A HURRICANE shelter and community recreational centre are the first two projects that will be executed under an agreement between the Government and Carnival Corporation.

The news come on the heels of a meeting between Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson and a Carnival Corporation delegation led by Marie McKenzie, vice president of global destinations services and sourcing, last week.

The discussions centred on a series of community projects throughout Grand Turk that Carnival will be funding and executing.

A statement from the Premier’s Office noted that the cruise industry giant – which plays an integral role in the destination’s tourism success by bringing more than one million visitors to the nation’s capital – is expanding its partnership with the TCI Government and various agencies to positively impact the lives of Grand Turk residents.

Both parties, the Premier’s Office said, are taking a holistic approach to community engagement; as the proposed initiatives span the areas of disaster management, infrastructure, education, environment and recreation.

High priority on the list of projects is the construction of a hurricane shelter and community recreational centre with a youth focus.

“We are pleased to advise that TCIG and Carnival representatives have already executed the agreement to give effect to this.

“This facility will have a major impact on Grand Turk residents’ ability to prepare for and withstand major climate events with the added benefit of providing a venue for various community enrichment activities,” the Premier’s Office said.

Numerous other construction projects for the Victoria Public Library, HJ Robinson High School, TCI National Museum and other entities are currently in the planning stages.

After meeting with the Carnival Corporation team, the premier commented: “I am delighted that the Carnival Corporation continues to demonstrate its commitment to the Turks and Caicos Islands, not only as a tourism partner but a community partner.

“It is important to note that the funds for these initiatives are Carnival’s and are in addition to the works to be carried out under the Joint Infrastructure Fund.

“These forthcoming projects will greatly enrich the lives of the residents of the nation’s capital.” (Delana Isles)

For more on this story go to: http://tcweeklynews.com/carnival-signs-agreement-to-fund-infrastructure-projects-in-grand-turk-p9240-127.htm

IMAGE: Carnival Corp logo