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TCI: International Travel Report

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#TurksandCaicos, May 24, 2018 – Providenciales – In an effort to inform and educate the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands on the regional and international obligations of the Office of Premier and Minister of Finance, Premier Robinson has issued an International Travel Report for 2018.

  • OCTA (Brussels, Belgium) February 2018

(PREMIER)

The Turks and Caicos Islands has had a long relationship with European Union and as such the islands have significantly benefitted in expertise, advice and financial assistance over the years.  The TCI most recently benefitted from two European Development Funds (EDF) 10 and 11 and is also a participant in several Regional EU Programs. Under the EDF 11 Program, which is focused on improvements in the education sector and sustainable energy, marine biodiversity, climate change and disaster risk reduction, we are currently receiving funding for our new School in Providenciales among other support for the education sector.

As the Chair of OCTA, the Premier was responsible for chairing the Ministerial Conference of OCTA and round table discussions, with her Ministerial colleagues.  This year, the TCI also participated in a one-day meeting on oceans organised by OCTA, under the theme “More than 17,000,000 Km2 of Ocean Policy: OCTs and the Sustainable Management of the Ocean and its resources”.  The Premier in her discussions as chair highlighted her governments challenges and commitment to the issues faced including: challenges with pollution, fisheries, new opportunities for blue growth and new opportunities for research.  It is customary for the Chair of OCTA to host a Gala Dinner in honour of the delegates, officials and guests who have travelled to the host country, or in this instance Brussels, for the auspicious occasion. Following the Storms, the TCI did not have the usual expense for the Dinner and the costs were borne by the EU.

 

  • 11th Commonwealth Business Forum (London, United Kingdom) 16-18 April, 2018

    (PREMIER) 

The Premier was invited by the Commonwealth of 52 countries to be a VIP speaker at the 11th Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) in London on 16-18 April 2018 in conjunction with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).  The Forum is a truly global event, that brought together Heads of Government, Ministers, and senior business leaders from around the world.  It provided a valuable opportunity for high level dialogue on trade and investment between business and government leaders from across the Commonwealth and beyond. Organized by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, working with the UK Government and in partnership with the City of London, it was a unique gathering of global leaders.  This event provided an opportunity to identify areas in which the Commonwealth can help its member countries to access modern financial services, harness technology and innovation, attract inward investment, and to improve sustainable business practices, particularly through public-private sector collaboration.  The Premier addressed the session Economic and Climate Volatility: Innovation and Resilience for Island States and contributed her experience and leadership in this area.

 

  • CDB Board of Governors Meeting (Grenada)

(AS MINISTER OF FINANCE)

 

The TCI is a member of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). Each year the CDB hosts a general meeting for its members to discuss economic and social matters relevant to the financial viability of the region that will enhance growth, achieve and maintain stability, as well as reduce and alleviate poverty amongst its member countries. Last year, this Meeting was held in TCI as the Minister of Finance for the Turks and Caicos Islands was the serving Chair.

The forty-eighth (48th) Board of Governors meeting will be held in Grenada at the end of May 2018 and the theme of this year’s meeting is “Resilience”.  The Hon. Premier was selected to speak on the topic ”Building Resiliency” as the Turks and Caicos Islands experienced two major tropical cyclones in September of 2017.  The general theme for this year’s meeting would allow her and other leaders in other governments to share information and network as they embark on initiatives to build each country’s resilience to climate change, natural hazards and environmental changes for the survival of its people.

This Meeting will also allow the Hon. Premier to hold bi-lateral discussions with members of the CDB on the three areas of assistance that the Government is pursuing with the CDB in the following areas:

  • Transport Sector Study;
  • Climate Resilient Coastal Protection and Management; and
  • Solid Waste Management
  • Pre Joint Ministerial Council and JMC OT-EN (United Kingdom) June 11-15, 2018

(PREMIER)

 

The Pre- Joint Ministerial Conference meeting of Oversees Territory (OT) Leaders precedes the Joint Ministerial Conference that is slated for December 27-29, 2018 as a planning session to have candid discussions on those matters of priority affecting the Overseas Territories for inclusion on the Agenda of the JMC.

The Pre-Joint Ministerial Council (Pre-JMC) 2018 takes place against the backdrop of the United Kingdom (UK) decision to leave the European Union (EU). Overseas Territories (OT) Political Leaders will consider the direct engagement of the United Kingdom on Brexit without either side losing focus on non-EU issues which OTs require support on in areas such as environment, health, economic development and security. Given the anticipated UK preoccupation with Brexit, OT Political Leaders will present their priorities to the British Government to ensure they are on the UK’s agenda and that the UK follows through on agreed commitments.

The JMC OT-EN was established following the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union as a forum for the implications of Brexit on the OT’s to be discussed and the priorities of the OT’s in the negotiations to be considered.

 

  • CARICOM (Jamaica)

(PREMIER)

The Thirty-Ninth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community will be held 4-6 July 2018 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. During the three (3) day conference Premier will seek to hold a bilateral with CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irvine LaRocque and region leaders. This meeting of the conference of heads will also offer the opportunity to network with CARICOM leaders to address the body of Caribbean leaders to garner support for our challenges faced by the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The meeting is expected to focus on the effects on the economic climate on member states of the Caribbean Community and framework by which the Community can achieve growth and development amidst the current environment. Additionally, the issue of crime and security is top among the three broad area that are up for discussion.

The Heads of Governments are also scheduled to discuss issues relating to the region’s slow recovery from the global economic crises; the heavy debt burdens of some members and the effects policies by international financial institutions have had on the economies of CARICOM.

 

  • Joint Ministerial Conference (JMC) NOVEMBER 2018

(PREMIER)

The Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) is the highest political forum under the 2012 White Paper, bringing together UK Ministers, elected Leaders and Representatives of the Overseas Territories for the purpose of providing leadership and a shared vision for the Territories. The mandate is to monitor and drive forward collective priorities for action in the spirit of partnership.

 

Hon Sharlene L Cartwright Robinson

Premier & Minister of Finance

The Turks and Caicos Islands

 

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Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Takes Platinum Sponsor Role at Premier Hotel Investment Summit  

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Turks and Caicos, May 23, 2026 – Invest Turks and Caicos Islands took center stage at one of the region’s most influential hospitality investment gatherings this spring, serving as a Platinum Sponsor at ALIS CALA 2026 in Coral Gables, Florida.

Held April 28 to 30 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, the conference brought together more than 600 tourism, hotel and investment leaders from over 35 countries focused on the future of hospitality investment in the Caribbean and Latin America.

ALIS CALA — short for the Americas Lodging Investment Summit Caribbean and Latin America — is widely regarded as the region’s premier deal-driven hospitality investment conference. The platform emerged from the merger of the long-running Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) and Hotel Opportunities Latin America (HOLA), creating what organizers describe as a high-level space where investors, developers, lenders, hotel brands and government leaders connect around major regional projects and opportunities.

The event is known for attracting senior decision-makers, with roughly one in three delegates holding titles such as Chairman, CEO, President, Owner or Principal.

Invest Turks and Caicos said its participation focused heavily on showcasing investment opportunities across the territory, particularly in the Family Islands.

CEO Angela Musgrove delivered a presentation highlighting development opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands to what the agency described as a full room of attendees and strong stakeholder interest.

In a statement following the conference, Invest Turks and Caicos said discussions centered on tourism expansion, sustainable development and long-term investment partnerships designed to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a leading investment destination in the region.

The agency added that it looks forward to continuing conversations started at ALIS CALA and building new partnerships with investors, developers and strategic stakeholders interested in growth opportunities throughout the islands.

The conference itself focused heavily on capital access, hotel development pipelines, mixed-use tourism projects and investment confidence throughout the Caribbean basin — sectors where Turks and Caicos continues to attract increasing international attention.

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Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Lower Bight

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in coordination with the Planning Department and key partner agencies, conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the Lower Bight area in Providenciales. The exercise resulted in the complete removal of a total of eight (8) unauthorized structures and all associated debris from a privately-owned parcel of land.

The operation was led by the Planning Department, with coordination by the ISU and support from the TCI Border Force, the Crown Land Unit, and Pelican Energy.  Security for the exercise was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. All agencies worked collaboratively to ensure the exercise was carried out in a safe, orderly, and controlled manner.

The enforcement action followed a structured and lawful process in accordance with the Physical Planning regulatory framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Section 45 Enforcement Notices were first issued on the affected parcel in December 2024, identifying unauthorized structures erected without the requisite approvals. This was followed by the issuance of Warning Notices on April 16, 2026, which advised occupants that they were in breach of planning and land use regulations and provided notice that demolition activities would proceed following the prescribed compliance period. Despite these notices and the time afforded for compliance, the unauthorized structures remained in place.

This exercise represents part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring that development within the Turks and Caicos Islands is lawful, safe, and aligned with national standards.

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Beaches Turks and Caicos and Sandals Foundation Champion Early Childhood Literacy with Star-Studded Reading Road Trip

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: The grand opening of the Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos brought more than just high-energy celebrations to the shores of Providenciales as the Sandals Foundation led a star-studded Reading Road Trip at four local primary schools.

Dozens of celebrities, global media representatives, resort guests, and hospitality executives took a purposeful break from the weekend’s festivities to connect directly with the island’s youngest learners. The initiative transformed standard kindergarten classrooms at Enid Capron Primary, Thema Lightbourne Primary, Ianthe Pratt Primary and Oseta Jolly Primary into dynamic literacy hubs as visitors including American Actor and Playwright Jesse Eisebberg, and Real Housewives of New York City and author Kelly Bensimon read books and engaged in fun literacy games and activities.

The carefully designed activities aimed to strengthen students’ foundational reading comprehension skills and saw visitors actively animating characters, reading aloud, playing interactive literacy games, doing phonetic exercises and collaborative arts and crafts.

For local educators, the initiative represented a valuable opportunity to broaden students’ horizons. Through meaningful interaction with media representatives, students learned firsthand about exciting careers in writing, photography, and broadcasting.

Nelene Swann, Vice Principal of Enid Capron Primary, highlighted the profound impact of the unique global connection. “The experience for the children was good as they interacted and shared in a cultural blend while learning about new cultures and different career options,” Swann shared.

For American actor and playwright Jesse Eisenberg, who spent his afternoon volunteering at Oseta Jolly Primary School, his visit coincided with a special occasion on the school’s calendar, creating an even more memorable atmosphere for the youngsters.

“Our school was celebrating Boys Day which allowed [Eisenberg] to share in the experience and even provide great mentorship advice. Lessons such as the importance of consistency were well received by students in this developmental phase,” says Handsfield.

The Sandals Foundation has long championed early childhood education as a fundamental pillar of its philanthropic mission across the region.

Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, expressed her pride in the weekend’s grand opening educational outreach noting, “The Reading Road Trips provided a one-of-a-kind experience to guests and students as they shared in the power of play, imagination and life – all through the wonders of books. At the heart of our mission is to facilitate the creation of fun and dynamic learning environments that inspire students. We are proud to be a partner in TCI’s education tapestry and will continue to support initiatives that enable students’ holistic development.”

While the grand opening festivities brought a special influx of international participants to the classrooms, the commitment to local schools remains a consistent, year-round priority for the local resort staff. Employees regularly dedicate their personal time to mentor, tutor, and read with primary school students, fostering an incredibly strong bond between the hospitality sector and the local education system.

General Manager Deryk Meany emphasized the immense joy these initiatives bring to his dedicated staff. “This was a blast for the resort team members. The heart of the hospitality industry extends far beyond the resort’s doors and through the Reading Road Trip and other team member volunteer initiatives, we are proud to share our time, resources and expertise to the school community.”

Even as the official grand opening celebrations conclude, the positive impact of these classroom interactions will continue to resonate deeply throughout the Providenciales community and the world – example of a powerful model for community-integrated tourism.

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