TCI News
Article: The Price of Representation
#TurksandCaicos, May 03, 2018 – Providenciales –
By now many Turks and Caicos Islanders would have heard that two of our premier athletes, Mr. Devante Gardiner and Mr. Kevarno Handfield, have lost their athletic scholarships from Saint Augustine University and cut from their athletics team for choosing to represent our Beautiful by Nature Turks and Caicos Islands in the recent Commonwealth Games in Australia. I, along with many others, are calling on the Minister with responsibility for Sports, the Minister of Education, and the Minister of Finance to fix this situation and make these young men whole again, as a decision to give these two gentlemen a scholarship could help to repair the damage that has been done and overt long term consequences to their futures.
If further convincing is needed, by all means continue reading. Given the fact that both gentlemen earned a scholarship for athletics in part or in full is a testament to their value and skill as no University is going to give an athletic scholarship unless you are top notch or have the promise to be top notch. Additionally, I understand it was at the urging of key individuals in the TCI athletics community that the gentlemen choose Country over School and clearly did not understand the risk that they were taking. For us to now abandon them would be sending a clear message as to our priorities for our youth, their development and the way we support those that work so hard to represent us. These two gentlemen made up half of the 4X400 relay team that made history for the TCI at those same Commonwealth games by qualifying for a final event along with Ifeanyi Otuonye who also qualified in Long Jump Finals.
Remember how excited we were to see the pictures of the TCI making the 4X400 relay finals?? Remember that now that these young men need your help. In the case of Devante who has at least two more years of eligibility, we might be looking at our own next Usain Bolt or Delano Williams in the making with the times he’s making and what continued training and competition will produce in years to come. In the case of Kevarno, he is one year away from completing his Bachelor’s degree in Business and Sports Management. I am sure he has a place in the department of Sports. These young Turks and Caicos Islanders need their country’s support.
As the saying goes “Money Ain’t a Thing”… How do I know? In the recent Post Cabinet Statement, Cabinet approved a proposal for an amnesty on penalties on outstanding arrears of hotel and tourism tax payable under the Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism (Taxation) Ordinance. Cabinet also approved the write-off of both Business License and Scholarship Contribution Arrears. Between both those actions, I am pretty sure the value is in the hundreds of thousands of dollars if not over a million dollars. If we can take actions to benefit those above, then we can act to benefit our Youth who have sacrificed their scholarships by putting TCI first and are indeed the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
I call on the principals above to put their heads together and support these young gentleman on continuing their sports and academic success.
Stay Blessed,
Jamell Robinson
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TCI News
Experience Turks and Caicos and Aquila Host Product Development Workshops to Strengthen Sister Islands Tourism
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – Experience Turks and Caicos, in collaboration with the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, successfully hosted a Product Development Workshop for tourism stakeholders from North Caicos, Middle Caicos, and South Caicos on Wednesday, January 14 and Thursday, January 15, 2026.
The workshop was designed to support tour operators, entrepreneurs, and tourism-related businesses as they adapt to the evolving demands of the global tourism industry. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises and structured sessions aimed at reimagining existing tourism products and developing new, innovative, and sustainable experiences that are market-ready and aligned with current visitor expectations.
Throughout the workshop, attendees were equipped with practical tools and strategies to develop high-impact tourism offerings, strengthen
product packaging and pricing, assess market readiness, and enhance value creation. Emphasis was also placed on collaboration, partnership development, and the promotion of sustainable practices to ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islands remain a fresh, competitive, and appealing destination. More than 20 participants representing tourism businesses across the islands took part in the training sessions.
“Experience Turks and Caicos has a responsibility to ensure that all communities across the Turks and Caicos Islands benefit from tourism. These workshops are designed to equip local businesses with the essential tools and knowledge needed to maximise the opportunities within the industry, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth,” said Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Candesha Mills the Product Development Manager at Experience Turks and Caicos said: “We are actively working on destination development by supporting our stakeholders as they reimagine their products and experiences. Workshops like this are critical to helping businesses identify opportunities for collaboration, create bundled offerings, and develop cohesive tourism experiences that align with emerging trends and evolving visitor expectations.”
The workshops were facilitated by Ms. Ambra Attus, who guided participants through strategies for designing distinctive and engaging tourism experiences that resonate with today’s travellers.
She said: “Product development is where destinations truly define their identity, and these trainings are designed to help operators in North, Middle and South Caicos create experiences that are not only market-ready, but meaningful, high-quality, and rooted in what makes these islands truly special. These sessions reflect a forward-thinking commitment by Experience Turks and Caicos to invest in their people and in the long-term quality of the destination’s tourism product. Aquila is proud to be your training partner.”
The workshop also featured the Invest TCI MSME Team, who were on site with an information station available throughout both sessions. Stakeholders had the opportunity to engage directly with the team, gain insights into the MSME Programme, and learn more about the range of support services, incentives, and resources available to assist business growth and development.
Experience Turks and Caicos commended participants for their commitment to investing in their businesses and contributing to the continued enhancement of the destination’s tourism product. The organisation expressed appreciation for the active participation and innovative ideas shared during the session, which are expected to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable growth of tourism in North and Middle Caicos and South Caicos.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 5 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with
partner agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Silverado Wells in Five Cays. The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by Immigration and Border Services, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified an illegal concrete structure on the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, a Section 22 Notice of Illegal Occupation was posted on the structure. Following the failure of the responsible party or parties to comply within the prescribed timeframe, enforcement action was authorised.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
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TCI News1 week agoIllegal Structure Removed During Crown Land Enforcement Exercise in Five Cays
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