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Beaches Turks & Caicos postpones reopening; four year legal matter with TCI Gov’t needs resolve

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#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – October 9, 2020 – Beaches TCI regrets to announce that it has been forced to postpone the reopening of the hotel which was planned for October 14, 2020 until November 18, 2020.

Since 1995, Beaches has faithfully paid taxes in accordance with our Development Agreement(s) and other written governmental commitments. Beaches does not owe any taxes to the TCIG. In fact it is the TCIG which owe Beaches tax refunds on several items on which we have overpaid.  To be clear, Beaches is not asking for any favours nor any forgiveness from the payment of taxes as there is nothing to forgive. Indeed, we have never found ourselves in such a situation in any other jurisdiction in which we operate.

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Breaches of our Development Agreement(s) and other legally binding commitments have yet to be resolved for nearly 4 years, despite tireless efforts by Beaches.  The Board of Directors has therefore mandated that the re-opening of Beaches be postponed. 

Negotiations with the TCIG are ongoing and Beaches will continue to make every effort to have these matters fairly resolved.   There is absolutely no reason why this matter cannot be resolved before the end of October as the issues are not new and have been discussed time and time again for 4 years. Beaches is deeply concerned about the impact on its team and the wider community in the delayed re-opening particularly since this year has presented horrendous difficulties for so many. Beaches is ready, willing and able to start negotiations immediately.

TCIG’s inaction for nearly 4 years has forced Beaches to delay its re-opening.  To date, the TCIG has not demonstrated the same care and deep concern for the citizens and communities of the TCI, by allowing this matter to remain unresolved for so long.  We hope and trust that the TCIG will treat this matter with the speed, sincerity and good faith that it demands.    

We wish to emphasize that our commitment to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands since Beaches opened its doors in 1995 has never waivered. Neither has our profound sense of responsibility as we fully recognize that Beaches is the most significant economic engine, ranging from being the largest employer, foreign exchange earner, taxpayer as well as generating 70% of the airlift to the Island.    Beaches fully recognizes that it is the people who are the lifeblood of any country and Beaches is first and foremost a partnership with the people of the TCI. 

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In the meantime, our team members have been fully trained over the last several months in the Covid-19 Beaches Platinum protocols which we have adopted to ensure that the entire hotel environment is safe for our team and guests.  

The Covid-19 pandemic has been the greatest challenge which the travel and hospitality industry has faced in our lifetime. We are mindful of the tremendous effect it has had on all stakeholders, including airlines, tour operators and travel agents. Our tour operators, travel agents and airline partners will be kept abreast of our reopening plans.

We are as anxious as our team members to get back to the job that we do so well. We recognize, as we have always done, that we are partners with the Government in the economic recovery of the TCI and we will do our part.

We are optimistic about the future. Together we have emerged from 911, devastating hurricanes, and other crises, better and more resilient.

WE WILL DO SO AGAIN. 

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Voter Registration for the 2025/2026 Electors Register Underway

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GRAND TURK, TCI: The Supervisor of Elections, Mr. Dudley Lewis has announced that the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Register of Electors is currently undergoing updates, with a new Register set to be released on March 31, 2025.

While registration for the Elector’s Register is continuous, as per the Elections Ordinance, an updated Register is mandated annually by March 31. The Supervisor encourages new applicants, particularly those aged seventeen (17) and older, as well as individuals aged eighteen (18) and above who were not included in the new Register of Electors have until November 30, 2025, to visit the Election Office with the necessary documentation for registration.

In a statement Mr. Lewis emphasized that “Eligible voters on the current Register of Electors are not required to reapply for inclusion in the 2025/2026 Register; they will be automatically enrolled unless they inform the Elections Office of any name or address changes, or if they no longer meet the eligibility criteria, including residency in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) for at least 12 out of 24 months (about 2 years).”

Individuals wishing to register must have a TCI Status Card or apply for one through the Ministry of Border Control. Those without a card and who have not yet applied are strongly encouraged to do so.

Voter Registration Application Forms for inclusion in the TCI Register of Electors for 2025/2026 are available at the Elections Office on Pond Street, Grand Turk Pond Street, Providenciales #17 Caribbean Place on the Leeward Highway, and the District Commissioner’s Office in Salt Cay, South Caicos, Middle Caicos (Conch Bar), and North Caicos (Bottle Creek).

For further information on the voter registration process, individuals are advised to contact the Elections Office in Grand Turk on telephone numbers 649-338-2304 or 649-338-2301 and email: electionsdept@gov.tc or Providenciales Elections Office at telephone number 649-338 4681.

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Crime

Unidentified Homicide Victim Found in Five Cays

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Wilkie Arthur

Eagle Legal News

 

Turks and Caicos Islands (Wednesday, 6th November 2024) – Authorities are still trying to identify the man shot dead three nights ago behind a house in the Five Cays/South Dock area. Despite images of the victim’s bloodied body circulating on social media, no one has come forward with information about his identity.

Eyewitnesses in the neighborhood reported hearing multiple gunshots—some say five, others six, and one resident described hearing “plenty, plenty” shots. The sound sent residents scrambling to hide, and it was only after a pause in the gunfire that they dared to look outside. They discovered the body of a man lying on the ground, positioned between a green fence and a small house.

Fearful that the shooter(s) might still be nearby, residents hesitated to approach the scene. Eventually, someone called the police, and officers soon arrived, bringing a measure of security. As the investigation began, residents cautiously emerged from hiding, though they kept their distance from the crime scene.

Details about the man remain sparse. Up until Tuesday, November 5th, authorities had yet to receive any identification for him.

The victim marks the 41st murder in Turks and Caicos Islands this year. Disturbingly, a 42nd homicide followed the next evening, claiming the life of Aiesha Williams.

According to Eagle Legal News, this brings the year’s toll to 40 male and two female victims in TCI.

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FORTISTCI LAUNCHES INAUGURAL YOUTH ENERGY AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

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Turks and Caicos, November 6, 2024 – FortisTCI is excited to announce the launch of its first-ever Youth Energy Ambassador program, offering young professionals a unique opportunity to gain insights, innovate, and take on leadership roles in the sustainable energy sector.

This one-year, part-time immersive program is designed for young professionals between the ages of 20 and 35. Two ambassadors will be selected yearly, dedicating 10 hours per month with compensation during their year-long tenure.

Participants in the program will be able to explore key business units across various critical areas of the Company, blending theoretical learning with hands-on experiences to develop a comprehensive understanding of the energy industry. Ambassadors will participate in various activities, including workshops, seminars, conferences, practical projects, and community initiatives, and receive mentorship from industry leaders. They will also serve as advocates and spokespeople for energy and sustainability, representing FortisTCI at local and international energy forums.

FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes announced the program during the Company’s fourth annual Youth Energy Roundtable event in August. The first program cycle will begin on January 2, 2025. Interested applicants can visit www.FortisTCI.com/energyambassador for detailed information on the application process and required documents. The application deadline is November 22, 2024.

FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes stated: “The Youth Energy Ambassador Program is the latest addition to our youth development programs, which empower youth with the skills and experiences to be at the forefront of sustainability and the energy transition. This is a one-year program with full-time excitement for passionate young professionals who wish to broaden their horizons and immerse themselves in an industry that is dynamic, fulfilling, challenging, and undergoing major transformation for a greater purpose. Our ambassadors will gain a deeper dive into the intricacies of energy operations for a well-rounded and career-altering experience.”

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