TURKS AND CAICOS POST CABINET STATEMENT FROM WEDNESDAY AUGUST 25 MEETING

Published

3 years ago

August 27, 2021

#TurksandCaicos, August 27, 2021 – His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 24^th meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 25 August 2021 at the Office of the Premier on Grand Turk.

All members were present with the exception of the Hon Minister for Tourism and Hon Deputy Governor. Mrs Khalila Astwood-Tatem was also present as Acting Attorney General.

At this meeting Cabinet:

Was given an update by the Ministry of Health on the measures being taken to address and mitigate against the threat of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) to the country, including:

a)Positive cases, in particular hospitalization of unvaccinated persons,
b)Recent death cases,
c)Specific breaches of Regulations, and
d)Progress with the vaccination programme, now standing at 69% fully vaccinated and future introduction of booster shots.

Approved amendments to the Public and Environmental Health Control Measures Regulations coming into effect from 1 September 2021, unless otherwise stated, including:

No person shall host an event consisting of 50 persons or more without approval from the Chief Medical Officer or Chief Environmental Health Officer. (Definition of Event: Something that happens at a given time and place including Hotels, Bars, and Restaurants – e.g. show, party, karaoke, music festival, house party, private banquet, ball, dance, etc.),
Work permits/temporary work permits should not be granted to performers for the purposes of hosting or performing at social events,

iii. All night clubs and bars should reduce occupancy to 50%,

Patrons at night clubs and bars must provide proof of being fully vaccinated,
Bars/clubs to be responsible for verifying the identification and vaccination status of all participants and a logbook kept with the same, and shared with the Ministry of Health and the Environmental Health Department every Monday, and
We require the introduction of a customer tracking system (manual or electronic) be implemented for all events going forward from 14 September 2021.

Approved a planning application PR 14707 for the renovation of an existing pier on parcel 60906/238 (adjacent), Providenciales.

Approved a planning application PR 15057, for the development of a Farmers Market on parcel 60602/272, Providenciales.

Were updated on the Turks and Caicos Islands Beach Vending and Coastal Vending Policy to include application processes, fee structures, vending zones, capacity of zones, enforcement and the building of appropriate facilities where required. Members also agreed a moratorium on new applications for specified categories of business licenses and activities.

Approved the proposed short, medium and long term solutions to address the issues at the Sapodilla Bay. Members also agreed to work towards the relocation of vendors at the Sapodilla Bay location by 1 December 2021 after which no vending on the beach will be allowed.

Approved guidelines for the operations of the existing Floating Bar/Restaurant also known as “Tiki bar” in the Turks and Caicos Islands ensuring safety of navigation, safety of life, protection of the marine environment and application process. Members also agreed a moratorium for new applicants.

Approved amendments to the Schedule of the Ports Authority (Stevedores, Fees and Charges) Regulations 2008 to come into effect on 1 September 2021.

Approved the appointment ofMr Deveraux Malcolm as Director of the National Insurance Board for a period of two years with effect from 30 September until 31 March 2023.

Discussed proposed amendments to the National Health Insurance Ordinance and agreed next steps.

Approved a proposal for the renewal of a lease agreement and expansion of office accommodations for the Ministry of Health and Departments, Grand Turk for a period of five years, with an option to renew.

Approved a COVID Works Program Policy under the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development to come into effect on 1 September 2021.

Granted approval for a waiver against the first time work permit moratorium in accordance with the policy.

Approved the appointment ofKitchandra Mcdonald as a Member of the Immigration Appeals Tribunal with effect from 30 August until 31 March 2023.

Noted a paper covering guidelines supporting the amended Public and Environmental Health Arriving Passengers Travel clearance Regulations

Approved amendments to the Citizen Stimulus Programme to allow: a) persons currently overseas for medical reasons, to have their cheques deposited into their bank accounts, and b) up to 25 persons who had applied for the Stimulus payments within the required timeframe, but for technical reasons with the portal, their applications were not processed, to be able to reapply.

Discussed the Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism (Taxation) Ordinance 2019 and agreed steps required.

Were updated on issues surrounding business licenses where external shareholders are involved.

Was updated on issues related to the Ministries of:

Education,
Health,
House of Assembly, and
Office of the Premier.

Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.

Subject identified

Published

17 hours ago

May 18, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY

***MEDIA RELEASE***

May 18^th, 2024.

Following a police shooting incident on May 14th, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is now able to name the deceased male subject, with the permission of the family.

The Serious Crime Unit contacted the relatives of the deceased, and formal identification has taken place, with the subject being identified as 14-year-old Antorens Dorcely, also known locally as ‘Toto’.

During this challenging time, the RTCIPF also expressed its deepest condolences to the deceased’s family, and the force will continue to offer support through our Family Liaison Officer.

In light of this incident, the RTCIPF is urging the public to show respect and sensitivity towards the grieving family by refraining from sharing any footage of the deceased on social media.

Sharing such material can cause additional distress and harm. We emphasize the importance of empathy and respect for the family’s privacy as they navigate their grief. The death of any young person is a loss to the TCI.

The RTCIPF is committed and dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that all aspects of the incident are carefully examined and the findings are communicated transparently to the public.

A request has been made to an external police force to conduct a review of the incident. This is a routine procedure and intended to ensure an independent and objective review of the facts. The community’s cooperation and respect during this time are essential. The RTCIPF assures the public that we remain dedicated to upholding justice and accountability.

News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

5 days ago

May 14, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

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.

Crime

Male Charged with Robbery

Published

6 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#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.