News
Start of the Spiny Lobster Season 2021-2022
#TurksandCaicos, August 17, 2021 – The 2021-2022 Fishing Season in the Turks and Caicos Islands, kicked off with a “bang”. Fishers were observed leaving the docks in the early hours of the morning and returning in the late afternoon with boat loaded with Spiny Lobster.
A total of 21,159 pounds of Spiny lobster were landing with 15,032 pounds in South Caicos and 6,127 pounds in Providenciales. When compared to last year’s first day of fishing season with 8,372 pounds (bad weather), the 2021-2022 first day of the season has been highly productive. The Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management observed very little lobster that were not of legal size with less than 0.3% of the overall catch undersized. Average landings per vessel were 480 pounds per vessel. The catches ranged in quantity, but the largest amount of landings by one vessel was in South Caicos with 1090 pounds landed by Mr. Conrad Kennedy. The second largest landing by a vessel was by Mr. Ernest Rigby’s vessel, captained by Victor Louis, with a total of 1089 pounds.
Hon. E. Jay Saunders, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister with responsibility for Fisheries and Hon. Matthew “Jay” Stubbs accompanied the Fisheries and Marine Resources Management (FMRM) Providenciales enforcement team comprising of Director Ms. Thecla Joseph, Deputy Director Mr. Henry Wilson, Assistant Director Law Enforcement Mr. Levard Missick, Captain/Senior Officer Mr. Idi Gardiner and Senior Officer Mr. Paul Dickenson on patrol of the Caicos Banks to observe the operations in ensuring that fishers adhere to Fisheries regulations.
Commenting on the opening of the season, Hon. Connolly stated “we are very happy to announce the opening of the new season to fishers and the general public. We advise to continue to laisse and cooperate with Department of Fisheries and Marine Resource Management to ensure that the supply of these resources remains sustainable for future generation.”
Hon. Stubbs stated “as a Government, we are working with FMRM to see how best we can assist our Fisheries patrol team by providing them with the necessary tools as they continue to deal with issues especially on the opening of the lobster season.” Hon. Saunders also commented that “Preservation of our natural resources is in keeping with the goals of our administration, and therefore we hope that fishers and other relevant stakeholders will work with Government during the season to ensure that the supply remain sustainable in the future”.
The Director of FMRM, Ms. Joseph, in her message “We are committed to enforcing the regulations as it pertains to the lobster season, we will hope that all relevant parties cooperate with the department to avoid penalties or fines as to the laws. The department encourages all persons involved in the harvesting of lobster to remain safe to prevent the loss of life or damage to property.”
The FMRM would like to remind fishers of restrictions relating to crawfish, as per Section 15 of the Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Ordinance 5 of 1941), as amended, are listed below:
Crawfish size restrictions are as follows:
When whole, a length of 3.25 inches measured from the front of the groove between the horns directly above the eyes, along the middle of the back to the rear edge of the back shell; or
When the tail has been separated, a tail weight of 5 ounces whether processed or not;
Fishers are not to be in the possession of any egg-bearing crawfish;
Fishers are not to remove eggs from egg-bearing crawfish;
Fishers are not to take or be in possession of moulting / soft-shelled crawfish or crawfish in early stages of spawning (described as appearing ‘tar-spotted’); and Fishers are to ensure that the crawfish are landed unharmed and whole after being taken and landed at processing plants or at home, unless processed at sea as per the terms of the processing license.
Fishers, and Fish Processing Plants are further reminded to adhere to all COVID-19 guidelines and protocols regarding handling and processing of all lobster products.
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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