News
The Run Down on Let’s Move TCI
By Sherrica Thompson
Staff Writer
Let’s Move TCI Campaign
The ‘Let’s Move TCI’ project was launched on November 25. This initiative is geared towards increasing residents’ engagement in sports and physical activity to promote healthy living and proper nutrition.
The programme will begin on January 22 and run for three months. Registration is now open, and there is a one-time fee of $20 to join. The Minister of Health said the minimum target for registration is 1000 participants.
Why it’s needed?
In giving her remarks at the launch last Thursday, Education Minister, Rachel Taylor outlined several reasons ‘Let’s Move TCI’ is needed.
“Having a healthy lifestyle means you are less prone to developing heart disease. Spending a few minutes per day relaxing and enjoying yourself is good for your mental health, which can improve your physical health,” said Taylor.
She added that: “Brief exposure to high anxiety levels can harm the brain and obstruct good cognitive functioning. As a part of a healthy way of life, it is important to manage stress successfully and effectively and being engaged in fitness activities can do just that. In the Turks and Caicos, we want less people to experience anxiety.”
The Education Minister also encouraged employees to participate in the campaign because it will increase better relationships in the workplace and boost employee confidence, productivity, health, wellness, and stamina.
A “Big Deal”
In his remarks, Minister of Health Jamell Robinson says the “Let’s Move TCI” initiative is a ‘big deal’ because it demonstrates what collaboration and partnership with multiple stakeholders can produce.
He noted that the programme will be financed by the Ministries of Health and Education, the Sports Commission, the National Health Insurance Board, and the registration fee.
Minister Robinson also said all duties will be waived on superfoods for the next twelve months, starting December 15. Superfoods are a list of foods that participants partaking in the programme are encouraged to include in their diets. Some of these foods include black beans, blueberries, broccoli, garlic, oatmeal, spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, almonds, avocados, and several others.
The Perfect Initiative
In her remarks, CEO of the National Health Insurance Board, Tamera Robinson, noted that the board has to spend a lot of money on healthcare expenses annually.
“In 2019, the National Health Insurance Board spent $59.7 million dollars on health care expenses,” said Robinson. “In 2020 $51.5 million and 2021 – 2022, we have budgeted $57.7million for healthcare expenses.”
Robinson said she is encouraging beneficiaries of the National Insurance Plan to take advantage of the annual physicals included in their packages at the start of the campaign.
She also said the initiative is a good way for the National Health Insurance Board to encourage preventative health care measures.
“Let’s Move TCI is the perfect initiative to kick us all into gear and not only to get into better shape but to educate us on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, fostering good health practices, good health-seeking practices and encouraging preventative health care measures is a good way for us here at the National Health Insurance Board,” said Robinson.
Let’s Do this
Director of the TCI Sports Commission, Jarrett Forbes, in his remarks, said the programme will include several activities throughout its duration. These activities include exercise videos, meal plan videos, meal preparation information/nutritional support, in-person group fitness instructor, health fitness talks and weekly challenges.
He also noted that participants will receive T-shirts, water bottles and a pedometer to track their steps.
Forbes said he is encouraging individuals, entities, and employers to register for the campaign.
The School Nutrition Physical Fitness Programme
A School Nutrition Physical Fitness Programme will also be implemented at two primary schools in Grand Turk to educate students and parents on the importance of including proper nutrition and physical fitness in their daily living.
The programme will run for three days per week after school. It will involve using creative art forms to communicate therapeutic messages to students about nutrition and physical fitness.
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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