News
Remembering Culinary Pacesetter; Rest Easy Bugaloo
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, February 20, 2023 – The Turks and Caicos has lost a culinary giant with the passing of pioneering chef, Berlie “Bugaloo” Williams. Magnetic Media on February 15 was informed of the well-loved chef’s
passing by his business partner and friend Michael Stolow.
Today we lost a legend. Bugaloo knew how to work with the most simple things, to make beauty. With some 2×4 planks of wood, paint, fresh conch, scotch bonnet peppers, and a lemon, the man made Provo’s first loved conch spot. From the original small spot in Blue Hills, to the now standing @bugaloos_turksncaicos in 5 Cays, his spirit guided all including the special friendship with Mike that made Bugaloo’s name as known as it is.”
Williams was the legendary mind behind restaurants like the Conch Shack which has enjoyed incredible success and has become a pillar of TCI culinary life; and of course, his namesake Bugaloo’s, which is beloved by residents and visitors alike in the fishing settlement of Five Cays, Providenciales. 
What is now commonplace was unique in those early days of a developing Caribbean tourism hot spot. Conch Salad diced up with fresh fruit and vegetables while standing, even lounging in the incomparable waters of Providenciales.
The tasty fusion of Bahamian, Haitian, Jamaica, Dominican and Turks and Caicos creations while being fanned by the brisk breezes continue to be part of his legacy in the kitchen. Added to his trademark, dazzling smile and his “I am Bugaloo” shirt, he and his menu items left a decisive (and delicious) mark on the TCI dining scene.
Born in Bottle Creek, North Caicos he like many others hopped between the TCI and the Bahamas. He worked in the service industry all his life from his first job at a hotel in the Bahamas as a busboy to master chef. With a knack for utilizing the TCI’s conch in new and tasty ways his talent in the kitchen was undeniable.
He came back to his native country after a stint in the Bahamas in 1991.
Recognizing his talent, Stolow offered him the chance to open a restaurant of his own and only three years later, Bugaloo’s, his first restaurant in Blue Hills with his signature and savory conch salad was born.
The Five Cays location with beachside views and fresh conch from the ocean has remained a hit. Opening up a new side of the island and bringing unprecedented attention to the community, including a flood of guests who love the restaurant planted on soft sands with unique vistas of the fisherman’s beach.
“Bugaloo is a legend in this country and is one of the most interesting characters you’ll have the opportunity to meet,” so many have penned over the years.
Destination Magazine described and captured this conch-making-maverick in a 2016 interview; an apt description that speaks to the deep love the TCI people have for the chef. He will certainly be missed. 
Until his death; Bugaloo was always a delight despite his struggles with illness. Filled with hilarious reflections on days gone by and promises of tomorrow, he was a man full of hope and one who can rest assured, that his love for native foods and his desire to enhance the dining experience of visitors to and residents of the Turks and Caicos are now legendary.
Bugaloo’s Conch Crawl, is brilliantly named in his honour and the restaurant continues to show great care for the kitchen stylings and is unflinchingly committed to the original ideas of Berlie Williams, which are as yummy as they are iconic.
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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