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Governor’s Remarks: March 25 National Address – Response to COVID-19

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File Photo, TCI Governor, His Excellency, Nigel Dakin

FULL STATEMENT — By now I suspect that, if you are listening, you have stopped doing what you were doing and you will have paused. You will understand the importance of what you’ve just heard.  What the Premier announced isn’t an announcement to listen to as you do something else. This isn’t the background noise to your normal day. What was just said was important.

In my own words I’m now going to amplify what was just said, reinforce what was just said, associate myself completely with what was just said. Amplification and repetition at this point is probably helpful

Whoever you are on the Island: old or young; citizen, resident or visitor; whichever Island you live on; whatever your ethnicity; however, you make your living; whether you are rich or poor you are now one. We are now using emergency powers that came into effect last night, on your behalf, for the good of the community. This is going to impact you in very significant ways, for at least the next three weeks and perhaps beyond.  

We are about to go through one shared unifying experience. How we come out of it at the other end will almost entirely depend on your sense of civic duty; your sense of community spirit while not being connected to your wider community. Your integrity as a person in doing the right thing not just with self interest in mind but the overall good of your country. No one can get through this without all others acting responsibly. 

What we are about to announce is driven by one motivation; to protect you and to protect the overall population of these Islands.  

We have – for some days – been working on the assumption that CORVID19 had to be present on the Islands – the identification of our first confirmed case came only on Monday.  We first heard of this news at 3 am on Monday morning. The Premier told the public at 9:30 am the same day. We are determined to be straight and clear with you – we have to be one informed team – announcements today follows that desire for clarity and also for pre-emptive action.

We are in unprecedented times, that in itself is perhaps an under-statement.  The Islands are used to being significantly disrupted through disaster. Indeed, the resilience of our people is one of these Islands great strengths and will need to be so again.

What we are not used to is facing that disaster alongside the rest of humanity at a moment when the international system is itself facing the greatest challenge of our lifetimes akin – I think – to at least that suffered during the great depression of the 1930’s. The world will change in the next decade in a way that it wouldn’t had this not occurred. It’s a moment in time that will be studied long into the future. 

For the moment we cannot predict, nor can we change, the future of what is occurring outside our borders. For the next months we have to take our destiny in our own hands and make the very best decisions we can for these Islands. Being clear we need now – as a people – to entirely change our way of life, if we are to get through this next month as safely as we can.

There are many challenges but for the purpose of this month let’s be clear on the two that are most pressing and absolutely have to be dealt with now; no question.

First is our health. We are a small Island state. We have as a result limited capacity but also a limited ability to flex capacity. Large countries with highly developed health care systems – such as the UK and Italy – have had their health systems overwhelmed very quickly. If the virus grips this country, if it grows exponentially, our medical provision will to be overwhelmed and overwhelmed quickly. 

The second is our economy. Macro certainly but also micro – how this impacts on individuals and on families.  We have – or until the end of last week we had – an economy that was built on one pillar – tourism – or put another way international travel.  As international travel stops, and it was stopping before the closure of our borders, so too does the economy stop. 

As a result, today’s announcement should be seen as one, of two. The announcement today just deals with how we are going to suppress the threat posed to our public health by the virus. These measures – remarkable measures – were agreed in Cabinet late yesterday. They do not come into full force until Friday evening – although there will be a night-time curfew on Thursday – which will give time for the public to prepare. Our aim throughout has been not to surprise you. We need to balance moving now as quickly as we can, set against ensuring the country can go into this next period balanced and stable.

Before they come into force, and following a further Cabinet tomorrow, the Premier will announce a set of economic support and stimulus measures for the country. So by the end of the week you will understand how – in the immediate future – Government intends to tackle these two great challenges of our public health and our overall economic well-being.  In both cases we are moving at a pace Government – no Government – has ever worked at before with the most limited of ever changing data. We can’t deliver you perfection, or anything close to perfection, we can though take some big decisions now that buy us some time.

While it is straightforward to call out the two great challenges we face, it’s also worth pausing for a moment to reflect that we start with a set of advantages. Much of what we announce today is driven by the determination that we do not lose the advantage we presently enjoy compared to most. There is a window here where if we are bold we might just come through this far less impacted than others; we don’t intend to shy away from that opportunity or responsibility. If we fail it won’t be because of indecision. So what are those advantages:

First, we still only have one confirmed case of CORVID19. Almost all other countries have taken the actions we are about to take long after this point. Globally, everyone who is now gripped by the virus tells us to move early, not late. 

As of midnight, last night, we have Emergency Powers in place.  We are the only Overseas Territory who has done this. In doing so the Government continues to work as one. Myself and the Premier are in the same place, able if you like to finish each other’s sentences. Cabinet Government and consensus is the order of the day. We have the powers bestowed on the Governor which are going to allow us to act at pace and rigour, but we also have the legitimacy, in this time of crisis, that democracy can deliver.

We start this crisis with the Government finances in good shape. It has well over 100 million in reserves. It finished the year with a financial surplus. It carries very little debt. This year was the first year its financial plan didn’t need to be cleared with the UK. It has a BBB+ credit rating. The UK has immediately agreed for the Premier to run, if she needs, a deficit budget. Money is cheap to borrow in the international markets. The Governments past prudence has bought itself some time, space and International credibility to support its people. Again many countries would wish to start from this position.

We also have the UK. She too is going through her own version of this – indeed she is deeper into this pandemic crisis than we want TCI ever to get. But the UK in the end holds the contingent financial liabilities for these Islands and remains one of the largest economies in the world; a back-stop most other Caribbean states would welcome at this time. She is sourcing health materials for us. She has been providing advice to our clinicians. I have military aid to call on to support us, as I need. Indeed, I spoke to the UK’s Chief of Defence Staff – General Nick Carter – who commands all the UK’s land, air and naval forces this morning. HMS Medway is in the region. 

We also have not taken our eye off our priority of sloop interdiction. The waters between us and Haiti are being patrolled and our maritime police, our radar and immigration assets, remain vigilant and ready and will remain so throughout this period; indeed, they will be reinforced. 

Crucially we have you – the public of TCI. You understand adversity and you understand hardship. You have been through three hurricanes in twelve years. Compared to most other countries in the world you know we can do this, and we know we can get through this, if we stick together and behave responsibly. 

We know that we have to act for the good of the community at moments like this. Selfishness at this time is a social taboo. The actions we will need to take in a pandemic are different from those taken in a hurricane but the underlying human instinct – being steady, knowing it will pass, knowing that short term hardship will be replaced by a future normality, is the most powerful thought and many populations around the world have not got your experience. They can’t imagine it will end; they can’t imagine things will be better; you can because you know it does happen.

Because these Islands understand disaster we are well prepared for them. I have said in the past we have weeks of supply of food on the Island. The truth is, it’s months. There’s no indication our food supply chain will be impacted. And Government – in preparation for hurricane – has its own supply of food as a contingency. In the coming days be as responsible in our super-markets and stores as you have been to date. How we behave there will tell us a lot about how we will behave elsewhere.

We produce our water from the sea. So long as we have fuel (and again our fuel supply line is in great shape) to run our desalination plants we have fresh drinking water. We have a world class power provider and – unlike in a hurricane – we will have excellent and guaranteed communications. Our health service is small – it can’t cope with a pandemic – but our health service professionals are amazing. It’s not an accident that we are in good shape at present; their advice has been exemplary. 

Which brings me to the most important advantage we have, the advantage I said we were not going to squander. Unlike many we are ahead of the curve in terms of what we already have in place compared to how the virus has spread elsewhere. 

We have seen other countries react, we have seen what has worked and what has not. You, yourselves, will have been tracking this through the international media. Through the UK’s global network, we have been in very close touch with multiple foreign governments and been able to track their reactions – not from the press – but from talking to their officials, Heads of Government and medical professional.  As I say, all their advice (and many are saying this in hindsight rather than foresight) is when you move, move quickly and move with great purpose.

That overall thought framed our discussion in Cabinet. How do we use the fact that we are slightly ahead to our advantage. The complete consensus in Cabinet, supported by expert medical advice that has guided us throughout, was to use our Emergency Powers to lock down the country. To do everything in our power to prevent the spread of the disease. To do what’s called ‘flatten the curve’.  So while there will undoubtedly be cases, and there will be fatalities, we prevent the dramatic exponential rises we have seen elsewhere. It’s that ‘out of control spread’ we have to stop. We can only stop it through a complete national effort. 

Put simply we intend – with your support – because this now has to be a single national effort – to place the country in lock down with families quarantined together. That will, overnight, significantly reduce the infection rate. It will also allow us to understand who is and who is not infected. It will allow us to prioritise treatment.  Night-time curfews (8pm to 5am) will start on Thursday evening. From Saturday morning (5am) a curfew, except by exceptions captured in regulations, will be enforced until midnight on 15th April.

Once the period is over, it gives us the best possible chance of restarting a local economy – to get money moving through the Islands – before the point we can open our borders – or indeed other countries and their nationals start travelling again. Short term pain for long term gain. 

The Premier and myself will be on RTC this evening at 6pm to go over (and if necessary go over again, the detail). The regulations will also be posted on Government websites. Let me now explain the broad thrust of what is now going to happen.

Even as of today rules are in place that prevent a gathering of 25 or more. Do not be foolish tonight; this isn’t like a hurricane where a ‘lock down party is in order’. It’s potentially fatal. You are endangering yourself and you are endangering others if you break this law. It’s best you use the time this evening to prepare.

So once again, to conform how we roll this out, from 8pm on Thursday until 5am on Friday a full curfew will be in place; enforced by law. Curfew will lift at 5am on Friday. The curfew will be re-imposed at 8pm on Friday.  

Friday therefore will be the last working day in the office, and the last normal day in terms of social interaction.  In giving you Thursday and Friday as normal working days we want to give you the best chance to prepare for the next three weeks as we can. 

From Saturday morning we will settle into a rhythm of strictly enforced night-time curfews running from 8pm to 5am. During the period between 5am and 8pm you will be expected to remain in your homes, with your family or those living under the same roof as you. Think of it as a day-time curfew with named exceptions.

Of those there will be exceptions for essential workers (detailed in the regulations) when they are travelling to and from their place of work but only when they are engaged in that specific travel or work related activity. 

Families living under one roof will be able to exercise together for 1.5 hours. Aside from those you directly live with, there will be no gathering of more than two. The beaches will be closed.  

Understand what we are trying to do and use your own good judgement. We are doing all we can to stop the spread and if a case is identified rapidly control the numbers impacted. 

The supermarkets, banks and gas stations will function; their use will be limited and controlled. We will ensure people have access to food and visits to the supermarket will be permitted but limited. 

We have considered banning inter-island travel but will not do so until we are certain that food stocks on relevant islands are well prepared. But we strongly discourage anything but the most vital inter-island travel. We mean vital. We do not rule out regulation to prevent inter-island travel and you should use the next two days to position yourself with your family members that you intend to see this period out with.

Only those aspects of Government and public service that have to function, will function. Working from home will be the order of the day. Much can be done and we expect the public service to continue to work from home, as required. 

There will now be provisions in law that allow us to enforce self quarantine or for people to be ordered to a place of quarantine, where there are suspected cases. Breaking these requirements, now breaks the law, and those foolish enough to do so will not only be placed in Government supervised quarantine they will also face criminal penalty.

Another change. As of today all residents of the Islands will prohibited from entering the Islands for a period of 21 days from 26th March. This will allow us to control the introduction of any new cases into the Island and allow a time to contain any suspected cases. We urge residents overseas to self-quarantine – this is for your safety.

Also –  and please listen carefully to this – for those who defy the curfew or quarantine through the use of their vehicles, those vehicles are subject to confiscation at the point of arrest and, subject to a court order, to further forfeiture of their vehicle. 

Those designated as essential workers – in the public and private sector – will I know step up; we know you will – your country needs you. Some immigration officers will be assigned as Special Constables and support the Police.

At the top, Government will split in terms of Cabinet operating as two groups, half meeting as a group – because unity of Government is essential in these times – and decisions we need to make are hard – and half connecting remotely. The Deputy Governor will be on Grand Turk and will be able to stand up an alternative Government, if that is needed.

The House of Assembly will continue to function; it must to allow budgets to be passed and even in times of crisis democratic engagement is essential. Saving the islands and her population will be the overriding aim for every politician during this remarkable period but that doesn’t stop debate or democratic accountability. 

To remind you, even before we imposed these measures, as you woke up this morning, there is to be no gathering of over 25 people. There are provisions now in place to stop the spreading of misinformation linked to this emergency, and I will be looking to make examples where I see misinformation designed to cause alarm or spread hate or fear. Our schools are of course closed. With exceptions to cargo, food and the like, our borders did shut at midnight.

With due humility I say that Government – anywhere in the world – at the best of times – is not perfect. There was no plan here – there was no plan anywhere – as to how any country let alone this small Island chain would manage with a pandemic that has shut down the globe. The regulations we pass – that much thought has gone into – may very well need to be adjusted. We can think through how this will impact the many, but not all. We will be opening up an email address where we can look at individual cases where serious and unintended consequences need to be addressed. I said at my inauguration that I would care, serve be clear and listen. This is the best moment to hold me to that.

All my instincts and experiences of dealing with comparatively minor crisis and emergencies, up until this point, tell me that good decisions made early are far better than perfect decisions made late. Cabinet is in complete agreement on this. I hope the public agrees. 

It just may be that these Islands – because of the inherent advantages I described at the start – are going to show the world that it is possible to deal with this crisis, calmly, intelligently and purposefully. 

Whether we collectively succeed, or not, the one thing I know above all others is that our behaviours here – to one another – putting our future and our society before the immediacy of the moment – is going to be remembered.  

Those living through this will tell a future generation how you, your friends, your neighbours, and those you never knew but came to respect, behaved and how through that behaviour the Islands rapidly returned to their previous prosperity. Because that will come. You know it, in different circumstances you’ve been here before. And in the end it will come not because of rules and regulations and because people were told what to do, but because this population knew what it had to do – and it did it.

And may God Bless these Turks and Caicos Islands.

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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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