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TCI: Largest locally-owned barge arrives; Custom Built Lew Sun now taking freight

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#TurksandCaicos, July 6, 2021 – The largest locally owned barge is now in country and Lew 1 Shipping, its owners gave The Magnate a tour up close view of the vessel, the Lew Sun before it departed to South Caicos.  For 36-years Llewellyn Handfield, owner of Lew 1 Shipping has been delivering on a service which is literally out of sight, therefore often out of mind but undoubtedly a major player when it comes to national development.

However, Mr. Handfield, laid it out practically.

“Can a plane take an excavator to South Caicos?  Can a ferry take utility poles to Salt Cay?  Can a fire truck check in at the airport for a flight to Grand Turk?  And how do you think the cars on North Caicos got there?”

I laughed at the thought, then sobered up to realise Mr. Handfield was, as we say in the islands, “talking sense.”

Lew 1 shipping connects the islands in ways no one else can, and it is TCI owned.  North Caicos-family-powered with his son and now grandson on board to continue the legacy. 

For construction of resorts on islands like Pine Cay and Ambergris Cay; for hurricane repairs on islands like Salt Cay and Grand Turk and now the new construction happening in South Caicos, as only a few of the attractions, Lew 1 has delivered containers of food for businesses and for charity including Food for Thought; a charity which provides free, healthy breakfasts to children in Providenciales and North Caicos.

Lew 1 compassionately carries out inter-island transport of the bodies of loved ones at no charge to residents and yes, it has moved donkey’s and  horses; not to mention been the venue for parties on the picturesque waters of the Turks and Caicos.

The new Lew Sun is a tailor made vessel.  Some 120 feet long, 36 feet wide, double draft and able to skid over 4 or 5 feet of water with the help of its tug boat and by the grace of God.  It was an 11 day journey, delayed for any variety of reasons including a storm.  But the Lew Sun is in Turks and Caicos waters now, at home and I am told the name speaks to the brighter days ahead.  In the first week home, Lew Sun will travel to South Caicos, then Grand Turk, then North Caicos.

Mr. Handfield reveals it is an investment of   $1.3 million dollars of the more modern, sturdier and larger Lew Sun.  It is the largest ever owned by the company and with the help of long time clients and Pastor Derek Hamilton, on Monday June 28, 2021 the vessel was blessed and dedicated to God as it was readied to set sail. 

In a final plug for his industry and for his people; Mr Lewellyn Handfield reminded that running freight between the Turks and Caicos Islands should be reserved for Turks and Caicos Islanders and that further, local people should be supported to expand their horizons and enlarge their dreams – he said there is no reason a Turks and Caicos shipping company couldn’t service the entire Caribbean.

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InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group 

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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.

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Crime

Male Charged with Robbery

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#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.

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Crime

Dock Yard Male Charged  

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#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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