News
Turks & Caicos Ports Make Spectacular Rebound and near $7 million in earnings
By Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
#TurksandCaicos, July 15, 2022 – Revenues were up 25 percent for the Turks and Caicos Islands Ports Authority over last year and that meant goods brought into the islands achieved record breaking levels; a bitter sweet accomplishment for the British overseas territory.
“I am sure you will agree, the performance of a nation’s ports is an important barometer of the strength of its economy. There was a rebound in shipping during the year. We received 754 vessel calls, which was a 21% increase over 2019/20. We recorded a 59% increase in imported cargo volumes in 2021/22. We handled 594,498 tons of cargo compared to 374,194 tons in the previous year.
The rebound in shipping had positive implications for our revenues, we ended the year with a revenue outturn of $6,928,891, which was 25% higher than estimated,” reported Urban Francis, Chairman of the Ports Authority at the
Annual General Meeting held on June 23, 2022.
Nearly 600,000 tons of cargo came in and the earnings for the Ports Authority is leading to some major re-investments to modernize ports spaces in the country.
“My fellow Directors and I are proud of the many infrastructure developments taking place on ‘our watch, with a planned investment of about $60 million.’ This will be our legacy. We are pleased that we have projects taking place on all Islands such as the Welcome Center, Master Plan, phase 2 and dredging at Bellefield Landing, North Caicos; and the South Caicos Port Rehabilitation Project,” informed Mr. Francis.
Staff motivation efforts also ranked high in the report by the Chairman, from staff longevity and training hours, to community projects and regional leadership which he surmised helped in the Ports Authority’s brand awareness.
“The Ports Authority continues to develop positive brand identity through our community Outreach program, while giving back to the communities we serve. During the year we:
- recognized our Nurses on International Nurse’s Day;
- collaborated with the Social Welfare Department to bring Christmas cheer to fifty (50) foster children;
- recognized local seafarers in our publications;
- held an Online Photography Contest to select photos for our 2022 Calendar; and
- supported the Middle Caicos Valentine’s Day Cup.
Internationally, the Ports Authority hosted the 24th Annual Meeting of the Port Management Association of the Caribbean in June 2021. At end of the meeting, we were awarded the Nova Port Cup, which represented the best performing member port, based on several objective KPIs. Our Director of Ports was also elected Vice Chairman of the association for a 2-year term of office.”
Seven major staff development achievements were cited in the meeting held at the Sands at Grace Bay.
“One Thousand and One Hundred and Ninety (1,190) hours of staff training was undertaken, an average of 22 hours per staff.
We promoted Ms. Shawna Lewis and Ms. Sharea Rigby to the positions of Deputy Director and Financial Controller, respectively. Mrs. Sharona Walkin and Mr. Pierre Clerveaux were promoted to positions of Port Facility Security Officer and Safety Officer at South Dock, Provo, respectively; while Mr. Ronadio Roberts of the Grand Turk port and Mr. Jarrad Forbes of the Provo port were promoted to the position for Security Supervisor.
Fourteen (14) staff completed ten years of service, and were celebrated on November 11th, 2021 at an event held at Beaches Resort; we also bade farewell to Mr. Walter Hanchell, a stalwart of the Ports Authority.”
There were scholarships and professional upgrades.
“Three Hundred and Ninety-Two (392) hours of external virtual staff training was sponsored. Four female officers benefited from scholarships with the Galilee International Management Institute in Israel, resulting in them building capacity in advance security and port management.
Three (3) staff benefited from tertiary level scholarships, sponsored by the Ports Authority.
We sponsored 2 oil spill managements training workshops for over 29 participants; consisting of our staff and stakeholders to build response capability and an organizational restructuring exercise commenced, to have in place an effective structure which maximizes productivity and staff job satisfaction.”
In order to improve the operations and chart a clear path for the future of the Ports Authority, there was consultancy; efforts to vesting crown land assets; a review of the strategic plan and a safety risk assessment among other initiatives.
The Chairman said they would have liked to have signed next phase agreements for port developments underway in the family islands, but that was not to be in the fiscal period.
“Whilst we able to close the tenders for Phase 1 and 2 and the Port office complex associated with the Redevelopment of South Dock, Provo; and the Bellefield Landing Boat Slips project, we are disappointed that we unable to sign contracts for these projects during 2021/22.”
Francis wrapped up his report with a look to the future.
“Some key work plans for upcoming year include: Concluding arrangements to commence Phases 1 and 2 and the Port office Complex associated with the Redevelopment of South Dock, Provo and the Bellefield Landing Boat Slips project; Implementation of agreed recommendations for Organizational Restructuring Exercise; Concluding stevedoring arrangements;Organizational Culture reforms; Preparation of a work plan take forward observations from the risks. assessment of port approaches and internal waters of the TCI; Introduction of Port Emergencies Management Plan prepared by the Organization of American States for PMAC; Preparation of Port Maintenance Dredging Policies and Plans; Concluding arrangements for PMAC Data Intelligence Project to improve statistics and an evaluation of the impact of our public awareness programs.”
The Minister of Border Services, with ports in his portfolio, Arlington Musgrove was thanked, “for his unwavering support and continued confidence in the Board and Staff.”
The meeting was held at the conference room of the Atrium, Leeward, Providenciales.
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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