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Illegal sloops from Haiti flood TCI during COVID-19 crisis; residents on edge

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#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — Overnight Turks and Caicos borders were breached by suspected illegal Haitian migrants and while some were captured, others appear to have escaped detection and made landfall.

Reports from residents of sightings and face-to-face encounters are vexing and disconcerting, especially given the public health crises created internationally by the novel coronavirus: COVID-19.

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In a voice note circulated on WhatsApp, a resident of Providenciales said: “Looks like we have been locked down and our borders are not being protected as we have so many boats coming in here.”

The man expressed that he believed as many as three boats landed in the northwestern end of Providenciales.

Governor and Officers on the scene of a successful interception at South Dock, Providenciales, TCI

“On my journey doing my exercise this morning, I encountered a little episode where me and my wife ran into a group of Haitians coming out of the bush. There was a bigger group ahead, so, one was coming to me speaking in Creole. I had to brush him off and continue walking, but it was kinda scary,” the man said in the audio message sent to relatives and advising them to ‘stay safe’.

Images shared on social media revealed law enforcers who were donning the all-important Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) gear; however the six-foot rule of social distancing was clearly disregarded. Scores of captured illegal migrants were seen in one photograph, seated on the floor of the gymnasium with only around two-feet of spacing between the men.

In anticipation of the possible surge in illegal landings or interceptions and guided by the fact that flights between the Turks and Caicos and Haiti are suspended indefinitely; the Governor had informed the general public the Gus Lightbourne Gym would be used temporarily as a detention center.

Law Enforcers protected by PPEs, face masks and gloves as they arrest illegal migrants from Haiti in an interception overnight

Governor Nigel Dakin earlier this week reported that a vessel with many hundreds of Haitian migrants was turned back.  That was good work.  However, it was not a guarantee that the illegal migrants would not make another attempt.

The Turks and Caicos has a coastal radar, which performs well in the effort to interdict and intercept. The images from overnight, however are reflective of those boats which sometimes slip through undetected and the people which are apprehended, then become the responsibility of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government with its limited capacity and strained resources.

COVID-19 is an all-consuming affront and threat to the modern world, but human traffickers flagrantly disregarding the additional pressure of smuggling operations. Residents are incensed by this and by the response to this ongoing problem by officials, including the United Kingdom which is responsible for National Security and Foreign Affairs.

“After I got away from them and I called 91, continue my journey about 45-minutes up to now, not a police came into Blue Hills as yet! On my way back, on the dirt road a whole group of them – about 15 – were running, just running.”

It was not the only report of no or slow response to the sightings of suspected illegal migrants by residents of Providenciales.

Additionally, Haitian officials, according to media reports, are accused of not accurately reporting on COVID-19 cases within the republic.  Many find it impossible to believe there are only 16 or 18 coronavirus patients in all of Haiti.

Suspected illegal migrants from nearby Haiti photographed in bushes; residents say trying to evade capture

Haiti has a population of 11 million and notoriously falls short when it comes to coping with outbreaks of infectious diseases. The country shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic, which tragically leads the region in COVID-19 cases and deaths. Over 1,300 are infected and the death toll is approaching 60 people according to April 2 statistics.

Cell phone video, also distributed on social media had captured the goings-on within the bush area flanking the Providenciales Landfill or dump site; three males are spotted navigating the bushes which have long been identified as a common hide-out for undocumented migrants from nearby Haiti.

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GOVERNMENT REVIEWING TENDER AFTER GRAND TURK–SOUTH CAICOS FLIGHTS STOP

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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.

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Treasure Beach Village Opens at Beaches; Tourism Leaders Expect Surge in Bookings  

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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.

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Education

Message from Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture

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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.

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