Tourism expert warns TCI to regularize Airbnb ASAP
FORMER Bahamian Tourism Minister, Vincent Vanterpool-Wallace has strongly urged the Turks and Caicos Islands government to put regulations in place as soon as possible to regulate airbnbs and VRBOs in the country.
Vanterpool-Wallace's firm urging came just a few weeks ago during a business conference hosted by Fortis TCI here in the TCI.
It also came at a time when the government is only now talking about regulating this emerging vacation rental service in the country, and when many hotels are protesting the unfair advantage VRBOs have over traditional options.
But Vanterpool-Wallace's warning not only focused on the unfairness of these rental options, the thrust of his argument was the potential and known damage that these business have had on other countries – such as the Bahamas - and what it can have on the Turks and Caicos's very highly rated and sought after tourism product.
The former CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation noted that a study of some Caribbean countries has indicated that the Turk and Caicos has the highest potential for bad deals where AirBnB and VRBO are concerned.
"The bad deal is that Airbnb has the potential to disrupt the business model that was put in place here... when you begin to see some new clusters of people coming in... you've got a problem."
Vanterpool-Wallace's reference to the local business model harkens back to earlier statements he had made at the Fortis conference.
Those statements related to the investors in the TCI developing a business model that attracted a particular high end and wealthy cluster of clients, who stick together when seeking out vacation spots.
Drawing reference to the Bahamas's vacation rental situation and the damage that has been done to the country's reputation through some of these places, Vanterpool-Wallace stated that the Turks and Caicos has to be careful to guard its reputation.
"There is such a thing as the economic value of reputation and that has to be guarded as closely as you possibly can.
"So, with Airbnb you got to decide where they are located and where not to, you have to deal with the licensing, how you're going to license them, you have to deal with inspections to make sure they are up to par, and they have to pay their taxes."
He pointed out that if these things are not in place, then these people are taking advantage of the reputation and the economy of the country and they are not contributing anything.
He noted also that the Turks and Caicos especially, does not have a full appreciation for what it has, and how important it is to preserve its tourism product.
"The birds of a feather idea, if you want to preserve that, and make it stronger, you have to try to figure out what it is you're doing very well and why, and making those things stronger.
"Because you need those birds coming back and continuing to flock here," the former Bahamian minister urged.
Vanterpool-Wallace's statemen is especially relevant to the TCI right now, as the new government battles with having to regulate the popular and controversial industry.
Back in March, Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson promised that regulations will be put in place to ensure protection of the TCI's product.
At that press conference, held on March 2nd, she said: "We want to do that from two stand points and that is to make sure that we are not losing revenue, to make sure that it is regulated and also the issue of national security, because we want to know who is renting where.
"In the recent unsettling environment as it relates to crime, we want to know where people are in this country and it is important to know where tourists are in these stand alone villas and heavily-bushed and not well lit areas."
However, she did accept that not all of these rentals are illegal or unregulated, but that the industry of itself has to be regulated and managed better.
Back in February, information the Weekly News pointed to quite a number of unregulated villas, condos and private homes in the TCI.
A call was made at the time from the owners of the Regent Grand and other hotels for greater regulatory practices to be put in place by the government.
LEtiTIa Williams Appointed As New Financial Manager
The Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to announced the recent promotion of Ms. Letitia Williams to the role of Financial Manager within the Turks and Caicos Government Ministry of Finance.
Ms. Williams having graduated from Howard University in Washington D.C. in 2013 with a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.83, can be considered a scholar.
She holds a Bachelor's Degree (Hons.) in Business and Economics and since joining the civil service in 2013 as an Auditor, has worked herself up the ranks of Finance Officer in the Ministry of Finance 2014, Senior Finance Officer 2015 and now having excelled to the role of Financial Manager on May 1st, 2017.
Commenting on her recent promotion Ms. Williams said: "I am proud to be a part of a dynamic and professional team within the Ministry of Finance that plays such an integral role in our Government. With this new appointment, I plan to continue to deliver the best quality service to the Turks and Caicos Government and by extension the entire Turks and Caicos Islands and look forward to taking on this new challenge."
Deputy Governor Anya Williams commented that she was both honored and proud to congratulate Ms. Williams on her recent achievement: "I am honored to have the opportunity to congratulate Letitia on her recent accomplishment. Within a relatively short period since joining the service just under 4 years ago, she has proven to be a valuable member of the team in the Ministry of Finance and has continued to excel.
In her role as Senior Finance Officer she was responsible for assisting the Accounting Officers in the Attorney Generals Chambers and my office in the management of its financial responsibilities such as budgeting, expenditure control, monitoring and procurement and played a vital role in the Treasury in the area of reconciliation and funds account management. I take this opportunity to thank her for her stewardship throughout the years and wish to encourage her to continue to take advantage of the opportunities available which would allow her to excel even further going forward."
Ministry of Tourism undertakes site visits on Twin Islands
A team from the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Heritage & Culture, accompanied by the Minister Hon. Ralph Higgs, members of the DECR & Public Works departments, District Commission and the National Trust, embarked on a series of site visits on the Twin Islands, North and Middle Caicos on 3rd & 4th, May 2017.
Following a recent capital project, the team deployed to the islands for a firsthand assessment of the proposed sites which has been earmarked for development within this Financial Year. The projects comprises of the construction of a Promenade and Craft Market (including a sisal museum), interpretative signage and revamping of heritage and ecological interest sites under the remit of the Turks and Caicos National Trust.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Cherylann Jones, and Deputy Secretary, Michelle Fulford-Gardiner, utilized the opportunity to visit departments and project falling within the auspices of the Ministry.
The visit was a successful one, as the main objective was to garner an understanding of the day to day operations, challenges and constraints experienced by the departments, as well as facilitating the upgrade of core visitor attractions. Management will continue with the familiarization tours of the departments and sites in the ensuing months with the ultimate goal of providing assistance and support to the departments.
Hon. Higgs commented that; "The Ministry was able to meet the staff and get firsthand knowledge of the sites, and the challenges they face. We will make every effort to ensure that these islands receive the attention they need to promote key players in our tourism industry."
Turks and Caicos Government Launches 2nd Recruitment Drive for 2017/2018
After successfully launching the official Turks and Caicos Islands 2017-2018 Recruitment Drive in April 2017, the Office of the Deputy Governor has now embarked on the 2nd recruitment drive for 2017/2018.
April 13th 2017, marked the initial launch of what would turn out to be a highly effective recruitment drive that included a number of positions throughout the TCI Civil Service, largely focused on the area of law enforcement.
The process closed on April 27th 2017 with TCIG having received a total of 640 applications for some 40 positions advertised across government. This was highlighted by the reception of: 249 applications for the new 11 Primary and Secondary Teacher roles in the Ministry of Education; 115 applications for the 6 new Customs Officer roles in the Ministry of Finance; 127 applications for the 6 new Immigration Officer roles in the Ministry of Border Control and 48 applications for the 2 new Fire Safety Officer roles in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Human Resource Directorate along with the various ministries responsible, is now in the process of conducting the necessary shortlisting and interview process for appointments and numerous announcements will be made regarding these upcoming appointments over the course of the next few weeks.
Deputy Governor, Hon. Anya Williams commented on the accomplishments of the opening drive for 2017-2018 and the potential leading into the second exercise: "As a part of our plan to ensure that all positions across government are filled within a reasonable time frame and that departments are able to efficiently deliver on their mandate, our 2017-2018 recruitment drive commenced very early in the new financial year and has already begun to reap success through a significant number of positive responses.
Whilst we complete the shortlist and interview process for Drive 1, we are now pleased to move into our second drive where we will be releasing a further 40 positions in various fields across government including Road Safety, Planning, Emergency Services, Finance, Border Control and other departments and will be looking forward to similar responses as well. However, whilst we are pleased with the level of responses, we wish to use this opportunity to encourage both current and prospective civil servants to fully utilize the training and other development opportunities that are available to them through the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and other institutions, as the continued high volume of applications demonstrates that there is a keen interest in TCIG roles and that persons must adequately prepare themselves to compete for these roles.
As the 2017-2018 Scholarship Application process is also underway we wish to encourage potential students to pursue the area of Teaching and Education which remains an under subscribed field of study in the Turks and Caicos Islands and still relies heavily on overseas recruitment.
The Turks and Caicos Civil Service boasts of over 90% local employment across government and over 75% locals in senior management positions, however, as there are still gaps to be filled in the area of Teaching, Engineering, Agriculture and Nursing, we encourage Turks and Caicos Islanders to further pursue studies in these areas which are vital to government.
12th TCI POST CABINET STATEMENT
His Excellency the Governor, Dr John Freeman, chaired the 12th meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday, 10 May 2017, at the Hon. Hilly Ewing Building on Providenciales.
All Ministers were present.
At this meeting Cabinet:
· Noted the financial performance of the TCI Government for the period January-March 2017 as submitted in the Fourth Quarter Financial Report and approved the publication of the report as required by Section 36 of the Public Finance Management Ordinance 2012;
· Advised His Excellency the Governor to approve amendments to the Dormant Accounts Ordinance for forwarding to the House of Assembly;
· Noted procurement waivers granted for the quarter January - March 2017 in accordance with the provisions of Section 21 of the Public Procurement Ordinance;
· Advised His Excellency the Governor to approve the following appointments to the TCI Higher Education Advisory Board for the year 2017/18 as recommended by the Hon. Minister of Education:
Rosabelle Adams, Chairman
Audley Higgs, Member
Jane Garland, Member
Rowena Roberts, Member
Myrna Pereira, Member
· Approved a request by the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO) to host the forthcoming RADO board meeting in TCI from 2-4 June 2017;
· Advised His Excellency the Governor to approve the first registration of approximately 0.45 acres of accreted Crown Land lying seaward of Parcel 60906/167 by the proprietors of Strata Plan No.27 and Ocean Club West Ltd/Ocean Club Management Ltd and to grant a licence to the proprietors over that parcel of land for the purpose of renovating and expanding existing dune walks to the beach and constructing and maintenance of a sunset seating area, beach access for handicapped users and a restaurant dining deck, all subject to Planning approval. Cabinet agreed that a penalty be levied against Ocean Club West Limited for the period of which the occupied land was not formally registered;
· Advised His Excellency the Governor to approve the formal registration of the Crown Land Parcels located at South Suburbs on Grand Turk which were legally vested in the Ports Authority by the Ports Authority Ordinance;
· Received an information paper on progress with the TCI National Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment (National Risk Assessment) project which will conclude with the final NRA workshop on 28-30 June 2017 ahead of an evaluation of TCI's compliance with international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) in March 2018;
· Received an information paper on progress on finalising the Companies Bill including the establishment of a central register of beneficial ownership of companies in TCI which is intended to be introduced into the House of Assembly on 30 May 2017, following the final period of consultation;
· Gave approval for Invest Turks and Caicos to negotiate a development agreement, subject to conditions agreed by Cabinet, between TCIG and Rockwood Holdings Ltd for the development of a seven storey hotel and condo resort to be known as "Le Bisha" on Parcels 60714/16, 121, 199 and 200 on Providenciales;
· Received an up-date by the Hon. Minister of Home Affairs on plans for the temporary change of use of the Green Door on Grand Turk;
· Received an up-date by the Hon. Minister of Health on the response of the National Health Insurance Board (NHIB) to the Chief Internal Auditor's recommendations on the NHIB which have been endorsed by Cabinet;
· Received a report by the Hon. Premier on her visit to Barbados to meet the Board of the Caribbean Development Bank ahead of their Board meeting in TCI in May;
· Received a report by the Hon. Minister of Tourism on a meeting with wholesalers in the tourist sector at the Amanyara Resort on 9 May;
· Received an up-date by the Hon. Minister of Health on efforts to tackle the problem of mosquitoes on North and Middle Caicos;
· Received an up-date by the Hon. Attorney General on the situation regarding alleged illegal poachers in custody and currently before the courts;
· Received an up-date by the Hon. Deputy Premier following his visit to Barbados to sign a MOU with the USA on an Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS).
Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.
Premier congratulates new Prime Minister of Bahamas
Premier Robinson earlier (May 11, 2017) phoned the Leader of the FNM and Prime Minister of the Bahamas to congratulate him on his Party’s success at the Polls.
Premier Robinson remarked that the call was welcomed and well received.
She has also issued a congratulatory letter on behalf of the People of the Turks and Caicos Islands which included the following sentiments:
“It is without a doubt that the people of the Bahamas have spoken and their level of faith in both you as their leader and your government translated in the landslide delivery of thirty five candidates from the Bahamas FNM Party...” She continued in her letter. “…As politicians we have the great responsibility to effectively lay out the promises of our manifestos, hoping that others will share in our vision for our countries, but as Leaders we have an even greater responsibility, to deliver on those promises and fulfill the dreams that we have awaken in our people…”
Premier Robinson wished Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis all the very best in his endeavors and committed to pray for him, his Government and his country.
Haitian Flag Day 2017 expected to attract huge crowds
ATTENDANCE at Haitian Flag Day 2017 is expected to exceed previous years, according to co-organiser of the event, Clara Lightbourne.
The event is scheduled to take place at the Downtown Ballpark on Thursday, May 18, from as early as 4pm.
Organisers are inviting children as well as adults to come out and enjoy an exciting line-up of cultural performances, poetry pieces, prize giveaways and plaque awards.
Children will be well entertained with a free bouncing castle and face painting.
Lightbourne said that one of the highlights of the event will be the performance of well-known Haitian band, Harmonik.
The group arrived in the Turks and Caicos on Thursday (May 11) and will be performing at Club Pillows on Friday (May 12) during a pre-Flag Day celebration.
They are known for starring in America's Got Talent and touring internationally.
Delicacies served during the celebrations will include cassava, pork griot and legume and suspwa.
Lightbourne said that her main goal is for residents and visitors to enjoy themselves as they celebrate an important day for Haitians worldwide.
She said: "K and C Entertainment [hosting the event] is expecting everyone to just come out and have a good time.
"Whether you are Haitian, Bahamian, Turks Islander, Dominican or Jamaican, just come out and have a good time with us."
This will be the third consecutive year that K and C Entertainment hosts Haitian Flag Day.
There will be a small admission fee of $5 for children and $10 for adults at the gate.
Haitian Flag Day is geared at showcasing the culture and heritage of the Haitian flag, which is emblazoned with the country's coat of arms and the colours red and blue, adopted from the French flag.
Haiti gained its independence from colonial rule in 1804, making it the first country in Latin America and the Caribbean to do so, and the second republic to defeat a European colonial power in the Americas.
Autopsy to be conducted on body of Reina Sanchez -Police issue safety tips for road users
AN AUTOPSY will be performed on the body of Reina Sanchez this Friday (May 12) - a week after she was knocked down by a reversing water truck.
According to police, the incident happened on Bible Street in Blue Hills on Thursday, May 4, at about 9.45am.
A press statement said that while a white Suzuki water truck was reversing, the 55-year-old Dominican woman was hit.
The long-time resident of Providenciales, who lived in Kew Town, was pronounced dead at 9.48am.
The Dominican community has been mourning the death of Sanchez and many took to social media website, Facebook, to express their grief and shock.
Alexandra Hidalgo said: "God, such a hardworking woman. I pray that God receives you in his holy Kingdom. I have always admired you."
Katia Almonte described Sanchez's death as great loss and also referred to Sanchez as a hardworking woman.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to call the Police Traffic Unit on 946-2371.
Police press officer Kevin Clarke issued safety tips for road users, explaining that it is important to be distraction free when on the road.
He encouraged pedestrians to ensure that they are using a pedestrian crossing when crossing the street.
He said: "To be more alert, please avoid distractions such as headphones and texting while walking, especially at night.
"If you are at a pedestrian crossing, please make eye contact with the driver before crossing because sometimes you may be under the impression that the driver saw you, but sometimes they do not.
"Also, sometimes the setting of the sun reduces the visibility of drivers."
Clarke added that people should ensure the road is clear before exiting a vehicle.
The officer said that if a driver must text, call, eat or fasten a child's seat belt, they should pull over on the side of the road to do so.
"Drivers should know what to do when an emergency vehicles approaches. Drivers are required to pull off the road.
"Having proper working lights is important and if you are reversing, use your rear mirror to ensure that no one is behind you.
"We would also like parents to teach their children how to adapt good road safety practices, such as recognising traffic safety signals," he said.
Police recruitment ad attracts more than 2,000 applicants
AN ADVERT seeking experienced police officers to join the Royal TCI Police Force has attracted more than 2,000 applicants from across the region.
Commissioner of Police James Smith shared this news during a press conference at the police headquarters in Providenciales on Thursday, April 27.
He spoke about the recruitment process after one media house alleged that the force had recently recruited dozens of officers from Jamaica.
Commissioner Smith said the jobs were advertised across the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Caribbean, and no one has been recruited yet.
He explained that the force is looking for qualified police officers who are ready to go straight to work; whether from Turks and Caicos Islands or any other country.
"We are at the point now where we are beginning to shortlist these applicants to get the very best into the force.
"Not only does that mean we can get our boots on the ground quickly with experienced individuals, that means that we do not have the financial burden and problem of finding somewhere to house them, somewhere to train them and having to worry about the long training period," he said.
He added that it takes about two years to train police officers and an even longer period to train a marine branch officer.
The Commissioner said: "You first get the basic skills, then you get the specialist skills which you will need to be out on the water in dangerous conditions. It is not an easy business.
"My push is to get the best people as quickly as possible, but completely in line with the TCI constitution which says that we will take the best people for the job."
Joint Operation with the IC & RTCIPF at Labour Dept
The TCI Integrity Commission and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are continuing their collaborative and joint operations in relation to complaints and allegations of acts of corruption and associated crimes which threaten the national security and well being of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
As part of these joint operations, officers of both agencies visited the offices of the Labour Department in Providenciales today (Tuesday), May 9, 2017. A large number of documents were seized in connection with an ongoing investigation of these complaints and allegations and inquiries continue at this time.
Further press releases may be issued in due course.