PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) Leader Douglas Parnell is urging the United Kingdom not to extend Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam’s tenure, alleging that a pattern of decisions and omissions has demonstrated “bias” in the exercise of her constitutional responsibilities.

Speaking during a nationally streamed address from PDM Headquarters on Friday evening, Parnell said his party’s National Executive Committee had carefully reviewed the Governor’s performance and concluded that she should leave office when her current term expires.

“We believe she should depart the Turks and Caicos Islands and not be given an extension,” Parnell declared. “The Governor must not be extended for another year.”

The Governor was appointed on June 29, 2023, to a four-year term. Parnell claimed that during the June 25 sitting of the House of Assembly, Government members confirmed to the Leader of the Opposition that efforts were underway to secure a one-year extension.

Parnell outlined what he described as six reasons for opposing any renewal of the Governor’s appointment.

Foremost among them, he said, was her refusal to commission an independent review of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force promotion process after such a request was made by the Opposition.

He also criticized what he described as delays in making constitutional appointments, citing the appointment of Dudley Been to the Integrity Commission.

“His appointment was held up for over six months,” Parnell alleged, arguing that constitutional appointments should be made in a timely manner.

The Opposition Leader further accused the Governor of neglecting the Office of the Governor in Grand Turk, saying she spends only “a small fraction” of her time there. He suggested that if the United Kingdom no longer intends to occupy Waterloo, the historic waterfront property should be transferred to the Turks and Caicos Islands Government for redevelopment, either as an official Premier’s Office and residence or as a beachfront hotel investment for Islanders.

Parnell also criticized the absence of a Boundaries Commission following the General Election, saying one should already have been established given the prospect of constitutional changes.

He further argued that constitutional discussions with UK Minister Stephen Doughty should have included the Leader of the Opposition.

“That failure demonstrates bias,” Parnell said, adding that he was also concerned by what he described as the selective leaking of sensitive information that, in his view, could only have originated from the Governor’s Office, the Premier’s Office or the Civil Service.

The Governor has not publicly responded to the allegations made by Parnell during his address.

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands is taking its case for an improved United States travel advisory all the way to Washington, enlisting the British Embassy as the Government argues that the destination’s dramatic reduction in violent crime deserves greater recognition.

The objective is clear: convince the United States that current security conditions justify moving the Turks and Caicos Islands from Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution to the more favourable Level 1 — Exercise Normal Precautions.

Acting Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams confirmed that the Governor’s Office is “working with the British Embassy in Washington to ensure that the internal security situation in the Turks and Caicos Islands is accurately represented in U.S. travel advisories.”

That carefully worded statement signals that the matter has moved beyond local reassurance and into diplomatic channels. The Government is effectively taking its evidence to Washington after the latest State Department review maintained Level 2 because of crime, particularly in Providenciales, and cited potentially limited police resources for investigations.

Premier Charles Washington Misick says the statistics demonstrate meaningful progress. Murders are reportedly down 40 percent, while serious sexual offences have fallen 33 percent year over year. He also pointed to increased investment in border security, intelligence-led policing, crime prevention and law enforcement.

Tourism Minister Zhavargo Jolly added that the territory welcomed 203,587 stayover visitors during the first quarter, more than 10,500 above the corresponding 2025 period, with March alone approaching 80,000 arrivals.

The combined argument is unmistakable: crime is falling, visitor numbers are rising and hundreds of thousands continue to enjoy the destination safely—so why has the rating not improved?

This is also not the first time TCI has challenged an American assessment.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, then Health Minister Erwin “Jay” Saunders publicly objected after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lowered TCI only from Level 4 to Level 3. Calling the assessment disproportionate and potentially arbitrary, Saunders said he would contact the CDC directly and demand clarity about the criteria being used.

TCI was subsequently classified by the CDC at Level 1 — Low Risk, with the territory promoting its strong vaccination programme, low positivity rate and stringent visitor protocols.

That history will likely encourage the Government as it begins this latest fight—tongue firmly in cheek—with Washington.

This time, however, the issue is not a temporary health emergency. It is the international safety reputation of a tourism-dependent country. The Government hopes its falling crime figures, strong visitor performance and diplomatic engagement through the United Kingdom will persuade U.S. authorities that Turks and Caicos has earned a better rating.

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort has launched its 2026 Summer Internship Programme with a record-breaking cohort of 111 high school and tertiary-level students, marking the largest intake in recent years.

The six-week programme, which runs from July 6 to August 14, 2026, is designed to give young Turks and Caicos Islanders hands-on exposure to the hospitality industry across a wide range of departments.

Human Resources Recruitment Specialist Fitzroy Virgo highlighted the programme’s growing significance, “this is the largest cohort we have had in recent times. We currently have 111 participants with a waiting list of almost another 100. We are happy that we have been able to attract some of the brightest and best young minds in the Turks and Caicos Islands as we have interns from Providenciales, North and South Caicos Islands.”

Virgo also noted that the programme goes beyond technical training, incorporating soft skills workshops in financial literacy, customer service, résumé writing and brand and image management.

General Manager Deryk Meany praised the human resources and training teams for the programme’s sustained growth. “The success of this programme has allowed us to grow each year as we continue to build a conducive learning environment for aspiring professionals in the hospitality industry throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Meany said.

He noted that many of this year’s interns were first introduced to Beaches through educational tours facilitated by the Sandals Foundation. “We are excited to provide training in the various areas but more importantly to train them in the soft skills areas that will allow them to be more marketable after they experience this internship programme.”

Among the interns is Maranatha Academy fifth form student Vernae Handfield, who has set her sights on the culinary arts. “My dream is to explore the culinary world and to be a Michelin chef in the future — hence my reason for wanting to start my experience here at the largest resort in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Handfield shared. “I’m looking forward to learning from all these experts who have many years of experience in the different cuisines.”

For others, the programme offers a bridge between classroom theory and real-world application. Keiser University accounting major Sean Astwood II said the opportunity is perfectly aligned with his academic goals. “I want to be able to put into practice my theoretical knowledge into the field of accounting and eventually auditing. Getting the opportunity here at Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort is the perfect environment for me to start to build my skills. I’m grateful for this experience to be immersed into this dynamic working environment.”

The programme has also fostered a culture of return, with several interns participating for multiple consecutive years — a testament to the quality and lasting impact of the experience. As Beaches Turks and Caicos continues to expand its community engagement through hospitality education, the 2026 cohort stands as a powerful reflection of the resort’s commitment to developing local talent and strengthening the Turks and Caicos Islands’ hospitality workforce for years to come.

Photo Insert: A section of the audience at the Beaches Turks and Caicos 2026 summer internship programme at the Caribbean Village conference room