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TCI: New Training Center opened by Hotel & Tourism Association

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Officials cut ribbon for new Training Center of TCHTA

#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday July 18, 2018 – A training center which caters to the hospitality workers of the Turks and Caicos is now opened and introduces, sharpens  and upgrades various skills; it is an initiative by the country’s Hotel and Tourism Association.  

With a mixture of short drop–in learning sessions, scheduled short courses, tailored industry training and employability courses; the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association or TCHTA’s new Training Center aims to  match the level of service provided on the island to the level of developments which are  coming into the island.

The Association launched its new Training Center in mid-June with the help of country leaders, including Governor His Excellency, Dr. John Freeman.  The project was dubbed, ‘the baby’ of Stacy Cox, TCHTA CEO, who with a jubilant crowd and packed balcony at the Salt Mills Plaza office, cut the ribbon to signal the official opening.

“This is just the first step when it comes to training through the TCHTA. In the next year or so we have another project that we will bring to you in relation to education and we look forward to your support in that as well,” said Mrs. Cox, who thanked her team and the Executive Board for backing her in the project.

“Whenever there is a crazy idea, there are always crazier people who are willing to execute it and for that I want to say thank you.”

The TCHTA also announced its partnership with the American Lodging Association in the startup of the Training Center; Mrs. Cox shared that the objective is not limited to training the hospitality workforce, but also focused on advancing the culture as it relates to service excellence.

President of the Hotel and Tourism Association, Nikheel  Advani reiterated the fact that the training is here for sharpening one’s skill in the industry. An industry, he reminded, which accounts for 80 percent of the Turks and Caicos economy.  Advani pointed out that one does not have to work directly in the tourism sector to understand its value to everyone.

“…as we know; today tourism makes up to 80 % of either direct or indirect percentage of our GDP.  This tells us that this is one of the most important industries and everybody is a part of this.  If you are a Taxi Driver if you work in Immigration If you are a Server if you are a Chef Everyone of you is involved in Tourism.”

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Wesley Clerveaux brought remarks at the opening and pledged the Ministry’s support and congratulated the TCHTA on the move.

“Ongoing studies is key in maintaining a sustainable development and to keep ourselves in peak performance as a tourism destination.”     

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Hon Ralph Higgs was Permanent Secretary, Sheryl-Anne Jones who said that the Ministry believes education is a critical part of developing the sector and congratulated Stacy Cox and her team on the opening of the Center.

Governor H.E, Dr. John Freeman, who cut the ribbon with TCHTA executives was also grateful and addressed the importance of fine tuning service standards.

“…the identification and the development of people who can contribute is a crucial way forward; and this Center offers a chance in making a real difference, in terms of bringing along the quality and the professionalism of people in these islands.”

The Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association Training Center is managed by Peak Professional and is already offering courses in Front Office Essentials For the Service Industry; Customer Service Basics For the Service Industry; Business Writing; Exceeding Customer Expectations in the Service Industry; Attitude 101; Front Desk First Impressions; First Aid Training – Beginners & Recertification and Know Your TCI.

The TCHTA Training Center is located at the Association’s office at Salt Mills Plaza in Grace Bay, Providenciales; classes run during weekdays.

 

Story by Jean Sagesse

 

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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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