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Beaches Resort does not owe TCI Gov’t; both sides want multi-million dollar dispute resolved

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Premier presents Beaches Chairman golden TCIG pin at luncheon in November 2018

#TurksandCaicosIslands – January 30, 2019 – Sandals Resort International, SRI, is again speaking out regarding the indefinite closure of Beaches Resort Villages and Spa in 2021 and the issue of a multi-million-dollar figure in dispute between the resort company and the Turks and Caicos Islands Government.

The company last night said they welcome the statement by Premier Sharlene Robinson that the TCI Cabinet is giving the matter full attention.

In a startling twist, the statement by Beaches Resort overnight explained that the Turks and Caicos Tax Department imposed taxes and penalties “at a preposterously crippling rate of 10 percent per month, compounded, which translates to more than 213 percent per annum.”

The statement shared that it was actually a “disregard of the prevailing legally binding agreement in writing” which led to the compounded rate charges and SRI emphasized that, “To the contrary, it is Beaches Resorts that is currently owed many millions of dollars in over paid taxes.”

SRI explains in that press release that the company does not owe the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, that SRI is an exemplary payee and that despite widespread reports and chastisements aimed at Beaches Resort for trying to ‘side-step paying taxes’ to TCIG, that is simply not the case.

“Beaches TCI, has for the past 23 years in which it has operated in the Turks and Caicos Islands, punctually and accurately paid taxes according to law.  As a matter of fact, we are first in line to pay our taxes.”

Premier Sharlene Robinson, in a statement on Monday also warned against the accusatory remarks clarifying that ‘it has not been a matter of Beaches avoiding taxes or of the former Governments or Ministers of Finances before me… intentionally leaving this matter unaddressed.”

Premier Robinson added, “I implore those, void of facts, to resist casting wild accusations and unwarranted attacks on elected and public officials and well as Beaches Resort itself.”

Beaches Resort calls this tax matter an “injustice” and said it did find some satisfaction that the Government, led by Premier and Finance Minister Sharlene Robinson, had “undertaken to remedy the egregious wrong but in spite of assurances has been unable to do so for over two years.”

Beaches TCI revealed that it was forced to take legal action against the TCI Government for breaches of the binding agreements.

Still the country’s leader expressed this, “I assure the people of the TCI that this matter will be settled in the very best interest of all the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.  I ask those employees of Beaches, taxi drivers, other hotel operators, airline agents and airline workers who contacted me frantically for representation to know that they are being held in highest consideration.”

Premier Robinson said a lot of work has been vested toward a conclusion on the matter and confirmed that a hand delivered letter was received weeks ago by Government; issued by Beaches Turks and Caicos.

And as these statements come from the two leading entities in this unfolding saga, there is a three-page letter in circulation which paints a concerning picture about Government and Foreign Investor relations.  The letter, though authentic in appearance, is an unconfirmed document.

The Premier in her Monday comment said, at the time, she was unable to disclose anything more than her statement explained; adding that she plans to be fully transparent on the issue and will set out the terms as soon as the occasion arises.

Some 50,000 people have read our original story of the ‘indefinite closure of Beaches TCI’ at MagneticMediaTV.com, which was posted on Friday, January 25, 2019.

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

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CIBC Caribbean Hosts Career Day Experience  

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CIBC Caribbean proudly welcomed students from Shining Stars Preparatory School for an engaging and educational visit in celebration of the school’s annual Career Day.

Turks and Caicos Islands, June 19, 2025 –Shining Stars Preparatory School students got an inspiring introduction to the world of finance during a recent visit to CIBC Caribbean. Adorned in costumes, the future professionals were welcomed by the bank in recognition of the school’s annual career day.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The visit formed part of CIBC Caribbean’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment and education. With bright eyes and inquisitive minds, the students met with members of the Digital Banking, Personal and Business Banking (PBB) Sales, and Corporate Banking Support teams to learn more about the many career opportunities available within the financial services sector.

CIBC Caribbean Head of Country, Terrance Gibson, said, “At CIBC, we firmly believe that investing in our youth is investing in the future of TCI. Welcoming the students of Shining Stars Preparatory School into our space was not only a privilege, but a powerful reminder of why community engagement matters.”                                                                                                                                                                                                              The students were enthusiastic throughout the visit, eagerly asking questions and expressing keen interest in the daily operations of the bank. Their curiosity was met with thoughtful insights from CIBC Caribbean team members, who shared their personal journeys and professional experiences in banking.

As part of its broader community outreach, CIBC Caribbean has adopted Shining Stars Preparatory School. The bank has collaborated on a number of initiatives that promote learning, growth, and opportunity for young people.

Gibson added, “These bright young minds are full of potential, and our hope is that by opening our doors and sharing our knowledge, we have helped to spark interest in careers in banking, finance, and beyond. This relationship with Shining Stars speaks to our long-standing commitment to youth development and supporting the communities we serve.”

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Border Force Reports: Repeat Immigration Offender Sentenced for Unlawful Entry & Breach of Deportation Order

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The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force confirms that Haitian national Richardson Cherefaere has been sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment by the Magistrates Court on 3 June 2025, following charges of Attempted Unlawful Entry and Returning to the Islands Contrary to a Deportation Order.

Cherefaere is a repeat immigration offender with a history of attempting to unlawfully re-enter the Turks and Caicos Islands. His first illegal entry occurred in 2019, and he was subsequently convicted and deported in January 2025 following his most recent attempt to re-enter the country. His continued disregard for immigration laws and deportation directives has resulted in a substantially longer custodial sentence.

In response, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Minister of Immigration and Border Services, states, “This significant sentence sends an unequivocal message: the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force will relentlessly pursue and prosecute anyone who deliberately defies our immigration laws and ignores deportation orders. We are unwavering in our commitment to secure our borders and uphold the rule of law with the full force it demands, ensuring justice is served every time.”

The public is strongly reminded that harbouring or facilitating the illegal entry of migrants is a serious criminal offense punishable by fines up to $20,000 and imprisonment for up to four years under the Immigration Ordinance. Anyone found in breach of these laws will face firm and immediate legal action.

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Turks and Caicos Deputy Supervisor of Elections Completes Observation Attachment in Cayman Islands: Insights to Strengthen Local Electoral Processes

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PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — Ms. Willette A. Pratt, Deputy Supervisor of Elections for the Turks and Caicos Islands, has successfully completed a professional attachment with the Elections Office of the Cayman Islands. The visit, held from April 18 to May 2, 2025, allowed Ms. Pratt to observe the Cayman Islands’ 2025 General Elections, gaining valuable insights into their electoral procedures, staffing models, and operational strategies.

Facilitated through a collaborative initiative by the Governor’s Office of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Elections Office of the Cayman Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands Elections Office, and welcomed by Cayman Islands Supervisor of Elections Mr. Wesley Howell, this attachment underscores a shared commitment to electoral excellence and democratic integrity.

“The Cayman Islands have demonstrated a robust and transparent electoral system. This experience has deepened my understanding of practical applications that can enhance the efficiency, inclusiveness, and accountability of our own electoral framework in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” stated Ms. Pratt. The visit was collaborative as Ms. Pratt was able to share elements of TCI’s processes with her host agency.

Key Observations and Recommendations Include but not limited to :

  • Strategic Staffing and Secondments: Cayman’s use of seconded civil servants with diverse skill sets greatly enhances operational capacity during elections.
  • Continuous Voter Registration:
  • Dedicated District Registration Officers.
  • Advanced Voter Identification System.
  • Inclusive Voting Mechanisms such as mobile and postal voting.
  • Comprehensive Poll Worker Training and Retention:

Reflecting on the importance of such observational opportunities, the Supervisor of Elections for the Turks and Caicos Islands stated:

“Attachments like these are crucial for the professional growth of our team. They not only allow us to benchmark against international best practices but also provide mentorship opportunities that build confidence and capability within our ranks. Ms. Pratt’s experience is a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in electoral administration.”

Acknowledgements:
The Elections Office of the Turks and Caicos Islands extends sincere thanks to the Governor’s Office of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Elections Office of the Cayman Islands, and all stakeholders involved in facilitating this valuable exchange. Their support made this developmental opportunity possible and meaningful.

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