PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: The grand opening of the Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos brought more than just high-energy celebrations to the shores of Providenciales as the Sandals Foundation led a star-studded Reading Road Trip at four local primary schools.

Dozens of celebrities, global media representatives, resort guests, and hospitality executives took a purposeful break from the weekend’s festivities to connect directly with the island’s youngest learners. The initiative transformed standard kindergarten classrooms at Enid Capron Primary, Thema Lightbourne Primary, Ianthe Pratt Primary and Oseta Jolly Primary into dynamic literacy hubs as visitors including American Actor and Playwright Jesse Eisebberg, and Real Housewives of New York City and author Kelly Bensimon read books and engaged in fun literacy games and activities.

The carefully designed activities aimed to strengthen students’ foundational reading comprehension skills and saw visitors actively animating characters, reading aloud, playing interactive literacy games, doing phonetic exercises and collaborative arts and crafts.

For local educators, the initiative represented a valuable opportunity to broaden students’ horizons. Through meaningful interaction with media representatives, students learned firsthand about exciting careers in writing, photography, and broadcasting.

Nelene Swann, Vice Principal of Enid Capron Primary, highlighted the profound impact of the unique global connection. “The experience for the children was good as they interacted and shared in a cultural blend while learning about new cultures and different career options,” Swann shared.

For American actor and playwright Jesse Eisenberg, who spent his afternoon volunteering at Oseta Jolly Primary School, his visit coincided with a special occasion on the school’s calendar, creating an even more memorable atmosphere for the youngsters.

“Our school was celebrating Boys Day which allowed [Eisenberg] to share in the experience and even provide great mentorship advice. Lessons such as the importance of consistency were well received by students in this developmental phase,” says Handsfield.

The Sandals Foundation has long championed early childhood education as a fundamental pillar of its philanthropic mission across the region.

Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, expressed her pride in the weekend’s grand opening educational outreach noting, “The Reading Road Trips provided a one-of-a-kind experience to guests and students as they shared in the power of play, imagination and life – all through the wonders of books. At the heart of our mission is to facilitate the creation of fun and dynamic learning environments that inspire students. We are proud to be a partner in TCI’s education tapestry and will continue to support initiatives that enable students’ holistic development.”

While the grand opening festivities brought a special influx of international participants to the classrooms, the commitment to local schools remains a consistent, year-round priority for the local resort staff. Employees regularly dedicate their personal time to mentor, tutor, and read with primary school students, fostering an incredibly strong bond between the hospitality sector and the local education system.

General Manager Deryk Meany emphasized the immense joy these initiatives bring to his dedicated staff. “This was a blast for the resort team members. The heart of the hospitality industry extends far beyond the resort’s doors and through the Reading Road Trip and other team member volunteer initiatives, we are proud to share our time, resources and expertise to the school community.”

Even as the official grand opening celebrations conclude, the positive impact of these classroom interactions will continue to resonate deeply throughout the Providenciales community and the world – example of a powerful model for community-integrated tourism.

Turks and Caicos, May 22, 2026 – Protecting the Turks and Caicos Islands’ airports and ports of entry through stronger coordination, intelligence sharing and joint security strategies was the central focus of a high-level meeting between the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority earlier this month.

Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey and members of the RT&CIPF Executive Team met with TCIAA officials on May 7 at Police Headquarters as both agencies reinforced their commitment to national security and public safety.

Leading the Airports Authority delegation was TCIAA Chief Executive Officer Selvyn Hawkins.

The meeting centered on aviation security across the Turks and Caicos Islands and the need for tighter collaboration as the country experiences continued growth in visitor arrivals and air traffic movement.

Officials discussed coordinated approaches to strengthening airport security, improving intelligence sharing and ensuring stronger protection for residents and visitors entering and leaving the territory.

The discussions also underscored the importance of strategic partnerships between law enforcement and aviation officials in responding to evolving security threats and safeguarding critical infrastructure.

Also attending from the TCIAA were:

• Devon Fulford, Executive Director of Operations
• Nikeva Ariza, Director of Corporate Affairs, Communications and Public Engagement
• Jurren van den Oever, Security & Change Manager
• and Andrew Thomas, Director of Safety and Emergency Response.

The meeting forms part of broader national security efforts aimed at reinforcing public confidence, strengthening border protection and ensuring the Turks and Caicos Islands maintains safe and secure gateways as tourism and development continue to expand.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

Turks and Caicos, May 22, 2026 – Fuel prices across the Turks and Caicos Islands remain shockingly high, with motorists in some islands now paying as much as 11 dollars per gallon for gasoline and diesel, according to the latest government fuel report.

The report, released May 20 by the Department of Trade, Industry and Fair Competition, reveals dramatic price differences across the country, exposing the growing cost burden facing residents and businesses outside Providenciales.

The most eye-popping figures come from Salt Cay, where both regular gasoline and diesel were listed at 11 dollars per gallon as of May 18.

In North Caicos, regular gasoline climbed as high as 8 dollars per gallon, while South Caicos stations listed fuel at 8 dollars and 35 cents per gallon.

Even in Providenciales, where prices are typically lower due to higher competition and volume, some stations reported diesel prices ranging from 7 dollars and 40 cents to 7 dollars and 67 cents per gallon. Premium gasoline also approached 7 dollars and 70 cents at some locations.

One of the sharpest increases was recorded at Mervco in Providenciales, where regular gasoline jumped a full dollar in just two weeks — from 5 dollars and 70 cents to 6 dollars and 70 cents per gallon.

The Department said the monthly reports are intended to give consumers greater transparency and understanding of fuel pricing trends throughout the islands.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.