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TCI: ‘Wheelanders’ fed-up with toxic air from dump site

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VIEW OF DUMP THIS WEEK, PHOTO BY BELGLADE PARKER GARDENS RESIDENT

#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – September 27, 2019 — Even right now the air is stink; putrid with the smell of a mix of garbage and smoke and residents are threatening to protest in the name of good health and quality living for themselves and their families.

“The situation is getting worse.  The disposal of waste is polluting the air we breathe and they have no alternative to get rid of the waste here.”

Magnetic Media photo – Providenciales Dump

A comment from a resident of Belglade Parker Gardens, who like many of her neighbours, no longer believe the dump is plagued by surrounding coal kilns or spot fires within it. This resident, a mother of four, believes the dump is being lit to cope with the overwhelming amounts of rubbish coming in from across the fast-developing island of Providenciales.

Photographs used to support the comments of this news report were shared with Magnetic Media by a male home owner of the community; he prefers to remain anonymous.

Photo by Belglade Parker Gardens resident

The home owners of the phase one affordable housing are getting the worst of the smoke, they especially from dusk to dawn. 

“Last night was the worst.  I turned on my A/c and my entire bedroom was in smoke.  I’m ready to work on my placard to go protest if need be.”

The woman says her son is coughing continuously now.  She too has developed sinusitis since last September as a result of the consistent burning of the dump, she said.  “The slightest smoke and other air particles trigger my sinus.  I have no recourse, no one is responsible enough to take charge of this recurring plight.”

The sentiments of this resident are common and have been taken to government officials before.  In fact, a meeting was granted to residents of both Belglade Parker Gardens and Millennium Heights, where Minister of Health, Edwin Astwood and his Permanent Secretary, Desiree Lewis were present with the Environmental Health Director, Kenrick Neely and the Member of Parliament, Delroy Williams.   At the time, the MP was acting Premier.

Among the actions which were to be taken as a result of the meeting, which was held at the Office the Premier in Providenciales in November 2018, was an air quality test.

It was also in 2018 that the Turks and Caicos Island Cabinet approved a loan for a solid waste management consultancy through the Caribbean Development Bank.

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Member of Parliament for Wheeland, Delroy Williams has informed Magnetic Media that over the weekend government officials, including the Premier Sharlene Robinson, will update the thousands of residents affected by the toxic air, on a resolution. 

The Providenciales landfill or dump is currently being managed by the Ministry of Health after the contract for Turks and Caicos Environmental Management expired as of October 28, 2018. ((CORRECTED))

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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The Turks and Caicos Islands Participates in the 60th Plenary and Working Group Meetings of The Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF)

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PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING COMMITTEE

 

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.”

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BEACHES TURKS & CAICOS SPARKS JOY WITH “ALL THAT’S GOOD ROAD SHOW”

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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.”

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From Classroom to Fine Dining: Clement Howell High Students Experience Etiquette Training at Beaches TCI  

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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.

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