News
TCI: 100 days in, New TCHTA President adds 20 New TCHTA Members
#TurksandCaicos, July 29, 2021 – The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association has grown by 20 new members despite the ravages of the coronavirus pandemic on the travel and tourism industry.
New President, Trevor Musgrove recently issued a comprehensive 100 day report and it is clear that much work has been done including key meetings which should enhance turn-around time on travel entry through the TCI Travel Assured portal; the travel experience at the Providenciales International Airport and processing of work documents with the Employment Services Department.
“At the beginning of the term, we looked at our five-year strategic plan and benchmarked where we stood to help us outline our goals and plan for the way forward. I am proud to say that we were fully on target. This was a direct result of the hard work of Past President Todd Foss and the previous Board who managed to keep the work of the association progressing despite the country being in the throes of a pandemic,” said Trevor Musgrove in a July 15 report.
From the report: In its first 100 days, the TCHTA’s committees have realigned their missions with new Chairpersons and volunteers from the membership. Advocacy, Education, Marketing, Sustainable Tourism, Villa, Crime & Security, Water Sports, and Allied (non-accommodation) Membership are the banners under which the collective will work to fulfill its commitment to members and to Turks & Caicos islanders affected directly or indirectly by this critical industry.
Mr. Musgrove said Edwin Taylor, who is the TCI’s Commissioner of Labour has educated the TCHTA on the expected increase in manpower and portfolio changes within his department that will aid in quicker turnaround times and added process efficiency.
“Mr. Taylor welcomed feedback and suggestions from the group and shared that the department’s employment registration drive is ongoing. He thanked the HR group and TCHTA members for successfully placing the majority of the individuals who were once registered as unemployed within their properties and businesses.”
A $1.2 million canopy construction at the PLS is touted to help with brining greater comfort to travellers as they enter and exit the country’s main gateway. This is noted by the Association which met with the Minister of Immigration, now with oversight of the TCIs air and sea ports.
“As the country’s borders reopened and the COVID-19 vaccine became available, Turks & Caicos was fortunate to see a steady increase in arrivals to our shores which has now risen to pre-pandemic levels. This has brought with it incidences of overwhelm at our international port of entry which calls for immediate attention.
The TCHTA addressed this issue with the Minister of Immigration, pledging assistance with several ways its members could help offset the negative fallout from the overcrowding at the airport while the Ministry works towards its bigger plans to address the issue.”
The TCHTA’s Marketing committee has met with Pamela Ewing and her team several initiatives are on the calendar for the remainder of the year, and the TCHTA will be sharing those opportunities with members as they are fleshed out, he said.
The Hotel and Tourism association will revive its Destination Turks and Caicos magazine; after a hiatus last year due to the pandemic, the plan is to bring the publication back for 2022 as both a print and electronic 16th edition.
A third edition of the Who’s Who in Business TCI magazine is also approved within his first 100 days, said Musgrove.
There have also been meetings with the Deputy Governor, Premier, Minister of Health and Minister of Tourism.
“The TCHTA is a voice for the industry, but also for the people of these islands. I am committed to doing my best to lead this association and carry on the great work that has been started…” informed Trevor Musgrove.
The TCHTA’s 2021-2023 Board of Directors was elected to office in March of this year, with Mr. Trevor Musgrove of Discovery Tours & Adventures leading the body as President for the two-year term. The Board quickly re-established the association’s committees and set out to continue building on the work in progress and the fulfillment of the new President’s goal to provide enhanced support to small businesses connected to the hospitality industry in these islands.
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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