News

Address to the Nation

Published

7 years ago

December 23, 2016

Providenciales, TCI, December 23, 2016 – My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, it is a privilege and honor to have been voted into office by you, the people of this great country. I am humbled by the outpouring of support, love and good will offered to My Government by you the people of our beautiful by nature islands. Likewise, I am grateful to the many residents and visitors to our shores who have expressed their desire to work peacefully towards improving our country during my time in office. I am thankful to all of you.

However, none of this would be possible without the guidance, protection, mercy and grace of Almighty God who has forever kept our people and country in his hands. He has brought us through an election season safely with peace and order. I thank God for his blessings on you the people of our beloved country.

The transfer of power and authority is now complete. My party, the PDM, successfully won the General Elections by securing 10 out of 15 electoral seats on December 15th. Although the timing of Elections interrupted the normal Christmas preparations it is my hope that today, with the little time left before Christmas Day, that all of you would accept my heartiest best and warm wishes for you in this festive season. There is no doubt in this country that Christ is still the reason for the season. And I join with my fellow believers and celebrating his birth. But, just as Christmas brings renewed hope and the promise of salvation so too must a new Government offer hope for a better tomorrow for its people.

My aim this evening is to guide you through the immediate plans and decisions of My party and your Government.

My Deputy Premier, Hon. Sean Astwood and other ministers including Hon. Goldray Ewing, Hon. Delroy Williams, Hon. Josephine Connolly, Hon. Edwin Astwood, and Hon. Ralph Higgs were sworn into Office on December 20th and immediately they began the work of my Government. The Change Document, an essential guide to what my Government intends to accomplish in this term of office, has been delivered to every Government PS and heads of departments. We intend to fulfill our campaign promises to you the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Douglas Parnell will work out of my Office in Providenciales and Hon. Derek Taylor will work out of my Office in Grand Turk. The task of delivering change for this Government is monumental, so they both will work closely with me to help bring about these changes and have been given special assignments and will report to me.
Briefings were held by all Ministers on the state of Government affairs. I will be making a more complete statement on this in the New Year.
Ministers will split duties between the Nations Capital and Providenciales.
I can report that some immediate financial decisions will have to be taken to avoid a crisis at the NHIB. Our people’s health is our number one priority and we will spare nothing to ensure they are well cared for.
Swearing in of the House of Assembly will take place on December 29th at 10.00am.
Thanks Giving ceremonies around the Islands will continue to take place throughout the holidays and New Year.
Members of the our party should feel proud of the fact that the campaign you supported was embraced by a great majority of the people. Equally important however, is that supporters and members of the other parties should know that now is the time for unity in our country. The campaign is over and we must return to the awesome task of nation building. I encourage you to join with me as we prepare ourselves to enter this New Year with a new Government.

The process of electioneering is not easy. It is tough, believe me, I have been involved in a few. It is tough because many old wounds get reopened and political battle lines are drawn with numerous attacks by each side to try and win the hearts and minds of you the voting public. Those wounds need to heal now, and so we invite you, our opponents, into a period of bandaging up the proverbial battle scars so that the healing can begin. And what better time to heal than now, when we can forget about politics and focus on the One who is Greater than all- Jesus the Christ child.

The Nation is calling us, politicians and public servants to rise above bickering and bitterness and to escape the fray and provide a path to growth and opportunity, hope and joy and success. My party campaigned on these tenets and won the hearts and minds of the people as evidenced by the votes at the ballot box. And so, we respectfully ask all of you to allow my Government a period to set the course and put the ship of state in the right direction.

The people felt for too long that it had lost touch with the Government and our people cried out that enough was enough and that it was time for a change. That change is finally here. I wish to personally extend my warmest greetings to you all for Christmas best wishes for the New Year.

#MagneticMediaNews

News

Subject identified

Published

18 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.