News
Compost and Grow Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort
#Providenciales, TurksandCaicos, July 21, 2022 – With demand for local farm produce currently exceeding supply across the islands, the Sandals Foundation and Beaches Resorts have collaborated to launch the first community compost training to strengthen food security and increase solid waste management.
Speaking at the recent launch ceremony on Tuesday, July 12, James McAnally, General Manager of Beaches Resorts Turks and Caicos, shared that while the company strives to protect the environment and cater to its guests, it is of equal importance that Beaches Resorts strengthen the capacities of the surrounding communities.
“This Compost and Grow programme aims to strengthen food security across the Turks and Caicos Islands. It will introduce farmers to composting; bolster their capacities to increase produce yields; and reduce solid waste and greenhouse gas emissions.”
McAnally continued, “Teaching today’s farmers is critical, but sharing that knowledge with the next generation will be key to ensure sustainability. We are thrilled to have our Beaches team members leading this effort and sharing best practices with the communities.”
Sandals Resorts International, the operators of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, already sources over 90% of its food supply locally and is increasing its investment in agriculture and institutions, training the next generation of producers.
The Turks and Caicos Islands have a wide variety of soil quality and quantity spread across its many islands and cays. This has resulted in the concentration of the farming of produce to some islands more than others.
Courtney Missick, a well-known farmer in North Caicos, expressed the potential impact that this programme will have on food security and communities.
“If we continue to invest in the agriculture sector here in the Turks and Caicos Islands, I am certain that one day we will be able to feed the entire population on our home grown natural produce,” stated Mr. Missick.
The Honourable Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism and Agriculture, who was in attendance at the ceremony, spoke to the national policy directive to strengthen the capacity of the citizens to eat more of what they grow.
Minister Connolly added that the new Compost and Grow programme will hold numerous benefits for the island’s food security.
“The programme will be two-pronged, providing an opportunity for students and farmers from surrounding communities to learn, participate, and share the acquired knowledge and practices with their communities,” said Georgia Scarlett, Environmental Coordinator at Sandals Foundation.
“Phase one will see organic waste in the form of fruit and vegetable remains being separated by within the Resort’s kitchen. These will then be collected by the Grounds team to complete the compost production process by the addition of sand, along with periodic mixing and water,” said Scarlett.
The compost produced by the family all-included resort will be used to fertilize gardens on the property adding
nutrients to the adorning plants like ixoras, hibiscus, bougainvilleas and more.
Schools to Join Compost Training
In addition to the workshops geared towards enhancing the capacity of farmers to produce and use compost, the programme will also engage a number of schools in the waste management practice.
“Phase two of the project will see members of the Grounds team training students and farmers. Theoretical and practical compost production principles will be shared with the trainees to increase organic farming production in the island,” said Kyle Brinovcar, Assistant Grounds Manager at Beaches Resorts.
The Compost and Grow programme builds on the islands’ Farming in Schools Programme, reducing not only solid waste but also greenhouse gases caused by carbon sequestration.
Honourable Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, emphasized the importance of the programme’s environmental education component as a key feature to sustainability.
Farming and agriculture support is one of the Sandals Foundation’s six key areas of intervention as it implements 40 key sustainable community projects in honour of its parent company’s 40th anniversary. Other areas of intervention are conservation efforts and tours, supporting local artisans, small business and community market support, hospitality training and certification, and music education and entertainment.
Captioned Photos:
Sandals Foundation:
The Sandals Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was created to continue and to expand upon the philanthropic work that Sandals Resorts International has undertaken. It is the culmination of close to four decades of dedication to playing a meaningful role in the lives of the communities where we operate across the Caribbean. The Sandals Foundation funds projects in three core areas: education, community and the environment. One hundred percent of the monies contributed by the general public to the Sandals Foundation go directly to programs benefiting the Caribbean community. To learn more about the Sandals Foundation, visit online at www.sandalsfoundation.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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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