PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM,

ENVIRONMENT, HERITAGE, FISHERIES,

AGRICULTURE, RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS AND GAMING

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 15 October 2024: Minister Honourable Josephine Connolly, along with her delegation, attended a highly productive visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, at the 18th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) and the 14th Special Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM). Hon. Connolly, who currently serves as Chairperson of the CRFM Ministerial Council, led her team, which included Acting Director of Fisheries Kathy Lochkhart, Director of Agriculture Wilhelmina Kissoonsingh, and Executive Administrator Leandrea Missick, in making significant contributions to both events.

Minister Connolly presided over the CRFM Ministerial Council meeting, where vital issues were discussed, including the enhancement of fisheries statistics and information systems, the integration of biodiversity considerations into fisheries policies, and the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Global Diversity Framework. The meeting was marked by meaningful dialogue, leading to strategic steps for the sustainable management of fisheries across the Caribbean region.

Minister Connolly remarked, “This meeting was a crucial opportunity to address some of the most pressing challenges in our fisheries sector. The decisions we made will help to protect marine ecosystems while supporting the livelihoods of those who depend on them.”

The delegation also participated in the Caribbean Week of Agriculture, a dynamic event that brought together stakeholders from across the region to explore new innovations and approaches in the agricultural sector. A key feature of the week was the Agriculture Trade Show, held daily, which provided an excellent platform to showcase the latest advancements in agricultural technologies and sustainable practices. Participants were able to engage with a wide array of solutions aimed at increasing productivity and improving food security, particularly in light of the growing impacts of climate change.

Reflecting on the week, the Director of Agriculture shared, “CWA offered an invaluable opportunity to connect with regional leaders and innovators. We explored new technologies and sustainable practices that will greatly benefit the agricultural sector in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Acting Director of Fisheries echoed similar sentiments, adding, “The exchange of ideas and experiences during this week underlines the importance of collaboration in addressing shared challenges. The insights gained there will undoubtedly enhance our fisheries management efforts moving forward.”

Minister Connolly praised the overall success of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture, noting that the event underscored the region’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. “This week has been an inspiring showcase of regional cooperation. The advancements in agriculture and fisheries presented here will have a lasting impact, not only on our individual nations but on the Caribbean as a whole. I look forward to applying the insights and solutions we’ve gathered to enhance our efforts in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

The delegation’s participation reaffirmed the Turks and Caicos Islands’ dedication to advancing sustainable agricultural and fisheries practices and their involvement in shaping a more resilient and food-secure future for the region.

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.

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