#TurksandCaicosIslands – Full Statement by Leader of Progressive National Party (PNP) – In times of national crisis, the well being of people surpasses politics, and all decisions made with the potential outcome of securing the welfare of the TCI and its people will be supported by me.
The Premier contacted me last week Thursday, 12 March 2020 to say that there were two suspected cases of COVID-19; seven persons were in self quarantine and that she would keep me updated on matters as results became known. That was the only conversation during this crisis that I have had with the Premier. However, I am happy to hear that to date TCI is COVID-19 free.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a
global panic that are seeing border after border closing and countries becoming
virtual fortresses as whole communities are forced by their governments to
retreat within the walls of their homes. The streets of many busy commercial
districts are reminiscent of the sixty’s television series: The
Twilight Zone except that this is not science fiction, but reality.
In this hypervigilant environment of
fear the TCI must take its cue from governments and countries with the
technical skills and means to assess the risk and potential fall-out from the
pandemic without frightening its people into psychological paralysis. However,
considering the social and economic impact of a prolonged life cycle of the
virus one wonders if TCIG has to date move swiftly enough to prepare the
islands in the event the virus gets into the general population.
As an example, the government should
by now have undertaken the mass distribution of surgical masks; and alcohol
base hand sanatisers – because many people simply do not have access to a
dependable source of water, and some who do, cannot afford mask and sanitizers
assuming that they are available locally. This is especially concerning given that there
are no testing facilities and the availability of testing kits in the islands
has not been disclosed neither has the process for testing suspected cases to
ensure that samples can reach labs before the expiration of the life span of
the virus outside a host.
The TCI is a tourism dependent
destination and the hiatus in travel may be devastating for the country. The
industry indicates that cancellation rate for stay-over visitors to the TCI as
of today has exceeded 60% of forward bookings for the next six weeks, and new
bookings have ground to a halt. By some estimates the current rate of global
infection is expected to peak towards the end of April but will be with us at
least through June. Therefore, the rate
of cancellation could possibly last for 90 days. At the same time, cruise
passenger arrivals for the time being has been reduced by 100%.
The multiplier effect of visitors
spending in the local economy is difficult to measure but according to the
World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) the multiplier for tourism is 3.2 times
the initial dollar spent. Given
significant leakages because of TCI dependence on imported goods and labour, as
well as limited activities and attractions in the destination, a multiplier of
2 is assumed to be more realistic. Assuming therefore an adjusted average daily
spending (ADS) per visitor of $200, the total impact to the GDP would be $400
per day per visitor.
Average visitor arrivals for March
through the end of May in 2018 was 100,000 with an average stay of 6 nights
according to TCI Statistics Department. Assuming TCIG was on target to receive
the same number of visitors in the same period of 2020 as it received in 2018
that would translate into 600,000 nights at $200 or $120 million directly to
the industry; with a multiplier of 2 that equals a contribution to the GDP of
$240 million. A 60% cancellation over 90
days could result in lost revenue to the industry of $72 million, to the GDP of
$144 million and $14.4 million to TCIG from stay over visitors. Cruise tourism
arrivals for the period March through May 2019 was approximately 265 000
passengers. Assuming similar numbers
were expected in 2020: an average spent per head of $50 would result in lost
revenue of $13.25 million to vendors and tour operators in addition to TCIG
departure tax of $14 translating to 3.7 million of lost TCIG revenue in the
beleaguered economy of Grand Turk
Based on the above, a combined total
of upwards to $85 million could potentially be loss to the private sector, over
$18 million to TCIG and approximately $160 million could be shave off of the
GDP in the next 90 days. This is a potential reduction of 16% base on a
one-billion-dollar economy. The gravity of the situation may require the
declaration of a state of emergency by the Governor under Section 37 (1)(c) of
the TCI Constitution to mandate actions in the public interest. What these actions should be would depend on
the prevailing circumstances over time but should pertain to certain basic
physiological needs of food, water, shelter and safety in its broadest sense;
and may include rationing to discourage hoarding resulting in artificial
shortages for some people; as well as price control on staples and sanitary
goods.
Given the favourable cash balances of
the TCIG, it should take action to ease the pressure off of consumers by
removing duties and custom processing fees from all basic consumable
merchandise imported, to make it easier on workers. In addition, it should through the House of
Assembly appropriate funding for social welfare to subsidize the living
expenses of unsupported indigents, and other vulnerable groups; negotiate with financial
institutions to freeze for a period of 90 days mortgage payments for those
persons who find themselves unemployed or underemployed and unable to meet
their payments; and negotiate a freeze on the Fortis rate increase and all
other rates until further notice. Consider introducing a means testing
framework to provide relief to basic wage earners in the hospitality and
related industries until the industry recovers.
Whatever the outcome, the situation
has place in sharp focus the tremendous vulnerabilities we face as a small
tourism dependent country. In the face of the challenges, it cannot be business
as usual. We must immediately reprogram
our collective mind-set to suit our unique circumstances. In the new reality
food and citizen security, social development and environmental sustainability
MUST trump everything else. We simply must prepare ourselves for the growing
natural and manmade threats of the 21st century. Regardless to how
we arrive here and whatever our political persuasion maybe we face a common and
uncertain future at least in the short term; and in these times must coalesce
around the common value of cooperation and community.
Finally, I wish to appeal to all to
heed the massages from the authorities. The risk is high, the threat is real,
resources are limited and facilities are rudimentary. Stay at home unless you absolutely need to be
out. This too will pass, but in the meanwhile hunker down.
Sincere thanks and gratitude to all
those on the frontline especially our medical professional and senior public
health officials for your tireless efforts in monitoring this pandemic in the
interest of all of us. It is in these
times when your genius shine. I appreciate your invaluable contribution and
sacrifice and pray for your safety and good health.
May God bless our beautiful Islands
and may he keep us safe and healthy!!!
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Turks and Caicos Islands – March 10, 2026 – Commercial flights between Grand Turk and South Caicos have been temporarily discontinued, leaving residents without a direct air link between the two islands since March 1.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government confirmed the suspension in a statement Tuesday, explaining that the route — which operates under a government subsidy — is currently under review as officials reassess the tender process used to award the service.
The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Investment and Trade said the government is “working diligently to assess available options” to restore reliable air service between the islands as quickly as possible.
While the statement did not identify which airline had been operating the route, historically Caicos Express Airways and interCaribbean Airways have provided flights between South Caicos and Grand Turk using small twin-engine aircraft.
Officials acknowledged the disruption has caused concern among residents, noting that inter-island air travel is critical for access to essential services, business activity and government operations.
The government emphasized that the suspension does not affect flights between Grand Turk and Salt Cay, which continue to operate normally.
The review now underway will determine the next provider for the subsidized route. Authorities say the process must be conducted in a “fair, transparent and efficient manner” before service can resume.
For residents of the two islands, however, the immediate issue remains transportation — with many now forced to reroute through Providenciales or rely on limited sea travel until the air connection is restored.
Further updates are expected once the government completes its review and awards a new operating arrangement.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — A major new chapter in Caribbean tourism has begun in the Turks and Caicos Islands with the opening of Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos, a $150 million expansion expected to drive increased bookings, air arrivals and tourism earnings for the country.
The new oceanfront development, officially opened on February 28, adds 101 luxury multi-bedroom suites to the resort and introduces new dining, entertainment and family experiences designed to strengthen the destination’s position in the global luxury family vacation market.
Tourism officials and resort executives say the expansion is expected to generate greater demand for the destination, which in turn translates to more flights, more visitor spending and increased government revenue from hotel and tourism taxes.
The development is part of an ongoing investment strategy by Sandals Resorts International, which continues to expand the Beaches brand across the Caribbean.
Executive Chairman Adam Stewart described the opening as a powerful signal of confidence in the Turks and Caicos tourism product.
“This moment reflects a partnership between Sandals and the Turks and Caicos Islands that has been built over decades,” Stewart said during the opening celebrations. The new village, he added, builds on the brand’s reputation for creating multi-generational travel experiences where families reconnect and spend meaningful time together.
The resort expansion reinforces Beaches’ reputation as the world’s leading luxury all-inclusive resort brand for families, and Beaches Turks and Caicos continues to stand as one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious properties.
Government officials attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including Tourism Minister Zhavargo Jolly, said the investment strengthens the destination’s international standing and highlights continued confidence in the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier tourism market.
The new village significantly expands the resort’s accommodation offerings with spacious ocean-view suites and high-end villas designed to host larger families and groups. The property now includes luxury options such as the CrystalSky four-bedroom beachfront villas and a multi-level Chairman’s Penthouse suite capable of accommodating up to ten guests.
Treasure Beach Village also introduces six new dining concepts, including the Pinta Food Hall with multiple global cuisine stations and Butch’s Island Chop House, a signature steakhouse previously exclusive to the Sandals brand.
Additional amenities include a 15,000-square-foot lagoon pool, waterslides and splash zones for children, a swim-up bar, and the brand’s first Starfish Cinema, a theatre designed for family movie nights.
Guests staying in the new village will also have access to the full Beaches Turks and Caicos experience, including 28 restaurants, the 45,000-square-foot Pirates Island Water Park, unlimited water sports and supervised children’s programmes.
Industry observers say the investment not only enhances the visitor experience but also strengthens Turks and Caicos’ reputation as one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after luxury destinations.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 6 March 2026: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Today, as we observe National Teachers’ Day, we pause to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of our teachers and the dedicated leaders of our schools. Your commitment to shaping young minds, guiding character, and nurturing potential is a calling that reaches far beyond the classroom. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Your daily efforts reflect the truth and wisdom of these words.
We also extend sincere appreciation to the leaders of our schools whose vision, guidance, and steady leadership create environments where both teachers and students can flourish. Your role in supporting educators and maintaining strong, positive learning communities is invaluable to the continued progress of our education system.
Teaching is not without its challenges. Yet, even in moments of stress and difficulty, our teachers continue to demonstrate genuine love, patience, and concern for their students. For this, we are deeply grateful. Your compassion, encouragement, and dedication help our children feel seen, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential. Truly, to teach is indeed to touch lives forever.
Education is strongest when it is supported by partnership. We must also recognize the important role of parents and families in the success of our children. When schools and homes work together, the results are powerful. As we often say, when parents lead, children succeed. This shared commitment creates a strong foundation for learning and growth.
As a Department and Ministry of Education, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting our teachers and school leaders. We will continue to invest in meaningful professional development, provide the resources necessary for effective teaching and learning, and strengthen the systems that empower educators to thrive in their profession. Your work matters deeply, and we remain dedicated to ensuring you have the support needed to continue making a lasting difference.
On behalf of the Ministry of Education, I thank you. Thank you for your dedication, your resilience, your leadership, and for the love and care you show to our children each and every day. Today we celebrate you and the incredible impact you have on our nation’s future.