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Govt’s Appointment Members commends Administration for Investment in Special Needs

Published

3 years ago

on

Statement by Hon Jameka Williams

 

SPECIAL NEEDS 

Mr. Speaker I rise today in support of this Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2021/2022. I would like to particularly mention a few areas of concerns and those that I am happy about. The first being Special Needs.

Mr. Speaker, for many years the area of special needs has been neglected. While I appreciate the strides that have been made, there is always more that can be done and should be done. Throughout these islands we have families who are struggling to get help for their children with special needs to the point where many resorted to leaving their homes to seek help abroad and without any financial support from government.

To this end, I am happy to see that this government is listening to the cries of the people and have allocated $150,000 to assist with overseas care for children with acute disabilities and also assist with bringing in specialist in speech, behaviour and development to provide these much needed services which are not available here in the TCI.

I am happy to also see that this government has begun the process of partnering with organizations such as the Ashley Learning Center and other schools that offer Special Needs Services.

 

SCHOOL TEXTBOOKS

Mr. Speaker on the issue of textbooks, I would like to remind the Oppositions Appointed Member that funding for the purchase of textbooks ceased under the former PDM administration. It is this government through our Minister of Education that has allocated funding to reintroduce the purchase of textbooks.

Thanks to this venture, parents who would otherwise purchase those expensive school textbooks from private entities can in short order purchase them through the Ministry of Education throughout the country.

 

LICENSE PLATES

Mr. Speaker it is also pleasing to see that the Department of Home Affairs and Transportation will receive funding for License Plates. For many of us all living on the island of Providenciales, we can attest to the large number of vehicles with no license plates. I am furthermore pleased that we will not only return to the pervious plates which were categorized under residential, private and rental but that we will have a proper system in place that will assist with the detection of crime.

 

COMMUNICATION AND PROTOCOL OFFICE

Mr. Speaker, It is also pleasing that we have begun the process of funding for the establishment of a Communications Directorate and Protocol Management Unit to address public concerns and to govern in a transparent way, which will in turn keep the public informed  and updated on what this government is doing.  This, Mr. Speaker, is another campaign promise being fulfilled.

 

JOB VACANCIES AND GOVERNMENT SALARIES 

Finally, Mr. Speaker everyone who spoke today spoke about the alarming number of vacant positions within government that has not been filled. However, my view is different. Mr. Speaker while the recruitment process and Human Resource is not under the direct remit of elected government, I feel we can do more. As legislators it is incumbent on all of us to make representation and were necessary propose legislation to protect our Turks and Caicos Islanders in all aspects of employment.

Mr. Speaker, I personally applied for a government job before accepting this role and before being self-employed but got no response. Our Turks and Caicos Islanders are applying for the jobs in government over and over again and are getting no response. In addition, Mr. Speaker, another reason too is that the salaries are simply too low and we need to fight for better pay of our civil servants.

Mr. Speaker, we have persons in the services in this day and age still making $1600.00 per month, having to decide if they should pay rent or pay Fortis on any given month. Mr. Speaker, this is wrong. Working for the government is a noble profession and we will continue to lose good people and talent to the private sector if we do not fix this very soon.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly believe that Turks and Caicos Islanders will remain uninterested  in working for TCIG if we continue to overlook our local talents and recruit overseas to pay expatriates top dollar and allowances that will never be otherwise offered to our own people.

And Mr. Speaker to add insult to injury, it is our experienced Turks and Caicos Islanders that has to turn around and train that expat worker who came to this country and can now live more comfortably than us in our country on our dime. I am a true patriot of this country and I make no apologies in this regard.

Mr. Speaker, under previous PNP governments, millions have been spent on scholarships and I can assure you that we have qualified Turks & Caicos Islanders who can fulfil any role in government.

Mr. Speaker, my background is in Human Resources and until we get serious about recruiting our own people in government and placing them to the top key positions, it is hypocritical to dictate to our private sector that they should hire Turks and Caicos Islanders especially in managerial positions. We have to lead by example.

I thank you.

 

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News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group 

Published

3 days ago

on

May 14, 2024

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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.

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Crime

Male Charged with Robbery

Published

4 days ago

on

May 13, 2024

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#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.

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Crime

Dock Yard Male Charged  

Published

4 days ago

on

May 13, 2024

By

#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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