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TCHTA Honours The Creme de la Creme of TCI's Tourism and Hospitality Sector

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos - Monday, February 29, 2016 - Last Thursday the crème de la crème of TCI's tourism and hospitality sector were honoured when Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association hosted its 8th annual Star Awards event. Each year the event which embodies the spirit of Turks and Caicos honours the achievements of the industry's top tourism, leisure and hospitality employees, businesses and partners, recognising their contribution to the industry and rewarding them for their continued commitment. A commitment and dedication which allows our destination to remain one of the best tourism destinations in the world.

The evening of splendour and entertainment celebrated achievements in an industry which is characterised by excellence and by an intensely guest-focused culture. Hosted by Stephen Wilson and Deandra Hamilton at Tropicana Dinner and Show Club, Star Awards recognised and rewarded individuals for their contribution to service excellence in tourism and for upholding the promise of quality assurance.

With over 130 nominees submitted to auditors KPMG patrons erupted in applause when the winners were announced:

  • Barbara Johnson - Entertainer of the Year
  • Deadeara Dames - Hospitality Hero of the Year - Immigration Department
  • Harrison Rigby - Taxi Driver of the Year
  • Paradise Photography - Allied Member of the Year
  • Tiersa Hall - TCHTA's Shining Star - The Hartling Group
  • Godfrey Williams - Ambassador of the Year - Grace Bay Resorts
  • Michael Mateo - Heart of Hospitality winner - Gansevoort Turks & Caicos
  • Villa del Mar- Hotel of the Year
  • Coyaba Restaurant - Allied Member Restaurant of the Year
  • Lotus Restaurant - Parrot Cay Resort & Hemingway's - The Sands at Grace Bay - Restaurant of the Year
  • Adelphine Pitter - Hotelier of the Year - West Bay Club
  • Elliott Talbot - Fan Favorite of the Year - Beaches Resort
  • Vikram John - Manager of the Year - Grace Bay Club
  • Jai Cabrera - Supervisor of the Year - The Palms TCI
  • Dasantha Perera - Housekeeper of the Year - Seven Stars Resort
  • Beatrice Telluride - Employee of the Year - Seven Stars Resort
  • Edwin Gallardo - Chef of the Year - Seven Stars Resort
  • Junior Bishop - Bartender of the Year - Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort, Villages & Spa

TCHTA's Executive Director Stacy Cox who reminded all nominees that the night was about them, noted "We must all take the lead in putting TCI at the fore, ensuring it is at the forefront of what is one of the fast growing and most competitive industries in the world. We all play an integral part in the ongoing success of Turks and Caicos and as our tourism product continues to compete with the best of the best, we must all continue to work together to raise the bar, ensuring that the desire to experience the islands we call home grows from leaps and bounds."

To the winners of the various Awards Cox said, "Your win validates your hard work and commitment to excellence across the industry. You should all be proud of your win and the vital part you play in the destination's success as a leading visitor destination. You are the reason TCI is synonymous with quality."

Local, regional and international tourism partners answered the call and supported the event again this year, ensuring that all winners walked away with not only a trophy but also a Samsung Tab E. Star Awards Raffle winners Jasmine Pierre, Patrick Staples, Weston Bovell, Mary Forbes and McKia Jones also received prizes including return tickets on interCaribbean Airways, JetBlue and Delta to various regional destinations as well as hotel accommodation.

Sponsors:

interCaribbean Airways, ScotiaBank, Beaches TCI, Gilley's Enterprises, CIBC FirstCaribbean, CSC Brokers, RBC , JetBlue, LIME, Delta, Do It Center, Graceway IGA, Viceroy, Atlantis Paradise, Scrub Island, Sun Newspaper, FortisTCI, Fedex, Caicos Dream Tours, Nick's Car Rentals, TCIAA, AIB, TCTB, Embassy Suites & DoubleTree by Hilton (Puerto Rico), KPMG, Caicos Express Airways, Hemingway's, Cargo Express Services Ltd, Caicos Express Airways, Air & Sea Agency, The Sands at Grace Bay, The Palms Turks & Caicos, Metropolitan by Como.

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2016 REGISTER OF ELECTORS FOR THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

Please see the attached 2016 Register of Electors for the Turks and Caicos Islands. This includes:

The 2016 Register of Electors for ED 04 North and Middle Caicos is still under review by the adjudicators and thus, will be published at a later date.

In addition, see attached the 'Qualifying Date Votes' list.

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ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE NEWLY ELECTED PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT OF THE CSA

The Office of the Deputy Governor would firstly like to thank all of the Civil Servants across the Turks and Caicos Islands who attended the various debates and meetings held by the CSIA and candidates, and most importantly, the Civil Servants who casted their vote in this election process.

A special thanks goes out to the members of the Civil Service in Action Committee (CSIA) on a job well done in organizing and managing a very professional election process. We thank as well the moderators of the debates, Dr. Hugh Fulford and Mrs. Blythe Clare, the District Commissioners in our family Islands, the Elections Office and the various Ministries and Departments that assisted the process by allowing time off for staff and the use of their facilities.

Finally, we would like to congratulate all of the candidates for accepting the nominations and for running well-managed-professional campaigns.

The CSIA is very pleased to announce that 738 Civil Servants casted votes which included 9 in Salt Cay, 315 in Grand Turk, 79 in South Caicos, 42 in North and Middle Caicos and 293 in Providenciales.

With a total of 381 and 514 votes respectively, your next Civil Service Association President and Vice President is Mr. Patterson Williams and Mr. Temard Butterfield.

"Congratulations to our new CSA President and Vice President. Job well done and we look forward to working with you on the advancement of the Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Service!"

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NIS Pays Out $116.5 Million in Benefits 2016, 24th Anniversary

On reflecting on the critically important role that the NIB has played over the past 24 years in the lives of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, newly appointed Director/ CEO of the National Insurance Board, Mr. Walter Gardiner, has released some overwhelmingly important statistics to the public that the NIB has paid in excess of 116.5 million dollars in benefit payments in the TCI since its inception in April 1992.

April 6, 2016 marks the 24th anniversary of the country’s social insurance programme and, in looking back on the introductory years, Mr. Gardiner commented:

“The NIS legislation today is undoubtedly the best pieces of social protection legislation ever implemented in the TCI. Introduced under an extremely dark cloud of suspicion, mistrust and bitter opposition from employers, employees and the self-employed alike, convincing the general public to “buy in” was a very difficult sell at that time as this was the very first time that monies were mandatorily deducted from the salaries of their employees.

It was not an easy task enforcing compliance as the majority of persons viewed us at that time as just another form of taxation guised as social security to put monies into the coffers of government to abuse and borrow from. Indeed, we received strong resistance from many self employed persons; large and small employers, who refused to pay unless prosecuted, threatened to reduce staff or close business- even petitions from the then Chamber of Commerce that an introduction at that time would prove to be a deterrent to potential investors.. Indeed, many predicted that we would fail because we were managed by young, inexperienced personnel.

However, today, we have certainly proven our worth to the people of the TCI and have earned their confidence, trust and admiration for the social and financial protection that we have provided these past 24 years and will continue to provide in countless years to come. Literally, thousands of people depend on us, but more importantly, thousands of people can depend on us”, commented Mr. Gardiner.

Mr. Gardiner reported that as at March 2015, the reserves of the NIB excess of $191 million.

The institution currently collects $27 million annually in contribution income and provides over $13 million annually in benefit payments.

To date the programme has paid out $87,743,225 in long term pensions since its inception and currently supports 1,505 persons with long term pensions as follows:

Pension Type # of Recipients Total Amount Paid

Retirement Pension 971 51,596,052

Non Contributory Old Age Pension 221 15,873,154

Survivors Pension 178 8,901,841

Invalidity Pension 95 6,845,975

Disablement Pension 29 2,577,141

Death Benefit 8 1,822,220

Constant Attendance Allowance 3 126,842

Total: 1,505 87,743,225

Mr. Gardiner further revealed that the institution paid out a total of $28,778,835 in the remaining short term benefits as follows:

Benefit Type Total Amount Paid 1992- Feb 2016

Maternity Allowance 11,337,920

Maternity Grant 2,499,200

Injury Benefit 1,637,139

Medical Expenses 76,961

Sickness Benefit 10,555,807

Funeral Grant 1,580,978

Retirement Grant 894,021

Travel Expenses 77,459

Survivors Grant 90,547

Death Grant 28,800

TOTAL $28,778,835

These payouts combined means that the NIB has been responsible for the distribution of $116,522,060 within the local economy since its inception.

On behalf of the Honourable Minister, C. Washington Misick, the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the NIB, we say Happy 24th Anniversary to all our contributors and beneficiaries as we look forward to continue providing you excellent social insurance coverage.

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TCIHTA sponsors reparation of Police Patrol Bikes

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Community Policing Unit bicycles are repaired and properly packed with new gadgets for better biking patrols, thanks to the Turks and Caicos Islands Hotel and Tourism Association.

On Monday 4th, April 2016 Mrs. Stacy Cox handed to the Commissioner of Police Mr. James Smith, fully functional and newly maintained bikes on behalf of the TCIHTA.

“I am delighted that TCI HTA continues to support the Police as we seek to ensure we maximize our visibility in the communities we serve. The use of bicycles allows our officers to patrol in a way that they can interact with people, particularly in our tourist areas and are accessible to them. As we deliver more patrolling officers, these bicycles will ensure offices are mobile, visible and responsive." Said Commissioner Smith.

“Bicycles help the police interact more with the public.” Said Assistant Superintendent of Police Hilton Duncan. “Unlike patrolling in vehicles, persons can stop the police and speak to them. Also, on a bicycle, common obstacles are easily cleared. It’s faster to stop, manipulate the bike over a fence, and then ride on. Therefore, It makes it easier for the police to get to areas that a vehicle cannot access."

The bicycles were repaired and geared with sirens and flashing lights. Helmets and gloves were also purchased for the officers who will be using them.

These bikes will be used to patrol the Lower Bight and Gracebay areas.

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Caicos Express takes over South Caicos route

There is a new partnership between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and indigenous airline company, Caicos Express airways.

The airline is already bringing relief to a domestic route which was dropped five months ago by the other airline.

Magnetic Media informed RTC News that Co-Owner & Captain Richie Arthur of Caicos Express Airways stated that since Friday April 1, 2016 his company revived the commute between Grand Turk and South Caicos, and much to the delight of residents who had been forced to travel through Provo from South Caicos in order to get to Grand Turk, which takes more time and costs more money. "We've partnered in a subsidy initiative to provide nine flights weekly directly to South Caicos from Grand Turk and we think this is the right start."

Arthur further added, "It is our hope that it will be a long term arrangement, as we want to continue the route and we think the people who needed this to be returned, want us to continue as well." Caicos Express Airways is right now serving the GT to South Caicos commute with a Cessna 402 eight seater plane, but adds that if the demand is there, they can upgrade on size to the 19-seater. "We have re positioned scheduling and made the changes necessary and requested of us by a concerned government to accommodate the leg. We didn't have much time to meet the request but we recognized how taxing it had become for travelers to fly north and then back down south; taking passengers hours when the flight between the two islands is just 10 minutes."

Caicos Express says the nine flights per week includes two flights on Tuesdays and two flights on Thursdays.

Source-MagneticMedia

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Turks and Caicos Promotes Diversity of Attractions at World Travel Market

Brazil is becoming an increasingly important tourism source market for the Turks and Caicos Islands. For these reasons, a delegation from the Turks and Caicos attended the World Travel Market – Latin America (WTM-LA) with executives from the Tourism Board, including the Honorable Porsha Stubbs-Smith, Minister of Tourism, Environment, Culture and Heritage; Ralph Higgs, Director of the Tourism Board; Gardè Alleyne, Personal Assistant to the Minister; Don Gardiner, Chairman of the Tourism Board and Wayne Garland, Member of the Tourism Board.

For about more than a year, Net Hospitality has been representing the destination in the Brazilian market. Since then, the destination has had an increase in the volume of Brazilian tourists and Brazil went from being the ninth to the fourth largest tourism source market for the Turks and Caicos, just behind the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

In meeting tour operators and media professionals at WTM-LA, the Honorable Porsha Stubbs-Smith stressed that Brazil is a major source of business for the destination. "Brazil became the fourth most important source market for Turks and Caicos. We hope that with our presence and networking at WTM-LA we will foster new relationships and continue to see growth not only from Brazil but also from other Latin American countries," said Smith.

According to Ralph Higgs, Director of the Tourism Board, the biggest challenge at the moment is to show that the destination is much more than honeymoons and weddings. "We are a very plural destination. We have one of the largest coral reefs in the world and a strong emphasis on water sports and diving. Another important attraction is the observation of whales and dolphins, which takes place between January and March." Higgs also mentioned that the destination has several food festivals during the month of November.

"Our beaches, the main attraction sought by Brazilians, are gaining more popularity with Grace Bay Beach recent recognition as the best beach in the world by TripAdvisor," said Higgs. "Exclusivity is another advantage. We have 40 islands and cays, of which only 20% are inhabited," he concludes.

In order to promote the attractions, the Turks and Caicos tourism team envisions actions with the largest tour operators and trainings for major travel agencies of São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, Brasilia and Porto Alegre. "We will hold more than 40 trainings, including online sessions via Skype. In 2015 we made over 30 big trainings at the capitals cities around the country," concluded Mauricio Vianna of Net Hospitality.

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11th TURKS AND CAICOS POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT

Her Excellency the Acting Governor, Anya Williams, chaired the 11th meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday, 30 March 2016, at the Hon. Hilly Ewing Building on Providenciales.

All Ministers were present except the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage and Culture and the Hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning.

At this meeting Cabinet:

· Noted the recommendations of the Procurement Board on the award of contracts for the following projects in line with the provisions of Section 38 of the Public Procurement Ordinance:

Development Fund Project No. 5238 – Equipment for the police;

Development Fund Project No. 5116 – Purchase of software for information management at all schools;

Development Fund Project No. 5046 – ICT upgrade for all schools;

Development Fund Project No. 5235 – Antennae for Radio Turks and Caicos;

Development Fund Project No. 5236 – Shore Club/Long Bay Subdivision Water Project;


· Noted the recommendations of the Procurement Board to award contracts in line with the Public Procurement Ordinance 2012 as follows – TR15/14 Replacement vehicle for the Deputy Governor’s Office; TR15/24 Medical supplies and equipment for the National Stepwise Health Survey; TR15/42 Furniture and equipment for the Wellness Centre, Grand Turk; TR15/48 Packing centre, Agriculture Centre (North Caicos); TR15/50 Furniture and equipment for the Juvenile Centre, Grand Turk; TR15/58 Road Development Programme, Bellfield Landing Road, North Caicos; TR15/61 Additional works, Community Clinic, Salt Cay; TR15/62 Furniture and equipment for the Sammy Been Building, Providenciales; TR15/67 Upgrading air-conditioning at the NJS Francis Building, Grand Turk; TR15/69 Furniture and equipment for the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Culture and Heritage; TR15/72 Renovation works to the Police Station, Grand Turk; TR15/73 Fencing project, North Caicos Port; TR15/76 Rapid assessment of informal settlements in TCI; TR15/77 IT equipment and network installation for the RTCIPF; TR15/78 Furniture and equipment for the Ministry of Finance, Investment and Trade; TR15/83 Consultancy review of the Providenciales Airport Master Plan; TR15/74 Construction of the Early Childhood Centre, Ona Glinton Primary School, Grand Turk;

· Agreed a temporary moratorium of up to four weeks on the receipt of new applications for the processing of work permits (excluding temporary work permits), residence permits, permanent residency and Turks and Caicos Islander status to enable Ministry of Border Control and Employment staff to be trained on and the general public to familiarise themselves with the new forms, processes and procedures which are necessary to implement the requirements of the new Immigration Ordinance and the new Turks and Caicos Islander Status Ordinance, both of which come into force on 1 April 2016, so as to provide an improved and more efficient service to customers;

· Advised Her Excellency the Acting Governor to approve a proposal to amend Section 68 of the Customs Ordinance 2009 (Duties, Drawback, Prohibitions and Restrictions) (the Ordinance) to allow reassessments of customs duty to be conducted as part of the post customs clearance process;

· Received a progress report on the work of the TCI Multi-Agency Compliance Task Force in the areas of prevention and clearance of litter; ensuring that all businesses have the required business licences; ensuring that food handlers are licensed and comply with conditions; ensuring that derelict vehicles are removed from both roadside and residential properties and preventing reoccurrences; prevention of squatting on Crown Land; and stopping and preventing unlicensed street vending. Cabinet agreed that the Task Force should henceforth operate under the auspices of the Joint Law Enforcement Committee (JLEC);

· Advised Her Excellency the Acting Governor to agree to the following appointments:

Prison Categorisation Board: George Blenman (Chair); Steve Barrett, Superintendent of Prison (Member); Lorna James (Member); Pamela Joseph (Member) to be appointed for the period 1 April 2016 – 31 March 2017.

Parole Board: Pastor Frederick Braithwaite (Chair); Steve Barrett, Superintendent of Prison; Elva Williams (Member); Carolyn Ingham (Member); Marie Carter Glasgow (Member) to be appointed for the period 1 April 2016 – 31 March 2017.

Prison Visiting Committee: Leo Missick (Chair); Jennifer Forbes (Member); Michael Robinson (Member); Belinda Lightbourne (Member); Mark Kendall (Member); Leo Selver (Member); Permanent Secretary; Director of Social Development; Superintendent of Prison; Karen Higgs (Member) to be appointed for the period 1 April 2016 – 31 March 2017.

Telecommunications Commission: Ejay Saunders (Chair); Arthur Hamilton (Member); Leron Ingham (Member); Pedro Ariza (Member); Marvin Simmons (Member); Diedra Been (Member); Permanent Secretary (Ex-Officio); Director General (Ex-Officio – Secretary) to be appointed for the period 1 April 2016 – 31 March 2018.

Radio Turks and Caicos Board of Governors: Ryan Williams (Chair); Stanley Astwood (Member); Jermaine Fulford (Member); Audley Astwood (Member); Allison Ingham (Member); Permanent Secretary; Bridgette Newman (Secretary) to be appointed for the period 1 April 2016 – 31 March 2017.

· Reviewed and discussed proposed changes to the draft Development Agreement between TCIG and the developers of the proposed Toscana development site at Grace Bay on Providenciales for further discussion with the developers.

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WATER AND SEWERAGE CONSULTATION PLANNED

The Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning, commenced work leading to the drafting of a National Water and Sewerage Policy for the Turks and Caicos Islands and the modernization of the legislative and regulatory framework governing the sector.

A second round of consultation meetings has been scheduled, giving stakeholders the opportunity to contribute to this important undertaking.

The Energy and Utilities Department would like to invite the management of water and sewerage services and other stakeholders across the island of Providenciales, to a consultation meeting on Friday 8th of April, 2016 at 10:00 AM at the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs, located on lower Bight Road, Providenciales.

The main objectives are to:

1. Ensure the long term availability and sustainability of water supply and the provision of safe water and sewerage services across the islands;

2. Implementation of measures that contribute to the preservation and sustainability of watercourses and coastal waters;

3. Improve the quality of life and the protection of public health and the environment through effective management , accountability and oversight of service providers;

4. Modernize the regulatory regime governing the water and sewerage sector across the TCI to improve compliance to established standards.

Stakeholders will be updated on the progress made thus far and will be allowed to make further contributions to the process, to ensure all of the concerns and issues are addressed before project finalization. The management of hotels and resorts with water processing and waste water processing facilities; as well as operators of water trucking services are strongly encouraged to have a representative attend this meeting.

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Burglaries on 4.4.2016 in TCI

Investigators of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands are investigating a number of Burglaries which occurred over the weekend.

A complainant reported on Saturday 2nd Of April 2016 that he arrived home at 1:04 am and discovered his home located on Bay Road Blue Hills burglarized. Officers visited the scene where the complainant stated that he secured his home at 10:30 pm the night before (Friday 1st April 2016) and went away. Upon his arrival, he made the discovery. Stolen was a silver and gold Rolex watch.

On Sunday 3rd April 2016 at 1:10 am, officers responded to a home located on Anna lee Lane, Millennium Highway Blue Hills, where the complainant stated that she went to bed shortly after 11 pm the night before (Saturday 2nd April 2016) leaving her home secured.
Upon waking up at 12:49 am the next day (Sunday 3rd April 2016) she noticed her White Samsung Galaxy s6 Edge cell phone missing along with a black handbag containing keys, Bahamian Passport, vehicle keys, driver’s license and bank cards.

Also, police responded to a burglary of a home located in Norway Kew-town, where the complainant reported that she secured her home at 8 pm on Saturday 2nd April 2016 and went out. Upon returning on Sunday 3rd April 2016, she discovered that her home was Burglarized and ransacked. Stolen are Turks and Caicos Islands and American Passports and two (2) Samsung Galaxy Tablets, two (2) 32inches Flat Screen televisions (Element and Apex Brands)

Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1-800-8477 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: www.crimestoppers.tc, Chalk Sound Police Station 338-5901 or 941-8082. The information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter page.





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