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Islanders invited to donate for the preservation and showcase of TCI history; new National Museum design unveiled

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#Providenciales, April 24, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – A monumental undertaking will allow residents, citizens and visitors of the TCI to be a part of the multi-million-dollar construction of the Providenciales location of the Turks and Caicos National Museum.

Announced today were plans for an inaugural gala banquet at the Shore Club in June and several intriguing opportunities for islanders to make financial investments which will also make them a part of history; literally. 

A ‘Brick Fund’ will be accepting donors ranging from $100 to $500; the engraved bricks are described as a lasting tribute which will be used to pave the walkway to the coming museum building.

“You can purchase bricks by coming into the museum, contact us on email, we will have a Paypal account with that set up so people can do it online.  We are going to do everything we can and we are going to hit every media,” explained Dr. Michael Pateman, Museum Director.

The design of the new museum was a gift from celebrated local architect and builder, Ron Shaw of RA Shaw Designs and when asked about how it could be described, Seamus Daye, President of the Turks and Caicos National Museum Foundation said it reminds him of a fortress.

“There are many different architectural elements of an historical Turks and Caicos design, so you will see there is a Bermudian-styled chimey which is particularly prominent in the Turks Islands.  You will see that you’ve got the sloping roof which is similar to some of the cisterns and water tanks and the big buttresses as well.  I think, if I were to describe this, I would say it is a fortress.”

Director of the National Museum, Dr. Pateman concurred with the characterization of the modern, yet classic structure, which will be 7,556 square feet, two stories tall with second floor mezzanine and built to the tune of $3.5 million inclusive of interactive exhibits and renewable energy programs. 

Dr. Pateman said the ‘fortress’ will be a more safe and secure site for holding the treasure trove of national secrets, native traditions, historic artifacts and precious mementos.

The razzle and dazzle of the gala will feature fabulous opportunities, with ticket donation set at $250.

Karen Whitt, representing the Hartling Group said more and more guests to the island are on the hunt for “experiential travel” and the museum, to be constructed on the eastern side of the current building in the Grace Bay Village area, presents the opportunity for visitor and resident immersion in TCI culture.

“From a corporate sponsor level, we are really so excited about this launch event which will take place on June 8th, at the Shore Club and it’s not just a typical gala dinner evening because we are really planning to learn and see something that is a vision which has been in the works for so many years… but now we have the chance to truly learn how the vision becomes reality into execution and we are at that stage now so it is only fitting that with such an important milestone in the country’s history that we would do it in a very big way; Hartling style.”

The inaugural fundraising event is already touted to receive wide support including special guest and keynote speaker, former Prime Minister of Aruba, Mike Eman. 

The theme for the night, where the dress code is island chic, is ‘Building for the future, to protect the past.”

#magneticmedianews

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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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