VOLUME 10 ISSUE 31

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AUGUST 23RD – AUGUST 30TH, 2014

VOLUME 10 - No. 31

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NO TO 14-FLOOR HOTELS IN TCI by Hayden Boyce

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

Two of the most powerful and influential organisations in the Turks and Caicos Islands have objected strongly to a proposal by Government to raise the height of hotels from seven storeys to 14. The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) and the Turks and Caicos Real Estate Association (TCREA) made their objections known to Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing and Minister of Finance Hon. Washington Misick at a public consultation on July 23rd, 2014. The majority of TCHTA’s members

are concerned that increasing the building height of properties will have a negative impact on the tourism brand especially since the destination’s affluent and high net worth customer base comes to Turks and Caicos to escape the “concrete jungles” of Florida and other markets. This, according to the TCHTA, was confirmed by many of its international travel partners who noted that their clients prefer destinations which protect the nature and environment with low density and low type buildings. Executive Director Stacy Cox stated: “We have already seen significant damage to our reef system and aquifer by landscaping chemicals, impacts of desalination by-products and other

factors of increase development over the past years and we believe that a long term comprehensive plan is needed to protect our existing brand and products. Our Association also believes that having several high rise buildings in various developments will put a huge strain on our resources such as the fire service, the power and water infrastructure and emergency services which at this time can’t cope with such a high volume.” At a meeting on June 4th, 2014, Cabinet agreed to open a consultation on increasing the height limit of buildings in Providenciales to 14 storeys (150 foot.) The consultation was co-ordinated by the Ministry of Home Affairs and will be open to all

interested stakeholders. The TCHTA directors stated: “TCI as we know and love it maintains the slogan “Beautiful by Nature” which differentiates us from other Islands in the region. Many of our competitors have the same beautiful beaches, great restaurants etc so our country’s differentiation and competitiveness advantage are in what we “do not” have.” The TCHTA said that the new proposal by Government will not only cripple TCI’s brand but will also have a detrimental effect on the country’s land and sea environment. Continued on Page 2.

HARTLING GROUP’S GOT TALENT!

It was showtime as Regent Palms and The Sands at Grace Bay presented the second annual “Hartling Group’s Got Talent!” staff talent show which included performances in song and dance routines from various departments at the resorts. Pictured are the first place winners, from the Regent Palms Front Office Team, (all smiles!) Sheldine Pubien, Kanthal Capron and Frantzline Augustine, along with Regent Palms General Manager Karen Whitt and The Sands at Grace Bay General Manager Mona Beeson. (Photo by Kelano Howell)

LIME to invest US$10 million in TCI network upgrade – Page 7 TCIG never committed to renting Whole Gospel Academy – Page 8

Migrant workers make significant contributions to the Turks and Caicos Islands – Page 10

Plans to restart Dellis Cay project – Page 11


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