News
Turks and Caicos Islands hosts successful return of State of the Industry Conference
#TurksandCaicos, November 1, 2023 – The Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) return of the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2023, in Providenciales a tremendous success.
The first staging of SOTIC since the pandemic, the conference saw insightful and informative discussions over two days at the host hotel, The Shore Club, Long Bay @theshoreclubtc, under the theme “Invest. Innovate. Inspire. A new model for Caribbean tourism growth”.
Turks and Caicos Islands Governor, Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, said in her welcome remarks that
the theme highlights the critical position of the travel and tourism industry as a vehicle for social and economic development, which needs to be underpinned by long-term tourism policies that account for impact investment, waste management, conservation and sustainability.
Honorable Charles Washington Missick, Premier of The Turks and Caicos Islands, in his remarks, urged delegates to work together to make the Tourism Industry sustainable, particularly in the face of the challenges posed by climate change for Small Island Development States (SIDS).
Honorable Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism for The Turks and Caicos Islands, in her welcome address, spoke with pride of the Carrying Capacity Study, The Turks and Caicos Islands in the process of conducting. The first Caribbean country to conduct an in-depth study of entire the tourism industry.
“It reflects our dedication to safeguarding our pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture. It embodies our promise to protect what makes the Turks and Caicos Islands unique, ensuring that future generations can revel in the same beauty that has enchanted us for centuries,” she said.
In his opening address, the Honorable Kenneth Bryan, Chairman of the CTO Council of Ministers and Commissioners said the “Caribbean is one of the fastest growing tourism regions in the world and in order to keep up with the rapidly evolving pace of change, we have to be willing to do things differently to maintain our competitive edge”.
Day one’s theme “Tourism Investment and Financing in the Caribbean” saw keynote speaker Franz Rojas-Ortuste, Director of Water and Sanitation Analysis Division at CAF- the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, look at potential areas for investment, urging the region to maximise niches such as festivals and gastronomy to bring in millions of dollars like their Latin American counterparts.
The first day also featured a Ministerial Panel on Investment Trends, Partnership and Maximising Tourism Growth, a message from the UNWTO on green investments and a panel discussion on strategies for positioning tourism for new investment opportunities.
On Day two, under the theme Exploring the Drivers for Caribbean Tourism Growth, keynote speaker Doug Lansky, Global Tourism and Travel expert challenged stakeholders to find creative and innovative ways to incorporate sustainability into their operations and enhance tourist spend.
There were robust panel discussions on Aviation Competitiveness in the Caribbean with the thorny issue of inter-regional travel taking centre stage. There were also panel discussions on Digital Transformation in Tourism, Engaging the Filmed Entertainment Industry to advance
Caribbean tourism and a path towards growth of tourism in the context of the Turks and Caicos Islands experience.
The week kicked off with a welcome at the Grace Bay Club @gracebayclub on Monday night which showcased the culture and cuisine of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
There were performances from the TCI songbird Barbara Johnson, David Bowen and TUCA, Mike ‘The General”, the
Q Band Lynks and top sound system Prime DJs.
The close of the conference saw Tourism Ministers and delegates immersing themselves in The Turks and Caicos Island’s culture at the popular Thursday night Fish Fry where they enjoyed local cuisine and performances from Provision band, Elroy Simmons and TCI Dolls as well as a Junkanoo display.
Outside of the formal activities, Ministers of Tourism were treated to a private dinner at Parrot Cay and the regional and international media experienced tours to North and Middle Caicos, South Caicos and Grand Turk as well as dinner at @CrackpotKitchen and @KokomosBotanicalResort.
The week closed with the Youth Congress at Beaches Resort Villages and Spa @beachesturksandcaicos in The Bight, which saw the region’s youth from 14 countries present their plans for the tourism industry in their respective islands. First place went to Naomi Onwufuju of the British Virgin Islands, second place, Jordan Greig of Barbados and third place, Jael Morgan of Tobago.
We would like to thank our major sponsors for SOTIC 2023: The Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, The Shore Club, Beaches Resort and Spa, Fortis TCI, The Bankers Association, as well as COMO Parrot Bay, Wymara Resort and Villas, TKCA, RED Hospitality and Leisure, HAB Group, The Palms Turks and Caicos, Mr. Groupers Restaurant, Seven Stars Resort and Spa, and The Wine Cellar.
SOTIC 2024 will be held in the Cayman Islands.
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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