News
Turks & Caicos Junior Swimmers dominate at Race for the Conch 2022
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, June 30, 2022 – The Turks and Caicos may have found its sports niche as the Islands junior swimmers put on a world class showing at the “Race for the Conch” Eco-SeaSwim tournament last weekend. Despite the races being populated mainly by adults, all but one of them saw a TCI youngster placing in the top three.
Swimmers from the US, Canada, the Turks and Caicos and The Bahamas entered the June 25 competition, which is now in its 12th year. Four races in all: a 2.4 mile, a 1 mile, a half mile, and a 100m kiddie race and while only 14 young TCI swimmers were participating in the races the country snagged 10 of the 18 podium spots not counting the 100m kiddie race.
“[There were] actually more adults in those races than youngsters. Which makes the achievement of the youngsters all the more remarkable,” said Ben Stubenberg, race organizer.
The one mile swim was topped by TCI Aquatics (TCIASC) swimmer, Lenin Hamilton Jr. in 22:10. Hot on his heels were Tajhari Williams, also from Aquatics in second place, clocking only four seconds off the winning time; Luke Haywood of Provo Aquatics Club (PAC) was third; Sean Walters, also PAC, came in fifth; CARIFTA medalist, Jayden Davis (PAC) was sixth, and Ethan Gardiner (PAC) in got seventh place.
It bears repeating in a race with 22 participants the Turks and Caicos’ young men snatched five of the top ten spots.
On the ladies’ side, Sophie Taylor of Provo Aquatics bagged the No. 2 spot followed by her team mate, Angelina Lindenhahn in third and Thais Burgess (PAC) in fourth, placing the TCI in three of the top five spots.
Not only did they show out in the one mile, but the students swept the half-mile as well!
Again, Lenin Hamilton in fine form pulled off a double win, placing first in 12:14 seconds followed for TCIASC. He
was followed by by Ethan Gardiner in second.
On the girl’s side, primary schooler Lenika Hamilton (TCIASC) powered through to the No. 2 spot followed by Thaiss Burgess (PAC) in 3rd with Danielle Burgess (PAC) placing fifth overall.
If that wasn’t enough, nicknamed “iron man” after competing in back to back races at Saturday’s open sea swimming competition, Tajhari Williams took on the longest race, the 2.4 mile, and placed 2nd. Impressively, he completed the job in 51:24 for his club, TCI Aquatics.
It was exciting to note, all but one of the 14 TCI swimmers placed within the top 10 finishers in every race, still Salt Rakers Aquatic Club was proud of the performance 10-year old Rishith Gururaga who placed 14th in the one mile event.
Additionally, Lenin, Ethan, Tajhari, Luke, Lenika, Thaiss, Sophie, and Angelina all made it to the medal podium placing in the top three in their respective races.
Ben, who cofounded the event with Chloe Zimmerman, is a pioneering figure in local swimming, and both are
ecstatic.
“Another thing was the terrific placement of local island kids, we had some top finishers in all of the races. A lot of them are young teens and managed to come in first in all of the races, male and female. We are very, very proud of them!” he explained.
There were at least 12 under 10-year-olds in the kiddie 100 m race and even more astonishing at least three 10-year-olds in the mile and half a mile swims and several 11 and 12-year-olds as well. All in Stubenberg’s estimation, performing very well in the international competition staged on Grace Bay Beach, at Ricky’s Flamingo Café.
“It’s just so great to see more Turks and Caicos Islanders on the beach and participating in the swim. We’re so happy to be putting it on to increase and enhance swim on the island,” Stubenberg said.
The 14 Turks and Caicos competitors in the open races in alphabetical order are: Danielle Burgess, Thaiss Burgess, Jayden Davis, Alyssa Gardiner, Danielle Gardiner Ethan Gardiner, Rishith Gururaga, Lenika Hamilton, Lenin Hamilton, Luke Haywood, Angelina Lindenhahn, Sophie Taylor, Sean Walters, and Taijari Williams.
The incredible performance of these young athletes proves the Government’s commitment of an Olympic standard pool is promise whose time has come.
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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