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Compensation coming for Hurricane Shelter staff, Long Bay member wants pay increase for volunteers

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#Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands – April 3, 2018 – The Government has finally approved payment to shelter managers and workers who have for months been wanting and awaiting compensation.  During House of Assembly convening last week, it was determined that the workers are due some $55,167 and during Holy Week, the application for the money was approved by parliamentarians.  

“This is our fifth contingency fund withdrawal application and this is in relation to the shelter workers.  We have actually laid on the table already several contingency warrants, Mr. Speaker largely, about four of them are related to hurricane expenses. Spending works such as cleaning, fuel, overtime payment which was approved yesterday for those workers who are under the public service ordinance and are allowed to be paid overtime and of course today we are looking at the payment of shelter workers and there is also an arrangement for volunteers who have also been approved,” said Minister of Finance, Hon Sharlene Robinson in laying the supplementary appropriation last Tuesday.

Concern was expressed by several members of the Opposition PNP; one set of comments by the appointed member for the Progressive National Party were expunged from the records due to the strong charge against those in leadership.  Still, the Leeward and Long Bay member was able to make the point that the funds, in her view, should have been included in the January-February supplementary which was as a result of the hurricanes.

“I do have the concerns about the delays and in reading the annex to the report is shows that the request was made in November 2017, a decision was taken in January 2018 to segregate the payments from shelter managers for a final submission that was made in January,” Hon Akierra Missick continued with, “…when we had the major supplementary in January/February of this financial year that the funds for the shelter workers and volunteers should have been considered at that time as that budget was really addressing changing around funding as a result of hurricanes Irma and Maria.”

Four of the five contingency warrants made within the 2017-2018 fiscal period were brought on by the hurricanes, which is estimated to have cost the Turks and Caicos over half a billion dollars in damages and losses.  The Finance Minister objected to earlier charges that she was directly responsible for the payment coming, only now to the shelter workers and stood in the HOA to explain the process, which first had to have Cabinet approval.

“Even though supplementary was passed in January, even though it was submitted to UK in December; it had not been approved in Cabinet to be included in the Supplementary and if you recall the process to us getting here today, this withdrawal warrant was laid on the table of the House it was referred to the Appropriations Committee and then it is included in the Supplementary.”

The Member for Leeward and Long Bay district during her contribution on Tuesday March 27, 2018 also drew attention to the sacrifice of the volunteers and a need, in her view, to boost their remuneration from $12.50 per hour.

“I must also say Mr. Speaker that I hope in the upcoming financial year, the upcoming budget that we look at an increase for volunteers.  A hundred dollars for an eight hour shift, Mr. Speaker while they are caring for others leaving their families and homes exposed or if they were damaged during the storm, not being able to attend to them is not much of an incentive for new volunteers to sign on.”

The Premier, Hon Sharlene Robinson, who laid the contingency warrant in the House of Assembly last week Tuesday invited members to support the application for the extra money to pay the shelter staff.   The Premier also assured that her office will expedite payment for shelter workers and the approved overtime payees as soon as the paperwork arrives on her desk.

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GOVERNMENT REVIEWING TENDER AFTER GRAND TURK–SOUTH CAICOS FLIGHTS STOP

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Turks and Caicos Islands – March 10, 2026 – Commercial flights between Grand Turk and South Caicos have been temporarily discontinued, leaving residents without a direct air link between the two islands since March 1.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government confirmed the suspension in a statement Tuesday, explaining that the route — which operates under a government subsidy — is currently under review as officials reassess the tender process used to award the service.

The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Investment and Trade said the government is “working diligently to assess available options” to restore reliable air service between the islands as quickly as possible.

While the statement did not identify which airline had been operating the route, historically Caicos Express Airways and interCaribbean Airways have provided flights between South Caicos and Grand Turk using small twin-engine aircraft.

Officials acknowledged the disruption has caused concern among residents, noting that inter-island air travel is critical for access to essential services, business activity and government operations.

The government emphasized that the suspension does not affect flights between Grand Turk and Salt Cay, which continue to operate normally.

The review now underway will determine the next provider for the subsidized route. Authorities say the process must be conducted in a “fair, transparent and efficient manner” before service can resume.

For residents of the two islands, however, the immediate issue remains transportation — with many now forced to reroute through Providenciales or rely on limited sea travel until the air connection is restored.

Further updates are expected once the government completes its review and awards a new operating arrangement.

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Treasure Beach Village Opens at Beaches; Tourism Leaders Expect Surge in Bookings  

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — A major new chapter in Caribbean tourism has begun in the Turks and Caicos Islands with the opening of Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos, a $150 million expansion expected to drive increased bookings, air arrivals and tourism earnings for the country.

The new oceanfront development, officially opened on February 28, adds 101 luxury multi-bedroom suites to the resort and introduces new dining, entertainment and family experiences designed to strengthen the destination’s position in the global luxury family vacation market.

Tourism officials and resort executives say the expansion is expected to generate greater demand for the destination, which in turn translates to more flights, more visitor spending and increased government revenue from hotel and tourism taxes.

The development is part of an ongoing investment strategy by Sandals Resorts International, which continues to expand the Beaches brand across the Caribbean.

Executive Chairman Adam Stewart described the opening as a powerful signal of confidence in the Turks and Caicos tourism product.

“This moment reflects a partnership between Sandals and the Turks and Caicos Islands that has been built over decades,” Stewart said during the opening celebrations. The new village, he added, builds on the brand’s reputation for creating multi-generational travel experiences where families reconnect and spend meaningful time together.

The resort expansion reinforces Beaches’ reputation as the world’s leading luxury all-inclusive resort brand for families, and Beaches Turks and Caicos continues to stand as one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious properties.

Government officials attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including Tourism Minister Zhavargo Jolly, said the investment strengthens the destination’s international standing and highlights continued confidence in the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier tourism market.

The new village significantly expands the resort’s accommodation offerings with spacious ocean-view suites and high-end villas designed to host larger families and groups. The property now includes luxury options such as the CrystalSky four-bedroom beachfront villas and a multi-level Chairman’s Penthouse suite capable of accommodating up to ten guests.

Treasure Beach Village also introduces six new dining concepts, including the Pinta Food Hall with multiple global cuisine stations and Butch’s Island Chop House, a signature steakhouse previously exclusive to the Sandals brand.

Additional amenities include a 15,000-square-foot lagoon pool, waterslides and splash zones for children, a swim-up bar, and the brand’s first Starfish Cinema, a theatre designed for family movie nights.

Guests staying in the new village will also have access to the full Beaches Turks and Caicos experience, including 28 restaurants, the 45,000-square-foot Pirates Island Water Park, unlimited water sports and supervised children’s programmes.

Industry observers say the investment not only enhances the visitor experience but also strengthens Turks and Caicos’ reputation as one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after luxury destinations.

 

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Education

Message from Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 6 March 2026: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”  Today, as we observe National Teachers’ Day, we pause to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of our teachers and the dedicated leaders of our schools. Your commitment to shaping young minds, guiding character, and nurturing potential is a calling that reaches far beyond the classroom. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”  Your daily efforts reflect the truth and wisdom of these words.

We also extend sincere appreciation to the leaders of our schools whose vision, guidance, and steady leadership create environments where both teachers and students can flourish. Your role in supporting educators and maintaining strong, positive learning communities is invaluable to the continued progress of our education system.

Teaching is not without its challenges. Yet, even in moments of stress and difficulty, our teachers continue to demonstrate genuine love, patience, and concern for their students. For this, we are deeply grateful. Your compassion, encouragement, and dedication help our children feel seen, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential. Truly, to teach is indeed to touch lives forever.

Education is strongest when it is supported by partnership. We must also recognize the important role of parents and families in the success of our children. When schools and homes work together, the results are powerful. As we often say, when parents lead, children succeed. This shared commitment creates a strong foundation for learning and growth.

As a Department and Ministry of Education, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting our teachers and school leaders. We will continue to invest in meaningful professional development, provide the resources necessary for effective teaching and learning, and strengthen the systems that empower educators to thrive in their profession. Your work matters deeply, and we remain dedicated to ensuring you have the support needed to continue making a lasting difference.

On behalf of the Ministry of Education, I thank you. Thank you for your dedication, your resilience, your leadership, and for the love and care you show to our children each and every day. Today we celebrate you and the incredible impact you have on our nation’s future.

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