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157 Caicos Pine Saplings Added to Diamond Jubilee Pineyard, Pine Cay

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#TurksandCaicos, August 24, 2017 – Pine Cay – Caicos pine, the National Tree of the Turks and Caicos Islands, received a well-needed population boost on Pine Cay last week through collaborative efforts of the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR), Department of Agriculture, Meridian Club at Pine Cay, and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew).

The fourth planting of Caicos pine (also called Caribbean pine) saplings, grown in the Caicos Pine Recovery Project (CPRP)nursery on North Caicos, saw 157 young trees between 2 and 5 feet tall transported to Pine Cay and planted in the Diamond Jubilee Pineyard.    Established in May 2012 during the Diamond Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II and coinciding with the International Day of Biological Diversity, the restoration habitat now boasts over 400 healthy young saplings – which should soon begin bearing their own seeds.   Caicos pine trees have been carefully tended in DECR’s CPRP nursery since 2009, following wild collection of seeds and a carefully-executed custom-made seed sowing protocol by Junel Blaise, Nursery and Maintenance Officer.

Blaise, along with supervisor Bryan Naqqi Manco, DECR’s Terrestrial Ecologist/ Environmental Officer, together manage the nursery with over 500 pine trees and upwards of 50 species of native plants, and tend to the ten miles of firebreaks and trails on over 1000 acres of pineyard, a critical habitat in North and Middle Caicos and Pine Cay.

Caicos pine’s population was reduced by 95% across TCI by the introduction of the invasive pine tortoise scale insect, but Pine Cay’s population has survived better than those on North and Middle Caicos.   The Diamond Jubilee Pineyard gives DECR and RBG Kew scientists a better understanding of successful methods towards the restoration of this globally imperiled ecosystem and a historically unique part of TCI’s natural and cultural heritage.

Karen Preikschat, Assistant Resort Manager of the Meridian Club, stated,  “I spent a very informative 1 ½ hours touring the control site and planting site on Pine Cay with Bryan Naqqi Manco.    Bryan took his time explaining the procedure that would be completed this week here on Pine Cay.   One of the most interesting facts I learned that the 157 trees that were planted were germinated from seeds from the Pine Cay trees.   I also learned how important controlled burning is for the survival of the Caribbean Pine.   I believe we need to take a closer look at the trees, shrubs and flowers that we import from other countries which are carrying pests that are endangering our local flora.”

CPRP staff members met with the Wildlife Management International team working on the Saving the Iguana Islands project, and agreed that it will be very interesting to see how recovering Turks and Caicos rock iguanas interacts with the recovering Caicos pine ecosystem.   In no other place does the endemic rock iguana naturally inhabit pineyard habitat, but with successful recovery techniques, Pine Cay’s historically natural ecosystem should become more intact.

Originally supported by the TC I Government’s Conservation Fund, later grants from the Overseas Territories Environment Programme and Darwin Plus funds kept the Caicos Pine Recovery Project well-funded until 2016.   The project is now supported with staff and transportation from DECR, but currently has no regular recurrent funding.

Following this outplanting event, the CPRP nursery has plenty of room to plant more seeds, which will grow into saplings that can be planted out in about three years.   The 200+ trees remaining in the nursery are from North and Middle Caicos populations, which are genetically different from Pine Cay’s trees.   They will be planted in the seed orchard at the Kew Agricultural Station (Government Farm) and hopefully on some protected sites on Middle Caicos soon.

Photo: DECR Nursery and Field Officer Junel “Flash” Blaise plants a Caicos pine sapling in the Diamond Jubilee Pineyard on Pine Cay to facilitate habitat restoration.

Press Release: TCIG

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Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts Announce Landmark Partnership to Accelerate Their Leading Vacation Experiences

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Royal Caribbean Group Investment to Advance Sandals and Beaches’ Growth and Broaden the Group’s Vacation Portfolio

Montego Bay, Jamaica and Miami, September 24, 2026 – Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) and Sandals Resorts today announced the signing of an agreement to form a partnership in the all-inclusive resort space with a 50% investment from Royal Caribbean Group.  Building on Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ more than four decades of leadership in Caribbean hospitality, the joint venture will create new opportunities for continued resort growth while broadening the experiences across Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform.

The partnership brings together two of the travel industry’s most celebrated vacation companies, pairing Sandals and Beaches’ all-inclusive resort expertise with Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform, including industry-leading brands – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea – a portfolio of private destinations, new river cruising offering, and an industry-first loyalty program. United in a shared history in the Caribbean and connected by a love for their communities, the companies will offer travelers an unparalleled collection of cruise, private destination and resort experiences, serving guests across more vacation occasions and establishing their undisputed leadership in Caribbean vacations.

The joint venture expands Royal Caribbean Group into an adjacent vacation category, growing its participation in the approximately $2 trillion global vacation market, and meets the growing global demand for Sandals and Beaches Resorts by accelerating their expansion. The partnership will include Sandals and Beaches’ collection of premier all-inclusive properties across the Caribbean, and the companies will explore opportunities to broaden distribution, deepen guest engagement, and make it easier for travelers to discover vacation experiences offered across both portfolios.

“For nearly 60 years, we’ve reimagined what a vacation can be, constantly expanding the ways we inspire our guests to explore, connect and create lifelong memories,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We have been building a vacation platform that brings joy to millions of people around the world and creates meaningful relationships that last with our guests. Our partnership with Sandals and Beaches Resorts is an important next step on that journey – bringing together two iconic leading vacation companies to further strengthen and grow one of the most admired resort portfolios in the world. The Stewart family has created powerful and beloved brands, and we are honored to build on that legacy. Together, we see tremendous opportunity to expand the reach of Sandals and Beaches Resorts and continue turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.”

“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality. Today is proof of how far that vision can go,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. “This partnership is the natural next step in building on that conviction. It gives us the ability to grow faster with a partner that shares our values of exceptional hospitality, long-term investment, and the power of enduring brands. Together, we will introduce more guests to Sandals and Beaches Resorts while creating even more extraordinary experiences for those who have made our resorts part of their lives for decades.” Stewart added, “As we continue to grow, we will remain true to what has always defined us: delivering authentic vacations that exceed expectations while creating opportunities for our team members, travel advisor partners and the communities we call home. The future has never been brighter, and I know this moment would make my father incredibly proud.”

The joint venture will be governed by a board under the shared leadership of Stewart and Liberty. Stewart will maintain a leadership role in guiding the company’s long-term strategic growth as Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Existing reservations, loyalty programs, resort operations and cruise operations will continue as usual, with the partnership bringing additional resources to support future opportunities.

Under the terms of the agreement, Royal Caribbean Group will acquire a 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion, representing a forward EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x.  Royal Caribbean Group has secured committed debt financing from Morgan Stanley to fund the investment.  The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions, and is expected to be accretive to earnings next year.

BofA Securities and PJT Partners acted as financial advisors, and Latham & Watkins and Jones Day acted as legal advisors to the Sandals Group. Perella Weinberg Partners and Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisors and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to Royal Caribbean Group.

PHOTO CAPTION: Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, mark the signing of an agreement to form a landmark partnership that expands Royal Caribbean Group into the all-inclusive resort space and supports the future growth of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. The signing took place at Royal Caribbean Group’s new headquarters in Miami, with the city’s skyline in the background.

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Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Signs US$3-Billion Deal for Half of Sandals and Beaches

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The Caribbean tourism deal first reported as a possibility on Tuesday is now a signed agreement. Royal Caribbean Group plans to pay approximately US$3 billion for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, putting the value of the business at about US$6 billion. The purchase is expected to close in early 2027, subject to approvals.

Founded in Jamaica by the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart in 1981, the resort business has a presence across nine Caribbean destinations, including Jamaica, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Sandals has described its workforce as nearly 20,000 people, most of them Caribbean nationals.

“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality,” said Adam Stewart in the announcement carried by PR Newswire. He will remain executive chairman, while the Stewart family retains a stake. The companies say existing reservations and resort operations will continue as usual.

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Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands Empowers Local Students Through Back-to-School Backpack & Supplies Drive

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PROVIDENCIALE, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS — The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI) is proud to announce the successful completion of its 2026 Back-to-School Supplies Initiative, distributing essential backpacks and educational materials to local students and families across the community.

With the new academic year underway, this annual drive was designed to alleviate the financial burden on families while equipping local youth with the necessary tools for academic success.

Education is an investment in a better generation and a brighter future. We are grateful to all our generous donors and supporters whose contributions helped make this initiative possible.

The initiative’s success was made possible through the collaboration and contributions of local corporate partners and community members. IATCI extends its sincere appreciation to the following sponsors for their support and commitment:

• Mayaa Ltd, Ayavue Enterprises, Provo Café, Sunny Foods, Gold Smith, Charlie’s, Kishco / Kostco, Citrusbuy Ltd.

Through partnerships like these, IATCI continues its commitment to fostering community growth, supporting educational development, and making a lasting positive impact across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

About the Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)

The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands is a non-profit community organization dedicated to cultural enrichment, community service, and supporting educational and social initiatives throughout the islands.

Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)

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