TCI News
Defence Bill Passed! TCI Regiment to be formed by Summer 2021
#TurksandCaicosIslands – December 10, 2020 – Approved and widely supported in the House of Assembly is the historic establishment of a Turks and Caicos Islands regiment.
The Defence Bill made a whirlwind trek through House of Assembly proceedings with first, second and third readings of the Bill completed and the measure passed into law within one day; that day was Tuesday December 8, 2020.
“Thank you very much honourable Attorney General, QC, for yet another piece of landmark legislation; a Defence Bill, for your preamble in committing it to the floor for debate,” said Hon Dwayne Taylor, Speaker of the House.
Premier Sharlene Robinson informed that a compelling report turned over the British outlined the serious national security concerns of the Turks and Caicos, including details on the surge in illegal migration and possible people, drug and gun trafficking happening in and around the islands via the illegal sloops. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office responded with a Security Needs Assessment and several key visits from a Border Team and the UK Ministry of Defence.
“I want to thank the Governor who in the last year or so, with his national security background, would have helped to push a lot of these initiatives that were slowing moving along with a little more speed. We stand with a strengthened arm, another initiative in the protection of our borders,” said the premier in her contribution to the Defence Bill, which was laid by the Attorney General.
It is the first time modern Turks and Caicos will have its own military branch of law enforcement which as the Governor’s appointed member, John Phillips pointed out gives opportunity for elevation.
“I think it is a great thing for the islands. I think it is wonderful that we’ve matured to this stage where we will have our own border security force and we will have somewhere for the cadets to look forward to going,” said Phillips in his comments.
The TCI Cadet Corps will come under the command of the new unit where all recruits will have to undergo military training before joining and that training continues annually.
The TCI Regiment is charged with marine border security and its first staff members have already been hired including its commanding officer, Lt Col. Ennis Grant.
The bill also enjoys the support of the Opposition PNP, with one glaring caution expressed as a need to ensure there is equity in the recruitment or hiring of who staffs the regiment.
Opposition member and shadow minister for Youth, Akierra Misick said: “I have one little concern there; the ‘and British citizen’. So the reason why I have that concern there Mr. Speaker is not that I dod not appreciate the support we get from England and Wales and the United Kingdom, what I hope does not happen is that when we are recruiting these 40, as the attorney general has indicated, that a big old plane come from somewhere up the road lands at the Providenciales International Airport with 39 people on it from a certain place. I want to see a lot more people that look like you and I Mr. Speaker,” aid the Member for Leeward and Long Bay, Hon Akierra Missick.
The regiment will allow individuals currently employed to join, between the ages of 18 and 50 years old.
“I think it is also important that we as a community provide the regiment with support and respect. As employers, we should encourage those employees who wish to join. I look forward to the time when membership on the regiment is seen as a positive on any job application and I hope that in the future the regiment can attract some of our young men and perhaps provide an alternative to the gang activities that some get caught up in,” shared Josephine Connolly in her comments on the bill.
Originally published in the Magnate; our brand new E-newspaper. Want it every morning? Contact Deandrea Hamilton: 649-231-9261. We are the News Leader.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
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