News
TCI: “Race for the Conch” Back With 101 Swimmers
#TurksandCaicos, July 8, 2021 – COVID forced the cancellation of the 2020 “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim, but not this year. Conditions could not have been more perfect on Saturday June 26, 2021 for the 11th annual open water swim race in Grace Bay. 101 swimmers took part in the one mile and half mile events that ran along the shore from Rickie’s Flamingo Cafe to just past the Venetian Resort and back. An additional 15 youngsters under 11 years swam in the 100 meter Children’s Swim.
Co-Race Directors Ben Stubenberg and Chloe Zimmermann implemented several COVID mitigation measures to get clearance, including a requirement that all athletes had to show a vaccination card or take an antigen test on the spot before registering or checking in. Swimmers supported the forward leaning actions as a small inconvenience for the thrill of getting to race through TCI’s turquoise waters.
“We didn’t do much promotion of the race this year because of the uncertainties,” said Ben Stubenberg. “So we were truly amazed and happy that so many local and foreign swimmers signed up. We were particularly impressed that many young local swimmers had practiced hard to get ready for the race and held their own.” Chloe Zimmerman added, “We wanted to make this happen. Every swimmer who comes to TCI and swims through our beautiful, clear water knows it doesn’t get better. Huge thanks to all the swimmers, sponsors, providers, and volunteers who made this race happen. You rock!”
This year saw another fast field of swimmers with American Drew Modrov winning the men’s division in the one mile in a blazing 20 minutes 21 seconds. American Genny Jordan won the women’s division with a brilliant time of 22 minutes and 46 seconds. In the half mile, American Eric Erenstopft finished in speedy 11 minutes and 56 seconds, while another American, Beth Stuble finished in a super fast 12 minutes and 8 seconds. Many young local swimmers gained valuable experience in open water swim racing, as they started alongside these and other top swimmers.
Once again, the Race Directors presented conch medals and conch trophies made by local artists Stanford Handfield and Lucie Stubbs respectively. Evans Joseph (Keep it Xtraordinary) printed the T-shirts locally as well. In keeping with the “Eco-SeaSwim” name of the race, the Race Directors welcomed Turks & Caicos Reef Fund to promote reef protection, while Stream2Sea provided reef safe sunscreen for swimmers.
Special thanks to Sports Commission for valuable advisory support.
Next year’s race takes place on Saturday June 25, 2022. Information on the race can be found at www.ecoseaswim.com
Along with dedicated volunteers, race directors want to acknowledge and thank the following sponsors and service providers who did so much to make this a success: Grace Bay Club, Hartling Group, Surfside Ocean Academy, Accu Diagnostics, Finishing Touch, Turks & Caicos Reservations, Carolina Medical
Centre, Provo Ambulance, Big Blue Collective, Paradise Photography, Bay
Bistro, Got-U-Covered,, Blue Loos, TC Crystal Water, NUUN rehydration, Marco Travel, and Caicu Naniki Sports Adventures.
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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