TCI News
TCI: When Governments Fail the Nation Falls – Hon Akierra Mary Deanne Missick, Opposition MP Leeward and Long Bay
#Providenciales, June 20, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – First and foremost please allow me the opportunity to congratulate all of the hard working teachers and students of the graduating classes of the TCI. The Grade Six Achievement Test (“GSAT”) results are upon us and it has to be greeted with bitter-sweet acceptance.
While most schools performed well it is interesting to note that the children that attend schools left in shambles following the hurricanes two years ago did not perform as is customary for their institutions. In September 2017 following the storms, I wrote to the Minister of Education offering bipartisan support to assist in rapid repairs of the schools which at the time had sustained some, but easily repairable damage.
In my recommendations I listed “The US$4,000,000.00 that is budgeted for in this financial year from the previous administration’s successful grant from the European Development Fund 11 (which could) be renegotiated quickly, to be utilized to repair all primary schools in the TCI which were affected, and in some instances expand them where they can be expanded.” I predicted the consequences would be experienced then that we are seeing today.
To date, my recommendations seem to have fallen on deaf ears and the schools, which were left open to the elements, have drifted further into disrepair. Some estimates indicate that the cost of repairing the schools have now increased ten-fold in some instances due to exposure to the elements and water and moisture ingress over time.
Our students, left without proper facilities, have now fallen victim to the Government’s failure as this Administration lead by the self-proclaimed “best man,” has failed them. In my view, these students for all intents and purposes did not fail but the system and their Government has failed them. Imagine being a student forced to function in small cramped classroom space and still be expected to perform on a national level and compete with others who are learning in approved and well-kept environments.
As former Minister of Education, I believe that the results have warranted an immediate call to action as we must act and act immediately to save those who have fallen. They have not fallen to failure but in my view, they have fallen to the failure of the Government and the failure of the system. I call upon the Minister of Education and her technical staff to immediately implement a GSAT rescue program that will run through the summer break to offer additional support and coaching for the affected students and allow them to re-sit the exam in the end of August.
I know that there are those who may say that these students need to go back to primary school for another year and re-sit the exam but I in my heart of hearts believe that there are those among these students who deserve another shot and deserve that shot sooner rather than later. To have in excess of 100 students repeat Grade 6 in the TCIG schools, will place an enormous burden on the already affected schools. The circumstances in the case of these students are extenuating and they deserve our full support and consideration. One for all and all for one, let us help our brothers and sisters because among them may be our future Premier and Minister of Education. Failure is not fatal, may the good Lord help us as a Country to help all of our youth to stand tall as we build this Beautiful by Nature country.
Let no Child be left behind.
Release: Hon. Akierra Missick
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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