TCI News
Starbucks Opens First Store in Grand Turk
Grand Turk, October 15, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Starbucks announced today the opening of its first store in Grand Turk, marking a milestone for Starbucks and Caribbean Coffee Traders Ltd. as the first store on the islands of Turks & Caicos. This store represents the company’s 81st market globally, and 20th market in the Latin America and Caribbean region, marking an important milestone for the global coffee brand’s Caribbean operations.
“We are delighted to open our first store in the tropical and exotic island of Turks and Caicos”, said Tim Grever, director of operations for Starbucks Caribbean markets. “We are confident that along with Caribbean Coffee Traders Ltd, we will deliver a unique an exceptional coffee experience for Turks and Caicos Islanders, one that truly showcases our deep passion for some of the best coffees from around the world, while honoring the local culture.”
The widely anticipated café, located on the Grand Turk Cruise Port, offers customers an inviting destination to relax, unwind and connect. This store features a cafe design unique to the island and offers the commonly known range of Starbucks signature beverages and food, including Starbucks ethically sourced, 100 percent arabica coffee.
“This milestone demonstrates our commitment and enthusiasm for the region and our optimism for the opportunities ahead. We are excited to become the island’s hub for coffee, connection and community,” stated Mr. Ian Dear, Chairman of the Margaritaville Caribbean Group.
A Unique Store Experience for Grand Turk
Although situated on a cruise port, Starbucks will be the first café of its kind to call Grand Turk “home”, giving locals and tourists a feel of the true Starbucks experience through a unique customer service and Starbucks range of signature beverages and food offerings. These offerings include exquisite coffees from around the world, such as the Asia-Pacific and Latin America regions.
The stunning pink exterior keeps the authentic Caribbean feel of the café, where the indoor palette was kept light to keep the tropical theme. The back of the store features a mural, hand-painted by artist Maria Camila Bernal Toro of Remedios Art, showing the Siren – a Starbucks icon – with her double-tail bent underwater. The artist recreated the Siren to evoke the same tranquility and pleasure so many travelers in the past were rumored to search for among the Sea. Using a chromatic composition which was inspired by the natural coral and mystic of the island, the Siren inspires peace and warmth – recreating the history of Starbucks in a contemporary and tropical language.
Creating Community Partnerships
Starbucks has a long commitment of investing in the communities it serves worldwide. On October 12th, Starbucks partners (employees) in Grand Turk had their very first community initiative, which consisted of partnering with the Health Promotion & Advocacy Unit of Grand Turk, falling under the umbrella group of the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services. Starbucks partners (employees), along with volunteers from the Ministry of Health, participated in a day of service which consisted of cleaning up the community surroundings, as well as providing refreshments to the locals in the area. Starbucks has long-term plans to harness awareness of the work done by the Health Promotion & Advocacy Unit on the island, showing its commitment to aiding the communities in which it serves.
For more information
press@starbucks.com
ashana.bucknor@starbucks.com.jm
About Starbucks
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 30,000 stores around the globe, Starbucks is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit our stores or online at stories.starbucks.com and Starbucks.com.
About Caribbean Coffee Traders Limited
Caribbean Coffee Traders Limited (CCTL) is a consortium headed by the restaurant management and franchise operator Margaritaville Caribbean Group and since 2017 holds the exclusive rights to operate Starbucks stores in Jamaica, and since last August in the Cayman Islands. Through its commitment to maintaining operational standards, providing extraordinary customer experience and serving the community, the brand continues to expand and integrate in communities across the Caribbean region.
Turks and Caicos, October 28, 2025 – We are closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, and our thoughts and prayers are with our regional neighbours for their safety and well-being
We are now entering a critical period as Hurricane Melissa advances towards the Turks and Caicos Islands. Current projections indicate that Hurricane Melissa will begin to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands around midday tomorrow, Wednesday, 29th October.
This morning, Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier chaired a State of Preparedness Meeting. All Government agencies and critical services are mobilised. The safety and protection of every person across our Islands remains our highest priority. Our emergency response teams are prepared and the TCI Regiment is deployed across each of our Islands to support community readiness and immediate response. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are on active duty, with additional officers in North Caicos, Salt Cay, South Caicos and Grand Turk.
At this time, the hurricane is moving north-northeast. The country is expected to experience tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall and
significant storm surge. The storm surge poses a serious concern for low-lying coastal areas especially along our western and southern coastlines, which may result in coastal flooding. Based on the most current weather projections and anticipated impacts for the Turks and Caicos Islands, the National Executive have agreed the following actions:
1. Evacuation Advisories
Residents in specific low-lying and flood-prone coastal areas are likely to experience significant storm surge of 2-4 feet with accompanying rainfall. Strong advice is now place for residents in these areas to relocate to designated shelters which will be open from 4pm this afternoon. These areas include:
Middle Caicos
- Conch Bar Nearest Shelter: The Community Centre
North Caicos
- Sandy Point Nearest Shelter : Sandy Point Community Centre
- Whitby Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
- Bottle Creek Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
Providenciales
-
-
- Chalk Sound Nearest Shelter Enid Capron Primary School
- Five Cays Nearest Shelter: Enid Capron Primary School
- Discovery Bay Nearest Shelter: All Saints Church, Leeward Highway
- Juba Sound Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
- Long Bay Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
-
South Caicos
- Cockburn Harbour Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
- Old Airport Road Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
Should an evacuation order become necessary, it will be issued following the 6:00 PM Advisory this evening from the TCI National Weather Service.
2. Activation of Emergency Operations Centre
The National Emergency Operations Centre in Providenciales and all Islands Emergency Operations Centres will be activated at 4:00 PM today.
3. Shelters Access
Shelters across all Islands will open today at 4:00 PM to receive members of the public.
4. Shelter-in-Place
A Strong Shelter-in-Place Advisory is in place for all islands, commencing at 10:00 PM tonight. This will be in place until the all clear has been issued.
This means that from 10:00 PM tonight, all residents should be off the road, in a safe location, either at home or a designated shelter.
Please note that this position may be revised following the 6:00 PM Advisory from the TCI National Weather Service, depending on updated storm projections.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has confirmed that all airports remain fully operational for today. They will advise the public about ongoing operations dependent on the weather impacts.
In times such as this, the role of commercial entities extends beyond business – it becomes a vital part of the community’s resilience. All retailers and service providers are urged to uphold their humanitarian responsibilities by maintaining fair pricing and ensuring essential goods and services remain accessible to all.
Residents and visitors are reminded to adhere strictly to all official advisories and evacuation orders as they are issued. Avoid unnecessary movement, secure your property, and ensure that you and your family are prepared with essential supplies. Stay prepared and stay safe.
Turks and Caicos, October 24, 2025 – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey delivered an impassioned address to male students at Clement Howell High School, calling on them to recognize their power, seize their potential, and “awaken the sleeping giants” within.
In a message that blended humility, faith, and personal experience, the Commissioner reminded the boys that the decisions they make today will shape their future.“The choices you make today determine who you become tomorrow,” he said.
Bailey, who revealed he was the first in his family to attend high school, urged the students to embrace education and discipline as tools of
transformation.“Knowledge is power. If you want to be a real man, you need to read,” he told them. “Remember your potential — if others can do it, so can you. Some of you are sleeping giants waiting to be awakened.”
He emphasized that circumstances of birth do not dictate destiny, challenging the young men to carry self-respect, faith, and moral conviction wherever they go. “Self-respect is key; respect yourself, respect others, and respect God,” he said. “The circumstances you were born into do not define who you are.”
The Commissioner also spoke about resilience, advising that true strength often lies in restraint.
“There will be challenges, and people may try to impede your development — but rise above negativity. Sometimes, strength means walking away,” he said. “Some of you are sleeping lions; it’s time to awaken that instinct and rediscover your true potential.”
In closing, Commissioner Bailey delivered a stirring challenge:
“Each morning, look in the mirror and remind yourself that you were created by God and are capable of great exploits. You are a possibility with potential. Step forward with confidence — this is your country, your islands. Be the best version of yourself.”
Following his speech, the Commissioner engaged the students in open dialogue, answering questions and listening to their perspectives on issues affecting young men in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.
