News
Gaming Bills pass; Worry expressed over Gambling Addiction
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, February 1, 2024 – The passing of two new gaming bills has again raised longtime concerns about gambling in the Turks and Caicos.
In an effort to better regulate the Gaming industry, two new pieces of legislation, The Gaming Control Amendment and the Gaming Machine amendment bill were passed in the House of Assembly on January 23rd allowing gaming taxes to be calculated from adjusted gross receipts and mandating a 30 percent tax limit for gaming machines.
The laws also gave casinos a 15-day limit each month to pay said taxes. While members generally agreed that the new regulations were necessary, some concerns were raised about the social issues related to gambling.
Alvin Garland, Opposition Appointed Member, said it was not in the best interest of Turks and Caicos residents. Not
only was he displeased that the government brought the Gaming Control and Gaming Machine Amendment Bills as the first matters after the new year, he said it could harm locals.
“We are beginning to see there is an increase in addictive gamblers in the Turks and Caicos, and instead of us bringing legislation to encourage them, we should be bringing legislation or finding ways to discourage Turks and Caicos Islanders from gambling.”
Garland referenced The Bahamas, who he said had strict gambling laws for its people, and stressed that gambling could still be profitable, even if it was directed only as a pastime for tourists, which had been the initial purpose of the Turks and Caicos first casino.
Another concern for Garland was that the profit from the Casinos and Gaming halls would not be going to Turks and Caicos islanders anyway.
“Individuals that profit from gaming in the Turks and Caicos are not Turks and Caicos Islanders,” he continued “ The two casinos, most of the gaming houses, if not all, are owned by foreigners. They make their money by Turks and Caicos Islanders gambling. the only way gaming establishments can make money is if the people who are gambling lose their money.”
Garland again raised the issue of potential social impacts.
“It is not an indictment on this government, but it’s an indictment on any government, that we should be doing more to discourage Turks and Caicos Islanders from gambling and that is just the reality of it. We do not want to be promoting gambling for our people.”
In response to the comments, Washington Misick, TCI Premier, who was leading the debate, maintained that there were protections for residents in the 2018 iteration of the bill.
“The Commission shall set aside specific funding which shall be used for the purpose of a program to deal with problem gaming and addictions, and the money shall be used for treatment of problem gaming and substance abuse and related research,” Misick quoted as a rebuttal to Garland’s concerns.
The Premier also quoted another provision which mandated that gambling houses submit an annual compulsive and problem gambling plan.
The protections in Section 23 as read by the Premier were more geared toward those already engaging in gambling rather than prevention.
Harold Charles, Governor’s Appointed Member, also chimed into the debate with similar concerns. Citing the government’s use of Singapore as an example used in the creation of the bill he said, “In Singapore, they do not allow their residents to gamble, the only people who gamble are high net worth individuals.”
The Premier had, during the debate, said that Singapore’s example showed that effective regulation can strike the necessary balance.
Charles stressed that some Turks and Caicos residents had already become trapped in the system. 
“There was a young man who approached me to tell me he was in trouble he couldn’t pay his rent because he was addicted to gambling—-this is something that has really been bothering me because I know that before we didn’t allow our locals to gamble and we changed that and I don’t believe that that’s a good thing.”
Hon Charles urged the government to consider restricting individuals below a certain net worth from gambling in their legislation, as a caution for residents.
“We have a moral responsibility to look after and protect our people,” he stressed.
“That is an argument that could potentially strike at the heart of democracy,” Misick responded to the calls for banning gambling for certain residents though he maintained that government intervention was necessary in some cases.
“The issue of Turks and Caicos Islanders gambling is one that can be discussed in the public arena, if that is the will of the people of these islands,” he said
The Premier reminded that the members across the floor were free to bring a bill to the house to discuss who was allowed to gamble, but firmly maintained that the purpose of the current bills were to do nothing more than provide regulatory control of the industry.
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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