TCI News

TCI Premier Statement at Natl Security Strategy Launch

Published

4 years ago

January 22, 2020

#TurksandCaicosIslands – January 22, 2020 — “Good Morning Everyone. Thank you to all that are present and those who are listening by radio and Face Book Live.

I want to begin by thanking the Joint Law Enforcement Team led by Deputy Commissioner of Police, H.E. The Governor, Victoria Farley and the Team at London for the work towards the delivery and launching today of such an important policy document.

Today is an important day in these Islands and is significant for a few important reasons:

For the first time, the highest offices join together to jointly address areas under our remit in matters relating to national security and this coming together at the top is the right step to lead by example in an effort to move away from the too common practice of operating in silos across Government and is a step in the right direction to foster a new culture of sharing.
Secondly, if you were to poll TCI as to the top issues of concerns you will hear issues around criminal activity, be it serious crime or illegal entry of migrants. Today this step is significant as well because we must abandon aged thinking that the Governor with his constitutional remit and mostly the Police alone are responsible for national security issues.
And thirdly, today is significant because this work identifies key threats that we as a people must together whether across the public sector or private sector/citizenry must act on one accord to mitigate the impact of these threats.

The launch today of our country’s first ever National Security Strategy is critical; critical to identifying a list of threats (not exhaustive) that we can all put our resources, hands and minds strategically together to minimize its impact. Today calls for a change in mindset for the government and the people recognizing that national security extends beyond the Governor’s constitutional remit of internal and external security and extends to areas of ministerial responsibility. Today we are beginning what has begun to become commonplace for key government stakeholders, a critical coming together.

Importance of the Strategy

The importance of this Strategy cannot be overemphasized.

It ensures continuity and even as we plan our roll out of the ever important Vision 2040, (Our Country’s Plan for the next 20yrs) we feature and emphasize the critical need for continuity in efforts by successive governments.
This Strategy is important because it will call for all responsible agencies to complete and carry out additional plans for operations at its level.
The benefit then for a small country with limited resources will be tremendous, in that resources will then be applied not in silos but as a whole and will then result in a smarter use of our scarce resources and
And fourthly, as we have already begun to do and many have found it to be most useful. We then will enjoy a more joined up government approach to threat’s against this country’s national security.

The eventual dream and aspiration is for a Border Protection Agency which will foster better protection of our borders. Much work is underway and I must thank the UK Government for its unprecedented support. We have had the awesome opportunity to engage the UK Government more frequently on matters of national security and we have found in the Minister, Lord Ahmad an engaging and responsive Minister and we are eternally grateful.

We continue critical work with the US Coast Guard and the Bahamas Government. OPBAT and regional bodies remain critical partners for us.

THE THREATS IDENTIFIED

For the purposes of the Strategy, we have identified 9 threats that we will work at through our collaborative efforts and then through the agencies that have the direct responsibility.

As a small island nation, it should not be a surprise some of the threats and the reason why we believe that any of them can serve as a destabilizer for our country:

The threat of illegal migration
Disaster (be it natural, major accidents or epidemics)
Serious Crime
Critical National Infrastructure Failure
Serious Public Disturbances
Maritime Sovereignty
Food Security and Scarcity
Cyber
Terrorism, Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism

These identified Threats have seen discussions at the Cabinet level, the National Security Council and its Advisory Group, with the Leader of the Opposition separately and as a member of the National Security Advisory Group and we now wish to present them to you as a people.

The Strategy does not only identify the Threats but outlines the Response and the Structure for Governance. This is a high level Document and each Agency has to prepare its strategy and implementation plan that sits under this. The establishment of the National Security Unit this year will be the center of/focal point for reporting and coordination. The Head of this Unit will be answerable to both the Office of the Governor and the Office of the Premier and will likewise speak on both our behalf under directive and standing authority. Critical hires will take place early in the next financial year.

I want to commend this Policy/Strategy to the people of these Islands. It will indeed be a Game Changer in the way we address national security and once fully applied and operationalized, we will be as a country all the better for it.

May God bless these Beautiful By Nature Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Full Statement on January 22, 2020 by Premier Sharlene Robinson

Related Topics:#magneticmedianews #caribbeancrime #sharlenerobinson #tcipremier #turksandcaicos

Up Next

TCI Ministry of Health monitors new strain of Coronavirus

Don't Miss

TCI Governor Statement on launch of Natl Security Strategy

Deandrea S Hamilton

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

TCI News

Orlando Mother Remanded for Bullet possession in Turks and Caicos

Published

2 days ago

May 16, 2024

Shanieka

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.

News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

4 days ago

May 14, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

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.

TCI News

AMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS

Published

5 days ago

May 14, 2024

Shanieka

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.