TCI News
PDM Administration, the “NO REPLY” Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands
#EDITORIAL – September 6, 2020 – One of the most common accusations levelled against the PDM Administration Government, amidst the coronavirus pandemic is: “I’m getting no reply.”
Magnetic Media is in receipt of emails, text notes, WhatsApp messages, phone calls and Facebook messages on a daily basis which accuse the Turks and Caicos Islands Government – from Premier to Ministers to Chief Medical Officer – of not responding to urgent questions and serious dilemmas communicated in the midst of the string of crises brought on by COVID-19.
Tourists are cancelling vacations.
Terminated work permit holders cannot leave the country.
Residents question the safety going home after possible coronavirus exposure at work, for fear of possibly contaminating high-risk loved ones.
And employers cannot execute any screening of staff, even if they wanted to.
The reason: Despite at least two facilities attempting to offer the service, Government has yet to approve a community-based COVID-19 testing facility in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Incomprehensively, government is also denying travel-oriented tests to residents, terminated workers who need to return to their countries of origin and tourists, yes tourists who also need to have a negative PCR test in order to re-enter their home countries.
Each case is of low priority, according to the testing protocols issued by the TCI Ministry of Health.
Government is on record often, restating that there is ‘wide consultation.’ However, many professionals and industries are dumbfounded at being side-lined in the face of this multi-pronged problem.
Travel and Tourism, globally is on life support. Just this week, American Airlines announced 40,000 jobs would be impacted by terminations and layoffs.
The World Travel & Tourism Council has surmised that the Turks and Caicos has taken a near $100 million dollar hit in tourism earnings in the first quarter of 2020 and this week, the Immigration Minister revealed over 3,825 people are laid off amidst the pandemic.
This impact was forecast since April in a Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association commissioned KPMG report. The findings were immediately presented to the PDM Government.
Again, to this report reaction by Government was labelled ‘slow’ and a major opportunity for a unique financing plan for the private sector and tourism as the leading industry, may have been missed.
Government’s grand design for stimulus payments is now stalled. A cash-strapped public purse is feeling the effects of the crippled local economy, though there have been some recent payouts to more businesses.
No robust tourism equates to significantly reduced income, which leaves government with little to no revenue to collect.
Relations are tense. The Governor is audible, but only in whispers.
Those writing to Magnetic Media explain that the Governor is responsive but has expressed that he would prefer to allow the local government to lead.
But where is the leadership? Or at least the ‘caring leadership’ the people had been promised?
Among the words penned to our media company are: Chaotic; Uncaring; Defensive; Lacking Empathy; Arrogant and Out of their Depth.
Too often, it is our experience as a media company, that elected government leaders have retreated from the front lines; seemingly hushed and inexplicably quiet.
We have had reports that…
Questions related to Finance, Administration & Business – no reply.
Questions related to Tourism – no reply.
Questions related to Education – no reply.
Questions related to Health – no reply.
Four years ago this was not the case. As with all opposition parties when they want ‘power’, the PDM could not stop talking. Now, with there being a dire need for a calm, steady, consistent, responsive voice… there is silence.
Who will make sure this testing center – which has already resubmitted in order to be approved in the latest standards request – is activated?
The people need this service and the people also want to know what government is specifically doing to expedite the process of giving proper approval.
Yet, to the questions and pressure and down right pleas for assistance or intervention, there is no reply.
It is a sad and frustrating refrain for this PDM Administration.
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.
-
Health1 week agoAstraZeneca withdraws COVID vaccines after millions took their jabs
-
Caribbean News5 days agoBelize, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis
-
TCI News4 days agoEquity in Energy says Bahamas Energy & Transport Minister in legislative roll out
-
TCI News4 days agoFamily of 16 tourist claims negligence in Grand Turk jet ski death; Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
Caribbean News5 days agoMagnetic Media attends Caribbean Media Summit, in focus AI in Journalism
-
world news6 days agoElectricity Access for 600 Million a goal of UN Sustainability Week
-
TCI News3 days agoAMERICAN MOTHER AND DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY ARRESTED FOR TWO BULLETS
-
Bahamas News4 days agoThe Bahamas Successfully Hosts Its Fourth World Athletics Relays