TCI News

TCI Premier March 25 National Address – COVID-19 Impact and Response

Published

6 years ago

March 25, 2020

File Photo, Hon Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, TCI Premier

FULL STATEMENT: These past few months and weeks, countries around the globe have been grappling with the deadly COVID-19. We have seen panic, fear, anger and tears from leaders in public places. No one could have imagined that countries so far apart and so different in a world seemingly so big would become so small and will across the continents face the same crippling challenge.

Our country has had the benefit of watching this unfold in many respects in the worst possible away for citizens across the world and have used the opportunity to learn from good and bad experiences whilst crafting our response.

I must as always commend the Ministry of Health for their pro-activeness and for briefing Cabinet as early as January on COVID-19 and for the Hon Minister’s comprehensive Ministerial Statement to the House of Assembly as early as February 14th. Health’s advice through the Public and Environmental Health Board, Health Leaders has poised TCI to take proactive measures.

When we introduced Regulations in response to this pandemic, ours were the most advanced in the region at the time.

We activated the National Emergency Operation Center (the structure used in our context for Hurricanes) to better coordinate activities to manage and structure our preparedness, mitigation and response to COVID-19.

We strengthened measures as recent as Friday to contain and control the spread and last evening, the Emergency Powers commenced under a declared State of Emergency; and all steps were taken prior to any news of a confirmed case in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Whilst this is being lauded by our counterparts, we are not boastful of what we have accomplished but proud of our health team who never shied away from their role and advice.

This is not to say, we have taken all the right steps to eradicate the threat but these measures certainly are mitigating measures and will go for naught if we as the people do not embrace the measures in the spirit in which they are being introduced.

Yesterday, the Cabinet sat in an extraordinary Meeting to consider further recommendations from the Meeting of the PEHB and the NEOC. After hours of careful and measured consideration, we have agreed the following:

Curfew Imposed
For the purposes of preventing, controlling and suppressing the spread the virus, a curfew is being imposed.

Effective Thursday, March 26th, a curfew is hereby imposed on all persons and businesses from 8pm to 5am save for any exemptions provided.

Effective Saturday, March 28th at 5am, a curfew is imposed every day until April 14th 2020 for twenty-four hours except as provided herein or as may be approved by the Governor. There are essential services that will be allowed to operate and a comprehensive list will be made available through various platforms immediately following this address as well as at 12pm today and every other hour, the measures will be aired over RTC for the remainder of this week.

Shelter in Place
For the purposes of preventing, controlling and suppressing the spread the virus, residents are to shelter in place and shall remain confined to their place of residence (inclusive of their yard space) to avoid contact outside of their family, save for the exceptions provided.

Work Remotely
For the purposes of preventing, controlling and suppressing the spread the virus, all businesses and offices may only continue their business operations by allowing their employees to work remotely from home utilizing virtual means unless workers are permitted to work under these Regulations or are designated as essential services. These provisions are likewise extended to the Public Service.

For the purposes of preventing, controlling and suppressing the spread the virus, all establishments, institutions, businesses, offices, stores and organisations shall suspend operations except those designated as essential services in the Regulations and for the hours permitted.

Stricter Social Distancing Protocols
For the purposes of preventing, controlling and suppressing the spread the virus, there will be strict distancing protocols for those offering and accessing essential services.

Ban on Social Gatherings
For the purposes of preventing, controlling and suppressing the spread the virus, no person shall host or attend any social gatherings except those approved by the Governor on the advice of the Ministry of Health.
Closure of Public Beaches
For the purposes of preventing, controlling and suppressing the spread the virus, all public beaches shall remain closed.

Restriction on Visitation
For the purposes of preventing, controlling and suppressing the spread the virus, there will no visits to anyplace of quarantine, to a patient at the hospital or under residential care at a facility, the detention center or the prison.

Power of Governor
For the purposes of preventing, controlling and suppressing the spread the virus, the Governor shall have the power to requisition any building, ship, aircraft, vehicle etc. with notice during this period of emergency to be used for the purpose of stopping and controlling the spread of the virus. He shall likewise have the power to reasonably requisition management and control of any essential service.

Enforcement
For the purposes of preventing, controlling and suppressing the spread the virus and enforcement of these provisions, a Police Officer has the power to stop, detain and arrest any in violation of these Regulations.

No one shall obstruct any officer empowered under these regulations to carry out their duties.

And no person shall declare the sale or offer of sale of goods during this period of public emergency at an unconscionable price.

Ban on Returning Residents
Effective today, all returning residents are banned from returning to TCI for a period of 21 days. We have now agreed to take this step following our repeated appeals.

Restriction on Inter Island Travel
Effective tomorrow all inter island travel is restricted save for those accessing essential services only.

Please note that all provisions remain under review but the 24 hour curfew shall remain in place for a period of 21 days from Saturday 5am. Please familiarize yourselves with the essential services that will allowed during this time and the wider Regulations.

I wish to remind us further that:

Emergency Powers came into effect last evening under a Declared State of Emergency at midnight and this allows for ease of governance. We assure our people that these powers will be accessed and responsibly used for the purposes of preventing, controlling and suppressing the spread the virus. This leadership partnership that you see before you today is vital for us at this time but your role is even more important.

In addition, effective last night, it is a punishable offence to spread false information. Please guided by the Regulations as to what constitutes this offence.

Our dashboard released daily shows in our local context one confirmed case of COVID-19 in these Islands. I place emphasis on confirmed. We want you to behave as if there are more because there probably are. We want you take note of symptoms and use the numbers provided by the Ministry of Health. If you experience any of the symptoms, please do not go to the Hospital. Please use the numbers provided.

As I conclude, I share that in all of Cabinet’s deliberations during the threat of this pandemic, we have been guided by four principles: top of the list and paramount is the health and the well – being of our people and so we have had to make some tough decisions that adds to all of our financial state. There must never be a competition between economy and health. Health must win every time. It is a sacrifice that we have all had to make as leaders and I know that it is the right decision.

In these times, Governments do have a responsibility to aid our people. And as promised, TCI Government like a few Governments thus far will present a list of measures. Tomorrow at 2pm, I will announce the TCI’s Stimulus Package in response to COVID-19. Countries dealing with the fall out have had to juggle figures that are shifting by the day. The response of TCI has been a measured one and one that has looked around sectors to see how we can assist individuals and businesses. As we are all uncertain of the length of this period, we ask that you tighten your boot strap where you are able to and consider the uncertainty. Whilst TCI Government will do what it can, we ask corporate citizens to not close their bowels of compassion and we ask us as individual citizens to be our brothers’ keepers. We need each other. The road ahead may become increasingly difficult. These are indeed uncertain times but I remain confident that if we take individual responsible action, we can come through this the best way possible.

These are difficult times and this hand has been dealt to every country across the globe has challenged us not just as leaders but as citizens to take proactive steps. This uncertainty does not make us powerless. In fact, this empowers each of us to take this matter seriously and in our own hands and it has rewarded those who act responsibly together. Whilst the Governments across the world are taking serious measures to protect its people, our efforts are only as good as the individual. We need you to partner with us by breaking contacting and by heeding health’s practical advice: wash your hands properly or use a 70% alcohol based sanitizers, cover your cough and/or sneeze and disposable of any tissue properly, avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose, sanitize frequently used surfaces including your cell phone and practice social distancing.

May God bless us all and God bless these Beautiful by Nature Turks and Caicos Islands.

Related Topics:#coronavirus #covid-19 #covid19 #emergencyorders #magneticmedianews #sharlenerobinson #TCIPremier

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TCI News

Turks and Caicos Islands Reaffirms Status as Premier Beach and Romance Destination at World Travel Awards

Published

3 days ago

October 6, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, Experience Turks and Caicos

PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (October 6th, 2025) – The Turks and Caicos Islands has once again reaffirmed its status as the Caribbean’s premier beach and romance destination at the annual World Travel Awards.

At the ceremony held in Saint Lucia on October 4th, the destination was named the region’s Leading Beach Destination and Most Romantic Destination. Turks and Caicos has captured the Leading Beach Destination title every year since 2015 and the Most Romantic Destination award for seven consecutive years.

“It is no secret that the Turks and Caicos Islands is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, and we are honoured that voters continue to recognise this. Our pristine waters and secluded settings also make the destination one of the world’s most romantic getaways, especially for couples seeking luxury and intimacy. On behalf of Experience Turks and Caicos, I extend sincere thanks to the World Travel Awards and to everyone who voted in support of our islands,” said Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, Experience Turks and Caicos.

Experience Turks and Caicos would like to extend congratulations to our hotel partners and stakeholders who also won regional recognition at the World Travel Awards.

Beaches – Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2025

The Palms – Caribbean’s Leading All-Suite Hotel 2025

Ambergris Cay Private Island Resort – Caribbean’s Leading Private Island Resort 2025

InterCaribbean – Caribbean’s Leading Cabin Crew 2025

Turks and Caicos Islands Awards

Windsong Resort – Turks and Caicos Leading Boutique Hotel 2025

The Palms – Turks and Caicos Leading Hotel 2025

Grace Bay Club – Turks and Caicos Leading Luxury Resort 2025

The Shore Club – Turks and Caicos Leading Resort 2025

Four-bedroom Oceanfront Penthouse @Windsong Resort – Turks and Caicos Leading Hotel Suite 2025

Avis – Turks and Caicos Leading Car Rental Company 2025

Caicos Dream Tours – Turks and Caicos Leading Tour Operator 2025

Olympia Destination Management Company – Turks and Caicos Leading Destination Management Company 2025

The Turks and Caicos Islands now has an opportunity to win ultimate recognition in global travel and tourism with three global nominations in the World Travel Awards for the following:

World’s Leading Beach Destination
World’s Leading Island Destination
World’s Most Romantic Destination

The “World’s Leading” categories are the highest in the World Travel Awards programme. Voting runs from October 6^th -26th October 2025. Votes can be cast by travel professionals, media and tourism consumers, with the nominee gaining the most votes announced as the 2025 World Travel Awards winner.

TCI News

103 Migrants Intercepted by U.S. Coast Guard and TCI Agencies

Published

3 weeks ago

September 21, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, September 21, 2025 – On Sunday, September 21st, 2025, the United States Coast Guard Southeast (USCG), working in coordination with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) Marine Branch, the TCI Regiment, and the TCI Border Force, intercepted a vessel carrying 103 migrants bound for Providenciales.

The suspicious vessel, first tracked by the USCG, was stopped at sea and later secured by the Sea Guardian vessel, which towed it safely to South Dock Marina. Upon arrival, the migrants were disembarked and handed over to the TCI Border Force for processing.

A breakdown of those on board confirmed:

75 males (including two minors)
28 females (including two minors)

This interception marks the 18th such operation in 2025, bringing the total number of migrants detained this year to 1,510. The RT&CIPF thanks the USCG and local agencies for their close cooperation, noting that this successful outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of layered security measures protecting the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Force reminds the public that illegal migration is dangerous and life-threatening, and violations of the law will not be tolerated.

Anyone with information on illegal migration is urged to contact the nearest police station, call 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or via the P3 app.

Photos Courtesy: Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force

TCI News

Invest Turks and Caicos Celebrates a Decade of Innovation and Impact at 4th Annual General Meeting

Published

3 weeks ago

September 19, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – September 19, 2025 – Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency (Invest TCI) proudly hosted its 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the Ritz Carlton, Turks and Caicos, marking a historic milestone, under the theme ‘ Celebrating a Decade of Innovation and Impact’.

The celebratory event brought together government officials, investors, developers, business leaders, and community stakeholders as the agency reflected on ten years of strategic growth and outlined its vision for the next decade.

The meeting was called to order by Chairlady, Ms. Cindy Ewing, who welcomed the full house with energy and gratitude. She acknowledged the partnerships which have fuelled Invest TCI’s success over its first ten years. In her remarks, she stated, ‘This agency was created with a clear purpose, to attract sustainable investment that would strengthen our economy and open new doors for our people’.

The evening continued with a powerful address from Honourable Premier Charles Washington Misick, emphasizing the role of innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development as cornerstones of the country’s future. He reaffirmed government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment, community-driven infrastructure, and balanced growth. Building on that vision, Her Excellency, Acting Governor Anya Williams reflected on how the landscape has shifted from TCI once seeking foreign investors to now being actively pursued. She emphasized that with this new dynamic, growth must remain sustainable, protect the environment, and deliver lasting benefits for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Delivering the agency’s annual performance report, CEO Mrs. Angela Musgrove outlined achievements during the 2024–2025 financial year. These included the first Youth Business Summit, the opening of a new office in Grand Turk, the launch of the Community Pop-Up Series, the approval of the Heritage Turks and Caicos Islander Investment Policy, and advancement of the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Policy. She also reflected on a decade of accomplishments, noting how Invest TCI has expanded its reach, strengthened its impact, and positioned the islands for greater opportunity.

A Ten Years in Review video presentation followed, sparking applause and pride as it highlighted milestones in national development. The film set the stage for an invigorating panel discussion under the theme “The Next Horizon: Catalyzing Economic Development through Investment,” moderated by financial expert Mr. Drexwell Seymour.

The panel featured an extraordinary lineup: Premier Hon. Charles Washington Misick, former Premiers Hon. Galmo Williams and Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing, CEO Mrs. Angela Musgrove, and youth leader Ms. Arielle Neely. The discussion highlighted not only the perspectives of national leaders but also the entrepreneurial achievements of the former Premiers, both of whom have successfully built businesses that continue to contribute to the Turks and Caicos economy. The presence of three seasoned leaders alongside Invest TCI’s chief executive and a dynamic youth voice captivated the audience, underscoring both the depth of experience and the promise of the next generation.

The discussion was focused on how investment can power sustainable growth and resilience in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Key themes included sustainable development, innovation and technology, local business competitiveness, youth integration, and public-private collaboration. Panelists emphasized the need for robust legislative frameworks and compliance, while highlighting human capital development as the cornerstone of future progress. Ms. Neely added a compelling youth perspective, calling for measurable inclusion through Youth Impact data and innovative financing models to ensure young people are active stakeholders in shaping the economy.

As part of the anniversary celebration, Invest TCI also launched the Inaugural Developer Awards, created to recognize developers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to inclusive, responsible, and impactful development. The awards spotlighted projects that extended beyond commercial success to deliver meaningful community value.

Two award categories were introduced:

Sustainability Trailblazer: Recognizing developers who lead in building sustainable legacies through infrastructure, cultural preservation, and enduring community partnerships.
Community Impact Award: Honouring developers who have made the most visible social contributions through job creation, training, community programs, and philanthropy.

Submissions showcased initiatives such as recycling and composting programs, eliminating single-use plastics, landscaping with indigenous vegetation, and investments in renewable energy. Many also reflected consistent support for local charities, reinforcing the vision of development that uplifts both the economy and the community.

Nominees included The Hartling Group, Sandals Group (Beaches Turks and Caicos), Grace Bay Resorts, Waterloo Investments Holdings Ltd., and JEM TCI Holdings Ltd. (Salterra Resort & Spa). Grace Bay Resorts received the Sustainability Trailblazer Award, while Sandals Group (Beaches Turks and Caicos) was honoured with the Community Impact Award.

Other memorable moments of the evening included two luxury raffle draws and a special recognition presented to Ms. Sheryl McLaughlin for five years of dedicated service to the agency.

The evening concluded with closing remarks from Deputy Chair Mr. Walter Gardiner, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants and extended appreciation to the organizers for delivering a successful and memorable celebration.