TCI News
Industry Stars shine at 11th Annual Turks and Caicos Hotel Tourism Association awards
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, Monday, March 1st 2020 – The 11th annual Turks and Caicos Hotel & Tourism Association’s Star Awards took place on February 27th in the vibrant surroundings of Treasure Beach, Beaches Resort Villages & Spa. In true form, scores turned out in vast numbers to celebrate the stars of the hospitality industry being honoured for their remarkable achievements in 2019.
Nothing was spared to deliver an unrivaled evening of fine dining, pomp and circumstance. Award winners and attendees alike were treated to a robust and tantalizing dinner spread with entertainment by Prime DJs and the Beaches Entertainment Team. The country’s dignitaries were out in numbers to celebrate the achievements of these special individuals. Notably, HE the Governor Nigel Dakin, Premier, Honourable Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, HE Deputy Governor Anya Williams, Hon Akierra Missick on behalf of Hon Washington Misick and Deputy Leader of the Progressive National Party, E Jay Saunders.
TCHTA CEO Stacy Cox said, “It is clear that Turks and Caicos at large understands and appreciates the hard work of these individuals who are the heart and soul of the industry. There’s no doubt that it is indeed the people who make brand TCI what it has become. What Turks and Caicos continues to achieve in this industry is due to these men and women who meet and surpass challenges every day and push the boundaries of excellence each time they step into their roles.”
A highlight of the evening was the keynote address delivered by the Premier, Honourable Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, who reminded event goers and awardees that they are the key to the sustainability of the island’s primary industry and are valued beyond measure. She heralded the achievements of the sector and the dedication of those who assure its success.
Accolades and awards were presented in nine categories:
Housekeeper of the Year – Supervisor of the Year – Manager of the Year – Employee of the Year – Bartender of the Year- TCHTA’s Regional Stars – Civil Servant of the Year – Taxi Driver of the Year – Fan Favourite of the Year
TCHTA President Todd Foss shared, “This year’s Star Awards was a sold-out event, which speaks to the way the community wants to show its support and cheer for these amazing stars. The TCHTA is proud to provide this platform and we’re grateful to our members, sponsors, committee and everyone who believes in and continues to support this effort.”
Attendees spoke of their delight at the intricate décor, the exquisite dining and the entertainment provided by the Beaches team, which included a surprise fire dancing experience to close out the night. Fancies were tickled throughout the evening by the comedic and engaging entertainment provided by the event’s co-emcees, Ms. Deandrea Hamilton and Mr. David Wallace.
The TCHTA is thankful to the sponsors who also acted as presenters of the night’s awards: Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages & Spa, FortisTCI, Turks & Caicos Islands Ministry of Tourism, Carnival Corporation & PLC, CSC Insurance Brokers, KB Homes, Kalooki’s Grace Bay, Digicel and Southwest Airlines.
Appreciation is also extended to the many companies that generously donated giveaway prizes for the evening, with special thanks to the Sands on Grace Bay whose two-night ocean view suite was the grand prize for the event.
Wilkie Arthur
Freelance Court Reporter
#TurksandCaicos, September 26, 2023 – On Monday 25th September 2023 in the Providenciales Supreme Court before her Ladyship Ms. Tanya Lobban Jackson and a seven member Jury to be empaneled, there are TWO sexual assault/rape cases are listed to commence.
TRIAL 1: NICHOLL PRUDHOMME allegation date is on January 17th, 2022. The defendant is represented by Ms. Sheena Mair, who is also on bail.
The reported virtual complainant in this case is an adult in her 20’s.
TRIAL 2: DARROL FORBES allegations totaling six counts linked to alleged sexual abuse of one of his underage daughters.
The incidents, for which Forbes is being tried, range in dates from June 1st to August 31st in 2020.
Forbes is represented by Keith James and is on bail.
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, September 26, 2023 – E Jay Saunders, TCI Finance Minister, isn’t worried about an economic downturn following a quarter of negative growth in Q1 of 2023.
Speaking to Magnetic Media on Tuesday September 19th, the country’s Deputy Premier said: “Revenues don’t grow forever— you will have declines— but I am not nervous.”
During the recent Throne Speech, it was revealed that revenues were down and spending, too had decreased for the first quarter of TCIG’s fiscal year.
Saunders explained that with any country or even business, there were quarterly dips and spikes in economic performance but what mattered was the overall picture, which for the Turks and Caicos keeps climbing. 
He also explained what could have caused the dip.
Saunders said that over the past two years the sale of luxury condominiums from places like the Ritz Carlton and post pandemic traveling boom, had rocketed the country’s income pumping up the cash brought in from stamp duties and other related taxes.
With less travel predicted and the country in a sort of in-between stage of construction with major buildings in the process of being finished but not as much new inventory on the market, Saunders said a drop in profits was not far-fetched.
He stressed though that this was not a reflection on ‘Brand TCI,’ rather the expected rise and fall of the economy. With the introduction of new real estate and the prime tourism season, revenues are expected to rebound.
The dip does however highlight an issue in the Turks and Caicos, that is its heavy dependence on tourism to buoy the economy and how quickly that can turn, as evidenced by the recent pandemic.
The Government says it has clocked the issue and is working to diversify the economy to isolate residents from economic shocks. The question is whether those reported efforts to build other significant revenue streams for the TCI happening quickly enough.
#TurksandCaicos, September 26, 2023 –
GUN ARREST
A 30-year-old male suspect remains in police custody assisting detectives of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force with investigations, after the seizure of an AR15 Assault Rifle and several rounds of ammunition.
Preliminary reports state, that around 1.37 a.m. today, information was obtained regarding a suspicious vehicle that was intercepted by Police Officers.
This led to the arrest of the suspect, who was in the vehicle when officers intercepted it in the vicinity of Rock Plaza, Millennium Highway. A search of the vehicle resulted in the assault rifle and ammunition being found.
DRUGS FOUND
In a separate incident today at 8.25 a.m., Marine Branch officers acting on information proceeded to an area off
Sapodilla Bay, South Dock, and noticed several packages floating in the sea. Eighteen packages were retrieved from the sea.
Upon inspection, the packages contained cocaine with an estimated street value of $250,000. Both incidents remain under active police investigations.
Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said today, “This arrest and drug find was a result of information obtained from members of the public and great teamwork between different sections of the Force on the land and at sea. We remain grateful for your assistance and trust in the Police Force as we continue our partnership to ensure the TCI remains a safe place to live work and visit.
“This is the second assault rifle seized within the last two weeks and these successes are the result of hard work and commitment by my officers to pushing back on criminals intent on causing harm to our communities.
“I wish to again thank and encourage the public to continue working alongside us, if you see something, say something, there are options available for sharing information with us”.
The public is being asked to contact 911, the closest police station, the RTCIPF Serious Crime Unit at 232-8752, or call TCI Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and give any information on illegal activities.
Additionally, persons are encouraged to contact the Miami-Dade & Florida Keys Crime Stoppers at 1-305-471-8477 and give any information anonymously.
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