#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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CIBC Caribbean proudly welcomed students from Shining Stars Preparatory School for an engaging and educational visit in celebration of the school’s annual Career Day.
Turks and Caicos Islands, June 19, 2025 –Shining Stars Preparatory School students got an inspiring introduction to the world of finance during a recent visit to CIBC Caribbean. Adorned in costumes, the future professionals were welcomed by the bank in recognition of the school’s annual career day. The visit formed part of CIBC Caribbean’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment and education. With bright eyes and inquisitive minds, the students met with members of the Digital Banking, Personal and Business Banking (PBB) Sales, and Corporate Banking Support teams to learn more about the many career opportunities available within the financial services sector.
CIBC Caribbean Head of Country, Terrance Gibson, said, “At CIBC, we firmly believe that investing in our youth is investing in the future of TCI. Welcoming the students of Shining Stars Preparatory School into our space was not only a privilege, but a powerful reminder of why community engagement matters.” The students were enthusiastic throughout the visit, eagerly asking questions and expressing keen interest in the daily operations of the bank. Their curiosity was met with thoughtful insights from CIBC Caribbean team members, who shared their personal journeys and professional experiences in banking.
As part of its broader community outreach, CIBC Caribbean has adopted Shining Stars Preparatory School. The bank has collaborated on a number of initiatives that promote learning, growth, and opportunity for young people.
Gibson added, “These bright young minds are full of potential, and our hope is that by opening our doors and sharing our knowledge, we have helped to spark interest in careers in banking, finance, and beyond. This relationship with Shining Stars speaks to our long-standing commitment to youth development and supporting the communities we serve.”
The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force confirms that Haitian national Richardson Cherefaere has been sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment by the Magistrates Court on 3 June 2025, following charges of Attempted Unlawful Entry and Returning to the Islands Contrary to a Deportation Order.
Cherefaere is a repeat immigration offender with a history of attempting to unlawfully re-enter the Turks and Caicos Islands. His first illegal entry occurred in 2019, and he was subsequently convicted and deported in January 2025 following his most recent attempt to re-enter the country. His continued disregard for immigration laws and deportation directives has resulted in a substantially longer custodial sentence.
In response, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Minister of Immigration and Border Services, states, “This significant sentence sends an unequivocal message: the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force will relentlessly pursue and prosecute anyone who deliberately defies our immigration laws and ignores deportation orders. We are unwavering in our commitment to secure our borders and uphold the rule of law with the full force it demands, ensuring justice is served every time.”
The public is strongly reminded that harbouring or facilitating the illegal entry of migrants is a serious criminal offense punishable by fines up to $20,000 and imprisonment for up to four years under the Immigration Ordinance. Anyone found in breach of these laws will face firm and immediate legal action.
FROM THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — Ms. Willette A. Pratt, Deputy Supervisor of Elections for the Turks and Caicos Islands, has successfully completed a professional attachment with the Elections Office of the Cayman Islands. The visit, held from April 18 to May 2, 2025, allowed Ms. Pratt to observe the Cayman Islands’ 2025 General Elections, gaining valuable insights into their electoral procedures, staffing models, and operational strategies.
Facilitated through a collaborative initiative by the Governor’s Office of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Elections Office of the Cayman Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands Elections Office, and welcomed by Cayman Islands Supervisor of Elections Mr. Wesley Howell, this attachment underscores a shared commitment to electoral excellence and democratic integrity.
“The Cayman Islands have demonstrated a robust and transparent electoral system. This experience has deepened my understanding of practical applications that can enhance the efficiency, inclusiveness, and accountability of our own electoral framework in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” stated Ms. Pratt. The visit was collaborative as Ms. Pratt was able to share elements of TCI’s processes with her host agency.
Key Observations and Recommendations Include but not limited to :
Strategic Staffing and Secondments: Cayman’s use of seconded civil servants with diverse skill sets greatly enhances operational capacity during elections.
Continuous Voter Registration:
Dedicated District Registration Officers.
Advanced Voter Identification System.
Inclusive Voting Mechanisms such as mobile and postal voting.
Comprehensive Poll Worker Training and Retention:
Reflecting on the importance of such observational opportunities, the Supervisor of Elections for the Turks and Caicos Islands stated:
“Attachments like these are crucial for the professional growth of our team. They not only allow us to benchmark against international best practices but also provide mentorship opportunities that build confidence and capability within our ranks. Ms. Pratt’s experience is a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in electoral administration.”
Acknowledgements:
The Elections Office of the Turks and Caicos Islands extends sincere thanks to the Governor’s Office of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Elections Office of the Cayman Islands, and all stakeholders involved in facilitating this valuable exchange. Their support made this developmental opportunity possible and meaningful.