TCI News
Beaches Turks & Caicos postpones reopening; four year legal matter with TCI Gov’t needs resolve
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – October 9, 2020 – Beaches TCI regrets to announce that it has been forced to postpone the reopening of the hotel which was planned for October 14, 2020 until November 18, 2020.
Since 1995, Beaches has faithfully paid taxes in accordance with our Development Agreement(s) and other written governmental commitments. Beaches does not owe any taxes to the TCIG. In fact it is the TCIG which owe Beaches tax refunds on several items on which we have overpaid. To be clear, Beaches is not asking for any favours nor any forgiveness from the payment of taxes as there is nothing to forgive. Indeed, we have never found ourselves in such a situation in any other jurisdiction in which we operate.
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.
Negotiations with the TCIG are ongoing and Beaches will continue to make every effort to have these matters fairly resolved. There is absolutely no reason why this matter cannot be resolved before the end of October as the issues are not new and have been discussed time and time again for 4 years. Beaches is deeply concerned about the impact on its team and the wider community in the delayed re-opening particularly since this year has presented horrendous difficulties for so many. Beaches is ready, willing and able to start negotiations immediately.
TCIG’s inaction for nearly 4 years has forced Beaches to delay its re-opening. To date, the TCIG has not demonstrated the same care and deep concern for the citizens and communities of the TCI, by allowing this matter to remain unresolved for so long. We hope and trust that the TCIG will treat this matter with the speed, sincerity and good faith that it demands.
We wish to emphasize that our commitment to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands since Beaches opened its doors in 1995 has never waivered. Neither has our profound sense of responsibility as we fully recognize that Beaches is the most significant economic engine, ranging from being the largest employer, foreign exchange earner, taxpayer as well as generating 70% of the airlift to the Island. Beaches fully recognizes that it is the people who are the lifeblood of any country and Beaches is first and foremost a partnership with the people of the TCI.
In the meantime, our team members have been fully trained over the last several months in the Covid-19 Beaches Platinum protocols which we have adopted to ensure that the entire hotel environment is safe for our team and guests.
The Covid-19 pandemic has been the greatest challenge which the travel and hospitality industry has faced in our lifetime. We are mindful of the tremendous effect it has had on all stakeholders, including airlines, tour operators and travel agents. Our tour operators, travel agents and airline partners will be kept abreast of our reopening plans.
We are as anxious as our team members to get back to the job that we do so well. We recognize, as we have always done, that we are partners with the Government in the economic recovery of the TCI and we will do our part.
We are optimistic about the future. Together we have emerged from 911, devastating hurricanes, and other crises, better and more resilient.
WE WILL DO SO AGAIN.
Press Statement
Turks and Caicos, October 28, 2025 – We are closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, and our thoughts and prayers are with our regional neighbours for their safety and well-being
We are now entering a critical period as Hurricane Melissa advances towards the Turks and Caicos Islands. Current projections indicate that Hurricane Melissa will begin to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands around midday tomorrow, Wednesday, 29th October.
This morning, Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier chaired a State of Preparedness Meeting. All Government agencies and critical services are mobilised. The safety and protection of every person across our Islands remains our highest priority. Our emergency response teams are prepared and the TCI Regiment is deployed across each of our Islands to support community readiness and immediate response. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are on active duty, with additional officers in North Caicos, Salt Cay, South Caicos and Grand Turk.
At this time, the hurricane is moving north-northeast. The country is expected to experience tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall and
significant storm surge. The storm surge poses a serious concern for low-lying coastal areas especially along our western and southern coastlines, which may result in coastal flooding. Based on the most current weather projections and anticipated impacts for the Turks and Caicos Islands, the National Executive have agreed the following actions:
1. Evacuation Advisories
Residents in specific low-lying and flood-prone coastal areas are likely to experience significant storm surge of 2-4 feet with accompanying rainfall. Strong advice is now place for residents in these areas to relocate to designated shelters which will be open from 4pm this afternoon. These areas include:
Middle Caicos
- Conch Bar Nearest Shelter: The Community Centre
North Caicos
- Sandy Point Nearest Shelter : Sandy Point Community Centre
- Whitby Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
- Bottle Creek Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
Providenciales
-
-
- Chalk Sound Nearest Shelter Enid Capron Primary School
- Five Cays Nearest Shelter: Enid Capron Primary School
- Discovery Bay Nearest Shelter: All Saints Church, Leeward Highway
- Juba Sound Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
- Long Bay Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
-
South Caicos
- Cockburn Harbour Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
- Old Airport Road Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
Should an evacuation order become necessary, it will be issued following the 6:00 PM Advisory this evening from the TCI National Weather Service.
2. Activation of Emergency Operations Centre
The National Emergency Operations Centre in Providenciales and all Islands Emergency Operations Centres will be activated at 4:00 PM today.
3. Shelters Access
Shelters across all Islands will open today at 4:00 PM to receive members of the public.
4. Shelter-in-Place
A Strong Shelter-in-Place Advisory is in place for all islands, commencing at 10:00 PM tonight. This will be in place until the all clear has been issued.
This means that from 10:00 PM tonight, all residents should be off the road, in a safe location, either at home or a designated shelter.
Please note that this position may be revised following the 6:00 PM Advisory from the TCI National Weather Service, depending on updated storm projections.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has confirmed that all airports remain fully operational for today. They will advise the public about ongoing operations dependent on the weather impacts.
In times such as this, the role of commercial entities extends beyond business – it becomes a vital part of the community’s resilience. All retailers and service providers are urged to uphold their humanitarian responsibilities by maintaining fair pricing and ensuring essential goods and services remain accessible to all.
Residents and visitors are reminded to adhere strictly to all official advisories and evacuation orders as they are issued. Avoid unnecessary movement, secure your property, and ensure that you and your family are prepared with essential supplies. Stay prepared and stay safe.
Turks and Caicos, October 24, 2025 – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey delivered an impassioned address to male students at Clement Howell High School, calling on them to recognize their power, seize their potential, and “awaken the sleeping giants” within.
In a message that blended humility, faith, and personal experience, the Commissioner reminded the boys that the decisions they make today will shape their future.“The choices you make today determine who you become tomorrow,” he said.
Bailey, who revealed he was the first in his family to attend high school, urged the students to embrace education and discipline as tools of
transformation.“Knowledge is power. If you want to be a real man, you need to read,” he told them. “Remember your potential — if others can do it, so can you. Some of you are sleeping giants waiting to be awakened.”
He emphasized that circumstances of birth do not dictate destiny, challenging the young men to carry self-respect, faith, and moral conviction wherever they go. “Self-respect is key; respect yourself, respect others, and respect God,” he said. “The circumstances you were born into do not define who you are.”
The Commissioner also spoke about resilience, advising that true strength often lies in restraint.
“There will be challenges, and people may try to impede your development — but rise above negativity. Sometimes, strength means walking away,” he said. “Some of you are sleeping lions; it’s time to awaken that instinct and rediscover your true potential.”
In closing, Commissioner Bailey delivered a stirring challenge:
“Each morning, look in the mirror and remind yourself that you were created by God and are capable of great exploits. You are a possibility with potential. Step forward with confidence — this is your country, your islands. Be the best version of yourself.”
Following his speech, the Commissioner engaged the students in open dialogue, answering questions and listening to their perspectives on issues affecting young men in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.
