News
Invest TCI and the Department of Agriculture hosted Twin Islands Agricultural Forum
#TurksandCaicos, February 11, 2022 – Invest TCI, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture on February 3rd, 2022, hosted the North Caicos and Middle Caicos Agricultural Forum 2022. With a strong focus on
Agriculture, the Government’s mandate is to invest heavily in agriculture so that the Turks and Caicos Islands can benefit from locally grown foods. Through Invest TCI’s MSME Programme and the Department of Agriculture’s Agro-Grant Incentive Programme, the Government will take a holistic approach to create a sustainable food supply for the country. These programmes will transform the agriculture sector through the provision of support for improved technology, expansion of operations, access to training and research, increased production, creation of employment and the development of niche markets. The communities of North Caicos and Middle Caicos were invited to learn about the programmes and to be a part of the Agricultural discussion.
The Agricultural Forum kicked off at 10 am in North Caicos at the Horsestable Beach Centre in Whitby and in Middle Caicos at the Conch Bar Community Center at 1 pm. In attendance were over 40 persons from the North Caicos community and more than 30 individuals in Middle Caicos. These included local farmers, agri-business representatives, and others who came out to learn about the assistance available through the Invest TCI’s MSME Programme and the Department of Agriculture’s Agro-Grant Incentive Programme. In addition, both communities were able to voice their opinions regarding the farming opportunities and challenges they faced.
Invest TCI’s MSME Programme provides support to start-up farmers by providing them with up to $10,000 in Cash Grants, up to $10,000 in Duty Concession and up to $10,000 in Technical Assistance. To be eligible, applicants must
have belonger status, a business license or letter of intent and a business plan.
The Agro-Grant Incentive Programme provides support to registered farmers who own 0.5 acres of land, actively farming, or are start-up farmers. The programme has three categories of support. The first category is the Improvement Programme which provides up to $20,000 in support. The second category is the New Farm Start-Up/Young Entrepreneurs which provides up to $15,000 to registered farmers between the ages of 18 – 25. The Disaster Relief category provides up to $20,000 in support in response to National Natural Disasters. The value of this grant will be 10% of the assessed damages.
Commenting on the event, Interim CEO For Invest TCI, Angela Musgrove, stated, “We were extremely delighted by the turnout in North Caicos and Middle Caicos. The participation and input from both communities were invaluable. It gave us a greater appreciation for some of the challenges that farmers face on these islands, and we can now look to resolve these issues and provide the resources they need to have sustainable businesses.
The Minister for Agriculture, Honourable Josephine Connolly, stated, “The Government’s goal is to develop and create business opportunities, to promote small businesses and ensure that all of our people can make a decent living and benefit from the MSME and Agro-Grant Incentive Programme. Agriculture and food security are major
challenges. The Government plans to invest heavily in food production. We will ensure that locals employed in food production, planning, fishing, and processing earn a good and decent living. The incentive grants will also motivate many to develop their respective farms. I expect great things for farmers and for those who wish to enter farming.”
The Hon. E. Jay Saunders, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, Investment, and Trade commenting on the Forum stated, “As Minister for Finance, I am pleased that we are able to increase the financial support to the agriculture industry through these initiatives. I look forward to seeing the impact on the sustainable development of our agriculture industry.”
To apply for the Invest TCI’s MSME Programme persons can contact Invest TCI at 649 338 4773 or visit the website at www.investturksandcaicos.tc. To apply for the Department of Agriculture’s Agro-Grant Incentive Programme, farmers can contact the Department of Agriculture at 649 338 5269 or via email at agriculture@gov.tc.
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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