News
In a booming economy, how can TCI get the most out of direct foreign investments?
Ed Forbes
Concerned citizen of Grand Turk
#TurksandCaicos, August 30, 2022 – Turks and Caicos Islands is at an inflection point, which means, there needs to be “profound changes” to the way we attract foreign investors.
While many countries are still reeling from the devastating impact Covid-19 pandemic had on their economy, most of the tourism sector in TCI is on a rebound.
From the looks of it, our economic recovery plan appears to be in full gear and beginning to move again at a very fast pace. In my opinion, this in itself, is a signal of attraction to potential investors.
During a time of genuine crisis such as this prolonged covid19 pandemic, I must say, I was pleased to see how both administrations worked arduously together to find effective solutions to help save lives and keep our economy afloat.
This was done, regardless of the circumstances in order to achieve the desired outcome for the country.
Sadly, we loss a number of our citizens to this horrible virus including my own mother. Nevertheless, throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, both infection rates and hospitalization were relatively minimal compared to many other Caribbean countries.
A big thank you to our dedicated medical team, to include the Cuban medical brigade who assisted.
Our country needs more politicians who are willing to work across party lines, avoiding divisive social issues and focusing on promoting businesses and tourism for the benefit of our people. At the same time, it’s also important to maintain that balance of power in these islands.
With such rapid development and big corporations poised to reap huge profits, in my opinion, the country is in a good position to demand more from potential foreign investors wanting to do business in our islands.
With that being said, this brings me to my main points. With this economic boom, are we seeing enough of the trickle-down effect? Secondly, at this stage in our development, is TCI intentionally and purposely luring and incentivizing the right investors?
With TCI’s financial stability, how do we capitalize on this momentum to win on an even bigger front? What we cannot afford to do is to have our citizens losing faith in the shared enterprise of our country.
Whilst hotels and villas bring many job opportunities, it should not be the only economic engine of growth at this stage in our development. There are only so many buildings you can erect on a small developing island like Providenciales before we turn our towns into a concrete jungle.
Maybe it’s time to slow down a bit and start planning the future of the country more strategically. Not just in terms of physical structures, but workforce assessment, human investment, and development.
Furthermore, to optimize development and for a more sustainable economy, we must move beyond the creation of just service jobs. Not to take anything away from these kinds of jobs, but traditionally they are held by migrant workers and come with low paying wages unless you’re in top management positions.
Erecting more and more hotels mean there will be a need for more transportation, which drives the demands for more vehicles and additional access roads. There will also be a need for more grocery stores and products on demand etc.
What our citizens would like to see more off from our politicians, is a stronger push for foreign investments in our basic infrastructure needs. This may require more community driven discussions to help determine the pathway.
Arguably, there isn’t enough emphasis being placed on these critical areas to support such growth. For example, there is a growing need for a public transportation system, farming on a larger scale, waste management and
recycling opportunities etc. These types of investments will help to alleviate a number of our socio-economic issues.
Perhaps, the creation of more higher paying jobs for our people, and jobs that will attract citizens in diaspora who may have the necessary skill sets beneficial to our country’s development.
With wages not keeping up with the growing rate of inflation, our people also need real paying jobs that match their qualifications, not just any jobs.
If we fail to change course, I’m afraid we run the risk of losing more of our young people to crime or some becoming diaspora as we have seen over the years.
We cannot and should not let big foreign investors dictate the outcomes for TCI without giving back to our communities in a meaningful way. This could be in the form of direct investment in trade schools, banking, reefs, and sea life sustainability projects etc.
This is our moment Turks Islanders!
In a free enterprise economy like ours, the truth to the matter is, the strength of our democracy will only work when everyone has an opportunity.
Not only should our country be in a position to attract private investment but to retain and leverage it for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
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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