Caribbean News

The escalating cost of living in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Published

5 years ago

March 9, 2021

#TurksandCaicos, March 9, 2021 – Without a doubt, these are very extraordinary times in the lives of our people in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The economic impact and inequality between the different Islands has drawn huge differences between those who can afford to continue thriving, and those who are barely making it.

Therefore, we need to take extraordinary measures to move beyond the suffering of this pandemic, such as looking at the escalating cost of living and start with making provisions to raise the minimum wage.

In my opinion, it should be on the priority list of this new administration’s agenda, along with the other pressing issues. What that increase should look like, will be up to the labor board and a trained economist.

Currently, the minimum wage in TCI is $6.25 per hour. Given the high cost of living in these islands, particularly those in the outer Islands, it’s uncomprehensive to swallow. Unlike many of the other Caribbean islands, with the exception of seafood, practically all other consumable goods are imported and the service industry dominates the job market.

There are several benefits to higher minimum wage. As a matter of fact, many experts have said it will help create jobs and grow the economy. The declining value of the current minimum wage in these islands is one of the primary causes of wage inequality, especially when the price of groceries continues to increase.

There is also a huge wage disparity between low- and middle-income workers; and that’s the majority of Turks Islanders. I’m inclined to believe if you were to poll TI’s, a large majority will support increasing the minimum wage.

Income in these islands is a major determinant factor when it comes to the quality of life affecting the health and well-being of individuals and families. This varies by social factors such as age and ethnicity. Medical experts have concluded over the years that the impact can also lead to obesity and other health related issues.

Although there is a minimum wage law in TCI, due to the long-held traditions, you will find that it is not uncommon for some employers to still pay employees what they feel the job is worth. As a small business owner myself, I realized that it could be difficult at times putting payroll together at the end of the week, but paying employees a fair wage is the right thing to do.

Many opponents may say given the economic challenges we are faced with, their businesses cannot afford to pay employees more, or will be forced to reduce hiring. I beg to differ as there is never a perfect timing, as a matter of fact it could further increase productivity in the long run. Perhaps, if low-income workers earned more money, their dependence on working two jobs may be reduced, thereby creating more opportunities in the job market. Being forced to work two jobs to make ends meet, could be very taxing on families especially those with children. In some cases, it could be contributing to the delinquency of our youth due to the lack of two fulltime parental homes.

Prior to the pandemic, improvements in productivity and economic growth in this country have outpaced increases in the minimum wage and housing affordability. The current minimum wage as it stands, has not kept up with worldwide inflation. For example, the cost of milk in Grand Turk in literally $10 plus a gallon unless on sale, and probably higher is a few of the sister islands. What that means is, you would literally have to work almost 2 hrs to afford a gallon of milk, that’s insane. No wonder why a large percentage of our people are not eating healthy.

As pointed out by a team of International Election Experts who recently visited the islands, the eligible voters population in TI is approximately 8581, with an estimated population of about 43k. Now ponder this for a moment. This data paints a disturbing picture, and it leaves one to wonder whether or not these chain grocery stores are catering to the working class in terms of affordability and income levels, or are the prices being driven by the high-end targeted population.

With that being said, don’t expect the prices of groceries to get lower anytime soon, which makes it unsustainable for a minimum wage worker and many others. To be quite frank, what we lack in this country is price control and worker protection..which at some point will have to be addressed in order to slow the widening gap of class disparity.

Henceforth, it’s high time we have a call to action on this initiative. Although it may be an inflated expectation, hopefully this government with take a pragmatic approach to this matter, while balancing it with the economic needs of the country.

Ed Forbes,

Concerned citizen of Grand Turk

Caribbean News

Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards

Published

3 days ago

October 8, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

~Sandals Resorts hosts the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards Caribbean and The Americas Gala & celebrates its 32nd consecutive win as The Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand~

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA, October 8, 2025 – Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts have been honoured with 16 awards at the 2025 World Travel Awards Caribbean and The Americas, underscoring their continued leadership across the hospitality landscape.

The Gala Ceremony held at Sandals Grande St. Lucian honoured the visionaries and trailblazers shaping the travel and tourism industry. The evening united government leaders and hospitality professionals for a night of celebration, recognition and inspiration.

Among celebratory toasts, Sandals Resorts International was named the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand for the 32nd year in a row. Beaches Turks and Caicos also celebrated its 18th win as the Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort, a recognition that comes ahead of the debut of its Treasure Beach Village, the resort’s $150 million expansion set to open spring 2026.

Other key wins include Sandals Dunn’s River, recognized as the Caribbean’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort for the third year in a row after opening its doors in 2023 and Sandals South Coast, awarded the Caribbean’s Most Romantic Resort.

The 16 awards won under Sandals’ portfolio are:

Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand 2025: Sandals Resorts International
Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2025: Beaches Turks & Caicos
Caribbean’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica
Caribbean’s Leading Dive Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Curaçao
Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Resort 2025: Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Caribbean’s Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Dunn’s River, Jamaica
Caribbean’s Most Romantic Resort 2025: Sandals South Coast, Jamaica
Bahamas’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Bahamian
Curaçao’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Curaçao
Grenada’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Grenada
Jamaica’s Leading Adult-Only All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Negril
Jamaica’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort 2025: Beaches Negril
Jamaica’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Montego Bay
Jamaica’s Leading Resort 2025: Sandals Royal Caribbean
Saint Lucia’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Grande St. Lucian
Saint Vincent & The Grenadines’ Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2025: Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Surrounded by the beauty of Gros-Islet, St. Lucia, the peninsula location of Sandals Grande St. Lucian created the perfect backdrop for World Travel Awards’™ guests to enjoy an unforgettable dining experience and breathtaking island views.

“At the heart of every Sandals and Beaches vacation is pure, inviting Caribbean soul, paired with world-class hospitality experiences for all our guests. The recognitions bestowed to our brands tonight are truly meaningful. They serve as a testament to the incredible passion and dedication of our talented team members,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts. “It is yet another reminder of why we will never stop evolving, listening to our customers and refining our experiences year after year.”

For more information about these award-winning resorts, please visit www.sandals.com and www.beaches.com. For more information on the World Travel Awards™, please visit https://www.worldtravelawards.com/.

Caribbean News

Caribbean Powerhouses to Inspire at CaribCon in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Published

5 days ago

October 6, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson is the keynote speaker at CaribCon

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.

Elizabeth “Lady” Montano

Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.

Simon Baptiste

“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23^rd to 26^th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.

Sponsors are:

Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.

Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.

Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.

For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.

For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co

Caribbean News

Guyanese Scholar and Olympian Arrested in Iowa ICE Crackdown

Published

2 weeks ago

September 27, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

September 27, 2025 – In a shocking breach of public trust and institutional oversight, Ian Andre Roberts, superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, who is a citizen of Guyana, was arrested on September 26 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under a string of serious offenses that raise troubling questions about hiring practices, accountability, and public safety.

Roberts, born in Georgetown, Guyana, is a former Olympian and accomplished scholar. According to online reports, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Coppin State University after transferring from St. Francis College in Brooklyn, where he played soccer. He holds two master’s degrees—from St. John’s University and Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business—attended an Executive MBA program at MIT Sloan School of Management and earned a doctorate in education with a focus on urban educational leadership from Trident University.

Despite these accomplishments, Roberts was living and working without legal authorization. ICE reported that he fled a traffic stop and abandoned his school-issued vehicle. At the time of his arrest, he was reportedly in possession of a loaded handgun, a fixed-blade hunting knife, and $3,000 in cash. He also has a prior weapons-related charge.

ICE officials questioned how Roberts could hold such a prominent role while subject to a final deportation order issued in May 2024. The school district said they were unaware of his immigration status, noting that he had undergone background checks and completed an I-9 form confirming work authorization. Roberts was placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.

This case highlights vulnerabilities in systems meant to safeguard public institutions and underscores the challenges ICE faces in identifying individuals operating outside U.S. immigration laws while in positions of authority.

For many, Roberts has become a near-literal poster child for these enforcement gaps.