News
PDM galvanizing, Calls PNP Gov’t out on No Work
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, April 22, 2022 – ‘An abysmal failure’ is how the Opposition is describing the government’s communication skills. The PDM was united in its displeasure about how certain aspects of governance including policing have been handled; in a recent press conference they bared it all.
The PDMs leader, Edwin Astwood and deputy leader Robert Been were joined in the press conference by MP Alvin Garland, Karen Malcolm, former Minister of Education and Ezra Taylor, National Party Chairman.
Chairman Ezra Taylor denounced the mounting violence in the TCI in recent weeks and what he described as the governments ‘absenteeism.’
“In the past weeks this absentee approach to crime can only be equated to an abysmal failure by the government; the silence of the Premier, his Cabinet and District Representatives is unacceptable.”
Elected member Alvin Garland on the other hand called directly on the police commissioner to step down.
“While our people have watched our Police Force deteriorate over the past 16 years at the hands of foreign Police Commissioners we in the Opposition believe it’s time to hand over the ranks of our police force to a Turks and Caicos Island Police Commissioner. The morale of our police force is as an all-time low. Serious violent crimes continue to take place with impunity without being resolved. Our people are living in fear because they have no confidence that the police can come to the rescue in their time of need.”
Garland noted that local police know the lay of the land and know the people of the Turks and Caicos. He insisted that there were qualified and experienced senior officers who could fill the post.
The Chairman, Ezra Taylor, laid out several short and medium term initiatives which he charged the PNP led government to give ‘serious consideration.’
“Reopening the Blue Hills and Five Cays substations to improve police presence and improve response time as well as increased police presence within these communities.
Money (shortage) should be no excuse for these communities and the people that live there; their lives are at stake.”
He continued “allocate funding for a reward system that will increase the likelihood for a collection of information that will lead to apprehension and intelligence gathering.
Improve street lights in communities throughout the Turks and Caicos primarily in tourist hotspots, introduce a multi-agency task force focusing on firearms, ammunition and narcotics detection at our ports of entry.”
Other recommendations by Taylor included the reintroduction of the Tourism policing unit and expediting the purchasing of new vehicles for the police.
- Education
The PDM also accused the Government of not doing enough to secure work for Islanders even as the country enjoys an economic boom.
Garland claimed the government was interfering with processes put in place to help Islanders secure work.
“Licensed TC Islander electricians are sitting at home and able to get electrical contracts while foreigners with work permits continue to work within this field making huge profits and this is a direct result of the unnecessary interference by the government.” Garland said.
“I am reliably informed that instead of working with the Association, the current administration is working against the Association. I therefore call on the Government to stop interfering and allow the Association to manage the affairs of the industry.”
He also mentioned construction workers, lawyers and real estate brokers especially were being marginalized in their own country by foreigners with the same skill and were not benefiting from the economic uptick in these industries.
Opposition leader, Edwin Astwood questioned why millions of dollars slated for use in the COVID works program was transferred to purchasing property instead of being used for the original purpose or crime fighting.
The Opposition Leader noted that $7,850,000 was re-allocated to the purchase of five properties.
“Instead why didn’t some of this if not all of it go to their allocations for dealing with crime fighting and strengthening law enforcement?”
Astwood asked, “What makes it worse? Is that $496,564.32 was taken from the Police Department for these land purchases another $1,090,614.68 was removed from the Judiciary Department and $951,741 was taken from the Ministry of Education.”
He noted that over $5 million was reallocated from the COVID works program which he said was supposed to be used for the people.
The Covid works program is announced as to be continued in the new financial year under a different banner as we move away from pandemic state.
Still The PDM members lambasted the PNP on their silence in regards to urgent issues, saying it was tantamount to a violation of the Citizens’ contract; which is the Progressive National Party’s election manifesto.
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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