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TCI Governor Meets With Concerned Citizen, Willandra Elliott

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REPORT SUBMITTED BY WILLANDRA ELLIOTT

On Friday, 19th June 2020 at 5:00pm, His Excellency The Governor Nigel Dakin (responsible for national security and boarder control) met with Ms. Willandra Elliott at the Governor’s Office in Providenciales. The meeting specifically addressed core issues regarding the surge in crime and gun violence.

According to Ms. Elliott, H.E. Governor Dakin confirmed that he assumed his post within the Turks & Caicos Islands approximately eleven months ago, and within one month of his arrival, Mr. Trevor Botting, current Commissioner of Police, arrived. From 8th April 2019 throughout 19th June 2020, a total of 24 murders had been reported. Of these, 23 murders were committed with the use of firearm, 92% of victims being males, and 40% of murders believed to be gang related. Ms. Elliott commented, “This is a clear indication of the magnitude of gun violence and its adverse impact on our country.”

H.E. Governor Dakin confirmed that Premier Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson’s 12-point crime plan was derived from the Bermuda and Glasgow models of the Crime and Violence Reduction Strategy.  However, it is assumed that the plan will take approximately ten years to reap the expected benefits. Ms. Elliott then conveyed the dire need for a Crime and Violence Reduction Strategy that would begin to reap immediate results as many families are losing loved ones often, and on a far-too-regular basis due to violent crimes. 

H.E. Governor Dakin raised the point that a total of twenty-seven police officers recently completed training, and will return upon the opening of the boarders.  These officers received training in the areas of basic operations such as administration and investigation, which is intended to strengthen the intelligence operations of the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force.  In responding to this, Ms. Elliott mentioned that educating our police officers represents only half the battle as the relationship between the police and community has been strained for quite some time, and requires strengthening as well. Ms. Elliott further explained that ensuring reinstatement of all community police stations and keeping confidentiality regarding witness protection and tips in the highest of confidence could positively reinforce this relationship.  In this regard, H.E. Governor Dakin recommended the use of the Crime Stoppers hotline. 

Ms. Elliott also addressed the lack of adequate compensation for police officers.  H.E. Governor Dakin acknowledged, in defense of the current payroll, that police officers receive additional benefits separate and apart from salaries. Theses benefits were not identified.

Matters regarding the prison, its expansion, and rehabilitation of the prisoners were also examined.  H.E. Governor Nigel Dakin confirmed that the “Yellow Wing’ of the prison which currently and mostly houses inmates convicted of murder has been tendered, and rebuilding will commence in the near future.  He also indicated that there is additional Crown Land surrounding the prison, which makes expansion very possible. In light of prisoners often being prematurely released due to inadequate facilities and overcrowding, Ms. Elliott queried the reason for delay in the expansion of the prison, and went on to say, “Rehabilitation of prisoners should also be at the forefront to ensure that these persons are able to integrate into society with an easy transition and to enable them to make positive contributions to our society.”

Ms. Elliott also queried the purpose of the United Kingdom Armed Forces within the Turks & Caicos Islands and their current roles. H.E. Governor Dakin’s response was that troops of the Royal Marines are working with the Maritime Police to increase manpower as it pertains to boarder protection, including work to improve command, control and communication systems so as to achieve faster responses.   Members of the medical team are working with the Turks & Caicos Islands health team to plan and support the public healthcare capacity of the country. The logistics team is responsible for bringing in health supplies from a Royal Naval Task Force located within our region. H.E. Governor Dakin also indicated that ongoing assistance is given to the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) to help the country better cope with both the current COVD-19 pandemic and the 2020 hurricane season.  Data concerning post Irma and Maria Hurricanes were reviewed to assist with risk management planning and tabletop operations. Ongoing works are being done to interisland communication plans.

Ms. Elliott remains mindful that “the Queen” has appointed both H.E. Governor Nigel Dakin and Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting. “It is my personal view that, respectfully, the aforementioned gentlemen do not truly understand the plight of our people.  After time served, they will return to their respective countries and we, the people, will still have to endure the adverse effects of our rapidly increasing crime rate, in particular gun violence, unsolved crimes and boarders that are ineffectively protected.  It is time to stand in solidarity in our efforts to restore our beautiful by nature and peaceful by choice Turks & Caicos Islands, and make our voices heard. I am hereby prepared to be the essence of eccentricity, even if it means standing alone.  Turks & Caicos Stand Up, Speak Up and Stay Woke!”

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Joyful Collaboration between 2 Regional Foundations Uplifts Tourism Professionals in Turks & Caicos

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CHTA Education Foundation & Sandals Foundation Training Celebration with TCHTA in Providenciales 20 October 2026. Front Row, L to R: Suzanne & Louise CHTAEF Trainers, Wesley Clerveau, PS Ministry of Tourism, Deryck Meany for Sandals Foundation, TCHTA team: Stacy-Ann Wharton, VP – Nicholette Thomas Operations Manager - Omega Simmons Board Member

Turks and Caicos – Caribbean Supercharged Service, Learning & Leadership workshops were enjoyed by professionals from Grace Bay Car Rentals, a local sponsor, alongside a Heavy Machinery Rental Company, a Paint retailer, 8 resorts, a luxury villa management enterprise and 3 TCHTA sponsored junior chefs, including Team TCI Junior Chef 2026, Zaliya Dickenson, who will complete at the Taste of the Caribbean in November for her country.

These workshops were the result of the longstanding partnership between the CHTA Education Foundation and their sponsor, Sandals Foundation, who support the Caribbean Supercharged programme on a different island every year. This year, the Turks & Caicos Hotel & Tourism Association (TCHTA) hosted the initiative to the delight of its members.

The workshops targeted new team members, seasoned professionals, managers and supervisors. Topics included Foundations & Finesse within Customer Interactions, Delivering Clear Expectations for Service Consistency and Making Memorable Moments.

Sandals Foundation was pleased to also sponsor chefs, cooks, stewards, warehouse & purchasing staff from 7 resorts and 2 high schools for an intensive HACCP Preparation & Pre-Requisites informational day, including international coursebooks, team training booklets and each person’s international assessment fee. The course is approved by the Royal Society for Public Health UK, earns Continuing Professional Development Credits, and is recognized globally as the leading Food Safety Management System.

Deryk Meany, General Manager, Beaches TCI, represented Heidi Clarke, Executive Director, Sandals Foundation at the 20 October Celebration with energy and passion for professional development and life-long learning in tourism to ever uplift and grow ourselves. He asked participants to ‘never stop learning! Today is a step upwards in your personal growth and that of the industry. We are never too old to learn, to share our experiences within training and grow”

Wesley Clerveau, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, gave spirited, positive inspiration and congratulations to the participants “Stayover arrivals in TCI have increased by 6% between January & June this year, we are hot! The place visitors wish to be, and your time, application and learning in each workshop is invaluable to us as a destination and to you as citizens and residents. I urge you to put what you have gained into practice immediately and keep applying yourselves; the more you upgrade, the more service elevates, the more we all succeed”

Karolin Troubetzkoy, Chairwoman, CHTA Education Foundation commented “Congratulations to everyone who participated in this year’s workshops, thank you for being fully engaged and making the most of your opportunity.

Special mention to the 8 past participants that we reunited with and are now working in leadership positions, BRAVO! We are delighted for you and encourage you to stay focused and keep shining and growing upwards.

It has been the Education Foundations honor to work closely with our sponsor Sandals Foundation and partner with TCHTA again to create Caribbean Supercharged positivity within each of you”.

Stacey-Ann Wharton, Vice President TCHTA, congratulated everyone present and stressed the TCHTA ongoing commitment to learning and development of members teams and management, along with special TCHTA scholarships for the HACCP session for 3 Junior Chefs, showing the Associations commitment to nurturing talent from High School upwards.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

First Insert: Wesley Clerveau, PS, Ministry of Tourism

Second Insert: Deryck Meany, GM Beaches TCI representing Sandals Foundation

Third Insert: Stacy-Ann Wharton, Vice President, TCHTA

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Multi-Agency Enforcement Exercise Targets Illegal Occupation of Crown Land in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Crown Land Unit, with coordination and support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise in the Five Cays area on Thursday, September 17, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to address the illegal occupation and unauthorised use of Crown land.

The exercise brought together representatives from the Crown Land Unit, ISU and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force. Security for the exercise was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Inspections were conducted across several parcels of Crown land throughout Five Cays, where instances of illegal occupation and unauthorised use had been identified.

During the exercise, a total of forty (40) Section 22 Notices of Unauthorised Occupation were served in accordance with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance. The notices related to various forms of unauthorised occupation and use of Crown land, including incomplete structures, shipping containers, derelict vehicles, trailer chassis, building materials and other items.

Where persons were not present, notices were affixed to the relevant structures or items. The exercise forms part of the Crown Land Unit’s continuing efforts to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land and to ensure that identified instances of unauthorised occupation are appropriately addressed.

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds the public that Crown land must not be occupied, developed or otherwise used without lawful authority.

The Crown Land Unit, supported by the ISU and its other partner agencies, will continue to identify and address instances of illegal occupation of Crown land across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Persons affected by notices issued during enforcement exercises are encouraged to comply with the requirements outlined and to seek guidance from the relevant authorities where necessary.

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BermudAir Launches Service to the Turks and Caicos Islands on October 26th, Expanding Air Connectivity Ahead of Winter Season

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 22nd, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes BermudAir as the airline begins its service to the destination on Monday, October 26th, marking the start of a wider expansion that will connect us with additional cities across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.

BermudAir’s service will begin with a new nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Providenciales. The flight will depart from the Howard Hamilton International Airport at 8 am on Monday morning and arrives at 7.40 pm. Aboard the inaugural flight will be a delegation from the Turks and Caicos Islands led by Experience Turks and Caicos and the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA), and will include Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, as well s representatives of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA), the board of the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority, Invest TC and local media.

BermudAir will operate the Fort Lauderdale–Providenciales route three times weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, through May 3rd, 2027. making it easier for business travellers with the schedule offering the potential for same-day return trips. The airline is also launching nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale and Belize City, Belize, on the same schedule, offering travellers in South Florida direct access to both destinations.

The new service introduces BermudAir’s premium leisure inflight experience to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Flights will operate on Embraer E190 aircraft configured without middle seats, giving every passenger a window or aisle seat, alongside complimentary snacks and beverages.

Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Zhavargo Jolly, welcomed the airline’s arrival, noting the importance of expanding airlift to support the continued development of the destination’s tourism industry.

“Air connectivity remains one of the most important factors in the continued development of our tourism industry. BermudAir’s expansion represents an opportunity to strengthen our connections with key international markets while opening new doors for our sister islands. I am particularly encouraged by the planned direct service between Newark and South Caicos, which speaks directly to our vision of expanding tourism opportunities across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our objective is to ensure that improved connectivity translates into greater economic activity, stronger local businesses and more opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders to participate in and benefit from tourism.” said Minister Jolly.

Commenting on the significance of the new route for the country’s development, the Honourable Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development (PPID), stated: “The introduction of BermudAir’s new service is a testament to the continued growth and development of our aviation sector. The Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, alongside the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority, remains dedicated to enhancing our airport infrastructure to accommodate increased airlift. We are committed to working to ensure that our facilities provide a seamless, world-class experience for all incoming passengers and we warmly welcome BermudAir to our shores.”

The Fort Lauderdale launch is the first of several new services BermudAir plans to introduce to the Turks and Caicos Islands for the 2026–2027 winter season. Additional connections to Providenciales are scheduled from:

  • Bermuda to TCI and Grand Cayman: Beginning December 18th, 2026
  • Anguilla: Beginning December 19th, 2026
  • Boston, Massachusetts: Beginning December 19th, 2026
  • Toronto, Canada: Beginning December 19th, 2026
  • Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina: Beginning December 20th, 2026
  • Newark, New Jersey to South Caicos: Beginning December 20th, 2026
  • St. Petersburg/Tampa, Florida: Beginning December 21st, 2026
  • Baltimore-Washington: Beginning December 24th, 2026

The expansion will give travellers more options for reaching the destination during the winter travel season, while broadening access from established and developing source markets. The additional routes also create opportunities for tourism stakeholders to reach new audiences and encourage visitors to explore more of the islands.

For flight schedules and bookings, visit www.flybermudair.com.

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