News
Five years since Hurricanes & Maria, Waterloo re-opens better, stronger
By Deandrea Hamilton & Dana Malcolm
Editorial Staff
#TurksandCaicos, March 24, 2022 – An enchanted evening at an historical treasure and now the Governor’s residence Grand Turk is once again habitable; Waterloo was in 2017 devastated by the harrowing hit of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Five years on and His Excellency Nigel Dakin takes to his Instagram to share highlights from a string of events
designed to showcase local talent and culture and progresses among inmates from the Department of Corrections, formerly Her Majesty’s Prison.
He penned: “A gem of a house, constructed in 1815, its seen 207 years of TCI’s history. Pounded by the 2017 hurricanes it was uninhabitable but last night saw its rebirth.
Back in 2019, in my inauguration speech, I said I hoped to both “preserve and improve” and I hope this wonderful property proves to be an analogy of that. Like TCI it’s bounced back stronger from the adversity of the last few years.
The fabric of the building has been strengthened- better to survive future disaster – but the integrity of the design remains true to the original. Those visiting will not notice a huge, if any, serious change.”
The exterior he said will continue to celebrate the past; inside Mr. and Mrs. Dakin hoped to showcase the bright future for the Turks and Caicos, he said.
“Local artists are exhibited on the walls (their paintings available to purchase) and the voluminous space created by removing false ceilings, and paying respect to the workmanship in the Timbers, helps lift your spirits.
The historic dining room table remains (it could tell some stories) but the furniture is there to be minimalist,
relaxing and hopefully puts people who are visiting at ease.
The gardens, always beautiful, have been tidied and the amount of foliage slightly reduced to provide light and space but framed with verdant green and vibrant colors.”
Guests to the special dinner function were serve what we could only imagine was savory meal, helped by two inmates of the prison.
“… they’ve been brilliant in helping us prepare and we have ambitious plans going forward linked to training those leaving the prison for the hospitality sector using the fantastic industrial kitchen we have in Waterloo.”
On Instagram, where Governor Dakin has some 5,839 followers, there is also announcement about inmate made handbags travelling across the pond for a London fashion debut.
“On that Anya Willique has been collaborating with Mandy to produce a range of bags and totes to be made in the prison out of kites donated by Big Blue and H2O. If all goes to plan Anya has a place secured at London fashion week in September.”
There is also an assertive effort to getting more inmates working with the TCI Community College and the first of many Farmers’ Markets is coming for Waterloo. The produce and the livestock are being grown at the prison grounds.
“I was at the Prison today (Monday) looking at the significant improvement at the Farm. I used some funds available to me from the UK to support this.
The staff and prisoners have done an amazing job at generating a model farm; rearing livestock and growing fruits and vegetables. As well as feeding the inmates we intend to launch a farmers market in the grounds of Waterloo where theirs and others produce can be sold.
The Minister responsible for Agriculture (Hon Josephine Connolly) was there along with Dr. Brown the Chief Vet whose done so much to support the animal husbandry.”
A tour Monday included government ministers for Home Affairs, Hon Otis Morris and Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon Akierra Missick.
Government is seeking to lead by example in ensuring the rate of recidivism is reduced by ensuring more inmates, once complete their sentence are making a healthier transition to society.
“We now have a proposed way forward – more to follow in future months. And the great news is others are playing their part. Two Hotels have recently employed previous inmates. Thank you.
From education through agriculture to mechanics to textile production to hospitality we’ve started, and we can do that because the prison is now a disciplined place. The present inmates are our future neighbors and stopping recidivism is in all our favor.”
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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