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Suspicious Travellers try to dupe TCI authorities; one positive for COVID

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#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – July 24, 2020 — The passengers on board that very first American Airlines flight from Miami, Florida on opening day – July 22 – are being asked to self monitor after two suspicious health declarations were flagged by the Public Health team.

A statement from the Ministry of Health explains the two people were swabbed, those swabs were tested and one test result returned a positive for the coronavirus.

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There were 72 people onboard the flight on Wednesday and potentially, there could have been exposure of anyone of the 72 people to the virus.
It was not stated whether or not the suspected, bogus Covid 19 documents were presented by returning residents or tourists.

An investigation is now launched though, said the statement issued today, into how the two people managed to nearly fool officials who are charged with scrutinising entries through the TCI Assured portal.

The better news is the falsifications were indeed caught. 

Already residents are demanding the full weight of the law be exacted upon the two who appear to have flagrantly breached public health safety measures.

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

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Turks and Caicos Islands Government Invites Proposals for Affordable Housing Development

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PROVIDENCIALES: The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCIG), through the National Land Secretariat (NLS), has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting qualified developers to design and construct new affordable housing communities on Crown Land in Providenciales as part of their Turnkey Housing Development. This initiative supports the Government’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to affordable housing and fostering sustainable, community-oriented development across the islands.

The RFP, titled “Provision of Affordable Housing Development on Crown Land in Providenciales,” seeks proposals for the design, financing, and construction of residential subdivisions on approximately 40.1 acres of Crown Land located in the Northwest and Central area of Providenciales. The project encompasses Parcel Numbers 60000/247, 277, 278 and 279, providing opportunities for developers to submit proposals for one or multiple parcels. Developments are expected to include well-planned subdivisions, road networks, and two- and three-bedroom housing units that align with the TCI Development Manual and Building Code.

The TCIG encourages participation from experienced developers with demonstrated financial capacity and expertise in large-scale housing or community development. Proposals will be evaluated based on technical merit, compliance with planning and environmental standards, and alignment with national housing objectives.

TIMELINE AND IMPORTANT DATES

  • Pre-proposal Conference: Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. via Microsoft Teams
  • Deadline for questions and clarifications: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
  • Deadline to submit your proposal: Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

This Affordable Housing Project is a flagship component of TCIG’s broader strategy to provide equitable housing access, promote homeownership, and support community development for Turks and Caicos Islanders. Developers are invited to bring forward innovative, sustainable, and climate-resilient housing solutions that contribute to the long-term growth of the islands.

To review the RFP in its entirety and to register for the pre-proposal meeting please visit https://gov.tc/publicservice/government-tenders. All questions and requests for clarification must be submitted to the Procurement Board using their online forms which can be found at https://forms.office.com/r/UF0psAscgt.

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Butch’s Island Chophouse Leads Beaches Turks & Caicos’ $150M Treasure Beach Expansion

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By Deandrea Hamilton | Magnetic Media

 

Turks and Caicos, October 14, 2025 – The sizzle of prime cuts and the sound of waves are about to meet at Beaches Turks & Caicos. The resort has announced the debut of Butch’s Island Chophouse — the first-ever steakhouse on any Beaches property — as part of its sweeping new Treasure Beach Village development.

Set to open March 1, 2026, the $150 million expansion cements the all-inclusive resort’s position as one of the Caribbean’s most ambitious hospitality investments and a lasting tribute to its late founder, Gordon “Butch” Stewart.

A Legacy Served Medium Rare

Butch’s Island Chophouse pays homage to the legendary hotelier whose vision reshaped Caribbean luxury. The new fine-dining restaurant will feature an elevated, contemporary steakhouse menu — premium aged beef, seafood, and wine pairings — wrapped in the signature warmth that defined Stewart’s Sandals and Beaches brands.

The restaurant will stand as the culinary centerpiece of the soon-to-open Treasure Beach Village, offering guests a sleek, modern dining environment that embodies Stewart’s passion for quality, service, and storytelling through food.

“This new addition isn’t just about expansion — it’s about legacy,” said an internal statement from Beaches Resorts, referencing Stewart’s enduring imprint on Caribbean tourism. “Butch’s Island Chophouse represents everything he believed in: family, excellence, and the joy of shared experiences.”

Treasure Beach — A Village Inspired by the Sea

Located on the world-famous Grace Bay Beach, Treasure Beach Village will be the resort’s sixth village, adding 101 multi-bedroom suites — ranging from two-bedroom family suites to four-bedroom oceanfront villas that can sleep up to ten guests. The addition will bring Beaches Turks & Caicos’ total inventory to 858 rooms and suites spread across more than 100 acres.

Designed with a “sea treasure” theme, the new village draws inspiration from the islands’ underwater wonder. The architecture features coral motifs, ocean blues, and natural textures that blend luxury with island authenticity.

Inside the main lobby, guests will find a show-stopping “sea-garden” ceiling installation — luminescent jellyfish sculptures suspended above a carved coral display — alongside custom conch-shell art created by local artist Stanford Handfield.

From there, the experience flows outdoors into a 15,000-square-foot lagoon-style infinity pool, lined with private cabanas, a swim-up bar, and family water slides.

Children can enjoy the Starfish Cinema, a 32-seat theater for movies and storytelling, while adults unwind in quiet pool zones or at one of the new specialty dining concepts.

Seven New Dining Concepts, One Destination for Every Appetite

In addition to Butch’s Island Chophouse, Treasure Beach introduces seven new dining venues that reflect modern, multi-generational travel tastes:

  • The Pinta Food Hall, a global casual-dining marketplace
  • BRÜ Coffee Bar, a chic day-to-night café serving espresso and evening cocktails
  • A new ice cream parlor, beach grill, and snack hut
  • A family swim-up bar and juice station for the wellness-minded

Together, these venues aim to expand Beaches Turks & Caicos’ already impressive collection of 20 restaurants and 15 bars across its sprawling campus.

Economic and Cultural Impact

The expansion is expected to generate hundreds of local construction jobs and, upon opening, new permanent roles in hospitality, culinary arts, and entertainment. Beaches Resorts has long been one of the country’s largest private employers, and this project further anchors the Turks and Caicos Islands as a flagship destination for luxury family travel.

Beyond the economic impact, the design team’s decision to spotlight local artists like Handfield and to incorporate elements of conch, sea life, and Bahamian-Lucayan motifs reflects a growing movement within the Caribbean hospitality sector — luxury that respects locality.

“This is where the global meets the authentic,” said a source familiar with the project’s creative direction. “Beaches isn’t just expanding rooms; they’re expanding the story of Turks and Caicos.”

A Decade of Dominance

The Treasure Beach announcement follows a string of accolades for the destination and its hospitality partners. Turks and Caicos was recently named Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination and Most Romantic Destination at the 2025 World Travel Awards — honors it has held for nearly a decade.

Several island properties, including Beaches Turks & Caicos, also collected top regional awards for excellence in family travel and all-inclusive experiences.

Opening March 1, 2026

Reservations for Treasure Beach Village are already open, with stays beginning March 1, 2026.

From its shimmering new suites to its sea-inspired design and landmark steakhouse, Beaches Turks & Caicos is once again setting the standard for island hospitality — where every detail, every meal, and every moment reflects the enduring legacy of Butch Stewart and the unmatched beauty of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Police Patrols to be Strengthened as Force Adds Ten New Assets

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Turks and Caicos, October 14, 2025 – Police patrols across the Turks and Caicos Islands are set to be significantly strengthened following the commissioning of ten new purpose-built vehicles for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF).The vehicles — officially blessed during a ceremony at the Albert Grant Sr. Police Headquarters in Providenciales — represent a major addition to the Force’s ground assets and a tangible step toward improving national security and public confidence.

Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-SelvaratnamPremier Hon. Charles Washington Misick, and Deputy Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams joined members of Cabinet and the Police Executive to mark the occasion. The event also featured the blessing of the vehicles by Pastor Wilbert Jennings, symbolizing protection and readiness as they enter service across the islands.

Commissioner of Police Mr. Fitz Bailey described the new vehicles as critical tools for enhancing operational response and restoring morale among officers who have long faced mechanical challenges with an aging fleet.                                                                                                                                                    “The importance of having these vehicles is a plus for the communities we serve,” Bailey said. “They are purpose-built and will inspire confidence, improve morale among officers, and generate greater public respect.”

He added that some of the Force’s existing vehicles were “in deplorable condition,” commending officers for maintaining professionalism despite those constraints.

“These new assets will have a direct impact on our operational initiatives. It is now important that we adhere to a strict regime of inspection and maintenance to ensure they remain in optimal condition and are not abused,” the Commissioner emphasized.

Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam and Premier Misick both commended the men and women of the RTCIPF for their service and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening policing capacity across the nation.

The new fleet forms part of the government’s ongoing strategy to modernize the police force and support law enforcement in tackling crime, ensuring public safety, and improving visibility in communities.

As these new vehicles are deployed across Providenciales, Grand Turk, and the family islands, the RTCIPF says residents can expect increased patrol presence and faster response times — a visible sign of the Force’s continued effort to keep the Turks and Caicos Islands safe.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI).
Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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