TCI News
TCI: Less money for Home Affairs, still increases announced, equipment approved, assertive prison rehabilitation planned and Minister bids farewell
#Providenciales, May 5, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The Budget for the Ministry of Home Affairs has decreased this fiscal year by $2.5 million but it appears that key goals will still be met, with significant increases announced for at least three areas within the Ministry held by Hon Delroy Williams.
More money will go to the Social Development Department, Her Majesty’s Prison and Radio Turks and Caicos said Minister Williams during his contribution to the 2019-2020 Budget Debate.
“…Mr. Speaker, the department of Social Development’s budget has increased from $2,868,687.00 (two million, eight hundred and sixty-eight thousand, six hundred and eighty-seven dollars) to a whopping $3,492,327.00 (three million, four hundred and ninety-two thousand, three hundred and twenty-seven dollars). To help it carry out its mandate Mr. Speaker, plans are already in place to restructure the department to create four functional units. They are: The Child Protection and Family Services Unit; The Parole, Probation and Rehab Unit; The Needs Assessment and Benefits Administration Unit and the Social Support and Community Development Unit.”
Also positive for social support programmes is allocated funding for refurbishment to the domestic violence homes in Grand Turk and Providenciales; Minister Williams said $350,000 has been set aside for the projects.
Radio Turks and Caicos will get $30,000 extra for consultancy spending and overall, its operating funds have shot up “…from $559,614 to $743,681 a difference of $184,067.”
It was reported that the national radio station’s listenership is swelling and community programming is opening lines of understanding to the world; listenership on the new single frequency and online was put at 42,963 monthly.
Her Majesty’s Prison will move more assertively on its rehabilitation of inmates and the physical facility, it was said on Thursday May 2, 2019.
“We have committed to ensure that persons in custody receive the best care and assistance to guarantee that they have the best opportunity to return to society. With that in mind Mr. Speaker, the prison’s budget has been increased from $3,361,679 (three million, three hundred and sixty-one thousand, six hundred and seventy-nine dollars) for 2018/19 to $4,131,720(four million, one hundred and thirty-one thousand, seven hundred and twenty dollars) this year.
A new prison Superintendent and eight extra prison officers were added but new to come on board are parole officers who will support the Chance for Change program, which will reportedly become active in the coming months.
“Mr. Speaker, an important aspect of the Chance for Change Programme is the need to provide for alternative paths to sentencing individuals for the crimes they commit. This approach will require the support of several stakeholders ranging from the individual, families, church, schools, police and businesses. We hope that everyone will step up to the plate and support this new initiative to save our young men, to support families and to improve our society.”
A desperately needed fire truck for Grand Turk is approved.
“The procurement process for the purchasing of a new fire vehicle for Grand Turk was completed and a brand new, custom made, fire truck, will be on island within the next twelve months.”
Messages of thanks and appreciation were conveyed to the “190 public servants, 10 departments, one statutory body and six boards that work within the Ministry of Home Affairs, which Hon Williams will officially leave behind on May 8, 2019.
His final public assignment is the opening of the George Brown Post Office next Tuesday; for his new role as the Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services there appears to be great anticipation.
“I will immediately seek ways to address current issues such as time limits on work permits, improving customer service, shortening turnaround times and do a complete review of the departments with aging applications,” said Williams who is also the Member of Parliament for the Wheeland constituency.
#magneticmedianews
#ministerbidsfarewell
#lessmoneyforhomeaffairs
#prisonrehabilitationplan
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.
-
Caribbean News1 week agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News7 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News7 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
TCI News5 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Caribbean News1 week agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news1 week agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
Bahamas News7 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays
-
TCI News7 days agoPolice Swarm Five Cays, newest murder victim is 37 year-old man