News
Fuel not likely to go down, but one Grocer says his prices will
Caicos Oil & Sam’s Club open up about the Government’s Fuel & Food Tax Break set to take effect April 1
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, March 24, 2022 – With SEVEN days until the legislation approving the Food and Fuel Tax Break set to come into effect some business owners, had on Tuesday said, they had yet to hear from the government to work out a plan in order to pass on those savings to consumers.
The government admitted during a press conference announcing the $15 million dollar tax break last week that there had not yet been any meetings with business owners.
Caicos Oil is a leading fuel supplier in Turks and Caicos, we asked the company what kinds of savings Consumers would notice at the pumps come April 1.
“I very much doubt you will see any change at the pumps because the cost of fuel increases 2-3 times per day in some cases, in addition to that, transportation of cost of the Fuel are rising as well……. to Truck the Fuel in respective countries to the Ports topped by the increase Ocean Freight Transportation makes it no easier on consumers.” Says McAllister ‘Piper’ Hanchell, Managing Director of Caicos Oil.
The cost of oil per barrel today (March 24) is $112 USD. A week ago, it was $102. During the course of the day, the price has changed an innumerable number of times ranging from $111 to $114 per barrel; all in a 16 hour window.
Hanchell, earlier in the week informed his company had not had any talks with the government noting that he learned about the tax breaks the same way the rest of the TCI did; in a National Press Conference held on March 22.
“It is my understanding from what I have read in the public domain that there is a plan to reduce the road user tax by $0.21 cents per US gallon.” he said.
“In addition to 2.5 per cent of the value of the fuel which equates to $0.08 to $0.10 per US gallon, overall from the government’s perspective they are lowering the costs to about $0.29 to $0.31.” The businessman explained.
Hanchell says this means that it is likely that the customers will not see a decrease at the pumps, but he does have a suggestion.
“The 8.5 per cent Road User Tax gives the government anywhere from $1.60 – $1.70 for Gasoline and $1.22 – $1.32 in taxes for Diesel.
What the government should consider is dropping the entire Road user tax of $0.85 per U.S. gallon for a period of time in order to provide some real relief to consumers,” he continued.
“The Road user tax was implemented by the Michael Misick Administration at $0.25 per US Gallon for the sole purpose of creating a segregated fund for road building across the nation…. since then the $0.25 cents per U.S. gallon has increased to $0.85 cents as a consolidated revenue item.”
While it seems relief at the gas pumps will not be had by the motoring public, at least one grocer says he can offer a clear cut path to seeing savings on food and other home supplies.
Gus Karagiannis, the owner of Sam’s Club Wholesale on Leeward highway in Provo has a plan to help shoppers save.
Gus, as he is affectionately called by islanders explained that a 3 per cent discount was easy enough to apply and that is what he will do, give shoppers at Sam’s Club, three per cent off at the cash register.
“For the past six months people have been shopping at the Sam’s Club store and saving money. And I will continue to do my best to keep prices low.” He vowed.
The discount should push already competitive prices at the warehouse style store even lower; a balm as residents struggle against inflation and the disappointing news that fuel prices are less likely to fall due to the cost of oil in the open market.
SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY
***MEDIA RELEASE***
May 18th, 2024.
Following a police shooting incident on May 14th, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is now able to name the deceased male subject, with the permission of the family.
The Serious Crime Unit contacted the relatives of the deceased, and formal identification has taken place, with the subject being identified as 14-year-old Antorens Dorcely, also known locally as ‘Toto’. 
During this challenging time, the RTCIPF also expressed its deepest condolences to the deceased’s family, and the force will continue to offer support through our Family Liaison Officer.
In light of this incident, the RTCIPF is urging the public to show respect and sensitivity towards the grieving family by refraining from sharing any footage of the deceased on social media.
Sharing such material can cause additional distress and harm. We emphasize the importance of empathy and respect for the family’s privacy as they navigate their grief. The death of any young person is a loss to the TCI.
The RTCIPF is committed and dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that all aspects of the incident are carefully examined and the findings are communicated transparently to the public.
A request has been made to an external police force to conduct a review of the incident. This is a routine procedure and intended to ensure an independent and objective review of the facts. The community’s cooperation and respect during this time are essential. The RTCIPF assures the public that we remain dedicated to upholding justice and accountability.
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.
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