TCI News

Turks & Caicos Celebrates Launch of TEAM and 20th Anniversary of TIDES Training Program

Published

5 years ago

November 3, 2020

#PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands (November 3, 2020) – The Turks & Caicos Islands Tourist Board in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime, Gaming and Disaster Management and the TCHTA will seek to reinforce and reignite an appreciation for Turks & Caicos among residents by encouraging domestic travel to discover the uniqueness of each Sister Island during its annual observance of Tourism Environmental Awareness Month (TEAM). Turks & Caicos also joins with its Caribbean counterparts to celebrate Caribbean Tourism Month throughout November.

During a press conference on November 2nd held at the Office of the Premier in Providenciales, a new TEAM theme was unveiled – ‘Rediscover Turks & Caicos’ which will be used for the next three years. The previous theme ‘Tourism Is Key, It Starts With Me’ has been retired after five years.

The other highlight of the event was the commemoration of the 20^th anniversary of the TIDES program. TIDES, which stands for Together Individuals Delivering Excellent Service, began as the TCI Host Training Programme in September 2000. The training program was created to enhance the Turks and Caicos’ visitor’s experience by raising the level of customer service to complement Turks and Caicos’ position as a premier holiday and investment destination. The program has seen thousands of civil servants, public service drivers and private sector employees benefit from the customer service course. To mark the occasion, the Tourist Board used the opportunity to honor its Training Manager Ms. E. Blythe Clare who has championed the program is recognized as an exemplary ambassador for Turks & Caicos.

Minister with responsibility for tourism and environment Hon. Ralph Higgs officially declared Tourism Environmental Awareness Month open and stated, “Our environment and tourism sector are vital to our country. I want to encourage the general public, across the length and breadth of the Turks & Caicos Islands, to not only remember the importance of our tourism industry but also the bedrock of that industry is our environment. We each have an important role as caretakers and custodians in ensuring that it is protected. These are indeed challenges times, however, brand Turks & Caicos is still trending positively in the world. Notwithstanding COVID-19, we continue to see strong interest in our destination. I believe that as soon as the pandemic subsides, we will see more visitors returning to our shores, and Turks and Caicos Islanders regaining their rightful place as participants and contributors to our economy.

I encourage residents to rediscover the beautiful islands that God has blessed us with in this archipelago. Go and experience the quaintness of Salt Cay, the elegant and rustic beauty of Grand Turk and indulge in the opportunities and possibilities that exist in South Caicos. North and Middle Caicos are the gem among these islands and I believe the future of the tourism industry lies within them. Providenciales, of course is the breadbasket of the country, and all of our Sister Islands are available for you to explore and enjoy. Due to the pandemic the government has put regulations in place to mitigate against the spread of the virus, however, please ensure that as you travel domestically you are following all the protocols outlined to safeguard your health.”

The Tourism Environmental Awareness Month events will be mainly hosted virtually and will include:

· Virtual Tour of Grand Turk on November 9^th

· Rediscover Turks & Caicos: Back in the Day Island Experiences on November 10^th

· Virtual Tour of Junkanoo Museum on November 11^th

· Virtual Tour of Cheshire Hall Plantation on November 13^th

· Nationwide Clean Up and Drive-by Giveaway on November 14^th

· Virtual Tourism Symposium on November 18^tth

· Rediscover Turks & Caicos: Island Delicacies on November 25^th

As part of the month’s celebrations, Turks & Caicos Islands residents and students are encouraged to ‘Rediscover Turks & Caicos’ in a creative sense by participating in a video and art competition. The video competition is open to the general public to submit a video based on the theme while fourth to sixth grade students are invited to submit visual art interpretations of the theme. The winners of both competitions will receive cash prizes. Criteria for entry and submission guidelines are available on our website https://turksandcaicostourism.com/tourism-month/.

Follow the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board’s public relations unit via its Facebook page ‘Turks and Caicos Tourist Board Press’ for live streaming and updates on all TEAM events.

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What You Need to Know – SOUTH CAICOS REGATTA 2025

Published

11 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, May 22, 2025 – We are thrilled to invite you to the South Caicos Regatta 2025, celebrating an incredible 58 years of rich history and vibrant tradition! Join us in South Caicos for an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, camaraderie, and the beauty of our beloved Island.

The South Caicos Regatta has long been a cherished event, bringing together locals and visitors to honour our Maritime heritage. This annual gathering showcases everything Turks and Caicos and the spirit of our community. With each passing year, the Regatta has grown into a spectacular celebration that highlights our culture, music and local cuisine. As we commemorate this milestone, we invite you to be apart of the festivities that make South Caicos truly special.

We celebrate this year from May 23-24th the main event day is Saturday May 24th where the excitement reaches it peak and a great day for Boating across the Caicos Bank. Come and enjoy local food vendors, live entertainment, and activities that cater to all.

For those of you planning to stay overnight, we have great news! Solterra Resort and Spa is offering special Regatta Rates for all guests. Reservations can be made by calling 1-649-333-5410 or emailing reservations@salterra.com. This is a perfect opportunity to relax and soak in the beauty of our Island while enjoying the celebrations.

We look forward to welcoming you to South Caicos for this memorable occasion.

News

RT & CIPF welcomes 30 Officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force

Published

2 days ago

May 20, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, May 20, 2025 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) officially welcomed the deployment of thirty officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) today, 20th May 2025.

The officers took their oaths of office during a formal swearing-in ceremony, marking the beginning of their service in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The deployment is part of a strategic initiative to enhance the RT&CIPF’s operational and tactical capabilities as the Force continues its mission to protect and serve the citizens and visitors of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fitz Bailey, addressed the new officers, emphasizing the importance of unity, professionalism, respect for human rights, and upholding human dignity.

The Commissioner pointed out that the officers are now part of a diverse Force comprising officers from over 21 nationalities, including those with Spanish and Creole-speaking backgrounds.

“You are joining a dynamic team with a shared commitment to community safety,” Commissioner Bailey said. “You will work alongside your RT&CIPF counterparts, integrating quickly, transferring your knowledge and experience, and gaining vital local insights. It is essential that you work harmoniously and reassure the communities you serve.”

He further emphasized that the rule of law must be upheld by everyone and reminded the officers to be firm in the execution of their duty, while in the same breath to uphold human rights while executing their duties: “Respect for human rights must be at the forefront of your service. The safety and dignity of people are paramount.”

Commissioner Bailey also acknowledged the challenges ahead: “There are individuals who seek to instil fear and disrupt our society through criminal activities. But you are here with a mandate—to serve and protect. Your primary objective is to preserve life. In the face of adversity, we must not become victims; we must prevail as victors. Self-preservation, vigilance, and teamwork will be critical as we move forward.”

Deputy Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams also addressed the new officers, emphasizing the importance of collaboration: “This is about teamwork—working together to bring stability and safety back to the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Commissioner of Police Warren Clarke, who oversees the Strategic Operations Portfolio within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF); Acting Deputy Commissioner Kendall Grant; Acting Assistant Commissioner Dwight Gardiner; Superintendent Jason James; and Acting Superintendent Kemron Lowhar.

News

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS BOOSTS SECURITY RESOURCES

Published

6 days ago

May 16, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

JOINT PRESS STATEMENT

FROM THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE AND

THE OFFICE OF THE PREMIER AND PUBLIC POLICY

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 15^th May 2025 – Today, Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and the Honourable Premier Charles Washington Misick OBE attended a ceremony, held at the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) Marine Branch, to commission two new vessels, which have been provided to the Turks and Caicos Islands as part of a joint initiative between the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the UK Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), the Governor’s Office and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

The two vessels, funded by the FCDO Border Security Programme, will form part of the Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Force’s Marine Branch, complementing their existing fleet. The vessels enhance our capability to be agile in our maritime law enforcement efforts and strengthen our emergency response search and rescue capability. They will be named Sea Challenger and Sea Contender reflecting the spirit of the RTCIPF’s operations in keeping the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands safe. The RNLI will provide training in the operations of these vessels later this month

At the commissioning ceremony, Her Excellency the Governor and the Honourable Premier also announced the arrival of regional resources to assist the RTCIPF:

This afternoon, 10 tactical officers from the Barbados Police Service arrived in Providenciales to provide strategic and operational security assistance to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Upon arrival, the officers will undergo an initial orientation before being sworn in as Special Constables of the RTCIPF. Members of the team will be deployed to support tactical operations. A further deployment of 30 tactical officers from another RSS Member State is expected before the end of the month. As part of the agreement, the RTCIPF will be provided with expert surge support officers to augment the existing cadre and develop capability.
Also, this month, CARICOM IMPACS will be in the Turks and Caicos Islands to deliver the first phase of a comprehensive Intelligence training programme to members of the RTCIPF, TCI Regiment, Border Force, HM Prison, Financial Intelligence Unit and the National Security Secretariat.

This package of regional security assistance follows the attendance of Her Excellency the Governor and Honourable Minister Arlington Musgrove at the 28th Meeting of The Council for National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE) in November 2024, and active discussions by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government with the Regional Security System (RSS) and its Member States.

The security assistance will significantly bolster national security and local law enforcement by enabling collaboration, resource sharing and strategic planning. More specifically, this will include:

Joint Operations;
Intelligence Sharing;
Training and Capacity Building;
Strengthening Border Security; and Combating Organized Crime Networks.

The Hon. Premier Charles Washington Misick OBE said:

The commissioning of these police vessels represents a critical step forward in strengthening our national security and safeguarding the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am grateful to the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office for their partnership in providing these vessels, supporting my Government’s commitment to equip law enforcement with the tools they need to protect our borders and uphold the rule of law.

The Government welcomes the deployment of ten additional police officers from Barbados as part of our ongoing strategic efforts to bolster national security and enhance the operational capacity of our law enforcement agencies. This reinforcement solidifies the TCI’s regional collaboration framework and underscores the shared objectives within the Caribbean toward addressing transnational crime, ensuring public order, and supporting intelligence-led policing. We are grateful to the Government and Commissioner of Police of Barbados for this timely support and reaffirm our commitment to maintaining a coordinated, regional approach to security and crime prevention.

Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam said:

Today marks a significant step forward in our national security strategy, as we commission two new maritime police vessels provided by the UK and welcome a contingent of tactical police officers from the Barbados Police Service. We are grateful to the FCDO, the Government of Barbados, Commissioner of Police of Barbados and the RSS for their valued support. These developments – alongside the launch of a targeted intelligence training programme with CARICOM IMPACS and a further regional deployment of 30 tactical officers expected before the end of the month – reflect not only the strength of our enduring partnerships and regional solidarity in tackling shared threats, but also the deliberate and determined efforts of the National Security Council to underpin law enforcement efforts and enhance our national defence posture. This is more than an operational boost – it is a step change in how we confront crime, secure our borders and safeguard our citizens.