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Ministry of Tourism hosts high-level meeting on Grand Turk Master Plan

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#TurksandCaicos, May 5, 2021 – The Cruise Steering Committee and the Ministry of Tourism under the patronage of the Hon. Charles W. Misick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) hosted a daylong high-level discussion on the Grand Turk Master Plan and the way forward, in particular as it relates to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG)/Carnival Infrastructure Fund. The master plan provides an adaptable blueprint to control, coordinate, and direct change on the island that comes from development and improvements to infrastructure. This plan integrates with the vision and planning initiatives improved lifestyle and preservation of the island’s cultural and natural heritage.

Premier Misick was joined by Hon. E. Jay Saunders, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health; Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism; Hon. Akiera Missick, Minister of Infrastructure; Hon. Otis Morris, Minister of Home Affairs; and the Hon. Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration. Other attendees included members of the House of Assembly headed by the Hon. Speaker, Hon. Gordon, Permanent Secretaries and support team along with the Cruise Steering Committee with others joining virtually.  Issues pertinent to the holistic enhancement of Grand Turk were discussed and not limited to cruise tourism.

Sessions were facilitated by Permanent Secretary, Cheryl Ann Jones and Tourism Risk Manager, Mr. Brian Been of the Ministry of Tourism alongside Infrastructure Officer, Mr. Bradley Coalbrooke.  Partners such as the Grand Turk Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Services Providers and others discussed the prioritization of high impact projects for Grand Turk and TCIG’s commitment to providing a unique and high-quality environment on Grand Turk.

Mrs. Cheryl Ann Jones, stated; “this session is evident of the Ministry of Tourism’s commitment, ensuring an integrated approach is taken with clear goals and objectives that are measurable. She further commented, ‘that the plan is a live document, we will all benefit from in the long-term but must ensure planning and policy is reflective of sustainability; whilst being proactive.”

In solidifying the partnership, the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Josephine Connelly stated her ministry’s commitment to the initiative and thanked all participants for their support since the start of the programme in 2016.  She expressed gratitude to organizers for guidance in hosting the session and said this project will surely benefit the TCI in general and Grand Turk in particular from a development standpoint.

Premier Misick stated that God has been good to us.  And we must use the opportunity to leverage development especially as it relates to the rich, architectural history of the country and align it with the good ratings the country receives.  He stressed that there is a need to focus on product development. With corridors in now economically depressed communities holding immense historical wealth such as Middle Street there is a huge opportunity to convert this into potentially millions of dollars in sustainable livelihoods, thus creating a paradigm shift. 

These areas are posed to be great tourism clusters, with buildings such as the Old Constabulary being converted in art houses and museums.  Sustainability will monetize these areas but a collective decision-making approach is needed to accomplish such.  The focus is to preserve what we have and enhance it through incentives, whilst having a community tourism approach where everybody benefits.

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InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group 

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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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Crime

Male Charged with Robbery

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#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.

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Crime

Dock Yard Male Charged  

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#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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