News
TCI Rates BBB+ with Standard & Poor’s as PNP Gov’t Rates C+ in our Survey
We had hoped at least 323 people would have participated in Magnetic Media’s impromptu survey; a public-fuelled evaluation of the new government and its performance so far. Five per cent of the voters who turned out at the polls on February 19 would have been a decent-sized sample, we believe, of the performance of the Washington Misick-led PNP Government.
Next time, in 200 days, we will give our audiences an anonymous option.
Nonetheless, our first-time poll attracted 134 participants, the majority of whom were women but just slightly. Sixty-four men and 70 women returned a letter grade ranging from ‘A’ for Excellent to ‘D’ for Disappointment.
Most of those who responded to the survey gave the now 108-day old government a ‘B’ grade for ‘Very Good’. There were no ‘F’ grades lodged for the Progressive National Party administration.
These were the results of the poll carried out on WhatsApp over two days from May 28 to May 30:
There were 128 people who gave the PNP Government an ‘A’ grade; 156 people returned a ‘B’ grade; 72 participants gave a ‘C’ grade for an ‘okay’ performance so far and 14 say they are ‘Disappointed’ and returned a ‘D’ grade.
It gave the PNP a 2.76 GPA or a C+ performance.
The sizing up of the Progressive National Party’s performance after an avalanche of a victory at the national polls, has been a topic of discussions since the party hit its 50th day in office. The Premier at that time offered his thoughts on his team’s performance. Soon after the 100th day in office, marked on May 30th, the Premier was talking about two rating; his Government’s and the economy’s.
“It is with great pleasure, that we can say to you today, for those of you who may not have seen it, or read it or be aware of it that Turks and Caicos Islands has been able to retain and improve on its credit rating,” said the Premier, adding, “We have retained our BBB+ Credit Rating (from Standard & Poor’s) with a Positive Outlook.”
The Premier said the visiting team from Standard & Poor’s found that “investors, tourists and the local business community have confidence in this Government and in the Turks and Caicos Islands. And that is something that I am happy to take credit for,” explained the Premier in a Press Conference held at his Providenciales Office on Wednesday June 2, 2021.
“I was juggling between a B and a C but I will give them a B at this stage. Mainly because within their first 100 days in office, I believe they have addressed (though not completed) some very serious issued affecting Turks and Caicos Islanders. Eg, the one-time stimulus that was made easily accessible, the effort to address the overflow of work permit and employment opportunities for TC Islanders and the workshops for local contractors with a view to giving all an equal opportunity to be on Government Jobs; also the reinstatement of pension for Civil Servants,” said a female participant of the Survey, who agreed to us sharing her comments.
She was also forthcoming with comments from members of the public.
“Based on feedback and my own personal experience as to their failure to acknowledge or respond to communication from citizens, I would give them a D. I didn’t give them an F because I’m sure they respond to some, given the nature of the correspondence, I don’t think they accept criticisms well… EJ has proven that on many occasions.”
The woman, who is a prominent and influential Turks and Caicos Islander added: “I’ll also give them a D on the Vaccine Drive. Mainly because they are misleading the public on information given, eg, that the vaccine is the reason the numbers have dropped, that the vaccine will protect you from the virus.”
More men believe the PNP deserved an ‘A’ grade; 22 males and 10 females describe the government’s performance as ‘Excellent’.
More women believe the PNP deserves a ‘B’ grade; 28 females and 24 males support that the Turks and Caicos currently has a ‘Very Good’ government.
Women outnumbered the men in the C grade category; 24 females to 12 males for the ‘Okay’ performance.
However, weighing down the final grade would have been the number of disappointed residents. Eight women and six men gave the ‘D’ grade.
“It’s very soon in their administration. I will give a ‘D’. I am not amused at how they are handling the Covid testing. I know the numbers are more than they are saying. Jay needs to be more transparent with us.”
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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