#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Goliath scenario provides political leverage, live in an outdated time and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.
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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 Platinum Protocol for Cleanliness activated at its Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Villages & Spa on Grace Bay Beach. Photo by Magnetic Media
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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 19th,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.