TCI News
$8.9 Million Redevelopment of South Dock Begins
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicosIslands, February 1, 2024 – A transformation of the country’s largest shipping port that will drive down the cost of shipping, goods and services is what the government is promising will come from the $8.9 million South Dock Port Redevelopment and Modernisation project.
“Phase one will consist of a new cargo terminal with two berths and a roll-on-roll-off ramp. The new dock will be approximately 374 feet long, varying between 98 feet and 131 feet wide; we are dredging two deeper and wider berthing pockets and a larger turning pocket for proper safer navigation as well,” said Tueton Williams, Ports Authority Board Chairman, at the January 25th groundbreaking.
He was reeling off the benefits of an expanded dock; touting it as a step towards lowering the overall cost of living for Turks and Caicos Islanders.
The project had been approved as far back as 2020. At the time, South Dock was described by Delton Jones, Director of Ports, as nearing the end of its useful life after 25 years of acting as the gateway for all imports to the Turks and Caicos.
With the country now expanding in almost every way from housing, population, tourism, to hotel room, it is expected that trade too will increase necessitating an improved ‘doorway’.
“Today’s groundbreaking reflects years of input by my staff, government entities, consultants and stakeholders. It also marks the continuation of our collaboration as we aim to deliver this project in a timely manner. I thank successive governments and ministers with responsibilities for ports for recognizing the strategic importance of this redevelopment project,” said Jones.
Ground was broken ahead of the scheduled date for the project which hadn’t even been included in the 2023/24 budget year. The funding was brought forward from the 2024/25 financial year and was approved in September 2023 via a Supplementary Appropriations Bill.
That $8.9 million allocation is the first tranche of a $41 million total cost and will cover Phases 1 and 2 of the redevelopment, which is one of the government’s 10 priority projects.
To be completed with that cash is:
- A new multi-purpose container yard with more storage;
- Terminal rows to facilitate smooth traffic
- A new Port Authority Office.
- internal roads, and installation of a new scale.
- A safe-water drainage system,
- A larger turning basin, and
- Raising the port to improve climate resilience.
As for how the government envisions all of the work will eventually pay off, it’s expected that there will be a reduced cost of living, more efficient stevedoring process, reduced tariffs, reduced waiting time and other benefits.
The government says that as it is making infrastructural changes, upgrades will also come to the digitization of the ports and human resources to make sure that the staff is able to operate the modernized facility
“[It] will not only shape the future of our community, but also leave an indelible mark on the global landscape of trade and commerce here in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Border Services.
Washington Misick, TCI Premier, in his remarks, indicated that while the journey had been long, this was a significant milestone. He personally thanked the members of the Port Authority, who were in attendance for the hard work they put into making the project reality.
Misick had promised in early 2023 that a local contractor would be hired for the job, now entrusted with the large project is Island Site Development.
South Duck facilitated over $600 million in trade with and generated $6 million in taxes for the government in the 2022/23 financial year.
Phase one of the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
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.
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