TCI News
TCHTA President’s Message on COVID-19; says in talks with Gov’t on stimulus package
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – March 23, 2020 — The economy of the Turks and Caicos Islands is the second most dependent on tourism in the world. The Turks and Caicos Hotel & Tourism Association represents the majority of businesses and employees in the tourism sector.
The TCHTA and its leadership are hard at work making strategic plans to mitigate the immediate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on employees and the economy.
We are working with the Premier and Governor offering ideas for a strategic custom-tailored financial stimulus package that matches the unique business model of the Turks and Caicos tourism industry. Such a package will be essential for the sector to survive this world-wide unprecedented situation and must include a massive cash injection into the economy.
While there are many unknowns during this global emergency, the priority of the TCHTA and its members is to our thousands of dedicated employees. As the country’s tourism sector moves closer to a zero-revenue situation for an undetermined period, our goal is to promote limited layoffs and opt for salary cuts as a measure to keep funds flowing to as many industry workers as possible, even when closures must occur.
Each property and business will have to make human resource decisions based on their respective current cash-flow position.
For any business, cash on hand and the availability of credit is the most important element of survival when revenue no longer exists. The TCHTA has engaged our partners in the banking sector and is pleased to hear that all banks will be offering some form of payment moratorium to both private and corporate customers. We are hopeful the government will also assist by making credit available to businesses.
The formula to survive for the medium term of six months and then through a longer-term recovery period is for the government, the tourism industry, and employees to share in the hardships it will take to see the country overcome the challenges ahead.
Together we will be successful and restore our tourism industry as strong as ever.
Within the membership, support is being provided with educational materials, webinars and digital forums to ensure members and their staff are properly equipped with the tools and information to practice as safely and carefully as possible to stop the spread of COVID-19 and to protect staff members. Sharing best practices and making acute efforts to preserve normalcy in operations is critical at this time.
As a small country dependent on a single industry, we must look out for one another. We appeal to everyone to be vigilant about your health and safety and that of your families. Additionally, we encourage all Turks and Caicos residents to assist neighbours and allow your actions to be guided by the spirit of caring.
The TCHTA will continue to update and keep our membership and the general public informed and demonstrate leadership for the benefit of all.
TCHTA Press Release
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#USA, June 5, 2023 – Kamala Harris, United States Vice President will journey to Nassau Bahamas in June for a
top level meeting with Caribbean leaders, marking the first time she will visit the region since occupying office in 2021.
According to the White House in a statement, the meeting will bring attention to a range of regional issues. Harris and the Caribbean leaders will continue talks on the shared efforts to address the climate crisis, such as promoting climate resilience and adaptation in the region and increasing energy security through clean energy.
Additionally, the statement informed that Harris’ trip “delivers on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advance cooperation with the Caribbean in pursuit of shared prosperity and security, and in recognition of the common bonds and interests between our nations.”
The June 8th meeting builds on and strengthens the U.S.-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030, which was launched by the Vice President and Caribbean leaders in Los Angeles at the Summit of the Americas as further mentioned by White House Statement.
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, June 5, 2023 – A champion swimmer, marathon runner, Ivy League graduate and world traveler with a huge smile– that is Alexandra Truwit; at only 22 years old, she has a whole life ahead of her, one that may have now been made exponentially harder by the loss of her foot in an incident which continues to be unconfirmed, but reported as a shark attack off the coast of Providenciales.
Magnetic Media learned Truwit, who is a very experienced swimmer, was on a private charter captained by an
employee of Big Blue Collective (not a Big Blue Charter). She was bitten by what eyewitnesses think could have been a Caribbean Reef Shark and her foot below the ankle was completely severed.
It’s a heartbreaking incident exacerbated by the young woman’s obvious love for- and proficiency in- the water.
The Yale website describes Truwit as a Two-time USA Swimming Academic All-American. Featured as a ‘Teen Titan’ in her high school, she was one of ten young people chosen for the school’s magazine.
Truwit, who has a twin brother, cites nail art and baking as her life joys. Already having survived ‘mono’ as a teen, she volunteers as a Special Olympics “hugger” and started a Special Olympics club at her high school.
She was airlifted from the Turks and Caicos on the day of her accident and there have been no updates on her condition so far. Residents in the TCI and the US have expressed via social media their best wishes for the young achiever and must now wait, hoping for the best possible outcome.
One resident said, “So sorry Alexandra you had to encounter such a traumatic experience while on vacation on our beautiful Island. I am praying for a successful surgery and speedy recovery for you, hopefully, the surgeon can work their magic for you.”
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, June 5, 2023 – There are sweeping changes coming to the civil service this year after years of complaints about delays and understaffing.
“For the year 2023/24, the office of the Deputy Governor has a very ambitious public sector transformation centered around improving service delivery and the customer experience.” 
This came from Governors Appointed Member Willin Belliard, as he rose in the budget debates on Thursday May 18 to detail the revamp.
Phase one of E-procurement which will allow for the virtual submission of tenders is to be implemented. Along with that will come E-Jobs, a similar system touted to make job applications virtual, swift and easy.
Implementation of the Human Capital Procurement Program is also on the list of deliverables. Human capital is sorely lacking in the Turks and Caicos across the public and private sectors with hundreds of vacancies sitting open and resignations continuing to pile up.
Public servants will also find it easier to enroll into the all new Public Sector Pension Plan with the advent of a portal to remove the need for paper based applications.
The previously announced pay grading exercise is on the table to be completed and a Contract management unit has now been created to manage the delivery of projects that taxpayers are funding.
Residents of the Turks and Caicos have complained bitterly about the state of the civil service in the country for years. From police records to the treasury, the service is characterized by low staffing, frustrating wait time and long lines.
-
Caribbean News4 days agoTCI records first case of Cholera; Minister says Response Plan Ready
-
Caribbean News1 week agoDirector of Sports attends General Assembly American Sports Council – Cade 2023
-
Caribbean News7 days agoWal Registre’s Impressive Rise at BTC
-
Crime1 week agoSuspect Late for Court, $5 Bar Attempted Murder Trial pending
-
Caribbean News3 days agoWoman who lost foot is Alexandra Truwit, Yale Grad & All American Swimmer
-
Caribbean News1 week agoAquatics Center gets $3.7 Million allocation announces Sport Minister Rachel Taylor
-
Caribbean News1 week agoHospitals open probe into graphic photos of American tourist
-
Caribbean News3 days agoWilkie Arthur said ‘Yes!’