigrants entering our country are unskilled workers and this would be a perfect fit. The politicians that run on this platform certainly have my vote.
Marine mechanics; the lion share of our GDP is tourism and fishing based on the amount of funds generated in these areas. However, you can literally name the handful of native marine mechanics on the islands. I’m speaking from experience as I’m in the boating industry and on many occasions had to wait weeks to have my engines serviced. Having trade schools that offers such curriculums would be vital to our economy.
We complain about the foreigners coming into our country and taking our high end government jobs, but have we considered offering lucrative salaries to natives living abroad who possess these various academic skill sets? Some may have only stayed away due to lack of opportunities. It will certainly create more of a balanced society and a level playing field.
We live in one of the greatest countries on earth with having the best of both worlds. Here is what I meant by that, its relatively peaceful, still a God fearing nation, we are still under the British rule and protection although frustrating at times and last but not least, we utilize the US currency. What more could you ask for? Have you ever wondered why folks from across the Caribbean and other countries are knocking down the doors to enter our boarders? We have got to start thinking outside of the box if we are going to compete in this changing world and save this beautiful by nature country.
Ed Forbes
Concern citizen
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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