TCI News
TCI: From the desk of Honorable George Lightbourne
Grand Turk, March 23, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – A UK parliamentary bipartisan committee has called on the Theresa May-led administration to set a date for all British Overseas Territories to legalize same sex marriages. It has also recommended the removing of belongership and its equivalents.
It says that these provisions are wrong and they are calling for UK residents to have voting rights and for them to be allowed to run for office in the Overseas Territories. The report also says that, if it’s not adhered to, it should be imposed by Order in Council.
These recommendations by the FAC are something that ought not be taken lightly. The proposed recommendations if implemented, have the potential to negatively impact the landscape of our country, morally, culturally, socially and politically, this includes the people of Grand Turk North. It is because of my love of my constituency and my love of my country I am compelled to speak about this matter.
Each country in the world is defined by its uniqueness and their core values which set them apart from other countries. In the Turks and Caicos we are no different. We are regarded as a beautiful, friendly, upright, law abiding, Christian country; a country where most persons fear god and subscribe to the teachings in the holy bible.
The Turks and Caicos islands is one of the most sought after destinations in the world by both those who seek to do good and sadly, those who seek to do us wrong.
We must be able to recognize and acknowledge one from the other and address them accordingly.
The FAC report is proposing among other things the allowance of man marrying man and woman marrying woman. This goes directly against our beliefs and it cuts us deep and should be wholeheartedly rejected without hesitation. The report also recommends that U.K. Citizens be allowed the right to vote in our elections and also run as candidates and Premier of this country. Again, we must send a strong message as this is not acceptable. We must stand strong and protect ourselves from any invasion into our political structure by persons who do not share our concerns and do not have any appreciation for our plight as a people.
The British regards us as a dependent territory and for many years I’ve asked the question what is it that we depend on the U.K for? needless to say, I have been unsuccessful in receiving a sensible answer. I am not surprised by the boldness of the U.K. After all they’ve gotten away with doing us so much wrong already. They have been allowed to take advantage of us without any meaningful resistance; further, I am not surprised by the fact that these are bi-partisan recommendations. What I am surprised by is the unilateral response to the report by our Premier. I am also surprised by the non response by the Leader of the Opposition.
I am of the view that a bi partisan report of such magnitude with the potential to negatively disrupt our way our life; interfering with those core principles that guide our day to day runnings should at the very least be given a bipartisan response. A response that would have captured the wishes of our total populace.
Such a damning report requires a response that would have clearly outlined and reflect in no uncertain terms the true wishes of our people. The response would have and should have been a country’s response that we could have all been proud of and contented with. Furthermore, it should have stated our country’s position. It should have been signed off by both the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition, after all, it is a national crisis.
Additionally, it should have established a red line and it should have said to the U.K. If you cross this line, this is what we will do; so there would be no surprises when they proceed with their anti TCI agenda. They would know exactly what the expected consequences would be.
I read the Premier’s response to the report and I was disappointed because it was a very weak response and it gave the impression that she either didn’t take the recommendations seriously or she doesn’t understand what is being proposed and the reason why I’m saying this is because in her response she said to the U.K.: ” no thank you”. Madam Premier the FAC is not asking for your permission to implement their plans but rather they are telling us what they are about to do and quite frankly they do not need your permission; they can and will do it by order in council whether we like it or not, the question becomes, what will we do? Tell the people of the Turks and Caicos islands, what are your intentions once the U.K. Implements their plans by order in council.
The U.K. has been taking over complete control of the TCI for a very long time but they were doing it incrementally; first they got rid of our constitution then they replaced it one that is equivalent to toilet paper where they have all the powers whilst at the same time allowing you to have elections providing you with a locally elected powerless government. We turned a blind eye to it and carried on as though we had powers to make decisions to advance our people’s agenda and because we went along with the saga and made believe like we had power, the U.K. Is now embolden and have decided to engage in what I would like to refer to as a “hostile take over” caring less about who you are, what you want and more about what they want. This latest attempt by the British presents a defining moment for us in the Turks and Caicos islands because it provides us a serious opportunity for some much needed self introspection. We now have a clear look into the minds of our adversaries and the ball is in our court, we can stick our head in the sand and act like ostriches and allow ourselves to be overthrown or we can arise and do what God wants us to do.
God has given us a beautiful country with smart able people, we have always managed our own affairs and there is nothing stopping us from continuing to do so. We ought not have a spirit of fear but one of soundness and optimism, however in our quest to pursue freedom we must understand that every Turks Islander has a contribution to make regardless his or her political affiliation. They must be respected and given the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of our country. This means working with, promoting and creating opportunities for all our citizens whether we like them or not. This is the only way we will be able to transition from a country to a nation. Our Sovereignty awaits us but it requires political maturity and sound leadership.
My fellow citizens, we are at a crossroad. We have an opportunity to make a choice; a simple choice, a choice between good or evil. We can allow the U.K. to have their way and impose their belief and cultures on us or we can object it and chart a new course, a true path to real Turks and Caicos citizenship. Should we allow the the will of the U.K. to prevail we will find ourselves in an unfortunate predicament and we must not allow ourselves to be continually disrespected, and dominated into submission.
Our culture, values and biblical principles are worthy of retention and deserving of protection. My people wake up, speak up and fight back, do not accept it.
Hon. George Lightbourne
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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