News
$16 Million Stimulus Announced by PNP Gov’t, coming in August
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, July 15, 2022 – A new $16 Million Price Inflation Stimulus (PIS) is on the way for Turks and Caicos Islanders. The announcement was made by Premier Washington Misick in a press conference on Thursday.
“Rising prices of fuel, supply chain issues, increasing commodity prices, and rising food costs have negatively impacted the purchasing power of every household. Bills are increasing at such a fast pace that salaries can’t keep up,” he said.
Misick explained that the stimulus package was created in order to combat this and the 9.1per cent inflation rate. The package has three parts. The first is a $1,000 payout for Turks and Caicos Islanders and British Overseas Territory Citizens.
From the bulk stimulus approved for relief amidst soaring oil, food and fuel prices, $12 million dollars have been allocated for cash in the pockets of roughly 12,000 people.
“The stimulus is intended to provide relief for homeowners who require assistance with rent— for homeowners who require assistance with electricity bills— with loan payments and utilities to provide relief for transportation expenses and groceries.”
Misick explained that those who had applied and were approved for the $500 Inflation stimulus, which was issued earlier this year would not have to reapply as their payments would be processed automatically and money would start to be dispersed by next month.
The stimulus in February this year was intended to serve up to 13 thousand people, however, a report informed that of the 13,094 applications, 11,481 were approved.
The individuals who were unsuccessful in the first quarter stimulus can now re-apply, however those who were registered and received the cheques which were being issued up to March, are guaranteed this new financial help funded by the public purse.
Information issued several weeks ago explained, an additional $ 600,000 was allocated to pay the deferred individuals who were approved after the payment period of the early 2022 Inflation stimulus.
Based on the explanation of the qualifiers by Premier Misick, 519 Islanders who were not immediately approved for the stimulus in February will be able to apply for this new one. The premier did not address whether the requirements that blocked younger applicants from the last financial relief, due to a lack of requisite identification would be waived.
The second part of the PIS package engineered to combat the massive thirty-eight percent food increase, is a waiver on customs duties and Customs Processing Fees on nearly two dozen breadbasket items.
This measure is set to begin on August 1st and will apply to breadbasket items on a list to be published by the Ministry of Finance. It is an across the board break; goods brought in by grocers or individuals will all be temporarily duty free and Customs Processing Fee free.
The third part of the stimulus package is a $2 million injection into the works program to provide more jobs.
As an addition, the customs duty exemption for returning residents has been raised by $200 to $600 dollars. This increase applies to items acquired on non-business travel. Completion of the sometimes cumbersome but formerly requisite declaration forms will be waived on the goods below $600.
“We will keep the situation under review.—The stimulus that we will give you in August is just the first supplementary for the financial year. We do have a supplementary appropriations bill that we will bring to the house in September,” said the Premier, hinting at supplemental relief which may come in the future for TCI residents.
Misick maintained that the government had been paying attention to inflation and had the statistics to prove it. However he acknowledged the breakdown in communications that had caused people to feel underrepresented in the financial tsunami over the past few months, explaining that his government is still constructing the Communications Secretariat to improve public relations.
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.
-
Health1 week agoAstraZeneca withdraws COVID vaccines after millions took their jabs
-
Caribbean News7 days agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News6 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News6 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
TCI News4 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Caribbean News7 days agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news1 week agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
Bahamas News6 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays