TCI News
Millions more in paychecks, new proposal gives hospitality workers entire service charge
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Hospitality workers are on the brink of seeing their salaries significantly embellished as the Service Charge (Hotels and Restaurants) Ordinance (2004) is revamped, renamed and ready for the House of Assembly for debate.
The Minister with oversight of the coming legislation, Deputy Premier and Employment Minister Sean Astwood confirmed to Magnetic Media about the split on the service charge proposal: “They will get 100 percent of the 10 percent.”
The Minister was explaining how much the resort workers will be legally expected to take home, once the service charge law takes effect.
Premier and Finance Minister, Sharlene Robinson, to the media during a press conference in late July confirmed that the work on getting the controversial ‘pay-boost’ right has been arduous but productive.
“When I came into office there was very low participation to the survey that was already introduced by the Ewing Administration, we halted it until the Budget passed. Statistics Department not until about December did the surveys and the surveys included 30 establishments who finally decided to participate and over 500 workers in the industry.”
The Premier explained that the survey uncovered a situation of utter chaos with no legal framework for government oversight, no proper record keeping of how much was being collected by resorts and restaurants and little understanding among workers about what happens to the monies being paid by guests to the tune of millions of dollars per year.
“People don’t know how it is calculated whether it is done correctly. We saw where some places didn’t even keep records and we heard persons of the different uses they had of the 40% that was allowed to be kept and it was such a colossal mess. We agreed, which we said to the people, that 100% service charge should go to the workers; that is our position, it maintains (our position) to this day.”
On Wednesday July 25, the Turks and Caicos Cabinet approved the revamped version of the Service Charge Ordinance, now renamed: the Hotel and Restaurant (Service Charge) Bill 2018.
The amended law does a lot of heavy lifting according to the Finance Minister, who said though her office will shepherd the Bill to and through the House of Assembly, it falls under Border Control and Employment with the Minister and Labour Commissioner having more direct oversight of the provision. 
“It clears up the definition of service charge, because we saw tips and gratuities was also used interchangeably which is not so; it introduces a registration process for those persons who chose to levy a service charge, they now have to register and they that we are doing it and they also have to keep records and they also have to identify someone in their establishment as the Troncmaster. That is a person that is usually in place around the world anyway when it comes to service charge, who an employee will go to and say I have questions about the calculations. Also under this bill the Labour Commissioner can ask for documents, so he can compel documents to be given to him.
The businesses will need to keep filings and records for at least two years; these will be subject – legally – to inspections.
Penalties for establishments not complying with the law are also provided for through the revised ordinance, and those penalties will be determined by the Minister responsible.
The PDM Administration says this ‘labour benefit’ will also be fixed at 10% of a customer or client bill. Establishments, to compensate for the losses which will come with activation of this law, can legally tack on a Facility Fee. This fee is open – no minimum, no maximum – is framed in the new proposed legislation.
“So for those resorts, in particular, who argue that this is going straight to our bottom line and we are used to collecting this amount. We’ve introduced a Facility Fee of up to a certain percentage that they can charge and we didn’t put a minimum because if your resort can resort one percent or two percent or three percent or up to five percent then that is your call and that is for the hotel’s use.”
The Hotel and Restaurant (Service Charge) Bill 2018 is expected to reach the House of Assembly next month.
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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