TCI News
TCI: TCHTA Unveils 2020 Destination Turks & Caicos Magazine
#Providenciales, 4 January, 2020 – Turks and Caicos – The Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) recently unveiled the cover of its highly anticipated 15th edition of Destination Turks & Caicos, which features an exciting new contemporary look while delivering the important message of tourism sustainability.
This year, the premier go-to tourist guide took an exciting leap, transforming from a traditional coffee-table design to a luxury publication for 2020. In addition to the change in style, the message has been updated to reflect issues such as sustainable tourism practices while showcasing stories and efforts taken by TCHTA Members to benefit their local communities and the tourism industry in the Turks and Caicos Islands, all set to the backdrop of stunning Turks and Caicos imagery.
Officials at the TCHTA said that they are committed to the advancement and sustainability of the tourism product and hoped to awaken the sensibilities of the general audience by sharing the work the organization has been doing in this edition of the magazine.
“We are so excited about the new contemporary look that Destination Turks & Caicos now has. It has always been the goal of the organization to not only produce a publication that represents the luxury of our destination, but we also wanted to create a keepsake piece with rich imagery of the islands and the wonderful stories that accompany them.” said Karen Whitt, Director of Marketing for the TCHTA, who played a key role in the decision to take a new approach to the annual publication. “While we are excited about the new look, we are equally excited about sharing how TCHTA members are promoting environmentally friendly practices.”
Since 2005 this publication has been outsourced, and this year the TCHTA is excited to take the creative lead on this milestone issue, managing the magazine in-house. The organization partnered with locals Erin Patrick of EP Designs and Dominique Rolle of Caya Hico Media who served as Creative Directors for the publication to deliver a fresh approach to this time-honoured book.
Stacy Cox, TCHTA CEO added, “This was truly a labour of love for us. From the pictures to the stories and the messages, every part of this publication was designed to pique your interest while deepening your connection with our ‘Beautiful by Nature’ islands”.
Erin Patrick also shared her excitement on being chosen to be a part of the creative team for the magazine and how she hopes the publication will inspire its readers. “I am honoured to have been asked to work with the TCHTA on the 15th edition of Destination Turks & Caicos Islands.” She said, “My aim is to allow the essence of these islands to radiate from each page. This publication encompasses everything we cherish in this paradise we call home.”
Dominique Rolle says ‘Destination’ is iconic to Turks and Caicos and has for many years provided a platform for the best in Turks and Caicos photography to display their craft and appreciation for these islands. “I’m honored to see it continue in its 15th year and evolve into a premier luxury magazine with content dedicated to the country I love and the people working to preserve its future.”
The new Destination TCI cover features a modern and stylish, clean look with a classic gold bold typeface and a single image (an installment in Dominique Rolle’s “Flora” collection) showcasing the lush vegetation and plant life of the Turks & Caicos Islands thus transforming this once hardbound publication and giving it a modern, stylish, luxurious feel.
“We are thoroughly impressed with the outcome, and all of this would not have been possible without the contribution of writing content from Dominique Rolle and Sonia Simmons, the impeccable job done by Editors Nicholette Thomas and Sonia Simmons, the vibrant imagery provided by our Member Photographers, Brilliant Studios, Caya Hico Media, Philip Shearer of Big Blue Collective, Paradise Photography and Visit Turks & Caicos, and the unwavering support of our Executive Board and Members.” Cox said, “And for this, we say thank you. Thank you for helping the TCHTA transform Destination Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Release: TCHTA
TCIG knew from April that fuel factor could surge almost 80%; Minister says $500 cost-of-living payment was part of Government’s response
PROVIDENCIALES — The Turks and Caicos Government knew months before July’s shocking electricity bills that consumers faced a potentially massive increase in the fuel factor.
Minister of Information Technology and Energy E. Jay Saunders revealed Friday that Pelican Energy warned his Ministry in April that generation fuel costs were projected to rise from $3.09 per gallon in May to $4.79 in June and July.
That translated into a projected fuel factor jump from about 17.5 cents to 31 cents per kilowatt-hour — an increase of almost 80%.
Saunders said he personally advised Cabinet of the projected increase and presented options for cushioning the impact.
He characterised Government’s $500 cost-of-living payment as its “initial response” to rising fuel costs, before a separate fuel-factor subsidy was approved.
Cabinet records show Government agreed on June 24 to provide funding to mitigate the fuel-factor impact, with the relief programme approved July 8.
Eligible residential customers — those averaging less than $1,500 monthly over the previous three bills — are capped at 22 cents per kWh from July through October.
Pelican confirmed Friday that Government’s contribution was already applied to July bills, meaning the bills now triggering widespread public outrage would have been even higher without the subsidy.
Saunders did not disclose the programme’s total cost.
His admission that Government knew since April, however, raises another question amid the backlash: why were consumers not directly warned by Government about the scale of the approaching increase?
PROVIDENCIALES — New commercial Crown Land applications are facing a six-month pause as the Turks and Caicos Islands Government takes inventory of its holdings.
During Cabinet meetings held July 15 and 16, an immediate six-month moratorium was approved on the acceptance, processing
and approval of new applications for commercial Crown Land grants, leases and allocations.
The pause will remain in place pending completion of the Crown Land Inventory Review. Cabinet’s summary did not state what prompted the review or indicate whether availability of commercial Crown Land is a concern.
The two-day meeting also advanced major consumer legislation. Cabinet approved the National Fair Competition Policy 2026 and drafting instructions for a Fair Competition Ordinance, moving TCI toward stronger consumer protection and fair competition rules.
In Grand Turk, Cabinet approved rezoning land in the North West Suburbs from low-density to medium-density residential use to facilitate a new apartment development.
Cabinet also advanced fisheries reforms, water legislation allowing private and public-private investment, minerals legislation and appointments across tourism, health and finance.
Progress toward establishing a TCI Credit Union was also noted.
PROVIDENCIALES — Major development projects outside Providenciales received Cabinet attention on July 8, with Government approving agreements connected to the redevelopment of Dellis Cay and a resort development in North Caicos.
Cabinet approved a Development Agreement between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, Desarrollos Hotelco DC Ltd. and
Desarrollos Hotelco Astoria Ltd. for the redevelopment of Dellis Cay.
The long-discussed private island development sits between Providenciales and North Caicos and its return to Cabinet signals another step toward redevelopment.
Cabinet also approved amendments to an agreement involving SPR LND Ltd. (Royal Reef) and TCIG Development Agreement for a resort/hotel development in North Caicos.
Other decisions included approval of the First Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2026 for onward transmission and the appointment of Cindy Ewing as Chair of the Invest TCI Board, effective August 1 for three years.
Cabinet also noted consultation outcomes concerning changes to business licensing, approved professional membership expenses for qualifying Telecommunications Commission staff and approved advice relating to the Interim Clinical and Estates Services PPP.
The July 8 meeting was chaired by Acting Governor Anya Williams.
Photo Credit: Royal Reef (Keith)
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