TCI News
Turks and Caicos in RECESSION; GDP to decline by $272.8 million
#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.
“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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
Turks and Caicos Islands – March 10, 2026 – Commercial flights between Grand Turk and South Caicos have been temporarily discontinued, leaving residents without a direct air link between the two islands since March 1.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government confirmed the suspension in a statement Tuesday, explaining that the route — which operates
under a government subsidy — is currently under review as officials reassess the tender process used to award the service.
The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Investment and Trade said the government is “working diligently to assess available options” to restore reliable air service between the islands as quickly as possible.
While the statement did not identify which airline had been operating the route, historically Caicos Express Airways and interCaribbean Airways have provided flights between South Caicos and Grand Turk using small twin-engine aircraft.
Officials acknowledged the disruption has caused concern among residents, noting that inter-island air travel is critical for access to essential services, business activity and government operations.
The government emphasized that the suspension does not affect flights between Grand Turk and Salt Cay, which continue to operate normally.
The review now underway will determine the next provider for the subsidized route. Authorities say the process must be conducted in a “fair, transparent and efficient manner” before service can resume.
For residents of the two islands, however, the immediate issue remains transportation — with many now forced to reroute through Providenciales or rely on limited sea travel until the air connection is restored.
Further updates are expected once the government completes its review and awards a new operating arrangement.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — A major new chapter in Caribbean tourism has begun in the Turks and Caicos Islands with the opening of Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos, a $150 million expansion expected to drive increased bookings, air arrivals and tourism earnings for the country.
The new oceanfront development, officially opened on February 28, adds 101 luxury multi-bedroom suites to the resort and
introduces new dining, entertainment and family experiences designed to strengthen the destination’s position in the global luxury family vacation market.
Tourism officials and resort executives say the expansion is expected to generate greater demand for the destination, which in turn translates to more flights, more visitor spending and increased government revenue from hotel and tourism taxes.
The development is part of an ongoing investment strategy by Sandals Resorts International, which continues to expand the Beaches brand across the Caribbean.
Executive Chairman Adam Stewart described the opening as a powerful signal of confidence in the Turks and Caicos tourism product.
“This moment reflects a partnership between Sandals and the Turks and Caicos Islands that has been built over decades,” Stewart said during the opening celebrations. The new village, he added, builds on the brand’s reputation for creating multi-generational travel experiences where families reconnect and spend meaningful time together.
The resort expansion reinforces Beaches’ reputation as the world’s leading luxury all-inclusive resort brand for families, and Beaches Turks and Caicos continues to stand as one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious properties.
Government officials attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including Tourism Minister Zhavargo Jolly, said the investment strengthens
the destination’s international standing and highlights continued confidence in the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier tourism market.
The new village significantly expands the resort’s accommodation offerings with spacious ocean-view suites and high-end villas designed to host larger families and groups. The property now includes luxury options such as the CrystalSky four-bedroom beachfront villas and a multi-level Chairman’s Penthouse suite capable of accommodating up to ten guests.
Treasure Beach Village also introduces six new dining concepts, including the Pinta Food Hall with multiple global cuisine stations and Butch’s Island Chop House, a signature steakhouse previously exclusive to the Sandals brand.
Additional amenities include a 15,000-square-foot lagoon pool, waterslides and splash zones for children, a swim-up bar, and the brand’s first Starfish Cinema, a theatre designed for family movie nights.
Guests staying in the new village will also have access to the full Beaches Turks and Caicos experience, including 28 restaurants, the 45,000-square-foot Pirates Island Water Park, unlimited water sports and supervised children’s programmes.
Industry observers say the investment not only enhances the visitor experience but also strengthens Turks and Caicos’ reputation as one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after luxury destinations.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 6 March 2026: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to
change the world.” Today, as we observe National Teachers’ Day, we pause to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of our teachers and the dedicated leaders of our schools. Your commitment to shaping young minds, guiding character, and nurturing potential is a calling that reaches far beyond the classroom. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Your daily efforts reflect the truth and wisdom of these words.
We also extend sincere appreciation to the leaders of our schools whose vision, guidance, and steady leadership create environments where both teachers and students can flourish. Your role in supporting educators and maintaining strong, positive learning communities is invaluable to the continued progress of our education system.
Teaching is not without its challenges. Yet, even in moments of stress and difficulty, our teachers continue to demonstrate genuine love, patience, and concern for their students. For this, we are deeply grateful. Your compassion, encouragement, and dedication help our children feel seen, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential. Truly, to teach is indeed to touch lives forever.
Education is strongest when it is supported by partnership. We must also recognize the important role of parents and families in the success
of our children. When schools and homes work together, the results are powerful. As we often say, when parents lead, children succeed. This shared commitment creates a strong foundation for learning and growth.
As a Department and Ministry of Education, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting our teachers and school leaders. We will continue to invest in meaningful professional development, provide the resources necessary for effective teaching and learning, and strengthen the systems that empower educators to thrive in their profession. Your work matters deeply, and we remain dedicated to ensuring you have the support needed to continue making a lasting difference.
On behalf of the Ministry of Education, I thank you. Thank you for your dedication, your resilience, your leadership, and for the love and care you show to our children each and every day. Today we celebrate you and the incredible impact you have on our nation’s future.
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