#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands –
October 19, 2020
— Negotiations to resolve the multi-million dollar claims of non-payment or
over-payment linked to Beaches Turks and Caicos could begin in 20 days, now
that a mediator proposed by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government has been accepted
by the resort.
“After four
years, the Government has finally agreed to a process of mediation to which we
are fully committed in an effort to bring this long outstanding matter to a
fair conclusion. TCIG proposed a list of mediators and we agreed to one of them.
The Mediator is available the week of November 8, 2020 and we have advised the
TCIG that we are ready, willing and able to proceed. We trust that the
TCIG will enjoin in the mediation process during this period in good faith as
committed,” explained Beaches Resort in a statement issued today.
In response to Magnetic Media questions about who is the mediator and what is the proposed
timeline for start and conclusion of the negotiations, the Premier said via
email that, “The matter with Beaches remains sensitive. Both TCIG and Beaches
are moving with urgency and until dates are finalised, TCIG is not in a
position to state a timeline outside of as soon as possible.
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I will ask Beaches and TCIG’s lawyers as to whether information
about the mediation process can be shared at this point.”
Sharlene Robinson, TCI Premier and Minister
of Finance, in a letter issued last week to media informed of the offer of a mediator.
“Obvious by its absence in Beaches’ press release is reference to the ongoing urgent discussions and actions between the parties’ respective lawyers to appoint a qualified mediator to facilitate a resolution. TCIG has since May this year agreed to a mediator and it is hoped that such a mediation will take place next month.”
Beaches Resort over the weekend confirmed to
Magnetic Media that it was true; they were in receipt of a list of candidates.
The fact had not made it to any of their public statements on the litigation.
The Premier rejected the characterisation of ‘incompetence’ by Beaches Resort and in a TCI Sun newspaper article, was resolute that government has not ignored the law suit for years.
“The line being peddled by Beaches that a lawsuit remains unresolved after 4 years is demonstrably untrue. As I have previously made clear, Beaches first issued proceedings in May 2019. We continue to await their amended claim, promised by their attorney in August 2020. They have also brought proceedings seeking to challenge an assessment made in February 2020. It does not follow that, because Beaches repeatedly assert that they don’t owe taxes, that that is legally the case,” she said.
Beaches Resort Turks and Caicos has added thousands of features to brace for a post Covid reopening. Photo by Magnetic Media
Magnetic Media has learned the individual, a
male, is a Queen’s Counsel (QC) attorney with experience in negotiating tax disputes.
The background and adeptness of the QC is
critical as there is so much riding on the process, not least of which is the
impending re-opening of the resort on November 18.
Beaches’ Board of Directors is adamant that
it will not re-open the property which employs 2,000 people and which attracts
the lion’s share of long stay visitors to the country, until the matter is addressed.
“We echo the
sentiments of TCIG that the Turks and Caicos Islands is also beautiful with
remarkable people and we look forward to re-opening our doors in due course
once approved by the Board of Directors. The statement also explained, “Beaches
TCI wishes to make it clear that it has made no unreasonable demands
whatsoever. Beaches is not asking TCIG for any favours or special treatment and
any suggestion to the contrary, is simply a PR spin on the facts.”
Beaches Resort Turks and Caicos claims its
Development Agreement was breached and they had been overpaying taxes.
“Beaches simply
wants the Government to honour the terms of its Development Agreement(s) and
other legally binding commitments, nothing more, nothing less. Breaches of
these Agreement(s) by TCIG is the reason Beaches was compelled to file its
lawsuit in May 2019.”
TCIG claims Beaches Resort is severely in arrears to the tune of a reported $20 million dollars.
Beaches TC, five days before opening its mega resort property on Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, announced it would postpone reopening amidst the coronavirus pandemic from October 14 to November 18; it was a devastating announcement.
The result is a volley of spicy statements which had not nudged the needle until now.
The mediator has indicated he can begin the
negotiation process on November 8.
The ball is now in TCIG’s
court.
Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.
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.