News

Where does TCI stand with Future jobs of interest vs Demand?

Published

8 months ago

September 19, 2023

Deandrea Hamilton

Ed Forbes,

Concerned citizen of Grand Turk

In an emerging market and a rapid changing environment like the Turks and Caicos Islands, selecting and preparing our students for future jobs is a critical step in nation building.

As the country grows and develops, some jobs will be threatened by redundancy, whilst others will grow rapidly. We have seen it with the outsourcing of our tourism sector. If the right investments were made in our people within that department, despite the changes, it may have resulted in less turnovers.

What have we learned from this?

Whilst the rapid growth holds great promises, it will pose some major challenges requiring proactive adaptation by corporations, governments and individuals if not prepared.

With that being said, preparing and anticipating for current and future transition is therefore critical. The education department and the approving scholarship board will have to stimulate deeper thinking about how government and high level management can navigate these unforeseen changes.

It was refreshing to see the diversity in curriculum with the recent prestigious scholarships awards in TCI. Furthermore, hats off to this administration for moving forward with advancing the TCICC with the NCCER’s seal of approval.

This in itself was an amazing achievement not only for the country, but especially for families with limited disposable income to further their children’s education abroad.

It would also be advantageous for the government, key stakeholders and the education department to work in concert on these programs. This will help to identify some of the greatest needs, desires and qualifications of current jobseekers, versus the demands of up and coming jobs and business opportunities.

As we navigate the challenges of our time in such a changing society, it is crucial to remember that although the government has a responsibility to provide available resources to their citizens, parents also have a role to play.

Government support does not negate parental responsibilities of helping to nurture and plan their children’s future.

Finding effective ways to help bridge the skills gap will also be crucial in charting the country’s future.

Has there ever been a labour market survey or a skill gap analysis conducted? This will help to better link the types of scholarships being awarded for jobs of the future.

Many developed countries are using empirical data in the form of charts and graphs to help determine skills gaps and future needs. These charts can also be used to demonstrate current job placements versus future job growth and opportunities.

As the economy continues to grow and diversify, greater emphasis will also need to be placed on the scholarship approval process. This is in regards to not only catering to the students own areas of interest but what the country really needs in terms of supply and demand.

In order to map a future view of skill demand versus supply, what I believe needs to be done, is a comprehensive analysis to get a more accurate picture of the training and opportunity areas. Using empirical data from the number of outsourced consultancy jobs and medical specialty areas is a good start.

Once this is completed, resources will need to be put in place to up-skill those who are out of work to fill high priority employment gaps through certification programs.

With TCIG E-government on the horizon, there will be a need for positions such as Data protection analysts, Cybersecurity etc. Furthermore, with FortisTCI plans to embark on solar energy in the twin islands and Salt Cay, this is a huge potential growth area where new jobs are anticipated across the skills spectrum.

Recently, there was a Facebook posting from the TCI RESEMBID Sustainable Energy Project, offering a free Solar class for anyone interested in this field. Albeit, the spaces were limited and advertisement short lived, these are the types of programs that need more exposure and encouragement, along with commitment from potential employers on job security.

As the country continues to move forward, Government annually awarded scholarships is an area that will need to be very selective and closely examined to help eliminate any unconscious biases.

This will enable many bright students from all walks of life to obtain education they may have never had access to otherwise. It’s also a way to attract and retain the best talent for the country.

Despite the fact that the country is steadily progressing, the national economy appears to be lagging in human capital development. This emphasizes the critical importance of developing the economy in tandem with education and human capital development to reap greater benefits.

Therefore, awarding scholarships in the right areas plays a very important role in developing local talent. It will contribute to the improvement of systems, practices, and policies within the work space and supports the wider socio-economic changes.

I’m finding that in certain critical positions, locals haven’t received the same level of investment opportunities impacting their ability to grow and scale the organizations they are helping to lead.

Strengthening the soft skill base of the national labour force will do just that, and will need to be placed on the front burner. This will help to prepare the next generation of leaders, who can bring innovative approaches that will help to transform some outdated systems and practices that currently exist as we know it.

Unfortunately, with the limited job market, it’s often a challenge for returning students to apply their skills and knowledge. It’s a complex situation, but this is where succession planning becomes vital to minimize gaps in leadership positions like we are seeing in our prison and policing departments.

Failure of our leaders to plan strategically, as technology advances and new jobs are created, we will continue to face recruitment challenges and talent shortages. Ultimately, it could lead to an increased reliance on work-permit holders.

We have a dynamic economy but we are training our folks to participate in it?

News

Subject identified

Published

21 hours 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.