Connect with us

TCI News

Update: RitzCarlton encouraged to source staff at local schools in meeting with TCI Gov’t

Published

on

RitzCarlton Turks and Caicos construction site on December 8 under overcast skies

#TurksandCaicos – December 10, 2020 — RitzCarlton Residences Turks and Caicos, Grace Bay is moving steadily toward a mid-2021 opening and in November accomplished a string of feats which have pushed the development of the Desarrolles Hotel Co Turks and Caicos Ltd (DHTC) closer to launch of its luxury twin towers.

Advertisement

A meeting held on November 17 with Delroy Williams, Minister of Labour and Employment Services and his team including Edwin Taylor, TCI Labour Commissioner was meant to give guidance on best practices during the hiring process. 

RitzCarlton executives: John Hazard, Corey Guest, Roberto Spita and Steven Redkoles learned of opportunities to partner with schools, colleges and vocational institutions in Turks and Caicos for possible internships and to offer developmental courses as it seeks to staff is world class, branded resort.

Shared with the hotel executives were recommendations on pay, benefits, employee taxes, programs like retirement savings and a session to better acquaint the team with the labour laws of Turks and Caicos.

The Ministry shared:  “A number of topics were covered, some of which are as follows: Turks and Caicos Labour Laws; General pay (including required or non-required service charge and distribution) & benefits offered on island; Medical, dental and other required and standard insurance provided to employees; Pension/Retirement plan requirements that are offered in the industry to employees; Vacation, holiday and sick leave entitlements; Local vs. Expat differences and any potential requirements as it relates to Live-in/Live-out, pay and benefits; Offer Letter/Work Agreement templates and requirements.”

On November 26, the Turks and Caicos Islands cabinet approved “a 99 year license for and licence to operate a restaurant and to renovate an existing pier/jetty…”

Minister Williams, who was also accompanied by Desmond Wilson, Permanent Secretary and James Astwood, the deputy PS said, “… that he is confident that the opening of this resort will create major employment as well as entrepreneurial opportunities for the residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and is looking forward to the Ritz Carlton team working closely with my Ministry team during the various phases of the project, to ensure that the end result will prove beneficial to all.”

TCI Government approves refurbishment of the pier at the RitzCarlton construction site on Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. View of the pier as a cold front rolls in.

There is optimism and anticipation from the RitzCarlton Turks and Caicos side as well, “When I exited the plane in Turks and Caicos last year, I felt an immediate connection with the island as it truly felt like home. We look very much forward to a successful opening and partnering with you (TCI Government) and the community,” said Mr. Guest, Director of Human Resources.

Additionally, RitzCarlton, in July signed on as FortisTCI’s tenth UORE (Utility Owned Renewable Energy) customer. 

“A 210.6 kW rooftop solar PV system will be installed on the resort’s casino and restaurant rooftop. It will be a grid-tied installation, generating approximately 310MWh annually and help avoid approximately 244 tons of CO2 emissions. Customers participating in the UORE program receive a monthly fixed credit for rooftop space and an annual variable incentive based on system production,” said FortisTCI in a media statement.

RitzCarlton Turks and Caicos will be the country’s tallest hotel at 12 storeys and features 124 hotel rooms, 60 residences, restaurant, meeting rooms and a casino stretched across 700 feet of uninterrupted views of the world famous, Grace Bay Beach.

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.

News

Treasure Beach Village Opens at Beaches; Tourism Leaders Expect Surge in Bookings  

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Education

Message from Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

News

Flow TCI powers Inter-High Track and Field Championships  

Published

on

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.

As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.

“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.

“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.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING