News
Bring back the Marine Branch to the Capital
#TurksandCaicos, January 11, 2023 – It’s a new year with new possibilities and we are calling on the Governor to bring back our marine branch to Grand Turk, the Capital of Turks and Caicos Islands.
To serve and protect is what all branches of law enforcement are known for. This fundamental principle should apply indiscriminately across the board be it on land or at sea.
With that being said, it has been over 4 years now since a designated marine vessel has been stationed in Grand Turk.
The island of Grand Turk itself, is in a strategic position to support the ongoing efforts with battling illegal immigration and poaching on our banks. There are several reference points to support this request.
First and foremost, the marine unit was designed specifically to protect our boarders and to work in concert with our DECR and Fisheries departments to help enforce regulations.
Having said that, this should be cause for our government and chief law enforcement department heads, to prioritize what’s best suited for each island or community in terms of manpower and resources.
With marine life and ecotourism being the bread and butter of Grand Turk and Salt Cay, why aren’t we doing everything within our power to protect it?
Apart from boarder control, don’t the lives of residents and visitors in these two sister islands matter? Whilst citizens commend the progress being made with the coordination of efforts to intercept illegal migrants’ vessels, more could be done.
Stronger effort and commitment should be made to close every loophole and continue building a redundant and resilient internal and external force to deal with potential challenges and safety issues of all islands, particularly the ones that are most vulnerable.
Frankly, having a marine vessel show up to the Capital once or twice a month does not provide real security and is unacceptable.
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 several years now since the Grand Turk branch closed their doors; due to the facility being damaged and or lack of proper resources.
With that being said, it leaves our borders wide open to illegal immigration, poachers scavenging our banks and depleting our marine livelihood. In addition, there are limited search and rescue operations for local fishermen and boat operators, leaving us to fend for ourselves.
For this same reason, back in 2018, concerned citizens such as myself and others, took the initiative to create a grassroots search and rescue operation.
In terms of the number of reported incidents on the water, since the inception of the operation we have responded to and or assisted in over 25 emergency calls.
With the only active marine branch being in Provo and South Caicos, logistically, it will be a hit or miss to assist vessels in distress 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 list for threats relative to national security, it is of grave concern and is certainly not in our nation’s best interest to leave these two islands exposed.
How many more illegal vessels have to make landfall 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?
Having thousands of cruise passengers embarking upon our shores, additional vessels and motor crafts operating in the waters, such matters must not be taken lightly.
This is a long term problem that requires both an immediate and long-term solution and commitment. The share number of reported incidents over the years, including the recent plane crash near the island of Salt Cay, underscores the urgent need for a vessel in Grand Turk.
As a small developing country, depending solely on tourism, the time to act is 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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