TCIG sees significant progress in nationwide recovery efforts
The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) has reported that the Turks & Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) has seen significant progress in its recovery efforts around the islands.
Dr. Virginia I. Clerveaux, Director, DDME reported “With a continued increase in manpower and equipment, the recovery process is expected to be completed in approximately one week. All major government roads in Provo are cleared and most in North and Middle Caicos, with the exception of the Kew settlement.”
“We are still working in Providenciales, where mostly private yards are still inundated with flooding as well as Enid Capron Primary School. Sufficient relief and shelter supplies have maintained throughout including blankets and cots.”
She further stated that, “The vector control team has been around Providenciales and North Caicos treating stagnant waters. Fumigating is scheduled to take place over the weekend and into next week. This process could be delayed by the wind and rain.”
“The new access road linking Bottle Creek and Kew, North Caicos has been completed since Friday. And since then, has had quarry placed on it to increase traction.”
The Director closed with; “The previous road that was flooded has started to decrease naturally however; the Public Works Department will recommence pumping as of Monday, 1 September along with pumping water in the Kew Settlement. This is expected to last for 4-5 days. Although, residents are no longer stranded as they have new access route.”
A Damage assessment Team has been mobilized and will be conducting a comprehensive damage assessment of impacted communities of Bottle Creek and Kew in North Caicos by Thursday September 4, 2014.
The Executive Policy Group is scheduled to meet in September, where they plan to not only discuss the final stages of the Tropical Storm Cristobal Recovery Plan and the steps to be taken, but also TCIG’s readiness and approach for the remainder of the hurricane season.
TURKS AND CAICOS AUTHORITIES INTERCEPT ILLEGAL HAITIAN IMMIGRATION ATTEMPT
A sloop carrying 82 would be illegal immigrants was intercepted by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) and brought safely to port at South Dock, Providenciales at 10.00am today, Monday, 1 September 2014.
The vessel was captured following a report passed to the police by immigration staff at the government’s coastal radar station.
The 60 males and 22 females were handed over to immigration officials at the detention centre. After processing they will be repatriated to Haiti in the next few days.
Two of the group were sent to the Cheshire Hall Medical Facility for treatment due to extreme fatigue and another for a laceration to their leg sustained when they tried to jump overboard and escape the authorities.
“I urge the Haitian authorities to stop these attempts at illegal migration from their shores to the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said the Hon. Ricardo Don Hue Gardiner, Minister for Border Control and Labour. “Not only is it extremely dangerous for those concerned - this vessel was taking on water when we caught it - but, it is a disproportionate burden on the resources of this country. It must stop.
“I commend all of our responders and agencies for their hard work and commitment to duty.”
The communities of the Turks and Caicos Islands are encouraged to contact law enforcement with any information concerning the whereabouts of any illegal migrants or on pending sloop arrivals.
Education Department strengthens relationship through Meeting with Private Sector Partners
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sport and Library Services looked to strengthen its partnerships with the private sector on Providenciales on Friday, 16 August 2014.
The session was called to discuss a way forward to strengthen the partnerships and address challenges that either parties were experienced in ensuring that assistance were meeting the priority needs. It provided an opportunity to say thanks to partners for all the assistance with providing supplies and equipment and assisting with financial support.
Currently the Annual Primary School Science Fair and Science Quiz is sponsored by Fortis TCI. The Clement Howell High will soon have a new lunch shed thanks to Sandals Foundation whose also responsible for training and certification of Special Education Teachers in 2013, while also contributing to the New Beginnings School Project and Enid Capron Primary.
Noteworthy new projects suitable for support were outlined, including the library at the Oseta Jolly Primary, the sick bay at the Enid Capron Primary, training of members of the Student Council at Clement Howell High and the apprentice programme managed by Fortis TCI.
It was confirmed at the meeting that the Grace Bay Foundation will provide backpacks to students in government schools in South Caicos, North Caicos and the Ianthe Pratt Primary in Providenciales as a part of their annual back to school programme.
“We are very grateful to our private sector partners for their contribution and assistance over the past two years,” said Edgar Howell, Turks and Caicos Director of Education. “It is important for us to maintain relationships with them and educate them about some of the critical needs of our students and how our partner organizations can continue to support and invest in our young people and their communities.”
Present at the meeting, Talisha Simons (Fortis TCI), Dwayne Krysnowski (Fortis TCI), Elanor Krysnowski (Sandals Foundation), Sheba Wilson (The Grace Bay Foundation) along with Edgar Howell, Director, Education Department and Cheryl Ann Jones, Permanent Secretary, The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sport and Library Services.
InterCaribbean Airways Increases Caribbean Connections
InterCaribbean Airways extends their partnerships with the travel agent community and is hosting an event to meet The Bahamas Travel Agents and Travel Press.
interCaribbean Airways has been expanding their schedule, created well timed connections from cities for easy connection across the Western Caribbean. For the non USA visa holder, now is easier than ever to travel without flying into the USA to cross the Caribbean. From Nassau (NAS), interCaribbean Airways offers your clients non-stop flights to Providenciales (PLS) in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
With a quick transit onward flights to Puerto Rico (SJU), the Dominican Republic’s Puerto Plata (POP), Santo Domingo (SDQ), Santiago (STI) and Cap Haitien (CAP) and Port au Prince (PAP) in Haiti. In addition from our Providenciales (PLS) hub we offer domestic flights to Grand Turk (GDT) and South Caicos (XSC). The company also made history after being awarded the rights to operate domestic flights in Jamaica between Montego Bay and Kingston.
New distribution capabilities means all flights can be booked and ticketed conveniently at a Bahamas Travel Agency with all electronic tickets.
When Agents plan client travel in the Western Caribbean, be it for business or leisure, interCaribbean may be the best way for clients to reach their destination easily and simply. Why fly all day when arrival is possible in an hour or two?
Trevor Sadler, CEO at interCaribbean Airways said, we have more places in mind to fly, so we look forward to working with you as we grow giving you much more of the Caribbean.
Source-Bahamasweekly.com
Aggravated Burglary and car stolen – Long Bay Hills
Detectives of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) are conducting investigations after a man and his family were robbed at a villa at Long Bay Hills earlier this morning.
About 2:59AM, (Friday, 05th September 2014) a 61 year old male was woken by a loud noise and got out of his bed to investigate the source of the noise. He was immdiately confronted by two masked male intruders dressed in black.
During the incident, one of the masked men struck a 24 year old male on his head with a crowbar and demanded cash.
Both suspects fled the scene in victim’s brown Chevrolet rented car, carrying with them items taken from the villa which included a silver Rolex watch, a Sony Viao Laptop and a black purse containing one credit card and one debit card.
Police searched the area; however, the two masked men were not located.
The villa at the time of the incident was occupied by two males (61 and 24 years old) and two females (59 and 28 years old). The 24 year old male was offered medical treatment but he refused. No one else reported any physical harm during this incident.
Detectives from the RTCIPF are conducting inquiries into the incident are appealing for the public’s help to identify the offenders involved.
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INTEGRITY COMMISSION WORKS ALONGSIDE UK’S ELECTORAL COMMISSION
The Deputy Director of the Integrity Commission, Mr Richard Been, returned to the Turks and Caicos Islands on 1 September following a Governor’s Office-funded attachment to the UK’s Electoral Commission.
The one-week training and development visit, which also included a visit to the UK’s Committee on Standards in Public Life, sought to build working relationships between UK and TCI bodies and to familiarise the Deputy Director with the processes the UK employs to govern and monitor the financing of political parties. Mr Been’s programme, which was split between London and Edinburgh, included numerous meetings with officials that focused on how the Electoral Commission could assist the Integrity Commission in carrying out its mandate. He also had the opportunity to observe the live monitoring and checking of proposed political expenditure carried out by the Electoral Commission, and met with both the Electoral Commissioner for Scotland and the Head of Election Team for the Scottish Government.
‘It was fascinating to be able to spend time with the Electoral Commission’s officials in the run-up to the Scottish referendum on independence on 18 September,’ commented Mr Been on his return. ‘I will be looking to apply what I learned during my visit to my work for the Integrity Commission as we strive towards ensuring TCI is a regional model of political transparency and accountability.’
Deputy Head of Mission at the Governor’s Office, Mr. Patrick Boyle, commented: ‘I’m very pleased that we have once again been able to fund capacity building activities that will be of real benefit to the TCI. The UK’s commitment to good governance in the Islands continues, and the Integrity Commission plays a key role in achieving this locally. I hope Mr Been’s visit will herald the beginning of a strong working relationship with the UK’s Electoral Commission.’
The Integrity Commission of the TCI is, among other things, charged with oversight of the Political Activities Ordinance of the Islands. This governs the activities (financing, campaigning etcetera) of political parties and independent candidates during the four-year cycle of elections, and particularly the twelve month period prior to a General Election. The Ordinance draws in fair measure from its counterpart legislation in the UK, and specifies donation and spending limits as well as who can or cannot donate to a political party. The Ordinance also defines the enforcement powers and sanctions which can be implemented if there is a breach by any of the political parties.
CHICOS Program to Include Providing Capital, All-Inclusive Resorts and Sustainable Hotels
Discussion Panels and Workshops at the Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference & Operations Summit (CHICOS) will focus on key subjects impacting the investment climate in the Caribbean including available capital, mixed-use development and other investment opportunities in the region. CHICOS is scheduled Nov. 13-14, 2014 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
Staged by HVS, the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), CHICOS brings together over 300 regional and international investors and operators as well as the region's leading decision makers.
Panelists at CHICOS will examine providing capital to the region, all-inclusive properties, profitability of sustainable hotels and Caribbean nations in which to invest with conference sessions as follows:
- The outlook for investors as shared by capital providers and advisors
- Examples of successful mixed-use projects
- All-Inclusive properties and the impact on European Plan hotels
- The success of sustainable hotels and tourism developments in the region
- Guidelines to assist you in determining which hotel and market segment to target
- Discussion of which countries are now "hot" for investment
Confirmed industry executives speaking at CHICOS include:
- Craig Smith, President, Caribbean and Latin America, Marriott International
- Marco Roca, Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer, Hard Rock International
- Kenny Blatt, Principal & COO Hospitality, CPG Real Estate
- David Callaghan, Vice President, Resort Sales and Service, Interval International
- Reynaldo Ramirez, Director, Eastern Mexico/Dominican Republic, Resort Sales and Service, Interval International
- Jeffrey S. Vasser, CHA, Director General and CEO, CHTA
- Hugh Riley, Secretary General, CTO
"CHICOS is honored to have such distinguished speakers meet and network at our event and bring together representation from throughout the region and beyond," says Mr. Parris Jordan, Chairman of the CHICOS conference and Managing Director of HVS in the Caribbean. "History has shown us that our attendees represent interests from the U.S. and Canada, South America, Central America, nearly two dozen Caribbean nations, various European countries, China, Hong Kong and countries in the Middle East."
"CHTA member hoteliers looking to finance developments in order to secure their long-term viability in this competitive marketplace will find CHICOS indispensable," said Jeffrey S. Vasser, CHA, director general and CEO for CHTA. "From a networking standpoint as well as resource for information with thought-provoking workshops and discussions, the two-day event will offer exceptional content," Vasser added.
Last year's 300 attendees included delegates from Anguilla, Argentina, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, China, Costa Rica, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Greece, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Mexico, Montserrat, Panama, Puerto Rico, Spain, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten/St. Martin, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos, United Kingdom, United States, U.S. Virgin Islands and Venezuela.
CHICOS 2014 will have delegates and speakers from governmental representatives, opinion leaders, developers, bankers and other lenders, tourism officials, investment funds, hotel chain executives, individuals/companies seeking investors for their tourism projects, franchise and operations companies, public and private institutions, consultants, advisors, architects and designers - all to discuss the region's markets and possibilities.
ALERT 10:CRISTOBAL MOVING ERRATICALLY NORTHWARD.…
….. CRISTOBAL MOVING ERRATICALLY BUT GENERALLY NORTHWARD.…
TROPICAL STORM WARNINGS REMAIN IN EFFECT FOR THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS WHICH INCLUDES CAT ISLAND, THE EXUMAS, LONG ISLAND, RUM CAY AND SAN SALVADOR.
RESIDENTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS SHOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF CRISTOBAL.
A TROPICAL STORM WARNING MEANS THAT TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED SOMEWHERE WITHIN THE WARNING AREA…..IN THIS CASE WITHIN THE NEXT 12 HOURS.
AT 8PM EDT THE CENTER OF TROPICAL STORM CRISTABOL WAS LOCATED NEAR LATITUDE 24.6 DEGREES NORTH AND LONGTITUDE 73.1 DEGREES WEST OR ABOUT 95 MILES EAST-NORTHEAST OF SAN SALVADOR, ABOUT 143 MILES EAST-NORTHEAST OF CAT ISLAND AND 268 MILES EAST-SOUTHEAST OF NASSAU.
TROPICAL STORM CRISTOBAL IS MOVING TOWARD THE NORTH NEAR 6 MILES PER HOUR. A GENERALLY NORTHWARD MOTION IS EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS. ON THE FORECAST TRACK...THE CENTER OF CRISTOBAL WILL PASS NEAR OR TO THE EAST OF THE CENTRAL BAHAMAS THROUGH MONDAY.
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS ARE NEAR 45 MILES PER HOUR WITH HIGHER GUSTS. SOME GRADUAL STRENGTHENING IS FORECAST DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS.
CRISTOBAL IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE RAINFALL TOTALS OF 4 TO 8 INCHES OVER THE TURKS AND CAICOS, THE SOUTHEAST AND CENTRAL BAHAMAS THROUGH TUESDAY.
RESIDENTS IN THE MENTIONED ISLANDS SHOULD PREPARE FOR POSSIBLE FLOODING IN FLOOD PRONE AREAS AND GUSTY WINDS OF UP TO TROPICAL STORM FORCE. SMALL BOATERS IN THE WARNING AREAS SHOULD REMAIN IN PORT.
THE NEXT ALERT ON TROPICAL STORM CRISTOBAL WILL BE ISSUED AT 11 PM EDT.
A MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS DR. THE HON. RUFUS EWING ON THE PASSAGE OF TS CRISTOBAL
My fellow citizens and visitors of the Turks and Caicos Islands, we are currently hours into the passage of Tropical Strom Cristobal, which was named while over us yesterday, as was announced on the six o’clock advisory from the National Hurricane Centre last evening.
The Turks and Caicos Islands and the Central and South Eastern Bahamas remain under a Tropical Storm Warning and I am cautioning all citizens to be safe and to remain indoors as much as possible, as we continue to experience heavy rains, wind gusts and extensive flooding in low lying areas, especially on the islands of Middle and North Caicos.
The inclement weather is expected to linger for another forty-eight hours and the flooding is expected to worsen as a result. Take every precaution to elevate and protect critical papers and other valuables, but most of all take all precaution to protect your lives, those of your loved ones, neighbors and friends.
Government officials of the Department of Disaster Management will be surveying our communities when it is safe to do so and ensuring all is well in due course but I ask that you continue to listen to the local radio and television stations and the social media for updates and to take extra care of the most vulnerable, our young ones, the sick, the elderly and the needy.
My Family and I are praying for the safety of all. May God bless you and may He bless these Turks and Caicos Islands.