TCI News
Hon. Sean Astwood’s Remarks at the World Food Program (WFP) on Regional Symposium on Shock-Responsive Social Protection in the Caribbean
#Providenciales, July 2, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – “Protocol already being established; I would also like to adopt same. Good morning everyone and welcome to our beautiful by nature, Turks and Caicos Islands.
It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the Regional Symposium on Shock-Responsive Social Protection in the Caribbean which is being hosted by the UN World Food Program in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) here in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
It is a known fact that globally, the frequency, size and duration of disasters and crisis—be they the consequence of natural phenomena or economic or political shocks—are on the rise. The cost of responding to these disasters has been increasing at what some may described as at an alarming rate. It is important to note that many of these shocks are predictable and protracted, and often slow-onset, and therefore within our control to mitigate against them.
In this regard, the need to identify and expand effective ways to respond to disasters is as pressing as ever. It is true that Caribbean countries have come a long way: from a reactive approach to disaster response to one focusing on preparedness, resilience building and climate change adaptation. However, the achievement of critical targets are being done at very slow pace. While we all face the same hurricane season annually, we however have different degrees of vulnerability. As a result of Climate Change, the increase of devastating weather-related events is hindering governments’ efforts to protect people from collective risks, whilst eroding countries’ sustainable development gains sometimes 3-4 times the cost of their GDP. We may not want to believe it, but we are surely feeling it, Climate Change is Real, and it is not going away anytime soon.
Recognizing the seriousness of climate change, my Government has recently passed a climate change policy and have also banned single use plastic bags, Styrofoam containers. This is just few of the steps that my Government is taking to reduce the countries carbon foot print, though miniscule.
Statistics have also shown that the poorest and the most vulnerable are the ones who suffer the most from the impact of natural hazards. As such, it is not only important to have an integrated disaster risk management strategy but equally important is to ensure that it must go hand-in-hand with long-term comprehensive interventions designed to protect people living in disaster-prone areas from multiple risk scenarios.
In this regard, Social Protection is a key instrument to reduce poverty and vulnerability and enhance people’s capacity to manage economic and social issues. Social Protection role in climate risk management has also been widely recognized in global agreements in recent years. Social protection systems help individuals and families, cope with crises and shocks, find jobs, improve productivity, invest in the health and education of their children and protect the aging population.
Moreover, a growing body of evidence demonstrates that with the appropriate systems and programmes in place, Social Protection can also play a significant role in minimizing the impacts of disasters and strengthen disaster risk management actions, for a more rapid, cost-efficient and effective preparedness and response to emergencies. This was the case in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Dominica and British Virgin Islands, following a devastating 2017 hurricane season, where national social protection schemes were adapted and expanded to support the needs of hurricane-affected people. Much can be learnt from these regional examples.
Events like the WFP and CDEMA symposium on Shock-Responsive Social Protection, hosted by the Government of Turks and Caicos Islands, offers a tremendous opportunity to strengthen the linkages between disaster risk management, social protection and climate change adaptation. It enables countries and sectors to draw from each other’s experiences and best practices. Fosters regional collaboration and knowledge-exchange. And imbues traditional practices in disaster response with novel approaches and innovative ideas that can assist, protect and support the Caribbean people with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
I therefore urge you as we come together to focus more in-debt on our region for these next 2 days, that we will leave these beautiful Turks & Caicos Islands recharged and energized to ensuring that each and every one of us play our part in mitigating against the risks that our respective countries face and we will recommend and implement social protective strategies with the aim of building resilience among our most vulnerable.
Thank you and may God grant us a hurricane free impact season.”
Release: TCIG
SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY
***MEDIA RELEASE***
May 18th, 2024.
Following a police shooting incident on May 14th, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is now able to name the deceased male subject, with the permission of the family.
The Serious Crime Unit contacted the relatives of the deceased, and formal identification has taken place, with the subject being identified as 14-year-old Antorens Dorcely, also known locally as ‘Toto’. 
During this challenging time, the RTCIPF also expressed its deepest condolences to the deceased’s family, and the force will continue to offer support through our Family Liaison Officer.
In light of this incident, the RTCIPF is urging the public to show respect and sensitivity towards the grieving family by refraining from sharing any footage of the deceased on social media.
Sharing such material can cause additional distress and harm. We emphasize the importance of empathy and respect for the family’s privacy as they navigate their grief. The death of any young person is a loss to the TCI.
The RTCIPF is committed and dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that all aspects of the incident are carefully examined and the findings are communicated transparently to the public.
A request has been made to an external police force to conduct a review of the incident. This is a routine procedure and intended to ensure an independent and objective review of the facts. The community’s cooperation and respect during this time are essential. The RTCIPF assures the public that we remain dedicated to upholding justice and accountability.
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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