News
TCI: JAGS McCartney Int’l Airport plagued by Closures; Fire Trucks & need overhaul
#TurksandCaicos, May 18, 2021 – Grand Turk’s JAGS McCartney International Airport is now reopened, but air traffic will be limited in scope as the fire equipment at the airport is still unable to offer the regulated coverage for larger aircraft to fly in, confirmed Floyd Ingham, (Acting) CEO of the TCI Airports Authority.
“he Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) wishes to inform the General Public that TCIAA temporally suspended Flight operations at the JAGS McCartney International Airport due to lack of Aerodrome Rescue Fire coverage.
TCIAA is making every effort to restore flight operations and will provide an updated press release once operations are restored,” said a Monday statement issued by the TCIAA.
Mr. Ingham informed, Caicos Express Airways can get its 19-seater in there and interCaribbean Airways, which prefers to service the route with its 30-seater, won’t. It means the 19-seat twin otter – which sits 19 – will have to be the option for interCaribbean and it is unclear if that can happen.
All day Monday (May 17), the JAGS McCartney International Airport (GDT) was shut due to the broken down fire trucks; there are two of them and with support from the manufacturer, the TCIAA was able to get one of the trucks operational again, said the CEO of the TCIAA.
In a one on one with Mr. Ingham, effort was made to understand why the issue of lack of “fire coverage” is a recurring nightmare for travellers and airline companies to the country’s capital island.
It boils down to planning or the lack of it.
Mr. Lyndon Gardiner, Chairman of InterCaribbean Airways on Monday said to Magnetic Media, “Today’s inconvenience is a direct result of years of mismanagement at the airports authority; a lack of accountability. I hope that this new administration will recognize the value of maintaining public infrastructure particularly in the area of air transportation.”
Gardiner’s company grounded six flights yesterday, had to face dozens of frustrated flyers including tourists who had hoped for a getaway to Grand Turk.
It was also exposed that no one ever compensates for the inconveniences and losses to travellers, the airlines or businesses which lose money on either side of the commute.
Mr. Ingham explained that his team is trying to get the situation solved quickly, but it may be as much as two more days before there is resolve. The manufacturers’ representative is indisposed at the moment; trapped in Trinidad and Tobago where the country is in a state of emergency and closed off to the world due to the ongoing rampage of the coronavirus pandemic.
The (Acting) CEO, agreed with our characterization; this is a “mess” but offered that efforts were being made to ensure both the PLS and the GDT (airports) were adequately covered.
The entire fleet needed to be upgraded and Provo recently got three new fire trucks (pictured).
Grand Turk’s airport inherited the fire equipment formerly stationed in Provo but the refurbishment of those engines is delayed, and the trucks continue to experience mechanical problems.
If the trucks break down, the airport has to close.
While the Turks and Caicos enjoys a very safe, virtually incident-free aviation record, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) mandates that the coverage is there, just in case of an emergency.
Minister of Airports now is Hon Arlington Musgrove; during his press conference on Monday he revealed there was a big problem being worked on at the Grand Turk airport and a big problem it is.
At this point, the TCIAA continues with this notice: “ The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) wishes to inform the General Public that TCIAA has restored operations at a reduced capacity at the JAGS McCartney Aerodrome.
TCIAA is making every effort to restore the Grand Turk Aerodrome to normal capacity.
The TCIAA expresses their sincere regret and extend apologies to their stakeholders and the traveling public for all inconvenience caused by the disruption of flight operations.”
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.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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