News
“It Cannot be Right” PDM demands Settlement with Selver
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, May 2, 2024 – The People’s Democratic Movement is expressing its displeasure following a Court of Appeal ruling that stripped land from an Islander to place it back in the hands of the government. They’re calling for a redo.
“I call upon the Government to not leave this one in the hands of The Crown Land Unit and to instruct the Crown Land Unit to reach a settlement with Mr. Gilbert Selver, because despite what the Court says about the government taking possession of the property and buildings, Cabinet should go in a different direction, one that protects our people’s interest,” said Edwin Astwood, Opposition Leader, after TCIG published a statement highlighting the win, as they described it.
Selver had been offered the two plots at prices of $30,800 and $ 73,000 respectively before the Crown Land Ordinance of 2012 came into effect. Selver attempted to accept in 2013 after the ordinance which would have impacted the contract.
Initially, The Supreme Court, led by Justice Carlos Simmons had awarded Selver with the 2 parcels and left a different parcel to the crown, a decision which the government contested. The Appeals Court overturned that ruling indicating that his late acceptance and the new ordinance nullified the contract They’ve awarded the land and its buildings to the government to be vacated in 90 days and Gilbert Selver must pay all of the government’s legal fees.
Astwood described the ruling as far from a ‘win’ and refuted the government’s claim that “the principles of justice and fairness” are being upheld by this ruling.
“No Turks and Caicos Islander should be content or in any way agreeable with this ruling. Mr. Selver is a Turks & Caicos Islander Businessman who has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in developing these properties, and If allowed to be executed, this ruling will greatly hurt the position of this Native Turks & Caicos Islander businessman” Astwood contended.
The Opposition leader says the ruling paints the recently amended Crown Land Ordinance in a menacing, rather than liberating light.
“It cannot be right, and called transparent and accountable crown land practices, when we have in place an informal settlement unit that is seeking ways to regularize persons, the majority of whom are not Turks and Caicos Islanders, who are squatting on government and have constructed entire settlements, adhering to no building codes, no health codes, no electrical codes, No standards of any. But the government is seeking ways to regularize them, while in the same breath, taking everything from a Turks and Caicos Islander through the use of the Crown Land Ordinance,” Astwood said.
He claims that the ruling proves the law is disproportionately skewed against locals.
“It is telling me that only Turks & Caicos Islanders are subject to the laws in the country, others can build where they want, when they want, how they want, and nothing will be done to them. Additionally, after breaking the laws the government is seeking to regularize you. This cannot be right.”
Land is a sensitive subject in the archipelago, with residents finding it expensive and arduous to obtain legally while over 500 acres and counting have been captured by squatters. In addition, it was the reportedly dirt-cheap sale of land to foreign investors that contributed to the UK-led shutdown of the country’s government and constitutional suspension in 2009. That shutdown left the country with a strict land ordinance which made it an even scarcer commodity. That ordinance is slowly being amended following a consultation between the UK and TCIG but Astwood wants faster progress.
“The Government must table a Bill in parliament to amend, or repeal, and replace the Crown Land Ordinance, with land laws that are serving our people in the context and environment that we live in today,” he said.
The opposition leader is also calling on TCIG to return Crown Land to a Ministerial portfolio to make land more accessible.
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.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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