News
Turks & Caicos Represented At UKOTs Environmental Ministers Meeting In Isle of Man
#IsleofMan, February 15, 2018 – Hon. Ralph Higgs, Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime & Gaming, returned to the territory this weekend, after attending UKOTs and Crown Dependencies meeting of Environment Ministers, held in the Isle of Man to discuss the future of the environment in their jurisdictions. This meeting marked the third such annual meeting of the group, which provides a forum for Ministers to dialogue on issues of commonality among them, whilst seeking solutions, best practices and forging stronger partnerships.
This was the third Council of Environment Ministers of UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies and took place in Douglas, Isle of Man, the meeting was hosted jointly by Geoffrey Boot MHK, the Isle of Man’s Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, and Professor John Cortés, Gibraltar’s Minister for Education, Heritage, Environment, Energy and Climate Change and coordinated by the UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum (UKOTCF), a non-governmental organization.
The Minister was accompanied by Michelle Fulford Gardiner, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, where they join 13 other UKOTs and CDs, to discuss and focus on the topics of sustainability in the terrestrial and marine environment, climate change, the impact of natural disasters on communities, environmental resilience and the Isle of Man’s designation as the first entire nation UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Discussions were also facilitated on common opportunities and challenges specific to the group such as:
- Project Funding;
- Developmental pressures Vs. Environmental protection;
- International Conventions representation at COP
- Trade with the EU (post Brexit) withdrawal of the UK from the European Union
- Energy Efficiency
- Enforcement of illegal poaching
- Impact of plastics
Minister Boot of the Isle of Man, said; “Although very different in character, our islands all boast beautiful environments that are important to our economies and our way of life and we wish to retain and maximize the benefit.”
“The meeting was an excellent opportunity to share good practice and discuss common concerns and we learned a lot that we can put into effect in our islands. It was especially useful to discuss with the UK’s Environment Minister, Dr Thérèse Coffey, how our jurisdictions can work together, and more closely with the UK, to ensure a coherent approach on matters such a plastic waste, ocean acidification and warming. Minister Coffey invited the group to join the UK’s discussions on these matters.”
Professor Cortes of Gibraltar added; “The way our diverse territories work together in mutual support and for the protection and improvement of the environment and quality of life is our main strength and an example to others.”
“We are looking at a sustainable future within our territories but have also recognized our responsibility beyond our shores. Most of us are islands and so we are also championing the future of our oceans by joining the stand against plastic pollution and working towards improvement of the biological status of the many kilometers of sea that are the responsibility of the United Kingdom.”
Hon. David Osborne, Montserrat’s Minister for Agriculture, Trade, Lands, Housing and Environment, said; “By working as a group, we are much stronger in being able to achieve certain goals. Many of us are facing similar problems and, because of Brexit, much uncertainty remains. However, if we come together we can put forward ideas for ways to overcome these challenges, much can be achieved.”
Dr Mike Pienkowski, Chairman of UKOTCF, commented; “We have for over 30 years brought together groups of practitioners, decision makers and civil society across the Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies to share experiences and encouraged collective endeavour. This is now more relevant than ever, given the unique set of challenges faced by them especially in the face of climate change and some of the consequences of the UK’s departure from the European Union. The meeting heard about the work of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture to meet its international commitments and to support its fishing communities, which is huge interest to other jurisdictions.”
Ministers and representatives of the Falkland Islands, Pitcairn and St Helena, joined the meeting via Skype or other remote means.
UK Minister of Environment extended an invitation to the group to join her and her team to the Commonwealth Summit in April, as well as the celebration of the International Year of the Reef activities this year, where discussions can continue on these topics.
Hon. Higgs and Deputy Permanent Secretary, took advantage of the opportunity to also arrange meetings with Maritime & Ship Registry sector officials, and a site visit to the state of the art energy form waste plant.
Hon. Ralph Higgs quantified the meeting as a worthy assembly of like-minded decision makers with a diversity in social, economic, and political structures, but similar challenges. The Turks & Caicos Islands in the wake of two catastrophic storms realized some destruction of our natural environment, but saw firsthand how the resilience of healthy ecosystems such as the coral reef provides a service that went a long way in protecting our fragile islands. He reaffirm his government’s commitment to providing sustainable financing for conservation and climate change initiatives, as our environment lies at the foundation of our tourism industry.
Press Release: TCIG
Photo credit: David Kneale
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands— Thursday, 24 September 2026: The Department of Disaster Management and
Emergencies (DDME) was invited by Digicel to deliver a hurricane preparedness presentation to members of their staff.
The engaging 90-minute presentation formed part of DDME’s ongoing public education and awareness efforts aimed at strengthening preparedness across the Turks and Caicos Islands. During the session, Digicel employees were provided with important information on the potential impacts of hurricanes and other emergencies, as well as the actions that individuals and organisations can take to reduce risks and protect lives, property and essential operations.
The presentation emphasised that preparedness is a shared responsibility and should begin well before a storm or other emergency threatens the country. Staff were encouraged to understand the risks associated with hurricanes, remain informed through official sources and develop personal and workplace preparedness plans.
DDME recognises the important role that businesses play in national disaster preparedness and resilience. Corporate organisations are
encouraged to establish and regularly review emergency plans that clearly outline responsibilities, communication procedures, evacuation arrangements, business continuity measures and recovery actions.
“Preparedness is most effective when it is planned and practised before an emergency occurs,” Jason Hills, DDME Director. “Organisations that invest in preparedness today are better positioned to protect their people, maintain essential services and support the wider community during times of crisis.”
Corporate organisations, schools and government departments interested in DDME’s assistance with hurricane preparedness training, emergency drills support or assistance with developing a business contingency plan are encouraged to contact the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies via email at ddme.tci@gmail.com.
Caribbean News
Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts Announce Landmark Partnership to Accelerate Their Leading Vacation Experiences
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.
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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