News
One Year of Ritz Carlton TCI celebrated with Junkanoo & Artisans
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, June 27, 2022 – The Ritz Carlton Turks and Caicos marked its one year anniversary in a special way on June 22, launching a new program which invites Turks and Caicos artisans and vendors to ply their wares on property. “This was an idea by the Hon. Saunders, (deputy premier) to invite the local vendors to be on property so that guests could see and buy some of the local craftwork that they might not be able to see otherwise.”
At the anniversary, the set-up of the vendors was a hit though hotly rivalled by the stunning view of World’s #1 Beach Grace Bay, the sweeping luxury structures of the Ritz Carlton and the pulsating rhythm of We Funk junkanoo, which brought a live parade to the property.
“We are very proud of our ownership group, Dessarollos Hotelco they built this wonderful property and won an award last year.”
Outstandingly, the Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos was named Development of the Year 2021 at the Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS); the prestigious prize was announced on May 17, 2022, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
“The thing for Ritz-Carlton is tying in with the Caribbean authentic-ness and genuine-ness of the people. Turks and Caicos is now known as one of the top luxury destinations in the world. Grace Bay Beach was rated #1 in the world, so to be here at this location is a tremendous thing for Ritz Carlton, to be a part of it.” 
Mira also credited the warmth and authenticity of staff for the hotel’s extra flair.
“We’re very pleased about this one year anniversary after all that we went through opening the hotel right in the middle of the pandemic. But the Ladies and Gentlemen have been tremendous with their warm, sincere hospitality that’s what really brings the Ritz Carlton to life.”
The rooms range from the affordable to the fabulous; the Residences at the Ritz Carlton can go for as much as $16,000 per night. Mira attributed the range and the success to the “fabulous view. I mean when you look out there at those crystal clear, blue, turquoise waters. It’s a picture that you can’t imagine or you see that in magazines, but here, you’re seeing it in real life. That’s what our guests just absolutely love. To put their feet in the sand and to be able to get into those beautiful waters is heaven to them.”
Mira admits it was Finance Minister, E. Jay Saunders, also the TCI Deputy Premier who suggested that the hotel bridge the gap between guests and local vendors and Ritz Carlton was all for it.
Nikki’s Trinkets, with authentic creations capturing sand and ocean and native flora in eye-catching wall and table artworks; Earthy Essentials, useful herbs and bushes fused for tasty, healthy concoctions; EkFraseis, which takes the Turks and Caicos Islands and their unique shapes and carves them out for fun, colourful jewelry and Le Bead Aime Jewelry, where its creator styles thousands of miniature beads into a jewelry collection ideal for the tropics and anyone who wants to be adorned in Mother Earth.
The idea was well received by the guests at the hotel who could be seen dancing along with the junkanoo band in the short ceremony.
The Ritz has a very open operating style. Residents in the Turks and Caicos are allowed to visit the restaurants and single bar on property, which they have been frequenting. Mira says only about half of their food clientele are guests.
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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