News

The Collective Voice of TCI, don’t Underestimate Estimate it’s Power

Published

2 years ago

June 8, 2022

#TurksandCaicos, June 8, 2022 – It’s high time we take the great conversations being had at the dominoes tables, churches and bars to the streets.

The basic definition of collective voice, exercises power through togetherness, the power to drive real change for our children, families and communities. These are some of the conversations taking place at the aforementioned locations, but all too often it stays there.

For the most part, we are fortunate to live in a country where censorship is not a battle we have to fight just yet. We also know, there are plenty of challenges and pressing issues facing our country. One of the greatest strengths of any country is the right to freedom of expression, with the ability to exercise those rights with out fear or retaliation. Although, this right could be trampled upon if we fail to protect it or by denying its power.

Our aim should be to empower marginalized citizens to share critically important stories and perspectives, in order to bring light to the injustices experienced by systemically marginalized communities that are becoming hot spots for crimes in areas like Five Cays, Kew town and the like. We have to deliver a consistent message, loudly and often. When our communities speak with a strong, united and collective voice, in most cases our politicians hear us.

There will always be competing interests in any political system. Nevertheless, our collective voice allows us to get their attention. This is the only way for our community to express collective power effectively and address the fundamental imbalance of power, especially when it comes to new policies being made that can significantly impact our livelihood and wellbeing.

We have the power to make a difference, so let’s do it. Our future generation will grow up knowing they have the

power too. Systems don’t change without pressure from the outside. Our role and our purpose is to be that pressure. If there is no struggle there is no progress. There are a number of ongoing struggles that I believe should garner greater media attention.

Issues such as certain communities that are being marginalized, better housing affordability, increase in minimum wage, food and gas pricing regulations, crime, ex-felon rehabilitation and the like. To effect change within a community it requires courage, focus, and hard work from each of us. If we are not offering solutions to our gripes, we need to change our narrative. We need more voices of reasoning, substantive conversations, activism and problem solvers, not just criticism.

At the end of the day, we are all Turks Islanders, be it expats or those with belonger status. So what’s important to our communities is for all races and creed, to join in the fight for equality and not remain helpless onlookers or reticent or only speak up when your individual community is impacted. In order to accomplish this, as concerned citizens, we have to first identify what are the greatest demands and our unifying cause.

Only then can we began to work together against a common enemy rather then fighting amongst ourselves.

We may have differences, but the goal should not be to eliminate them, but to find more common ground. We can all work with and build on shared interest. My fight may not be your fight, but we can support each other. For example, my passion is the fight for a marine vessel for our dedicated maritime and DECR staff in Grand Turk.

Therefore, until the promises made by our government on this issue translate into reality, we have organized a grassroots Search and Rescue team. If your passion is keeping the streets of your community garbage free, organize a group or adopt a street like the citizens of Palm Grove and others in Providenciales did etc.

I’ll end by quoting the words of Frederick Douglass. “Those who professes to favor freedom and yet deprecate agitation are men who want crops without plowing up the ground. They want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the roaring of its many waters”.

Henceforth, let’s fight for what we believe is right and just for the people of these beautiful by nature Turks and Caicos Islands.

Ed Forbes,

Concerned citizen of Grand Turk

News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

4 days ago

May 14, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

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.

Crime

Male Charged with Robbery

Published

5 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#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.

Crime

Dock Yard Male Charged

Published

5 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#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 05^th, 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 02^nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.