News
Ministry participates in the 27th Annual FCCA Cruise Conference
#TurksandCaicos, October 30, 2021 – The Minister for Tourism, Hon. Josephine Connolly led a five-member delegation from the Ministry of Tourism and Turks and Caicos Tourist Board at the 27th Annual FCCA Cruise Conference held October 18th to 22nd, Panama City, Panama. The team comprised of Mrs. Cherylann Jones, Permanent Secretary; Mr. Brian Been, Tourism Risk Manager and Chair of Cruise Steering Committee; Mr. John Hilton, member of the Board of the Directors of the Tourist Board along with Mrs. Candesha Mills, Product Development Officer.
The FCCA, the Caribbean’s largest not-for-profit cruise centered Organisation, comprising 22-member cruise lines operating nearly 200 vessels in Floridian, Caribbean and Latin American waters and established in 1972; the FCCA’s is a forum for discussion on tourism development, ports, safety, security and other cruise industry issues. Building cooperation with partner destinations and developing productive bilateral partnerships with every sector.
The FCCA conference is designed to foster a better understanding of the inner workings of the cruise industry and help attendees improve their cruise tourism business. It was the first time a Minister of Tourism from the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) attended.
The delegation participated in a number of workshop sessions, the Minister’s Forum and one on one meetings. The team was able to meet with various industry representatives including Mr. Arnold Donald of Carnival Cruise Lines, Mr. Russell Benford of the Royal Caribbean Group, Mr. Albino Supino Di Lorenzo, Vice President of cruise operations for MSC Cruises; and Ms. Kristel Kouly, Manager, Destination Experiences Silversea Expeditions to name a few. Focus was placed on Training, Marketing and Product development with emphasis on itinerary planning, hence dialogue with Ms. Crystal Morgan of Princess Cruises and Ms. Erika Tache, Director of Product Development at Carnival Cruise Lines.
Hon. Connolly noted her extreme pleasure in participating in this her first FCCA conference. Event organizers were pleased with the high-level representation from the TCI, especially given the COVID 19 environment; which resulted in the cancellation of the annual trade show component.
Minister Connolly noted that; “This conference happened at a most opportune time, as TCI gets ready to restart cruise tourism. The discussions and presentations will certainly add to our re-start agenda as we begin meeting with service providers and even finalizing a planned schedule of training activities for those in the industry. As we strengthen our product positioning, there will be an increased demand for authentic experiences. This was highlighted and our National Strategies have always addressed experiential tourism. Commitment was given for partnership especially in regards to training opportunities. It was a worthwhile exchange of best-case scenarios for industry success”.
The TCI is committed to developing product Grand Turk and ensuring that service providers benefit from opportunities available through Invest TCI and other areas. The Ministry of Health is a key partner as it begins to ready the industry with clarity on protocols to ensure the same high level of safety standards as we re-open.
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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