News
“Search and Rescue and Marine Pollution Response” Workshop Enhances Operations for Marine Stakeholders
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS (November 28th, 2023) – In an effort to ensure our maritime stakeholders are equipped to manage marine pollution from oil and improve search and rescue procedures for marine operators, the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resource Management (FMRM), the Ministry of Tourism and the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency is hosting a three-day workshop, “Search and Rescue and Marine Pollution Response” at the Opus Conference Room, November 28th to 30th, 2023.
The primary aims of the workshop are to enhance the country’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities, improve the effectiveness of search and rescue operations, particularly given the importance of marine activities to the tourism industry, and reduce the impact of pollution on public health and the environment. The exercise involves a range of activities, including search and rescue and pollution response simulations for emergency responders.
Delivering remarks at the opening of the Workshop on Tuesday, November 28th, 2023, Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Josephine Connolly said the workshop will prepare attendees to tackle challenges that are unique to the
marine industry.
“It is our collective responsibility to enhance our capabilities in responding to distress calls, conducting effective search operations, and executing timely rescue missions. Through this workshop, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of best practices, technological advancements, and international protocols that can optimise search and rescue operations in the Turks and Caicos waters,” she said.
Participants include local emergency responders, the Royal Caicos Police Force Marine Coastal Division, the TCI regiment, representatives of the Grand Turk Cruise Port, Core Resources, the Port Authority, TCI Civil Aviation Authority, South Bank Marina, Turtle Cove Marina, Customs, Immigration, the Fisheries and Marine Resource Management, and the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources.
In her remarks, Thecla Joseph, Director of Fisheries and Marine Resource Management, said the benefits of the workshop cannot be overstated.
“Search and Rescue operations are vital for ensuring the safety and security of maritime activities. The unique geographical location of the Turks and Caicos Islands makes it essential to enhance our capabilities in search and rescue to effectively respond to emergencies at sea. Furthermore, with the increasing concerns about maritime pollution, it is imperative that we come together to explore innovative solutions and best practices for preventing, mitigating and responding to pollution incidents in out waters,” she said.
During the interactive opening sessions, participants learned about the composition of crude oil, the behaviour and environmental effects of chemicals, the impact of accidents with container ships, and the laws governing marine incidents.
The highlight of the first day was a tabletop challenge in which participants were tasked with conceptualizing a Search and Rescue strategy for an incident in which two ships collided, and injured crew members.
Press Release
Header: Minister of Tourism, the Hon Josephine Connolly with participants of the Search and Rescue and Pollution Response Workshop
Insert: Minister of Tourism, the Hon Josephine Connolly with Ms. Thecla Joseph, Director of Fisheries and Marine Resource Management and from left, Mr. Levard Missick, Assistant Director of Enforcement, Department of Fisheries and Marine Resource Management, Mr. Arthur Been, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Neil Chapman, Environmental Science Lead, Mr. Phil Bostock, Operational Lead, Overseas Territories Search and Rescue Capability Project, Ms. Alison Leighton, Overseas Strategic Policy Manager, Mr. Stan Woznicki, Head of Counter Pollution and Salvage and Ms. Kathy Lockhart, Director of Fisheries.
SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY
***MEDIA RELEASE***
May 18th, 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.
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.
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