News
Turks and Caicos Islands Commonwealth Games Team Return after making history
#TurksandCaicos, August 20, 2022 – The Turks and Caicos Islands participated in the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022 in Birmingham, England which took place from July 28-August 8. They returned to the islands on Thursday, August 11th to a hearty welcome from the TCI Sports Commission and Commonwealth Games
Association executive members. Despite the team not garnering medals, history was made with athletes breaking a national record, recorded new personal bests and season’s bests, and newly made finals.
We were represented in three sporting disciplines: Cycling, Athletics (Track & Field) and Swimming (Aquatics).
Here’s a quick highlight of key accomplishments achieved by athletes at the Commonwealth Games:
- Ifeanyichukwu Otuonye making it to the finals for the second time in a row and placing 8th in the Men’s Long Jump. He recorded a season’s best of 7.80m.
- The Men’s 4x100m relay team shattering the National Record, achieving a time of 41.17.
- Rohan Shearer swimming towards a number of new personal bests including winning his heat in the 100m Freestyle at 56.78.
- Yanique Haye-Smith making history, as the first woman from the Turks and Caicos Islands to make it to the finals at the Commonwealth Games, in the Women’s 400m hurdles. She finished with a time of 58.20.
Upon arrival at the airport, the team was enthusiastic and made remarks about how they felt coming out of the
games. President of the Commonwealth Games Association (CWA), Godfrey Been welcomed the athletes and remarked on their performance by saying “We did a wonderful and tremendous job over there at the Commonwealth Games..this Commonwealth Games, you [athletes] put all of that [public doubts] to rest…Track athletes, you performed to the highest.”
Rosalie Ingham, General Secretary of the TCAAA, expressed gratitude to her management team who assisted her throughout the games. She also thanked everyone for making the CWG 2022 experience possible. With bouts of passion, she shared how proud everyone was of the athletes despite not returning with the medals they were anticipating. “We made it to finals in 2 events (Men’s Long Jump & Women’s 400m Hurdles), we did well in Swimming and we showed up and performed in cycling.”
Edith Skippings, President of TCAAA congratulated each athlete who competed in games and special congratulations to Mrs. Yanique Haye-Smith on her accomplishment of being the first female athlete in the Turks and Caicos to make the finals in the CWG. Further comments from Skippings, “We are looking for support from the public, from the government and from the corporate public of Turks and Caicos because much work and preparation
still needs to be done in all the disciplines to move sports forward here in the Turks and Caicos.”
Mr. Randy Ford, Head Coach for the games shared gratitude to the Turks and Caicos for their support and vicariously living the experience with the team. Mr. Ford stated, “I am personally inspired by the performance of all our athletes and as such I’d like to continue the journey…We broke a national record and I think if we continue doing that and just aim for a better performance each time, we will get there and we will rub shoulders with the best in the world as we saw earlier this week and last week.”
“To all my athletes out there who are watching and listening, it can only get better if you put the sacrifice and time in and put some passion with it.”
Ifeanyichukwu Otuonye, the Athlete’s Representative, stated that he has been to a total of three Commonwealth
Games and believes it is an experience where athletes from different sports come together revealing camaraderie amongst all teammates representing their country in each chosen sport. He expressed that the plethora of athletes he was introduced to built a community for TCI at the games. Despite the trials each individual athlete endured, the Commonwealth Games were very successful according to Otuonye, believing each person exceeded his or her expectations.
“I had my own expectations coming in, by a miracle making the finals and I ended up making the Top 8” Otuounye said proudly. The Long Jump National Record holder digressed and said “Sometimes in sports you just need a chance, you go to the big stage and you see what happens. That’s what we’re trying to emulate for everyone.
“We have the talent, we have the people, and we have the athletes. What we need is support.”
Cyclist Sean Rodgers, shared that prior to the games he had plans on retiring but after the support that was given from the CWA and the public he decided to compete for another year. He further commented “I want to say to all the athletes whether you get a medal or not, giving your best is a victory in itself…competing with world-class athletes was a victory and thanks all who made it possible.”
| Commonwealth Games Team | ||
| Athletics | Rebecca Bernadin Yanique Haye-SmithAngelo Garland Courtney Missick Ifeanyichukwu Otuonye Ken Reyes Wikenson Fenelon |
Women’s 800m, 1500m
Women’s 400m Hurdles Men’s 400m, 4x100m & 4x400m Relay Men’s 100m, 4x100m & 4x400m Relay Men’s Long Jump, 4x100m & 4x400m Relay Men’s 400m, 4x100m & 4x400m Relay Men’s 100m, 4x100m & 4x400m Relay |
| Swimming (Aquatics) | Arleigha Hall
Rohan Shearer |
Women’s 50m Backstroke, 50m Butterfly & 50m Freestyle
Men’s 50m Freestyle, 100m Backstroke, 100m Freestyle & 50m Backstroke |
| Cycling | Sean Rodgers
De’Vaughn Williams |
Men’s Road Race
Men’s Road Race |
Caption: Members of Commonwealth Games TeamTCI meet Liz Truss, UK Foreign Secretary and Lord Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics while in Birmingham for the Games. Pictured from TCI: Courtney Missick, Godfrey Been and Rita Gardiner.
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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