News
Work Progresses on TCI Public Service Pension and Gratuity Program
#TurksandCaicos, May 24, 2021 – Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands the Honourable Charles Washington Misick and Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Her Excellency Anya Williams recently met to progress work on the Reinstatement of a Turks and Caicos Public Service Pension and Gratuity Program.
The meeting was also attended by the former Director of the Deputy Governor’s Office, now Permanent Secretary of National Security Mr. Tito Lightbourne, along with the Permanent Secretary of Finance, Mrs. Athenee Basden, Budget Director, Ms. Nordia Campbell, Accountant General, Hemant Sinanan and lead consultant on the program Mr. Derek Osborne of Morneau Shepell Consultancy who all attended virtually.
The Turks and Caicos Pension and Gratuity Program was discontinued in 2012 due to financial hardship at the time.
Previously, the TCI provided a public service pension to all employees that joined the public service prior to 1992. This pension program also allowed for 25% of a person’s pension to be converted to a lump sum gratuity payment.
Persons that joined the service post 1992 (the introduction of the National Insurance Scheme) were not entitled to a TCIG Pension, but upon leaving the civil service were paid a gratuity for their years of service. Under the current arrangements, persons that joined the service pre 1992 are still entitled to receive a TCIG Pension, but no gratuity. Whereas, persons that joined the service post 1992 are not entitled to a public service gratuity or a pension.
In 2019/2020 a consultancy was funded to review and provide options on the reinstatement of a TCIG Pension/Gratuity Program. The report was presented to the Civil Service Association and Cabinet for consideration.
Commenting on his government’s commitment to this program, Premier Misick said: “My Finance team and I were grateful for the opportunity to meet with the Deputy Governor and consultant Mr. Derek Osborne to review and discuss the contents of the consultancy previously carried out on the reinstatement of a TCIG Pension and Gratuity Program.
I was pleased with the options provided that would seek to provide a sustainable long term retirement plan for not only public servants, but also persons that serve in statutory bodies and other capacities.
As my Government prior to coming to office, committed to swiftly progressing the work and necessary funding to deliver on this important initiative, I am pleased to advise that $2 million in seed funding has already been approved in the new FSPS for this initiative, which will subsequently be included in the upcoming budget.
I look forward to Cabinet’s consideration of this proposal and to working to bring this program to fruition.”
Deputy Governor, Anya Williams in commenting said: “On behalf of the public service of the Turks and Caicos Islands my office is pleased to progress the work on the reinstatement of a Public Service Pension and Gratuity Program.
The discontinuation of a pension/gratuity program for civil servants post 1992 has caused significant concerns as persons that remain in the service are not only not entitled to the same benefits as some of their previous and current colleagues, but even pre 1992 employees that remain in service have expressed difficulty in being able to transition into retirement at the age of 60 as there is no longer the option to receive a lump sum gratuity payment to assist as was previously the case.
Our public servants carry out very important roles on behalf of the government and people of these islands and deserve to be adequately compensated for the roles that they do.
As it stands, the Turks and Caicos Government is the only territory that does not offer a pension or gratuity program for its staff which needs to be addressed.
As we work to progress the work on this initiative, following formal approval by the Cabinet we will undertake necessary consultations with the civil service on the design of the program so that we can progress the necessary legislation and funding request to the House of Assembly to facilitate the implementation of this vital program.”
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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