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Six Senses Resort and Spa returns for another try at Salt Cay, Cabinet considers the concept

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Artist rendering of Six Senses villas on Salt Cay

#Salt Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday June 27, 2018 – For nearly a decade, Six Senses Resort has been angling itself for a unique presence in the Caribbean and had determined that tiny Salt Cay in the Beautiful by Nature Turks and Caicos Islands was ideal for the luxury escape.

Then major controversy struck and soured the prospect of the development which was touted to be ‘green’ and bring ‘green’ to the people of the island, often considered ‘forgotten’.

The names Mario Hoffmann and Stephan Kral –  Salt Cay Devco, investors behind the Six Senses concept – were severely tarnished in the scandalous Commission of Inquiry of 2009.

Despite, the duo tried vigorously to salvage their reputation, to no avail.

In 2018, the Developers of Six Senses are back and have already made a presentation to the Turks and Caicos Islands Cabinet, piquing interests it seems as the investors have been asked to return with a more detailed plan.

A Cabinet report from the Governor’s Office on May 30, 2018 said this about the agenda item: “Considered a Proposal for the Development of a Six Senses Resort on the Island of Salt Cay and requested further information.”

Ever since, there has been a steady stream of inquiries to Magnetic Media to find out more about the development and what it proposes on the tranquil island, renowned for its laid back beauty, intriguing history, captivating coastal vistas and its animal life including endearing donkeys on land and awe-striking whales in the ocean.

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Articles from 2010, including a feature in Turks and Caicos magazine ‘Times of the Islands’ had featured the concept of a resort promoting zen-like villas, sultry spa, tennis court, restaurant and eco-friendly golf course as an opportunity for a resurgence of the island where the economy now is just as dry as its Salinas.  Ironically, the 2.5 square miles used to be a financial life line to the people of the cay and the country, during the salt-raking era.

The Turks and Caicos Weekly News (newspaper) in an article on June 11 2018, reminded of the court battle and loss of Salt Cay Devco; where Mario Hoffmann  had to return over 1,500 acres of land to Government, cover a percentage of the legal fees and surrender his Turks and Caicos Belonger status which was obtained under the Michael Misick government regime.

You get the feeling that getting this application and proposal approved will not be easy; but just maybe the timing is right.

A media release in 2010 announced that Six Senses Resorts and Spas was pegged to open its Turks and Caicos edition in 2013; five years later we are only told by the Investment Minister – Premier Sharlene Robinson – that there is no comment at this stage of the pitch.  

Hon Sharlene Robinson said to Magnetic Media:  “It is a Proposal discussed and I am not able to share anything further as it is a matter before Cabinet. What I will say is that the residents of Salt Cay do not have opportunities to speak to the Government in the upcoming round of Town Halls and to benefit from.”

The 2010 article, published online at HotelierMiddleEast.com, among other websites said in part:

‘Designed to introduce the group’s ‘Slow Life’ philosophy, the project will comprise a total of 40 one- and two-bedroom villa suites and three-bedroom retreats, plus 13 four-bedroom residential villas.

In addition to various dining option, including an organic garden restaurant, there will be a jazz bar, an observatory, and Cinema Paradiso — an open-air area showing classic movies.

Leisure activities will focus on water activities, but will also include tennis and an eco-friendly golf course.’

The news story explained that the phase one investment on the Six Senses Resort and Spa would be $200 million.

Salt Cay residents are admittedly curious.

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

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GOVERNMENT REVIEWING TENDER AFTER GRAND TURK–SOUTH CAICOS FLIGHTS STOP

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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.

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

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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.

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Education

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

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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.

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