News
TCHTA and Partners Host Earth Day Weekend Initiatives in Grand Turk
#Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, May 5, 2023 – The Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) took its signature TCI Shines Earth Day program to the nation’s capital, partnering with members to create
a weekend of events in celebration of the globally-recognized environmental movement. The three-day collaboration included community engagement, education, and awareness activities. These initiatives aimed to promote sustainable tourism and encourage the community to take responsibility for keeping their environment clean.
The events began with a ship tour hosted by Carnival Corporation & PLC. TCHTA members, government officials, high school students, and other stakeholders boarded the Carnival Mardi Gras for a first-hand look at the ship’s strict standards and operating procedures. The Carnival team shared how systems have been put in place to focus on sustainability efforts: food waste management, advanced air quality systems, decarbonization practices, and adopting the circular economy model aimed at waste reduction. Tour attendees explored the beauty and magnificence of the Mardi Gras and had an enlightening experience by all accounts.
“We are excited to partner with the TCHTA and for the opportunity to give the community an intimate look at our operation and our commitment to safeguarding the planet we call home, our guests, the communities we serve, and
our Carnival family. I think it also gives the community a real appreciation for the rigor and focus we dedicate to complying with the laws and regulations that govern our business,” said Marie McKenzie, Senior Vice President of Government & Destination Affairs for Carnival Corporation & PLC. Sharing her thoughts on the importance of the partnership, she continued, “One of Carnival’s core principles is to honour the integrity of every ocean we sail, place we visit and life we touch. Achieving our purpose & mission depends on our being a good corporate citizen and a positive force for our partner destinations, supporting local sustainable community development, and inspiring ripple effects of positive economic and social impacts.”
On day two, the TCHTA’s Education Committee took to the capital’s schools, speaking to students on the history of the TCI Shines initiative. Led by the committee’s Chair and newly-elected Association Vice President, Tendra Musgrove, the children were encouraged to be ambassadors for the cause, ensuring that they admonished peers and family members about the detriments of destructive environmental behaviours.
“We must instill in our children the values of sustainability and environmental preservation,” said Musgrove, “We hope that by educating them about TCI Shines and the importance of tourism to our islands, they will become passionate ambassadors in their communities.”
On cleanup day, community members joined the TCHTA team at one of Grand Turk’s most precious landmarks, the Clock Tower Park on Pond Street. Members of government, Rotary and Rotaract, the Overback, Palm Grove, and Breezy Brae community groups, and the Cadets were among those who came together to make the streets of the
capital shine on Earth Day. Groups were deployed to several areas, working to rid the sidewalks and bushes of unsightly garbage and debris.
The effort was graciously supported by partners Graceway Communities, DECR, and FortisTCI, and TCHTA member, Exclusive Escapes. The Honourable Otis Morris and his team assisted with hauling and discarding filled bags.
TCI Shines is one of the TCHTA’s signature initiatives, led by its Sustainable Tourism Committee bi-annually. The initiative aims to promote sustainable tourism and encourage the community to take responsibility for keeping their environment clean, inclusive of land and sea.
Mona Beeson, Chair of the TCHTA Sustainable Tourism Committee, expressed her delight at the turnout. “We are thrilled with the success of this Earth Day weekend. It was heartening to see the community come together to make a positive impact on the environment. For 14 years, TCI Shines has impacted our communities and our industry, and we are always humbled by the support and eager participation throughout the islands.”
The TCHTA is grateful to its partners and volunteers for their support and commitment to keeping Turks and Caicos beautiful by nature, and clean by choice. The association looks forward to taking TCI Shines back to Grand Turk and to the sister islands in the continuing years.
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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