TCI News
TCI Disaster Management advises: 2020 Hurricane Season Forecast to be an Active
#GrandTurk, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 13, 2020 – As the world battles the Coronavirus crisis, researchers at the Colorado State University (CSU) are warning of a potentially active Atlantic Hurricane Season; beginning on June 1st to November 30th 2020.
Predicted to be an above-normal season, this year’s Hurricane Season marks the fifth consecutive year of above-average activity in the Atlantic. Researchers are predicting sixteen (16) named storms. Of those, eight (8) are expected to become hurricanes and four (4) to reach major hurricane strength (Saffir/Simpson Category 3,4,5). This is due to the absence of El Nino and warm sea surface temperatures. El Niño tends to increase upper-level westerly winds across the Caribbean into the tropical Atlantic, tearing apart hurricanes as they try to form.
As the Hurricane Season quickly approaches, the Turks and Caicos Islands will observe its annual Hurricane Preparedness Month Campaign, commencing May 1st, under the theme “Be Proactive Not Reactive”. To mark this event, the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) will be hosting a series of events:
• National Day of Prayer for Safe Hurricane Season;
• Refresher Trainings in Shelter Management, Damage and Needs Assessment, Radio Communications and Logistics Supply Systems;
• Virtual Press Conference;
• Schools Hurricane Preparedness (Art and Poetry) Competition;
• Virtual Town Hall Meeting;
The Director of DDME, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux, stated: “In the midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic and a looming active Hurricane Season, as a country, it is even more important for us to be proactive and begin to prepare for a possible impact. We must begin now to take steps to ensure that our homes, businesses and families are well prepared for this year’s hurricane season, let us begin to update our business continuity and family emergency plans and develop comprehensive response platforms.
We have to be proactive in preparing and not wait until something happen to begin to put measures in place. The 2019 Hurricane Season–in particular Hurricane Dorian which disseminated parts of the Bahamas should serve as a stark reminder of how devastating and destructive storms can be and how important it is to be prepared”.
The CSU team will issue further forecast updates on June 4, July 7 and August 6. Therefore, please continue to monitor information from DDME’s Website and Social Media Pages.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks & Caicos (BTC) recently welcomed 35 students from Clement Howell High
School’s Social and Environmental Arts Club for an immersive educational tour showcasing the resort’s sustainable waste management and composting systems, including grey water recycling.
The visit was part of BTC’s ongoing commitment to environmental education and sustainability. Students explored the resort’s eco-friendly initiatives, including how kitchen waste is transformed into nutrient-rich compost to support the property’s vibrant gardens.
Gerry Harris, 15, said the experience was eye-opening. “It showed me how simple but effective waste disposal can be—even at home. Seeing it first-hand made a big difference.”
17-year-old Onerce Oriol, who aspires to be a construction engineer, was especially drawn to the composting demonstration. “It was exciting to learn how common kitchen scraps can enrich the soil. I never realized how waste could be reused in such a beneficial way.”
The interactive, hour-long tour gave students a chance to engage in the process directly, enhancing their understanding through hands-on learning.
“This was a very informative experience,” said Robert Toby Grant, creative environmentalist and teacher at Clement Howell High. “Our
students gained practical knowledge of BTC’s sustainability efforts and how they can apply these practices in their own lives.”
Jamie McAnally, managing director at Beaches Turks & Caicos, emphasized the value of community partnerships, “engaging students is key. One inspired student can influence an entire household, creating a ripple effect that benefits communities and ultimately, the island.”
BTC continues to champion environmental stewardship across Turks & Caicos, partnering with schools, government agencies and NGOs to promote sustainable practices. One standout collaboration is with the Edward Garland Youth Centre, which transforms plastic bottle waste from the resort into eco-art and garden installations.
Beaches Turks & Caicos is proud to support initiatives that build a greener future for the “Beautiful by Nature” Turks & Caicos Islands.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Shore Club once again set the stage for one of the destination’s most anticipated
culinary events, the annual Taste of Tapas, hosted by the Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA). The evening brought together 15 of the country’s finest restaurants for a night of culinary creativity, collaboration, and cause – all in support of the association’s Hospitality Adventure programs and National Culinary Team.
Guests were treated to a diverse array of bite-sized culinary masterpieces, each representing the signature style and flavours of the participating restaurants. This year’s lineup featured:
Beaches Turks & Caicos, COMO Parrot Cay, Grace Bay Club, Indigo, LUA Restaurant, Parallel 23, Rock House, Seven Stars Resort, Sui-Ren, TCI Culinary Ambassadors, The Del Mar, The Ritz-Carlton TCI, The Source, Point Grace, and Provo Caribbean Cafe.
The welcome drink was graciously sponsored by Java Island, setting the tone for an evening of elegance and island flair.
In addition to the culinary showcase, attendees had the opportunity to bid on a host of luxury experiences and items during the silent auction, thanks to generous contributions from: Beaches Resort Villages & Spa, Pine Cay, The Ritz-Carlton, Point Grace, COMO Parrot Cay, The Shore Club, Grace Bay Club, South Bank, The Ital Lifestyle, and VIP Flyer’s Club.
TCHTA CEO, Stacy Cox, reflected on the evening’s impact, stating: “Taste of Tapas is a beautiful representation of what makes this industry so special – the spirit of collaboration, excellence, and giving back. The funds raised will go directly into programs that empower our local talent and elevate our destination’s culinary service standard.”
The evening also served as the perfect platform to announce the TCHTA Pop-Up Series, a new fundraising initiative that will replace the
former annual Golf Scramble. First up is a Canadian-Inspired Dinner, set for June 26th, 2025 at The Farm at Seven Stars Resort, featuring Executive Chef Craig Nazareth of Beaches Turks and Caicos.
This dinner is a celebration of culture through cuisine,” said Chef Nazareth. “I’m excited not only to bring a taste of Canada to the islands, but also to once again work alongside Executive Chef Edwin Gallardo as we prepare the National Culinary Team to go head-to-head with the region at the Taste of the Caribbean competition in Florida later this year.” The team’s feeder program, the Hospitality Adventure Summer Camps, are just around the corner with registration open for the following programs:
- Junior Lit’l Chef: July 7–11
- Spa Adventure: July 14–18
- Lit’l Chef: July 21–26
Back on the TCHTA’s calendar is the thrilling TCHTA Cocktail Competition, traditionally used to select the successful Bartender to join the national competition team.
The TCHTA thanks members, sponsors, and supporters as the organization maintains its commitment to cultivating talent and crafting world-class experiences for the destination.
Registration for the Summer Camps can be accessed here: https://www.tcihospitalityadventure.com/. Follow the TCHTA’s social media pages for updates on the Pop-Up Series and future events.
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