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T&T Heats up with Festivals, New Meetings Space and Hotel Deals this Summer
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – June 9, 2015 – Rated the “happiest” Caribbean nation for the second time by the World Happiness Report, the dual-island nation of Trinidad & Tobago is sizzling with hot hotel deals, a thriving culinary scene and a diverse mix of cultural events this summer. With a 20 percent increase in US arrivals recorded in the first quarter of 2015, the destination is gearing up for summer with a selection of new restaurants, hotels, festivals and deals for US travelers.
New Meetings & Convention Space
Shaw Park Complex, Tobago
Set to officially open in July 2015, Tobago’s Shaw Park Complex, situated in Scarborough, is a first-rate multi-functional facility with theater, indoor sport, conference and convention amenities designed to cater to the needs of international, regional and local event organizers. The facility features a main hall that seats 3,700 and six other meeting/lecture rooms, ranging from 150 to 286 seats and will address four pillars of development including business, tourism, culture and sport. For more information, visit www.shaw-park.org, call (868) 461-4112 or email shawparkcomplex@gmail.com.
Hotel News and Updates
Bacolet Beach Club, Tobago
Bacolet Beach Club, one of Tobago’s premier boutique hotels, recently completed expansions that include the addition of the “West Wing” building. The addition features 15 luxurious, marble tiled suites and an infinity pool overlooking the hotel’s private bay. Each room’s private veranda offers panoramic views of the nearby sea and Bacolet Bay. Rates start at US $220 for the Bay De Luxe rooms, based on double occupancy. Rates include transfer from airport (four night minimum stay), full American breakfast, taxes and Wi-Fi. For more information, email info@bacoletbeachclub.com or call 868.639.2357.
Courtyard Port of Spain, Trinidad
Marriott’s Courtyard Port of Spain recently upgraded one of its suites to include a full kitchen complete with the replacement of the carpet in the bedroom and living room. The upgraded suite now features Pergo flooring, a stainless steel refrigerator, dishwasher, electric counter top stove, and a range of small appliances, dishware, tableware and cutlery. The suite also offers a Jacuzzi tub and a large balcony overlooking the poolside terrace. The one bedroom suite can comfortably accommodate a couple or a small family, as a pull-out sofa is available in the living area. For larger families, an adjoining guest room with two queen beds is available. Rates start at US $359 for the suite, based on double occupancy. The hotel is also offering 20 percent off standard room rates for stays June 15 – September 15, 2015 with a booking window of May 15 – July 30, 2015 and a two night minimum. Guests can also take advantage of 10% off dinner at the main restaurant of the hotel during their stay. For more information, visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/poscy-courtyard-port-of-spain/.
New Restaurants and Entertainment
LUCE Sushi Bar & Lounge, Trinidad
Located on the restaurant level at Hilton Trinidad, LUCE is no longer the best kept secret in Port of Spain. Known for its inspiring presentation and bursting flavor, LUCE officially opened XXX. With breathtaking views of Queens Park Savannah and lush Northern Range, some have been referring to it as “the little oasis.” LUCE features floor to ceiling glass panels and an outdoor terrace and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. For daily updates and menu highlights, visit www.facebook.com/LUCE.
Buccaneers Beach Bar & Grill, Tobago
Situated on the shores of Stonehaven Bay at Grafton Beach Hotel, Buccaneers is the only restaurant and “liming spot” on the beach in Tobago. Conveniently located just 15 minutes from Crown Point, Buccaneers features signature cocktails and a fantastic beach inspired menu complimenting the atmosphere of the island and its local cuisine. Guests can watch the sunset while enjoying happy hour cocktails from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. For more information, visit www.buccaneersbeachbar.com.
Zoe Snorkeling Tours, Tobago
Owned and operated by popular Tobago waterman Duane Kenny, Zoe Snorkeling Tours is all about personalized service. Pickup locations vary based on the guests’ preference with tours starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 12 p.m. Guests can relax and enjoy the ride of the comfortable and covered 140 horsepower jet boat, complete with a swim platform on the back. The cost of the tour is US $80 per adult and US $40 per child under the age of 12. Price includes a three hour tour with snorkeling gear, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. For more information, visit www.snorkeltobago.com.
Cultural Celebrations and Festivals
Trinidad Fruit Festival
The fourth annual National Fruit Festival in Trinidad will take place at Nu Image Simplex Complex North Road, New Grant from June 19 – 21. This event is aimed at providing knowledge on local produce and focuses on the importance of maintaining local supply to meet international demands. In addition to featuring a variety of local fruits, the festival will host a Best Chow competition and aerobic challenge. Admission is free and prizes will also be given throughout the festival. For more information, call (868) 771-2473.
Tobago Dragon Boat Festival
Held at Pigeon Point Heritage Park on June 22, the annual Dragon Boat Festival offers locals and visitors alike many activities, including dances, magic shows, music, boat racing, dragon dances, food and much more. More than 20 teams from both islands compete for titles as thousands of residents and visitors cheer. The festival showcases the island’s beauty and gives patrons a chance to sample delicious local Creole and Chinese cuisine. For more information, visit http://visittobago.gov.tt/festivals.
Tobago Heritage Festival
Beginning July 16 with celebrations coming to a climax in a J’ouvert and street parade on Emancipation Day (August 1), Tobago Heritage Festival is one of the most important festivals of the year for the island. Both Trinidad and Tobago have extensive cultural backgrounds, from European to African to Amerindian, creating a very unique and diverse culture. Tobago Heritage Festival celebrates traditions that are mostly African, with eclectic events and dances hosted in various villages throughout the island. Tobagonians from various communities have used this celebration of culture to educate and entertain both visitors and local youth. The main event each year is the traditional “Ole Time Wedding,” held in the village of Moriah. This mock marriage ceremony highlights the influences of European culture on the local population featuring a colorful procession of the satin-garbed bride and top-hatted groom while guests dance in the streets. For more detailed information, visit http://www.gotrinidadandtobago.com/resources/documents/13/tnt-festivals.pdf.
Tobago Blue Food Festival
One of the most unique food expositions in the Caribbean, the Blue Food Festival is an annual festival where local chefs and creative, indigenous cooks come together to share their knowledge, cooking secrets and tasty blue creations with commonly-used local ingredient dasheen, the Caribbean root vegetable that actually turns blue when cooked. On October 18, 2015, guests will be treated to cooking demonstrations and competitions, samples of local chefs’ creations, and entertainment by popular local performers.
Diwali
A large percentage of Trinidad & Tobago’s population consists of East Indians and a significant amount are Hindus. The nation’s Hindu festivals, customs and traditions form an integral part of society. The celebration of Divali, also called Hindu Festival of Lights, is the perfect time for travelers to immerse themselves in Hindu religion and culture. Its formal event, Yagna, showcases a traditional ambiance of Indian décor, film, music and food. The highlight is Divali night, November 11 this year, when earthen lamps made of artistically designed bamboo arches and plantain trees, called deeyaas, are lit across the country. For more information, visit www.gotrinidadandtobago.com.
Hotel Packages
Cascadia Hotel and Conference Centre, Trinidad
Nestled in the foothills of the Northern Mountain Range, less than ten minutes outside Port of Spain, Cascadia Hotel and Conference Centre caters to both the leisure and business traveler. Valid for the month of August 2015 only, take 30 percent off with rates starting at US $90 for single occupancy and US $100 for double occupancy. All rates are inclusive of taxes, breakfast, wireless internet, and a complimentary cocktail evening. For more information or to book, email marketing@cascadiahotel.com with attention to Barry Bidaisee.
Coco Reef Resort & Spa, Tobago
With 135 rooms, suites and villas, Coco Reef Resort & Spa offers easy access to the three most magnificent beaches in Tobago: Store Bay, Pigeon Point and Coconut Bay. This summer, the resort is offering a number of enticing deals for travelers. From May 1 to December 20, for $3,000, guests can enjoy transportation to and from ANR Robinson International Airport, deluxe ocean view accommodations with a private patio or balcony for five days and four nights, daily breakfast buffet, nightly dinner at Tamara’s Restaurant or Bacchanal’s Bistro including one glass of wine per person, five total spa treatments per person (spa manicure, spa pedicure, Swedish massage, sun repair facial and sun repair facial treatment), nightly entertainment, complimentary watersports and night/day tennis. This rate is based on double occupancy. Also valid May 1 to December 20, Coco Reef Resort guests can enjoy the exclusive web package for two. At $2,800, this package includes transportation to and from ANR Robinson International Airport, a 50-minute Swedish massage per person, ocean view accommodations with a private patio or balcony for five days and four nights, complimentary breakfast and lunch, unlimited beer, house wine, local rum drinks, vodka, gin, scotch and sodas, day/night tennis and complimentary watersports. For more information Coco Reef Resort & Spa, visit www.cocoreef.com.
Kapok Hotel, Trinidad
Locally owned and located just outside of Port of Spain, Kapok Hotel is offering every fifth night free for travel July 1 – August 31, 2015 with a booking window of June 1 – 30, 2015 using promo code SUMMER. Rates start at US $138.00 for standard room category. Offer available only on www.kapokhotel.com or stay@kapokhotel.com.
Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort, Tobago
With 178 deluxe oceanfront guestrooms and 22 suites, all complete with breathtaking ocean views, three oceanfront swimming pools, a PGA designed 18-hole golf course, a PADI 5-star dive center, tennis, spa services, kids club and variety of excursions, Magdalena Grand is offering 25 percent off for travel now through December 18, 2015 with a four-night minimum stay. This offer includes two free rounds of golf and must be booked by July 31, 2015. For booking information, email reservations@MagdalenaGrand.com or call (868) 660-8500.
Plantation Beach Villas, Tobago
With six luxurious villas, each outfitted with modern amenities that provide stunning panoramas of the Caribbean Sea, Plantation Beach Villas is ideal for family vacations, romantic getaways and group reunions. Planation Beach Villas is offering a “Stay for 7, pay for 5” special, which is valid on reservations booked through November 2015 for travel during the months of June, September, October and November 2015. Rates start at US $440 per villa per night for a group of four guests or US $550 per villa per night for groups up to six guests. For booking information, email plantationbeach@tstt.net.tt or call (868) 639-9377.
Villas at Stonehaven, Tobago
With 14 spacious villas set on the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, Villas at Stonehaven borders a protected bird sanctuary nestling in 260 acres of forested hills. Stonehaven is running a summer special of 20 percent off rates valid for stays from June 1 – July 15, 2015. For stays from July 16 – November 30, 2015, guests can take advantage of 15 percent off the room rate. To receive either of the offers, room must be booked by June 30, 2015 using booking code Sum15. Rates start at US $330 per night for two adults and one child in a One Bedroom Luxury Ocean View Villa. For more information or to book online, visit www.stonehavenvillas.com.
About Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad & Tobago is located in the southeastern region of the Caribbean. With its careful approach to tourism, the dual-island nation offers a distinct blend of culture, eclectic cuisine and an assortment of eco-adventure activities. Trinidad, the ‘cultural capital of the Caribbean,’ is home to the world famous Carnival and the birthplace of the steel pan drum, the only new acoustic instrument to be invented in the 20th century. Tobago, sister island to Trinidad, is the quintessential Caribbean island with secluded beaches, quaint villages, private villas and award-winning eco-attractions that include the Main Ridge Rainforest, the oldest protected reserve in the western hemisphere and the six-time award winner for World’s Leading Ecotourism Destination by the World Travel Awards. For more information on Trinidad & Tobago visit www.goTrinidadandTobago.com or www.visittobago.gov.tt.
By Deandrea Hamilton
GRAND TURK, Turks and Caicos Islands — Long before it became the Turks and Caicos Islands Statistics Authority, it was a small government unit quietly collecting information for policymakers. It existed largely in the background, producing figures on population, trade, employment and economic activity.
On Tuesday, May 26, that department entered a new era.
In a ceremony themed “Empowering Our Islands Through Data,” the Statistics Department officially became the Turks and Caicos Islands
Statistics Authority, a milestone years in the making and one many in attendance attributed to the vision, persistence and leadership of longtime statistician Shirlen Forbes.
The launch itself reflected the values Forbes has championed throughout his career — inclusion, respect for institutional history and investment in the next generation.
Former and current staff were recognized. Tributes were paid to those who laid the foundation decades ago. Students from Enid Capron Primary School performed. Musicians including Robin Forbes, Dexter Landy, Vernal “Samsol” Lightbourn and Aleta “Apple” Astwood contributed cultural selections, while leaders from across government, CARICOM and the Opposition gathered under one roof.
The occasion also featured remarks from Pastor Bradley Handfield, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Turks and Caicos Islands Statistics Authority, who described the launch as more than the creation of a new institution.
In his welcome message, Handfield said the Authority represents a renewed national commitment to data integrity, independence and excellence. He noted that reliable statistics underpin effective governance, business confidence and informed public discourse, while helping the country track social and economic progress and make better decisions for the future.
What stood out most was the genuine affection in the room.
The event united generations of statisticians, administrators and public servants who had contributed to the evolution of statistical services in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It was evident that Forbes had not forgotten those who came before him.
That commitment to people was highlighted by Acting Governor Anya Williams, who praised the department as one of the best-run entities in government and singled out Forbes for elevating both the institution and its staff.
“There are some departments that if they wrote today and said they wanted to become a statutory body, I would say, ‘Great, can I sign right now?’ But the Statistics Department was not one of those,” Williams said. She described it as a department with a long-standing record of excellence, crediting former leaders including Jones and Kathleen Forbes before noting that Shirlen Forbes had “taken it to another level.”
Her Excellency Williams spoke passionately about Forbes’ emphasis on training and higher education.
She recalled attending a University of the West Indies graduation where members of the department earned master’s degrees, achievements she directly linked to Forbes’ leadership.
“Sometimes they complain that they feel like they’re in school because Mr. Forbes always has them doing something,” she joked, before
explaining that his focus extends beyond qualifications.
“For him it’s about empowerment.”
That philosophy has shaped a department that now stands at the centre of national planning.
The historical timeline presented at the launch traced the journey from a statistical unit operating under the Financial Secretary’s Office, through its disbandment in 1993, re-establishment in 1998-99 with support from the Caribbean Development Bank and CARTAC, modernization during the 2000s and 2010s, and ultimately the creation of the Statistics Authority. The Statistics Act of 2012 further strengthened the legal framework for the collection and protection of official data.
Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged that while politicians establish policy, professionals such as Forbes make implementation possible.
“My job is to set policy and direction, but it takes people like yourself to implement and deliver,” Misick said. “I’ll take my hat off to you.”
The Premier described statistics as critical to decision-making and national development, noting that modern governments cannot plan effectively without reliable data. He then formally declared the launch of the Statistics Authority.
Yet perhaps the most memorable aspect of the occasion was not the unveiling of a logo, mission statement or statutory framework.
It was the recognition that behind every census, survey, labour report and economic indicator are people dedicated to helping a country understand itself.
For decades, Shirlen Forbes has been one of those people.
Now, with the creation of the Turks and Caicos Islands Statistics Authority, his work stands as a reminder that nation-building is not only done in Parliament or Cabinet rooms. Sometimes it is done quietly, one dataset, one report and one trained professional at a time.
And on May 26, the Turks and Caicos Islands paused to say thank you.
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Sandals Resorts International and Ministry of Tourism Leveraging Radio Remotes to Boost Visitor Arrivals
MONTEGO BAY, May 11 (JIS): A week of live radio remotes from Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in St. Ann has showcased Jamaica’s resilient rebound from Hurricane Melissa, with Canadian and British hosts praising the island’s hospitality sector as not just reopened for business but “top tier and second to none”.
A joint venture between Sandals Resorts International and the Ministry of Tourism connected 11 international radio stations and one local
outlet, including ‘The Bim Show’ on Fyah 105, to deliver on‑the‑ground impressions to an audience of nearly three million listeners.
During a seven‑day stay at Sandals Ochi, the hosts conducted live broadcasts back to their home bases, toured the Ocho Rios area, and interviewed Sandals staff as well as students from the Exchange All-Age School in St. Ann.
The initiative also provided first‑hand observations of Jamaica’s ongoing tourism recovery and the enduring warmth of the island’s people.
“First-class stuff… Jamaica is such an amazingly beautiful place. If you didn’t know, there is no way you could tell that six months ago, the island experienced a category-five hurricane, which caused so much damage. [It is] such an amazing place; amazing and beautiful people,” Brian West, a radio host from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada said.
Broadcaster from London, England, Jada Sachira, shared similar sentiments.
“It was such a wonderful experience; I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The people have been so friendly and hard-working… everyone doing their part to ensure that visitors are well taken care of and to enjoy the Jamaican tourism product. Just breathtakingly beautiful. I want to come back for a longer stay,” she stated.
Another Canadia radio host, Patty Brown, underscored Jamaica’s iconic worker‑driven hospitality.
“You just have to come and see… that’s what I told my listeners. The Jamaican experience is simply magical… my first time here but definitely won’t be my last,” she stated.
Regional Public Relations Manager for Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, Lyndsay Isaacs, noted that the radio remotes have historically been highly successful, offering a tangible window into Jamaica’s tourism product for listeners.
“It’s a case of reporting back to their listeners what they have experienced first-hand. Sandals, along with the Ministry of Tourism, have been doing this kind of radio remotes for years and we find it very successful. It’s different and more emotional this time, seeing that we have been in a recovery state following Hurricane Melissa, which badly affected the sector. But look at us now – fully open for business,” Ms. Isaacs stated.
Mayor of St. Ann’s Bay, Councillor Michael Belnavis, praised the event for highlighting community hospitality and economic resilience.
“This radio remote has highlighted Jamaica’s unity and endurance in rebuilding the tourism sector. The people of St. Ann, and Jamaica as a whole, have demonstrated that hospitality is in our DNA,’ Mr. Belnavis stated.
Poko Loko Floating Bar’s owner Anthony Warren, offered another insider’s view, noting that positive results should come from the on-the-ground visits and live broadcasts from the radio hosts.
Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, said the initiative is a strong signal of Jamaica’s competitive rebound in Caribbean travel.
“The radio remote’s reach is a testament to Jamaica’s continued relevance as a premier tourism destination. We have not only recovered but we have also elevated the Jamaican experience to a level that is unmatched in the region,” Mr. Bartlett said.
The collaborative event, which mobilised 11 international radio stations and one local outlet, demonstrates Jamaica’s aggressive post‑Melissa recovery strategy and reinforces the island’s reputation for warm hospitality and world‑class attractions.
Radio remotes have been popularly used as a vehicle by both the Ministry of Tourism and Sandals Resorts International as a means of reaching out directly to radio audiences in Jamaica’s biggest source markets: the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – March 26, 2026 – The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU) successfully hosted its Future Creators Challenge Prize Distribution Ceremony on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at its office in Providenciales, recognising outstanding student creativity and participation from across the Turks and Caicos Islands with winners hailing from Providenciales and North Caicos.
The Future Creators Challenge formed a central component of the ISU’s Youth Outreach Programme, an initiative designed to engage young
people in understanding the challenges associated with informal settlements while encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and solution-oriented perspectives on national development. Through a combination of educational content, school engagement, and creative competitions, the programme provided students with an opportunity to explore issues of community development in accessible and meaningful ways.
Students competed across three categories: 2D Art, Essay Writing, and Jingle Creation, producing submissions that demonstrated both creativity and thoughtful engagement with the themes of the programme.
The following students were recognised for their outstanding performances:
2D Art Challenge
1st Place – Emily Joree – MILLS Institute
2nd Place – T’Sean Anthony – Thelma Lightbourne Primary School
3rd Place – Jagan Russell – MILLS Institute
4th Place – Eve Harvey – MILLS Institute
Essay Challenge
1st Place – Jordan Pierre – Louis Garland Thomas High School
2nd Place – Kavya Mirwani – British West Indies Collegiate
3rd Place – Mirsendy Obei – Raymond Gardiner High School
Jingle Challenge
1st Place – Naivan Smith – Raymond Gardiner High School
In addition to individual awards, MILLS Institute was presented with a special prize in recognition of submitting the highest number of
entries to the ISU Future Creators Challenge, reflecting exceptional student participation and institutional support.
In remarks delivered during the session, ISU Strategic Lead Justice Carlos Simons KC underscored the importance of youth participation in shaping the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands, noting that “the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands depends on young people like you who are willing to engage, to imagine solutions, and to play a role in the development of your communities.” He further encouraged students to continue playing an active role in national development, expressing that he hoped “this is only the beginning of your journey as agents of change here in the TCI.”
The ISU extends its sincere appreciation to all participating schools, students, and teachers as well as the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, whose support contributed to the success of this inaugural Youth Outreach Programme initiative.
The Unit remains committed to expanding its engagement with young people across the Turks and Caicos Islands through innovative, inclusive engagement efforts that support awareness, education, and long-term national development.
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