News

A growing demand for investment in a Technical Vocational School in TCI

Published

10 months ago

August 2, 2023

#TurksandCaicos, August 2, 2023 – What could be more rewarding for a small developing nation like the Turks and Caicos Islands, other than creating post-secondary educational opportunities for their citizens?

Let’s give credit where credit is due, in 2020, the previous administration was on the right track when a proposal was made to launch a vocational technical school. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic may have hampered those efforts.

Nevertheless, the idea was brilliant, and this current administration should create more momentum around this initiative and see that it materializes.

With the increasing number of students graduating high school, there is a growing need for the government to find more job placements and career opportunities for them.

Without a trade school, in addition to the limited skills many of our young men do have, this is not sustainable in terms of creating a competitive skill based economy. Eventually, it will create a vacuum for idle hands and unscrupulous behavior.

Although, many citizens are enthralled by the recent vocational opportunities being proposed for our prison system, what’s troubling is the rate of incarceration among our young men.

Since the large majority of criminal offenders in TCI are males, we should dig deeper to help determine the driving force behind such trend.

It also underscores the need for more social programs, post-released employment and greater opportunity to participate in education and life skills training.

Since there are no trade schools, perhaps, the aim should be to ensure there are adequate curriculums in high schools and local community colleges geared towards attracting more males students.

Many of our young men may not have any interest in attending college or university, but has acquired other skills over the years. So, what other opportunities are there for this segment of the population in terms of further education or trade?

Let’s take a around the country, you will find that most of our workforce revolves around the service and trade related industry. Many of these workers posses untapped skills that only need to be cultivated in their area of interest or expertise.

With that in mind, offering vocational education will allow students and young adults to gain the necessary practical experience with a renewed focus in their chosen field of study or career path.

These are skills they may have otherwise never been able to achieve through traditional classroom learning in academia.

In the 2021 PNP manifesto under education, labor and employment, it clearly states their commitment to the following:

“Create learning opportunities for students that caters to different interest, strengths and learning needs as well as provide the diverse skills that the country requires”.

Henceforth, it’s my belief government should make further provisions to subsidize apprenticeships for our young people, so it becomes more then just platitudes.

Understanding the gravity of this moment is of paramount. We have to build a society that works for everyone and not just for some.

This initiative should move forward, even if it means using the leverage of our BBB+ credit rating borrowing power while we are in the position to do so. It is my belief the return on investment could be priceless.

Often times, countries mimic each other with different strategies to tackle or improve situations, which is shrewd. Nevertheless, doing our own comprehensive studies to determine the societal impact or long term benefits of an initiative is also important. It is my belief, trade schools should be one of them.

With our jails being at the brink of capacity, putting the proper infrastructure in place such as a trade school is crucial. It should also be a stronger motivation to galvanise prison reform and redress certain issues to help reduce the prison recidivism rate.

The focus should be on creating a pipeline from high school to trade school or college not from high school to prison.

Given the dense population of Providenciales, it would be the ideal location for such school.

However, the existing infrastructure in Grand Turk, which is currently being utilized as a local community college could also suffice.

It would be in the best interest of our country as well as big corporations, to support such initiative.

Case in point: Prior to the pandemic, every year, a foreign company is hired to come in to train and certify our boat operators on primarily international boating standards.

Depending on the location and whether it’s a recertification or a new certification, the cost could range anywhere from $360-$650 per person, in addition to travel, food and hotel accommodations for those traveling to Provo from Grand Turk or other sister islands.

With TCI having some of the best and brightest boat captains, could this be a customized curriculum or certification offered at a trade school?

This particular curriculum should include but limited too, local regulations best practices and navigational charts for local waterways to help mariners better understand the skills they are learning.

This could also be a joint effort between the school, DECR and Maritime departments with qualifying personnel to assist with facilitating such training.

Other courses of interest should include but not limited to hospitality, marine mechanics, carpentry, AC technicians, plumbing, masonry etc. Specifically, areas where it would give students the opportunity for an apprenticeship on the islands.

Not only will we have a higher level of skilled workers and tradesmen, but it will help to alleviate the need for such high dependency on illegal foreign labor force, in addition to providing a readily available recruitment source.

Greater emphasis must be placed on finding better ways to help save our youth from themselves. Through our collective determination, I believe we can drive positive change and bring about a brighter future for them.

I also believe our leaders should be measured not by the promises they make or the headlines made in social media, but by the truths they reveal and the service and opportunities they provide to the people.

At the end of the day, in order for TCI to move forward without leaving its most vulnerable citizens behind, government must prioritize policies that supports meaningful jobs, which could be one of the many benefits of vocational technical educational opportunities.

Ed Forbes,

Concerned citizen of Grand Turk

News

Subject identified

Published

21 hours ago

May 18, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY

***MEDIA RELEASE***

May 18^th, 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.

News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

5 days ago

May 14, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

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.

Crime

Male Charged with Robbery

Published

6 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#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.