News
TCI Gets New Meteorological Centre
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, September 2, 2022 – For the first time ever the Turks and Caicos Islands has weather updates from a department of its own.
History was made with the launching of the Turks and Caicos’ Department of Meteorology recently, and Director of Meteorology at the TCI Airports Authority Dr. Holly Hamilton spoke to Magnetic Media about the newly minted two-man team, and how the Turks and Caicos will benefit because of it.
“We are a very small team, but we are active. Currently, we mostly provide meteorological services to the aviation sector since we are an aeronautical meteorological office, however, we provide some meteorological information to the public and DDME for early warning purposes.”
One of those early warnings was issued early this week as a tropical disturbance makes its way closer to the Turks and Caicos. Hamilton said that recent advisory is an example of the type of information and collaboration the public can expect from the Met Department and the Department of Disaster Management & Emergencies (DDME) going forward.
“We wanted to make the public aware that there was a tropical disturbance out there that could potentially pose a threat to the TCI, and that the responsible agencies were monitoring the situation. It is all about Early Warning and Early Action.”
The team utilizes automatic weather stations installed at some of the airports and weather stations that the DDME has installed throughout the country to make their predictions. 
“We have been issuing 3-day Public Forecasts on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for about a month now” she said
These public forecasts can be accessed on all the DDMEs social media platforms and the DDME Alert App. The work of the Met Department will continue beyond the hurricane season with these forecasts”, Hamilton says. Additionally, more localized information specific to the TCI will be shared, especially in the event that a tropical cyclone is threatening the islands with major input from Hamilton herself.
“As a tropical meteorologist, I now bring my knowledge of and experience with these tropical systems to the table. The tropical cyclone warning and advisories will still be issued by the Bahamas Department of Meteorology (an arrangement made by the WMO). However, as the Director of Meteorology, I will be involved in the decision-making process on the tropical cyclone advisories for the TCI.”
In terms of growth, Hamilton and INSERT will soon be joined by a meteorological assistant, and the long-term vision she says, is for the Department to grow into a National Weather Service with more automatic weather stations to build the weather observation network in the TCI.
The government is now in the process of developing a National Strategic Plan for meteorological services and Framework for Weather, Water and Climate Services in the Turks and Caicos Islands, with the assistance of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Caribbean Meteorological Organization (CMO).
In order to grow though, Hamilton said that they will need human capital and the Met Department will be looking to recruit persons for training soon to help build its ranks .
“Any young person who has interests in weather and climate can reach out to me and we can discuss how you can become the next Meteorological Observer, Forecaster, or Meteorologist in the TCI.”
You can contact Dr. Holly at hollyhamilton@tciairports.com
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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