News
TCI: Ritz Carlton mostly sold, mostly staffed with Turks & Caicos Islanders
#TurksandCaicos, April 21, 2021 – Of the sixty residences at Ritz Carlton Grace Bay, nearly all are sold and of the 300 staff to be hired for the July opening of the country’s newest hotel, three quarters are Turks and Caicos Islanders.
Sixteen-year realtor, Carolina Malcolm, who is a senior Executive Sales Agent with Regency Christies is ecstatic about the interest in the Ritz Carlton. Malcolm, on Monday, explained only six units remain unsold at this stage, making the high rise resort in Providenciales a very hot ticket.
Turks and Caicos Labour Commissioner, Edwin Taylor had an equally healthy report about the ratio of locals to expatriate workers.
“I would say three quarters of the people who have been offered a job at the Ritz Carlton are Turks and Caicos Islanders. At the Open Day and Job Fair, which we hosted jointly with the hotel, we had 384 people turn out to apply and interview for jobs. At least 45 individuals made a lasting impression, some of them for senior positions; these candidates will be offered a place at the Ritz,” explained Taylor.
Striking what is perceived as a fair balance on the employment scene is often a pressure point for indigenous residents, who argue they are overlooked for the best jobs or are not allowed a foot in the door.
Both the Ritz Carlton and the Department of Labour have gone to great lengths to upend that narrative, with positive results said Mr. Taylor who adds salaries are also very competitive.
“The Ritz Carlton is offering starting salaries above minimum wage, at least two dollars over others in the market. It gives the hotel an edge and helps them to fill their staff quotas quickly.”
Danitra Clare, Human Resources Director with the Ritz Carlton, said the recruitment needs continue to grow with the exceptionally strong sales of the residences and strong bookings for July, which is when the country’s newest, tallest resort opens.
“We are looking at approximately 150 plus, local islanders who would have been offered positions within the Turks and Caicos so far and today, with this turn out, I pretty sure this is going to help us finalise our numbers,” said Clare during the staging of the Open Day held on April 14 at the Gus Lightbourne Gym, in down town Providenciales.
“We are specifically looking for persons in the Turks and Caicos and that is why we do these job fairs. To give persons that live here the opportunity to take on the role within hospitality.”
Steering those interviewees at the one day Job Fair was the energetic general manager, John Hazard who agreed that bookings are going well, dropping that the July 4 weekend will be sizzling at the RitzCarlton.
“Grace Bay Beach is one of the best beaches in the world and that address alone generates a level of buzz that we have already seen. Our forward reservations are already very strong and really encouraging. We continue to see that (throughout). There is just an incredible buzz around the hotel, the brand coming to the island and Grace Bay beach,” shared Mr. Hazard.
On the sales side, Regency Christie’s, as the exclusive brokers for the Ritz Carlton is pleased with movement of residences at Tower B. Tower B is home to 24 luxury two and three bedrooms suites.
In an idea of what buyers are prepared to pay to have a sky high home on #1 Grace Bay Beach, Malcolm shared that residences at RitzCarlton start just over $1.9 million USD; and if one scales up to the ninth floor, a home at the Ritz can cost just over $2 million USD for an ocean view suite.
On the hotel side, reservations are being accepted from July 2nd and currently the hotel is over 50 per cent booked. Carolina Malcolm is also encouraging those interested in a Ritz Carlton holiday in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos to visit the Marriott’s website to book your stay.
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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