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Mark Fulford announces candidacy for leadership of TCI Opposition party, PNP

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#TurksandCaicosIslands – March 6, 2020 — FULL STATEMENT: Today I wish to announce my candidacy for Leadership of the PNP. The PNP Constitution mandates that leadership elections are due in March of this year.

Our country is at a crossroad, people are living in fear with crime at an all time high, the illegal immigrants continue to come by the boatloads, people are choosing whether to pay the power bill or buy groceries, – minimum wage does not match cost of living – our people are having to work 2 hours to choose between buying chicken or rice – our healthcare system is in disarray, single mothers cant get their children in Government schools as they are over populated, our people have no access to their own land other than to play the trash bag lottery,  our people have no access to capital or credit to start their business or buy a home, I’m deeply concerned about the future of this country, I hear the cries and feel the pain of  our people! This may be the last election to save our people from complete and total marginalization – that is why I am answering the call of service. 

Having worked at the top of government, as advisor to the first three Premiers;  Having served on national policy committees and led national agencies.  Having built a law firm with lawyers my senior and currently leading a major international charity, I understand our political and constitutional structure, and I believe in getting things done. I have a bold new vision for our country and our people.  Together our dreams can be fulfilled .  I am satisfied that I have the skills, the elders and advisors for guidance and I have a deep love for our country and our people.  Together we can achieve our country’s greatest potential and restore the value of being a Turks and Caicos Islander in the Turks & Caicos!

The problems in our country don’t leave me feeling hopeless, instead my first reaction is to develop solutions.  Our current leaders seem unsure of themselves. When you think of our people and how good decisions cannot just ease but remove the misery of crime and illegal migration or can drive our education system not just to be good, but to the top of the world’s rankings, when you have the nerve to demand of experts to show how TCI’s economy could be three times larger and TI’s could have access to credit…that’s the call of leadership!

As it relates to contesting a seat in the upcoming elections, I would say that I love every inch of our country, but I grew up in the twin islands and so did the current candidate who now lives there and I support him remaining there. National leaders should run at-large, even though its not required constitutionally.  In my vision I see a different Turks and Caicos, one where No person, no family, no community and no island will be left behind. 

Everyone prospers but our people come first; Turks and Caicos moves to the top of the ease of doing business in the global rankings; There will be a zero tolerance approach to crime and illegal migration;  We will be number one in the world in educational achievement; We will create a beautification culture that keeps our country a global example of cleanliness;  Our labour force will not work in luxury and go home to misery – minimum wage will be raised in line with cost of living; we will not pay high taxes yet cannot feel safe in our homes; gone will be the days where hardwork is not rewarded in every industry; gone will be the days where we will not have access to credit & capital. Gone will be the days that we have to play the lotto to obtain our land; Our Healthcare will be administered by the best & most experienced qualified Doctors. What I see for us is together restoring  the value of being a Turks and Caicos Islander in Turks and Caicos and ensuring that there is a fair and equal distribution of wealth in TCI! 
In Closing, let me say something about the current leader of the PNP,  Hon. C W Misick whether he hangs up his hat or not, its not for me to say.

My leadership quest does not have to be against the Hon. Washington C Misick. That man has had quite a career and he made his contribution.

The rules of democracy does not require me to put him down to put my agenda and candidacy forward. Obama was friends with his opponents who did not waiver support for his party. 

Recently After winning super Tuesday, Biden’s opponents have thrown their support behind him – the results of the leadership should not change your support for your party, we move on.  But this is not about Washington or Mark, this is about our people, and the call of leadership and what I see for us is based on what we deserve! I see it for us I want it for us and I am willing to work for it, for us. I am putting myself up to serve every Turks and Caicos Islander, regardless of party affiliation. We need to unite as a people if we want to truly realise our greatest potential. Do not lose hope,  we have always been a resilient people, everyone near and far who loves TCI as much as I do, and who call TCI home, join me in this fight to save our people and to save our country!

May the Good Lord impart his riches blessings on every living one in our beloved homeland Turks and Caicos Islands.  Mark A Fulford

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Beaches Turks and Caicos sets the Benchmark for Biodiversity in the TCI

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Volunteers from the Sandals Foundation and Great Shape 1000 Smiles dental programme complete an oral health presentation at the Ashley Learning Centre took time out to share in a photo opportunity with some students and teachers

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks & Caicos continues to lead the way in sustainability by cultivating a culture of environmental stewardship across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through the introduction of biodegradable alternatives, agricultural education and community partnerships, the resort is setting a new standard for eco-conscious hospitality.                                                                                                                                                                  As part of its ongoing sustainability mission, the resort has replaced single-use plastics and certain chemicals with compostable, biodegradable products derived from natural sources, to reduce pollution and minimize the resort’s carbon footprint.

At Beaches Turks & Caicos, sustainability is woven into every part of the guest experience,” said Managing Director, James McAnally. “From the products we use to the relationships we nurture, our goal is to make responsible environmental choices that benefit our guests, team members and the wider Turks and Caicos community.”

The resort also practices on-site composting, recycling fruit and vegetable waste from its kitchens to enrich soil and sustain its lush landscaping. This closed-loop system reduces waste and promotes biodiversity across the property.

Beyond the resort, Beaches collaborates with local partners including schools, government agencies and NGOs to extend green education into the wider community. Through the Sandals Foundation, the resort supports projects such as the installation of water filtration systems, tree-planting activities and biodegradable workshops. Schools like Enid Capron Primary have expanded their farming projects and integrated agricultural science into their curriculum thanks to this partnership.                                                                                                                                                                                 Beaches also leads regular coastal cleanups and reforestation drives which inspires residents and students to play an active role in protecting their environment. “The Earth Guardian volunteers take pride in giving back to our schools and the communities we serve,” noted Public Relations Manager, Orville Morgan. “These initiatives create a sense of shared responsibility that strengthens both our communities and our natural resources.”

With its commitment to biodegradable innovation, sustainable education and environmental action, Beaches Turks & Caicos continues to set the benchmark for biodiversity and sustainability in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Photo Captions

1st insert:  Beaches Turks and Caicos and the Sandals Foundation celebrate with students at the Enid Capron Primary School in a Reading Road Trip experience where guests and students get to experience a cultural melting pot of activity.


2nd insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort Simone Woodfine from the Bar Department prepares to plant a tree at one of our schools to celebrate the mission of providing a healthier environment for the Turks and Caicos Islands

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Turks and Caicos Corporate Community Join Beaches Resort to Raise Funds for Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief

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Some members of the local media fraternity who were present to share in the experience

Turks and Caicos Islands, December 17, 2025 – Corporate partners in and around Providenciales recently joined Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort raising over US $54,000 to support Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief effort.  The fundraising dinner, aptly titled, ‘One Caribbean, One Family, One Love’ saw over eighteen companies gather on Friday, December 12 to support the recovery of families and the rebuilding of communities affected by the category 5 storm.

“When our Caribbean family calls, we will respond with love,” said Deryk Meany, General Manager of the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort. “Today it is Jamaica that is affected, but tomorrow, it could be the Turks and Caicos or another neighbouring island. We are committed to serving our brothers and sisters and are deeply grateful to everyone who have donated to the cause.”

Since the passage of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica on October 28, the Sandals Foundation has been working around the clock with local agencies and international partners to provide shelter essentials, food, and clean water, restore schools, and provide medical support to hospitals. Funds raised at the recent benefit dinner will help bolster the next phase of the philanthropic organisation’s support to rebuild schools and livelihoods in affected communities.

“As we continue to provide essential first-relief support, we have already begun our long-term recovery response,” says Patrice Gilpin, Public Relations Manager at Sandals Foundation. “Many schools, which are the cornerstone of stability, learning, and emotional support for our young ones, require urgent attention. This donation will go a far way in restoring a sense of normalcy in the lives of our youngest and most vulnerable.”

The One Caribbean, One Family, One Love fundraising dinner featured, amongst other things a silent auction of Sandals and Beaches Resort stays, airline tickets, spa services, catamaran cruise, and private chef dinner. The night’s four course meal was also spearheaded by the TCI’s 2025 Taste of the Caribbean silver medalist culinary team- all of whom volunteered for the event.

Managing Director of the Northern Caribbean and Curaçao, James McAnally expressed delight at the outcome noting, “The success of this event is indicative of the power of partnerships to effect real change. We are grateful to the TCI business community, resort guests and our resort team for coming together and making this moment count.”

Photo Captions

1st insert:  Sandals Foundation Public Relations Manager Patrice Gilpin (centre) accepts the cheque from Beaches Turks and Caicos resort General Manager Deryk Meany (left) and Managing Director of the Northern Caribbean and Curacao James McAnally

2nd insert:  Members of the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort’s entertainment team were on hand to provide scintillating performances at the event

3rd insert:  Beaches Turks and Caicos resort General Manager Deryk Meany (5th left) poses for the cameras with representatives of the Graceway Communities as he personally thanked those who were in attendance

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Experience Turks and Caicos Projects Month-on-Month Growth of Stayover Arrivals for Winter Season  

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Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, Experience Turks and Caicos

PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (December 17th, 2025) – As the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes visitors for the 2025/2026 winter season, forward bookings for the peak travel period from December to March are projected to surpass those of the same period last year. Experience Turks and Caicos is also forecasting steady month-on-month growth throughout the first half of 2026, with forward bookings already tracking ahead of 2025 levels.

“This is welcome news for our tourism sector, which experienced modest declines over the last two quarters,” said Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant of Experience Turks and Caicos. “One of the key drivers of this positive outlook is increased airlift, including a 19 percent increase in capacity from Canada for the winter season and a six percent increase from the United States.”                                                                                                                                                                                  Mr. Pennicook also attributed the improved projections to targeted marketing and trade engagement efforts led by Experience Turks and Caicos, particularly ongoing training and education for travel advisors and tour operator call-centre agents across all key source markets.

 

“We have maintained a strong presence through product launches and travel trade events such as Delta Vacations University, while significantly increasing the destination’s visibility through co-op advertising with major tour operators in our three primary markets,” he added.

Public relations activity has also played a critical role, with several hosted media visits from journalists in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Latin America, alongside proactive pitching efforts that resulted in more than 100 placements in travel trade and consumer publications in 2025.

Analysis of current booking patterns also indicates a notable shift toward shorter booking windows. “One major U.S. tour operator reports that over the past several weeks, approximately 90 percent of bookings have been for travel within the next 60 days,” Mr. Pennicook noted. “Hoteliers are reporting similar trends, suggesting the potential for further growth as we move into 2026.”

Despite the positive outlook, October and November recorded declines in stayover arrivals. Preliminary data shows 30,508 air arrivals in October, representing a seven percent decrease compared to October 2024, largely due to reduced airlift from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom as well as the impact of Hurricane Melissa on travel to the region. November recorded 52,547 stayover arrivals by air, a marginal one percent decrease year-on-year.

As the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes visitors back to its shores this winter season, Experience Turks and Caicos would like to reassure that the island remains safe and welcoming. Statistics from the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force show that overall crime is down, with a 40 percent reduction in murders. Experience Turks and Caicos is working closely with the police force to ensure tourism areas are well monitored and patrolled to enhance visitor security.

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