News
Governor Dakin tells Parliament he will stay, and so will Botting
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, October 6, 2022 – There will be no tendering of his resignation, says Governor Nigel Dakin who rejected the demands unequivocally on Monday during what was only his second ever address to the House of Assembly.
In the previous week as murders spiraled and the third double homicide in as many weeks was recorded, several individuals including McAllister Hanchell, former cabinet minister; former premiers: Michael Misick and Galmo Williams; Oswald Skippings, former chief minister along with the current Opposition Leader, Edwin Astwood all publicly called for the Governor’s resignation.
“Some who have called for my resignation have no personal credibility to make such demands and if it were just them they would not warrant serious attention but there are those who do have credibility,” Dakin said in response.
He maintained that he was not responding to those ‘grandstanding on a platform’ or even the media but to the elected representatives and by extension the nation. The Governor mentioned the Leader of the Opposition as a part of those who he both respected and liked and who deserved a response along with the people he served.
And the response?
“There are too many external factors and too many historical reasons that are entirely out of my control that
influence levels of crime so the level of crime is not a metric that on its own I would resign over. This metric may well be a reason to work ever harder but not to give up.” He said firmly.
In fact Nigel Dakin maintained there were only three reasons he would ever resign:
- If it became clear that the Premier and himself could not work as a team because of a fundamental disagreement over national security policy.
- If his personal ability through exhaustion, illness or debilitating effects of criticism made his performance sub optimal and,
- An inability to secure for the Turks and Caicos support it needs from the UK or other external sources
He said none of these factors were applicable to the current situation as not only was he working well with Premier Washington Misick on the issue of national security, he thrived in adversity, and by his record, he said, had secured much needed help for the TCI repeatedly.
Dakin made it clear that to abruptly leave his post in the TCI to a new ‘unaware’ Governor now, for personal reasons, would be reckless. And he said “I am not reckless” With this in mind he maintained, “In consultation with the Premier and the UK, I can assure the House that it is my intention to stay and I will not be leaving before March 2023.”
He also responded to calls for Police Commissioner Trevor Botting’s resignation by saying, “The police commissioner has led during this period with distinction and personal courage. He currently has the hardest job in the territory—. While some honorable members of the house have called for his resignation and given the amount of pressure he is under I’m sure he considers it every day. I would not accept his resignation if offered because just now it would help the gangs and not the territory.”
Thus both Dakin and Botting will seemingly remain in their positions.
Trevor Botting joined the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands police in 2017, as deputy commissioner and was elevated to Police Commissioner in July 2019; Nigel Dakin also took office as TCI Governor in July 2019; one of his first acts of duty was swearing in the Botting.
This past July, Trevor Botting was given a one year extension as head of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
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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