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Former TCI Premier questions equity of Stimulus Package and Emergency Orders; says reconsider Gym as Detention Center

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#TurksandCaicosIslands – FULL STATEMENT by MICHAEL MISICK:

I sat and waited patiently to see what would this government’s so-called stimulus package would look like. When it was finally announced, I like other citizens was curiously optimistic that it would provide the type of relief our people need and rightfully deserve.

As details of the plan were revealed by the Premier, I carefully examined the entire stimulus program giving the government the benefit of the doubt. After analyzing it closely the conclusion that I have come to is that this sham of a plan is purely smoke and mirrors. The reality is that there is not much in it for Turks and Caicos Islanders.

While the gesture of $1200, at first sight, may seem generous we have to put that into its true context.  First of all, this is a one-time payment and we do not know how long this crisis will last. Secondly, it targets the hospitality workers, in particular, leaving other sectors uncovered.  Unfortunately in our country, 90 percent of the hospitality workers are not from here so many may just collect the check and leave this country resulting in us as a nation reaping no benefit.  Thirdly the red tape that has been wrapped around this money will mean that it will take a long time for anyone to get it if they get it at all.

The stimulus package for self-employed persons and small to medium businesses is in the same category being very difficult to access. The last few years under this administration has been very hard on the small businessman, many are fighting tooth and nail just to keep their doors open, I am sure most small business don’t have there NIB or NHIP paid up to date.  So while they may truly be hurting this alone is a gigantic obstacle that will bar them from receiving the aid.

What is abundantly clear however and extremely easy to access is the stimulus that provides for 50 percent reduction in stamp duties and 3 months exemption from import duties.  So it does not matter if a developer or ex-pat is up to date with NHIP or behind on NIB there is no qualifier, there is no bar, and no hindrance, just a big sweet free for all for import, stamp duty breaks and tax holidays. In my view this is unnecessary. We are giving away monies that could me use to help the poor, the same people who were given renovation tax holidays after the hurricane are the same people that will get the holiday again. Think about it, we did not have a hurricane so why is there a need for repairs?

Noticeably absent from the stimulus package is help for the people that would need it the most. The poor, the unemployed, the youth and the elderly. It is my view that all adult citizens should get this payment of $1200 whether working or not, $1200 is too small as it should be at least $1500 per citizen. The old folks on retirement pension should get it as well as the young mothers without jobs. There should also be made provision for children. Every Turks and Caicos Islander child in my view should get a $500 payment to sustain them during these times They too need food and supplies.

Instead of giving stamp duties and duty-free concession to the rich and the building material companies that will buy and stock up to sell at regular prices, I believe a better way to help our citizens is for the government to forgive and forgo all back fees on government lease land to Islanders and award them freehold title at no cost. Furthermore, all of the land that interim government and their so-called “recovery team” have taken from Turks and Caicos Islands should be returned so that islanders can build there dream home or business and be empowered.

Why is it that every time there is a stimulus we the Citizens of this country are left out? Why is it always us that have to subsidize the folks that are making millions of dollars when the economy is good without giving much back? This blatant and total disregard and shameless contempt for us as a people can be plainly seen.

Why is it that all the local businesses especially the restaurants and takeouts are closed when IGA  has been allowed to stay open to sell groceries and boil fish and grits, rum, beer and sundry, while our brothers and sisters have to close their place of business and sit at home fretting over how to pay their bills? Why is the Wine Cellar is told to close while IGA is allowed to sell wine, vodka, and whiskey by the case, bottle, and shot? Can someone answer these questions for me? Something is Rotten in Denmark and it is not cheese. I say the law should be fair and the law must be clear. If a category of business is exempt by law then let it be exempt across the board with no favoritism. The system of having to apply to a secret close door committee for your business to be included on an exempt list leaves room for subjective selections rather than an open and transparent process whereby everyone is equal under the law.

While I am writing it pains my heart to have seen the notice published in the gazette by the Minister designating the only sports complex that we have in Providenciales as a detention center. This is a direct attack on the athletic development of our youth and this can not be allowed to happen. As the person who with my hard-working ministers was responsible for building this complex, I am appalled that this would even be considered. This complex was built for the enjoyment of our citizens especially young people it was built as a place designated for growing sport and developing strong all-around individuals. I was blessed to see many a NBA star and streetball legends visit that facility and marvel at its foresight and quality. I call on the minister and the government to reconsider their plans for turning the Gustavo Lightbourne sports complex into a detention center whether it be permanent or temporary, think of the children, our children, your children and their need to have this facility to develop their skills. There must be another suitable place that can be rented and use for this purpose.

Finally, I say to citizens and residents alike as difficult as it may seem we have to stay safe and stay inside and avoid personal contact with others. This virus is no joke and if it is not contained it could have a devastating effect on us as a country with the possibility of countless lives lost. We only need to see what’s happening in Italy, Spain, and America. I know that when we watch TV we sometimes think, well it’s happening there and can not happen here but in this global village we live in nothing is far away anymore. So let’s abide by the curfew and the other emergency measures that have been put in place for our protection and safety. Let us be our brother’s keeper and keep each other safe and out of harm’s way. Continue to pray medical professionals and essential workers, pray protection for our elderly and at-risk persons and most of all pray for the good Lord to Bless and spare our Turks and Caicos Islands.

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

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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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