TCI News

Letter to Editor: Beaches Resort Impasse, concerning

Published

5 years ago

November 9, 2020

Dear Editor,

November 9, 2020 – Please allow me an opportunity to air my very serious concerns regarding this ongoing impasse with Beaches, and the latest developments which are more discouraging than encouraging.

After the latest volley of statements between the TCIG and Beaches Resorts, I must insist that the playing of games with the lives of the people must stop!

Only a few short days ago we heard all these great things about mediation and how it holds hope for a resolution, but barely had the print dried that mediation was out the window like everything else. Now we are left in a state of chaos with no idea about what is going to happen as we race toward the peak periods; Thanksgiving, Christmas and beyond.

First the TCIG comes and says Beaches called off the mediation, followed almost immediately by the resort denying this and pointing toward a letter which the TCIG had sent to the resort on the cusp of the mediation. The clear implication is that whatever was contained in that letter derailed the talks that were to come. Beaches for its part has demanded that the letter be published. Well if that is how we get to the bottom of this then I also wish to see the contents of that letter.

That is important for several reasons the most urgent being that if there was something in that letter that impacted the mediation then we have to wonder why it is that the Premier and the TCIG would do such a thing, and what is the reason behind refusing to resolve this matter while people suffer.

On the other hand, if the letter does not contain anything that could be seen as disruptive, then we have questions to ask of Beaches.

But at this point the only party that has called for full disclosure is Beaches, and I shudder to think that the TCIG is intentionally prolonging this debacle while people all over the TCI suffer. If this is a political gimmick as is being suggested, then shame on the TCIG for so playing with the lives of those who elected it to serve.

The people of the TCI can no longer sit idly by while we hear empty talk and promises.

One has to ask the question, what does it profit Beaches to keep its doors closed at a time when it needs to open resorts and it probably needs all the business it can get? It simply does not compute. If the liability is $26 million as is being claimed, then I cannot see a multi-billion dollar company allowing such a sum to prevent it from opening – unless it’s not about the money.

Let’s look at this practically; the TCIG is accusing it key investor of not meeting all its tax liabilities, however Beaches has stood its ground insisting that not only has it paid its taxes according to its long standing agreement with the government, but that it is actually owed millions in overpaid taxes. Then there is the letter sent by the sitting Finance Minister Washington Misick confirming the arrangement. So it is not hard to see why Beaches has taken the stand it has, and I can understand why the resort is standing its ground because essentially it is being accused by a host government of not meeting tax liabilities. That is a damning thing to say has far reaching implications, and any company that is within its rights will defend itself from such an accusation whether it is $26 million or $26 dollars. Furthermore Beaches has been very public in its defense so this cannot be about simply evading payment as the TCIG has suggested.

So what is the truth?

We are no longer comforted by the platitudes we hear from the TCIG regarding its willingness to ‘engage in discussions (facilitated or otherwise) in good faith, with a view to ultimately arriving at a workable resolution for both parties.” We need more than words we need action, we need to see real effort, we are tired of the talk, talk and more talk.

Well you had the opportunity to do that on November 18^th in the mediation, and if it is that the TCIG has done something – in this case the finger is being pointed at the contents of a letter sent to Beaches on October 29^th – that has derailed that process then the people deserve to know why. So let the citizens be the judge indeed, publish the letter and let Beaches publish its response.

Yours respectfully,
Angus Jones

Related Topics:#beachesresorttci #lettertoeditor #sandalsresorts #turksandcaicosislands sandals

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Flow TCI powers Inter-High Track and Field Championships

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“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”

The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.

Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.

Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

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Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.

In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.

The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.

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TCI Hospital Celebrates Successful “Heart Strong TCI” Initiative During Heart Month

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1 week ago

March 2, 2026

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(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.

Key Activities Included:

Educational Training Sessions

Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.

House Call Talk Show Feature

A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.

Red Fridays Awareness Campaign

Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.

Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run

In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.

Digital Health Education Campaign

To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.

Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment

While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:

Community-based education initiatives
Preventative screening and early detection programs
Lifestyle and wellness promotion
Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes

“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”

For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc

About TCI Hospital

TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.