TCI News

Editorial: We Must Diversify!

Published

4 years ago

March 12, 2020

By Jamell Robinson – March 12, 2020

As COVID-19 aka the Coronavirus having now been classified as a worldwide pandemic, it has brought into sharp focus in my mind just how vulnerable our Tourism based economy happens to be. In Italy, the government has decided on a country wide lock down. Across Europe, Football games (Soccer) are being cancelled. In the USA, the NBA has now suspended its season and the famed March Madness Tournament is going forward without any fans in attendance at the stadium. Universities are requiring students to do classes online off campus. All of these measures are in an effort to slow, stop, or avoid the spread of the Coronavirus within these countries by reducing events or gatherings of large crowds.

All the while, worldwide travel is continually being reduced, manufacturing being affected, and economies are taking big hits. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the USA has advised US citizens to avoid taking cruise ship vacations. Hotel bookings are being cancelled across the TCI. Tour Operators are battling cancellations in Grand Turk due to concerned cruise passengers related to TCIG’s preparedness. In response to the confusion of whether a sick passenger could be Medevac’d from Grand Turk, Carnival has diverted several of its ship calls to the Grand Turk Cruise Center. All of this is happening and the Turks and Caicos presently does not have one confirmed or suspected Coronavirus case.

As the saying goes, Necessity is the Mother of Invention. It’s clear that it has become necessary that we as a people answer the question, what will we do economically if our Tourism Industry is significantly reduced or collapses altogether. While in the midst of a crisis, it might not seem ideal to focus efforts on long term solutions but rather to focus on the crisis at hand. However, Dr. Myles Munroe has said “In the middle of a crisis is when your mind is at its sharpest”. In the short-term TCIG must consider or at the very least find out the cost if they need to provide Business interruption financial assistance for Turks and Caicos Islander Business and Personnel if there is a significant and extended economic disruption due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. We have over $200 Million in cash reserves. We simply need to know the cost and how such a program could be implemented if deemed necessary.

In the long-term, we must unleash the pent up potential of young Turks and Caicos Islanders both near and far in an effort to genuinely find out the next industry to pair with Tourism, if not surpass it, in order to truly diversify our economy. It must be both robust and sustainable. The vehicle to encourage this innovation must be Invest TC with a revamped MSME Ordinance, such that all categories are waved and the $10,000 grant is increased to a $50,000 grant paired with a $50,000 loan facility, which would result in up to $100,000 in startup capital. These paired with the development of Business Incubators will no doubt result in the ideas we need to diversify our economy!

Right now it feels like we are sitting ducks waiting on the inevitable. No need to waste a crisis, as in every crisis there is opportunity!

SEND YOUR VIEWS OR PERSPECTIVES OR CONCERNS TO deandrea@magneticmediatv.com

Related Topics:#editorial #magneticmedianews

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Crime

Shooting Incident

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd, 2024.

Around 10:59 am, the Police Control Room received a call of gunshots at a location along the Millennium Highway, Providenciales.

Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched and, based on preliminary investigations, were told that the occupant (s) of a red Suzuki Swift was at a business place when another car pulled alongside it, and the occupants started shooting.

The driver of the Swift drove off while the other unidentified vehicle sped off in a separate direction.

Officers found the Swift abandoned near Miracle Close, Blue Hills, shortly after.

Based on investigations, no injuries were reported.

This remains an active investigation.

The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information or CCTV footage of the shooting that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.

Additionally, persons are being asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.

News

Twelve Officers Sworn In

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd, 2024.

There are twelve new officers within the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

The officers—Ronn James, Ernie Henry, Aron Charlery, Andrew Ottley, Emmanuel Dabreo, Damion Clarke, Jeffrey Kaye, Roan Waugh, Shan Livermore, Kemar Chambers, Michael Campbell, and Ajay Budhai—took an oath to protect and serve the citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands yesterday (July 22nd) afternoon at Police Headquarters, Providenciales.

Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin, who administered the officers’ oath, said, “Thank you for choosing the TCI. It will not be a bed of roses. Policing requires hard work, and you ensure our communities are safe. Your arrival was anticipated and highly overdue.

“You are now officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, and you are committed to the safety of the people of these archipelagoes. We must lead by example and not let our guard down. Stand firm on the foundation of our motto- Service With Pride and Integrity. Integrity is doing the right thing in the absence of anyone watching.”

The President of the Christian Council, Pastor Wilbert Jennings, delivered the opening prayer and told officers to always call on God in their time of need.

Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams, Assistant Commissioner Kendall Grant, acting Assistant Commissioner Mat Newton, Chairman of the Police Welfare Association Sgt. Jepson Victor and Human Resources Manager Rex Swann also attended the ceremony.

Crime

Male Charged with Theft and Handling Stolen Goods

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd,2024.

A 23-year-old male from the Bight, Providenciales, has been charged with the theft of a boat.

CHANDELER JOSEPH is expected to appear before a Magistrate next week to answer the following charges:

Two Counts of Theft
Two Counts of Handling Stolen Goods

The charges against Mr. Joseph followed a report of a stolen boat in the Turtle Cove district on July 19^th,2024.

Inquiries were conducted shortly after Mr Joseph was arrested and subsequently charged.

The RTCIPF is asking anyone with information on illegal activities that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.

Additionally, persons are being asked to download the CrimeStoppers P3 app.