TCI News

The Second Annual Tour of the Turks and Caicos

Published

7 years ago

October 26, 2019

#Providenciales, October 26, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Daniel Redmond and Tyrone Bishop named Masters and Elite Tour of Turks and Caicos Champions.

The second annual Tour of the Turks and Caicos Championship, a grueling five stage cycling competition which took place over four islands in the Turks and Caicos was a great success. The competition saw over twenty cyclists (including a visiting cyclist from Barbados) in four categories compete to be champions of the Turks and Caicos. The mood at the beginning of the tour was a mix of excitement and nervousness for the fifth stage added and the fact that the tour would take place over one weekend, instead of two like last year.

Stage one took place in the Nation’s Capital, with a 36-mile road race for Masters and Elite, 25-mile for Females and 6-mile for Cadets. Early in the race Devaughn Williams and visiting rider Sedwin Jones fom Barbados went down in a nasty fall. Thankfully they sustained no major injuries and was able to compete in later stages. The main race saw attacks by Elite rider Omard Gardiner, which he held for more than 20 miles. A well coordinated chase group was able to reel him in with just 4 miles to go. The race ended in a photo finish sprint between Friedise Registre and Omard Gardiner, where Omard edged the sprint king by just inches. Friedise Registre, Shanwell Gardiner and Daniel Redmond, took the top spots for Masters. Omard Gardiner, Tyrone Bishop and Earldarrel Basden placed first, second and third in the Elite Category. Gabriella Hedegus was again the lone female rider. Ethan Gardiner, Kymani Ewing and Tauraine James were first second and third in the Cadets race.

Stage two was a 7-mile time trial on the Green Isle of North Caicos. Cyclist brought their A-game and overall took less time to complete the course. Elite winners were Tyrone Bishop, Omard Gardiner and Earldarrel Basden. Masters winners were Friedise Registre, Daniel Redmond and Sedwin Jones (cyclist from Barbados).

After a 2-hour rest period, stage three, a road race between North and Middle Caicos began. Masters and Elite 54 miles, Female 46 miles. The race got started at its usual fast pace and saw characteristic attacks by Tyrone Bishop, Sean Rogers and Sedwin Jones. However, no one was able to get away and the entire pack stayed together for the entire race which eventually came to a bunch sprint. Elite winners were Tyrone Bishop, Omard Gardiner and Sean Rodgers. Masters winners Daniel Redmond, Friedise Registre and Sedwin Jones.

Stage 4 was the Providenciales Time Trial. Once again, the cyclists pushed it to the limit and improved personal times. Elite winners Omard Gardiner, Tyrone Bishop and Chevorn Bishop. Masters Winners Friedise Registre, Daniel Redmond and Shanwell Gardiner.

The fifth and final stage was a road race throughout Providenciales (65 miles Elite and Masters, 46 miles Female). From the beginning of the race there were attacks from Sedwin Jones followed by Omard and Dan Redmond. The highlight of the race was a solo breakaway by Sean Rogers. This solo breakaway was executed at a high enough pace to see Rogers ride off to a solo victory. Race favourite Fred Registre suffered a flat mid-race and was unable to finish. Elite winners of the race were Sean Rodgers, Tyrone Bishop and Omard Gardiner. Masters winners were Sedwin Jones followed by, Kavin Ewing and Shanwell Gardiner.

At the end of all five stages the overall winner of the Masters category was Dan Redmond followed by Sedwin Jones and third was Fred Registre. Elite Category winners were Tyrone Bishop, followed by Omard Gardiner and third was Chevorn Bishop.

Visiting rider, Sedwin Jones expressed excitement about his participation in the Tour of TCI and stated he was quite surprised by the level of talent and competition here in the TCI. Mr Jones who is a former multiple National champion of Barbados has confirmed he will definitely be back to compete next year. President of the TCI cycling Federation was very satisfied with the turnout and performance of the cyclist. TCI has set a new standard in the region with this being the only 5 stage race being held over a 3 day period. The level of difficulty is unlike no other race on record and TCI has caught the attention of many cycling Federations around the region. The Bahamas, Anguilla and Canada has already indicated that they will be competing in the Tour of TCI for 2020.

The Tour marks the end of the season for the TCI Cycling Federation. After tallying all points accumulated during the 2019 season, the overall winner for the Masters Category is Frediese Registre, followed by Shanwell Gardiner and third place Dan Redmond

Elite Category 2019 season winners are Tyrone Bishop, Omard Gardiner and Anthony Plunkett placing 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd.

Next on the agenda for the TCCF is the 19^th Annual Caribbean Championships to be held in Havana Cuba 1^st to the 3^rd of November. This is the first invitation TCI has ever received from the Caribbean Cycling Confederation (CCC). We will be taking a team of 4 to the games.

The Turks and Caicos Cycling Federation wishes to thank our sponsors; Accu Diagnostic, Bajari Beach All Inclusive, Bohio Resort, Caicos Xpress Airlines, Flamingo Pharmacy, Gordon Supplies, Gracebay Pharmacy, Graceway Supermarkets, Island Bargains, Jaca TCI Ltd, Lapels, Long Bay Express Gas Station, Miss B’s Restaurant, Ocean Club Resorts, Osprey Hotel, Paradise Smiles TCI, Paparazzi, Paul Vaughn, Salt Raker Inn, Somewhere Café, Sunshine Restaurant, The Hartling Group,.The public who came out to support the event, the Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Force who kept us safe during the event. A special thank you also to all of our volunteers who assisted in making this event a success.

Bahamas News

Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday

Published

3 days ago

August 20, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.

Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.

According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.

The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.

Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.

However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.

The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.

PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band

News

BermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark

Published

3 days ago

August 20, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights Begin December 20 with Fares from $347 One Way, Creating Direct Access to Salterra Resort & Spa

– New Route Expands BermudAir’s Winter Turks & Caicos Network –

[New York, NY – August 20, 2026] – BermudAir, the leading premium leisure carrier to Bermuda and the Caribbean, today announced it will introduce nonstop flights to South Caicos from Newark this winter. The route places one of the Caribbean’s most secluded island destinations just 3.5 hours from the New York area for the first time.

The new service starts on December 20, 2026, operating on Sundays and Thursdays, and will be the only nonstop service to the destination from the New York area. This seasonal service will operate through April 25, 2027. Fares start at $347 one way ($773 roundtrip) and go on sale today.

The new South Caicos route creates gives travelers two distinct luxury resort options, with direct access to Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, recently named the No. 1 resort in Turks and Caicos by Condé Nast Traveler.

Set across 85 beachfront acres with a 3,000-foot private white-sand beach, Salterra brings a full luxury resort experience to an island still defined by its historic salinas, pristine waters, bonefishing flats and uninhabited cays. Upon landing at South Caicos International Airport (XSC), guests are approximately 10 minutes from the resort.

While flights go on sale today, the airline’s BermudAir Holidays vacation-packaging division will offer curated travel to South Caicos from next month, featuring flights, hotels and authentic island experiences, with bundled discounts and value-added perks, making it even easier to explore the destination.

Previously BermudAir announced seven new routes to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Toronto (YYZ) which will all start in December except for Fort Lauderdale which begins October 26.

Expanded Winter Season

To South Caicos:
Twice-weekly nonstop from Newark (Sundays and Thursdays) from December 20 through April 25, 2027.
To Turks and Caicos:
Weekly nonstop from Newark (Saturdays) and one weekly direct service (Thursdays) from December 19 through April 29, 2027;
Weekly nonstop service from Boston (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027;
Weekly nonstop service from Baltimore-Washington (Thursdays), from December 24 through April 29, 2027;
Twice-weekly nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (Thursdays and Sundays), from December 20 through May 2, 2027;
Thrice-weekly service from Fort Lauderdale (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), from October 26 through May 3, 2027;
Twice-weekly nonstop service from St Petersburg/Tampa (Mondays and Thursdays), from December 21 through May 3, 2027; and
Weekly nonstop service from Toronto (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027.

“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Now New Yorkers can fly nonstop to two distinct sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands — Providenciales and the secluded island of South Caicos, home to the exquisite Salterra and Sailrock South Caicos resorts.”

The airline consistently earns Net Promoter Scores of 70+, one of the highest ratings in the airline industry. All flights will be operated on comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality.

“South Caicos has always felt worlds away, and that is part of its magic,” said Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO of Salterra. “Beginning this winter, guests can fly nonstop from Newark in 3.5 hours, land at one of the newest international airports in the region and be at Salterra minutes later. This route makes a long weekend escape and an extended stay to one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands remarkably easy, without changing the sense of discovery that makes South Caicos so special.”

For more information or to book flights, visit www.flybermudair.com. Salterra will offer dedicated stay packages timed to BermudAir’s Thursday and Sunday nonstop service. To book a stay at Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, visit www.salterra.com

News

Salt Cay Water Shortage Unresolved as Residents Question Promised Relief

Published

5 days ago

August 18, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

SALT CAY — Residents say Salt Cay’s prolonged water shortage remains unresolved, with no visible activity or relief from the measures Government said would be advanced last week.

The crisis began in June after a critical filter failed at the island’s reverse osmosis plant, severely disrupting local water production. Residents told Magnetic Media Tuesday morning that neither the replacement filter nor the promised bulk shipment of emergency water appeared to have arrived.

Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy E. Jay Saunders, however, said the filter is already on Salt Cay.

“The RO filter is on Salt Cay and it’s being installed,” Saunders told Magnetic Media.

The large emergency water shipment has not materialised. Saunders said transporting more than 1,000 gallons in a single container requires a barge, and officials are still attempting to source one.

Government had previously indicated that it would try to deliver up to 2,500 gallons to partially replenish Salt Cay’s depleted storage tanks while repairs continued.

Saunders had initially projected that the RO plant would be fully operational by August 19. He now says the system is expected to return to full operation “in a few days.”

For residents, however, the immediate reality remains unchanged: the shortage continues, the bulk water has not arrived and the promised relief is not yet flowing.