#TurksandCaicosIslands – May 7, 2020 — Tourism sector employers in the Turks and Caicos Islands believe they will have to gradually decrease basic salaries to their staff and may eventually have to lay-off workers, up to 44 per cent of them, as the COVID-19 crises continues to paralyze the travel industry.
The shocking
findings herald a possible collapse of the Turks and Caicos economy and are
revealed in a survey conducted by KPMG and commissioned by the Turks and Caicos
Hotel and Tourism Association, TCHTA. Compelling statements and suggestions are
made to the TCI Government about possibly decreasing the economic disaster which
looms now, due to the unprecedented pandemic.
An
excerpt from the survey report says: “If
the effects of the pandemic are thought to continue for another six months the
monthly fall, based on monthly payroll data of respondents, will be US$46m
which for the period April to October represents a cumulative fall (including
April) in economic activity of approximately US$300m.”
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Stretch
out any continued negative impacts on travel and tourism due to the
Coronavirus, the Turks and Caicos could see economic activity usually enjoyed
due to the employees resident within these islands, plummet by as much as
US$460m over nine months.
More
than 5,600 employees are represented in the report by a range of employers who
were surveyed from April 12-20; the cumulative pay for this sampling of workers
in hotel and tourism is estimated at $11.9 million per month.
While
there is no concrete number of how many TCHTA members were included as the
source of the survey data, KPMG informed that 48 per cent of those surveyed had
between one and 20 staffers; 31 per cent of responders employ between 21-100
people; twelve percent of the employers have from 101 to 500 staff members and
nine per cent of those who completed the survey questions, employ over 500
people.
It
was revealed that since the impact of the pandemic on this tourism destination,
fifty-six percent of employees were retained, 30 percent were furloughed or
temporary laid off and 14 percent have been terminated.
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Currently
the islands have zero tourists with all ports of entry closed to visitors
during the public health crisis; so the leading industry is already in dire straits.
The KPMG survey exposes there is still more ground to loose however, including the
loss of spending by the employees from the country’s leading industry.
Food
shopping to rent to fuel and school fees, dining, banking, services, utilities and
entertainment will all suffer tremendous decreases in business activity if 44
percent of the industry workers are laid off and if the remaining 56 per cent
are not able to receive their full pay.
KPMG
explained it this way: “… it is clear
from the survey results that the percentage of base pay being paid in April is
not sustainable. Fifty-nine per cent of employers indicated that at the end of
April they will have to reduce this percentage of basic pay which will reduce
the level of economic activity even further particularly when taking into
account the 44 per cent of the workforce that will be let go shortly.”
One
solution put forth in the document is a government supported staff retention
program.
“Seventy per cent of
employers indicated they would be willing to contribute to some form of a
Coronavirus staff retention program (“the program”) which would be a program,
ideally backed by new legislation, which ensures current employees continue to
be employed and receive some pay even though there may be no work for them for
a certain period. Employees would also have their continuity of service
maintained. They would not be considered
to be unemployed. The program would be voluntary with “Participating Employers”
and “Non-Participating employers.”
With
tourism salaries contributing as much as $55 million per month to the country’s
GDP, according to the survey, there is an unequivocal message being
transmitted: that Government’s support of a staff retention program would
mitigate the severity of further fall out in the face of COVID-19.
In the end, it is stated within the TCHTA and KPMG survey report: “No economy the size of TCI’s can sustain such dramatic falls in economic activity.”
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Turks and Caicos, October 28, 2025 – We are closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, and our thoughts and prayers are with our regional neighbours for their safety and well-being
We are now entering a critical period as Hurricane Melissa advances towards the Turks and Caicos Islands. Current projections indicate that Hurricane Melissa will begin to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands around midday tomorrow, Wednesday, 29th October.
This morning, Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier chaired a State of Preparedness Meeting. All Government agencies and critical services are mobilised. The safety and protection of every person across our Islands remains our highest priority. Our emergency response teams are prepared and the TCI Regiment is deployed across each of our Islands to support community readiness and immediate response. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are on active duty, with additional officers in North Caicos, Salt Cay, South Caicos and Grand Turk.
At this time, the hurricane is moving north-northeast. The country is expected to experience tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall and significant storm surge. The storm surge poses a serious concern for low-lying coastal areas especially along our western and southern coastlines, which may result in coastal flooding. Based on the most current weather projections and anticipated impacts for the Turks and Caicos Islands, the National Executive have agreed the following actions:
1.Evacuation Advisories
Residents in specific low-lying and flood-prone coastal areas are likely to experience significant storm surge of 2-4 feet with accompanying rainfall. Strong advice is now place for residents in these areas to relocate to designated shelters which will be open from 4pm this afternoon. These areas include:
Middle Caicos
Conch Bar Nearest Shelter: The Community Centre
North Caicos
Sandy Point Nearest Shelter : Sandy Point Community Centre
Whitby Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
Bottle Creek Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
Providenciales
Chalk Sound Nearest Shelter Enid Capron Primary School
Five Cays Nearest Shelter: Enid Capron Primary School
Discovery Bay Nearest Shelter: All Saints Church, Leeward Highway
Juba Sound Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
Long Bay Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
South Caicos
Cockburn Harbour Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
Old Airport Road Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
Should an evacuation order become necessary, it will be issued following the 6:00 PM Advisory this evening from the TCI National Weather Service.
2.Activation of Emergency Operations Centre
The National Emergency Operations Centre in Providenciales and all Islands Emergency Operations Centres will be activated at 4:00 PM today.
3.Shelters Access
Shelters across all Islands will open today at 4:00 PM to receive members of the public.
4.Shelter-in-Place
A Strong Shelter-in-Place Advisory is in place for all islands, commencing at 10:00 PM tonight. This will be in place until the all clear has been issued.
This means that from 10:00 PM tonight, all residents should be off the road, in a safe location, either at home or a designated shelter.
Please note that this position may be revised following the 6:00 PM Advisory from the TCI National Weather Service, depending on updated storm projections.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has confirmed that all airports remain fully operational for today. They will advise the public about ongoing operations dependent on the weather impacts.
In times such as this, the role of commercial entities extends beyond business – it becomes a vital part of the community’s resilience. All retailers and service providers are urged to uphold their humanitarian responsibilities by maintaining fair pricing and ensuring essential goods and services remain accessible to all.
Residents and visitors are reminded to adhere strictly to all official advisories and evacuation orders as they are issued. Avoid unnecessary movement, secure your property, and ensure that you and your family are prepared with essential supplies. Stay prepared and stay safe.
Turks and Caicos, October 25, 2025 – Budget-friendly skies are opening over the Turks and Caicos Islands as Frontier Airlines prepares to launch its first-ever nonstop flights between Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) — the world’s busiest air hub.
Starting December 20, 2025, the twice-weekly service will offer residents and tourists a direct, affordable gateway to and from the U.S. mainland. The new route marks Frontier’s debut in the Turks and Caicos, part of a major regional expansion that includes 22 new routes across Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.
“We couldn’t be more excited to begin operations in Providenciales,” said Josh Flyr, Frontier’s Vice President of Network and Operations Design. “With our nonstop service to Atlanta, we’re making travel easier, more affordable, and unlocking connections to countless destinations across the U.S. and beyond. It’s not just about tourism — it’s about opportunity.”
Big Win for Providenciales and the Region
The move positions Howard Hamilton International Airport as a growing Caribbean hub. Frontier’s low-fare model is expected to stimulate visitor arrivals, particularly from Atlanta — a key U.S. tourism feeder city — while giving Turks and Caicos residents new, cost-effective travel options for business, education, and leisure.
Industry observers note that the timing couldn’t be better. Turks and Caicos tourism remains on an upward trajectory in 2025, with hotel occupancy and airlift both climbing following the pandemic rebound. Frontier’s entry adds competitive pricing to an air market long dominated by legacy carriers, expanding the reach of the destination to more budget-minded travelers.
A Wider Growth Strategy
The Atlanta–Providenciales launch is part of Frontier’s aggressive Caribbean push this winter, which also includes new flights to Nassau, St. Maarten, Puerto Vallarta, and San José del Cabo. Introductory fares to select destinations are as low as US $69 one-way.
For Turks and Caicos, the connection to Atlanta — one of Frontier’s strategic bases — means instant access to hundreds of onward destinations in North America and beyond.
As Frontier joins the expanding roster of carriers serving the islands, tourism officials are calling it a “win-win for accessibility and affordability.” And for travelers? It’s a golden ticket to paradise — at a fraction of the cost.
Turks and Caicos, October 24, 2025 – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey delivered an impassioned address to male students at Clement Howell High School, calling on them to recognize their power, seize their potential, and “awaken the sleeping giants” within.
In a message that blended humility, faith, and personal experience, the Commissioner reminded the boys that the decisions they make today will shape their future.“The choices you make today determine who you become tomorrow,” he said.
Bailey, who revealed he was the first in his family to attend high school, urged the students to embrace education and discipline as tools of transformation.“Knowledge is power. If you want to be a real man, you need to read,” he told them. “Remember your potential — if others can do it, so can you. Some of you are sleeping giants waiting to be awakened.”
He emphasized that circumstances of birth do not dictate destiny, challenging the young men to carry self-respect, faith, and moral conviction wherever they go. “Self-respect is key; respect yourself, respect others, and respect God,” he said. “The circumstances you were born into do not define who you are.”
The Commissioner also spoke about resilience, advising that true strength often lies in restraint.
“There will be challenges, and people may try to impede your development — but rise above negativity. Sometimes, strength means walking away,” he said. “Some of you are sleeping lions; it’s time to awaken that instinct and rediscover your true potential.”
In closing, Commissioner Bailey delivered a stirring challenge:
“Each morning, look in the mirror and remind yourself that you were created by God and are capable of great exploits. You are a possibility with potential. Step forward with confidence — this is your country, your islands. Be the best version of yourself.”
Following his speech, the Commissioner engaged the students in open dialogue, answering questions and listening to their perspectives on issues affecting young men in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.