#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – October 25, 2020 — The reopening date of Beaches Resort Turks and Caicos may again be delayed as the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) will not be ready for sessions to resolve the multi-million tax dispute until November 18.
A mediator is selected and while the unnamed Queen’s Counsel
attorney-at-law has said he can accommodate meetings from November 8, TCIG is unable
to make the date.
November 18 is the day Beaches Turks and Caicos is scheduled
to reopen. Beaches Resort has announced
that it will not reopen, however, until their matter is resolved.
The Premier – in speaking to media – asked Beaches Resort to stop bashing the Turks and Caicos Islands Government; Beaches in effect is saying ‘no’ to relenting on its robust language and unflattering characterisations of TCIG’s handling of the ongoing legal matter with the release on Saturday (Oct 24) of yet another strongly worded statement.
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“Heartless, vindictive and incompetent is what the TCIG have
proven themselves to be. Their eyes are blind and their ears are deaf to the
extreme hardship and suffering of the citizens of the TCI,” said Beaches Resort
Turks and Caicos, which added, “The TCIG advised that they are not available
until November 18, 2020. Even after the mediation, Beaches understands that the
matter will then need to go to the House and Cabinet for approval. The end does
not appear to be in sight.”
It is a volley of high voltage remarks which is polorising
the people of the Turks and Caicos who either find the lingering impasse, irritating
or irrational.
Beaches Resort continues to point to government inaction as
inexcusable and its Board refuses to reopen without the multi-million dollar tax
row being settled. It is a reality which has caused negative
economic ripples as other major resort employers remain closed, airline
arrivals are jeopardized and the thousands who depend on tourism and the
consumption, services and entertainment linked to it, are financially
depressed.
“Beaches for four years has been waiting for the Government
to resolve a very simple matter in a fair and equitable way. Beaches made
themselves available for mediation the week of November 8. Given the
seriousness of the matter, we would have thought that the TCIG would have made
themselves available at the earliest opportunity – any responsible and caring
government certainly would have.”
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Some residents are cringing at the labelling and one comment
circulated on WhatsApp captures the tone of those who believe Beaches Resort has
gone too far.
[SIC]“Beaches benefitting more from us, than us from
them. They’ve exploited us wayyy too
long bringing in their staff from JA.
Trust me another company ready to take yah place Beaches you get too
demanding. You’re too cocky. Yu need us.
We don’t depend on you. We are
the most sought after you know that.”
But has the resort and investor overstepped its boundaries?
Those urging a resolve to the matter are dumbfounded at the
lack of expediency on the part of Government given how much is at stake.
The Turks and Caicos
Hotel and Tourism Association, on October 21 said this: “The
effects of this unfortunate situation have the potential to be far-reaching. At
an extremely fragile time where all Caribbean countries are fighting for the
rebounding of their tourism product, travel partner confidence is essential.
Unfortunately, this can be quickly lost with our partners, with frustrations
being felt by those working diligently to sell Turks and Caicos to a limited
market, only to have to manage cancellations with no real answers to provide to
travelers.”
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The Turks and Caicos on October 1, officially entered a
recession according to Premier and Finance Minister Sharlene Robinson. It is also true that the Turks and Caicos,
has been ranked #1 in the world – according to the World Travel & Tourism
Council – for having lost the most earnings, percentage wise, as a result of
the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on travel and tourism.
Given these unprecedented circumstances; the plummeting cash
in the Public Purse and the insistence by the TCIG that Beaches Resort does
indeed owe over $25 million in unpaid taxes, many had hoped for more immediate
movement toward mediation.
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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 25, 2025 – Budget-friendly skies are opening over the Turks and Caicos Islands as Frontier Airlines prepares to launch its first-ever nonstop flights between Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) — the world’s busiest air hub.
Starting December 20, 2025, the twice-weekly service will offer residents and tourists a direct, affordable gateway to and from the U.S. mainland. The new route marks Frontier’s debut in the Turks and Caicos, part of a major regional expansion that includes 22 new routes across Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.
“We couldn’t be more excited to begin operations in Providenciales,” said Josh Flyr, Frontier’s Vice President of Network and Operations Design. “With our nonstop service to Atlanta, we’re making travel easier, more affordable, and unlocking connections to countless destinations across the U.S. and beyond. It’s not just about tourism — it’s about opportunity.”
Big Win for Providenciales and the Region
The move positions Howard Hamilton International Airport as a growing Caribbean hub. Frontier’s low-fare model is expected to stimulate visitor arrivals, particularly from Atlanta — a key U.S. tourism feeder city — while giving Turks and Caicos residents new, cost-effective travel options for business, education, and leisure.
Industry observers note that the timing couldn’t be better. Turks and Caicos tourism remains on an upward trajectory in 2025, with hotel occupancy and airlift both climbing following the pandemic rebound. Frontier’s entry adds competitive pricing to an air market long dominated by legacy carriers, expanding the reach of the destination to more budget-minded travelers.
A Wider Growth Strategy
The Atlanta–Providenciales launch is part of Frontier’s aggressive Caribbean push this winter, which also includes new flights to Nassau, St. Maarten, Puerto Vallarta, and San José del Cabo. Introductory fares to select destinations are as low as US $69 one-way.
For Turks and Caicos, the connection to Atlanta — one of Frontier’s strategic bases — means instant access to hundreds of onward destinations in North America and beyond.
As Frontier joins the expanding roster of carriers serving the islands, tourism officials are calling it a “win-win for accessibility and affordability.” And for travelers? It’s a golden ticket to paradise — at a fraction of the cost.
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.