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TCI: Juniper Hole re-claimed 13-years later at lucky $8 Million price tag

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#TurksandCaicos, May 30, 2021 – Juniper Point, better known as Juniper Hole goes down in TCI history as one of the largest land sales ever, it is also likely the most infamous… though initially thought to be some 2500 acres, it is confirmed by the Attorney General Rhonda Lee Braithwaite Knowles, QC as 1000 acres.

Premier Washington Misick, in his first 100 days in office managed to negotiate a deal with British Caribbean Bank that has seen the treasured yet controversial, Juniper Point property in Middle Caicos returned to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and it has cost the country far less than it could have. 

“British Caribbean Bank had a lien on it for the money they’ve paid to Government for it, which was an investment but they actually held the lien because they loaned the money towards it.  We were able to negotiate repurchasing the land back, 1,000 acres for the same amount of money, or just a little bit more in terms of the interest, than what they had paid to lend out to acquire the land. So, that thousand acres of Juniper Hole is coming back to the Government,” said Hon E. Jay Saunders, Deputy Premier,  in a Thursday May 20, press conference where he fleshed out decisions made in the previous day’s Cabinet session.

The Deputy Premier, E. Jay Saunders confirmed that Juniper Hole’s reclaim was complete and when asked what it cost the government to get it back; he said around $8 million dollars.

“It’s about $8 million, slightly above eight and definitely less than $9 Million all-in.  So we paid basically, the money that was loaned to be paid to the government.  It’s not any money that Government is losing because that is the money paid to acquire the land from Government, paid out by British Caribbean Bank.”

According to the evidence presented in the Special Investigation and Prosecution Trial, (SIPT) the investor Juniper Hole Development Ltd paid $7.5 million for the land. 

It was particularly outrageous to scrutinizing eyes because the land had been valuated at $24 million; which meant the developer got a 60 per cent discount on the property which was not only pristine but historic. 

Juniper Point is picturesque, a sanctuary for birdlife and significantly it is the site of the Crossing Place Trail; the refurbished paths link North and Middle Caicos and were the point of crossing when tide was low between the two largest, greenest islands; land which was supposed to go to the Turks and Caicos National Trust but which – due to the suspect and seemingly insensitive sale – appeared to be on its way to being erased by Juniper Hole Development Ltd. 

One plan published was to construct as many as 1000 villas, a marina and a golf course, a project so massive it would have spanned both North and Middle Caicos, according to the SIPT. 

The sketchy transaction involved islanders who were allegedly asked to be shareholders, allegedly signed up – unwittingly – to be guarantors of a loan at British Caribbean Bank and had received payments as part of the elaborate scheme. 

Concern was had over the land transfer which SIPT trial notes say went to Standfield Green Law firm instead of the usual course, to the Developer.  Then Governor Richard Tauwhare was reportedly shocked by events which in his view, went constitutionally contrary to decisions taken at Executive Council. 

From up to four developers who wanted to own the spot, to Development Agreements which were said to have been forced on the AGs Chambers, to  advice from  TC Invest shunned, to incorrect billing which led to the low payment of $7 and a half million dollars, the case continues to bring into disrepute, allegedly, the PNP Government of that day but the PNP Government of this day, has brought welcomed resolve, 13 years later and while the cost to do so could have been easily in the tens of millions of dollars, it was not. 

With $8 million, which is roughly what the Government got paid for the property in February of 2008, Juniper Point better known as Juniper Hole is back where it belongs, with the people of the TCI.

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DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REGULATIONS INTRODUCES “RATE YOUR RIDE” SYSTEM FOR TOURISTS VISITING THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

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FROM THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 27th March, 2024 – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Department of Tourism Regulations is proud to unveil the “Rate Your Ride” system, a new initiative designed to enhance the vacation experience for tourists exploring our picturesque islands.

The “Rate Your Ride” system empowers tourists to provide valuable feedback on the quality of transportation services they receive while visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through an easy-to-use online form, tourists can rate factors such as cleanliness, comfort, safety, and professionalism of drivers, helping us to assure the highest quality of service standards across all modes of transportation.

By participating in the “Rate Your Ride” system, tourists play a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation services in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Their feedback will enable us to identify areas for improvement and ensure that every visitor enjoys safe, comfortable, and convenient travel throughout their stay in the Turks and Caicos.

The code will also be publicly accessible through the cooperation of volunteer drivers who will make the rating code available in their vehicles. Flyers and stickers displaying the code will be distributed at hotels, resorts and airports. The mandated display of these codes is expected to align with the rollout of our tourism regulations in 2025.

For more information about the “Rate Your Ride” system and other initiatives by the Department of Tourism Regulations, please visit gov.tc/tourismregulations/or contact us via telephone at 946-4970 and email at tourismregulations@gov.tc.

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THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIOURAL HEALTH SERVICES CONDEMNS RECORDING OF PERSONS WHO ARE IN CRISIS

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FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 27th March 2024– The Department of Behavioral Health Services is appealing to the general public to refrain from recording and circulating videos of persons who may appear to be experiencing a mental health crisis. Anyone can experience a mental health crisis at some point in their life. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Persons may struggle with very common conditions such as Anxiety and Depression or be diagnosed with more serious conditions like Bipolar Disorder or Psychosis.

“There are a lot of misunderstandings about various mental health conditions and how they may manifest. In addition, there are a number of negative perceptions and misconceptions that society exhibits towards people with mental health problems. However, just as we would show care and concern for someone diagnosed with Cancer, or any other physical illness, in the same way, we need to be as caring and helpful to persons with mental illnesses”– stated Director of the Department of Behavioral Health Services, Dr. Alicia Malcolm.

The Department is urging the public to call the following numbers if you see someone who appears to be experiencing a mental health crisis:

338-5473/338-3616: Providenciales, North or Middle Caicos

338-3614/338-3612: Grand Turk, South Caicos, Salt Cay

338-6301: Nights and Weekends

If someone is putting themselves or someone else in immediate, serious risk of harm, call 911.

The Department of Behavioral Health services is here to help and provides the following services which are free and confidential:

Location of above services:

o             Sam Harvey Building, Down Town, Providenciales,

o             Primary Health Care Department, Cheshire Hall Medical Center, Providenciales 

o             Department of Behavioural Health, Duncombe Alley, Grand Turk

 

Let’s all do our part in creating a community where people with mental health problems feel respected, supported and cared for. 

For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/ or the Department of Behavioral Health Services Faceebook on https://www.facebook.com/TCIDBHS/.

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Breaking Ground: TCI Could Lead in Regional Communication Standards

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Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom, 27th March 2024: The PR, marketing, and communications sector is poised for potential growth and could lead the Caribbean region in terms of industry standards says Damian Wilson. Wilson’s suggestion comes after the release of a new research report into the current trends and future direction of the sector as a possible emerging industry in the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI).

Wilson is the report’s author, which conveys the findings of research which he initiated. “One of the key research results is the considerable optimism by industry practitioners and government alike, with persons seeing growth potential. I believe that we can become regional leaders in this field. I believe that one of the initiatives that could be used to do this is by establishing a ‘TCI Centre of Communications Excellence’ within the TCI Community College. Such an institute would be dedicated to communication and media innovation with a particular focus on digital communications and ICT,” says Wilson.

He further explained, “I believe that the PR, marketing, and communications sector, like much of the country, is at a crossroads and could have an even greater impact on our socio-economic fabric. Some may have concerns about our small size, but I believe this makes us far more agile than our neighbours. All in all, any potential growth must be underpinned by new investments, professional development, and a strategy to integrate the sector into the broader economy.”

Wilson also said that he sees his research as a first step in understanding our own industry sectors in the TCI and would love to see more profound research and analysis conducted. He’s hoping that the report will spark discussion along those lines. The report is entitled ‘Current Trends and Future Direction: A Preliminary Report on the PR, Marketing, and Communications Sector in the Turks & Caicos Islands’. Anyone wanting a copy of the report can contact Damian Wilson via his email, damian.wilson.pr@gmail.com.

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