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TCI: Bight Hotel by Dream Hotel group back on track for Lower Bight, Providenciales

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#TurksandCaicos, May 12, 2021 – Construction can now begin on the Dream Hotel, an eco-styled resort which has claimed the lower Bight as home.  A second attempt to halt construction has failed for the complainants ‘The Yard Limited’ as the Appeals Court upheld the judgement that there is no harm done in construction of the six story, 87 room luxury escape along the famous Grace Bay Beach.  

The Infrastructure Minister Akierra Missick congratulated the Planning team for continuing to adhere to the Planning Laws that guide the sustainable development of the Country. This in turn brings about development that is beneficial to residents and visitors alike.

The Minister acknowledged there is much work to be done in updating the Physical Planning Ordinance, she said at this time she is pleased with the planning and legal team in proving the project’s value.  I quote her now: It was a long battle; however, I had complete faith in our team and was confident that the procedures followed were in accordance with the Physical Planning Ordinance and Regulations.” 

The Appellants were Eric John LeVin, Daniel Joseph LeVin and The Proprietors, Strata Plan No. 84 all of whom were represented by Mr. Jonathan Katan QC of Miller Simons O’Sullivan Attorneys in Providenciales. 

The Court of Appeal unanimously found that the Outline Development Permission that was the focus of the judicial review proceedings was “valid and there was nothing unlawful in the decision of the Cabinet or the Physical Planning Board in granting the Dream Hotel approval. 

A statement from the Minister’s office said the appeal was dismissed in its entirety and The Yard Limited is expected to cover the legal costs.

Ministry of Infrastructure’s Full Statement:

The Court of Appeal unanimously upholds the ruling of the Honourable Chief Justice

On May 3, 2021, the Court of Appeal handed down its unanimous judgment dismissing the appeal brought by Eric LeVin and others challenging the ruling of the Honourable Chief Justice handed down in the Autumn of 2020. The Appellants initially brought judicial review proceedings before the Supreme Court and subsequently the Court of Appeal as they were aggrieved by the decision to grant Outline Development Permission brought by the Interested Party, “The Yard Limited”.

The application and grant was for the development of a $23 million six-story full service hotel with 87 rooms and infrastructural amenities to be built on parcel 60801/76 in the Lower Bight, Providenciales.  The Appellants did not succeed in either Court.  The Honorable Minister Akierra Mary Deanne Missick congratulated the Planning team for continuing to adhere to the Planning Laws that guide the sustainable development of the Country. This in turn brings about development that is beneficial to residents and visitors alike. The Honorable Minister acknowledges that there is much work to be done in updating the Physical Planning Ordinance in the near future, but noted that at this time she is pleased with the team and thanked them for their hard work and dedication.

Commenting on the outcome of the appeal, Director of Planning, Mr. Danier Lightbourne said, “Congratulations to our Planning Team on our victory. It was a long battle; however, I had complete faith in our team and was confident that the procedures followed were in accordance with the Physical Planning Ordinance and Regulations.  Finally, it would be remiss of me if I did not mention the excellent representation of the legal team.”

The Appellants were Eric John LeVin, Daniel Joseph LeVin and The Proprietors, Strata Plan No. 84 all of whom were represented by Mr. Jonathan Katan QC of Miller Simons O’Sullivan Attorneys in Providenciales.

The Respondents were the Director of Planning, the Physical Planning Board, the Cabinet of the Turks and Caicos and HE, the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, all of whom were represented by Senior Crown Counsel Libby Charlton de Rotte of the Attorney General’s Chambers, Grand Turk. 

The Interested Party also made arguments in both Courts was represented by Mr. Conrad Griffiths QC of Griffiths & Partners Attorneys also based in Providenciales.

The Court of Appeal unanimously found that the Outline Development Permission that was the focus of the judicial review proceedings was “valid on its face and having regard to all the surrounding circumstances nothing expressed therein reflects an unlawful decision of the Cabinet (the Governor in Cabinet) or the Physical Planning Board and there is nothing to challenge the valid use of the s. 39(2) procedure.” In light of this and other findings, the appeal was dismissed in its entirety and parties are to make submissions as to costs.

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International Community must address conflict between Israel and Iran

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Garfield Ekon

Staff Writer

With tensions between Israel and Iran at an all-time high, a United Nations affiliated group is urging for calm and dialogue as their violent actions can cause tragic devastation on innocent civilians.

According to Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an organisation that is dedicated to promoting peace through civilian-led initiatives, “it is a clear indication that the greatest victims of war are innocent civilians. 

How could those lost lives ever be brought back? What could compensate for the outcry of children and the anguish of the youth in devastated dwellings?,” the group noted in a media statement, adding that  the international community should  take “decisive measures” to address the conflict.

It is also advocating for the establishment of “comprehensive international laws” to safeguard peace for future generations. “HWPL remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering dialogue and reconciliation, offering hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Israel and Iran,” the group said.

HWPL is a non-profit organisation, with a mission to promoting peace through education, and advocacy. It has a global network spanning over 170 countries. The organisation works to build bridges of understanding and cooperation, striving towards a world free from conflict and violence.

According to reports in various international media outlets, Iran and its militant partners on April 13 initiated a large-scale attack against Israel through launching several hundred ballistic missiles and drones. The international society expressed concerns over the possibility of war between the two states, since Tehran’s direct attack on Israel was unprecedented.

Experts have pointed out that the attack on Israel was Iran’s response to an airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Syria on April 1, which killed seven military advisers including three senior commanders.

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CTO’s Sustainable Tourism Conference Presents Dynamic Study Tours to Promote Sustainable Practices

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The Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC 2024), slated for April 22-24, 2024 in Grenada, will feature a series of exclusive study tours aligned with the conference theme, The 5 Ps – People, Planet, Prosperity, Purpose and Partnership. These tours have been thoughtfully curated to offer participants an enriching and unique opportunity to delve into innovative sustainability practices and glean insights intended to catalyze transformative action for a more resilient and sustainable Caribbean.

STC 2024 is jointly hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization in collaboration with the Government of Grenada, through the Grenada Tourism Authority, and will welcome a wide range of participants, including government officials, tourism professionals, environmentalists, members of the media and researchers.

This valuable addition to the conference will allow participants to visit various sites and interact with local communities, gaining firsthand knowledge of best practices in sustainable tourism management, conservation efforts, and community engagement. 

Study Tour Options:

  • The Underwater Sculpture Park/Grand Anse Artificial Reef Tour: Led by Aquanauts Grenada, guests dive into the intricate ecosystem of the Underwater Sculpture Park and Grand Anse Artificial Reef and learn about sustainable practices aimed at protecting and preserving these vital marine habitats.
  • Grand Etang Nature Tour: Dr. Guido Marcelle, an esteemed botanist, guides participants through the lush rainforests surrounding Grand Etang Lake to explore Grenada’s rich biodiversity and gain valuable insights into rainforest conservation efforts.
  • The Rasta Roots Expedition: Immersive Journey into Rastafari Culture and Lands: Led by Ras Ginga, an elder of the Nyahbinghi Tribe, guests experience the Rastafari culture firsthand, learning about organic living practices and farming practices of Grenada’s Rastafari community, complete with a taste of local culinary delights.
  • Mt. Parnassus Plantation and Cocoa Pod Botanicals: Experts Michael Jessamy and Tricia Simon guide participants through the cocoa and spice plantation, uncovering innovative applications of these crops in cosmetics and health products.

The conference’s diverse program, comprising presentations, panel discussions, workshops, study tours and networking opportunities, aims to foster collaboration and facilitate knowledge sharing to advance sustainable tourism in the Caribbean region.

Event sponsors and partners include interCaribbean Airways; Royal Caribbean International; Silversands Grenada; Six Senses La Sagesse, Grenada’s newest resort; and LINK Strategic Partners, an international strategic communications and community engagement consulting firm with offices across the U.S. and in Manchester, England.

 Visit caribbeanstc.com for further information about the conference and registration details. To learn more about the Grenada Tourism Authority, visit puregrenada.com.

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RTCIPF Observes World Down Syndrome Day

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On March 21st, 2024, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force joined the international, regional and local communities in observing World Down Syndrome Day. 

Officers showed their support by wearing brightly coloured and mismatched socks to raise awareness. 

The head of the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit, Assistant Superintendent of Police Grantley Williams, Training Manager Mrs Odessa Forbes and Media Relations Officer Denyse Renne visited the SNAP Centre and interacted with the students.

In a message to the TCI community, the RTCIPF noted that stereotypes perpetuate stigma and hinder inclusion, preventing individuals from reaching their full potential. 

Instead, the RTCIPF calls for individuals to foster an environment of acceptance and support where everyone is valued for who they are. 

By breaking down barriers and challenging misconceptions, we can create a more inclusive society where individuals with Down Syndrome are empowered to live fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities and, by extension, the TCI. 

As law enforcement officers, we must protect and serve all members of society, regardless of their abilities. 

Let’s work together to ensure that individuals with Down Syndrome are treated with dignity and respect and that their rights are upheld.

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