News
TCI Agriculture welcomes Public-Private Partnerships As The Country Ramps Up Food Security Efforts
#TurksandCaicos, October 8, 2021 – TCI Department of Agriculture welcomes investors to partner with the Government in order to achieve the country’s food security. The Turks & Caicos Islands Government has already put in place plans and programs to empower farmers to boost yields and offer tremendous opportunities to investors.
Speaking during a virtually held Caribbean AgTech Investment Summit, hosted by the Caribbean Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (CAIPA) on Tuesday, October 5, Dr Shelley Bridgewater, TCI Agriculture Director, disclosed the current developments undertaken on the government firm in North Caicos and various efforts underway to ensure a food secure Turks & Caicos Islands.
North Caicos offers huge untapped potential relating to the vast tracks of arable land and the ocean. Known as the “green island”, North Caicos has richer soils suitable for growing a wide range of crops, including fast-moving fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, papayas, bananas, and herbs that are increasingly used countrywide.
The corn, tomatoes, peppers, squash, pigeon peas, lettuce, papayas, plantains, bananas, okra, and beans produced at the government firm also boost the food supplies available for the country’s population; but only slightly. In addition, the ocean offers great potential for the aquaculture sub-sector and can supply hotels and restaurants as they look to serve the growing number of tourists visiting the Islands.
Speaking during Tuesday’s conference, Dr Bridgewater disclosed the government has 140 acres of arable land in North Caicos, but only eight acres are currently in use. The farm presently has animal pens, solar panels, infrastructure, and offices. She also revealed plans for the construction of a national nursery and greenhouse. “So, over time, the intent is to do more land clearing and develop most of the unused areas of this property,” she added.
Being a research, training and development centre for information disseminating to farmers, Director Bridgewater said the farm had conducted research about tomatoes production using revolutionary irrigation technology to help boost the yield.
“With the use of this experiment, farmers will be able to utilize appropriate irrigation technology and ultimately result in the improved yield of the tomato crops,” she added.
When it comes to aquaculture, the TCI’s Queen Conch has already proven its worth in the American market, making TCI Conch Farming popular before its collapse due to the hurricanes of 2017.
The Conch Farm came to shut down following the damage meted on it by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria, leaving the country with no other aquaculture farm.
But, the Director said efforts to revive the farm are underway. Considering the skyrocketing prices for fin and shellfish, there’s a tremendous potential for establishing aquaculture farming in the country.
Dr Bridgewater explained that the Invest Turks and Caicos Agency is poised to assist anyone interested – whether domestically or internationally – to further the food security mission of government.
There exists opportunities for private investors desirous of partnering with the government to produce more food to meet the country’s needs. She also invited private partners to take advantage of government incentives and great support systems.
TCI Department of Agriculture
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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