News
Road safety, its high time TCI transform the way we move
#TurksandCaicos, February 15, 2023 – In the recent past, tremendous growth has been observed in traffic patterns in both Grand Turk and Providenciales, how long will this be sustainable before it becomes a nightmare?
The trajectory the country is on, it’s simply not safe for commuters, cyclists and pedestrians alike, in Grand Turk or Providenciales and eventually North Caicos.
We have got to start thinking “big picture” here, rather than a knee jerk reaction to situations which could end up becoming detrimental to motorists or causing a strain on the public at large.
Case in point: Whilst the government was on the right track with regulating aged old vehicles and banning of used tires from an environmental perspective, many still question whether we put the cart before the horse on this one.
Perhaps, it’s time to start planning for traffic lights in select locations. Round-abouts are still doable, but it’s confusing to some and will not suffice in certain areas. Soft introduction of stop signs could also be a temporary solution, but adaptation will take time as it will be a cultural change in driving habits.
On the major highways and streets, there is no such thing as an absent dedicated bike route not shared with traffic
which is pretty risky. Road traffic department should take a closer look into such areas and highlight the need for government to provide more secure bike paths.
There are a number of viable solutions. For example, can we repurpose coastal roads and select pathways for cyclists and pedestrians?
With the limited number of roads, are we at a point where a cap needs to be placed on the number of motor vehicles one business can operate, while allowing others to share in the growth and development?
Is it time to conduct a feasibility study on traffic patterns and a way to transform the way we move?
This can be done by bringing in a consultant to predict and provide models of transport planning to work from.
The leeward highway in Providenciales and lighthouse road in Grand Turk, are all good examples to start with. They are the main arteries into town and a constant flow of traffic.
With those roads being a critically needed thoroughfare, what long term plans are in place to help ease rush-hour traffic woes? This is especially concerning for residents during the busy season in Provo or multiple cruise ship days in Grand Turk. At times, golf carts, hummers and ATVs could be lined up for quite a stretch.
With having limited land space available, in order to expand the roads in certain areas, in all likelihood it will have to involve encroaching on eminent domain in Provo or the salt pounds in Grand Turk.
Perhaps, completing the tarmac road on the ridge in Grand Turk could offer an alternative route to the lighthouse or erecting an overpass in the downtown area in Providenciales, may ease the bottleneck traffic and make it safer for pedestrians trying to cross that busy highway.
We have got to start thinking long term and put measures in place to proactively manage traffic in such a way that reduces the estimated crash potential.
With the advances in information technology, available closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras on the streets, we should be collecting and analyzing data to support our future growth and development in this critical area.
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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