News
New Policy to BAN Permits for suspected ‘Sex Workers’ says TCIG
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, August 4, 2022 – Government and Police are finally cracking down on suspected ‘sex workers’ in the Turks and Caicos following a report from the Labour Department expressing concern about the unrelenting abuse of temporary work permits to facilitate these illegal careers.
Recurring misuse, especially in crimes of a sexual nature has driven Cabinet to ban indefinitely the issue of temporary work permits to certain categories under a new policy to regulate them. 
The policy reform hints at a serious underground network of abuse against vulnerable workers that the police have apparently been investigating for months. The information was shared in a detailed press release regarding the new changes.
In response, the Commissioner of Labour is now banned indefinitely from issuing temporary permits in categories including barmaids, waiters/hostesses, domestic workers, laborers, barbers, cosmetologists, beauticians and related workers. Persons entering the TCI under these means will have to apply for a normal work permit which includes supplying detailed background information.
The government says the process began when they received complaints from the Ministry of Labour about many local businesses abusing temporary work permits in various, nefarious ways including ‘facilitating the recruitment of young ladies to serve as ‘sex workers’ and using the temporary permit process to get around the normal work permit process.
They say this is so because of the ease with which these permits are approved. The temporary work permit does not have the same stringent scrutiny as does a regular work permit. The government describes the approval as ‘almost automatic’ once basic criteria have been met, and they can be issued in under a week.
The complaint paper from the Ministry of Labour noted that “It is believed that many restaurants and in particular bar/pub establishments use the temporary work permit product to bring young ladies into the country under the pretense of using them on a trial basis. Once on the island it is suspected that many of these young ladies or gentlemen are exploited as part of an underground sex service business.”
Ten percent or 187 of all work permits approved between January 2021 and February 2022 were for barmaids, 95 percent of the temp permits were for females and the majority of these barmaids (175) were young Dominican women between 17 – 30 years old.
Several local businesses have been fingered as suspected to be partaking in this trade and are now under investigation.
Cabinet revealed that this was the reason for the moratorium on various positions on the work permits for various positions including barmaids domestic workers laborers barbers cosmetologists that took effect February 10 and ended on May 1st
Especially concerning, government’s acknowledgement that the national strategy is not up-to-date with human trafficking data and there is no defined coordinated approach between agencies to mitigate the threat of human trafficking. In addition the Turks and Caicos was fingered by the US in a 2013 report for its lax approach to human trafficking and law-enforcement reported complicity by local government officials, had made their jobs of enforcement ‘difficult.’
Now, all work permits applications for temporary work permit must include proof justifying the recruited individual is qualified and experienced for the work.
The measure also introduces a new standard for barmaid work permits; no longer will 17-year olds will be approved for barmaid work permits. The minimum age to be considered as a barmaid, hostess or a waitress in Turks and Caicos has been raised to 21.
The press release did not make mention of any arrest in relation to the charges and active investigation despite there being several businesses under suspicion.
The measure under the Ministry of Education, Labour, Employment and Customer Services was decided at a July 8 Cabinet meeting.
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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