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Investing in nature management is crucial to TCI’s economy – Strengthening nature management in TCI through capacity building and long-term financing

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#TurksandCaicos, August 18, 2017 – Providenciales – DECR staff and representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Culture and Gaming, and the civil society are meeting in Providenciales with research consultants from Wolfs Company to discuss the preliminary findings of the AGRRA reef assessment conducted in May, and discuss the importance of nature for TCI’s economy and opportunities to increase financing for nature management and monitoring in TCI.

During the meetings, representatives from Wolfs Company presented the key findings from the sustainable finance project conducted in 2015-2016 with the support from the partnerships of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

“The meetings provided valuable information to the participants on the importance for nature to TCI’s economy. This will support DECR and other nature management organizations in building a fact-based business case to increase financing for nature management”, said Viviana Luján Gallegos, partner at Wolfs Company. Wolfs Company is a research company on environmental economics based in Bonaire and Amsterdam.

The project estimated that the natural resources of TCI contributed an economic value of USD 45.5 million per year to the tourism industry. This analysis did not quantify other ecosystem services provided by nature, such as coastal protection, fisheries and local recreation. Based on a financial plan that calculated the budget needs for DECR to improve their management of marine protected areas, an incremental investment needed to effectively manage and protect TCI’s natural resources could be covered by, for example, earmarking only 1.8% of the tourism-related revenues (around USD 1.1 million from USD 61.5 million).

“The economy of the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI) depends in large part on tourism, and tourism in turn is heavily dependent on TCI’s natural resources – especially its beaches, natural landscapes, clean coastal waterways and vibrant coral reefs. However, there is a large disconnect between the revenues that are generated from, amongst others, tourism and the investment that has been made in the management of the natural capital that underpins these revenues. A relatively small incremental investment in the financing of the organizations responsible for the natural resources of TCI would contribute significantly to improve the management and protection of essential natural capital.  DECR would encourage further use of Natural capital valuation by TCIG to further demonstrate the value of nature to TCI’s economy in planning and development strategies for TCI” said Mr. Ethan Griesbach, acting Director of the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR).

The meetings also served to present the preliminary findings and suggestions of the ongoing BEST 2.0 project financed by the BEST 2.0 initiative with funding from the European Commission.

The preliminary results of the assessments conducted during the AGRRA training, held in May in Providenciales, in the framework of this project, show that in the two sites surveyed (one inside and one outside the Princess Alexandra Park) the coral cover has decreased in comparison to the findings of a baseline monitoring survey conducted in TCI in 1999. Other reef health indicators show improvement, which could be attributed to effective conservation policies, like the fishing ban on parrot fish.

To assess whether in general the health of the coral reefs in TCI is declining, a new baseline survey of all the sites assessed in 1999 will need to be conducted. In addition, suggestions were presented for other management and socio-economic indicators that could be applied by DECR to track and report the benefits of more investments in nature management. Finally, discussions were held on suggestions to improve the long-term financing for monitoring and nature management in TCI, including potential sources of revenue and legal mechanisms that will guarantee that these funds will be only used for nature management.

“I am convinced about the importance of our natural resources to the health of our economy. These types of initiatives are important to provide fact-based information to decision makers to support policy that will enhance our capabilities to manage and conserve our valuable natural resources. I will support the consideration by our government of options to achieve this, including mechanisms that could be similar to the Conservation Fund we had in the past” said Honorable Minister Higgs, Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Culture and Gaming. The Conservation Fund that provided additional financing for nature management organizations in TCI was abolished in 2009.

For more information please contact:

Mr. Ethan Griesbach at egriesbach@gov.tc

Mrs. Viviana Luján at viviana.lujan@wolfscompany.com

Press Release: TCIG

 

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The Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals  

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Grace Bay Strip Stone Creek Travels

PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (February 25th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands began 2026 on a positive note, with stayover arrivals in January surpassing the same period in 2025.

Preliminary figures indicate that 56,830 stayover visitors arrived in January 2026, representing a two percent increase year-on-year. The steady growth continues the positive momentum experienced at the close of 2025.

Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, attributed the encouraging performance to new collaboration with tour operator partners as well as increased airlift from key source markets.

“We anticipated a strong January performance following the growth recorded in November and December. The winter season has traditionally been a robust period for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this year that strength has been further supported by enhanced collaboration with partners and expanded airlift from Canada and the United States We are cautiously optimistic about maintaining this upward trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.

Cruise Sector

In cruise, preliminary figures show 122,935 cruise passenger arrivals in January, reflecting a 15 percent decrease compared to January 2025. The decline is attributed to a reduction in cruise calls during the month. A total of 33 vessels called on Grand Turk in January, seven fewer than during the corresponding period last year.

Marketing Shows

As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier luxury destination, Experience Turks and Caicos has been actively participating in the Travel & Adventure Shows across several major cities in the United States.

The destination has already been showcased in Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago, with Fort Lauderdale and Denver scheduled in the coming weeks.

Public Relations Manager Laura Dowrich represented the Turks and Caicos Islands alongside the destination’s U.S. marketing agency, ABA Global.

Beaches Turks & Caicos – Stone Creek Travels

“One of the most encouraging takeaways from these shows is that the Turks and Caicos Islands is indeed on travellers’ radar. We met many visitors who shared fond memories of their time here, others who already have trips booked and were seeking recommendations on activities and dining, and many more who aspire to visit. It was a pleasure highlighting our multi-island destination and sharing the many experiences that make the Turks and Caicos Islands truly special,” said Ms. Dowrich.

Awards & Recognition

Building on a stellar year of accolades in 2025, the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun 2026 with additional international recognition.

The destination earned a Gold Badge in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing #5 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean and #5 in Best Beaches in the World. In the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Grand Turk was ranked #10 among the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit.

About Experience Turks and Caicos

 Middle Caicos Dragon Cay Resort

Experience Turks and Caicos is the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is committed to positioning the destination as a premier, sustainable luxury tourism hub. By leveraging smart tools, data-driven strategies, and stakeholder collaboration, Experience Turks and Caicos focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and fostering long-term industry success.

About the Turks and Caicos Islands

The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the destination is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Each island and cay offer a unique experience:

  • Providenciales boasts world-class resorts, fine dining, and high-end tourism offerings.
  • Grand Turk serves as the vibrant hub for cruise tourism and historical exploration.
  • The sister islands provide a gateway to nature, adventure, and authentic local culture.

Recognised as the world’s best-kept secret, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer effortless luxury, with seamless connectivity via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Photo Captions:

Grand Turk – slow travel with us

North Caicos – Correy Forbes

South Caicos Sail Rock

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DDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop

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Ms. Yolande Williams, Community Preparedness Officer for South Caicos speaking to Dr. Clerveaux

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.

The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.

Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.

To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.

Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”

This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.

 

Photo Captions:

1st insert:   Ms. Tamara Hylton, Training and Education Manager for DDME
2nd insert: Dr. Virginia Clerveaux with DDME Staff Members
3rd insert: Mr. Kevern De Bellott, Deputy Director for DDME speaking to Dr. Clerveaux

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Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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