News
“To Serve and Protect”
#TurksandCaicos, December 15, 2021 – Law enforcement departments across the globe have coined this phrase “To serve and protect”. I find this title very fitting, especially for some of the challenges our local law enforcement agencies in the Turks and Caicos Islands have been faced with over the years while carrying out their duties.
This fundamental principle should apply indiscriminately across the board be it on land or at sea. This should involve our government and chief law enforcement department heads, prioritizing what’s best suited for each Island or community in terms of manpower and resources.
With that being said, it has been over four years now since a designated marine vessel has been stationed in Grand
Turk. Promises have been made by the previous government to provide a vessel, but have yet to come to fruition.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of working closely with the marine branch in Grand Turk on emergency matters, and I truly appreciated their dedication and commitment to serve and protect. Unfortunately, it has been a few years now since the Grand Turk branch closed their doors; due to their facility being damaged and or lack of proper resources.
Therefore, technically the Grand Turk marine branch no longer exists, which is no fault of their own.
With that being said, it leaves our borders wide open to illegal immigration, poachers scavenging our marine livelihood and limited search and rescue operations for local fishermen and boat operators. With the only active branch being in Provo, logistically, it will be a long shot for vessels in distress needing rescue or police interception of any illegal activities in the waters near Grand Turk or Salt Cay. With illegal migration being at the top of the threats for national security, it is of grave concern and is certainly not in our best interest.
Also, what message does this send to the concerned residents of Grand Turk and Salt Cay?
Do our lives matter, be it on land or at sea?
We certainly understand the financial challenges our country has been faced with, dealing with this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. As a matter of fact, I applaud the Governor, the current and previous administrations for their leadership and decisive action as it relates to controlling this deadly virus and stabilizing the economy.
Nevertheless, the matter in question was a pre-pandemic concern. It has come to a point where a decisive decision must be made in terms of prioritizing what’s in the best interest of the country, when it comes to protecting lives and livelihood.
Ensuring internal and external security and protecting citizens from impending threats or identified vulnerabilities, are some of the core responsibilities of any government. This includes following through on critical issues impacting the livelihood and safety of its citizens and visitors alike.
In addition, we are trifling with a very delicate product “Tourism”. Therefore, why aren’t we doing everything within our power to serve and protect our interest?
With that being said, how long will our request for a permanently stationed police marine vessel in Grand Turk continue to land on deaf ears?
How many more illegal vessels have to make landing in Grand Turk and Salt Cay? Or better yet, how many more vessels have to capsize or near drowning incidents have to occur before something is done?
This is totally unacceptable for the nation’s capital. We are not living in a third world country and as a civilized society we are better than that.
Fisheries and marine resource management (FAMRM) in Grand Turk are also in a similar position. The departments do not have a proper vessel to operate on high seas. Not having these resources at their disposal, limits their ability to serve and protect our vital coral reefs and enforce regulations.
With the return of cruise ships to Grand Turk, is there a plan in place as it relates to this crucial matter? If so, please share with the public. Having thousands of cruise passengers embarking upon our shores, additional vessels and motor crafts operating in waters, such matters should not be taken lightly. This is a long term problem that requires both a short and long-term solution and commitment.
Below are a few suggestions that could be considered.
- Provide the departments in question with the needed resources to do their jobs. This will enable them to properly execute their responsibilities and protect the people they serve.
- Temporarily outsource or lease a local vessel for Grand Turk, if the government is not in position to purchase one due to other austerity measures.
- Allocate funds for the purchase of a jet ski for FAMRM which can be used to help police the swim zones and protect reefs.
- Carnival cruise lines have a vested interest. Why not make it a joint effort.
As a small developing country, while we would gladly embrace a feasibility study for the formation of a Coast Guard unit, we need action now.
The old adage of “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, is what’s at stake here. This can be done by making sure the necessary precautions are in place to prevent a crisis before it occurs, as opposed to damage control.
Ed Forbes
Concerned citizen of Grand Turk
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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