Connect with us

TCI News

Premier and Minister of Health Welcome Doctors Hospital Delegation

Published

on

#TurksandCaicos, May 25, 2018 – Providenciales – A four (4) member delegation from Doctors Hospitals in the Bahamas headed by President and Chief Medical Officer, Dr Charles Diggiss visited the Turks & Caicos Island, May 14-15, 2018. The delegation held talks with the National Health Insurance Board, TCI Hospitals and Ministry of Health Officials.

The visit was welcomed by the National Health Insurance Board (NHIB), as Doctors Hospital is a major overseas healthcare provider under the Treatment Abroad Program managed by the NHIB.

The objective of the two (2) day visit was to explore opportunities for greater collaboration with the NHIB and the local healthcare sector. The Doctors Hospital team made a telemedicine presentation at TCI Hospitals which presents opportunities for enhanced clinical management and communication between TCI Hospitals and physicians at Doctors Hospitals.

The Premier, Honourable Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson in her remarks at courtesy call with the visiting delegation thanked the team from Doctors Hospital for the high-quality care and good patient experience that is delivered at their facility. Premier Robinson noted that “While we focus on strengthening local systems and programs in particular primary healthcare, we know for the foreseeable future, we will continue to rely on your services, the Government is very appreciative of the partnership and look forward to greater collaboration in the future”.

The Premier also highlighted the fact that the NHIB is looking critically at existing relationships, making considerations in relation to the increasing healthcare costs, and complexity of cases to ensure that there is sustainable financing to respond to the needs of beneficiaries.

For his part Honourable Edwin Astwood, Minister of Health highlighted that there was keen public interest in the Treatment Abroad Program and encouraged Doctors Hospitals to look at the areas that could provide greater value to NHIP beneficiaries.  He highlighted that Doctors Hospital gets approximately 15 percent of overseas referrals at a cost of $2-3million per year.

Dr Diggiss expressed a commitment on behalf of the delegation to a further deepening of the partnership and to fostering mutually beneficial objectives. He highlighted that Doctors Hospital was looking to introduce new services in long term rehabilitation, paediatric care, and affordable accommodation options for family members etc. to complement existing services. These services are expected to come on stream before the end of 2018.

The visiting team included; Dr Charles Diggiss (President & CMO), Dr Michael Darville (Medical Director) Mr Charles Sealy (CEO) Mr Raymond Wright (IT Manager).  The discussions and negotiations continue with the National Health Insurance Board on a range of issues.

 

Release: NHIP

Continue Reading

News

GOVERNMENT REVIEWING TENDER AFTER GRAND TURK–SOUTH CAICOS FLIGHTS STOP

Published

on

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.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

Continue Reading

News

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

Published

on

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.

 

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

Continue Reading

Education

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING