TCI News
TCI: Tenth Anniversary for SIPT; $100 million for $28 million
#Providenciales, August 12, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – How much do you think the pursuit of justice for an alleged misuse of about $28 million in public funds and assets should cost the Turks and Caicos Islands, or any country for that matter? For the TCI, it has racked up a bill of over $100 million.
It is unclear how the UK justifies this gross payout for a matter which in the first instance they say cost the people bundles of money, and now in the second instance is still costing the people even more bundles of money. What is clear, is that the Turks and Caicos people continue to be plundered.
Even Helen Garlick has retired from the SIPT. Garlick was hired 10 years ago to run the controversial investigation and litigation.
The Special Investigation and Prosecution Team, SIPT was activated on August 9, 2009 and that is when the country was first introduced to the then lead in the probe.
In Garlick’s defence, she explained to media that her belief is the process should never cost the country any exorbitant amount of money. Nor did she approve of the expense of the matter superseding national development spending.
But it did and it has and there appears to be no stopping for this train from “hell”.
The trial, which is estimated to have another two-years of life left and which is just now preparing to get started on the defence side, will continue to be extremely expensive.
The country – that is the public – is paying millions in security for the SIPT. We are paying millions for the prosecution team to live and to work; we are paying millions for the defence attorneys which have teams of attorneys to prove their innocence and reportedly the payments are so sweet that the income is making lots of lawyers filthy rich.
The investigation and trial is costing the country three times more than the 11 defendants allegedly cost the country. It appears as if this trial has lost its moral compass, say some. It has certainly lost public support, say so many more.
Yet, members of the public who are to be the beneficiaries of ‘Justice’ believe they are actually losing in this pursuit.
Infrastructure across the country needs upgrade. Defence could use some better tools. Tourism could use a larger, more modern airport. Public offices need more space and higher efficiency. TCIG wants to be more e-savvy in its systems and documentations and all of it costs money, more money than is in the national budget.
Much needed public dollars are being thrown at the SIPT and for many residents who speak to me ‘off the record’ the funds are generally considered to be vital cash going down the drain.
The SIPT, now 10 years and two days old is indisputably an expensive blow to the TCI public purse and a reputational blow to the faith in the process of justice being served.
No doubt, at first, much of the public wanted to be defended! Now, they just want this trial to be ended.
#magneticmedianews
#sipttrialtenthanniversary
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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