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TCI: Hon. Vaden Delroy Williams attends International Labour Organisation meeting in Barbados

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#Providenciales, May 29, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Hon. Vaden Williams, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services attended the 11th International Labour Organization (ILO) meeting of Caribbean Ministers of Labour, which was held in Bridgetown, Barbados from May 14th to 15th, 2019, under the theme “Shaping a Brighter Future of Work for the Caribbean”.

Hon. Williams said the meeting of ministers and other senior officials from governments in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean was an enlightening experience that provided his delegation which included Deputy Permanent Secretary Ms. Althea Been, Labour Commissioner, Mr. Edwin Taylor and Executive Administrator, Ms. Karen Higgs, with a wealth of knowledge that can assist in developing and improving labour-related systems in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“It is extremely important for the Turks and Caicos Islands as a developing country to keep pace with the latest trends, the various laws, issues, challenges and recommendations that relate to labour and work, so that we can strengthen our systems and institutions. While the dynamics in the Turks and Caicos Islands are in many ways different from our Caribbean countries, the reality is that all over the world, labour issues are contentious and complex by nature and how they are managed will ultimately have a significant impact on the performance of the economy,” Hon. Williams stated.

While in Barbados, Labour Commissioner Mr. Taylor and Deputy Permanent Secretary Ms. Been visited the offices of the Barbados Labour Department and National Insurance Board to view their operations. Commenting on the conference, Labour Commissioner Mr. Edwin Taylor said “This meeting gave us food for thought as we seek to revise our laws and work on the restructuring of the Employment Services Department. The meeting gave us a chance to compare laws, policies and gain a better understand of how those laws and policies work together for the benefit of the government and the bajan people.

We look forward to a good working relationship with the Labour Department of Barbados as we seek to find regional partners that would give our staff the necessary exposure to a wide range of Industrial Relations issues that can only enhance their overall Knowledge and add in the growth of the department.”

During the meeting, Hon. Williams and other ministers shared their experiences with new forms of employment and best Institutions of work that can adapt to it; adapting institutions for a brighter future of work, emerging of work (Telework, Platform work and Zero hours contract).

Topics covered during the two-day session were: 

* Exploring new job opportunities for the Caribbean and how to support transitions. Focus on the areas of job creation, digital economy, care economy, and green/blue economy.

* Future of job creation and decent work in the digital economy, challenges, opportunities, job loss, job creation, retraining and cultural shifts. 

* Care work and care jobs for future of decent work, health workers, teachers, domestic workers.

* Investment in care policies, jobs make sense, better education, health, gender equality and economic outcomes.

* The care economy, opportunities for a brighter future for work in the Caribbean.

* New and better quality jobs for care workers.

* Formalize existing care services through training and standards.

* Job creation and transitions towards a green and blue economy.

There was also a Ministerial Roundtable discussion session on the topic: “What government, social dialogue and existing tripartite bodies can do to articulate a renewed social contract?

Discussions were also held regarding and adopting an agenda for the 108thLabour Conference scheduled for June 10thto 20th, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland.

There were also presentations from the ILO and topics including new labour standards on violence and harassment in the world of work.

The conference’s opening ceremony was chaired by Mrs. Claudette Hope-Greenidge, Deputy Chief Labour Officer, Labour Department in Barbados, while remarks were brought by Hon. Colin Jordon, Minister of Labour and Social Partnership Relations, Barbados and Mr. Guy Ryder, Director General International Labour Organization.

Regional institutions, organisations and observers attending the meeting included: Caribbean Community   Secretarial (CARICOM, Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL), Caribbean Employers’ Confederation (CEC),Ministry of Labour and Social Partnership Relations Barbados, International Organization of Employees (IOE) International Labour Organization (ILO) from Headquarters Geneva, Regional Office in Lima, Country office for Mexico and Cuba and ILO Decent Work team and office for Caribbean, Port of Spain.

In addition to Turks and Caicos Islands, there were introductory statements at the conference from officials from Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Release: TCIG

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GOVERNMENT REVIEWING TENDER AFTER GRAND TURK–SOUTH CAICOS FLIGHTS STOP

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Turks and Caicos Islands – March 10, 2026 – Commercial flights between Grand Turk and South Caicos have been temporarily discontinued, leaving residents without a direct air link between the two islands since March 1.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government confirmed the suspension in a statement Tuesday, explaining that the route — which operates under a government subsidy — is currently under review as officials reassess the tender process used to award the service.

The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Investment and Trade said the government is “working diligently to assess available options” to restore reliable air service between the islands as quickly as possible.

While the statement did not identify which airline had been operating the route, historically Caicos Express Airways and interCaribbean Airways have provided flights between South Caicos and Grand Turk using small twin-engine aircraft.

Officials acknowledged the disruption has caused concern among residents, noting that inter-island air travel is critical for access to essential services, business activity and government operations.

The government emphasized that the suspension does not affect flights between Grand Turk and Salt Cay, which continue to operate normally.

The review now underway will determine the next provider for the subsidized route. Authorities say the process must be conducted in a “fair, transparent and efficient manner” before service can resume.

For residents of the two islands, however, the immediate issue remains transportation — with many now forced to reroute through Providenciales or rely on limited sea travel until the air connection is restored.

Further updates are expected once the government completes its review and awards a new operating arrangement.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Treasure Beach Village Opens at Beaches; Tourism Leaders Expect Surge in Bookings  

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — A major new chapter in Caribbean tourism has begun in the Turks and Caicos Islands with the opening of Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos, a $150 million expansion expected to drive increased bookings, air arrivals and tourism earnings for the country.

The new oceanfront development, officially opened on February 28, adds 101 luxury multi-bedroom suites to the resort and introduces new dining, entertainment and family experiences designed to strengthen the destination’s position in the global luxury family vacation market.

Tourism officials and resort executives say the expansion is expected to generate greater demand for the destination, which in turn translates to more flights, more visitor spending and increased government revenue from hotel and tourism taxes.

The development is part of an ongoing investment strategy by Sandals Resorts International, which continues to expand the Beaches brand across the Caribbean.

Executive Chairman Adam Stewart described the opening as a powerful signal of confidence in the Turks and Caicos tourism product.

“This moment reflects a partnership between Sandals and the Turks and Caicos Islands that has been built over decades,” Stewart said during the opening celebrations. The new village, he added, builds on the brand’s reputation for creating multi-generational travel experiences where families reconnect and spend meaningful time together.

The resort expansion reinforces Beaches’ reputation as the world’s leading luxury all-inclusive resort brand for families, and Beaches Turks and Caicos continues to stand as one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious properties.

Government officials attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including Tourism Minister Zhavargo Jolly, said the investment strengthens the destination’s international standing and highlights continued confidence in the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier tourism market.

The new village significantly expands the resort’s accommodation offerings with spacious ocean-view suites and high-end villas designed to host larger families and groups. The property now includes luxury options such as the CrystalSky four-bedroom beachfront villas and a multi-level Chairman’s Penthouse suite capable of accommodating up to ten guests.

Treasure Beach Village also introduces six new dining concepts, including the Pinta Food Hall with multiple global cuisine stations and Butch’s Island Chop House, a signature steakhouse previously exclusive to the Sandals brand.

Additional amenities include a 15,000-square-foot lagoon pool, waterslides and splash zones for children, a swim-up bar, and the brand’s first Starfish Cinema, a theatre designed for family movie nights.

Guests staying in the new village will also have access to the full Beaches Turks and Caicos experience, including 28 restaurants, the 45,000-square-foot Pirates Island Water Park, unlimited water sports and supervised children’s programmes.

Industry observers say the investment not only enhances the visitor experience but also strengthens Turks and Caicos’ reputation as one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after luxury destinations.

 

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Education

Message from Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 6 March 2026: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”  Today, as we observe National Teachers’ Day, we pause to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of our teachers and the dedicated leaders of our schools. Your commitment to shaping young minds, guiding character, and nurturing potential is a calling that reaches far beyond the classroom. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”  Your daily efforts reflect the truth and wisdom of these words.

We also extend sincere appreciation to the leaders of our schools whose vision, guidance, and steady leadership create environments where both teachers and students can flourish. Your role in supporting educators and maintaining strong, positive learning communities is invaluable to the continued progress of our education system.

Teaching is not without its challenges. Yet, even in moments of stress and difficulty, our teachers continue to demonstrate genuine love, patience, and concern for their students. For this, we are deeply grateful. Your compassion, encouragement, and dedication help our children feel seen, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential. Truly, to teach is indeed to touch lives forever.

Education is strongest when it is supported by partnership. We must also recognize the important role of parents and families in the success of our children. When schools and homes work together, the results are powerful. As we often say, when parents lead, children succeed. This shared commitment creates a strong foundation for learning and growth.

As a Department and Ministry of Education, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting our teachers and school leaders. We will continue to invest in meaningful professional development, provide the resources necessary for effective teaching and learning, and strengthen the systems that empower educators to thrive in their profession. Your work matters deeply, and we remain dedicated to ensuring you have the support needed to continue making a lasting difference.

On behalf of the Ministry of Education, I thank you. Thank you for your dedication, your resilience, your leadership, and for the love and care you show to our children each and every day. Today we celebrate you and the incredible impact you have on our nation’s future.

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