TCI News
TCI: New Training Center opened by Hotel & Tourism Association
#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
Turks and Caicos, December 7, 2024 – “Homicide detectives of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are actively investigating a homicide in Five Cays, Providenciales.
Initial reports indicate that shortly after 10 pm yesterday (December 06th), the Police Control Room received several calls stating that
gunshots were being heard in the area of Sandy Land.
RT&CIPF officers responded to the given location and found the lifeless body of a male with what appeared to be gunshot wounds about the body. The victim was later identified as NEIL RIGBY, 52, of Five Cays.
The RT&CIPF offers condolences to Mr. Rigby’s relatives and friends.
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information that may help in this investigation to contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide any information anonymously.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.
Statement from the Minister of Immigration
Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands
Turks and Caicos, December 5, 2024 – The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands categorically states that we will not, under any circumstances, accept deportees from the United States or any other nation who are not citizens of Turks and Caicos. Our country’s immigration policies are clear and firmly rooted in the principles of sovereignty, the protection of our borders, and the welfare of our people.
Turks and Caicos, like all nations, has the sovereign right to determine who may reside within its borders. The unilateral imposition of third-country deportation policies, such as those reportedly under consideration by the incoming Trump administration, is fundamentally at odds
with international norms and legal standards.
We are deeply concerned about any suggestion of displacing individuals to countries with which they have no connection. Such policies disregard the cultural, social, and economic implications for receiving countries and the humanitarian impact on the individuals affected.
We remind all stakeholders that Turks and Caicos is already facing significant challenges managing irregular migration and the accompanying strain on our resources. We will not permit external policies to exacerbate these challenges, nor undermine or dictate our national security.
Our Government remains committed to maintaining strong diplomatic relations with the United States and our other international partners. However, we are steadfast in our commitment to protecting the interests of the Turks and Caicos Islands and upholding the integrity of our immigration system.
To be clear: The Turks and Caicos Islands will not participate in any program that seeks to forcibly relocate individuals here against their will, or ours.
Turks and Caicos, December 03rd, 2024 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is actively investigating incidents involving an attempted robbery and a reported armed robbery in Providenciales on November 30 and December 02, 2024.
Incident 1: Attempted Robbery at Service Station
Shortly after midnight on November 30, 2024, officers responded to a report of an attempted robbery at a Service Station on Leeward Highway. Based on preliminary reports, a lone male approached the premises from a black Honda Fit vehicle. The suspect, armed with a firearm,
struck an employee, causing a wound. The suspect fled in the car. At the same time, the employee was transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, where he received treatment for his injuries.
Incident 2: Armed Robbery at Eatery
On November 30, 2024, at approximately 6:57 p.m., the police received a report of an armed robbery at an eating establishment in Blue Hills. Two masked individuals, one armed with a firearm, entered the premises and robbed patrons. No injuries were reported, and the suspects fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction.
Incident 3: Robbery/Malicious Injuries to Property
On the evening of Monday, December 2, 2024, a male driver was proceeding along Walter Cox Drive when he stopped to drop off a passenger. While reversing, an unidentified male armed with a cinder block demanded the driver exit his vehicle. The driver complied and was robbed of personal belongings. The suspect proceeded to use the cinder block to shatter the rear passenger side window before fleeing the scene.
We urge anyone with information about these incidents to come forward.
Individuals can contact the Serious Crime Unit at (649)-232-6696 or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477.
Additionally, persons are asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app and provide information.
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