#Providenciales, May 17, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The pair of officials called it a natural fit which
will lead to greater synergy and stronger lines of communication between two
critically-linked agencies; Tourism as the leading bread-winner for the Turks
and Caicos Islands now directly houses the Department of Disaster Management
& Emergencies, DDME which undergirds all industries in any worse case
scenario; and the shift is pioneering.
“I believe that this marriage is timely, it is bold
and persons from across the region are giving kudos to the Turks and Caicos for
having the foresight to have all of these very important environmental,
tourism, economic drivers under one ministry working together in a
collaborative fashion,” said Ralph Higgs, Minister of Tourism during a press
conference on Wednesday.
In response to Magnetic Media’s question about the
landmark move from Home Affairs to Tourism, Director of DDME, Dr. Virginia
Clerveaux said, “We are the first to add Tourism and Disaster Management,
however tourism and disaster management have been working together throughout
the region for years. I think we are unique in the fact that when you
look at the make-up of our Ministry it’s tourism, it’s environment, you see the
name quickly and then you begin to think of the maritime sector that is also
critical to us in the Turks and Caicos Islands and then you’re looking at
heritage and you’re thinking about the UN perspective and protecting your
heritage sites and how they can be impacted by not only man-made but also
natural events,” she continued with, “The Department of Disaster Management, we
come as if we are the overall co-ordinator…”
The relationship between the entities is not new,
nor had it been dormant; there are many settings on a national level where the
departments of environment, maritime and disaster management are required to
give expert input.
In hurricane season, DDME serves as a strategic
advisor for the tourism sector and admittedly, the half a billion dollars in
damages and losses in Hurricanes Irma and Maria of 2017 accelerated the need
for the union.
“There has been a good working relationship between
the Department and the DDME and tourist Board for several years, one of the
pluses of this union now is that all of the information needed to address
tourism related matters will be contained of one umbrella,” explained Minister
Higgs, who is a former Tourist Board Director.
DDME Director Dr. Clerveaux supported the remarks
from her new Minister with, “It is important that we protect our
investment. One major storm with a magnitude of what we experienced from
Ike, Irma or Maria can spell a disaster in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The environment, the tourism industry, the travel industry are our most
vulnerable sectors, not just in the Turks and Caicos islands, but throughout
the world and therefore putting policies in place and working with our Tourism
sector and working with the Environmental Agencies to ensure that we protect
our natural resources is one of the best things that we can do, in terms of
sustainable development management.”
Minister Higgs agrees and told media that he is
pleased that the DDME can feed the ministry’s interests more directly.
“I think with this marriage now we can publicly
celebrate that we have a complete ministry, as the Director said, over the
years there has been a lot of collaboration and a lot of synergy, a lot of
working together to ensure that in the event that there is a disaster, our
number one industry which is tourism is not destroyed beyond repair. I
believe with the marriage of the DDME (to the Ministry of Tourism, Gaming,
Environment and Maritime Affairs), we will take a very proactive approach to
ensuring that the people of this country, our visitors to this country, knows
the risk of any disaster and they know the vulnerabilities and they ensure that
they have measures in place.”
Dr. Virginia Clerveaux as Director of the
Department has been hailed at home and abroad for the efficient and effective
management of the DDME, especially in the aftermath of the hurricane season’s
most fierce storms on record. Dr. Clerveaux takes with her to Tourism a
team of 10 and the shift came in a TCI Cabinet shuffle which placed the DDME
under the Tourism, Environment, Heritage and Maritime umbrella.
“This merger will ensure that there is more synergy
and there is greater communication between the natural resource enforcers and
the agency that has to coordinate response in the event of a disaster.”
The media meeting was held at the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies Providenciale headquarters and handed over to Minister Ralph Higgs were the policies governing the DDME and its Disaster Management strategies.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 16th June 2025: The Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite Knowles OBE KC, Attorney General and Chair of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Anti-Money Laundering Committee (AMLC), led a delegation of legal, law enforcement, and financial regulators to the CFATF Plenary and Working Group meetings held in Trinidad from 25th to 30th May 2025. The delegation included officers from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) and the Border Force as well as staff of the Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission (TCI FSC), the Gaming Control Commission (GCC), the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA), the Attorney General’s Chambers, and the AMLC Secretariat.
The Turks and Caicos Islands, in compliance with the international Anti-Money Laundering / Counter Financing of Terrorism and Counter Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/CPF) Standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), is a member of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), which is the FATF Style Regional Body for the Caribbean. The CFATF comprises 24 member countries[1] and is an inter-governmental body that coordinates the assessment of all member countries’ compliance with the FATF 40 Recommendations. The FATF Recommendations provide a comprehensive framework of measures to help countries tackle illicit financial flows. These include a robust framework of laws, regulations, and operational measures to ensure national authorities can take effective action to detect and disrupt financial flows that fuel crime and terrorism and punish those responsible for illegal activity[2].
The 60th CFATF Plenary adopted the Reports of the assessment of the frameworks in Curacao and Sint Maarten during these meetings, with the active participation of TCI stakeholders making interventions on aspects of those discussions based on their knowledge of the standards and professional experience. The Turks and Caicos Islands is a member of the Steering Group, which is the governing body of the CFATF. The Turks and Caicos Islands was last assessed against the FATF 40 Recommendations in 2018 and with the Report published in 2020. The Turks and Caicos Islands is preparing for its next round of assessment, which would examine, inter alia, the effectiveness of TCI’s legislative and institutional framework to counter money laundering, terrorism financing, and the proliferation of financing of weapons of mass destruction.
Officials from the Turks and Caicos Islands are also current members of two project teams, which are undertaking work to assess the risks associated with motor vehicle dealers and other high-value dealers, as well as the risks of terrorism financing within the Caribbean region. Mrs. Gessie Herilien of the TCI FSC was presented with a certificate of appreciation for her participation in a project exploring “Money Laundering Vulnerabilities in the Financial Arrangements of Non-Traditional Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Persons (DNFBPs)”. Ag. Supt. William Lightbourne of the RTCIPF is participating in a separate regional CFATF project assessing Regional Terrorist Financing Risks, which is being supported by the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite Knowles OBE KC, Chair of the AMLC said, “the active participation and engagement of key stakeholder agencies and departments from the Turks and Caicos Islands officials in regional initiatives like the CFATF is in line with the Government’s high-level commitment to ensure that our financial systems are being reviewed and updated in line with international standards. These activities help to keep officials aware of current trends and actions being undertaken by other countries to protect their systems from the scourges of illicit finance. I was very pleased with the growing level of expertise and resulting actions being taken by officials to develop their knowledge, awareness, and implementation of best practice in the discharge of their duties within the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks & Caicos recently transformed its French Village Lawn into a vibrant celebration as it hosted the highly anticipated “All That’s Good Road Show.” This dynamic team member engagement initiative, packed with high-energy entertainment, delicious food and drinks, exciting games and spirited sporting activities, was designed to celebrate and thank the resort’s invaluable team members.
The “All That’s Good Road Show” began its Caribbean tour in Antigua and has since made stops in Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Curacao and the Bahamas. It was conceptualized by Jamie Green, Sandals Corporate Manager for Employee Experience, who had initial success with the road show across Jamaican resorts. With the impact from the experience in Jamaica and the enthusiastic support of Sandals Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, the event was expanded across the Caribbean, bringing its unique brand of celebration to all the resorts in the chain.
“This event is all about celebrating our team members and recognizing the outstanding work they consistently deliver,” explained Green. “We wanted to create a fun and exciting environment that fosters camaraderie, boosts morale and leaves everyone feeling inspired and appreciated.”
The Turks & Caicos leg of the Road Show was a true spectacle, headlined by international dancehall artiste Konshens, who was eagerly received by team members. Emcee Huntley ‘Super P’ Forbes II kept the energy levels soaring, while DJs Drex, Troy, and Keeli spun infectious tunes that had everyone on their feet. Jamie Green himself joined in the fun as an energetic emcee, further engaging the crowd and amplifying the already vibrant atmosphere.
“The All That’s Good Road Show for Beaches Turks & Caicos was more than just a party; it was a heartfelt expression of gratitude and a testament to the power of teamwork and dedication,” shared Beaches Human Resources Manager Owenta Colby.
With just over six hundred team members in attendance, the event was a resounding success.
“To be able to walk away with a 65inch smart TV is one of the most rewarding prizes that any team member could have asked for at this event,” said Maxine Salmon, Kids Camp supervisor. “I’ll be more comfortable watching TV at home with my family. This event really has been a top tier team member experience.”
“The entertainment package was a blast. The gifts and prizes were high value items for all team members to celebrate and benefit. Each gift added a great sense of satisfaction. I received a high-powered pressure washer that will help me to keep my vehicle clean without having to go to the car wash. The event allowed team members to unwind and enjoy the day uninterrupted. We were treated like royalty,” added Tarquinio Robinson from the housekeeping department.
A significant highlight of the Road Show was the generous distribution of prizes. Team members walked away with an impressive array of gifts, ranging from essential household appliances to exciting regional vacation stays. Gift baskets overflowed with treats and lucky winners snagged smart televisions, I-phones and other coveted electronics.
The success of the “All That’s Good Road Show” was further amplified by the invaluable support of corporate sponsors and partners, including Flow, Got You Covered, Gilley’s Enterprises, Graceway Sports Center, IGA Supermarkets, Other People’s Affair, Java Island, Caribbean Cruising and Digicel. Their contributions added to the event’s pomp and flair, demonstrating a shared commitment to recognizing and rewarding the hard work of the Beaches Turks & Caicos team.
“The All That’s Good Road Show was more than just an event; it was a testament to the power of appreciation and the importance of investing in the well-being of our dedicated team members,” said Beaches Turks and Caicos resort Managing Director James McAnally. “It’s a great reminder that when team members feel valued and inspired, they are empowered to continue delivering exceptional experiences that set Beaches Turks & Caicos apart. The Road Show left a ripple effect of positivity and renewed enthusiasm, ensuring that the spirit of teamwork and dedication will continue to thrive at this resort for years to come.”
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks & Caicos (BTC) recently offered nearly 40 students and educators from Clement Howell High School a memorable lesson in fine dining and social etiquette as part of their Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) curriculum.
Held at the resort’s elegant Sapodillas Restaurant, the interactive session combined theory with real-world experience. The training emphasised the importance of table setting, polite dining practices and the value of social graces—skills designed to prepare students for both personal and professional spaces.
“This partnership enhances our students’ educational experience by helping them develop essential life skills,” said Tanisha Graham, guidance counsellor at Clement Howell High. “They were captivated by the ambience, the exceptional service and the chance to engage with professionals in a fine dining setting.”
The session was led by BTC’s team members from the learning & development, food & beverage and public relations departments. Together, they highlighted how dining etiquette reflects respect, cultural awareness and confidence—important attributes for young adults preparing for future opportunities.
“As young adults, it’s important to understand the value of proper dining etiquette,” noted Claude Williams, food and beverage supervisor. “These skills boost your confidence and help you make lasting, positive impressions in any setting.”
Francillia Austin from the learning & development team added, “chivalry isn’t dead. Both young men and women benefit from learning to be respectful, poised and socially aware. These qualities shape future leaders.”
Managing Director James McAnally emphasised the long-term vision of such partnerships, “at Beaches, our goal is to inspire the next generation. We believe in education, community engagement and sustainability. This collaboration is a reflection of our shared responsibility to uplift the region. To the students, I say—explore beyond your ordinary and reach for the stars.”
This training is just one example of BTC’s ongoing commitment to youth development and education across the Turks & Caicos Islands and the wider Caribbean. The resort continues to offer impactful experiences that go beyond the classroom by blending hospitality with mentorship.