News
PNP Gov’t Member accuses Opposition Leader of “Cheap” Politics
Dana Malcolm
#TurksandCaicos, December 21, 2023 – Jameka Williams, Government Appointed Member of the House of Assembly, is challenging the Leader of the Opposition for what she described as ‘cheap political tactics’ highlighting his previous and current stance on increases in pay for Members of the House of Assembly.
“Last week in the House of Assembly, the Leader of the Opposition presented what some may describe as his most passionate speech arguing that the Integrity Commission increased the salaries for Ministers and members of the House of Assembly by an exorbitant amount. In my rebuttal, I pleaded with the Leader of the Opposition to retract his statement, and to discontinue using cheap political tactics to mislead the public into thinking that he was not an advocate and supporter of the salary increases— I reminded him of a previous House sitting where he was advocating for salary increases for members, ” Williams posted to Facebook.
After being accused of “lying” by Astwood, Williams provided what she described as evidence of the Opposition Leader Astwood, a three time member of parliament, lobbying for an increase in another clip from the House of Assembly
“Myself [I] have never shied away from dealing with this topic. There is a lot of noise out there in the public that my parliamentary colleagues are bad people– they are only in here for the salary— I beg to differ, and the proof is in the pudding. I am being hard on my parliamentary members but they are all good people and I know they’re in it for the right purpose,” the Leader of the Opposition said.
The Opposition Leader, on December 13, had decried the increases which range from $25,000 to $49,000 thousand
per year. Astwood said his ire was turned toward the size of the raises, not the actual need for a raise.
“I want to tell the members of the public, this increase was never about you! Sorry. Let’s see who got the biggest benefit,” he continued “I am ashamed, and if you all need to take away my money, take it away, you can’t miss what you ain’t had!” he had said.
Williams, who is one of the four un-elected, appointed members of the House of Assembly, will get a pay increase of $24,700 per year, taking her annual parliamentary income to $97,500 though she has no set constituency.
Astwood points to a more conservative jump in the annual pay, but Williams has accused him of being disingenuous.
“You were not genuine and your statements were only made to jump on any bandwagon that you erroneously believe will get you some political mileage. Mr. Leader of the Opposition this will not give you or your party, the PDM, brownie points at the next general election,” she maintained.
Astwood had maintained that while an increase was necessary, the figures quoted were exorbitant.
“I have to let the public know, I ain’t no hater. I’ve been a minister but some things are a little too much. Let’s take care of the people at the bottom first. [Us] at the top? yes, we should be getting something- give us $10,000– something that we can manage, we already make a lot of money.” Astwood had advised during his speech.
“Be a man of your word, you are not fooling anyone. Whenever you try to mislead the public and use cheap political tactics, I will expose you” Williams promised.
Astwood has already issued his rebuttal, remaining adamant that the people believe the pay increase is too much and so does he.
“Therefore, I make no excuses for expressing the feelings of the people that I represent in the House of Assembly. That is what we are being paid to do and will do just that. So, it is “a sin and a shame” that this current PNP government is giving themselves such huge raises; while not wanting to do the work of representing the people.”
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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