TCI News
TCI: Press Statement from the Office of the Leader of the Opposition
#Providenciales, June 8, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – It came as a shock to me in the late morning early afternoon of today (Thursday June 7th) when I was contacted by the Premier to participate in a meeting (by telephone) that was in progress with her and members of her team 
together with a senior management delegation from Scotia Bank’s local office as well as head of compliance for the Northern Caribbean. The purpose of the meeting as communicated by the bank’s representatives was to inform the government of a decision handed down from the bank’s head office as part of a global strategy to consolidate the banks operation. – the process we were told had already taken place in the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas and is ongoing in the BVI and other regional jurisdictions.
While it had been rumoured for several years that the bank was retrenching, during my term as Minister of Finance when the bank’s representatives were confronted with the issue they always denied it to be the case. I have in the past also personally made representation to the bank (not in writing) about the issue of de-risking certain categories of business to no avail – These global institutions operate on a one size fits all platform with the major emphasis on risk aversion and shareholder value, where despite the fact that a jurisdiction might be profitable if any business unit is not, it is regularly eliminated.
I empathize with the anxiety of the Bank of Nova Scotia Customers in our nation’s capital, and categorically deny any knowledge of the bank’s decision until today; out of respect for the banks staff, it was the proper thing to wait until the bank management met with staff before issuing a statement. Nevertheless, our people in the nation’s capital is faced with a problem not of their making and it behoves us as leaders to act with alacrity and cool headedness to address their anxiety and the inconvenience this sudden and disruptive decision will have on the public. All indications are that the decision of the bank is a fait accompli. This therefore require us not to waste time on matters outside of our sphere of influence but to act with courage to effectuate a system that addresses the problem – which is simply a risk-reward number for the bank, but disruption and inconvenience to the people of the nation’s capital as it has been for some time for the people of South Caicos, Middle and North Caicos. So, a solution has to be two pronged-intermediate and then long term and must take into consideration the plight of all who have either become unbanked or grossly inconvenienced.
In the first place, there are some low technology actions that should be encouraged and facilitated by the government – the first being cheque cashing business opportunities supported by legislation to regulate service standards and rates for cashing payroll and other cheques for the unbanked; the second is the standing up and operationalization of credit unions, the legislation for which already exist – waiting for the cabinet to introduce regulations before the ordinance could be accented to. The bank representatives have indicated possible favorable consideration for providing banking services for credit unions subject to an agreeable compliance protocol – the benefit of this would be formation of corporate vehicles to begin to build domestic capital and reduce the number of unbanked persons. Both of these could be done within the next 90 days while a longer-term solution is considered.
Ultimately though the world is not waiting for us. We can behave like victims or organize to control our own destiny God willing. In the ongoing innovation revolution, we must build a smart tech savvy country familiar with the power of digital technologies and advanced analytics to improve convenience, simplify everyday life, and help us make better decisions. Today we have one of the most powerful digital devices at our finger tips – the smart phone. We must use it for good and not as a thief of our time or a instrument of ridicule or divisiveness. Many developing countries have leaped frog over old technology in use in developed countries to the advantage of their people and improvement in productivity and competitiveness. I see this temporary setback be a teachable moment – a clarion call first to leadership to create an enabling environment including improvement in ICT that will allow the citizenry to engage in more self-help initiatives, and to the citizenry to combine their collective abilities and resources together so that everybody win.
Contrary to accepted intuition and despite past practices, I see the government as a competitor for the hearts and mind of the people not an adversary and where collaboration with it is in the interest of the people of these islands I have made it clear that I will pursue that path. – for me this is not a sign of weakness but one of self-confidence, courage of conviction, and strength of character. I trust the people of this country to judge the capacity, integrity and commitment of individual politicians and political parties at the polls, and when they get it wrong an opportunity presents itself to correct it every four years. In the meantime, in my capacity as leader of the opposition my vision for the country has never been bounded by election timetable but by my compass of what is right. That will continue long after I would have exited politics.
Release: Leader of The Opposition
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
