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Waterloo explains closure of Turks and Caicos Collection hotels; no reopening date revealed

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Beach House Turks & Caicos, photo by Turks and Caicos Reservations

#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – August 10, 2020 – Given the unprecedented situation the world currently faces amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, many hotels internationally and domestically have experienced a severe decrease in occupancy as COVID-19 has caused a major disruption for countless travelers.

The virus has also forced numerous countries, including the Turks and Caicos Islands, to implement drastic measures to contain the spread of the virus. As a result of the pandemic, the Turks and Caicos Government implemented its travel authorization policy requiring proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test at least 5 days prior to arrival as well as travel insurance.

This has adversely impacted travel and transient accommodation. Either through cancelations of flight, inability to access testing within the specified time frame, prohibitive costing of a travel package and with respect to Canadian travelers, the unwillingness to quarantine for 14 days post return to their country, demand is severely down.

A desire to have staff return to work fulltime and the need to stem financial losses led to our decision to re-open The Alexandra Resort immediately upon the reopening of the borders. Unfortunately, in the two weeks since re-opening, it became clear that the bookings necessary to maintain operations have not materialized. We therefore took the difficult decision to temporarily close once again, lay off staff and place others on reduced hours.

We know that our team members who have just returned to work are understandably disheartened having to face another period of either lay off or reduced hours. We wish to assure them that we value their commitment and hard work and have kept their individual and collective viability at the forefront of all of our decisions. We understand that when we reopen, it is only with their assistance that we will be able to provide our guests with a Turks and Caicos Experience like only the Turks and Caicos Collection can.

The events of the past few months have also forced us to take a closer look at the structure of our operations. In order to secure our long term viability in what we expect will be uncertain and challenging times, we have had to take the equally difficult decision, in making some positions redundant. In every case, we have ensured that those affected by the redundancy exercise received their full statutory entitlements.

We wish to thank everyone who has contributed to our success thus far.

Though we will not now announce a reopening date, due to the fluidity of the situation, we will continue to monitor demand over the upcoming months and we are confident that when we reopen, we will do so stronger and more resilient than ever.

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TCI News

Ministry of Tourism and Experience Turks and Caicos Extends Condolences to the Family of Missing Tourist

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos (July 16th, 2025) — The Ministry of Tourism and Experience Turks and Caicos confirm, with deep sadness, that the body found on July 5th is that of Mr. Brian Tarrence, a visitor from the United States who was reported missing on June 25th.
Mr. Tarrence was vacationing with his wife on Providenciales when he left their accommodations in the early hours of the morning. Extensive efforts were made to locate him, including ground searches, drone surveillance, CCTV analysis, and the involvement of local residents, volunteers, and tourism stakeholders. The body was found following a coordinated search operation led by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

Authorities have indicated there is no evidence of suspicious circumstances surrounding Mr. Tarrance’s disappearance or death. A full investigation is ongoing, and the appropriate authorities will continue to liaise with Mr. Tarrence’s family.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Tarrence,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly. “We are grateful to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and to every individual, volunteer, and organisation who took part in the search. The entire Turks and Caicos community mourns this loss alongside the Tarrance family.”
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant of Experience Turks and Caicos, added: “This is a deeply tragic outcome, and our hearts go out to Mr. Tarrence’s wife and family. We are committed to supporting them in any way we can during this difficult time.”
The Turks and Caicos Islands remains committed to the safety and well-being of all who visit. This incident, while heartbreaking, has shown the strength and compassion of the local community.

Further details will be provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force as appropriate.

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Health

TCI Hospital CEO Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant Named Finalist for Caribbean Global Award

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Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – July 14, 2025 – InterHealth Canada – Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is celebrating a major milestone, as its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, has been named a finalist in the Global Visionary Doctor Leader category of the Caribbean Global Awards 2025.

This recognition highlights Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant’s outstanding commitment to advancing healthcare in the Turks and Caicos Islands through transformative leadership, strategic development, and dedication to patient care. Under her guidance, the TCI Hospital has consistently raised its standards, expanded critical services, and improved community wellness outcomes.

“We are excited to share some wonderful news that brings pride to the TCI Hospital,” the institution said in a public announcement. “Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant’s visionary leadership has not only transformed our hospital facilities but has also significantly impacted the broader healthcare landscape in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

The Caribbean Global Awards celebrate the achievements of professionals of Caribbean heritage who are making significant contributions in healthcare, innovation, and development around the world.                                                                                                                                                                         In the Global Visionary Doctor Leader category, Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant is one of five outstanding nominees. The other finalists represent the United States, Trinidad and Tobago (two nominees), and St. Lucia.

The 2025 edition of the awards will culminate with a black-tie gala on September 27 at the prestigious Cumberland Hotel in London, United Kingdom. The event will bring together leaders, professionals, and dignitaries from across the Caribbean diaspora to recognize excellence and visionary impact across sectors.

Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant’s nomination marks a proud moment not only for the hospital but for the entire Turks and Caicos Islands, positioning the territory alongside global leaders in healthcare innovation.

“We are immensely proud of Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant’s achievements and are honoured to have her at the helm of the TCI Hospital,” the hospital’s statement continued. “This nomination is a testament to her dedication to the people of these islands.”

Supporters across the territory are being encouraged to extend congratulations and follow the awards journey as Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant represents the Turks and Caicos Islands on the global stage.

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TCI News

Rotary Club of Providenciales 2024-2025 Year in Review: Approximately 300 Children Assessed for Eyeglasses.  

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Some students who received free eyeglasses

Monday, July 7th, 2025 – “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as President of the Rotary Club of Providenciales over the past year,” -Roma Stubbs. The period was characterized by a dedication to community development, educational support, and environmental responsibility. “As I reflect on the initiatives we carried out, I am proud of what we were able to achieve through collaboration, shared purpose, and a strong sense of civic responsibility,” shared the immediate Past President.

In the spirit of promoting peace and unity, the Rotary Club of Providenciales (RCOP) started the Rotary year by successfully planting two Peace Poles, one in Grace Bay and the other at the Edward Gartland Youth Centre. These Peace Poles—each inscribed with the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in English, French, and Spanish—stand as powerful visual symbols of Rotary’s commitment to fostering harmony in our communities.

Education remained a core pillar of the Club’s work. Dictionaries were donated to primary schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), ensuring that students had access to essential learning tools. The Club also launched a reading initiative called Read-Rama across several primary schools. This included volunteer-led reading sessions designed to foster a love for reading and support early language development.

To support the development of confident, articulate young leaders, the RCOP contributed funds toward a high school speech competition. This event gave students a platform to express their views on critical social issues and practice public speaking. It was inspiring to see their talent and passion for positive change, and we are proud to have played a role in elevating their voices.

Finally, recognizing the direct link between health and academic success, the Club, in collaboration with Dr. Julian Petrucci from Menzies Optometry and Sailrock, organized free eye exams for primary school children on the Islands of South Caicos, North and Middle Caicos, and Grand Turk. The RCOP conducted nearly 300 eye exams and subsequently donated over 50 pairs of eyeglasses to students diagnosed with visual impairments. Many of these children had been struggling in silence due to undiagnosed issues, and the feedback from families and educators was amazingly positive.                                                                                                                                                                                                                            None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the support of the Club’s dedicated members, volunteers, and community partners. Together, everyone demonstrated the power of collective action and the impact of compassionate leadership.

Immediate Past President Roma Stubbs concluded by stating, “As I conclude my term as President, I am filled with gratitude and optimism. The seeds we planted this year—both literal and metaphorical—will continue to grow, nourished by the ongoing efforts of this incredible Club”. Thank you all for an unforgettable year of service and achievement.

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