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HIRTAC grant $20k to student-led community initiative

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#UnitedKingdom, December 12, 2017 – North Caicos’ D.C. Cynclair Musgrove brought to our attention the ambitious, highly commendable work of Raymond Gardiner High School students.   Briann Gardiner & Astacio Ariza, together with their fifth form peers, are championing the repairs and refurbishment of their community facility at Horse Stable Beach.

This integral landmark not only hosts civic and social functions, such as the annual Rake n’ Scrape, Season Jam, pageants, recitals, graduations and meetings among others, but is also a very popular tourist destination.   Though since the passing of Irma and Maria, it has been forced to close.   This has already led to two major community functions being affected.

In their letter to HIRTAC, they stated that they would like to ‘give back to the island that gave so much to them’.   The students’ resourcefulness, compassion and wisdom is beyond their years.   We owe it to these future leaders of TCI to encourage and empower their goals.

Since then we have been in discussion with officials; the Ministries of Education, Infrastructure, Planning and Public Works are all very supportive of their initiative and for contributions towards the scheme.   We would like the pay special thanks to our advisor & TCIG Senior Quantity Surveyor, Dominique Durham, who has been instrumental in assisting the cause. We are all very exited to work together with the students.

SO, WHAT ARE WE DOING?

HIRTAC are kick-starting their campaign with an initial grant of $20,000!  This is thanks to all of your generous donations so far; THANK YOU!   Also, thank you for being patient while we ensured that your contributions will be well invested and meaningfully delivered.

In order to help make their dream a reality, we still need to do more. We are working alongside the students to help establish and advise on the works. We are committed to realizing their vision for a resilient, celebrated site that seizes the full potential of its location.

We will be running a series of community-engagement programmes with local practices and individuals to develop not only the students’ proposal for the site, but also to offer design education outreach.   We believe it is important to not only help restore this facility to beyond its former glory, but to also engage and empower this community.

With official assessments totaling repairs at over $130k, we need your help.

We are seeking monetary or material sponsorship on behalf of the students.   You can make donations here, or please get in touch to learn more and find out other ways you can contribute.

We will be announcing developments with their project along the way & opportunities to get your sleeves rolled up in 2018.

WELL DONE Briann, Astacio & peers! Your determination, and that of your hardworking District Commissioner, is truly inspiring.

#TCIstrong #BuildBackBetter #HorseStableBeach

Press Release by: HIRTAC

 

About HIRTAC:  HIRTAC is a non-profit relief initiative, founded by UK-based Turks and Caicos Islanders and past residents.

HIRTAC works in conjunction with an advisory panel of varied expertise in the Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI) comprising local non-profit charity Food for Thought, as well as a number of other established individuals in their respective field

OUR MISSION:

To establish a mode of reputable, transparent funding to support the humanitarian response in the TCI following Hurricane Irma.

 

THE METHOD BEHIND THE MISSION

  1. 1. Short Term: To act as an agentto support emergency relief efforts which assist local communities in restoring their homes & businesses. This includes receiving donations of goods and facilitating outreach programmes/initiatives.
  2. Long Term: Invest funds raised in rebuilding opportunities for the youth of the local communities in TCI.

 

THE MONEY BEHIND THE MISSION:

WHERE YOUR DONATION GOES

STEP 1  | DONATE |

You raise and donate incredible amounts of money to help the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. For those in the US, please note you can make 501(c)(3) tax-deductible contributions. Fiscal sponsorship has kindly been made available to HIRTAC through the Turks and Caicos Reef Fund.

STEP 2  | ALLOCATE |

We add together all the money and use it to give grants to organisations whose purpose aligns with our mission of supporting urgent relief and rebuilding opportunities for the youth of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

In this immediate period, we are helping to identify suitable proposals and reaching out to the communities in need.

Please get in touch to find out how to apply for a grant here.

STEP 3   | DISTRIBUTE |

It takes several weeks for each batch of funding to be allocated so we can ensure the most efficient use of donations. Money is given out in stages rather than a lump sum so we can regularly maintain its most effective use.

During this process, HIRTAC endeavours to obtain sponsorship of every avenue, from transport to external service/administration costs. This means that every penny you give is most efficiently invested in rebuilding opportunities for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

STEP 4  | OVERSEE |

We oversee projects & provide updates on the success stories of your generous contributions!

 

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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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