News
Airport Congestion slammed by Residents who say Authorities must do better
By Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
#TurksandCaicos, March 21, 2022 – The overwhelming feeling is the TCI Airports Authority must figure out a way to end the miserable time residents and visitors spend trying to enter and exit the Turks and Caicos Islands. The destination cannot wait on a brand new airport, it needs mitigation now.
Residents, speaking to our news organization were appalled by the video which gave visual confirmation to the frustrating lines, lengthy wait times and uncomfortable conditions at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and their concern was not just for the guests who visit but also for residents.
“For a high end destination, our airport is sure pop down! They really need to get it together,” said a resident who was on Saturday trying to take a flight out of Providenciales.
“I’m here and the Airport and I think only hell hotter than here,” she said about the temperature, which at the time was a real feel of 86°F.
One frequent traveler and resident of Provo said, at this stage, she just avoids the flying on weekends adding that the consistent waits and lines are bound to have a negative impact on tourism.
“Coming to Provo is also horrible. They kept us on the plane for 25 minutes, letting groups of 20 out at a time. As a tourist, I would rethink my next visit.”
She also questioned the previous expansion, which she believes was an expensive failure.
“Not sure why the airport is like that after all that money they spent on it a few years ago. Someone was sleeping at the wheel. They need to take a page out of The Bahamas airport plans. Bahamas has loads of visitors and you never see this mess.
I refuse to travel on weekends.”
In 2010, a three phased expansion of the PLS was announced. It did open up the arrivals terminal and boost the count on restrooms. It also lengthened the runway and created a new parking apron. What it did not do was adequately address the limited space at the facility.
About the lines, which extended to outside of the terminal area, there were these labels:
“Ridiculous!” and “Horrendous!”
The TCIAA informed in a statement on Saturday night that with over 4000 travellers, 27 flights and several flight delays it was difficult mitigating the overwhelming circumstances which led to hundreds of passengers being crammed into the arrivals area, and spilling out into the ground transportation parking lot as they queued up to check in and pass the security check point.
The exhaustion and frustration was palpable. Staff also looked worn out. It is said this is what has been happening every weekend.
Services one expects to be available or operable at an airport are not.
“Can you believe you go through all of this and no internet? Only in the café.”
To the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority statement on the unprecedented congestion, there was this
reaction:
“I thank you for your proactive approach, but we have to do better, keeping the passengers on the aircraft leads to ramp congestion, a terrible arrival experience and it delays every departure.
It also leads to the over congestion in the departure area plus the air condition unit is unable to support the passenger numbers.”
A most compelling statement came from an air industry professional who said, “If this is not considered a real emergency, I don’t know what is. It’s total chaos and we’re risking our reputation. How much longer will our top end clients put up with this? Or will they choose next time to go somewhere with a better airport?”
The TCIAA said it is working with stakeholders on ways to alleviate the problems, however, there was no naming of those partners and no announcement about what will be done to improve conditions at the PLS on weekends.
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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