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TCI Premier Robinson’s address pre-IRMA

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Turks and Caicos, September 6th, 2017 – Providenciales –

“My Fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, Residents and Visitors to our shores.

In the coming hours, we face a storm that is by all of man’s account, is poised to have a devastating impact on countries that it comes into contact with. Turks and Caicos Islands remain in its path and we are readying all systems to be able to endure the storm. Nonetheless, it is my Government’s position that a country is as ready as its people and so yesterday, the Hon Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Health and I made contact with Salt Cay, one of the Islands that is the subject of an Evacuation Order. We were able to travel to Salt Cay and explain the effects of the Order. We are pleased that a very large percentage of the population has left Salt Cay. However a few have elected to remain. Likewise the Minister of Home Affairs and I were able to join Town Hall Meetings in Middle Caicos who for the first time has been the subject of an Evacuation Order and regrettably, the majority has elected to stay. An Evacuation Order is never taken to be taken lightly and we are still hoping and praying that these individuals will comply and will not risk life. Experience has taught us that the remote Islands of Salt Cay and Middle Caicos can easily be cut off from access to assistance and with the magnitude of this Storm, there is a great possibility of loss of and damage to property as well as a great possibility of injury and loss of life. It is always better to be safe than sorry. We call on family and friends to assist in reaching out to relatives and friends and encourage them to comply with the Order. We see similar Evacuation Orders issued for Inagua and parts of Florida.  The Government continues to encourage all residents to continue to rush in your preparations: secure your property, stock up on basic supplies but above all ensure you and your family’s personal safety. Shelters will be activated today and encourage those of you near the sea, in flood prone areas or in homes that you know are unable to withstand strong winds to seek refuge with family and friends in the first instance and then seek shelters if necessary.

Today we had hoped to travel to all of the other Islands today but because of the current circumstances, we are unable to.

The Hon Williams and I also used the opportunity last evening to address the creole and Spanish communities in a joint appearance on four radio Stations urging these communities to also rush in preparation. It remains my Government’s stance that of paramount importance at this time is the protection and preservation of life and though criticized, we have ceased all immigration operations to detain undocumented nationals. It is the right thing to do and we stand by it. I am therefore appealing to all documented and undocumented nationals in this country to seek refuge in safe premises.

I am personally disappointed that there are instances of price gouging and that too many merchants have seen it fit to exploit consumers at this time by raising prices on critical hurricane preparedness items. It is rather unfortunate. We are as a government cognizant of the fact that preparing for the storm on the heels of readying our children for school return can be challenging and we have agreed and as Minister of Finance, I signed a Warrant to allow for the payment of salary advances to Government workers. I ask only that you be wise and remember your obligations post storm. It is not meant to bring undue hardship which if not managed properly but help during a difficult time.
I am again appealing to members of the Private Sector to not be inconsiderate during these times, please allow your staff time to prepare for the Storm. There is a narrowing window and we appreciate that there are services that we continue to wish to access and we appreciate your accommodation but your staff must also be allowed to prepare for the storm. I encourage you to allow essential staff a reasonable and practical shift system that allows them to secure their property and prepare. I pray that many of you will reconsider your positions.

Additionally as Acting Minister of Tourism, I am grateful to the Airlines that have arranged rescue flights for tourists that are on Island. Unfortunately airlift could not be arranged for all but we are satisfied that all Hotels and Resorts have Plans that will ensure as best it can, their guests safety. We encourage all guests to remain indoors and to take all precautions to remain safe.

I am also pleased that the meeting held with stakeholders that included Telecommunication Communities, Airlines, Ferry Services, Utility Service Providers, Hotel Association demonstrated that they too are ready and have activated their individual plans. Government stakeholders continue to work hard to ensure that we as prepared as one can be to endure this storm.

Today marks 9 years since the passage of Hurricane Ike, many of us in the Salt Islands have been sharing our experiences over the years and more so over the past few days. What is obvious is that many are indeed fearful but have used that fear not to paralyze themselves into inaction but to fuel their preparations. As I drove through Grand Turk yesterday and visited key places like the Prison, DDME’s Office and RTC, I was pleased with the level of preparedness. That experience though sad has been the best teacher for many of us and encourage those of you had been fortunate not to experience it to take stock of the level of preparedness of Ike survivors. This storm is the largest storm ever formed in the Atlantic and CNN has dubbed it a different type of animal. I encourage us to not be paralyzed by fear or anxiety but to prepare and pray.

PREMIER CALLS A TIME FOR PRAYER

On September 6, 2008 many of us were praying to God for help from closets, under tables, compromised homes and in less than ideal situations. I am calling on us as a people to call on Him for help and mercy. Man can do as much as we can to prepare in anticipation of a storm but this country serves a God that is bigger than any storm and His voice can command stillness in the firmament that He has established by His hands. Our prayer must be for mercy and whilst many including Pastors in this island have said that this storm must come, we hold fast to our faith praying believing that God in His mercy will hear our prayer and the desires of our heart, not that we deserve it but because His mercies are new every morning and grace continues to abounds. To this end, I am calling on all prayer warriors to congregate at 5pm around this country. I want to encourage us all to leave indoor and pray and praise in open areas around the Islands. In Grand Turk, please go to the Parade Grounds, in Providenciales the Down Town Ball Park, in South Caicos, the Salina, in North Caicos in front of the DC’s Office, in Middle Caicos and Salt Cay, step outside of your homes and let us lift up our collective voices. On all Islands, if you are unable to make it to these locations, step outside wherever you are and pray. We are not looking for numbers, nor taking register, we are being obedient and know that at this stage and level of preparedness, we hand it over to Him publicly and declare it in the open heavens.”

End

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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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