News
Archaic laws and policies on the books in TCI – It’s time for a change!
#TurksandCaicos, August 17, 2023 – Like many developed countries, there are a number of laws and policies still in existence on the books in Turks and Caicos Islands that have no place in a progressive society.
These laws are negatively impacting our way of life and many citizens deemed them to be antiquated, obsolete and should no longer be applicable in some cases.
Case in point: If a motorist decided he or she no longer has use of a vehicle they previously owned or if the vehicle becomes mechanically disabled, they cannot just abandon it without renewing the tags. If for some reason the owner
decides to renew the tag years later, they could be subjected to stiff fines dating back from the year the original tag expired.
Does this make logical sense in a civilized society? If a motorist is found in violation, a traffic ticket should be issued. Perhaps, an alternative should be to apply a nominal late fee during renewal of vehicle registration.
Likewise, a similar situation applies to drivers’ license holders.
If for one reason or another be it financial, illness, personal or imprisonment, if a driver decides not to renew their licenses and take a sabbatical from driving, they will be subject to fines dating back to the year they allowed their DL to lapse.
As a matter of fact, a pending case was recently brought before the courts in TCI, still awaiting a verdict.
A revision of such laws could avert a perpetuation of what some would consider a choice of survival; like driving with an invalid license to get to work due to the exorbitant cost associated with renewals.
These fines could equate to hundreds if not thousands of dollars for some, especially for diasporas who were previous drivers’ license holders returning to their home land. The same predicament applies to those who may not be in a financial position to purchase another vehicle instead of renewing an old tag.
Thirdly, apparently there is an ordinance or policy on the books that requires high ranking ministerial government vehicles to have their title on the license plates.
Despite the closely knitted communities, in my opinion, such ordinance should certainly be reviewed and revised to limit exposure.
This may seem minuscule, but from a national security standpoint, with the exponential growth in irregular migration to TCI over the years, in addition to the level of violence the country is now experiencing, it could be a potential safety risk for the officials themselves and those tasked with protecting them.
There is also a pressing need to reform our current business license ordinance and find ways to consolidate fees and eliminate some of the red tape.
For example, why is it necessary to pay a fee for a business name search if your existing business is keeping the same name? It’s understandable if it is a new start-up company or if there was a lapse in renewal of business licenses.
Laws like these in the long run could have wider implications and impact, especially on the growing number of local entrepreneurs and those who are already marginalized.
On a more positive note, citizens welcome the news of having digital access to our laws in TCI, as announced by the AG’s office some months ago.
In an era of polarization and increased involvement of citizenry, having online access to our system of laws and justice is very beneficial.
TCI is at a stage in its development where we must transcend time. As our society grows and develops, it should not rely so heavily on tradition. Sometimes new laws are needed or old laws need to be changed for the benefit of the
people.
We know it can be done, because we have seen it played out over the years where special interest groups or big corporations with specific goals, being able to poke and prod legislators to take positions on new policies or regulations. Some, not necessarily in the best interest of the country or beneficial to all concerned.
Our government should constantly seek to reform our laws so we can ensure our system of law and justice meets the challenges of today’s society. Any changes must also be in the best interest of the masses not just a select few.
Ultimately, it’s the people of TCI who make the final decision by choosing to elect leaders with progressive ideas and agendas.
Some of these sectors require urgent attention and revision. Failure to revise existing laws that are no longer relevant, it could disproportionately impact certain segments of population.
It could also put natives at a disadvantage and infringe on our rights and responsibilities, including future careers and the way we work.
In order to stay ahead of the curve and drive real transformation, we will need more citizens with a shared thirst for justice, a deeper compassion for others and a heightened sense of awareness.
I firmly believe that if individuals are allowed to freely pursue their self-interest in a free market like TCI, without the set back of archaic government regulations and red tape, our nation will continue to prosper in a more progressive way.
Ed Forbes,
Concerned Citizen
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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