News
Opposition Leader wanted an end to Carnival monopoly; says Gov’t missed the boat
#TurksandCaicos, October 22, 2021 – Did the Turks and Caicos miss a chance to become greater owners of the cruise industry in the recent Development Agreement signing by country leaders with CarnivalCorp? The Leader of the Opposition Edwin Astwood and he says, some resident of Grand Turk seem to think so. In a statement issued following the signing ceremony he chided the Government for missing the boat.
“The Opposition welcomes the signing of the new Carnival Contract, but with a degree of caution; hoping that this time the Contract is in the best interest of the people of Grand Turk, and the Turks and Caicos on a whole.
Many persons are feeling that the better decision for our people and the country was for us to take possession of our Cruise Port and carry out the necessary upgrades and extension, as needed and those required by Carnival, as a joint initiative or as a Government contract for our facility.
The potential of other ships call into Grand Turk was literally impossible giving the tight restrictions, and the “exclusivity” the previous contract offered to Carnival Cruise Line.”
Astwood, who is a Grand Turk member of parliament, resident and business owner stands to benefit as much as anyone when cruising to the Capital resumes in December, however, he said his concern is about more than what or who Carnival Cruise Line is projected to ferry into the country; it is about ending 15-year monopoly.
“While there may be perhaps a few short-term benefits, and really only a few of so much to the signing of this new contract with Carnival not taking possession of the Facility at this time is certainly a great loss of opportunity for the country to realize much greater revenue from the Cruise Industry in Grand Turk.
The previous contract was seen to be a huge albatross around the necks of the Grand Turk and Salt Cay residents, and others from around our country. Plagued with so many restrictions, it was akin to modern day slavery when trying to do business with the cruise line,” he said in a statement issued on October 14.
Announcements made by the Premier in June (2021) revealed that talks were ongoing about widening the options for other cruise brands into Grand Turk. Residents at a town meeting applauded the idea and the Opposition Leader reflected on the absent update on those negotiations.
From the LOO’s statement: “The Hon. Premier, in a press conference in June, told the country that Royal Caribbean will be joining Carnival in cruising to Grand Turk. He went on to say that “Royal Caribbean currently has a technical team on the ground in Grand Turk”, adding that the “Government will make some moves to create a level playing field so that everyone who is interested has the opportunity to benefit. We are still working out some details with Carnival because most people would remember that part of Carnival’s arrangement was EXCLUSIVITY on Grand Turk,” he said.”
Premier Washington Misick responded to the concerns raised about the lack of details supplied about the new development agreement and held a press conference on Wednesday (Oct 20) in an effort to shed light on the finer points. The media event improved understanding, but still left many questions unanswered.
The public and media were told the new agreement was an amendment to the existing arrangement. It gave TCI Government a larger slice of the passenger tax and more autonomy on how to spend on development and enhancement projects. Whether the life of the contract is lengthened, what concessions – if any – were offered, the specifics on the dock expansion and the scope of the “other works” included in Carnival’s $25 million dollar investment were not disclosed.
“We can only hope that the Premier and the PNP Administration had the foresight THIS TIME to avoid the people of the Turks & Caicos Islands, in particular the people of Grand Turk, being trapped and suffocated by “exclusivities” in any form, being given for another 20 year deal!!!, said Hon Edwin Astwood, who is also the People’s Democratic Movement party leader.
The Premier also said a new dock to accommodate Royal Caribbean Cruise line, which has expressed interest in the destination, will not come before the next budget cycle, which is April 2022.
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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