News
Special Needs gets a Special Boost; 75% More Money
#TurksandCaicos, November 5, 2021 – Nearly doubling the previously earmarked $200k for Special Needs is expected to bring a radical boost to the sector which has struggled to provide vital services, support and a broader-based education to Special Needs people in the country. Special Needs spending will hit $350k for the 2021-2022 financial year.
A string of private sector led donations and firm chastisement by members of the Public have fast-tracked more adequate and immediate support for Special Needs people and families in the country. The government, recognizing the weariness of residents who are year after year disappointed by unfulfilled commitments to this sect of society went back to the drawing board and carved out an extra $150,000; it was announced as part of the Budget Supplementary presented in the House of Assembly at the close of October.
Both Ministers of Health under the nine-month-old Progressive National Party Administration (Hon E. Jay Saunders, now the Minister of Finance and Hon Jamell Robinson, new Minister of Health), joined by its Education Minister (Hon Rachel Taylor) have been vocal about the weakness of the special needs infrastructure in Turks and Caicos; all had vowed to fix it.
“The Treatment and Care Line Item within the Special Needs Unit Budget was originally $200K. It increased by $150K to a new total of $350K for this budget year. Future projects will see that line item increased to $500K annually. The overall Special Needs Unit budget this year is over $2 Million dollars,” informed Jamell Robinson, Minister of Health & Human Services for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The allocation is commended, and with an annual commitment of half a million dollars, it seems Special Needs in the Turks and Caicos is nearing the end of the must for parents to send their children out of the country for specialized treatment or for them to uproot their entire families to other countries in order to access the specialists their special needs children require.
Angela Williams, is the founder and administrator at Ashley’s Learning Center in Provienciales, Turks and Caicos. Ms. Williams explained to us that her school welcomes the support earmarked to come from a Budget
Supplementary, which was on Tuesday (November 2) passed in parliament.
“First and foremost, this will lead to stability in staff and human resources. This will support parents in this difficult time,” said Williams, grateful at the news of an increase.
Ashley’s Learning Center recently benefited from a donation of a computer lab courtesy of Rubis and a retrofitted playground, courtesy of Graceway Supermarkets and Hon Sammy Been, Member of Parliament for the district where the school is located.
The increase to the Ministry of Health, now puts money where the mouth is when it comes to support to Special Needs children. The supplementary begins to level the playing field when it comes to the quality of education afforded to all children in the Turks and Caicos receive.
Jameka Williams, the Government’s appointed member to the House of Assembly in her contribution said that she is happy the government is listening to the cries of the people with a $150,000 allocation to assist with overseas care for children with acute disabilities and it will assist with bringing in specialists, she said.
Ashley’s Learning Center founder agrees, saying the financial resources will ensure there are timely visits by a behavioral therapist, speech and language therapist and it will help in developing other programs.
On Monday November 8, Rachel Taylor, the Minister of Education will make a significant announcement about Special Needs, including that November has been officially declared its focus month. Turks and Caicos will also witness the return of Jas Walkin, author and a Special Needs individual as Special Needs Director at the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Education.
Meanwhile at Ashley’s Learning Centre, Angela Williams informs that support of her Centre means support for 33 children and counting. Her students range in age from five to 20-years-old and are keen on learning despite diagnoses of down syndrome, cerebral palsy, ADHD, being visually impaired and having learning disorders.
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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