#Providenciales, March 12, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital officially announced the commencement of Cardiology services under the Visiting Consultant Program during a press conference on Friday 8th March 2019. The new development will provide in-country access to Cardiology medical care that was previously only available under the Treatment Abroad Program (TAP).
Under
the Visiting Consultant Program, medical expertise from all-over the world in
various specialties visit the island on a periodic basis to deliver services in
outpatient clinics and operative procedures, which are not permanently
available in-country.
Visiting Consultant Cardiologist, Himanshu Shukla, M.D. will deliver adult cardiology non-invasive programs, specifically, echocardiography rhythm monitoring and consultations at a tertiary care level. Based on statistics, Cardiology and Ophthalmology are the two most frequently required medical services under the Treatment Abroad Program (TAP). Hence, the introduction of on-shore Cardiology services will provide high quality and comprehensive care to patients, which reduces government expenditure and the need for patients to travel abroad.
Patients who require Cardiology services will be identified by TCI Hospital’s Internal Medicine Physician to ensure the referral is clinically necessary and to promote best use of resources. The service will be delivered on a quarterly basis with clinics ranging from 7-10 days based on patient volumes.
An innovative technology has been introduced under the program as an alternative to the a traditional Holter monitor that measures and records a patient’s heart activity (ECG). The stick-on Zio patch empowers patients to maintain a clean, uninterrupted signal with minimal effort or disruption to their lifestyle. The miniature device also gives the assurance of reliable data with a clear and comprehensive look into a patient’s heart rhythm over longer periods for more appropriate diagnosis. There are also no wires to manage, batteries to charge or leads to reconnect. Cindy Durham, a cardiology patient and nurse at the hospital was used to demonstrate the technology.
The inaugural visiting consultant cardiology clinic was held last week with overwhelming positive feedback from patients. Dr. Shukla stressed that the technology is also more customized to the patient population, suitable for local climatic conditions, more cost- effective and has minimal hardware. A portal ultrasound has also been used during the consultant visits, which is another innovative expansion to the hospital’s current capacity.
During the press conference, Dr Shukla also stated that building a cardiology program is advantageous to the country. Based on population demographics and steady growth, persons may experience a cardiology issue at some point. It is an unfortunate, but a realistic statistic. An increase in diabetes and renal health-related conditions across the community can precipitate heart related issues for persons. Therefore, appropriate screening, management and counselling for patients early in the process is invaluable. Dr Shukla also believes the transition and growth of the program will be successful in the long-term since the infrastructure and platform has already been provided.
Chief Executive Officer of InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital, Daniel Carriere stated: “It is great that we can bring this type of talent to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Dr. Shukla’s credentials, experience and qualifications are impeccable and we are very fortunate to have a person of this caliber providing services. This is another example of bringing services close to home, which is always great for the patient and their families. We are always open and willing to work with Ministry of Health – TCI Government in exploring avenues that will ease the burden on government budgets. We recognize that health care is expensive by nature, and anything that the organization can do to lessen the cost and continue to improve services for our patients is something we are interested in doing.”
Chief
of Medical Services of InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital, Dr. Denise
Braithwaite-Tennant stated: “Cardiovascular disease is prevalent in the Turks
and Caicos Islands. It is very important for us to support primary health care
in preventive measures to reduce the impact on secondary and tertiary care
interventions. The Zio technology is new to the country, and Dr. Shukla has
also graciously funded 10 Zio patches for local patients at the onset. We are
very appreciative of health care providers who view their expertise as a means
of delivering a philanthropic service, as opposed to strictly focusing on the
bottom line. The introduction of pediatric patients to the cardiology program
requires the creation of a business case, which is currently under creation.
Our next iteration is to include pediatric patients. Dr. Shukla’s first clinic
visit was held on Providenciales due to patient numbers, but this does not
eliminate the prospects for future visits to Grand Turk.”
Minister
of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services, Honorable Edwin Astwood
stated: “The launch of the program is very pleasing to all of us. We have heard
that Cardiac and Heart Disease are the number one complaint in the Turks and
Caicos Islands. To be able to better monitor and control these diseases can go
a far way in dealing with the local population… It was also fitting to see the
process that is taking place, whereby we are moving one step closer to the
ideal situation that we envisioned this facility to be. The introduction of the
program is very commendable as we are moving in the right direction. We are
extremely happy to see this state-of-the-art technology being introduced in the
Turks and Caicos Islands…”
Interim Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Board, Dr Terese Maitland stated:” To date the majority of patients who require cardiology tests and procedures, ranging from non-urgent to life-threatening emergencies, are treated outside of the TCI under the auspices of the Treatment Abroad Program, which is managed by the National Health Insurance Plan. Indeed, cardiology-related referrals, rank second in the total number and accounts for approximately 12% of treatment abroad referrals and a substantially larger percentage in terms of cost. Today officially marks the on-boarding of some of these services. This is expected to provide TCI residents with in country access to a broader range of cardiology related medical procedures…NHIP is excited about this endeavor, which is anticipated to be more accessible to a broader cross-section of our valuable clients and beneficiaries, facilitate prevention and early detection whilst simultaneously being cost effective and allowing us to stretch our health care dollars…”
TCI Government (TCIG) Acting Contract Performance Manager, Florinda Talbot delivered remarks on behalf of the Government’s Contract Management Unit, which oversees the partnership agreement between TCIG and InterHealth Canada. Talbot stated that the introduction of cardiology services supports both standards and service development of the hospital.
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
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 BeachesTurksandCaicosresort General Manager Deryk Meany (left) and Managing Director of the Northern Caribbean and Curacao James McAnally
2nd insert: Members of the BeachesTurksandCaicosresort’s entertainment team were on hand to provide scintillating performances at the event
3rd insert: BeachesTurksandCaicosresort 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
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.