TCI News
TCI: National Trust Launches Five Cays Beach Clean-up on Biodiversity Day
#TurksandCaicos, May 29, 2018 – Providenciales – The Turks & Caicos National Trust led students and volunteers in clearing the Five Cays beach area of trash and debris to celebrate the International Day of Biodiversity on May 22nd. Being part of the global community, the Turks and Caicos Islands perpetually joins with countries of the world in celebrating the variety of life on earth, called ‘biodiversity’.
Students from Enid Capron Primary School, community volunteers and staff of the Turks & Caicos National Trust collected two dozen large bags of trash during the morning clean-up at the beach. Everybody was attuned to clearing the coastal areas of marine debris that harm our marine life and ecosystems.
As expressed by the National Trust Education and Outreach Manager, Dellareese Higgs; “We thought it fitting to choose an event that would immerse students in an action packed lesson where they learn how they too, can become stewards of a global community, by keeping the environment and their communities clean for the most vulnerable species that share the planet.”
Teachers at the Enid Capron Primary praised the effort and were happy to oblige the Trust as they saw the opportunity to engage students while still very young, to develop in them a call for action, so that they know that they have a responsibility to the environment.
5th grade teacher, Ancie Bernadine added; “This event today, cleaning the beach, such a small task, but so important for students to learn about and protect the coastal communities where they live. I am so happy that my class was chosen, as the majority of them use this beach. Hopefully as they remove some of the plastic bags, bottles and other trash from the beach, they will remember to keep the beach clean, and will continue to protect our plants, animals and marine life for future generations.”
The day’s event marks the 25th year since this global celebration began in 1993. For this silver anniversary, the United Nations Secretariat chose the theme of this year’s observance –“Celebrating 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity.”
In full support, the National Trust will sponsor similar upcoming events to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues amongst communities in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
The Turks and Caicos National Trust (TCNT), under its mandate, will continue to champion the goals of protecting, conserving, and preserving our wildlife and historical sites, through education and narrative designed to harness the best efforts, and teaching opportunities, and with much persistence and dedication for the benefit of all.
Release: TCIG
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.
Education
Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Launches Inaugural E-Magazine “Beyond the School Bell”
