News
Sapodilla Bay Vendors unhappy with proposed move
Dana Malcolm and Wilkie Arthur,
Staff Writers
#TurksandCaicos, March 27, 2024 – “Tourists love this beach, What is the government going to do for us, where am I going to go?”
That was the frustrated comment from one business owner at Sapodilla Bay on Tuesday, March 12 when Wilkie Arthur, Magnetic Media Court Correspondent, visited the beach to speak to the longtime vendors about orders they had received to pack up and go. Now the Tourism Ministry says the letter was in an effort to make the vendors correct arrears on their accounts.
Only five businesses complete with their chairs and stalls are set up along the area. Some were called in to pay outstanding fees, others say they’re paid up but received notice to vacate the beach last week. One letter we saw was dated March 4, from the DECR.
“The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) writes to you on behalf of [redacted] operations on Sapodilla Bay. The department notes that you are currently assigned to Sapodilla Bay Zone 1. Please remove your items from the beach and occupy your assigned zone by March 6th 2023. Please feel free to request further information as necessary,” the letter said.
The owners we spoke to say they are established businesses who are now paid up with their fees. They are upset that after accepting their money, the government wants to put them across the street in a parking lot outside of the prime location for tourists where there are no amenities for them.
“If you’ve accepted my funds, then what are you going to do with me? Who the heck is gonna walk across the road to bring our [wares] over here? The purpose of this is to be on the beach,” a business owner said. “Even if you say you’re putting us over there nothing is built there for us.”
“The letter was issued to the vendors to pressure them into updating their licenses. Only one vendor has updated so far, we’re trying to work with them to make sure that everyone is in compliance,” said Luc Clerveaux, Director of the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR).
Vendors think it’s the villa owners nearby who want them off the beach.
“The homeowners won their case, this is the man’s property,” a vendor said referring to the houses behind the beach “and they don’t want this in front,” she explained referring to the vending stalls.
Thanks to a review of the Crown Land Ordinance it’s confirmed that the government doesn’t sell certain parts of the shoreline. It has the power to keep back everything between the natural vegetation line to the seabed (meaning the area colloquially referred to as the ‘beach’) for the people.
Despite this, vendors are convinced that the letters have something to do with homeowners. A business owner who spoke to our news team on Tuesday said she had been confronted by one villa owner who told her outright that they had paid $40,000 to have them
removed and queried why their stalls were still up.
Some also say they’ve been given the runaround when they try to pay their fees for their stalls.
When we spoke to Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism, she said she was in the middle of trying to sort out the issue stressing that she was determined to get to the bottom of it.
Connolly said she had heard the rumours and was investigating within her team. The minister explained that some had not paid their fees, and had received a “strong letter”
”There seems to be a story about who’s sent home, we haven’t sent anybody home. Vendors were supposed to go in and pay and bring their licenses up to date. The problem was the license.”
For now, none of the vendors have vacated the spot and are anxiously waiting to hear their fate.
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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