News
Salt Cay, the forgotten paradise
#TurksandCaicos, January 20, 2023 – The often-overlooked island of Salt Cay located in Turks and Caicos Islands, is definitely one not to be missed while planning your next getaway.
In those mundane or difficult moments; and your looking to unwind and soak in the sun, this is the island of your dreams. One can literally transport themselves back in time and enjoy the glistening, turquoise waters that surround this tiny island called Salt Cay.
Many readers including myself, enjoy articles from the “Spot light on Salt Cay” by Candy Herwin, weekly photos of the Salt Cay ferry to and from the island, Destination Salt Cay by my good friend, journalist Titus De Boer who also covers a wide range of topics. 
Their excerpts capture different points of view and give you a glimpse of life on the island, its history, challenges and the attempts to keep hope alive.
Granted, on a few occasions I visited the island, this time it was different. After taking my family on a day trip to the island a few months ago, I was still amazed by the welcoming and positive attitude of the people, yet disheartening because of the lack of opportunity for the handful of residents still clinging unto their customs and traditions.
The visit brought back so many fond memories of my childhood growing up in Middle Caicos. What’s so striking about Salt Cay is the quaintness, genuine hospitality and pure natural beauty that draws visitors in.
Apart from the tranquility, it’s also one of the few long-standing cluster of inhabited sister islands that can proudly say they have had zero reported heinous crimes. Despite all the challenges, the island still remains pure and breathtakingly beautiful.
For a moment, I thought to myself, with the Capital only 7 miles away, why is it taking so long to integrate such a charm of an island? I believe the answer is quite obvious, it’s the lack of investment due in part to limited transportation to and from the island.
Over the years, this has forced many of the residents to relocate to Grand Turk and elsewhere to find work.
From my understanding, the government is currently subsidizing one of the local airlines to provide 3 flights a week and the local ferry boat 3 times a week to the island.
This is wonderful; however, given the limited available resources on the island, what the government failed to realize is, apart from whale watching, great fishing sites, spectacular beaches, there is not much to do on the island in terms of activities that will attract the majority of visitors for any sustained length of time.
Instead, what appears to be happening is little by little, the island is being sold out to the highest foreign bidder and elites who can afford to make it their second home.
Before all of the affordable real estate is gone, government should seriously look at other alternatives to assist residents who would love to remain on this particular island, but it’s not financially feasible to do so.
For the benefit of the next generation, we should avoid selling out the interests of this island for the sake of perceived economic stability for some. Why not put more effort into energizing the tourism sector in this gem of an island? It’s not that difficult and we are not expecting overnight success.
As a prime example, let’s take a look at the island of North Caicos. The airport there has been decommissioned for years, but the convenience of having daily ferry services to and from the island of Providenciales, has dramatically boosted tourism which is now spilling over into Middle Caicos.
Residents there have the option of either living or working between the two islands. This could very well be the playbook for Salt Cay.
With so many of the residents in Grand Turk having roots in Salt Cay, I would imagine some long for that day to come when they will be afforded the opportunity currently available to the residents of North Caicos, Middle Caicos and Provo.
With the hustle and bustle lifestyle in Providenciales to include the uptick in crime, this particular island like a few others will become more attractive to tourists. With that being said, how do we make the tourism product more attractive in Salt Cay?
Perhaps, a starting point could be providing more convenient transportation services to and from the island to help support the infrastructure development.
A cost-benefit analysis should also be done to determine whether it would be more advantageous to temporarily
reduce the number of flights to the island and increase subsidies for daily ferry operations.
It could result in a twofold benefit. One, it forces tourists to fly to Grand Turk giving a boost to that economy and then having the option of taking a day trip to the island of Salt Cay for self discovery.
Secondly, cruise ship passengers and locals alike will have an opportunity to leave in the morning and return in the evening. This will open new doors for development on the island. Perhaps, a frequent travelers discount card can also be applied. In addition, various cultural activities can be planned to attract visitors and locals alike.
In my opinion, it would also be prudent for the government to identify certain real estate on the island that should be protected and or preserved. This could include but not limited to government buy back of land if need be. It will help to avoid a total sell off or depletion of prime property that the country will later regret.
From a recently published Crown land review consultant paper 2022, it showed that the Turks and Caicos Islands as a whole, is facing a serious Crown land crisis with only 23% of usable Crown land remaining.
Albeit, there appears to be a breakthrough from the long-awaited review of the management of Crown Land in the Turks and Caicos Islands. What would be beneficial to citizens is a follow up town hall style meeting to provide a debriefing on the nuts and bolts of the findings and recommendations.
I truly believe that in due course, the increased government subsidies towards the transportation sector on this island will be money well spent. The end result is happier residents and more opportunities to showcase this coveted destination to potential investors and local entrepreneurs.
Ed Forbes
Concerned citizen of Grand Turk
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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