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TCI: Lit’l Chefs In Full Force This Summer

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#Providenciales, July 13, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – The Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Hospitality Adventure kicked off their exciting summer camps this week with a group of aspiring junior chefs from across the islands.

Enthusiastic youngsters are being given the opportunity to sharpen their culinary skills, learning the basics of the profession in two camps this year. The first camp, which began on Monday, July 9th and will run through Friday, July 13th, welcomed the first group; the Jr. Lit’l Chefs. This program is specifically designed for students between the ages of 12-14 and will serve as an introductory course with hopes to garner more interest in the field.

The second camp, which is the advanced segment of the program, is set to start on July 22nd and will welcome young cooks between the ages of 15-19 for an in-depth look into the culinary field, as well as offer one-on-one coaching and a sleep-in camp experience. Each week will culminate with a Mystery Black-Box Competition where one winner from the residential camp ages 15 – 19 will join the TCI Culinary Team making him/her eligible to compete with the team at the CHTA Taste of The Caribbean in Miami, June 2019.

CEO of the Turks and Caicos Hotel & Tourism Association [TCHTA], Stacy Cox, commented on the kids’ excitement to be a part of these programs, “The level of enthusiasm and passion showcased this week is not only inspirational, but aspirational.  We aim to spark interest and develop talents that will turn into a lifelong passionate career, and our goal is to provide programs and activities that lead to complete development and empowerment of our country’s talented youth.”

The eager group of nearly 20 students that comprise both camps have all shown keen interest in pursuing a career in the culinary field.  During the programs they will be hosted and mentored at several TCHTA member hotels and restaurants on Providenciales.

“Our Culinary Camp is instrumental in the development of younger chefs; as the country grows so too does our tourism product and the demand for local trained chefs.  Both camps allow budding chefs to sharpen their culinary skills while being mentored by some of the best in the culinary field in Providenciales.” She continued,  “We are grateful to those who give their time to mentor and teach so that the students can enhance their skills, we thank all of the chefs involved for their passion and their continuous hard work year after year with this program and we especially thank our members for their continuous support.”

This year, TCHTA members including Seven Stars Resort, Beaches Turks & Caicos, The Palms, Amanyara, IGA, The Source Villas, Bianca Sands Resort, Parrot Cay and Grace Bay Club have come together to teach the youngsters basic cooking methods, plating techniques, butchery, baking, the basics of stocks and sauces, as well as how to write menus.  Safety and sanitation are also a big part of their training.  Campers received a full kit to get them on their culinary journey; a formal Chef’s jacket, apron, t-shirts, hat, peeler, paring knife, bread knife, chef knife, boning knife, thermometer, kitchen towel and duffle bag.

“TCI Hospitality Adventure is the springboard for the Turks and Caicos Culinary Team and by extension Taste of the Caribbean,” Cox noted.  “We had so many success stories from the culinary camp since its start in 2012; many of our former Lit’l Chefs are now part of the culinary departments at our member hotels or are in university, Chefs such as Martin Wilkiens, Robinangel Simmons, Korea Rolle, Kentisha Hall and Christin Greene and bartender Jean Tissaint, just to name a few, are successful alumni of the program and have competed in several international competitions representing the TCI.”

TCI Hospitality Adventure program has long been supported by members of the TCHTA.  The organization has hosted three major annual fundraising events to help finance the initiative; the annual Taste of Tapas, Chefs on the Beach and the Golf Scramble assist the TCHTA with covering expenses of the camp, continued development, and the cost associated with travel to competitions.  They are inviting members of the community to graciously support these fundraisers.  Persons are encouraged to buy tickets to the upcoming Chefs on the Beach which is scheduled for Friday July 20, 2017 at the West Deck at the Seven Stars Resort in Grace Bay.

For more information about the upcoming event, interested persons and organizations are encouraged to call the TCHTA office on 339-5787 or visit their social media pages.

 

Release: TCHTA

 

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News

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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