TCI News
Taxi Drivers still waiting on stimulus; say Premier intervention fell flat
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – September 7, 2020 — Three hundred taxi drivers are despairing over their apparent inability to benefit from a multi-million government stimulus program. Another tranche of payments, were at the end of August, dispersed to Turks and Caicos businesses and taxi drivers were not among the recipients.
Many have now lost confidence that Sharlene Robinson, the Premier and Finance Minister will ever deliver on the much needed funds.
The Premier however, defends that significant effort was made to get money into the pockets of drivers. In her comments regarding the ongoing saga, drivers were encouraged to review what was “clearly set out in writing” in order for them to have gained access to the financial assistance.
“We were told by NIB that they were waiting on the okay from the Premier. The money is not coming from NIB, its coming from government and most of the drivers have given up on ever getting it,” said a taxi driver who is today at home guiding her daughter through virtual classes.
The mother says, she can no longer go out to work and the whole “thing is very frustrating.”
In the heart of tourism’s busy season, COVID-19 swarmed the Americas and the Caribbean causing governments to respond with border closures and national lockdowns. It was a tactic which aimed to keep COVID-19 at bay, while hospital capacity was built. The fall out was a recessionary-like crash of economies.
With the airports closed, there were no tourists coming in, no guests to shuttle and income froze for the hundreds of ground transportation operators in the Turks and Caicos. Hospitality workers were first to receive the government stimulus cheques. Taxi Drivers were not counted in that category.
Magnetic Media has learned that one or two drivers have reported getting a stimulus payment.
“I would say around 90 percent of us are still waiting. It may not be much money to some people, but for the taxi drivers I have spoken to, it would help with groceries, rent and paying power or internet bills.”
Another driver; told Magnetic Media said she has decided to accelerate her retirement plan. The senior taxi driver informed that she has given up on ever getting the stimulus and thanks God for her children who are supporting her as she takes care of the grandchildren.
Premier Robinson said the Emergency Order policy could not be amended; therefore a new policy was created to graft taxi drivers into the government payout plan.
“The policy changed to allow taxi drivers who were in serious arrears with NIB to access the benefit. They were told to apply before it closed. They had only to go to NIB and get an assessment done and upload the assessment,” explained the Premier today.
It appears a muddy situation. The Premier in her statement resolutely states the taxi drivers did not apply. The taxi drivers are adamant that they did, repeatedly.
“It appears they did not apply as suggested. The decision had then been taken to reopen with the hopes that they will apply. This was communicated in a letter in details,” shared the Premier.
There has reportedly been no communication from the Office of the Premier since June, when a series of protests were held at the Providenciales office by disgruntled drivers.
Meanwhile taxi drivers are finding ‘jobs’ since tourism reopening on July 22 are few and far between.
“We are now waiting four to five days to get a job. Delta brought 25 people in yesterday, their last flight until November I believe and no jobs were passed to the taxi line. This is our reality. While government is feeding the Sri Lankans who have claimed political asylum two meals a day, Turks and Caicos islanders are going to bed hungry. I want to know when Government is going to look out for locals?”
It is unclear if the taxi drivers are still able to access the free cash from Government.
News
The Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (February 25th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands began 2026 on a positive note, with stayover arrivals in January surpassing the same period in 2025.
Preliminary figures indicate that 56,830 stayover visitors arrived in January 2026, representing a two percent increase year-on-year. The steady growth continues the positive momentum experienced at the close of 2025.
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, attributed the encouraging performance to new collaboration with tour operator partners as well as increased airlift from key source markets.
“We anticipated a strong January performance following the growth recorded in November and December. The winter season has traditionally been a robust period for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this year that strength has been further supported by enhanced collaboration with partners and expanded airlift from Canada and the United States We are cautiously optimistic about maintaining this upward trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.
Cruise Sector
In cruise, preliminary figures show 122,935 cruise passenger arrivals in January, reflecting a 15 percent decrease compared to January 2025.
The decline is attributed to a reduction in cruise calls during the month. A total of 33 vessels called on Grand Turk in January, seven fewer than during the corresponding period last year.
Marketing Shows
As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier luxury destination, Experience Turks and Caicos has been actively participating in the Travel & Adventure Shows across several major cities in the United States.
The destination has already been showcased in Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago, with Fort Lauderdale and Denver scheduled in the coming weeks.
Public Relations Manager Laura Dowrich represented the Turks and Caicos Islands alongside the destination’s U.S. marketing agency, ABA Global.
Beaches Turks & Caicos – Stone Creek Travels
“One of the most encouraging takeaways from these shows is that the Turks and Caicos Islands is indeed on travellers’ radar. We met many visitors who shared fond memories of their time here, others who already have trips booked and were seeking recommendations on activities and dining, and many more who aspire to visit. It was a pleasure highlighting our multi-island destination and sharing the many experiences that make the Turks and Caicos Islands truly special,” said Ms. Dowrich.
Awards & Recognition
Building on a stellar year of accolades in 2025, the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun 2026 with additional international recognition.
The destination earned a Gold Badge in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing #5 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean and #5 in Best Beaches in the World. In the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Grand Turk was ranked #10 among the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit.
About Experience Turks and Caicos
Middle Caicos Dragon Cay Resort
Experience Turks and Caicos is the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is committed to positioning the destination as a premier, sustainable luxury tourism hub. By leveraging smart tools, data-driven strategies, and stakeholder collaboration, Experience Turks and Caicos focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and fostering long-term industry success.
About the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the destination is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Each island and cay offer a unique experience:
- Providenciales boasts world-class resorts, fine dining, and high-end tourism offerings.
- Grand Turk serves as the vibrant hub for cruise tourism and historical exploration.
- The sister islands provide a gateway to nature, adventure, and authentic local culture.
Recognised as the world’s best-kept secret, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer effortless luxury, with seamless connectivity via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Photo Captions:
Grand Turk – slow travel with us
North Caicos – Correy Forbes
South Caicos Sail Rock
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
Photo Captions:
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key
government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.
The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and
posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
-
News4 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
-
News1 week agoMulti-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays
-
Caribbean News5 days agoLiberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
-
News4 days agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals