TCI News
Ask the DR and Jamaica about crime and tourism; TCI must be careful
#Providenciales, August 15, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The Dominican Republic saw a sharp drop in tourism bookings and visitor interest by Americans in June 2019 following the headline-grabbing news reports of suspicious deaths and alleged brutal attacks. The DR enjoys fantastic popularity normally, having recorded 6.6 million visitors in 2018.
Law suits, dramatic loss in flights to the Dominican Republic and cancellations so severe that at least one all-inclusive resort caught in scandal is closing temporarily in November; these are examples of how crime against tourists can sink, an otherwise buoyant ship.
Fortunately for this Latino-Caribbean country, to which the Turks and Caicos is connected by direct flights through two domestic airline companies, the drive to the DR is not slowing down. The Dominican Republic Central Bank reported to CNN that U.S. tourist arrivals are up almost 10 percent for the first half of 2019.
But the DR admits, it is a precarious predicament and there continues to be a lot of making up for the fall out caused by those damaging reports related to questionable medical care, unhealthy hotel environments and visitor-targeted crime.
From the US; the FBI, the ATF and the CDC have been invited by the United States Department of Homeland Security to join the investigation and the report is there has been no travel advisory issued by the USA against trips to the Dom Rep.
Not too far way, and also directly connected to Turks and Caicos by flights is Jamaica.
Just hours ago, news of new travel alerts surfaced from the Canadian Government after the Jamaican Government was forced to extended its state of emergency to October 28, 2019. Crime in tourist areas is simply too high.
The State of Emergency which applies to St. James, Westmoreland and Hanover parishes – which are homes to Montego Bay and Jamaica’s world famous, Seven Mile Beach means security forces will be able to have more freedom to conduct searches and seizures, to detain persons of interest and curfews can come into effect without notice.
Simultaneously, Jamaica is recording record growth in tourism. The #1 English speaking country, when it comes to visitor arrivals experienced a decrease in hotel occupancy during the month of June.
One analyst in BuzzTravel explained that the reason Jamaica is still seeing double digit growth in arrivals, despite its issues with crime is there is greater transparency.
“Jamaica is both honest and proactive when it comes to tourism and tourism security. When confronted with a problem, Jamaica recognized the challenge and then solves it.”
In fact, on July 31, 2019, Jamaica’s Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett announced the appointment of a retired Jamaica military officer, Dave Walker, as the Director of Visitor Safety and Experience.
Growing over its record performance last year are the Turks and Caicos Islands, which continues to be listed as one of the safest places to visit. Still the fragility of this leading industry, which is actually the fuel driving all other industries in the country is being captured in social media op-ed pieces.
Residents are concerned about the surging figures in gun crimes.
“We must also ensure that there is a visible presence of police officers throughout all communities in the Turks and Caicos 365 days a year and 24 hours a day. In addition, the officers must provide confidence and trust to the community so that the residents can report the crimes to the police, thus creating fear for the criminals. People are afraid to report crimes and the criminals know that.”
While reports of crime overall from April to June 2019 were down, crime statistics reveal that gun crime grew by a concerning 80 percent in the same period. This trend is concerning as a glance back at crime stats for 2017-2018 reflected a decrease in gun related offences.
Now retired Police Commissioner, James Smith said over that period 13 firearms and 178 rounds of ammunition were recovered.
Businessman and social media columnist, Drexwell Seymour in his latest article said there are too many guns, too much crime and not enough fear about doing wrong.
“I know there is a cry that we need to find jobs for our people so the crimes can be reduced. I am not convinced that this is the case as there are people who are working and simultaneously committing crimes. I personally believe if we start fearing God, start fearing the laws of our country and start fearing the police officers, it will be the beginning of the resolution and alleviation of crimes in our country.”
Country leaders and officials continue to point to the abatement of crime as being a ‘community as a whole’ issue to be tackled. Perhaps now, with a new Governor and a new Police Commissioner, the atmosphere is perfect for a sincere attempt at synergy.
#magneticmedianews
#tourismandcrime
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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