News
InterCaribbean Airways travelers fuming over poor treatment
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, July 31, 2023 – Travellers in the Turks and Caicos believe the time is now come to mirror US efforts to better protect the rights of passengers when airlines fail to deliver on their services, which includes extreme delays.
InterCaribbean Airways had to put out major fires of dissatisfaction when people booked on a couple of their flights into the Dominican Republic spent days trying to get to their destination.
Magnetic Media was told a group of customers who were supposed to fly to Santiago via InterCaribbean Airways on Saturday July 15, were deferred twice after over eight hours of waiting each time. Included in that number is a young special needs woman with a heart condition.
Major grievances were conveyed to us by residents, including issues with poor communication and poor treatment.
Vikiana Belliard spoke to our news team around 11 am on Monday (July 17) and by that time, she said her family should have been at a cardiologist appointment in the Dominican Republic. It’s the reason why they had booked the Saturday afternoon flight in the first place.
However, they ended up stranded in the TCI with barely any communication from the airline.
“The flight was supposed to be on Saturday at 3 o’clock so my family got to the airport at 12pm two hours ahead of time.”
They were checked in without difficulty but their experience went downhill after that.
“Someone came and let them know that the flight would be delayed until 5 pm. When 5 o’clock came someone said the flight would be delayed again to 8 at night. They waited until eight and then someone came in and told them ‘you all have to leave, the flight has been canceled,” she explained to us.
Following this experience, these customers went home frustrated but still hopeful that they would make the appointment. On Sunday they were told the flight was still on and the airline would contact them when it was time to come in.
At around 12 p.m, they received a call to present themselves for another 3 p.m. flight. Belliard says they dropped everything and rushed to the airport, but it was in vain as they would be subject to the same treatment as the day prior. After waiting for hours once more they left at 11 p.m.
Video footage of the long and arduous process showed the family trying to speak to an employee which developed into an argument before the employee picked up her book and left the counter, walking away from the angry customers.
Finally on Monday, they visited two interCaribbean Airways’ offices. At the first location no one could help, they were told they would have to speak to management. T hey moved onto a second location near Kishco.
“When we got here, they were telling us to calm down and be quiet, the plane was broken and needed maintenance.“
Nonchalant is how Belliard describes the attitude of the staff she spoke to after traveling between the two different locations in an attempt to get answers.
Despite being aware that their flight mishap would’ve caused the family to miss a doctor’s appointment, Belliard
says there was no acknowledgement or offer of compensation for that inconvenience or for their time.
When we spoke to her, the most the airline had offered to do was get them on a flight on the coming Saturday. Within an hour, however, they had updated that to a Monday afternoon flight.
The family did finally get into Santiago on Monday, but unabashedly expressed their displeasure at how they were treated. Belliard expressed her anger and confusion at the treatment meted out to them as paying customers.
At the time of our initial news reporting, interCaribbean did not provide any formal or reassuring comments on the troubling situation.
On the evening of Wednesday July 19, the company issued a detailed explanation of what went wrong and what they were doing to address the issues of shortages and supply chain issues.
“Due to unforeseen temporary staffing issues, it will likely take a few additional days for schedules to return to normal. Conscious that punctuality is a key component in air travel, we are making every effort to mitigate future disruptions. We regret that communication lapses exacerbated the negative experience for our valued passengers,” it said.
SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY
***MEDIA RELEASE***
May 18th, 2024.
Following a police shooting incident on May 14th, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is now able to name the deceased male subject, with the permission of the family.
The Serious Crime Unit contacted the relatives of the deceased, and formal identification has taken place, with the subject being identified as 14-year-old Antorens Dorcely, also known locally as ‘Toto’. 
During this challenging time, the RTCIPF also expressed its deepest condolences to the deceased’s family, and the force will continue to offer support through our Family Liaison Officer.
In light of this incident, the RTCIPF is urging the public to show respect and sensitivity towards the grieving family by refraining from sharing any footage of the deceased on social media.
Sharing such material can cause additional distress and harm. We emphasize the importance of empathy and respect for the family’s privacy as they navigate their grief. The death of any young person is a loss to the TCI.
The RTCIPF is committed and dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that all aspects of the incident are carefully examined and the findings are communicated transparently to the public.
A request has been made to an external police force to conduct a review of the incident. This is a routine procedure and intended to ensure an independent and objective review of the facts. The community’s cooperation and respect during this time are essential. The RTCIPF assures the public that we remain dedicated to upholding justice and accountability.
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.
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