TCI News
TCI: Oswald Skippings – Scotia Bank Closures
#Providenciales, June 11, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – This Scotia Bank bombshell dropped on The Turks and Caicos government and people in recent days, is a substantial addition to the gloom and doom that currently exist in Grand Turk post the onslaught of hurricanes Ike, Irma and Marie and the drastic failure of recent administrations.
It is an aggravation to the already high unemployment, the lack of commercial activity and other prevailing woes that have overshadowed Grand Turk over recent years. The fact is, the nation’s capital of Grand Turk will now have only one commercial bank, a situation that is definitely not attractive nor conducive to industrial and economic growth.
Heretofore, Government had a choice in selecting its banker, now it has no such choice. Therefore, government has no bargaining powers in selecting its banker and civil servants in both Grand Turk and Providenciales will be forced to deal with First Caribbean Bank as it is inconceivable that government would have two different banks to facilitate its financial business.
This move would inevitably increase inconvenience to First Caribbean customers in Grand Turk who are already faced with long, slow lines because of inadequate customer service, inclusive of their one and only ATM that is already too often dysfunctional.
This move also creates inconvenience in Providenciales by the closure of the Grace Bay facility, thereby adding tremendous pressure to the remaining one and only Scotia Bank in the most commercially active island in the Turks and Caicos.
It should be noted that if the lack of profitable, financial activity is a contributor to this drastic decision, then one must consider the hundreds of millions of dollars that are being remitted to foreign countries by work permit workers while so many Turks and Caicos Islanders are not employed. Therefore, this highlights further justification for the public and private sectors to first and foremost guarantee jobs for our very own Turks and Caicos Islanders whose monies will remain here in the banks and be invested here in the islands thereby creating even further and more profitable economic activity for the banks thereby guaranteeing their success.
These sorts of disasters should bring us to the realization that if we are to overcome the multitude of problems that are besieging us daily, there are some inherent political anomalies that we as a people need to recognize, admit to and commit to fix forthwith! For example.
When the HONORABLE Derek Taylor the then chief minister, conceived the idea, initiated the move and laid the foundation to establish a Turks and Caicos Bank, it was a visionary and noble aspiration. However, once again this was ruined by cronyism and selfish, greedy politicians, and unfortunately, blindly supported by overzealous irresponsible party supporters who not unlike now, put a blind eye to anything and everything 
wrong, oppressive or retrogressive their ruling party was doing.
It is why unless and until we as a people stop voting for a great, noble and heroic man that is now dead and political parties whose core principles and ideologies have also died, and begin to vote for committed, patriotic people with vision and intestinal fortitude, whether they be from a third forth or fifth political party or be independent candidates, we will continue to be duped, taken for granted and exploited by uncommitted and incompetent politicians, who are no longer held accountable by those of us who vote them into office.
It is obvious that the introduction of Trade Unions is long overdue and would undoubtedly go a long way in meeting many of the needs especially of the working populace. However, from a development, investment and an overall economic standpoint for Grand Turk, this does not eliminate the need for a commercial bank.
As a permanent and practical solution to this huge problem that we are experiencing with Scotia Bank, the Turks and Caicos Bank must be reinstated! Preferably, its board of directors must not be infested with politicians and or close relatives of politicians at all. However, if politicians are placed on the board of directors, then politicians from all sides should enjoy that privilege. This is the only way independent, bi-partisan, transparent and public scrutiny will be guaranteed, and it would then be next to impossible for corruption to rear its ugly head again and effect the closure of such a much needed national facility.
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.
