TCI News
TCI: Opposition chides PDM Government for $4.3 million ‘underspend’ and ‘rush’ to buy technical school building
#Providenciales, March 31, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Millions of dollars went unspent this fiscal year and it affected the fulfillment of significant capital projects including repairs to public buildings and modernization in government services; the Opposition PNP lambasted the PDM Government for this gross underspending and accused the administration of playing politics with the people’s money.
“The real problem here, the crux of the matter is that the government was not able to draw down on the 2018-2019 budget allocation and in a last ditch effort to save face, they have come with this supplementary appropriation with the sole purpose of placating the people of these islands as it relates to the technical vocation school and I doubt very much that all the necessary processes and research was done to ensure that it is the best location and the best facility.”
During debate on Friday to re-arrange monies to the tune of $4.3 million dollars, the Opposition side had three members who lent strongly to the debate; Washington Misick, PNP Leader; Royal Robinson, Opposition Appointed Member and Josephine Connolly, all island member who recently went from an independent member to the PNP side, after resigning the PDM party.
Reasons cited in an Appropriations Committee Report included that some projects never made it to tender, while others were under-funded and were unable to proceed leaving millions of dollars unspent and millions in projects undone.
Former Finance Minister, Washington Misick read periodically from the report during his contribution on the supplementary to the Budget; he labelled some explanations in the document deceptive and the inability to complete some school projects, disappointing.
“It is assumed these projects will be in 2019-2020 because it’ll be a travesty to those communities, particularly at the secondary school level if their capital budgets are being reduced or removed, just to be able to make a statement, a political one.” He added, “Mr. Speaker, if you are phasing a project, it’s not that it is being decreased, the cost is being deferred by the very nature of the word phasing means that instead of coming this month, it may come three months later so some of the language that is used in here, that comes across as being somewhat deceptive.”
Hon. Misick was critical of the leap of the PDM Government to buy a building for a Technical and Vocational school; revealing that the new purchase was never a part of the roster for the original 2018-2019 Budget and that more research should be done before the government spent the public’s money on a site which could prove unfit for long term development.
Three million dollars was announced as the cost for TCIG to acquire the current site of the Oseta Jolly Primary school; the school just behind Abundant Life Ministries church.
Hon Royal Robinson asked the government about its promise for change.
“Something has to be done by now with the procurement process. Mr. Speaker we cannot continue down this path and one of the complaints we have been having from a number of our indigenous contractors is that they have not been getting some of the work because of the onerous requirement that has been placed on the process.” Robinson added, “Mr. Speaker you have a new sheriff in town who said she is the agent for change… the Premier has a duty and a responsibility to come to the House with the legislation that’s needed to change this thing, it could only be changed here and if the powers that be don’t sign on then we go to the streets Mr. Speaker!
Hon Connolly agrees that the procurement ordinance is not delivering for the people, and that the technical and vocational school is a brand-new project. The Member expressed her surprise that changes to the Development Budget were coming just two days before the end of the fiscal year, which ends on Sunday, March 31, 2019.
“It’s lack of planning, all of this has been left for last minute or in this case, the last day. This is not the first rushed bill we have had but I am going to suggest Mr. Speaker that our Government needs to consider a legislative time table, it is very good tool, and it will stop some of these last-minute dramas.”
Hon Connolly said she supports the idea of a trade school and asked for details of the policy.
Cuts included half a million dollars in furniture for schools, no refurbishment construction at some schools and other public buildings because bids came in above what was budgeted, and cuts in technological advances to help both the real estate and tourism industry, among others.
#magneticmedianews
#4milliondollarunderspend
#tcitechnicalandvocationalschool
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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