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Turks and Caicos Islands Government’s Capital Projects – Public Procurement Procedure

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#Providenciales, October 24, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – The procurement process for capital projects of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government is managed by the Turks and Caicos Islands Procurement Board as per the requirements of the Public Procurement Ordinance of 2014 (PPO).

 The Procurement Board is established according to the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance [PPO 23] and consist of:

“(a) a Chairperson, appointed by the Governor in Council to hold office at the pleasure of the Governor;

(b) six officers drawn from across government appointed by the Deputy Governor to hold office at the pleasure of the Deputy Governor;

(c) the Permanent Secretary, Finance; and

(d) the Director of Contracts.

 

(4) The Auditor General and Chief Internal Auditor (or their nominees) shall be invited to attend meetings of the Board.

 

(10) An appointed member of the Board may not remain a member of the Board for no more than six years.”

 

The members of the Procurement Board are as follows:

  • Chairperson of the Board / Director, Office of the Governor: Mr. James Astwood
  • Director of Planning: Mr. Dainer Lightbourne
  • Project Economist: Ms. Salace Richardson
  • Financial Manager: Mrs. Kimberley Simmons-Lewis
  • Director, Office of the Deputy Governor: Mr. Tito Lightbourne
  • Attorney General’s Chambers Representative: Mrs. Khalila Astwood-Tatem
  • Attorney General’s Chambers Second Representative: Ms. Yaa McCartney or Mrs. Motheba Linton
  • Permanent Secretary, Finance
  • Director of Contracts

 

PPO 24 (1) states:

 

“The functions of the Procurement Board are to:

 

(a) award contracts;

(b) approve invitation to tender documents;

(c) approve procurement procedures;

(d) approve the choice of a procurement procedure;

(e) approve solicitation documents before issue;

(f) approve the findings of evaluation panels;

(g) endorse decisions of departmental tender boards; and

(h) approve contract documentation and any amendment to an awarded contract.”

 

It is the responsibility of the Director of Contracts and the Chairperson of the Procurement Board to “ensure that in carrying out its functions the Procurement Board follows the procedures prescribed” by the PPO [PPO 24 (3)].

 

In addition, there are several steps involved in the processing of tenders. For ease of reference and public awareness, see the itemized steps listed below from submission of tenders to contract award notification:

 

  1. Tenders are publicly opened immediately following the closing of an Invitation to Tender at the scheduled meeting of the Procurement Board [PPO 23 (13); PPO 41 (2)].
  2. All members of the Procurement Board are required to declare if there are any Conflicts of Interest (perceived or actual) with any of the Invitations to Tender which are scheduled to be opened. If a conflict of interest is identified, then the member willbe recused.
  3. Following the tender opening, all tenders are handed over to the Chairperson of the Evaluation Panel, as established bythe PPO [PPO 45].
  4. Evaluation Panels are formed according to the general composition as outlined inthe PPO [PPO 45]:

 

“an evaluation panel in respect of a capital project or a public/private partnership project must consist of:

(a) the Director of Contracts or a person appointed by the Director, who shall preside at meetings of the panel;

(b) the Permanent Secretary for the department that has responsibility for the project;

(c) a representative from the Ministry of Finance appointed by the Permanent Secretary, Finance; and

(d) not less than two other member appointed by the Board.”

 

  1. The inclusion of additional members “appointed by the Board” is dependent on the nature of the project. The basis for the selection of persons across government is to ensure that there is an appropriate balance of technical and other pertinent skills relevant to the project included on the Evaluation Panel.

 

  1. All members of the evaluation panel are required to declare if there are any Conflicts of Interest (perceived or actual) with any of the Tenderers who submitted tenders for the project. If a conflict of interest is identified, then the member willbe recused and a replacement will be sought for inclusion on the panel.

 

  1. Each tender is evaluated based on the criteria which was included in the published Invitation to Tender. No changes can be made to the Evaluation Criteria once the Invitation to Tender is closed [PPO 45 (4)]. The general sequencefor the evaluation is as follows:

 

  1. Completed and signed Certificate of Non-Collusion: “An evaluation panel must not consider a tender unless it includes a completed Certificate of Non-Collusion signed by or on behalf of the tenderer” [PPO 49 (1)]. If the certificate of non-collusion is not submitted or is not completed and/or signed, the tender is not considered any further.
  2. Meeting Pre-Qualification Criteria: a tender must satisfy all the pre-qualification requirements to move to the next stage.
  • Achieving the minimum technical or quality score based on the weightings and minimum score required as stated in the published Invitation to Tender. The minimum score required must be achieved so that the tender can move to the next stage i.e. the price evaluation stage.
  1. Evaluation of Price

 

  1. Each member of the Evaluation Panel will score a tender and those scores are moderated with a moderated final score being submitted to the Chairperson of the Evaluation Panel.

 

  1. The Chairperson of the Evaluation Panel prepares an Evaluation Report and circulates to all members of the Evaluation Panel for review and agreement. If necessary, the evaluation report is amended based on any feedback received from members of the Evaluation Panel and recirculated to the panel.

 

  1. The final Evaluation Report, inclusive of a summary of the review and the recommendation of the Evaluation Panel, is submitted to the Procurement Board for agreement that the process was followed according to the provisions of the PPO.

 

  1. The Secretary to the Procurement Board then prepares a Contract Award Notification, which is submitted to the Deputy Governor for onward submission to the Cabinet.

 

  1. The Cabinet considers the Contract Award Notification submitted. The purpose of the Contract Award Notification is to inform the Cabinet of the process followed according to the provisions of the PPO. It includes a summary of the evaluation exercise and the recommendation by the Procurement Board.

 

  1. The Cabinet Secretariat returns an Action Point, advising of the Cabinet’s decision in reference to the Contract Award Notification.

 

Release: TCIG

 

 

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Beaches Turks and Caicos sets the Benchmark for Biodiversity in the TCI

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Volunteers from the Sandals Foundation and Great Shape 1000 Smiles dental programme complete an oral health presentation at the Ashley Learning Centre took time out to share in a photo opportunity with some students and teachers

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks & Caicos continues to lead the way in sustainability by cultivating a culture of environmental stewardship across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through the introduction of biodegradable alternatives, agricultural education and community partnerships, the resort is setting a new standard for eco-conscious hospitality.                                                                                                                                                                  As part of its ongoing sustainability mission, the resort has replaced single-use plastics and certain chemicals with compostable, biodegradable products derived from natural sources, to reduce pollution and minimize the resort’s carbon footprint.

At Beaches Turks & Caicos, sustainability is woven into every part of the guest experience,” said Managing Director, James McAnally. “From the products we use to the relationships we nurture, our goal is to make responsible environmental choices that benefit our guests, team members and the wider Turks and Caicos community.”

The resort also practices on-site composting, recycling fruit and vegetable waste from its kitchens to enrich soil and sustain its lush landscaping. This closed-loop system reduces waste and promotes biodiversity across the property.

Beyond the resort, Beaches collaborates with local partners including schools, government agencies and NGOs to extend green education into the wider community. Through the Sandals Foundation, the resort supports projects such as the installation of water filtration systems, tree-planting activities and biodegradable workshops. Schools like Enid Capron Primary have expanded their farming projects and integrated agricultural science into their curriculum thanks to this partnership.                                                                                                                                                                                 Beaches also leads regular coastal cleanups and reforestation drives which inspires residents and students to play an active role in protecting their environment. “The Earth Guardian volunteers take pride in giving back to our schools and the communities we serve,” noted Public Relations Manager, Orville Morgan. “These initiatives create a sense of shared responsibility that strengthens both our communities and our natural resources.”

With its commitment to biodegradable innovation, sustainable education and environmental action, Beaches Turks & Caicos continues to set the benchmark for biodiversity and sustainability in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Photo Captions

1st insert:  Beaches Turks and Caicos and the Sandals Foundation celebrate with students at the Enid Capron Primary School in a Reading Road Trip experience where guests and students get to experience a cultural melting pot of activity.


2nd insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort Simone Woodfine from the Bar Department prepares to plant a tree at one of our schools to celebrate the mission of providing a healthier environment for the Turks and Caicos Islands

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Turks and Caicos Corporate Community Join Beaches Resort to Raise Funds for Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief

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Some members of the local media fraternity who were present to share in the experience

Turks and Caicos Islands, December 17, 2025 – Corporate partners in and around Providenciales recently joined Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort raising over US $54,000 to support Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief effort.  The fundraising dinner, aptly titled, ‘One Caribbean, One Family, One Love’ saw over eighteen companies gather on Friday, December 12 to support the recovery of families and the rebuilding of communities affected by the category 5 storm.

“When our Caribbean family calls, we will respond with love,” said Deryk Meany, General Manager of the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort. “Today it is Jamaica that is affected, but tomorrow, it could be the Turks and Caicos or another neighbouring island. We are committed to serving our brothers and sisters and are deeply grateful to everyone who have donated to the cause.”

Since the passage of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica on October 28, the Sandals Foundation has been working around the clock with local agencies and international partners to provide shelter essentials, food, and clean water, restore schools, and provide medical support to hospitals. Funds raised at the recent benefit dinner will help bolster the next phase of the philanthropic organisation’s support to rebuild schools and livelihoods in affected communities.

“As we continue to provide essential first-relief support, we have already begun our long-term recovery response,” says Patrice Gilpin, Public Relations Manager at Sandals Foundation. “Many schools, which are the cornerstone of stability, learning, and emotional support for our young ones, require urgent attention. This donation will go a far way in restoring a sense of normalcy in the lives of our youngest and most vulnerable.”

The One Caribbean, One Family, One Love fundraising dinner featured, amongst other things a silent auction of Sandals and Beaches Resort stays, airline tickets, spa services, catamaran cruise, and private chef dinner. The night’s four course meal was also spearheaded by the TCI’s 2025 Taste of the Caribbean silver medalist culinary team- all of whom volunteered for the event.

Managing Director of the Northern Caribbean and Curaçao, James McAnally expressed delight at the outcome noting, “The success of this event is indicative of the power of partnerships to effect real change. We are grateful to the TCI business community, resort guests and our resort team for coming together and making this moment count.”

Photo Captions

1st insert:  Sandals Foundation Public Relations Manager Patrice Gilpin (centre) accepts the cheque from Beaches Turks and Caicos resort General Manager Deryk Meany (left) and Managing Director of the Northern Caribbean and Curacao James McAnally

2nd insert:  Members of the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort’s entertainment team were on hand to provide scintillating performances at the event

3rd insert:  Beaches Turks and Caicos resort General Manager Deryk Meany (5th left) poses for the cameras with representatives of the Graceway Communities as he personally thanked those who were in attendance

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Experience Turks and Caicos Projects Month-on-Month Growth of Stayover Arrivals for Winter Season  

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Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, Experience Turks and Caicos

PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (December 17th, 2025) – As the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes visitors for the 2025/2026 winter season, forward bookings for the peak travel period from December to March are projected to surpass those of the same period last year. Experience Turks and Caicos is also forecasting steady month-on-month growth throughout the first half of 2026, with forward bookings already tracking ahead of 2025 levels.

“This is welcome news for our tourism sector, which experienced modest declines over the last two quarters,” said Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant of Experience Turks and Caicos. “One of the key drivers of this positive outlook is increased airlift, including a 19 percent increase in capacity from Canada for the winter season and a six percent increase from the United States.”                                                                                                                                                                                  Mr. Pennicook also attributed the improved projections to targeted marketing and trade engagement efforts led by Experience Turks and Caicos, particularly ongoing training and education for travel advisors and tour operator call-centre agents across all key source markets.

 

“We have maintained a strong presence through product launches and travel trade events such as Delta Vacations University, while significantly increasing the destination’s visibility through co-op advertising with major tour operators in our three primary markets,” he added.

Public relations activity has also played a critical role, with several hosted media visits from journalists in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Latin America, alongside proactive pitching efforts that resulted in more than 100 placements in travel trade and consumer publications in 2025.

Analysis of current booking patterns also indicates a notable shift toward shorter booking windows. “One major U.S. tour operator reports that over the past several weeks, approximately 90 percent of bookings have been for travel within the next 60 days,” Mr. Pennicook noted. “Hoteliers are reporting similar trends, suggesting the potential for further growth as we move into 2026.”

Despite the positive outlook, October and November recorded declines in stayover arrivals. Preliminary data shows 30,508 air arrivals in October, representing a seven percent decrease compared to October 2024, largely due to reduced airlift from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom as well as the impact of Hurricane Melissa on travel to the region. November recorded 52,547 stayover arrivals by air, a marginal one percent decrease year-on-year.

As the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes visitors back to its shores this winter season, Experience Turks and Caicos would like to reassure that the island remains safe and welcoming. Statistics from the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force show that overall crime is down, with a 40 percent reduction in murders. Experience Turks and Caicos is working closely with the police force to ensure tourism areas are well monitored and patrolled to enhance visitor security.

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