TCI News
TCI: Resolution of Prison Staff Concerns
#Providenciales, October 17, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Following several incidents of assault against Prison Officers by inmates over several months, a number of Prison Officers refused to report to their work stations on the morning of October 17th 2019 which resulted in the need to call an emergency meeting with staff.
The meeting was convened at 10:00am at the Police Headquarters in Grand Turk and was chaired by the Acting Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams supported by the Acting Minister of Home Affairs, the Honourable Edwin Astwood, the Permanent Secretary of Home Affairs, Mrs. Clara Gardiner, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bridgette Newman, Prison Superintendent, Mr. Grahame Hawkins and Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mr. Clifford Henry.
The Prison Officers raised a number of concerns relating to their working conditions, pay, benefits, security and safety, which were all discussed during the meeting.
Commenting on the meeting and its outcome, Acting Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams stated “Following a number of incidents of unrest and assault at the Prison, it was necessary to convene an emergency meeting with the Prison Officers to assure them that it was safe for them to return to work and that their concerns would be addressed.
A number of the matters raised were already in the process of being dealt with as substantial investments have been and will continue to be made in the infrastructure of the Prison and staff working conditions.
The UK recently funded a new fencing and lighting project for the prison, which once completed, will be followed by the reconstruction of the Yellow Wing, which was destroyed by fire following the hurricanes in 2017 and was subsequently tendered and awarded earlier this year.
In addition to this, the government has announced its intention to construct a new Remand Center in Providenciales to reduce the movement of prisoners for court purposes and the construction of a new Prison in Grand Turk to better address custody and rehabilitation.
The Prison has continued to see increases in staff over the years and progress is being made to providing staff with insurance, protective equipment and other resources to staff.
We understand and appreciate the challenges that our Prison Officers face every day in the carriage of their duties, and we are grateful for the jobs that they do and commit to working in partnership to address their concerns and to improve the overall state of the Prison.”
Acting Minister of Home Affairs, the Honourable Edwin Astwood said: “As acting Minister with responsibility for the Prison which is located on Grand Turk where I am based and serve the community, it was important to be present to join the Acting Governor, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and other senior officials to participate in communicating the Government’s efforts to address staff concerns and longstanding physical infrastructure issues at Her Majesty’s Prison. From our discussions, I am confident that a great deal of effort and work has already gone into resolving many of the issues raised and it is only a matter of weeks before some of them will materialize. Through this medium, I want to express the Government’s appreciation to management and staff for the work they do daily and reiterate our commitment to continue to provide meaningful support.”
Prison Superintendent Grahame Hawkins commented: “In the context of meals, prisoners received their breakfast at 9:30am this morning, their lunch meal at 12:30pm and will get their evening meal on time this evening.
In addition, The Police tactical team have also attended the prison today, as part of mutual support, with the intention of searching a number of areas and cells. The searching is being led by the prison team, with the assistance of the police. The intention is to demonstrate that the police and prison work together to make sure that the prison and those within it understand that security and safety is important.”
Upon conclusion of the meeting, the staff returned to their duties at 11:30am this morning.
Release: TCIG
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.
-
Health1 week agoAstraZeneca withdraws COVID vaccines after millions took their jabs
-
Caribbean News6 days agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News6 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News6 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
TCI News4 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Caribbean News6 days 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 News6 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays