News
Ministry of Health & Turks and Caicos Media Meet; but was it good?
#TurksandCaicos, November 5, 2021 – When the newest Minister of Health invited media to an informal, some on the record/some off the record lunch date with himself and leaders from Team Health, there was curiosity about what he was after. Within minutes of the meetings start, it was clear that this session was designed to build a relationship with the Media, who are key actors in any sensible society. It was also stated that the session was a beginning.
From Hon Jamell Robinson, Minister of Health & Human Services: “The purpose of the meeting was to simply meet the media in a private setting away from a press conference or an audience; a meeting that allowed for general interaction without limits on questions or subject matter.
I am of the belief that a Government and its Leaders need the media as an ally to help us communicate with our citizens as well as provide avenues or platforms from which we can articulate and defend our policies.
With a primary focus on the COVID-19 pandemic the media encouraged Team Health to also be aware of public’s interest in other functions of the Ministry. (e.g waste management health programmes and special needs issues). It was also realized from our luncheon that our TCI media is willing to act as a mechanism in assisting us with promotion public awareness of key or critical information.
My team and I certainly deemed the luncheon a success and promise to schedule them quarterly or at least biannually in an effort to ensure sustained communication with both the media houses and the public.”
Vivian Tyson, a veteran journalist in the Turks and Caicos and owner of Newsline TCI, an online publication which enjoys a keen following on Facebook said: “I think it was frank, open and seemingly honest that the minister considers the media an integral part of nation-building, and that a meaningful partnership can be forged, where the media is considered and upheld as vital artery through which the relevant government information can flow to the public in a timely manner.
I believe that he also valued our input concerning making government being effective with communication. With that said, we still have to call their remembrance to these commitments made during the luncheon and allow them to make good on them…because after all, we are the watch dog on behalf of the people.”
Among the Health Executives at the lunch session were: Aldora Robinson, Director of the Health Promotions & Advocacy Unit; Dr. Jeremy Myers, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Kenrick Neely, Director of Environmental Health Department.
“The meeting was great and a much needed one for persons to understand what is going on and what plans are in place. I also think it we gave more insight on certain things such as vector control management, solid waste and the Health Strategy Plan (past 2015-2020/21) and present 2022-2025/26.”
Latoya Walkin, anchor with People’s Television; Hayden Boyce, Editor-in-Chief of the Turks and Caicos Sun Newspaper and Deandrea Hamilton, CEO and Journalist-owner of Magnetic Media also attended the sessions.
“It is always important that Government and Media have a behind the scenes rapport. After all, we serve the same country and the same people and it makes good sense to have the kind of relationship where that goal is always kept front and center. Relationships are how we keep it together, how we make things happen and it was satisfying to have the insightful exchange over the tranquil ambience at the Shore Club. Health shared with media, Media shared with Health and I believe in the end our islanders will be the better for it,” said Deandrea Hamilton, Magnetic Media.
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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