TCI News
Beaches Turks & Caicos statement on potential fallout due to October Opening of resort
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – July 25, 2020 — Following the announcement that Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa will reopen on October 14th 2020, we note that there has been some concern expressed.
In particular we acknowledge the comments of fellow hotelier Armando Pizzuti, Executive Vice President of the Turks and Caicos Collection, who, while happy to see a fixed date, was worried about the potential fallout for the economy in the interim. Mr. Pizzuti said his concerns were based on the fact that Beaches was the anchor resort of the TCI, accounting for the vast majority of incoming seats, and that the destination needed the extensive marketing and advertising reach of Beaches to ‘put the Turks and Caicos back on the map.’
Mr. Pizzuti’s remarks about the importance of Beaches TCI to the sector was further emphasised by CEO of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association Stacy Cox, as well as Chairperson of the Tourist Board Adelphine Pitter.
We wish to thank all parties for their support and to assure them that we have taken heed of all the comments, coming as they have come from persons who are such key players in the TCI tourism and hospitality sector. We therefore feel compelled to offer some clarification on the matter.
The recent standstill brought about by the COVID pandemic has created an unprecedented situation, the likes of which the travel industry has never faced before. The announced reopening date was arrived at using the best available information we had to direct our planning. Therefore even as we join with our various partners throughout the Caribbean in taking bold steps to get the tourism sector up and running, there are some realities that cannot be ignored.
As pointed out by General Manager of Beaches Turks and Caicos James McAnally, this announcement is an important signal for the airlines to once more start including the TCI in their planned schedules, however the fact remains that operators will not fly to a destination without very good load factors. A key priority therefore is to ensure we get enough guest bookings so that the carriers will be convinced to recommence their schedules. That will take time and an extensive and expensive marketing and promotional effort.
Separate and apart from the marketing and promotional push, there are other factors that have to be considered and the reality is that any return to normalcy will take a time. The challenges inherent in the COVID testing requirements for instance continue to make it all the more difficult. The current system of testing still results in long lines, and long waits before persons can get results. This can become even more challenging for families travelling with children. We hope and look forward to an improved system in the near future or else there will always be a struggle to get decent occupancy levels any time soon.
The people of the TCI can rest assured however that we have always been a strong and solid partner, and we have identified what we feel is the most realistic date for reopening which is still well ahead of the busy Christmas season.
In the interim we have established one of the most highly rated set of safety measures in the world with our Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness. We were encouraged to hear that following our announcement Mr. Pizzuti is also now able to plan for his reopening, which will also redound to the benefit of the entire sector.
Press Release issued July 25, 2020
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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