News
Premier and Deputy Premier discussed high-priority issues with UK Government at Joint Ministerial Council Forum in London
#London, UK, November 27, 2021 – UK Ministers, Overseas Territory (OT) elected leaders and designated representatives gathered in London, United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 November for the first in-person Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) since 2018. The Turks and Caicos Islands delegation was led by the Premier Honourable Charles Washington Misick and consisted of the Deputy Premier Honourable Erwin Jay Saunders along with Tracy Knight, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government representative in London.
Delegates attended a total of eight sessions over the course of the two-day plenary on matters relating to the environment and oceans, the International Maritime Organisation (III) Code Audit, the UK-OT relationship, economic resilience, security and law enforcement, health and inclusivity.
The UK set out its commitments to the Overseas Territories in the paper Global Britain in a Competitive Age: the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy which articulated the collaboration with the Overseas Territories to address a variety of challenges including climate change, investment in physical infrastructure and marine protection.
The UK and the Overseas Territories agreed a joint communiqué which outlined and affirmed collaborative commitments to improve co-ordination across UK Government departments and conduct regular dialogue on relevant policy issues.
Noting that the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters and other external elements, pose a serious threat to the small and fragile economies of Territories, the UK Government reiterated continued partnership to strengthen health services in Territories through existing and new links with the UK; and the exploration of methods to diversify Territory economies and bolster resilience and investment; and assured that the interests and needs of the Overseas Territories will be considered when creating policies and programmes that will promote sustainable economic development.
The UK Government also shared information on the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) which supports and delivers activity including the Justice Programme and Border Security Programme in the Territories to provide funding and other assistance; and to fortify and modernise law enforcement capabilities in crime-fighting and border protection.
To enhance the safety and security of citizens, law enforcement capabilities and increase capacity in the Territories, the UK Government and the Overseas Territories agreed to share information and best practices and take a multiagency strategic approach across Governments to mitigate crime.
It was also agreed that the UK would consider new maritime technologies that might assist the Overseas Territories in the management of issues involving energy and waste.
On Thursday, 18 November the Premier and Deputy Premier held bilateral talks with the Right Honourable Amanda Millings, Minister with responsibility for the Overseas Territories in the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on a range of issues pertinent to the TCI.
The Premier, remarking on the conclusion of the Council Conference stated, “The Turks and Caicos Islands continues to perform favourably overall, in comparison to our competitors in the region; however, there is much to benefit from and improve upon through close collaboration with the British Overseas Territories (BOTs). There seems to be a genuine interest by Minister Amanda Milling, OT Minister in the FCDO, to listen and use UK ministries and departments to assist the OTs to modernize systems and improve efficiency.
In our bilateral meetings with Minister Milling, all the representations made by TCIG were agreeably received and working groups will be established to follow through. These include: the process to escalate the delivery of the Providenciales International Airport Redevelopment; the resolution to TCI’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) with its neighbours; the establishment of border control, maritime surveillance and policing; de-risking of certain TCI economic sectors; the introduction of biennial budgeting; and the delivery of e-governance”.
At a special event at during the JMC, delegates and students from the Overseas Territories, including Mr. Keanu Been of TCI, had the opportunity to meet and hear from His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge on the need to tackle climate change.
While in London, the Premier and Deputy Premier also met with the Turks and Caicos Islands All Party Parliamentary Group, Chaired by Alicia Kearns MP. The TCI All Party Parliamentary Group consists of Members of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords with an interest in the Islands. The group champions the Islands in Parliament, raising issues of concern and holding HMG to account when required.
The JMC is the highest forum for political dialogue and consultation between the UK and elected leaders and representatives of the Overseas Territories. The aim of the annual conference is to promote cooperation in areas of mutual interest and provide a setting for the exchange of views on political and constitutional issues between the governments of the Overseas Territories and the UK Government.
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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