News
World meteorological day; focus on TCI
Dana Malcolm
Staff writer
#TurksandCaicos, March 23, 2023 – As the world celebrates World Meteorological Day 2023, the Turks and Caicos will soon be able to celebrate the first anniversary of its own National Meteorological Service following its creation in 2022. We spoke to Dr. Holly Hamilton, the Director of Meteorology, to check up on how the Department is doing.
“Things are going well – we hired a meteorological assistant in September (Kendly Smith) and he’s now off for training in Barbados at the Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology, along with another young man and so that is a significant step for us.”
When the two young men complete their training, the Department will be a team of four up from just Dr Holly and Tiffany Henfield, Meteorological Officer. They may be small, but they certainly get the work done.
They send out 3-day forecasts every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (you can see those on the DDME Facebook page) and they also serve our air carriers, but Dr Holly says they are aiming to do a lot more in the future and this means we have to get our students involved and interested in the field.
“One of the key projects we have ongoing right now is the development of a strategic plan for National Meteorological Services for the Turks and Caicos, and what we hope to birth out of that is the Turks and Caicos National Weather Service,” she explained.
This year’s World Meteorology Day was celebrated under the theme, “The Future of Weather, Climate and Water across Generations,” and it’s a particularly apt theme in the context of the Turks and Caicos. 
“The vision of the NWS is to deliver high-quality local water, climate and ocean services to the country, and in order to do that we will need a staff. We will need forecasters, observers, technicians, IT personnel, and so forth; and the goal is to have local people to fill those positions as much as possible, so we have to start somewhere.”
She emphasized that we should start planting the seed in schools and in the minds of our young people to consider meteorology as a career.
The Turks and Caicos Airports Authority out of which the meteorological service is based, released a statement to mark the global day.
“As weather, climate, and the water cycle know no national or political boundaries, international cooperation at global and regional scales is essential for the development of meteorology, climatology and operational hydrology so that countries can reap the benefits from their application,” the statement read.
It’s through the WMO and the work of its national partners across the globe that we are able to trust in weather forecasts that keep us safe. It is especially important for countries like the Turks and Caicos and the entire Caribbean region, whose status as islands makes us vulnerable to climate shocks and complicates the delivery of aid.
TCIAA also highlighted regional efforts that had seen meteorology grow in the Caribbean.
“Regionally, the Caribbean Meteorological Organisation (CMO), a specialised institution of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), provides the coordination of joint scientific and technical activities among the respective National Meteorological and Hydrometeorological Services.”
It explained that while the WMO celebrates 150 years, the CMO is celebrating 50 years in 2023.
It is through the WMO and the CMO that Turks and Caicos has received guidance on meteorological legislation and policy, as well as strategic planning and national frameworks for weather, water, and climate services, the TCIAA says.
It’s through guidance like this that the TCI has its Met Service and is aiming to create the National Weather Service. Dr. Holly is directly involved in the decision-making process on the tropical cyclone advisories for the Turks and Caicos, which are still issued by the Bahamas Department of Meteorology for now.
The country will see more of these as we move into the hurricane season.
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.
-
Caribbean News1 week agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News7 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News7 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
TCI News5 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Caribbean News1 week agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news1 week agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
Bahamas News7 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays
-
TCI News7 days agoPolice Swarm Five Cays, newest murder victim is 37 year-old man