News
“Pay Increase was never About You!”; Premier Housing bills soar to near Half a Million Dollars says Astwood
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, December 15, 2023 – “It’s too much. It’s too much what we’re paying for the Office of the Premier.”
The new salaries for the Members of the House of Assembly have been revealed courtesy of Edwin Astwood, Leader of the Opposition, as he accuses the government of doing the Pay and Grade review for the ‘wrong reasons’.
“I want to tell the members of the public, this increase was never about you! Sorry. Let’s see who got the biggest benefit,” he said, before listing out the upgraded salaries during a House of Assembly sitting on December 13.
The Leader of the Opposition confirmed figures that had been floating around on social media in the week following the reveal of salary increases for civil servants. The figures he provided were as follows:
- Premier Pre increase – Base Salary – $146,600; Allowance $24,000
- Premier Post Increase – Base Salary – $195,000; Allowance $24,000; Housing $219,000 + Housing Maintenance – $206,700
- Deputy Premier Pre increase – Base Salary – $131,000; Allowance – $ 60,000
- Deputy Premier Post Increase – Base Salary – $175,000 ; Allowance – $60,000
- Minister Pre increase – Base Salary – $117, 917; Allowance – $58,200
- Minister Post Increase – Base Salary – $157, 950; Allowance – $58,200
- Leader of the Opposition Pre increase – Base Salary – $78,000; Allowance – $18,000
- Leader of the Opposition Post Increase – Base Salary – $104, 000 Allowance -$18,000
- Members Pre increase – Base Salary – $72,800 Allowance – $10,200
- Members Post Increase – Base Salary – $97,500 Allowance – $10,200
“We are happy about the civil servants getting their raise – but this plays into the narrative that politicians are just here for themselves, and I don’t want to be a part of that,” he said.
“I am ashamed, and if you all need to take away my money, take it away, you can’t miss what you ain’t had!” the Opposition Leader screamed.
Chatter could be heard from the Members of the Government across the room, who urged him to calm down and drink water but did not interrupt. Notably, politicians do not give themselves increases, rather the increases are approved by the Integrity Commission.
To this, Astwood countered that the Integrity Commission had received the recommended figures from the consultants who conducted the review.
“The Government, they are giving the people the crumbs and taking the whole table and pushing it into their jeeps and riding away with it! That is not right!” he said.
Jamell Robinson, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, speaking up after Astwood had ended his speech, described the tirade as almost cheap politics. He referenced the fact that Alvin Garland, Opposition Appointed Member, had called for an increase for the Opposition Leader the week earlier.
Robinson maintained that the PNP government was the first one brave enough to give across-the-board raises to the public service in over a decade.
“I have to let the public know, I ain’t no hater. I’ve been a minister but some things are a little too much. Let’s take care of the people at the bottom first. [Us] at the top? yes we should be getting something- give us $10,000– something that we can manage, we already make a lot of money.” Astwood advised during his speech.
The Opposition Leader maintained that the pay increases had gone overboard in the House of Assembly, especially in Cabinet.
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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