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Minister of Aviation Clears the Air on the Recent Firefighters’ Industrial Action

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#TurksandCaicos, June 24, 2022 – On Saturday June 18, 2022, flight services and airport operations were suspended across the Turks and Caicos Islands for a period during the early hours, when Firefighters of the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) decided to take industrial action, in response to a recent pay raise that was awarded by the Cabinet and the TCIAA Board of Directors.

In receiving notice of the industrial action underway, the Authority and the Government met together with the Firefighters where issues were discussed, understanding of parties had, and resolutions agreed.

While there were some cancellations on Saturday, it should be noted that not all were as a result of the interruption in operations, which ended at 10:00 am that same morning, due to the swift action of the Government and the Authority.

The Minister with responsibility for Aviation and the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority within the Misick-led Progressive National Party (PNP) Government, the Honourable Arlington A. Musgrove, MHA, commenting on the matter stated the following:

“I would first like to thank the Firefighters for the work that they do in service to this country and also the Airports Authority for their efforts to resolve the long standing, and legacy, issues that have been neglected over the years.

The events of Saturday were unfortunate, but I am satisfied that the Government and the Authority have made, and continue to make, strides in the right direction to correct the discrepancies in the pay structure of the Authority which have existed for years.

This first of a two-phased approach to addressing pay and grade, saw every single fire fighter receiving a 15% increase in salary, while the whole of Government saw only 4% and 2% of which will be paid to NIB. The Cabinet also approved a 6% award for the TCIAA to affect the pension scheme for its employees, including the Firefighters.

Now, while this is not the final goal, the next step is to ensure that there is a proper salary grade structure for the entire body, which will give effect to further pay reviews, and while these things take time, the TCIAA and the Government remain committed to seeing this through.

In fact, the record will show that we, the PNP, are the only Government committed to seeing it through.

There is a lot of noise in the market currently, including that of the opposition, the PDM, but let me remind them of the record that successive PNP Governments stand on.

It is a matter of fact that the Firefighters have had two salary increases over the years, the first being 15% in July 2015, paid retroactively from April 2015, to all of the TCIAA staff including the Firefighters, under the Rufus Ewing-led PNP Government, and the second being a 15% in June 2022, paid retroactively from 1st April 2022, under this current Misick-led PNP Government.

I can also share the record of the TCIAA’s industrial action: In March 2012, under the Interim Administration there was a Firefighters strike; in March 2018 under the PDM there was a Firefighters strike; in August 2019 under the PDM there was another Firefighters strike; and in October 2019 under the PDM there was an Air Traffic Controllers strike.

During the period of the PDM Government four budgets and countless supplementary budgets were passed and not one of them sought to correct the salary concerns of the Firefighters, nor that of any other staff at the TCIAA – not one!

So, the PDM opposition should be the last to be calling out this Government for anything in relation to the improvement of the lives of the people of these islands, because what is abundantly clear, is that it is only under a PNP Government that the people are heard and get the results that they can see!”

Following the restoration of normal operations at the airports, the Authority and the Government together met with the Security Services of the TCIAA to address any concerns that they had about their recent pay increase and to demonstrate their commitment to addressing the pay discrepancies across the entire organization.

On the meeting with the Security Services, Minister Musgrove commented, “That was a very proactive approach taken by the Authority, to ensure that there is clear communication and understanding of the measures being taken by the TCIAA and the Government to improve the pay packages of the staff.

This work is ongoing and will not be achieved in one go, but it is important that staff know that we are working on their behalf and that they feel they can talk to us.

I take this opportunity to sincerely recognize the work of the interim CEO Mr. Godfrey Smith and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Selvyn Hawkins, who from their inception recognized the insufficiency of the pay of staff and the absence of an equitable grading system. They have continued to champion the plight of the staff and the Cabinet has supported them at every turn.

This is what good Governments do, this is what PNP Governments do – we work for the good of the people, and yes sometimes silently, because I certainly have been taught that it is the emptiest of vessels that bellow noise and the most diligent of those that part seas!”

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InvestTCI facilitates the Development Agreement Between TCIG and Molo Hotel Group 

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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.

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Crime

Male Charged with Robbery

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#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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Crime

Dock Yard Male Charged  

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#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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