News

Nearly $2.2 Million More for Physical Planning & Infrastructure Development

Published

3 years ago

November 5, 2021

Minister Akierra Missick at Budget Supplementary

#TurksandCaicos, November 5, 2021 – “Mr. Speaker, members of this Honourable House, Strangers in the gallery, residents of the best constituency, ED5, Leeward and Long Bay, as well as those listening via Radio Turks and Caicos and live stream.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in full support of our Government’s 1st Supplementary Appropriation Bill for the FY (financial year) 2021/22, defined by our Deputy Premier and Minister for Finance as a “well-developed financial plan”.

This Supplementary Appropriation seeks to increase revenues from two hundred and seventy-four million (US$274M) to three hundred and sixty-three million (US$363M).

Mr. Speaker, as a result of the strong leadership and prudent financial management of team PNP over the past nine (9) months, our Government proposes to increase expenditure by roughly 1% that is right Mr. Speaker, 1% of the existing budget.

Further Mr. Speaker, some seven million, seven hundred thousand dollars ($7.7M) will be reallocated across Ministries and departments. I am pleased to advise the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development will benefit from additional funding in the amount of two million, one hundred and eighty-nine thousand, one hundred and thirteen dollars (US$2,189,113), Mr. Speaker. And this funding will support seven of our capital projects which need additional funding for completion.

Mr. Speaker, these projects and sums include:

Rehabilitation of the Salt Shed in Salt Cay – US$70,000
Reinstatement of Government Buildings in all islands- (Crown Lands Building) – US$125,000.00
Additional works to Green Door – Shelters and Emergency Operations Centers – US$10,556.00
Front Street Road Works – US$640,000.00 (for the upgrade of secondary/side access roads and making Front Street a Promenade, which includes reheating and stamping of asphalt)
NJS Francis Building – US$1,000,000.00 (This allows for further much needed upgrades to the building. Present scope only allowed general repairs. Upgrades include fire alarm and fire suppressant, air conditioning system, lights, faucets, fittings & fixtures).

NJS Francis is the People’s House Mr Speaker, it should look and feel as such.

Mechanical Workshop GDT – US$75,000.00
Installation of City Water Lines in Long Bay, Wheeland, and Blue Hills – US$200,000.00 (requested amount to cover full water piping to Highland Estate, Wheeland)

Mr. Speaker, once the supplementary is passed, my team are in standby mode to move these additions forward. As you would be aware, Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of PPID launched the COVID Works program on September 1, 2021 and some $8.3M was allocated in our recurrent budget to facilitate this program.

However, Mr. Speaker, with the reopening of the Cruise Industry imminent, $2M from the COVID Works will be redirected from those works to our Capital Projects under PWD to facilitate the construction of Grand Turk boaters and water-sports operators dock at South Base.

Mr Speaker, we also confirm that TCIG is now the owner of the Grand Turk Beach Vendors Market. This investment alone is a clear indication that this Government is investing in the Tourism product in the Capital. This site will provide a safe, clean, unique, exciting, and lively location for our Grand Turk vendors to establish their trade in the Islands.

This invest(ment) is in excess of $3M, including purchase and large-scale renovations and new construction on the site.

Mr. Speaker, as I prepare to take my seat, I want to reiterate my support for this supplementary and to thank the hardworking team at the Ministry of Finance and by extension the Budget Office for their continued hard work and dedication to duty.

Mr. Speaker, my team and I at PPID will continue to put the best interests of the people of this country at the forefront of every decision we make, as we work to provide the highest standard of service delivery across our departments and indeed these Beautiful by Nature, Turks and Caicos Islands. Mr. Speaker, may God continue to bless you and the Turks & Caicos Islands.”

News

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.