TCI News
Beaches Resort reacts to Premier; open to dialogue and points to multi-million dollar marketing for TCI tourism
Beaches Resort Turks and Caicos Villages & Spa Statement issued July 28
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – July 29, 2020 — As the conversation continues on finding solutions to the new normal that has been brought about by the COVID 19 pandemic, Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa is committed to working with all stakeholders in an effort to try to restart the country’s tourism sector.
On Monday, in response to questions from journalists, Premier the Hon. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson acknowledged that the government had not yet had any conversation with Beaches Turks and Caicos on the current plight.
We wish to assure the people of the TCI that we are always available to discuss this unprecedented situation that the Caribbean and the entire world are now faced with. Notwithstanding that, Beaches is forging ahead with our reopening plans.
Let us be clear, there is no magic wand that is going to make this better overnight. This will require many millions of dollars in marketing, extensive coordination with vast numbers of travel agents, tour operators and airline partners throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America, the U.K. and Europe, along with robust training of team members on the ground, all of which can only be achieved through experience, hard work and an excellent reputation.
We fully recognize that Beaches is the anchor resort of the TCI, as was pointed out just days ago by fellow hotelier Armando Pizzuti of the Turks and Caicos Collection who lamented what the closure of Beaches until October 14th would mean for the destination in the interim.
It is our recognition of this, and our resolve to do all we can to support the economy and livelihoods of the people of the TCI, which prompted us to take the decision more than two decades ago to remain open 12 months a year in spite of the seasonal nature of travel, and it is with huge pride that we have faithfully done so barring unforeseen circumstances such as hurricanes.
Over the past 20 years we have only closed no more than seven times, most as a direct result of hurricanes such as Hanna, Irene, Irma and Maria and now because of a pandemic. In fact we moved heaven and earth to have the resort reopened after the devastation of Hurricane Irma, and it took the mobilization of our resources from throughout the Caribbean to get the job done in 99 days – an effort the Premier considered her Christmas present at the time.
Only twice were we affected by slow traffic, and on those two rare occasions the anticipated fallout prompted the government at the time to offer a small contribution to the significant global marketing costs that were required to remain open.
However Beaches does not and has never wanted to be a burden on the people of the TCI, and we have committed to marketing and promoting the TCI for the most part on our own. In fact a number of hoteliers including the TCI Tourism Board have commented that the level of advertising we do is very important to the Turks and Caicos, especially since they have extremely low budgets.
As we have said before, the people of the TCI can count on us continuing to be a strong and solid partner. We have identified what we feel is the most realistic date for reopening, we are open to dialogue with all stakeholders in the interim, and we are putting every effort into a bringing back the airlift that is the very lifeline of the tourism sector.
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
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- 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
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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 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.
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