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22nd sitting of Cabinet held in GT

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On Wednesday of this week the Turks and Caicos government had their 22nd sitting of Cabinet where newly appointed governor His Excellency Peter Beckingham chaired his first Cabinet meeting.

Members agreed on a number of matters including 1. Cabinet meetings will now be held between Grand Turk and Providenciales alternately. 2. Five members have been appointed to the Radio Turks and Caicos board which includes Cheryl Ann Foreman as the new Chairman of the board and
Former NIB Director Trevor Cooke was also appointed as a member of the National Insurance Board. The Family Islands of the TCI will also host Cabinet meetings on a quarterly basis.

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

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“TCIAA Ready to Soar To New Heights As New Control Tower Nears Completion”

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) is elated to announce that the construction of the new air traffic control tower and combined services building at Howard Hamilton International Airport is almost complete. The state-of-the-art facility has a tentative finishing date set for November 30th, 2024. This project, following the execution of its contract on May 21st, 2020, officially commenced construction on May 18th, 2022, marking a significant milestone for aviation safety and efficiency in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Despite the challenges that typically come with pioneering large-scale infrastructure projects, TCIAA remains focused on delivering a facility that will enhance air traffic management and streamline operations for both current and future demands. Here’s a look into some of the key project highlights:

  •  Critical Phases: One of the key phases already underway is the installation of the Control and Broadcast (CAB) unit, a pivotal component that will enable the new tower to be fully operational.
  •  Budget Adjustments: The original forecasted budget underwent uplifts primarily due to the significant costs associated with the CAB procurement and installation, as well as redefining provisional sums that were not outlined in the initially proposed project scope.
  • Collaborative Efforts: The main contractor for the project is AE & S Construction Ltd, with BCQS Ltd serving as the Project Management Firm. Additionally, Aeronav has been engaged as a subcontractor responsible for the installation and configuration of the CAB unit. Together, these partners have played a significant role in driving the project forward, ensuring quality and adherence to the established timelines.

As a Design and Build project, a primary focus was aligning the architectural and functional design with the operational requirements of air traffic management while adhering to international regulatory standards. Given the inherent complexities of such construction projects, including defining project scope and ensuring accurate budget alignment, the TCIAA team underwent specialized training. This training equipped team members with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively navigate the contract, resulting in enhanced project oversight and rigorous cost verification.

“Through this project, we have gained invaluable insights that have informed our approach to future developments,” said Wellenica Williams-Quant, the Projects Manager at TCIAA. “We have been able to refine our processes to ensure that we meet our strategic objectives.”

The completion of the new control tower is poised to deliver long-term benefits for The Howard Hamilton International Airport. The new tower will support safer, more efficient air traffic control operations, improve communication with aircraft, and will accommodate the increasing air traffic demands as Turks and Caicos Islands grow as a world-class destination.  The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority extends its gratitude to all stakeholders, including the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands and our external aviation partners, for their continued support and collaboration throughout this project.

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Virgin Atlantic Appoints Sean Edwards as New Country Manager for the Caribbean

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Virgin Atlantic is delighted to announce the appointment of Sean Edwards as its new Country Manager for the Caribbean. With extensive experience in the airline and travel industries, Sean is set to lead Virgin Atlantic’s operations and drive growth in one of the airline’s most strategically important regions.

Returning to Virgin Atlantic after five years, Sean previously led the Loyalty and Travel department at Sandals Barbados and played a pivotal role as Commercial Manager for the recently concluded ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. In his new role, Sean will oversee teams in Barbados and steer the commercial success of Virgin Atlantic throughout the Caribbean, ensuring the airline continues to deliver exceptional service and operational excellence for its customers.

Simon Hawkins, Vice President Americas Virgin Atlantic , commented: “I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Sean back to the Virgin Atlantic family and to my team. His exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and deep understanding of our brand make him the ideal person to build on our successes and drive continued growth. I’m confident that under his guidance, we will strengthen our performance and seize new opportunities to expand our presence and partnerships in the region.”

Sean Edwards, Country Manager for the Caribbean, expressed his excitement: “I am incredibly excited to be returning to Virgin Atlantic and stepping into this new role. Leading such a dynamic and passionate team is truly an honor, and I’m eager to collaborate closely with our valued customers and trade partners. Together, we will continue to drive exceptional results, strengthen our relationships, and further solidify Virgin Atlantic’s position as the airline of choice in the Caribbean. I look forward to building on our successes and delivering record-breaking performance in the region.”

The Caribbean is a cornerstone of Virgin Atlantic’s global network, and Sean’s leadership will be key to strengthening partnerships and exploring new opportunities across the islands. This October, Virgin Atlantic proudly celebrates 26 years of flying between London and Barbados. The airline continues to expand its services, with both the A350 and A330neo now serving the Barbados route, demonstrating its commitment to providing modern, efficient, and comfortable air travel.

In addition to the long-standing London-Barbados flights, Virgin Atlantic’s inter-island services from Barbados to Grenada and St Vincent offer even more opportunities for local and international traveller’s to experience the beauty and vibrancy of the Caribbean

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BORDER FORCE-LED OPERATION IN SOUTH CAICOS RESULTS IN ARREST  

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PRESS RELEASE 
 
FROM THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS BORDER FORCE

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 11th October 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force led a successful operation in South Caicos on 9th and 10th October 2024, targeting illegal work activity. The operation resulted in the apprehension of seven individuals, including two females and five males.

Four of the apprehended individuals are currently detained by Border Force for illegally working in the Turks and Caicos Islands. They are being processed and face potential legal consequences. The remaining three individuals are in the custody of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) following the discovery of cannabis during the operation prompted by indications from the Border Force canine unit. One of these individuals will also face charges for overstaying in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

This operation highlights Border Force’s strategy to combat immigration and customs offences throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands. The inland operations, including workplace enforcement, aim to address the root causes of illegal immigration by tackling illegal working. Border Force is committed to not only apprehending and deporting illegal immigrants but also prosecuting both undocumented workers and employers who facilitate illegal employment.

Emilio Seymour, Director General of Border Force stated “Our recent operation in South Caicos demonstrates our commitment to fulfilling our obligations to the Turks and Caicos Islands. We will continue to enforce our nation’s immigration and customs laws through inland operations throughout TCI. I am incredibly grateful to our officers for their dedication and hard work, as well as the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force for their invaluable assistance.”

Border Force is issuing a stern warning to businesses and individuals alike: Employing undocumented workers is an offence. Those found guilty face significant penalties, including fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to two years. Additionally, undocumented workers themselves are subject to deportation upon conviction. Individuals who harbour illegal immigrants or facilitate their entry into the Turks and Caicos Islands face even stricter penalties, including fines of up to $20,000 and imprisonment for up to four years.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity related to illegal immigration to the following channels: TCIintel@gov.tc, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s tipline at 866-347-2423, or online at https://www.ice.gov/tipline.

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