Renowned Caribbean tourism expert lauds TCI tourism product
VINCENT Vanterpool-Wallace, former Bahamian tourism minister, former Secretary General and CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, has sung the praises of the Turks and Caicos Islands' impressive high end tourism product.
Speaking last week at a business outlook conference, hosted by FortisTCI, Vanterpool-Wallace urged TCI business, tourism and government leaders to ensure that the valued tourism product is protected and nurtured for its continued survival.
The former government minister, a much sought after speaker and advisor to both private companies and governments in the tourism and hospitality arena, spoke on the topic 'The future of tourism in an age of changing technology and business models – Airbandb/VRBO'.
The Harvard University graduate is also the founder of Bedford Baker Group, a collection of independent professional advisors offering services in travel, tourism and hospitality.
He has also served as a former director general of Bahamas Tourism.
The conference was held on Thursday, April 27, at The Shore Club, under the theme, 'Future ready: Opportunities for business in a changing economy'.
Examining why the Turks and Caicos Islands has been able to do so well in the area of tourism, even while surrounded by many other equally beautiful locales, Vanterpool-Wallace stated that the reason the TCI does so well is its decided advantage in the warm weather tourism.
However, he added that this description is not good enough: "When you look at what the Bahamas has to offer it is very similar kinds of basic products... and so you begin to try to figure out what else is there between what is happening in the Turks and Caicos and what is happening the Commonwealth and the Bahamas."
He also pointed to the concentration of tourism in Providenciales, positing a previously touted idea of the concept of 'business clusters'.
"When you begin to look at the Turks and Caicos very closely, you begin to notice something very significant - what you had happen here is a business cluster of investors who adopted a certain way of doing business and came together, by putting together a certain business model."
He then challenged the attendees to examine any of the other 30 countries in the Caribbean against the TCI and to try to find the same or a similar investors or business cluster as in the TCI, in terms of what they have put forward and how tourism in the country is grown.
"That is a very special and significant difference; but there is a little bit more to it, the other thing that you begin to see is something that is very different - and it is an even more important feature - what these investors did is that they created products that attracted a certain quality of customers.
"It became the gallery place for a certain high income group of families."
He further stated that the secret to this is very simple, 'Birds of a feather, flock together'.
"People who are looking for people like them to come to a particular place; that makes a difference.
"We all tend to gravitate to places where we feel comfortable among one another, and that is what happened here in Turks and Caicos.
"We have this group of investors who created a certain business model and they collectively began to attract a certain quality of people who are coming to a very upscale place, in terms of where they want to go, who they want to associate with."
He further noted that it is very important that the TCI continues to preserve the kind of tourism it has so that visitors will continue to recommend the Turks and Caicos Islands, particularly Providenciales, to their friends and families.
The Knights & Flyers are tied 1 a piece in the PABA
The Defending champs, the Five Cays knights grounded the high flying Flyers in a closely fought game, resulting with a 78-73 in game two of the Paba finals.
The series is now tied 1-1 on Monday night.
Andujar Gardiner continued to build on his scoring record with 29 points, 3 steals, while Melvin Elsie added 20 pts, 1 steals for the Knights.
Anthony Cash amassed a total of 16 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals. Saundro Germain chipped in with a modest 13 points and 5 rebounds.
Game 3 will continue on Wednesday night 8 pm.
Lipstick and Things 2017 a huge success
LIPSTICKS and Things 2017 has been described as one of the most successful local events of the year so far.
The event which featured 28 vendors and more than 300 attendees was held at the Tropicana auditorium in Providenciales on Saturday (April 29).
The vendors ranged from hair suppliers, custom-made apparel, makeup brand suppliers, accessories suppliers and more.
CEO of Lipstick and Things, Jasmine Pierre explained that it all started because of a small business she has called Every Day Romance, where she provides customers with romantic setups for special occasions.
Pierre said that when she realised that she had many friends who were also entrepreneurs, she decided to reach out to them to host an event which featured local businesses.
The first Lipstick and Things was held in 2015 and grew as residents understood the concept behind it.
Pierre said: "The idea behind the event is to get small businesses out there so that they can test the market, promote themselves to the public, network and also find new ways to grow."
The CEO added that she was quite overwhelmed by the support received this year, but could not take all of the credit for the major success.
She acknowledged the vendors involved and said that she looks forward to next year and in seeing what new vendors will be coming on board.
She did not want to spoil the surprises for next year, but did mention that the event will be held at a larger venue and she will do her best to try and keep the creativity alive.
Owner of Konk Apparel, Lee Ingham, was one of the vendors featured at the event who stated that he has been a part of the event since inception and that he was always excited to not only showcase his products, but to see what other vendors had to offer.
He said: "Personally, I think it is a great thing because it gives young people a platform to showcase their talents. I definitely see this event growing."
PABA FINALS GAME 1 All Five Cays-2017
The much anticipated Paba finals 2017 can be dubbed the ALL FIVE CAYS FINALS! The five cays knights and five cays flyers best of five series lived up to its hype and expectations for the fans as the two Five Cays teams face off in a force and competitive battle in Saturday night.
The Flyers came off of grueling week of games after playing 3 games in one week to defeat the Predators only to face the rested Knights in game 1 on Saturday night.
The tired and exhausted Flyers found themselves in deficit trailing the knights by 26 points at the end of the half. The Flyers eventually found a new wave of energy mid way during the third after realizing that the score was 65-44 which forced Coach Keith Cox to call a very crucial timeout. Flyers Captain Anthony cash and Saundro Germain led a major comeback by unleashing a barrage of points both inside and from beyond the arc to cut into the knights lead.
The Knights were stunned and never managed to regain their composure but still put up a fight.
The fourth quarter was very dramatic and suspenseful for the fans who were kept at the edge of their seats or standing for the entire quarter. The Flyers came within 3 points on many occasions but the resilience of Melvin Elsie prevented the flyers from taking the lead. Eventually with 14 seconds left on the game clock Saundro Germain hit a big 3 pointer to give the Flyers the lead. Melvin Elsie of the Knights scored a crucial shot to with 7 seconds left on the clock to send the game into overtime.
Flyers took command of the overtime period and eventually won the game 120-113.
Andujar Gardiner led the way for the knights with 36 points, 2 steals. 18 of his points came from beyond the arc. Melvin Elsie added 24 points to the Knights total.
Saundro Germain scored a season high 40 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals while Anthony Cash added 37 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists to the Flyers winning cause. Scoring also came from Jakee Been who chipped in with 14 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 3 steals.
Government to bolster border security with new automated system
THE GOVERNMENT is making significant headway with plans to strengthen border security in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Sean Astwood, Deputy Premier and Minister of Border Control and Employment, led a delegation to Bridgetown, Barbados, on April 24 for the Border Security Professional Exchange Conference.
The conference saw the Turks and Caicos become the first of six British overseas territories in the region to sign an agreement with the CARICOM Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) programme.
APIS is an automated system established for aviation and maritime operators which has the capability of enhancing border security over the region.
It supplies law enforcement officers with data on passengers and crew members prior to arrival and departure from CARICOM member states, United Kingdom, United States and Canada.
Deputy Premier Astwood expressed that the signing marked a momentous juncture on the TCI's road to strengthening border security.
He explained that: "Signing the memorandum was a significant and important step in achieving full implementation of the APIS in the Turks and Caicos Islands and by extension improves security for our region."
Astwood on April 18 during his 2017-2018 budget presentation pointed out that in recent times and over the past decade, there has been an increase in threats due to transnational organised crimes, trades in illicit drugs, and other commodities, such as guns, human trafficking and illegal migration.
He said: "These threats are a result of many things, from defects such as our porous borders, to the success in the growth of our tourism industry.
"Whatever the reason, we continue to experience challenges at our port facilities, especially with limitations in data intelligence and manpower resources."
US Ambassador to Barbados, Linda Taglialatela, said that she was looking forward to additional nations joining the programme and reminded non-members of the advantages that come along with being a member.
"I encourage all of you to consider the benefits to your countries of enhanced APIS," she said.
She explained that adopting APIS will further allow countries to secure their airports and ports which lead them to enhancing their regional security.
She noted that in order for the region's borders to be secure, people must work within the sovereign states to identify issues and discuss implementable solutions.
"Adopting APIS, will further allow countries to secure their airports and ports which leads them to enhancing their regional security."
She revealed that there are already ten members of CARICOM that are members of the APIS programme and was delighted to report that the Turks and Caicos is the first associate member.
She expressed that there is a continued interest throughout the Caribbean and noted that they are working with various nations to bring them on board.
During the conference Senior Immigration Officer Latoya Mitchell gave a brief presentation of the Immigration Department and its role in securing the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
APIS is expected to be fully operational in the TCI by September 2017.
This system was established by the US Customs Border Protection (CBP) in May 2009.
Police invest in new marine boats
IN AN effort to continue tackling illegal migration and the smuggling of illegal guns in the Turks and Caicos Islands, police have invested in new marine boats.
Commissioner of Police James Smith shared this information during a police press conference held last Thursday (April 27) at the police headquarters in Providenciales.
He said that these boats are scheduled to arrive soon and will greatly enhance the force's marine capacity.
With the implementation comes employment, said Commissioner Smith who explained that this will provide job opportunities for people interested in joining the force.
"We are using this opportunity to promote experienced, specialised officers to fill the most critical skills gaps that exist in the force, including our Criminal Investigation Department, our Cyber Crime team, our Tactical Units and our Marine Branch officers," he said.
In addition, the force has invested two additional Canine Units this year, in an effort to detect drugs and illegal guns.
The units contain highly trained dogs and handlers.
Commissioner Smith said: "I can guarantee you that if we get a point in the right direction these dogs will discover guns for us..."
Throughout the press conference the Commissioner of Police appealed to the public to assist with fighting crime.
He emphasised that the police force is doing all that it can to tackle crime, but the public has to help in the fight.
"The police can do a part of this, and we do. We do proactive deployment, raids on houses...
"We need to help and assist the Customs Department and others involved in keeping our borders secure to make sure that they cannot come in here [illegal guns and drugs].
"There must be people here who know where guns are being stored or stashed, and they need to tell us."
Police release latest crime stats
COMMISSIONER of Police James Smith has released a detailed breakdown of the latest crime statistics.
From April 1, 2016 to March 30, 2017, a total of 2,626 crimes were reported in the Turks and Caicos Islands, a decrease compared to the previous year which saw 3,068 crimes.
This means that there were 442 victims fewer this year and overall crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands is down by 14 percent.
The commissioner released the figures during a press conference at the police headquarters in Providenciales last Thursday, April 27.
He went on to explain that in the last two years, crime overall in the Turks and Caicos Islands has fallen by 21 percent, which means 704 fewer victims in two years.
This year there was a total of 703 burglaries and aggravated burglaries.
Smith indicated that this meant a decrease of 159 crimes and 18 percent down on last year.
Within that figure there were 45 aggravated burglaries, which meant an increase of 19 for the year.
Commissioner Smith said that the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) recorded 97 cases of persons in possession of drugs, which meant an increase of 21 cases, an increase detection of 28 percent.
In terms of possession of drugs with intent to supply, the RTCIPF detected 24 cases.
The year of 2016 saw a count of seven murders, which was a decrease of one from 2015-16.
The TCI saw 126 firearm offences this year, which was 26 less offences than last year, according to the Commissioner of Police.
Commissioner added that there were 134 robberies this year, with 130 of them taking place in Providenciales and 96 of them involving the use of a firearm.
Some of these cases involved one individual with a firearm committing multiple offences, taking the number of firearms used to commit robbery to 111.
He added that he did not consider that there was an influx in firearms because guns were not just an issue in the TCI, but more so in the entire Caribbean.
The commissioner concluded the stats by stating that a total of 521 people have been arrested during the year.
A whopping 271 people have been charged from that number and put before the court in connection with offences contained in the breakdown of the stats.
He said that within the number of those arrested and charged, 150 were local men, 98 of those individuals are recorded as expats, with local and expat women making up the remainder numbers.
Last year's detection rate was 23 percent and this year's was one percent lower.
Smith explained during the press conference that the budget settlement will allow the force to allocate more funds to specific units within the force and assist with the promotion of more officers.
He said: "We are using this opportunity to promote experienced, specialised officers to fill the most critical skills gaps that exist in the force, including our Criminal Investigation Department, our Cyber Crime team, our Tactical Units and our Marine Branch officers."
He added that the police "know the challenges ahead," but that they "are striving for continuous improvement and seek the continued support of the Government and our Government partners to keep the country safe."
He said that the police also rely on the active support and engagement of citizens and visitors to help them in their job.
He encouraged the public to take responsibility for their part in reducing crime and identifying offenders.
Lightbourne calls prisoners relocation to Green Door facility a grave mistake
MEMBER of Parliament George Lightbourne has called Cabinet's decision to relocate prisoners to the Green Door facility a grave mistake.
In this vein Lightbourne is urging Governor John Freeman to reconsider and rescind and seek an alternative solution.
In a letter to the media on Wednesday, May 3, Lightbourne who is the Member of Parliament for Grand Turk North called Cabinet's decision an epic demonstration of myopic governance.
He said: "The TCI Cabinet has agreed to turn a high-end residential part of Grand Turk into a prison town.
"To make matters worse they have decided to establish a prison inside the TCI Community College Campus.
"When persons are elected to Government they must always manage the affairs of the people with a 360-degree view and mental balance.
"I understand that many in the current government have never had the fortitude building experiences that would equip them to make logical decisions but as a good citizen and an elected member of the good people, I will lend my expertise and assist with sound reasoning to aid the Government as they clearly need it.
"The Green Door is located on the same property as the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and from this decision, it is apparent that no serious consideration was given to the impact and effect of the college sharing the same property as a jail.
"Recently we have all heard reports of inmates escaping, causing fire and sexually assaulting prison officers, using drugs, illegal cell phones and organising crime right in Grand Turk.
"Do you think it is wise to extend this same prison population to the Community College Campus?
"Can students and staff function in a safe frame of mind knowing that they have to share learning space with persons that the court has ordered to be removed from society because of criminal acts or accusations?"
Lightbourne pointed out that the Ridge is the most upscale area in Grand Turk and the introduction of a prison facility will devalue all property in that area.
He said: "Many persons who may have matured mortgages will now have difficulties with refinancing and cash injections; needless to say, resale of property will be seriously affected.
"When I was minister an attempt was previously made to put a juvenile centre in the same area and residents protested by presenting me with a petition containing over 100 signatures; as a good steward, I abandoned the idea because I respected the views and wishes of the people and served only as their worker."
He chided the Government for not carrying out any proper consultation in order to hear the views of the residents on the relocation of inmates to a facility on the Ridge.
He further highlighted that hurricane season is less than a month away and the building that was turned into a prison is the only fully functioning hurricane shelter in that area of Grand Turk.
"The Green Door is also located next to the Grand Turk Lighthouse, which is one of our historical sites.
"Has any consideration been given to the impact of such a move on our tourism product at the lighthouse?
"I could go on but it is evident that I have already shone more light on the reality of the situation than the PDM's entire elected pool of governance.
"I understand the PDM's spite and resentment for the people of Grand Turk North constituency but I beg you to remember that we are all Turks and Caicos Islanders.
"Mr Governor, your Excellency, President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Cabinet, I am calling on you to allow wisdom to prevail by abandoning this decision and rescinding this Cabinet paper and if you or the Government need my help further I can provide contacts and websites for modular prison facilities that can be located elsewhere and provide safety, security and peace of mind to the good people of Grand Turk."
Lightbourne further criticised the Government for being out of touch with the people's opinion on sensitive matters.
Hurricane Hunter visits TCI on awareness tour
ABOUT 20 members of the Air Force Reserve and a team from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association Administration's Hurricane Centre visited the TCI in a unique aircraft last week.
The Air Force Reserve Commands WC 130 J Hurricane Hunter aircraft is visiting islands and countries in the region as part of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association and the US Air Force Caribbean Awareness tour called CHAT.
During the CHAT tour, crew members offer the public an opportunity to learn how scientists collect hurricane information and help communities become better prepared for the season.
During the visit the crew gave media houses and government delegates a tour of the aircraft.
Governor John Freeman, Deputy Governor Anya Malcolm, the Minister of Home Affairs Delroy Williams joined for a full tour of the aircraft and were given clarification on the team's mission.
The group consisted of two pilots, a navigator, an aerial reconnaissance weather officer and a weather loadmaster.
Dr Rick Knabb, director of the National Hurricane Centre in Miami, explained that initiatives such as this one are important because it gives them the opportunity to educate people on the importance of early preparedness.
He said: "We don't know how busy the hurricane season will be. We just know that you are vulnerable here and you want to get ready today while the weather is good, before the next hurricane strikes.
"Hopefully it's not this year, but you want to be ready in advance... I encourage everyone to do at least one thing to get yourself ready in advance for the next hurricane."
Lieutenant Colonel Brian May, commander of the 403rd Operations Group encouraged the public to be mindfulness warnings and get prepared.
He added that he was grateful to be able to fly into the TCI to share knowledge on hurricane preparation.
Woman dies after being struck by water truck
THE LIFE of a 55-year-old Dominican woman was cut short on Thursday (May 4) after she was knocked down by a water truck, in Blue Hills.
The woman, who was affectionately known by the Dominican community as 'Reyita,' was a long-time resident of Providenciales.
The community is mourning her death and have taken to social media to express their grief.
According to a police statement, at about 9.45am officers and paramedics responded to the scene on Bible Street where it was ascertained that while a white Suzuki water truck was reversing, the woman was hit.
She was pronounced dead at 9.48am.
An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
Anyone who witnessed this accident and has yet to speak to police can contact the Traffic Unit on 946-2371.