News
Big boost in Social Financial Help announced by TCIG
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, June 17, 2022 – The Department of Social Development and Welfare recently hosted a “Let’s Get Social” program with Director Tiffany Thomas Brown on Radio Turks and Caicos to inform Islanders in need about a plethora of programs available to them.
“Social welfare is designed to reduce poverty and vulnerability in our country, our programs go from the cradle to the grave,” Thomas Brown said.
She explained that Social enhancement aid, home help, subsidized rent, foster care, and adoption are only some of the programs included under social aid.
Here’s how you can benefit.
If you are a vulnerable Turks and Caicos Islander with a valid status card, living in the TCI you may apply for social aid. Vulnerable persons include Orphans, dependent children, the elderly, the unemployed, the underemployed, persons with a medical condition rendering them unemployable, unemployed and underemployed persons (with a salary less than $ 800), and persons deemed mentally, physically, or emotionally challenged by a government medical practitioner or psychologist.
If you fit into any of these categories you can present two forms of valid identification along with the following:
Turks and Caicos Islands Status card or other proof of TCI status
Valid Turks and Caicos Islands passport or another valid TCI identification
Copies of expenses (mortgage, electricity, water, etc)
A letter of employment with recent earnings or provide a copy of the most recent pay slip
Provide proof of income (if applicable)
Reviews of applications are done twice monthly unless there is an emergency.
Thomas-Brown took the time out to explain a few of the programs, she said Home Help aims to help people who are 65 and over, disabled or mentally challenged, and cannot carry out their daily tasks alone, providing them with between $ 150-250 in cash to hire a caregiver.
Social Enhancement Aid is a temporary solution for persons in dire social or financial straits. Social Enhancement Aid is available for adults and children and the allotments have increased per child from $120 to $500 monthly; for up to 3 children; adult allotments have increased from $120 to $1000 monthly (per household).
The increases came into effect in April and Thomas-Brown said all existing customers will receive a lump sum payment of that money in June.
In terms of Foster Care Thomas-Been appealed to all Islanders saying that,
“I’m putting a plea out to the community..we need people because [we have] children who do not have persons to care for them outside of their family after an incident where they have been abused.”
The Foster Care Programme allotment has also increased, from $120 to $300 weekly, per child, up to three children per household.
Medical programs for the Mentally challenged are also available and include a small stipend and 3 meals a day outsourced from restaurants.
Subsidized Rent provides temporary assistance to needy and vulnerable persons who are unemployed and need help acquiring housing.
Thomas-Brown explained that even if you do not see a program that is specific to your needs Islanders should not be discouraged and should come into the office and explain their situation to the officers who will then figure out the best plan for them.
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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