Turks and Caicos protected areas get EU funding
Written by fp staff
Thursday, 16 September 2010 08:28

The Turks and Caicos National Trust has received the first installment from the European Union to support sustainable use of the country’s Protected Areas.
Three major islands and cays will receive much needed infrastructure that will promote and encourage sustainable use of Protected Areas, which include national parks, nature reserves, sanctuaries and areas of historic interest. The spinoffs will create job opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders.

Construction of a modest and appropriate visitor lounge for Little Water Cay (Iguana Island) Nature Reserve should commence soon. It will be the first of several activities designed for the project.

The focal point of the trust’s project will be 111 acres at Bird Rock Point on the eastern most tip of Providenciales.

Over a three-year span, Bird Rock Point will be surveyed demarcating the boundaries for a nature reserve, a sanctuary and areas set aside for picnicking, camping and other recreational and commercial activities which would contribute to the sustainability of this venture. In the second year of the project, the trust hopes to complete construction of its educational resource facility which will also serve as a visitor centre in this area.

The Cheshire Hall Plantation site in Providenciales will be upgraded with a visitor centre and general enhancement, including trails, landscaping and interpretative material through this special project.

The community of Kew on North Caicos and the wider community of the TCI stand to benefit in the short- and long-term from the redevelopment of the Wade’s Green Plantation, another activity within the three-year project. This particular heritage site will also receive a visitor lounge, enhancement to field roads, restructuring of the maintenance programme, additional interpretative panels and literature as well as redesigning of the guided tour.

With the first installment of $83,618, the three-year Management of Protected Areas to Support Sustainable Economics Project is 58 percent EU financed. It is a regional project involving three U.K. overseas territories — TCI, Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands.

The National Trust is relieved that the project has finally come to fruition having been in the embryonic state for more than three years. The management council of the trust expressed gratitude to the EU delegation for working through the bureaucracy to bring the project on stream.

At the completion of the project, the TCI and the National Trust would have benefitted from more than 900,000 Euros.

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Turks & Caicos Free Press

Wednesday, Jul 28, 2010

WORK is officially underway on an immense $70m expansion and renovation project at Providenciales International Airport.
Over the coming months the runway and terminal will be completely transformed to accommodate larger aircraft, more frequent flights and more visitors.
Dubbed “a major milestone” for the country, the self-financed venture is expected to assist the Turks and Caicos Islands on its way to economic recovery.
On Monday morning all of the project’s major supporters gathered at the site of the runway extension to witness the historic groundbreaking ceremony.
John Smith, chief executive officer of the Turks and Caicos Islands Airport Authority (TCIAA), took to the podium to tell a packed tent full of attendees about the project.
He explained that during the first phase Canadian-based company Dexter Construction will carry out a lengthening of the runway.
During phase two, which has yet to be released to tender, a selected company will expand the terminal building.
Once the entire project is complete the airport will be able to accommodate more frequent flights to and from North America, Mr Smith said, as well as larger aircraft from as far afield as Europe and Asia.
Mark Capes, acting governor and public service CEO, said he was delighted to see the first stage of the project underway.
“The construction of the new runway is an important step towards creating a modern, safe and efficient international gateway that will enhance the appeal and competitiveness of the TCI.
“It will inject several million dollars directly into the economy, safeguarding many local jobs during this difficult period of economic recession that confronts the region.”
Mr Capes said that the TC Government has worked in close partnership with the TCIAA to secure the necessary funding and approvals needed for this “critical” project.
He added that the award of the contract to Dexter Construction is an example of the government’s commitment to follow internationally recognised standards in investment appraisal and public procurement.
The company has vowed to establish a scholarship programme for a number of Belongers working on this project, who will have the opportunity to study at training facilities in Canada.
“This will help to bring-on young local talent and build a skilled indigenous workforce, ready to contribute to the future of this country,” Mr Capes said.
Locally-based Cove Construction and CBMS have also been chosen as major sub-contractors in the extensive runway works.
Mr Capes continued: “Many challenges still lie ahead as we work to stabilise our fiscal position and economy.
“The road to recovery here, as elsewhere, will be testing. But I have no doubt that this project will play a key part in securing that recovery over the longer term.”
Caesar Campbell, CEO of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Authority, said the project would make life easier for visitors and residents arriving at Providenciales Airport.
“Congestion is a major challenge for us particularly on the weekends and we have to fix this – we’ve been getting complaints left, right and centre from our visitors and residents.
“So it’s a welcome move on the part of the government and we look forward to working with Airport Authority.”
FirstCaribbean and Barclays Capital have partnered to provide up to $70m for the redevelopment and expansion project.
FirstCaribbean corporate director Peter Horton, who was present at the ceremony, said he was proud to be part of the “momentous” occasion.
“We would like to thank the Turks and Caicos Airport Authority for the confidence they have placed in us.
“We are pleased to have been chosen as your financial partner in helping facilitate this milestone and we look forward to working with you to ensure its successful conclusion.”
An airport redevelopment charge of $20 which is paid by every passenger that passes through Providenciales International Airport will fund the loan repayments.
Following the speeches Mr Capes joined Herbert Ingham, chairman of the TCIAA, in breaking ground at the site of the runway extension.

By Rebecca Bird
Turks & Caicos Weekly News

MINISTRY OF BORDER CONTROL & LABOUR
GRAND TURK, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS, BRITISH WEST INDIES
TELEPHONE: (649) 946-2801/Ext 40710 FAX: (649) 946-2885
TCI relaxes immigration requirements to encourage business and long-stay tourists
Leave to enter and remain for bona fide visitors tripled to 90 days

TCI is more open than ever for business and investment: That’s the message the Ministry of Border Control sent today as it announced the tripling from 30 to 90 days of the maximum period businessmen, tourists and other genuine visitors without seeking an extension of stay.

The rules, promulgated in guidance to ministry staff today, were made in an amendment to the Immigration Ordinance on January 16, 2009 which says that, instead of 30 days, Immigration Officers granting entry to a visitor should normally give leave to enter and remain for a period not exceeding 90 days. Effective May 1, 2010, the amendment allows Immigration Officers to grant leave of less than 90 days in cases where there is doubt as to the visitors’ intentions but it is expected that this provision would only be used sparingly. Importantly too, strict measures would still be in place to deal with any abuse.

On making the announcement, Clara Gardiner, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Border Control and Labour said: “As we look to bring on economic recovery, it’s key that we make it clear that TCI welcomes genuine visitors and investors to the islands. Our new 90-day policy is intended to reflect that.

“Take for example a retired couple from abroad who own property in the TCI and wish to visit for a long vacation, or the investor supervising the setting up a new business. There’s no reason we should be making them hurry home or seek multiple extensions. Such visitors are not competing in the local job market, nor do they place a burden on public services. But they do contribute significantly to the local economy and give generously to local charities and community events. People like these should be welcomed to these shores: TCI should be encouraging them to plan for an extended hassle-free stay.”