RTC Director

Nominations officially open for National Honours and Awards program

NOMINATIONS are now officially open for the third annual National Honours and Awards program, and the public is being urged to submit their suggestions.

This comes as the National Honours and Awards Committee (NHAC) hosted a press conference at the Hilly Ewing building in Providenciales on Wednesday, March 1 to update the public on the upcoming awards ceremony which is expected to be held in October this year.

The program recognizes outstanding locals who have made a praiseworthy contribution to the country`s development.

Speaking at the press conference, President of the Committee Willette Swan said the honors and awards form depicts a description of the achievements, merits and service a recipient should possess.

 The category of awards are: The Order of National Hero, The Order of Turks and Caicos Islands, The Patriotic Award, The Long Service Medal, The Meritorious Award and the National Young Achievers Medal.

He said: "The honors and awards consists of two orders, one award, and three medals, the first order is the order of National Hero, it may be granted to an islander for extraordinary and outstanding achievement in merit in service to the islands or to humanity, the person may have the title "The Right Excellent" and may wear the insignia of the order.

"We`ve named only one National Hero, the Order  of Turks and Caicos is the second Order , it may be granted to an islander who has served with distinction in a field or discipline ,the recipient may have the title "The most Honorable" and the letters "OTCI" after his name and may wear the insignia of the order.

"The Patriotic Award comes in tow categories, the gold for Turks and Caicos islander and silver for a non- Turks and Caicos Islander ,it maybe granted to someone who has demonstrated a keen sense of national consciousness and rendered exceptional sacrificial service to the islands and the people and of the islands.

"And the silver to a non-islander for demonstrating a very high regard for national integration and for philanthropic contribution to the development of the islands."

He explained that the recipient of that award will have the title the "The Much Honored" and the letters "PA" after his name and may wear the insignia of the order; the committee has so far named eight nominees.

Swan said: "The Meritorious Service medal may be granted to an islander who has been giving sacrificial and meritorious service in a field that is inherently challenging or has performed a brave or humane act whether in the islands or abroad."

Swan further pointed out that there are specific guidelines which must be followed to ensure that the nomination process is fair and balanced.

"It is of utmost importance that you nominate persons that you believe are worthy to receive an award.

"Additionally, a nominator must match the person that is nominated to the award since the committee cannot nominate him or her for a different honour or award."

It was noted that the process must gain public confidence, trust and respect; and as such, special care should be taken to ensure the honours and awards process is carefully managed, and more importantly, to be seen as fair and balanced.

The guidelines which clearly define and outline eligibility and criteria need to follow a framework carefully crafted, studied and adopted as intended. There must be no room to accommodate subjectivity and discretion.

The committee must honour their role paying particular attention to judgment, and discharge their duty with integrity and dignity.

Forms are available at the Premier's Office in Grand Turk and Providenciales, The District Commissioners Office and on the Government's website.

The completed nomination should be delivered in a sealed envelope clearly marked: National Honour and Award Programme or any member of the National Honours and Awards Committee on or before June 30, 2017.

The form only introduces the nominee. Information regarding the nominee's work, service and merits should also be added.

"Ensure that you provide all the information, in whatever form that information takes, to support your reason why your nominee should be so honoured," Swan said.

"Whether documents, newspaper clippings, letters, testimonials."

The Ordinance provides that an honour or award may be revoked if the awardee allows persons to whom the award was not granted to wear his insignia or commits an act the committee sees as bringing the honours system into disrepute.

Honours and awards are a particularly important means of recognition that can show not only how much the contribution of individuals are valued, but also can provide inspiration to others to perform to the standards.

by RTC Director

Stars of hotel and tourism industry honored at 9th annual Star Awards

While our 'Beautiful by Nature' Turks and Caicos Islands are naturally attractive to visitors, it is also the excellent services provided by personnel in the hotel and tourism industry that keep the destination flourishing and famed.

Last Thursday evening the ninth annual Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association's (TCHTA) Star Awards celebrated the dedicated individuals "who go above and beyond the call of duty" to deliver stellar service to our visitors.

The opulent event, held at the Tropicana Show and Supper Club, was well attended by tourism and hospitality industry partners, nominees and supporters.

Attendees enjoyed an entertaining evening and dinner as they saluted the nominees and winners that keep our tourism industry growing.

Welcome remarks from TCHTA's Executive Director Stacy Cox, Director of the Tourist Board Ramon Andrews and The Hartling Group's Karen Whitt, all hailed a bright future for TCI's tourism and lauded the island chain as a strong destination, while thanking every industry worker who makes its success possible.

Cox said: "The pursuit of excellence in our sector can never be obtained without the continued dedication and commitment of every worker. Excellence is also, of course, about hard work. It is the hard work of
everyone sitting here tonight that propels us forward."

A riveting keynote speech by psychologist Darron Turnquest, Director of Youth Bahamas Corporate Training, who inspired patrons as he reminded everyone how difficult it can be in the service industry and that it was about the process in getting the award, rather than the actual award.

Other highlights of the evening included a fashion display by 'House of Jeritt' models, performances by Clement Howell High School Choir and Wesley Methodist School dance group and a captivating rendition of the British Anthem and National Song by Chrystal Charles.

With strong competition and over 165 nominees in the eighteen categories, it was mentioned that judges had difficulty deciding the winners as all candidates were outstanding.
 

2016 TCHTA Star Awards Winners

Bartender of the Year - Carton Waite, The Palms

Chef of the Year - Edwin Gallardo, Seven Stars Resort

Housekeeper of the Year - Carlton Salmon, Beaches Resort Villages and Spa

Employee of the Year - Shanice Williams, Ganseveoort TCI

Supervisor of the Year - Duval Phedre, The Sands on Grace Bay

Manager of the Year - Jessica Rigby, Gansevoort TCI

Hospitality Hero - Kirkford Gardiner, Ministry of Border Control

Taxi Driver of the Year – Edward Barranco, Beaches Resort Villages and Spa

Fan Favourite - Roxanne Wade, Beaches Resort Villages and Spa

Hotelier of the Year- Tendra Musgrove, Villa Del Mar and Urmas Karner ,The Somerset on Grace Bay

Restaurant of the Year - Graces' Cottage, Hemingway's Restaurant & Bar and Parallel 23

TCHTA Allied Member Restaurant of the Year - Mango Reef

Hotel of the Year - Point Grace Resort

Heart of Hospitality - Dennis Been, Windsong Resort

Ambassador of the Year - Sherman Lopez, Beach House

Allied Member of the Year - The Wine Cellar

TCHTA's Shining Star - Lauren Callighen, The Palms

Entertainer of the Year - Chrystal 'TESS' Charles

by RTC Director

Minister of Health, Agriculture and Human Services visits Mental Health Home

On February 27th, 2017, the Minister of Health, Agriculture and Human Services, Hon. Edwin Astwood, conducted a walk-through of the newly constructed Mental Health Home in Grand Turk.

This building represents the completion of phase 1 of the project and is designed to accommodate up to 12 low risk clients. The objective of the home is not only to provide accommodations for persons with chronic mental illnesses, but to also allow them to receive the therapeutic support and psychiatric interventions necessary to maintain their mental health.

Phase 2 of the project, which includes the construction of two additional buildings, will commence shortly and is expected to be completed by February of next year. This final phase will allow for the accommodation of 11 more persons and will include a unit to manage persons who are acutely mentally ill. It is envisioned that once complete, this home will also allow clients who are currently being treated overseas to return to TCI and receive continued care and management.  The Director of Mental Health and Substance Dependence stated that "this project is yet another example of the Government's commitment to take care of persons with mental illnesses".

According to the Hon. Edwin Astwood the services that this home will offer is a much needed service for persons in our communities suffering from mental illness and a support to their families. He further stated "I am elated to see the completion of phase one of the construction of the Mental Health Home, located at the Old Grand Turk Hospital compound.  Phase two is scheduled to commence later this year". 

For more information concerning this project contact the Director of Mental Health and Substance Dependence on 3383612.

by RTC Director

Police are investigating two motor vehicle collision

Traffic Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are investigating a two motor vehicle collision that occurred last night (Monday 27th February 2017) in Wheeland Providenciales.

Around 10:56 pm, Police and Medical Services were dispatched to the Tom Lightbourne Drive area where they saw a marked Police Ford bus driven by a 47 year old male who received an injury to his left hand and a white Tacoma Truck driven by a 32 year old male who received an injury above the right eye. They were both transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre by way of Ambulance.

Preliminary investigation reveals that the marked Police bus was heading South into Millennium Heights, while the Tacoma Truck was heading North out of the Millennium Heights when they collided. The Bus received extensive damages and was overturned on its left side. The truck got extensive damages to the left frontal area.

Both persons were treated and released from the hospital.

If you have any information regarding this accident, contact the police at Chalk Sound Police at 338-5901/941-8067 or contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-8477. The information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind you not to report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter page

by RTC Director

MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS ATTENDS GSMA WORLD MOBILE CONGRESS

The Hon. Vaden Williams, Minister of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communication left the country on Friday February 24th for Barcelona Spain, to attend the 12th edition of the GSMA World Mobile Congress Ministerial  Programme.

The GSMA Ministerial Programme provides a critical forum for convening Governments, International Organizations and Industry leaders to share knowledge and debate the key regulatory and Policy issues that are shaping the future of mobile.

The Programme aims to celebrate the positive socio-economic impact mobile has played in both developing and developed countries and identify the policy levers needed to further extend this impact.

The Minister is accompanied by Head of Secretariat (acting) Ms. Karen Higgs, Mr. Kenva Williams, Director of Technology and Mr. Russell Gardiner, Engineer from the Telecommunications Commission. They are due to return on Friday, March 3.

by RTC Director

A homeowner who killed an intruder during an attempted robbery is on $20,000 bail

A FILIPINO homeowner who killed an intruder who attempted to rob his Kew Town home on February 22, 2017 is presently on a US $20,000 police bail and is scheduled to return to the police station on March 27, 2017.

Police said in a press statement that contrary to what is posted on Social Media, the 38-year-old man in question has not been charged and that the decision on whether to charge him will be recommended by the Department of Public Prosecutions.

Ensley Rolle, a Bahamian man with Turks and Caicos Islands roots, was killed on last Wednesday morning during an alleged home invasion in Kew Town, Providenciales.

Police say that the 29-year-old broke into the home of a Filipino native and was stabbed to death by the owner.

According to a police press statement, at around 3:20 am, Police and Emergency Services were dispatched to an area in Norway, Kew Town after a report was made that a person was caught inside of a home.

For safety reasons, police will not be revealing the identity of the man.

by RTC Director

Update: Police Investigate death of Ensley Rolle

Investigators continue to investigate the circumstances to determine what lead to the death of 29 year-old Ensley Rolle who was killed on Wednesday 22nd February 2017 in the area of Kew Town Providenciales, a 34 year-old male was subsequently arrested on suspicion of Murder.

Around 3:40am, Police and Emergency Services were dispatched to an area in Norway Kew Town after a report was made that a man was caught inside of a home. Upon arrival, officers met the complainant who stated while he was asleep the deceased entered his home and upon confronting him, an altercation ensued.

The male is presently on a $20,000 Police bail and will return to station on Monday 27th March 2017.

Contrary to what is posted on Social Media, the man in question has not been charged. The decision of whether charges will be laid or not will be a recommendation from the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

If you have any information regarding this incident, contact the police at Chalk Sound Police at 338-5901/941-8067 or contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-8477. The information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind you not to report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter page.

by RTC Director

Representatives from Infrastructure, Housing & Planning take Official Visit to Islands

The Minster with responsibility for the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning, Hon. Goldray Ewing, along with several members of his team from within his Ministry, recently conducted a familiarization and fact finding mission on the Islands of South, North and Middle Caicos, and Providenciales, to get a first-hand view of government properties and projects in an effort to prioritize, repair and improve, where necessary.

During the visits, the team viewed and examined:

    Several of the schools throughout the Islands mentioned
    All government clinics
    Roads on Providenciales, South and North Caicos
    Explore several options to relieve the morning congestion at the downtown roundabout Providenciales
    Kew Town Ball Park project
    The Reverse Osmosis Plant and storage tanks / South Caicos
    The Boiling Hole project / South Caicos
    The Causeway Project  / North & Middle Caicos
    The Wellness Center Project / South Caicos
    The Long Bay High School Project
    Regatta Village works
    Government Treasury and Customs House-South Caicos
    Kew Community Center
     Sporting Facility and Green Fitness Parks projects

Hon. Ewing, during the various meetings with various persons, listened attentively to their concerns, while at the same granted assurances that his Ministry and his government will look into the various issues raised, with the view to having them all addressed on a prioritized basis and as funding become available.

He also thanked each person in advance for their patience and understanding, as we all work to better their situation and by extension, that of these Turks and Caicos Islands.

by RTC Director