News
Snubbed? No OTs make the Royal’s Caribbean Tour
By Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
#TurksandCaicos, March 29, 2022 – Turks and Caicos Islanders who cared to have them as guests were not pleased having to watch the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge jaunt over and around their islands in a Caribbean Tour which excluded all of the British overseas territories.
The Turks and Caicos Islands has not had a Royal Visit for 22 years, according to the catalogue of the Turks and Caicos National Museum and some residents have taken note.
“It’s disgraceful, they’re always in Bermuda, always in Jamaica, always in Trinidad and Tobago, always in The Bahamas and always in Cayman Islands and Bermuda; never Turks and Caicos? You fly over Turks and Caicos to leave Jamaica to go to The Bahamas. You fly over Turks and Caicos from the UK, heading to Jamaica and you can’t stop into Turks and Caicos, really?”
The businessman speaking to us in a WhatsApp message was not the only one. It seemed to have been trending on social media, this thought that the Turks and Caicos was again being overlooked; snubbed by its own Royal Family.
“TCI and Cayman are still British territories and they’re not on the list? Does anyone see the irony in this,” penned another anonymously.
The Caribbean Tour of Prince William and Princess Kate included a first stop in Belize, where some plans had to be shelved due to robust protests against the visit of the couple.
The next country in the three-nation tour was Jamaica where the Prince was compelled to respond to protestors who demanded an apology for the side effects of slavery and colonialism and demanded reparations.
The finale was a three-island visit to The Bahamas, where hurricane-torn Abaco and Grand Bahama historically received the Duke and Duchess, designing for them a string of activities which were both somber and sweet.
Widely shared images of the duo dancing with villagers and crafting chocolate in Belize or their military, cultural and glamourous mingling with the people of Jamaica and the regatta sailing, school visit, junkanoo parade, coral reef lesson and conch salad tasting in The Bahamas were like a slap in the face.
“In all the hype, Turks and Caicos is a British Overseas Territory and we are citizens and BOTCs and these (word redacted) wouldn’t even bat an eyelash to say let me see what’s happening. But they can go to Jamaica, Bahamas, these are Commonwealth members, but we are still under the monarchy, whether we like it or not and I call this a real disdain for and a real disrespect and sorely inconsiderate by the Royals in general,” said another entrepreneur,
who works in the hospitality industry.
The last official Royal visit, according to the National Museum, was in 2000 when Prince Andrew, Duke of York who came in and spent three days. He visited Grand Turk and flew into Provo where he spent time at Clement Howell High school, the Cheshire Hall Plantation and Beaches Resort.
However, it is the late Prince Phillip Duke of Edinburgh, who died at the age of 99-years old on April 9, 2021 has visited Turks and Caicos most of any Royal.
Four times, beginning in 1966; his last trip logged as March 20, 1993.
“I was here when Prince Phillip came. God rest his soul, a jovial man. The children came out to see him, he stopped, walked and talked… he even spoke to me as a chaperone, though he did not have any children with him…
I mean BVI there, Cayman there, Bermuda there, Anguilla there and us (Turks and Caicos) and we don’t even get mentioned in their travels? I don’t understand it.
They travelled around us, over us, between us like we don’t even exist.”
The Caribbean Tour of the Duke and Duchess is completed now. It was designed to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and yes it did not include Bermuda, Cayman, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Montserrat or the Turks and Caicos Islands; all Caribbean located British territories.
There remained no explanation as to why the six Caribbean territories were left off the list, though some journalists have surmised the whirlwind visit was to reaffirm the monarchy amongst nations which may want to take the path of Barbados and remove the Queen as Head of State.
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness, certainly stated clearly that Jamaica is ready to ‘move on’.
The TCI is however, not in that class having opted to remain a British territory with some strides toward greater self-determination.
The Turks and Caicos Islands would have certainly been on brilliant display, with a lot to show and much to tell. It is home to Grace Bay Beach, the World’s #1; In the past decade Providenciales has climbed to the travel ranking of World’s #1 Island and the country’s brushes with destructive hurricanes which were fueled by climate change, not to mention UK funded environmental and ecological projects which are working to preserve endemic habitats and species, are all ideal reasons to “come see about us.”
In a 2019 Town&Country article: ‘Here’s what it really takes to plan a Royal Tour’ it was explained: “Royal tours can take up to a year to plan, and are either instigated by the U.K. government, or by an invitation from the host country. The itinerary is put together based on whatever matters of national importance the host government would like to draw attention to, while also incorporating some of the visiting royal’s personal interests.”
SERVICE WITH PRIDE AND INTEGRITY
***MEDIA RELEASE***
May 18th, 2024.
Following a police shooting incident on May 14th, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is now able to name the deceased male subject, with the permission of the family.
The Serious Crime Unit contacted the relatives of the deceased, and formal identification has taken place, with the subject being identified as 14-year-old Antorens Dorcely, also known locally as ‘Toto’. 
During this challenging time, the RTCIPF also expressed its deepest condolences to the deceased’s family, and the force will continue to offer support through our Family Liaison Officer.
In light of this incident, the RTCIPF is urging the public to show respect and sensitivity towards the grieving family by refraining from sharing any footage of the deceased on social media.
Sharing such material can cause additional distress and harm. We emphasize the importance of empathy and respect for the family’s privacy as they navigate their grief. The death of any young person is a loss to the TCI.
The RTCIPF is committed and dedicated to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that all aspects of the incident are carefully examined and the findings are communicated transparently to the public.
A request has been made to an external police force to conduct a review of the incident. This is a routine procedure and intended to ensure an independent and objective review of the facts. The community’s cooperation and respect during this time are essential. The RTCIPF assures the public that we remain dedicated to upholding justice and accountability.
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.
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