TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS POST CABINET STATEMENT – August 18 Meeting

Published

3 years ago

August 27, 2021

#TurksandCaicos, August 27, 2021 – His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 23rd meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday 18 August 2021 at the Office of the Premier on Providenciales.

All members were present. Mrs Khalila Astwood-Tatem was also present as Acting Attorney General.

At this meeting Cabinet:

Approved the list of vaccines accepted for entry into the Turks & Caicos islands as:

– Moderna

– Oxford /Astra Zeneca

– Pfizer / BioNtech

– Janssen

– Comirnaty (Pfizer)

– Spikevax (previously COVID-19 Moderna)

– Vaxzevria (previously COVID-19 Astra Zeneca)

Approved the acceptable forms of vaccine certification as:

– E-certificates

– Certification by a doctor or government ministry (i.e., a medical professional or authorised government entity)

– Vaccination cards that are accepted by the UK, US, EU (i.e., CDC, NHS)

Approved the extension of the Cuban Brigade for a further 6 months commencing immediately which will provide support to meet the demands of the current COVID-19 surge.

Approved the draft Limitation of Action Bill, and the Bill’s submission to the House of Assembly.

Approved the Airports Authority (Amendment) Bill 2021 for submission to the House of Assembly.

Accepted the resignations of Mr. Andre Malcolm, Chairman and Ms. Adriana Gibson, Deputy Chairman, of the TCI Airports Authority Board, and

– The appointments of the new Chairman Mr. Selvyn Hawkins, and Deputy Chairman Mr. Dwayne Gardiner, and

– The further appointment as ordinary member of Board, Mr. Trevor Lightbourne with effect from 1 September 2021.

Approved the extension to Customs (Import Duty Exemption) Order 2021 for exemptions of payment of Import Customs Duties on Personal Protective Equipment and Cleaning & Sanitation Supplies from 3 August 2021 to 3 January 2022.

Approved the National Insurance Board amendments listed below which will come into effect on 20 August 2021:

– National Insurance (Benefit) (Amendments) (No2) Regulations 2021

– National Insurance (Contribution) (Amendments) (No3) Regulations

– National Insurance (Financial & Accounting) (Amendments) (No2) Regulations

– National Insurance (Claims & Payment) (Amendments) (No2) Regulations 2021

– National Insurance (Benefit) (Increase) 2021

Approved amendments to the Ports Authority Ordinance to transfer from the Crown to the Ports Authority Turks and Caicos Islands (PATCI) the following parcels:

– Grand Turk – Parcels 10506/41, 47 & 114pt

– North Caicos – Parcel 50303/1

– Providenciales – Lot 1: Parcels 60612/1 and 60605/32, 33, 39, 47, 48, 118 and 179pt; Lot 2: Parcel 60605/12,97 & 98 pt.

– South Caicos – Accreted Land plus Parcel 20307/3

And approved licenses over parcels:

– North Caicos – Parcel 50303/1

– Providenciales – Lot 1: Parcels 60612/1 and 60605/32, 33, 39, 47, 48, 118 and 179pt; Lot 2: Parcel 60605/12,97 & 98 pt.

Approved an amendment to the Caicos Resorts Ltd 2019 Concession Order to allow a timeline extension request from them for completion of their refurbishment project. The project is now expected to be completed by 21 October 2023. Cabinet also approved the inclusion to the project of an additional villa (Villa No.14) to allow Customs Import Duty concessions to be applied under the revised refurbishment policy. Cabinet also approved an increase to the concession ceiling for the Financial Year 2021 – 2022.

Discussed the Citizen Stimulus Programme in light of the impending deadline of 31st August 2021 for all checks to be collected.

Any Other Business:

Cabinet was briefed on the deployment of Dr Virginia Clerveaux (DDME) to support Haiti following the earthquake and agreed in principle to financial support, via International Organisations, for Haitian disaster relief. The Ministry of Finance were asked to make recommendations.

Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.

InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group

Published

4 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

5 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.

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.

Crime

Dock Yard Male Charged

Published

5 days ago

May 13, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

#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 05^th, 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 02^nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.