TCI News
TCI: ‘Big mistake’ says Deputy Premier after Gansevoort staff ‘change’ letter leaked
#Providenciales, December 12, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – A letter issued under the guise of being ‘fair play’ for resort staff at the Gansevoort, was condemned and labelled ‘punitive’ and an apparent retaliation to the implementation of the amended Hotel and Restaurant (Service Charge) Ordinance 2018.
The law, since September, makes it mandatory for hospitality workers to receive 100 percent of service charges on guests’ bills; ending decades of partial payments to workers.
Among those getting that social media circulated letter was Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Employment, Sean Astwood.
“I saw the letter this morning and I immediately contacted the Gansevoort to confirm its authenticity because on first sight of it, I thought someone was actually playing mischief with the company. However, the company confirmed that it is a letter they had issued out to their employees…” said the Minister on Tuesday.
Gansevoort had expected the amended law to come into effect on December 1, 2018 because that was the date announced by the PDM Administration. The letter to staff at the resort, restaurant and spa property was dated November 27, 2018.
On Tuesday, during a press conference aimed at debriefing the public on results of an official trip to the United Kingdom, the Deputy Premier, when questioned about the letter had strong words for the Gansevoort and other properties considering similar tactics in reaction to the service charge ordinance amendments taking effect.
“I have already scheduled a meeting with the owner of the Gansevoort and already verbally expressed my concerns for the content of that letter. Not just for the simple things of uniforms and food but the implications on transference of work permits etcetera.”
Gansevoort Turks and Caicos is actually owned by Wymara Ltd and Stelle Ltd. The letter from the owners informed staff that they would now see salary deductions to pay for uniforms, that they would have to buy their own lunch meals because the complimentary cafeteria would no longer be offered and that areas like the spa and restaurant would opt out of levying the service charge altogether; leaving the size of tips up to the guests.
Gansevoort splits the service charge with management and staff; staff gets 65 percent.
Deputy Premier Astwood said upcoming discussions with the resort sector will lead to more changes to the Service Charge Ordinance, hence the delay in its implementation. As the minister with oversight of the Service Charge law, DP Astwood explained that the forum would give resort property owners the chance to further express their trepidations.
“I can say to you that it is not something that I intend to take lightly and actually I will take this opportunity to caution companies, to make sure that any type of what seems to be retaliation or harm that would come unto staff would not be taken lightly and they should refrain from it.”
The Deputy Premier expressed concern about the position the company plans to take in relation to staff transfers from the restaurant – Stelle – to the resort.
The two page letter says: “There is an option for Stelle Ltd employees, should you wish to move over to become Wymara Ltd employees and share in the service charge pool. These employees will be reissued new employment contracts (still employed in their restaurant positions). Work permit employees will be given the option to move over to become Wymara Ltd employees when their existing work permit expire(s) and applications will be treated as first time application(s), thus providing a risk of not being approved.”
Gansevoort, in that staff ‘change’ letter explained, “Whilst we are sure you will understand as your share of service charge has increased, the Management Companies share has been completely taken away and as a result of this, we have regrettably had to reduce some of the benefits we have been able to offer to you over the past 10 years.”
The Premier was in the press conference on Tuesday. It was clear that Hon Sharlene Robinson found the various controversies emerging since the amendments to the law which gives resort employees significantly more take home pay, vexing.
“It is very disappointing, the atmosphere that has been created,” said Premier Robinson who is also responsible for Finance and brought the Service Charge Bill to the House of Assembly, “for the last 14 years, people have been 
doing as they like even with the legislation. It is not new, it is a change in rate, yes it became mandatory… but this has just revealed the meanness of some corporate citizens, the meanness.”
The Premier reminded that the law, in its changed formed, is already passed and assured that there would be no roll back.
“We provided a resort facility fee, a fee that would allow them to regain what they are losing so to roll back benefits is because you want to.”
A two month delay reignited debate on the Hotel and Restaurant Service Charge 2018. On February 1, 2019 the ordinance will come into effect and impacts bookings at resorts made after February 1, 2019 only.
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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
TCI News
Turks and Caicos Corporate Community Join Beaches Resort to Raise Funds for Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief
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
TCI News
Experience Turks and Caicos Projects Month-on-Month Growth of Stayover Arrivals for Winter Season
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.
