TCI News
Beaches Resort Turks & Caicos says ‘incompetence’ and ‘ineffectiveness’ prolonging closure
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – October 15, 2020 — Although vacation bookings for the October 14 opening of Beaches Resort Turks and Caicos were not through the roof, executives today explained it was not expected that they would be and the slow crawl of tourism amidst the coronavirus pandemic is absolutely not the reason the 700+ room resort has delayed its restart.
Magnetic Media was aiming to ascertain if there could be alternative causes for the announcement of a delay just five days before the luxury family all-inclusive was expected to open its double gates to guests.
Our probing, however, only unearthed more of the same; Beaches will not re-open to tourism until a four-year-old tax dispute is addressed.
“Breaches of our Development Agreement(s) and other legally binding commitments have yet to be resolved for nearly 4 years, despite tireless efforts by Beaches. The Board of Directors has therefore mandated that the re-opening of Beaches be postponed,” said BTC in a statement on Friday, October 9.
Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, Chairman of Sandals Resorts International which owns Beaches, has a high level executive team in country, hoping to end the stalemate. Progress is however, slow going and this legal limbo is characterised as the worse experience Beaches Resort has ever encountered.
“Our team and the citizens of the TCIG deserve so much better from an elected government. Unfortunately, we must admit that this is the most ineffective Government we have ever had to deal with when compared to the other jurisdictions in which we operate. Our Development Agreement(s) and other legally binding written commitments have been disregarded and trampled on.”
Many residents are dumb-struck by the allegations. Could government really be this irresponsible about untangling a fiscal mess with such a prominent investor and mammoth partner in tourism?
Five days later and no assurances are coming from the Ministry of Finance, which is led by Sharlene Robinson, the Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
It is a wait and see as the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) has, since the disappointing announcement, been mute; having stated previously it prefers not to engage in a public row with the resort which employs 2,000 people; the largest employee complement in the private sector.
Beaches Resort Turks and Caicos however, is less given to silence and is not playing coy; a new press statement issued today to Magnetic Media called the Government Administration incompetent.
“Beaches is told that the TCIG has been “working hard” to resolve the matter. If that is the case, then 4 years later it certainly appears to us that it is incompetence.”
This fiscal fiasco cannot be blamed on COVID-19. The ongoing dispute does however deepen the already severely depressed Turks and Caicos economy. Turks and Caicos tourism, as a result of the unrelenting ravages of the pandemic on the travel industry, is forecast to fall by over 50 percent and that could worsen.
“Beaches empathises with the hardship being experienced by so many. Commercial activity has been at a standstill since March of this year. Time is of the essence for the TCIG to bring economic activity back to life to ensure the wellbeing and health of the citizens of the TCI who have suffered for far too long. This continued inaction by the TCIG is so grave that Beaches would be irresponsible if we were to remain silent.”
Chairman Stewart, Magnetic Media is informed, was prepared to reopen Beaches Resort Turks and Caicos with the irregularly low bookings. The expectation brought hundreds of staffers back to work at the start of the month in preparation for the first guests. Team members we spoke to were happy, optimistic for the first time in a long time and they were not alone.
Beaches Resort’s expansiveness brings buoyancy to the entire island of Providenciales and beyond – taxi drivers, retailers, grocers, craft market vendors other hotels, sister islands and the airlines are all happier when Beaches is open.
“As the anchor resort in the TCI, we can assure our incredible and dedicated team members together with the taxi association and the wider community that we remain committed to the Turks and Caicos Islands. We continue to extend our hand in having this matter resolved fairly.”
Beaches responded to Magnetic Media with the explanation that the company is not trying to bully the government and regrets that it did not keep its promise to open on Wednesday.
“Beaches Resorts like so many others, looked forward to re-opening its doors on October 14, 2020. Sadly this did not take place despite every effort, humanly possible by our team to have these long outstanding matters resolved with the TCIG. Beaches has been extremely clear for nearly 4 years, that it owes no taxes whatsoever. As such, there is no favour or forgiveness being sought from the TCIG.”
Beaches adds, they believe the matter related to the dispute about unpaid or over paid taxes could be resolved in a matter of days.
Beaches Resort Villages & Spa in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos has given its new reopening date as November 18.
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.
TCI News
Rotary Club of Providenciales 2024-2025 Year in Review: Approximately 300 Children Assessed for 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.
TCI News
THE 23rd ANNUAL JADOT CUP DINNER & GOLF TOURNAMENT RAISES OVER $30,000 FOR THE TURKS & CAICOS HEALTH AND WELLNESS FOUNDATION (TCHWF)
Monday, July 7th, 2025 – The 23rd Annual Jadop Cup Dinner and Golf Tournament marked another successful weekend. The weekend commenced on Friday, June 20th, with a dinner hosted by the Wine Cellar. Attendees arrived at the elegant Lua Restaurant & Bar, located at the South Bank Resort, and were greeted with a thoughtfully prepared welcome drink by Paolo Patitucci of Cocktail Perfetto.
Guests relished a five-course meal, with every dish meticulously paired with wines from the Kobrand portfolio. They observed as the talented young artist, Bryanca Brown, crafted a piece to symbolize the evening. This unique painting was auctioned live alongside other prizes, with all proceeds allocated to support the essential work of the TC Health and Wellness Foundation (TCHWF).
The entertainment continued on Sunday, June 22nd, with the Jadot Cup Golf Tournament held at the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club.
Nineteen teams convened to support this distinguished event. Following an engaging afternoon on the golf course, participants assembled at the #19 Bar and Restaurant to partake in a sumptuous buffet-style meal and to subsequently reveal the winners of this year’s competition. Congratulations to this year’s first-place team: Mark Fulford, Mervin Cox, Carl Simmons, and Perry Delancy.
The weekend successfully generated funds to support community health education, outreach initiatives, and individuals living with HIV/AIDS in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The TC Health and Wellness Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to all who participated and enjoyed the weekend with us. A special appreciation is extended to our board members, our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and the community for their invaluable support. Your contributions have been instrumental in the success of TCHWF.
Sponsors of the 2025 Jadot Cup Dinner and Golf Tournament:
| Beaches | Hartling Group | Projetech |
| Bordier Bank | Hemingway’s | PTS Equipment Rental |
| Bugaloos | Hugh O’Neil Law Firm | Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club |
| Cargo Express Services Limited | Island Bargains | Red Hospitality |
| Casablanca | J & W Construction | Ritz Carlton |
| CBMS | Jai’s | Sailrock |
| Coco Bistro | Karam & Missick | Seven Stars |
| Dive Provo | KB Homes | Somewhere Café |
| Finishing Touch | King Ocean Services | Sotheby’s |
| Flamingo Pharmacy | Miller Simons O’Sullivan | TCI Lotto Games |
| Gartland Family | Nila Destinations | The Summit |
| Grace Bay Club | NW Hamilton | The Wine Cellar |
| Grace Bay Medical | Ocean Club | Turks Tequila |
| Graceway Supermarkets | Opus Restaurant | Twa, Marcelin, Wolf Law |
| Grant Thornton | Pelican Bay | Wymara |
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