TCI News
Official good-byes for Oehleo Higgs, questions linger but memories are fond
#BottleCreek, North Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday June 11, 2018 – Standing well over six feet tall, you always saw him coming. A spring gave life to his step, a twinkle gave illumination to his eyes and a beaming, sincere smile made his an unforgettable face. North Caicos over the weekend officially said good bye to a son of the soil, one gone much too soon for those who knew and loved him; Oehleo Higgs was just 29 years old.
Anyone who met him could tell he was ambitious, with dreams which would not be stunted by his youth…
Oehleo was, I guess, genetically predisposed to being an over achiever or high flyer; A Higgs and a Clare; two fiercely passionate, uncommonly articulate and seriously sharp families of these islands.
On his LinkedIn professional profile, Oehleo said of himself, “I aspire to be nothing but the best in whatever career venture my future leads me. I will strive to remain on the “cutting edge” while ensuring that I am able to continuously measure the growth, stability, evolution and prosperity on my journey to accomplishing my goals.
Moreover, I am dedicated to contributing my knowledge and experience gathered to assist other individuals or groups in my local community and worldwide.”
Oehleo Higgs was likely most well known for his work with the TCI Tourist Board as a senior media relations officer and for his community service, in developing the first Miss Teen Turks and Caicos pageant.
On May 19, 2018 we lost 29-year-old Higgs and now the Turks and Caicos Islands find, that so many months following hurricanes Irma and Maria, we are still losing the most precious of treasures; our people.
Reports are, that Oehleo was attending doctor in Jamaica when he died; his illness said to be related to exposure to mold which had infested the upper floor of his apartment in Providenciales in the aftermath of the hurricanes.
On Saturday, Oehleo Higgs, who hails from North Caicos and is the son of Paul Higgs (the third) and Rosella Clare-Higgs and the nephew of Tourism Minister, Hon Ralph Higgs – was laid to rest.
The funeral service was held on Saturday morning at the Lighthouse Church in Bottle Creek, North Caicos.
Oehleo is a graduate of Raymond Gardiner High and one who remembers him fondly says he was a go-getter, competitive.
Among his accomplishments professionally, of which there are many were that he ‘spearheaded and launched the Tourist Board’s initial digital marketing initiative for the Brazilian market and implemented on-going strategies to ensure the destination’s brand continues to grow within in the Latin-American region, that he managed film and photo shoot clearances for major publications seeking film production in the Turks and Caicos and while at the Tourist Board he was often spokesperson and representative at major international trade and
consumer shows, seminars and conferences.
While at the Somerset, Oehleo served as a front office agent where he directly ensured guests were comfortable and happy. The young man, who had a BSC degree in Communications from Florida International University, FIU, also worked at Beaches Resort Villages and Spa for a season of his life where he listed his experiences as: serving as brand guardian of the Beaches Resort by overseeing its reputation internally among team members, locally, regionally and in the international community; he also promoted the resort as a credible vacation destination throughout the world by supporting international marketing activities and Mr. Higgs maximized opportunities for exciting community relations activities through the resort’s charity, the Sandals Foundation, by supporting community, education and environmental outreach initiatives.’
The loss of this young talent came as a crushing, sudden blow to his family… and thousands of others, including Magnetic Media which had featured Oehleo countless number of times in his role at the TCI Tourist Board on our shows and within our newscasts and stories.
As a news organization, losing Oehleo got us wondering how on earth this kind of an end could have happened to such a vivacious individual. Magnetic Media reached out to the TCI Hospitals to ask about the diagnosis. Was the root cause of his illness missed we penned? Was he misdiagnosed?
But there, we only found that a covenant of confidentiality would allow no answers to a burning question… how did this happen?
It is the second reported death by mold poisoning in these islands within weeks. It has been traumatic for both families. We express our condolences to those coping with the losses.
Malique Ferrette, who is currently studying at university abroad is the first Miss Teen Turks and Caicos; the first of the young woman he put on an international platform where they represented our islands in stellar form.
Malique told us about the profound impact, young Oehleo had on her life and her grooming. 
“I found myself dreaming of becoming Ms. Turks and Caicos one day. Thinking that I could make a difference through that platform, I began to get excited only to find that the rules had changed. I was too young at 17 to register in that capacity but wouldn’t you know, God had a plan! He had given a young man the desire to start something new and transformative in this country. That something was the start of Miss Teen Turks and Caicos Universe. I’m not sure that Oehleo realized just how impactful it would be or how significant this would be to his legacy. He’s left an impression in history that can never be removed! Through the vision God placed in him, my voice was heard and the notion that pageantry is about more than beauty became a reality. Because of Oehleo’s efforts, I was able to connect with the youth of our country in way that I couldn’t have otherwise. God used him for a season to put me in a position where my own skills and challenges could truly help others. For that I am forever grateful. His bubbly personality and infectious smile will not be forgotten. The gentleness of his spirit will carry on and his legacy is one now etched into the very history that has lead to this day.
Thank you Father for his life. Thank you Father for his legacy. Thank you Father for letting me know the sweet soul that was Oehleo Higgs.”
Yes, thank you for Oehleo Higgs; a media colleague, community builder and fine friend.
Oehleo’s loved ones are very possessive of the memories we keep of him, and rightly so… they miss him, especially his mother Rosella with whom he was very close, we are told. The Family asks simply, for people to remember these three things of their beloved boy: ‘Live, Love, Laugh. That was our Oehleo. He lived, he loved and he laughed.’
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks & Caicos continues to lead the way in sustainability by cultivating a
culture of environmental stewardship across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through the introduction of biodegradable alternatives, agricultural education and community partnerships, the resort is setting a new standard for eco-conscious hospitality. As part of its ongoing sustainability mission, the resort has replaced single-use plastics and certain chemicals with compostable, biodegradable products derived from natural sources, to reduce pollution and minimize the resort’s carbon footprint.
“At Beaches Turks & Caicos, sustainability is woven into every part of the guest experience,” said Managing Director, James McAnally. “From the products we use to the relationships we nurture, our goal is to make responsible environmental choices that benefit our guests, team members and the wider Turks and Caicos community.”
The resort also practices on-site composting, recycling fruit and vegetable waste from its kitchens to enrich soil and sustain its lush
landscaping. This closed-loop system reduces waste and promotes biodiversity across the property.
Beyond the resort, Beaches collaborates with local partners including schools, government agencies and NGOs to extend green education into the wider community. Through the Sandals Foundation, the resort supports projects such as the installation of water filtration systems, tree-planting activities and biodegradable workshops. Schools like Enid Capron Primary have expanded their farming projects and integrated agricultural science into their curriculum thanks to this partnership. Beaches also leads regular coastal cleanups and reforestation drives which inspires residents and students to play an active role in protecting their environment. “The Earth Guardian volunteers take pride in giving back to our schools and the communities we serve,” noted Public Relations Manager, Orville Morgan. “These initiatives create a sense of shared responsibility that strengthens both our communities and our natural resources.”
With its commitment to biodegradable innovation, sustainable education and environmental action, Beaches Turks & Caicos continues to set the benchmark for biodiversity and sustainability in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Photo Captions
1st insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos and the Sandals Foundation celebrate with students at the Enid Capron Primary School in a Reading Road Trip experience where guests and students get to experience a cultural melting pot of activity.
2nd insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort Simone Woodfine from the Bar Department prepares to plant a tree at one of our schools to celebrate the mission of providing a healthier environment for the Turks and Caicos Islands
TCI News
Turks and Caicos Corporate Community Join Beaches Resort to Raise Funds for Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief
Turks and Caicos Islands, December 17, 2025 – Corporate partners in and around Providenciales recently joined Beaches Turks and
Caicos Resort raising over US $54,000 to support Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief effort. The fundraising dinner, aptly titled, ‘One Caribbean, One Family, One Love’ saw over eighteen companies gather on Friday, December 12 to support the recovery of families and the rebuilding of communities affected by the category 5 storm.
“When our Caribbean family calls, we will respond with love,” said Deryk Meany, General Manager of the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort. “Today it is Jamaica that is affected, but tomorrow, it could be the Turks and Caicos or another neighbouring island. We are committed to serving our brothers and sisters and are deeply grateful to everyone who have donated to the cause.”
Since the passage of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica on October 28, the Sandals Foundation has been working around the clock with local
agencies and international partners to provide shelter essentials, food, and clean water, restore schools, and provide medical support to hospitals. Funds raised at the recent benefit dinner will help bolster the next phase of the philanthropic organisation’s support to rebuild schools and livelihoods in affected communities.
“As we continue to provide essential first-relief support, we have already begun our long-term recovery response,” says Patrice Gilpin, Public Relations Manager at Sandals Foundation. “Many schools, which are the cornerstone of stability, learning, and emotional support for our young ones, require urgent attention. This donation will go a far way in restoring a sense of normalcy in the lives of our youngest and most vulnerable.”
The One Caribbean, One Family, One Love fundraising dinner featured, amongst other things a silent auction of Sandals and Beaches
Resort stays, airline tickets, spa services, catamaran cruise, and private chef dinner. The night’s four course meal was also spearheaded by the TCI’s 2025 Taste of the Caribbean silver medalist culinary team- all of whom volunteered for the event.
Managing Director of the Northern Caribbean and Curaçao, James McAnally expressed delight at the outcome noting, “The success of this event is indicative of the power of partnerships to effect real change. We are grateful to the TCI business community, resort guests and our resort team for coming together and making this moment count.”
Photo Captions
1st insert: Sandals Foundation Public Relations Manager Patrice Gilpin (centre) accepts the cheque from Beaches Turks and Caicos resort General Manager Deryk Meany (left) and Managing Director of the Northern Caribbean and Curacao James McAnally
2nd insert: Members of the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort’s entertainment team were on hand to provide scintillating performances at the event
3rd insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort General Manager Deryk Meany (5th left) poses for the cameras with representatives of the Graceway Communities as he personally thanked those who were in attendance
TCI News
Experience Turks and Caicos Projects Month-on-Month Growth of Stayover Arrivals for Winter Season
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (December 17th, 2025) – As the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes visitors for the 2025/2026 winter season, forward bookings for the peak travel period from December to March are projected to surpass those of the same period last year. Experience Turks and Caicos is also forecasting steady month-on-month growth throughout the first half of 2026, with forward bookings already tracking ahead of 2025 levels.
“This is welcome news for our tourism sector, which experienced modest declines over the last two quarters,” said Mr. Paul Pennicook,
Interim CEO Consultant of Experience Turks and Caicos. “One of the key drivers of this positive outlook is increased airlift, including a 19 percent increase in capacity from Canada for the winter season and a six percent increase from the United States.” Mr. Pennicook also attributed the improved projections to targeted marketing and trade engagement efforts led by Experience Turks and Caicos, particularly ongoing training and education for travel advisors and tour operator call-centre agents across all key source markets.
“We have maintained a strong presence through product launches and travel trade events such as Delta Vacations University, while significantly increasing the destination’s visibility through co-op advertising with major tour operators in our three primary markets,” he added.
Public relations activity has also played a critical role, with several hosted media visits from journalists in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Latin America, alongside proactive pitching efforts that resulted in more than 100 placements in travel trade and consumer publications in 2025.
Analysis of current booking patterns also indicates a notable shift toward shorter booking windows. “One major U.S. tour operator reports
that over the past several weeks, approximately 90 percent of bookings have been for travel within the next 60 days,” Mr. Pennicook noted. “Hoteliers are reporting similar trends, suggesting the potential for further growth as we move into 2026.”
Despite the positive outlook, October and November recorded declines in stayover arrivals. Preliminary data shows 30,508 air arrivals in October, representing a seven percent decrease compared to October 2024, largely due to reduced airlift from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom as well as the impact of Hurricane Melissa on travel to the region. November recorded 52,547 stayover arrivals by air, a marginal one percent decrease year-on-year.
As the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes visitors back to its shores this winter season, Experience Turks and Caicos would like to reassure that the island remains safe and welcoming. Statistics from the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force show that overall crime is down, with a 40 percent reduction in murders. Experience Turks and Caicos is working closely with the police force to ensure tourism areas are well monitored and patrolled to enhance visitor security.
