News

National Heritage Month 2021 Address by Hon. Josephine Connolly

Published

3 years ago

October 13, 2021

Theme: Foundations of the future fueled by our forbearers

#TurksandCaicos, October 13, 2021 – Each year, in the month of October, the Turks and Caicos celebrates Heritage Month. It is an event that seeks to bring to the forefront what makes this beautiful by nature country an idyllic place to live, work and do business. It further quickens us to become cognizant of our traditions, or the values that are passed down from preceding generations through families or through institutional memory.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS, MY PEOPLE IN RADIO LANDS OR THOSE FOLLOWING THROUGH VARIOUS MEDIA CONNECTIONS, WELCOME!

As we celebrate National Heritage Month 2021, we do so with pride and the collective responsibility that we all have in celebrating who we are as a people, forged through hard work and industry, determined wills and the unbreakable spirit of our forefathers and mothers who have so firmly laid the foundation on which today we can enjoy.

It is the vision of my Ministry and by extension — the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands to indelibly etch into the minds of our people, the treasure we have inherited. The recognition of National Heritage Month seeks to impress upon the hearts of our people the significance of working together to achieve greatness for these small but beautiful islands today and beyond. And so, as we celebrate National Heritage Month, I encourage you to become more aware of our past whilst preparing ourselves to embrace a solid, secure and sustainable future.

During this year’s heritage month, we pause to pay tribute to the pioneers who have stood proudly, represented and contributed to the establishment of our identity and embedded the foundations of a proud culture to these beautiful by nature Turks & Caicos Islands.

The theme chosen for these celebrations: Foundations of the future, fueled by our Forbearers, seeks to bring a kaleidoscope of colours, sounds and movements that are not individually reflective, but collectively impactful. Everyone can identify with various elements of the culture and give special significance to each showcase our heritage from the indigenous local dishes to historical practices such as fishing, boat building and our various crafts. The TCI continues to build up and re-vitalize these historical practices developed by our forefathers.

I rise on this platform, on this day, not only in recognition of our past but also to pledge my commitment to you my people, to build this nation, to launch a campaign of nationhood, a campaign to protect our culture and promote national pride for our country, our symbols and our people. There are many nations and many cultures living in the Turks and Caicos Islands. While we welcome and embrace all, we must not permit our culture and our symbols to be overshadowed by any other culture. It is my Government’s intention to strengthen culture within the Turks and Caicos Islands by ensuring that our culture is at the forefront by providing a platform to showcase, recognize and implement policies to protect and maintain our culture. We must ensure that our culture is instituted within our school’s curriculum. We must promote the transmission of culture and heritage through formal and non-formal education as a safeguarding measure. My Government will increase promotion of local visual arts in public spaces, especially at ports of entry and exit, engage planning committees on each Island to support structure planning and cultural events and increased community engagement of cultural activities.

Today I am filled with pride as a Turks and Caicos Islander as I witnessed the patriotism displayed by many Turks and Caicos Islanders, who in recognition of the honour of this month, are proudly flying our national colours. Today I declare that this symbol of our people and our nation must not wait until National Cultural and Heritage Month to be displayed, but that our flag should be flown in front of every building, every school and every medical facility as a national symbol.

Considering the impact that COVID 19 has on our lives, we have been forced to change the mode of our presentations. But we must remember, that our forefathers were men and women of adjustment. Not only did they adjust to the vagaries of the weather, they also had to adjust to the various types of treatment that was levied on them as in the salt industry. Thus fueled the determination to create a culture that is unique for us.

We invite you to join in the activities that have been planned for all of our enjoyment via the Department of Culture and Heritage’s Facebook page.

If you are not following us, now is the perfect time to begin. All events will be streamed live. More information about the specific activities for each island will be shared on Facebook and other media outlets so stay tuned and we look forward to celebrating with you.

It is my pleasure as Minister of Culture & Heritage to officially declare this 2021 National Heritage Month open!!

May God bless us all!!!!

News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

4 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

5 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.

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.

Crime

Dock Yard Male Charged

Published

5 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#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 05^th, 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 02^nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.