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What lessons if any, have been learned from past hurricane disasters in TCI?
#TurksandCaicos, October 27, 2022 – What lessons if any, have been learned from past hurricane disasters in TCI?
Hard to believe it’s been a little over a month since hurricane Fiona unleashed its fury on the Turks and Caicos Islands, with the Capitol sustaining the bulk of the damages.
As a matter of fact, I’m still coming to grips that I survived the wrath of yet another category 3 hurricane battering down on these islands.
Despite the prediction by meteorologist on national television, which showed TCI was not in the direct path of the hurricane, residents took no chances this time. Unlike previous hurricanes, many residents seemed well prepared to face whatever came their way and fortunately there were no lives loss.
With the country having experienced a number of devastating storms in the past, I must say the recovery efforts and response showed much improvement compared to past disasters.
Although for the most part the country as a whole made it through the storm practically unscarred, the aftermath of the hurricane is what always concerns me the most.
With that being said, what have we done significantly differently as a country to put us in a better position to hasten post recovery efforts and make our infrastructure more resilient in the future?
In terms of additional manpower and support, the TCI Regiment is and was certainly an added layer of assistance. Also, kudos to the DDME management team and the decisive leadership exhibited by Deputy Governor Anya Williams, who was the acting Governor at the time.
Granted, electricity and water at the majority of the homes and businesses have been restored, it’s still a painful reminder of the islands vulnerability.
As far as the eyes can see, the impact literally and metaphorically peeled the scab of an already damaged infrastructure in Grand Turk, to include the local airport.
The terminal doors designated for incoming passengers are off limit to travelers. This forces travelers to haul their luggage through a graveled parking lot area. With tourism being our bread and butter for the economy, one would hope this is on the priority list for repairs.
The remnants of the abandoned buildings at south base are still standing, despite promises made by both the current and previous administrations to have them removed following disaster upon disaster.
What is the government’s plan this time around..put out yet another contract to erect temporary barricades to hide the poor aesthetics?
One must ask, how much more of taxpayers dollars can we waste?
Stop putting on bandaids and take the buildings down.
The impact of the hurricane left telecommunication and electrical lines dangling in the streets and some homes without running water. Particularly in areas like the Ridge, it was an added set back as this community has been deprived for years now without adequate city water. Many residents are losing hope as to whether or not it will ever be restored.
Having gone through similar experience with hurricanes Ike, Irma and Maria, it would have been prudent for FortisTCI to harden the targets even more. Such as allocating adequate funds to start reconstructing the island’s energy system with underground cables and for hazard mitigation.
Experts have predicted storms will get even more intense and swiftly, as we have seen with Fiona. This is largely in part due to a result of higher atmospheric and ocean temperatures, making it harder for communities to prepare and adapt.
The residents of these islands greatly appreciate the 2.5 million dollars recently allocated to FortisTCI by TCIG to subsidize the cost of increased fuel charges.
Nevertheless, the buck should not stop there. With the soaring cost of burning fossil fuel, citizens across these islands would welcome the expansion of FortisTCI “UORE program”.
This program was designed to offer qualifying customers the opportunity to partner with FortisTCI to lease their rooftop space for the generation of solar energy. It offers more alternatives and a way to move away from a centralized energy grid.
In the long run, I believe it would be cleaner, cheaper, and more resilient for the country.
There were also reports of damages done to Carnival cruise lines pier in Grand Turk, causing a delay in cruises to the island for a few weeks.
Although cruises have since resumed sailing, this was a hard blow and yet another setback for the Islands of Grand Turk and Salt Cay. It was especially painful for some residents, who are still trying to bounce back on their feet from the impact of Covid-19 pandemic which delayed cruises to the island for over 18 months.
Ed Forbes
Furthermore, if certain communities or areas are vulnerable or prone to a particular hazard such as flooding, and down power lines crucial to critical infrastructure, the plan should be to outline procedures and strategies for the specific disaster.
Case in point: Close Haul Road which is located in Grand Turk, is prone to flooding and is only one of many examples in Grand Turk and Providenciales. When flooded, this particular road impacts access to some homes for days, why not put in place a permanent fix?
As our population continues to grow, there has also been a huge growth in the number of people living in poorly constructed housing across these islands. What plans are in place to deal with displaced families or regulations to mandate reinforced building structures?
Again, this will take foresight and a proactive approach to addressing these issues.
It’s inevitable that another hurricane will strike and that resources and public attentiveness will follow. However, it’s imperative to not lose sight of successes and failures of the aftermath of the disaster period, because there will always be long-term lessons to learn from disasters.
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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