TCI News
TCI: Wendera Seymour, Kia Swann and Tarina Parker appointed as new Statisticians
#Providenciales, June 27, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – As the government continues to strengthen its resources within the civil service, the 
Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to announce the appointments of Ms. Wendera Seymour, Mrs. Kia Swann and Ms. Tarina Parker as Statisticians in the Department of Statistics within the Ministry of Finance, Investment and Trade.
Ms. Seymour, who is a former graduate of the Marjorie Basden High School on South Caicos, holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration; a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Howard University and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Economic Policy from the University of London. Ms. Seymour previously worked at Grace Bay Medical Center and then Saunders and Co. as Legal Assistant. During her time at Saunders and Co. she served as the Secretary for the Turks and Caicos Islands Bar Council Association.
Since joining the Statistics Department in 2017, Ms. Seymour has been afforded opportunities to engage in a number of regional trainings/workshops/attachment in areas of Statistics such as External Debt, Preparation for Census, Data Dissemination, ICP (International Comparison Programme), Consumer Price Index (CPI), Enhanced Country Poverty Assessment and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) to help develop her skills as a Statistician.
Mrs. Swann is pursuing an online dual degree in BS ORM/MSL from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She comes with many years of professional experience, having held several management positions in the United States before relocating to the Turks and Caicos Islands with her husband Mr. Rex Swann. Mrs. Swann prides herself as being hardworking, highly-motivated and ambitious. Known for her efficiency, leadership, organizational skills, commitment and creativity towards any task.
Ms. Parker graduated as Valedictorian of the Class of 2006 of the Helena Jones Robinson High School with Fourteen (14) external passes and is also a recipient of a special Certificate award from CXC as an outstanding Business Science Student and served as the Junior Minister of Tourism 2005-2006. After attending the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College for one year, she then transitioned into the University of Tampa (UT) where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts, Biology degree.
While at UT, she was selected to serve as the Ambassador for the Turks and Caicos Islands and was voted in as Vice President of the Black Student Union. Miss Parker also worked temporarily at the Department of Statistics before transitioning to Scotiabank(TCI) Ltd. where she served for over 5 years as Teller, Customer Service Representative, Business Banking Officer (Acting) and Assistant Manager Services & Support (Acting).
Mrs. Seymour stated; “I am very pleased to have been appointed as a Statistician within the Statistics Department. I am very confident that I have made a positive contribution since joining the Department and look forward to new challenges and opportunities ahead. Special thanks is extended to the Government of the TCI for affording me this opportunity to make a contribution and to the Chief Statistician Mr. Shirlen Forbes, as it is through his leadership and guidance I am able to participate in the necessary trainings to build my skills and contribute to the overall development of my well-being in order to help with the continuing success of the department and the country.”
Mrs. Swann commented; “I am excited to start a new challenge within the TCI Government sector. I am very grateful to have been afforded this opportunity and confident that I will be able to make a positive contribution within the Department of Statistics.”
Ms. Parker added; “I am elated to be afforded the opportunity to serve in such an important capacity in TCIG. This area has always been one of my 
passions and I intend to utilize all the experience and skills I gained during my temporary tenure in previous years within this department . I am open to all opportunities presented to perfect all the skills needed to carry out my duties to make a positive and notable impact within the Department of Statistics.”
Commenting on the new appointments, Director of the Department Mr. Shirlen Forbes stated; “I welcome the new members to the Department of Statistics and would like to thank the Government and the public sector management for providing this much needed human resource which will help in ensuring that statistics is available to the public in a timely manner.”
Deputy Governor Anya Williams elated with the new appointments added; “The pleasure is mine to welcome these three ladies to the Turks and Caicos Islands civil service and to congratulate them on their new appointments. The Statistics Department continues to play a valuable role on the part of the government in providing valuable advice and statistics to the government and people of these islands.
“The addition of these new staff members will continue to assist in building capacity within the department and will help in delivering the vital services to all policy and decision makers. I trust that they will find their time within the department to most engaging and encourage them to take full advantage of the training and other opportunities provided to them.“
News
The Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (February 25th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands began 2026 on a positive note, with stayover arrivals in January surpassing the same period in 2025.
Preliminary figures indicate that 56,830 stayover visitors arrived in January 2026, representing a two percent increase year-on-year. The steady growth continues the positive momentum experienced at the close of 2025.
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, attributed the encouraging performance to new collaboration with tour operator partners as well as increased airlift from key source markets.
“We anticipated a strong January performance following the growth recorded in November and December. The winter season has traditionally been a robust period for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this year that strength has been further supported by enhanced collaboration with partners and expanded airlift from Canada and the United States We are cautiously optimistic about maintaining this upward trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.
Cruise Sector
In cruise, preliminary figures show 122,935 cruise passenger arrivals in January, reflecting a 15 percent decrease compared to January 2025.
The decline is attributed to a reduction in cruise calls during the month. A total of 33 vessels called on Grand Turk in January, seven fewer than during the corresponding period last year.
Marketing Shows
As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier luxury destination, Experience Turks and Caicos has been actively participating in the Travel & Adventure Shows across several major cities in the United States.
The destination has already been showcased in Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago, with Fort Lauderdale and Denver scheduled in the coming weeks.
Public Relations Manager Laura Dowrich represented the Turks and Caicos Islands alongside the destination’s U.S. marketing agency, ABA Global.
Beaches Turks & Caicos – Stone Creek Travels
“One of the most encouraging takeaways from these shows is that the Turks and Caicos Islands is indeed on travellers’ radar. We met many visitors who shared fond memories of their time here, others who already have trips booked and were seeking recommendations on activities and dining, and many more who aspire to visit. It was a pleasure highlighting our multi-island destination and sharing the many experiences that make the Turks and Caicos Islands truly special,” said Ms. Dowrich.
Awards & Recognition
Building on a stellar year of accolades in 2025, the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun 2026 with additional international recognition.
The destination earned a Gold Badge in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing #5 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean and #5 in Best Beaches in the World. In the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Grand Turk was ranked #10 among the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit.
About Experience Turks and Caicos
Middle Caicos Dragon Cay Resort
Experience Turks and Caicos is the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is committed to positioning the destination as a premier, sustainable luxury tourism hub. By leveraging smart tools, data-driven strategies, and stakeholder collaboration, Experience Turks and Caicos focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and fostering long-term industry success.
About the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the destination is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Each island and cay offer a unique experience:
- Providenciales boasts world-class resorts, fine dining, and high-end tourism offerings.
- Grand Turk serves as the vibrant hub for cruise tourism and historical exploration.
- The sister islands provide a gateway to nature, adventure, and authentic local culture.
Recognised as the world’s best-kept secret, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer effortless luxury, with seamless connectivity via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Photo Captions:
Grand Turk – slow travel with us
North Caicos – Correy Forbes
South Caicos Sail Rock
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
Photo Captions:
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key
government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.
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 the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, 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 several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and
posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.
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.
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News5 days agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals