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Crime, safety, synergy and 2020 tourism plans top discussions at TCHTA meeting

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#TurksandCaicosIslands – January 15, 2020 — On January 8th, 2020 the Turks and Caicos Hotel & Tourism Association (TCHTA) hosted their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the award-winning resort, The Shore Club, on Long Bay Beach in Providenciales.

The gathering saw in attendance Association members, special guests and speakers, including Her Excellency Anya Williams, Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Honourable Ralph Higgs, Minister of Tourism and the reigning Caribbean Junior Minister of Tourism, Miss Danae Dennie.

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The exciting evening co-chaired by TCHTA President, Todd Foss, and CEO, Stacy Cox, opened with an impressive year-end report for 2019 which detailed the work and successes of the TCHTA for that year.

“We always look forward to having our AGM because it gives us a platform to showcase our annual report to members and stakeholders, as well as the Association’s plans for the coming year,” said Cox. “2019 was another marvelous showing of what we can do for the tourism industry when we all work collaboratively, and I have no doubt that 2020 will be anything short of exceptional.”

She continued by saying, “Since its inception, the TCHTA has been pivotal in the development of the tourism product here in Turks and Caicos, and our efforts to promote our product has grown year after year. In 2019, we saw our partnerships in the community strengthen, our educational initiatives thrive, and our marketing campaigns expand our international reach farther than ever before.”

The subject of Crime was a topic of discussion at this year’s AGM, and both the Deputy Governor and the Minister of Tourism spoke on the subject, giving their commitment to working with the TCHTA and industry stakeholders to help mitigate the issue. Numerous proposals regarding safety have been submitted, with some already being put into action.

“The big conversation at our AGM this year is crime and what we are doing to tackle the rising challenges. We were privileged to have Her Excellency Anya Williams and Honourable Higgs as our guests, who were able to speak on the ongoing efforts against this scourge and putting into place the necessary measures to ensure that we are all safe from criminal threats” said TCHTA President, Todd Foss.

The Association is looking forward to continuing its strong relationships with local law enforcement, security agencies and the Government to address this problem.

The highlight of the evening was the TCHTA’s recognition of Miss Danae Dennie, who delivered her award-winning speech from the 2019 Youth Congress Competition to the AGM attendees.

Dennie was awarded with gifts from the TCHTA members in recognition of her accomplishments as the Caribbean Junior Minister of Tourism. Miss Dennie is the recipient of a full hospitality scholarship to the Turks and Caicos Community College (TCICC), a round trip ticket on Caicos Express Airways, a round trip ticket on interCaribbean Airways to any destination they service, a gift certificate for dining at Mr. Grouper’s Restaurant and a gift certificate for dining at Mango Reef Restaurant, sponsored by the Association members.

Ms. Blythe Clare, Training Manager for the TCI Tourist Board, was also recognized at the AGM.  Clare, who served as a chaperone for Miss Dennie, was presented with a bouquet from the Board and members in honour of being named TC Weekly News’ Person of the Year 2019.

The TCHTA looks forward to what 2020 will bring for the industry. “We have an exciting year planned with lots of proactive initiatives to promote the destination in partnership with the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board. Our goal is to continue cultivating and maintaining partnerships, ensuring that destination TCI flourishes,” Cox concluded.

The Association currently has approximately 200 members. Persons and businesses interested in joining should call the TCHTA at 339-5787 or complete the digital application on their website at www.turksandcaicoshta.com.

TCHTA PRESS RELEASE, JANUARY 15, 2020

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Orlando Mother Remanded for Bullet possession in Turks and Caicos

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Wilkie Arthur and Deandrea Hamilton 

Editorial staff

 

Remanded until July, but her attorney Leanna Brooks-Campbell is likely to make application for bail as the matter is now transfered to the Supreme Court.

American tourist from Orlando, Florida Shanita Shinee Grier, 45, who was arrested Monday, after two bullets were allegedly found in her baggage is the newest defendant facing the stiff penalties associated with breaching the Turks & Caicos Firearms Ordinance.

Grier was exiting TCI at the Providenciales International Airport with her daughter when the ammunition was detected, ending her Mother’s Day trip to the islands on an unexpectedly sour note.

Today, the chief magistrate remanded her to prison until July 5, 2024, however that can change.

She is facing charges of unlawful possession of ammunition; a crime punishable with a minimum 12 year sentence except in the case of a judge ruling that the case falls in the category of “exceptional.”

Then, and only then would it warrant a different sentence by a judge.

Support for the Floridian was impressive; Bryan Hagerich and Ryan Watson and their relatives filled the Magistrate’s Court on Old Airport Road informs Court Correspondent, Wilkie Arthur.

It was a show of patriotic solidarity on an issue which has elicited emotive views on all sides for Americans who are hoping to prove they were tourists on holiday and nothing more.

Bryan Hagerich of Pennsylvanian and Ryan Watson of Oklahoma also charged in two separate instances for being in possession of ammunition while wrapping up their TCI vacations in April and May respectively.

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InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group 

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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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AMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS

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Deandrea Hamilton and Wilkie Arthur

Editorial Staff

 

A DAUGHTER reportedly brought her mother to the Turks and Caicos for Mother’s Day, and both were allegedly arrested, leaving the Turks and Caicos Islands today (Monday 13th, May,2024).

Officials say they were found with two rounds of ammunition in their luggage.

Police have confirmed the arrest to Magnetic Media after inquiries.

Turks & Caicos residents are already reacting to this latest report, “dumbfounded” by the mistake which keeps being repeated despite all of the high profile attention the matter has received in leading news organizations and the warning the US Embassy has issued. There is also the well publicized stance of the TCI Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions that these individuals must be punished according to the law.

In this newest case, the daughter was released, and the mother remains in police custody pending charge and court appearance later this week.

Police inform they will update soon.

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