News
Caribbean Development Bank Meetings with Significant Regional Issues.
By Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
#TurksandCaicos, June 6, 2022 – Opening Session bites into Regional Food Security
Innovative solutions to the Food Security crises and astronomical bill of food imports of the Caribbean region is a serious striving for the Caribbean Development Bank, explained Isaac Solomon, Vice President of Operations, CDB as he opened the inaugural panel discussion for the CDB’s Annual Governor’s Meeting on June 1.
As we continue to live with knowledge, innovation and creativity to foster resilience, drive economic diversity and increase competitive advantage for our economies, we are investing in the sustainable development of the trade and agricultural sectors to generate food security, lower the food import bill whilst also promoting diversification and innovation in national economies,” said Solomon in his preliminary remarks.
Some 1,100 people have now watched the near two hour session where Mr. Solomon informed that the CDB has increased funding to agriculture.
“We have provided support for the Caribbean Agriculture Health and Food Safety Agency to develop guidelines and capacity building to facilitate infra-regional trade in agriculture, assisted the CARICOM Organisation for Standards and Quality Cost to enhance the regional quality infrastructure in 11 countries.”
This has included, he said, $15US Million to boost Haiti’s agriculture productivity. Jamaica has also been on the receiving end of CDB help said the Operations VP.
“Allocated to the Government of Jamaica approximately $54US million from the United Kingdom – Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund to introduce new climate smart agriculture technologies and strengthen food safety infrastructure and systems,” said Solomon, during his remarks last Wednesday in a virtual message.
Major projects are also underway in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Guyana, which he said are critical to enhancing the logistics ecosystem.
“Not only are these interventions intended to create competitive economies with improved productivity, and market linkages, they will also contribute to greater sustainability and better use of resources.”
The session was facilitated by Athenee Harvey-Basden, Permenant Secretary in the TCI Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade.
TURKS AND CAICOS hosting; What to Expect
The Turks and Caicos Islands will host country for the 52nd Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) scheduled to take place virtually June 1 – 10 and June 13 – 16, 2022, on Providenciales under the theme “Measure Better to Target Better: Adaptation and Resilience.
Over 200 delegates, including Government Ministers and officials, private sector representatives, members of civil society, academia, and media, are expected to attend the Meeting. The programme for this year’s meeting focuses on the greater use of knowledge-based decision-making in addressing the Region’s economic and environmental challenges.
Preceding the June 13th -16th, stakeholders will participate in strategic discussions during a Webinar Series on June 1st on Regional Food Security: Streamlining Logistics to bring products to market, Global Sustainable Development and Net-Zero Agendas and its impact on Caribbean Energy Transition, and the President’s Chat Series which will examine current trends in Innovative Financing for Sustainable Development that features the Presidents of the African Development Bank, Caribbean Development Bank, European Investment Bank and Inter-American Development Bank.
The Meeting that will be held under the chairmanship of the Honourable Charles Washington Misick, Premier of TCI and CDB Governor for the British Overseas Territories, has a substantive agenda that covers a wide range of ideas on topics with a specific focus on sustainable development:
- The William G. Demas Memorial Lecture, a signature event where distinguished speaker Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of The African Development Bank, will provide the Keynote address.
- Youth Outreach Programme, whereby the Bank will engage directly with Turks and Caicos Islands youth on sustainable development issues.
- During the Meeting, the Bank will also convene a Seminar, Measuring Vulnerability and Resilience for Small States: The Recovery Duration Adjuster
The CDB’s Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors is held annually in one of the Bank’s 29-member countries. This official gathering is the organization’s flagship forum for discussion among the institution’s Governors and sector leaders.
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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