TCI News
Sidewalks for Millennium Highway announced by Wheeland MP
Dana Malcolm
Staff writer
Two long awaited projects are ongoing in Providenciales; cooldown activities for the Provo Dump and sidewalks for Millennium Highway are finally being installed. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, made the announcements sharing photos of the ongoing progress.
Regarding the dump Knowles said: “Based on the information received from the Caribbean Development Bank Consultant (CDB), the exercise, while challenging, has made progress. This is due to adequate heavy machinery operations and a continuous water supply, which combined helps in the suppression and mitigation of the hotspots, which have been a nuisance to the neighboring communities.”
Days before that he updated residents on sidewalks for the highway.
“A part of maintaining and enhancing a community includes having basic infrastructure. I’m happy to announce that construction of the sidewalks in the Millennium Heights (Phase 2) area has commenced. Works are beginning from the Grants gas station,” he revealed.
The sidewalks project is particularly helpful for residents. It comes after years of walking directly alongside cars and trucks on the winding roadway which connects Wheeland to other major communities.
Millennium Highway has gone through several upgrades over the years, from resurfacing to proposed widening but no administration had tackled the lack of safe pedestrian spaces that separate them from drivers.
With a significant number of businesses and civil organizations and schools spread across the length of the highway or branching directly off the main road, pedestrians use it on a regular basis. The residents that commented on the work were jubilant sharing responses including:
“Way to go Min. Knowles” and “Awesome!!”
Not only is the sidewalk project expected to elevate pedestrian safety by providing people with a safe path, it could also inspire more residents to get out.
In an AARP livability study they said “ As public spaces, sidewalks are the front steps to a community, activating streets both socially and economically,” AARP says people who live in an area with sidewalks are almost 50 percent more likely move their body for almost 40 minutes on a daily basis.
The presence of sidewalks can also allow for walking and cycling to school and work which could have been a danger previously. Another benefit? It hikes up retail value for properties according to AARP.
A similar statement comes from the National Association of City Transportation Officials, in their urban street design guide where sidewalks are described as ‘fundamental and necessary investment for cities, that have been found to enhance general public health.’
The cooldown project is expected to contribute to public health as well, removing the smoke nuisance which has plagued residents for years caused by constant fires at the landfill.
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.
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