TCI News
Beaches Resort denies political gimmicks; wants swift resolve to reopen Providenciales property
#Beaches, Turks and Caicos – PUBLIC STATEMENT – October 22, 2020 — We have noted the attempts to peddle disinformation in certain quarters regarding the impasse between Beaches Resorts and the Government of the TCI.
Unfortunately for those peddling such political propaganda, and who think that a David and Goliath scenario provides political leverage, live in an outdated time and place.
2020 has caused immeasurable suffering and hardship and people have no time for political gimmicks.
The 2013 letter, which is being bandied about as a misconceived political tool did nothing more than confirm the basis on which the all-inclusive sector paid taxes since the 1990’s which was implemented under a PDM administration. In fact, we understand that there is at least one other resort which has a more favourable tax arrangement than Beaches.
Beaches wishes to make it perfectly clear that it has no political affiliations. Rather it is a partner with any and all duly elected governments, and our only commitment is to work with Government to ensure that the people of the TCI are able to once more see commercial activity return and be able to take care of their families sooner rather than later.
Since 1996, Beaches along with its amazing team members, and indeed the entire community, have worked night and day to build one of the most incredible resorts found on planet earth. We stand ready to work hand in hand with the people of the TCI, to re-open our doors and get back to business.
Beaches has made it clear that it wishes no favours and that it owes no taxes. It is the TCIG which owes Beaches and it is the TCIG which has violated our legally binding agreements and commitments.
The world is looking on at what is happening between the island’s key investor, and those persons elected to take care of the people’s business and welfare, and the picture they are seeing right now is not a very pretty one.
We take note of the statement issued by the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, and their deep concern for the negative fallout the continued closure of Beaches has for the 13,000 employees of the sector and the overall economy of the TCI. Beaches can assure the Hotel and Tourism Association, the 13,000 employees of the sector, along with our 2000 team members and the wider community, that we will continue to do all we can to have this matter resolved in a fair and equitable manner. We seek nothing more.
We remain convinced that it is sheer incompetence by the TCIG that is the single reason why we are where we are today and what has compelled the Board of Directors to keep Beaches’ doors closed. We are still doubtful that TCIG has arisen from its slumber and whether they care about the crushing economic impact being experienced by our team members, the business community and the citizens of the TCI. The issues involved can be resolved in two days but only time will tell if the TCIG will treat this matter with the urgency it demands.
Beaches Press Release, October 22, 2020
Turks and Caicos, January 20, 2025 – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 41st meeting of Cabinet held on December 11th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of Hon. Rhondalee Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood acting as Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Considered proposals related to the 2022 Crown Land Review Report.
- Approved the mutation of parcels 60603/57, 60610/316, 60700/107, and 20313/47, 58 & 59 and for the same to be vested with the
TCI Airports Authority. - Received a presentation on proposals on the integration of Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) technologies into programs at the Turks and Caicos Community College.
- Approved the management authority of parcel 60503/315 to the Turks & Caicos Islands Sports Commission for multi-purpose use for the development of a community park and recreational facility.
- Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission on the establishment of a National Sports Training Centre.
- Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission regarding the establishment of a Department of Parks and Recreation.
- Received a presentation from the Ministry of Health on matters relating to the National Health Insurance Board.
- Approved the re-appointment of Mrs. Angela Musgrove as the Chief Executive Officer of Invest Turks and Caicos for a three-year term.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Henry Wilson as a member to the Fisheries Advisory Committee.
- Noted the award of the following contracts in line with the process according to the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance; Contract Award Notification:
- PN 005690, TR 24/09, Upgrading Bight Park
- PN 005729, TR 24/23, Vehicles for Immigration
- PN 005730, TR 24/08, DDME Communication Equipment – Mobile Antenna
- PN 005765, TR 24/31, Redevelopment of Regatta Village
- TCINIB 01/2024, TR 24/26, Vehicles for NIB
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
Turks and Caicos – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 40th meeting of Cabinet held on December 4th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present, with the exception of Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood, acting as Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Approved the Turks and Caicos Islands Fiscal Strategic Policy Statement.
- Approved the negotiation of a Development Agreement/Order with Retreat Development Ltd.
- Approved the transfer of excess revenue from the Consolidated Fund into the National Wealth Fund for the Financial Year Ending 31 March 2024.
- Approved Planning Application PR 17673 for a proposed watch tower and rest station on block and parcel 60000/345 for the TCI Regiment.
- Approved the negotiation of a license agreement with the Proprietors of Balfour Salt Ltd. for a period of 10 years.
- Approved the policy document for the use of Biometrics and Introducing an Electronic Travel Authority Requirement.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Lynden Hall Snr. as a member of the Turks and Caicos Islands Gaming Control Commission Board for a period of two years.
- Approved the write-off of water charges and penalties in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Financial Management Ordinance 2012.
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
Turks and Caicos, 20th January, 2025 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) and the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) have recently bolstered their strategic partnership through a specialized initiative to enhance operational capabilities in combating criminal activity across the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).
As part of this collaboration, RTCIPF Tactical Unit officers underwent advanced helicopter tactical rescue specialist training in the Bahamas. Delivered by DEA agents and their Tactical Helicopter Section, the training equipped officers with critical skills to deploy rapidly from helicopters, addressing challenges in TCI’s remote and difficult-to-access areas.
Following the intensive four-day program, Superintendent Jason James, head of the RTCIPF Tactical Unit, highlighted the initiative’s
importance: “This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities. The helicopter fast rope specialist training has enabled our officers to respond swiftly and effectively to criminal threats, no matter where they arise across the TCI.
“The partnership with the DEA under Op BAT underscores our shared dedication to preventing and detecting criminal activities, including drug trafficking and organized crime. This effort strengthens the RTCIPF’s operational capacity and contributes to a robust, multi-agency approach to professional law enforcement.”
DEA representatives commended the RTCIPF’s proactive measures: “The Turks and Caicos Islands are a vital partner in the fight against transnational crime. Through this joint effort, we are enhancing the capability of local forces to protect their citizens and disrupt criminal networks.”
Acting Assistant Commissioner (Specialist Operations) Mat Newton also acknowledged the critical role of international partnerships: “As a Force, we remain dedicated to employing innovative strategies and fostering global alliances to ensure the islands’ safety. This is the first wave of training with the DEA and represents a key element of our fight against organized crime. Many thanks to the DEA for this opportunity.”
The strengthened partnership between the RTCIPF and the DEA marks a significant step in enhancing the TCI’s capacity to combat complex criminal activities and maintain public safety.
Courtesy of RTCIPF Facebook
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