News
Bird Rock Point targeted for TCI Regiment Training and Border Security
By Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
#TurksandCaicos, July 25, 2022 – Bird Rock point is a protected heritage and nature sanctuary. It is also where a consortium of smugglers like to make landfall. It is remotely located. Sparsely populated. Has a tricky rocky shore. And waters are usually rough. It makes it an unpopular site for tourists and residents and therefore an enormously ideal spot for nefarious activity.
There were a few things going on when media was invited to be debriefed on a training exercise which began on July 10. We witness a simulation where a frantic brother brought his profusely bleeding sister to be treated at the field
hospital, which was set up and waiting. The woman, who convincingly played her role, was eventually escorted to the hospital for immediate medical care.
Members and new recruits of the TCI Regiment were learning how to handle an hysterical patient.
They were setting up barriers and perimeters and they were setting up camp; very inconspicuously in the coastal coppice cradling the Point.
Governor Nigel Dakin, fresh off summer holidays and marking another year in the territory this July was inspecting the operations and was impressed with the performance and grateful for the British military support.
Founding Commander of the Turks and Caicos Regiment, Ennis Grant confirmed there were over 50 men and women dispersed at the site in training mode.
“The exercise is going well, we have about 50 persons involved in the exercise, we have 18 new recruits and 24 marines who are currently involved. I think the troops are very enthused and they have been very enlightened.
We have a team from the Royal Dragoons, the British Military and the Commandoes who are assisting us have done an awesome job in putting this together,” said Ennis Grant, Lt Col TCI Regiment.
The training involved moving heavy debris, including vehicles using only brawn, no machines. It also involved endurance and sacrifice as modern amenities were absent as the marines and recruits spent the night in watch, crouched in bushes, watching and waiting. And synergy was vital; respect for authority and the chain of command, hospitality and diversity were among the observations made by this journalist was we were given carte blanche inspection as well.
Nigel Dakin also said, he is confident that the humanitarian training offered by the British has aided the level of readiness of the local regiment, in the event of a hurricane.
“What I’ve noticed, and it doesn’t matter whether I look at the private sector or the government sector, every year we incrementally get better and I think building the Regiment as we are, every year just makes us a step better.”
Now, having experienced four hurricane seasons in the Turks and Caicos, the Governor explained, “Nothing withstands that first blast that we get but what we are building up now is the ability to respond ever quicker to the events as they unfold.”
The British contingent of sixteen members was welcomed by the (Acting) Governor, H.E. Anya Williams along with members of the National Security Secretariat ahead of training which stared on July 10. Hon Washington Misick, TCI Premier has paid a courtesy call and was pictured with the officers on July 15 at the Louise Garland Thomas High school in Long Bay, where most exercises were held.
The TCI Regiment members are now in possession of their own government issued firearms – Glock pistols – and the training experiences included: crowd management; diversity and inclusion; marking helicopter landing sites; weapons handling; battlefield casualty medical and hazard management.
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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