TCI News
Eye Clinic Helps Thousands in the Turks and Caicos
#Providenciales, August 9, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – The Sandals Foundation, the charitable arm of Beaches Resorts, is reaffirming its 
commitment to the Turks & Caicos Islands by partnering with US-based charity organization Great Shape! Inc. iCare Project, the Community Fellowship Centre and the Ministry of Health & Human Services to host their first free eye care clinic for residents across the islands.
The five day free eye clinic which took place at the Community Fellowship Center Church on the Leeward Highway from July 27 to August 3, 2018 saw 42 volunteers from the USA, Canada, UK, Jamaica, and Australia consisting of, among others, 7 optometrists, 1 ophthalmologist, 5 registered nurses, and 6 opticians. They provide hypertension and glucose screening, full eye exams, sunglasses, reading glasses, and prescription glasses to patients in need.
“We have touched and transformed so many lives with the Eye Care clinic, from our senior citizens to children and everyone in-between,” said Elanor Finfin Krzanowski, PR Manager for Beaches and the Sandals Foundation. “The human impact was incredible, I am so happy that were able to secure a mission trip for Turks and Caicos and of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t say think you to our great partners, we are thankful to Great Shape! Inc. iCare along with the volunteers, the Ministry of Health and Human Services, Community Fellowship Center and everyone else who came on board to make this health initiative happen. We really couldn’t have done this without partnership. ”
Director of the Great Shape! iCare project, Steven Stern, said they hope to treat over 1000 patients over the five days. “We are happy to bring the Great Shape! iCARE project to the people of the Turks and Caicos. We are grateful for the great sponsorship of Sandals Foundation and Beaches Resorts who enable us to perform our much-needed services through our long-time partnership. The joy of receiving a pair of glasses and seeing properly for the first time in your life is powerful and life-changing.” Stern added that a full pallet of supplies was shipped ahead of time to accommodate this outreach.
Over the past nine years, the Sandals Foundation has supported the Great Shape! Inc. to provide free eye-care, dental services, literacy, and teacher training programs to residents in several Caribbean islands, providing accommodation, meals, transportation, communications, and logistical support to all volunteers to make these mission possible. To date, the Sandals Foundation has impacted over 209,000 across the Caribbean through 
healthcare initiatives, standing firm in its belief that proper health care should be accessible to all.
Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, Heidi Clarke, said the expansion of the clinic to Turks and Caicos is another indication of the Foundation’s commitment to supporting residents across the Caribbean. “We are very pleased to see the expansion of this much-needed clinic to benefit even more people who are in need of eye care services. Health Care is one of the basic needs of every human being, and we are thrilled to bring this service to the residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands, some of whom might otherwise not have the opportunity or resources to get their eyes checked,” Clarke said. The clinic will be based at the Community Fellowship Centre Church on Leeward Highway, Providenciales from July 30 to August 3 and Clarke encourages all residents to make very good use of the opportunity
This will be the project’s first vision clinic outside of Jamaica where they have served over 29,000 residents over the past 9 years.
Release: Sandals Resorts
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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