#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – October 2, 2020 – The Turks and Caicos is now officially in a recession; it is another suffocating symptom of the coronavirus pandemic and to think, only slight inroads have been made by the World Health Organization in the effort to unravel who and what unleashed this mammoth of a crisis on the planet.
In a normal year, the Turks and Caicos
Islands would have been hundreds of millions of dollars richer.
In this year, the ‘Unprecedented and
Unpredictable Year 2020’, Sharlene Robinson who is Premier and Finance Minister
of the UK overseas territory, has had to make a starkly different announcement
about country earnings and the direct and trickle down effects due to the crushing
impact on our leading industry: Tourism.
Hon Sharlene Robinson, TCI Premier & Minister of Finance
“The trigger point for a recession
is usually two consecutive quarters of negative growth. All indications are
that, despite having to go on lockdown at the end of March, the country
experienced economic growth in the first quarter of this year. The second
quarter, undoubtedly because of the necessary restrictions which had to be
imposed, saw minimal activity and even though the level of activity in this
quarter was more than the activity in the second quarter, when compared with
the level of activity during the third quarter of last year, we are heading
towards a second quarter of negative growth. Hence we can conclude that this
economy is heading towards a recession,” said the Premier on September 10 in a
national press conference held at the Office of the Premier in Providenciales.
That second quarter ended on September 30 for the
TCI.
It means the Turks and Caicos is now officially two
days into a recession and that translates into deep losses for this once burgeoning
archipelago, which expected the economy to grow in 2020 by 5.4 percent.
Tourism contracted by 53 percent.
Providenciales International Airport, PLS outfitted for reopening of the borders which took place on July 22
“In constant market prices it is forecast
to decline from $303 million to 142.4 million or by $160.6 million,” informed
Premier Robinson when Magnetic Media requested a dollar figure on the whopping shrinkage
made known in her presentation early last month.
Overall, the Turks and Caicos Islands
economy is forecast to contract by over 26 percent or $204.7 million.
Premier Robinson advised that GDP will “decline from US$ 1.2 Billion to US$ 924.6 million or by $272.8 million.”
During a House of Assembly meeting on August 17, Opposition Leader Washington Misick condemned the PDM Administration’s handling of the pandemic and surmised the country was facing a “deep recession.”
“The PDM does not understand what it will take to reverse the trend of this pandemic, nor the political will to try. They failed to take the measures needed between March 28th and July 22nd to put the needed resources behind the potential prevention and control of a surge of COVID-19 cases after the opening of the border and the resumption of business operations. They did not make the investment to acquire, train and undertake mass testing before the full relaxation of restrictive measures. What we should be looking at today is a reprioritisation of the budget focused on reversing the COVID-19 trend instead we are asked to approve reallocation of funding for a political agenda,” said Misick in his rebuttal of the Supplementary Appropriation Bill.
Hon Washington Misick, TCI Opposition Leader (file photo)
Washington Misick described the economy as being on “life-support” and the tourism industry as running “on fumes”.
And the future for travel and tourism is
not looking bright.
An ominous ‘third wave’ of the highly
infectious virus is sweeping the planet and the COVID-19 death toll has
surpassed one million.
This confluence of crises is reviving
extreme restrictions, extending barriers to travel and prompting unimagined
measures to stem the flow and stop the spread of COVID-19.
New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, on Monday
signed an executive order which requires New Yorkers to quarantine for 14-days
upon return from any country which the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
has listed at Level 2 or Level 3.
The Turks and Caicos, has since August 6,
been charted as ‘Level 3: Reconsider Travel’.
“The east coast, and particularly New York, is a
major gateway for visitors to our destination. Additionally, the USA market as
of 2019 accounted for 82% of air arrivals to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Consequently, the Tourist Board and Ministry
of Tourism have taken actionable steps in response to this decision. The
Tourist Board, has reached out directly to New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo’s
office and the Ministry of Tourism is working closely with the Ministry of
Health to address the CDC’s categorization of Turks and Caicos as a level 3
country, said the Ministry of Tourism and the TCI Tourist Board on October 1 in
a joint press statement.
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo holds Coronavirus briefing.
Dr Howard Zucker
Michaela Kennedy-Cuomo
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
It may be a fight in futility though, as the
Turks and Caicos has faced this ‘Coronavirus Blacklisting’ before. The United Kingdom, despite TCI being one of
its overseas territories, has since August made quarantine mandatory for 14
days for anyone travelling from these islands.
Income from cruise ship travel is sunk. The CDCs
‘No Sail Order’, just hours before it was due to expire on September 30 is now
extended until October 31, 2020.
Grand Turk, the cruise hub of the Turks and
Caicos welcomed over 1 million cruise visitors each year but has not seen a
ship in port since March.
Premier Robinson in her September 10 address
announced budget reallocations to support an extended stimulus package to the
tune of $5 million.
TCI Cabinet meets; file photo pre-COVID-19
A food assistance program, a new round of
stimulus payouts which would include ground transportation operators and for
the first time, the National Insurance Board would financially support its
contributors falling into unemployment or underemployment.
“Throughout this pandemic, TCIG has seen
many policy shifts within its budget. To date, it is estimated that TCIG has
paid out over $15.3m in expenses relating to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said the
Premier.
The country awaits, however, activation of the new $5 million stimulus payout scheme. Details were promised for mid-September but to date government has been silent on when these funds will manifest for a people who have been in recession long before now and who fear the worst is yet to come.
Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — For two consecutive weeks, popular on‑air personalities set up remote studios on the sands of Grace Bay, turning Beaches Turks & Caicos into a live broadcast hub for North American listeners. Morning shows and drive‑time programmes all streamed directly from the resort, with hosts sharing first‑hand impressions of the islands’ beaches, culinary scene, and signature warm hospitality.
The broadcasts formed part of the “Password to Paradise” promotion, a multi‑station campaign that invited listeners to tune in for special on‑air codes for the chance to win all‑inclusive vacations to Beaches Turks and Caicos resort. Stations in major markets across the U.S. and Canada used the resort as their backdrop while encouraging audiences to “trade the cold for Turks and Caicos,” painting vivid pictures of turquoise waters and white‑sand shores with every break.
The “Password to Paradise” mission, already a proven radio promotion format in Canada and the U.S., took on new resonance when paired with live reports from the resort itself. Contest teasers, winner announcements, and social media reels featuring guests arriving in Turks and Caicos amplified the islands’ profile well beyond traditional print or digital advertising.
Tourism officials have welcomed the radio initiative as a timely boost to an already buoyant sector. Minister of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, emphasized the importance of partnerships that not only grow arrivals but also ensure that Turks and Caicos Islanders remain the primary beneficiaries of tourism’s success.
In commenting on the recent wave of live broadcasts and contests, Minister Jolly noted, “these visiting broadcasters have showcased the islands to millions of listeners across North America and underscored the “value added” to an economy that continues to expand on the strength of tourism.” He continued, “ sustained, experience‑driven campaigns like “Password to Paradise” align with the government’s broader strategy of attracting high‑value visitors while protecting the country’s natural assets and cultural heritage.”
The Turks and Caicos tourism product is widely described as a cornerstone of the national economy, as this sector continues to grow from strength to strength it will increase the number job creation for islanders.
Additionally, tourism leaders point to the long‑tail impact of being featured repeatedly across multiple radio brands, social channels and contest sites. Each on‑air mention, online clip and contest entry serves as an invitation to discover Turks and Caicos, reinforcing the islands’ reputation as a premier Caribbean destination at a time when global competition for tourists is intense.
For Beaches Turks and Caicos, the broadcasts were another opportunity to highlight its position as one of the region’s leading family‑friendly all‑inclusive resorts. DJs and hosts shared experiences from the resort’s multiple villages, expansive pools, waterpark attractions, and dining venues, giving listeners an authentic taste of the “Luxury Included” vacation concept from a guest’s point of view.
General Manager, Deryk Meany highlighted the resort’s partnership with the radio stations as he complemented a wider pattern of media collaborations that Turks and Caicos has pursued in recent years, from television features in major U.S. markets to digital campaigns showcasing the archipelago’s diverse islands. With the success of the latest “Password to Paradise” mission, industry insiders say the stage is set for more creative broadcast partnerships that leverage the power of storytelling to keep Turks and Caicos Islands firmly on the map.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks & Caicos, a PADI-certified dive resort in Providenciales, continues to invest in its watersports team by training and certifying four team members to become qualified dive instructors to its operation. The resort operates one of the most comprehensive resort diving programmes in the region, offering on-site PADI courses and daily dives for guests of varying experience levels.
These latest certifications were conducted under the supervision of PADI Course Director and Dive Shop Manager Leonard Suckrajh, who is among an elite group of PADI professionals in the Caribbean. His role as course director allows the resort to deliver instructor-level training on property, further elevating the standard of safety, education and guest experience at the resort’s dive centre.
Suckrajh expressed his satisfaction with the commitment and professionalism demonstrated by the four new instructors, Almina Browne, Cicely Clarke, Andrew Dunkley and Boat Captain Tryston Sang throughout their training and assessment. “I am extremely proud of them,” he said. “They have invested significant time and effort in developing their technical competence and instructional skills and their achievement reflects a deep commitment to delivering safe, high-quality dive experiences for our guests.”
He noted that their performance reflects a strong culture of excellence within the watersports department and aligns with the resort’s long-standing emphasis on safety and training. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, our objective is not only to train divers, but to develop highly responsible professionals who understand that every dive is grounded in safety, teamwork and respect for the marine environment,” he added. Suckrajh, whose own progression to course director spans more than two decades in watersports and diving within the Sandals and Beaches brands, said the new instructors represent “the next generation of leaders within our dive operation.”
General Manager, Deryk Meany, commended the level of collaboration required to guide four new instructors through the rigorous PADI process. “Attaining PADI instructor status is a demanding accomplishment that cannot be realized in isolation,” Meany said. “It requires the coordinated support of the dive shop, the wider watersports team, and the broader resort operation to ensure candidates have the necessary resources, time and mentorship to succeed.”
He emphasized that strengthening the cadre of certified instructors supports the resort’s commitment to excellence in guest service. “Each additional instructor enhances our capacity to offer guests a greater range of options, a higher degree of personal attention and consistently high safety standards,” Meany continued. “This milestone reinforces our position as a leading provider of family-friendly diving experiences in the Caribbean.”
Beaches Turks and Caicos is recognized for providing a wide spectrum of PADI courses on site, from Discover Scuba Diving and Open Water certification to advanced and specialty programmes. Previous training initiatives at the resort have resulted in many team members achieving PADI instructor status, significantly increasing both certification capacity and in-water safety oversight.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Students from the Clement Howell High School were recently welcomed to Beaches Turks and Caicos for an immersive fine dining and etiquette session at one of the resort’s signature à la carte restaurants. For the second consecutive year, the resort’s learning and development, public relations and food and beverage teams designed and delivered practical training that exposed students to the standards and expectations of a world‑class hospitality environment.
General Manager of Beaches Turks and Caicos, Deryk Meany, said the resort is committed to making the experience a fixture on the school calendar. “We are honoured to once again open our doors to the students of Clement Howell High School,” Meany added. “As one of the largest employers and training grounds in the Turks and Caicos Islands, we see it as our responsibility to help prepare the next generation with the skills, confidence and professional support they need to succeed in hospitality and beyond.”
He added that the partnership aligns with the values of both Beaches Resorts and the Sandals Foundation. “This programme is about more than a single day at the resort,” Meany continued. “It is about creating a consistent pathway for young people to see themselves in this industry, to understand the standards we uphold, and to recognise that there is a place for them at every level of the tourism sector.”
During the session, the resort’s learning and development and food and beverage professionals guided students through the full fine‑dining experience—from greeting and seating, to understanding multi‑course menus, cutlery placement, napkin etiquette and appropriate table conversation. Students also learned about body language, professional dress, and how to conduct themselves confidently in formal and semi‑formal settings such as interviews, scholarship dinners and official functions.
Learning and Development Manager Phildreka Mayham explained that the training was deliberately structured to blend technical knowledge with life skills. “Our goal is to demystify the fine dining environment for these students,” Mayham noted. “We want them not only to know which fork to use, but to understand that etiquette is really about respect for others, respect for themselves, and the ability to move comfortably in any social or professional space.”
She added that the programme is also a platform to introduce students to career possibilities. “Through this engagement, they get to interact directly with our team members, ask questions about different roles, and see first‑hand that hospitality offers diverse pathways—from culinary arts and service to training, management, and leadership,” Mayham shared.
For Clement Howell High School, the partnership with Beaches Turks and Caicos and the Sandals Foundation has become an important extension of the Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) curriculum. Guidance Counsellor Tanisha Graham said the experience supports the school’s broader focus on personal development and career readiness. “Our students are learning about self‑presentation, communication, and social responsibility in the classroom,” Graham noted. “Being able to step into a professional fine dining setting and put those lessons into practice is incredibly powerful for them.”
Graham emphasised the impact on students’ self‑confidence. “Many of our students are experiencing this kind of setting for the very first time,” she explained. “To see them sit up a little straighter, engage in conversation, and realise that they belong in these spaces—that is transformational. It reinforces the message that their potential is limitless.
Public Relations Manager, Orville Morgan added, “this initiative forms part of the resort’s ongoing investment in education and skills development across the Turks and Caicos Islands, complementing previous support to Clement Howell High, including enhancements to hospitality‑related clubs and programmes. The fine dining and etiquette training is expected to continue as an annual feature, with plans to refine and expand the experience based on feedback from students and teachers.”
As the second cohort of HFLE students completed their training, teachers expressed optimism that the collaboration will continue to grow and inspire even more young people to consider careers in hospitality. For Beaches Turks and Caicos, the hope is that today’s students will return in the years ahead as interns, team members, and leaders—bringing with them the confidence, poise and professionalism first nurtured at a carefully set table in one of the resort’s restaurants.