News

TCI Mortgage Corporation established as Community Projects put on the back burner

Published

2 months ago

March 26, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

#TurksandCaicos, March 26, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos now has a Mortgage Corporation Fund, established through an act of parliament on Monday March 25 to the tune of $7 million dollars and aimed at promoting and encouraging more home ownership in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

While the notion of the Fund was embraced by representatives in the House of Assembly, there was vocal resistance to where the monies to prop up the Fund were pulled from; 12 community projects which failed to materialize during this fiscal year have now been scrapped, at least for now.

“The PNP government is doing the right thing for the wrong reasons,” said Edwin Astwood, Leader of the Opposition, in response to our question about his party’s support of the Fund.

“They have no policy, no plan, no guidelines, no terms of reference, nothing for the establishment of this.”

It took the passage of a fourth Budget Supplementary, which re-allocated the monies from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development. Listed in the Supplementary Appropriation papers as “projects to be re-assessed and re-appropriated” were the $1.5 million enhancement and restoration of Conch Ground in South Caicos; $2.7 million for the construction of a Community Center in Bottle Creek, North Caicos; $800,000 for the Bambarra Beach huts renovation in Middle Caicos; $650,000 for upgrade to the Bight Park in Providenciales; $550,000 refurbishment of the Horse Stable Beach complex, in North Caicos; $550,000 renovation of the Fuller and Clementina Walkin Park in Blue Hills, Providenciales; $250,000 refurbishment of the Sylvia Melhado Aged Care Center and a combined $365,000 for four vehicles, specifically a vehicle for the Health Promotions and Advocacy Unit; a bus for the Immigration Department and two wheelchair accessible vans; one of them for the SNAP Center in Provo and the other for the Eliza Basden Aged Care Center in South Caicos.

“I did not support it,” said Astwood, explaining that, “to purchase a wheelchair accessible van should not take 365 days and have to be brought back. That was one of the 12, total adding up to some $7M.”

With mere days to go in the 2023-2024 fiscal period, the PNP Administration laid its fourth Budget Supplementary which was not adding to national spending, it was shifting millions of unspent dollars around before the sun completely sets on the Budget Year on Sunday March 31.

The aim of the Mortgage Fund is frustrate the unhealthy, excessive cost of housing as the Turks and Caicos faces a crisis when it comes to demand for affordable housing. A significant barrier to addressing this very serious concern, as the Turks and Caicos economy experiences exponential growth is funding.

During the July 2023 launch of the National Housing Policy, it was announced that a survey found too many residents were paying in excess of 50 percent of their income on housing, 21 percent were residing in homes which were in need of repair and nearly 70 percent were looking to buy their own homes within the next five years.

But there is little hope of affordable financing for home purchases or home renovations; banks were criticised at the event during a Q&A period for unfriendly lending terms.

With the cost of living considerably higher in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the banking representative explained that among the considerations at play was the salaries of public sector workers, in particular.

Minimum wage and public sector salaries have now been raised by the Government and this newest Budget Supplementary has given money to jump start the corporation, which now makes up part of the National Wealth Fund.

“The Fund shall consist of the Stabilisation Fund; Infrastructure and Competitiveness Fund; Heritage Fund and Mortgage Corporation Fund.”

The Department of Housing, last July had informed that 32 percent of survey participants wanted the Government to get involved; hoping for benevolence which would turn home ownership dreams to reality.

CAPTION:

Bambarra Beach Huts in January 2021, before a fire ravaged the cute, colourful vendor stalls in April the following year. Budgeting for development of the site is again delayed, even as Bambarra in Middle Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands has now captured the title of #2 Best Beach in the Caribbean in USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice awards. PHOTO BY TCI TOURIST BOARD.

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Deandrea Hamilton

News

Subject identified

Published

1 day ago

May 18, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY

***MEDIA RELEASE***

May 18^th, 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.

News

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

5 days ago

May 14, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

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.

Crime

Male Charged with Robbery

Published

6 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#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.