News
Sanctions are coming says TCI Gov’t; 12,000 Work Permit holders must be vaccinated
#TurksandCaicos, April 23, 2021 – In a string of announcements which are already attracting backlash, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government has admitted it is working on sanctions to ensure more people become vaccinated, even though the Covid-19 vaccine remains voluntary.
The measures were proposed by the Ministry of Health informed a Cabinet report from this week.
“Members also agreed on sanctions for non-conformity by public servants and sanctions for the private sector will be further considered.”
Details of the sanctions which Cabinet has ratified are not yet revealed but the new regimes in response to the Covid-19 crisis are certain to be unpopular with the 55 per cent of people who have opted not to be vaccinated.
Some are 45 per cent of adults in Turks and Caicos are vaccinated informed Premier Washington Misick on Tuesday during ‘Financially Speaking’ talk show on the national radio station, RTC. The National Vaccination dashboard said, 15,039 people (up to April 11) had received their first dose of the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine.
Government workers who were called back to full time office duties on April 12 have shunned the mandatory testing as an un-vaccinated employee in the public sector. Some have resisted returning to the office. The new, reactionary policies being approved at the highest level are now leaving little choice to exist without the coronavirus vaccine.
This measure was confirmed: “Approved amendments to the Public and Environmental Health Ordinance mandating scheduled routine testing of unvaccinated residents working in areas that significantly interface with members of the general public.”
It is estimated that there are 12,000 work permit holders populating the islands in the expatriate workforce. Government is pushing its limits to ensure anyone authorized to work in the Turks and Caicos Islands are not a threat to themselves.
The Wednesday April 21 Cabinet report said: “Approved the development of an official Turks and Caicos COVID-19 Exit Strategy through a structured vaccination program, which includes amendments to the Immigration Ordinance making vaccination mandatory for all work permit holders by July 2021 and initiatives to increase vaccinations more broadly through a phased reduction to restrictions to open up the economy tied to vaccination rates.”
Government is demonstrating its firmness about 70 per cent of the population vaccinated in order to achieve, ‘herd immunity’.
In the pre-amble to the list of coming sanctions to enforce mandatory testing, vaccination and power to quarantine, the report informed that members were “given an update by the Ministry of Health on the measures being taken to address and mitigate against the threat of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) to the country”
The government is doubling down on the Power to Quarantine and this appears to be an action which will be drawn on as-needed; it applies to anyone vaccinated or not.
“Approved amendments to Amendments to the Public and Environmental Health (COVID-19 Pandemic) Regulations – Power to Quarantine, allowing fully vaccinated individuals that require precautionary quarantining to be quarantined for seven (7) days. Non-fully vaccinated individuals will continue to be quarantined for fourteen (14) days.”
Government has greater enforcement capabilities within the public sector, but it is not stopping the Ministry of Health under the leadership of Deputy Premier, E Jay Saunders to create rules to filter into the private sector.
“This is in addition to recently agreed policy relevant to public servants working on the front line and includes workers in the health, education and hospitality sector of the private sector. Members also agreed on sanctions for non-conformity by public servants and sanctions for the private sector will be further considered,” is an excerpt from the Cabinet Meeting report.
The Covid-19 has been proven to be 100 per cent effective against serious hospitalisations, and reduces likelihood of becoming infected with the virus but one can still catch and spread the coronavirus even with the vaccine. Vaccinated individuals are also still required to wear face coverings, sanitise and maintain physical distancing.
Residents say these facts prove the vaccine is for self-protection and should therefore be left to the individual to choose whether or not they want to take the jabs.
News
The Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (February 25th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands began 2026 on a positive note, with stayover arrivals in January surpassing the same period in 2025.
Preliminary figures indicate that 56,830 stayover visitors arrived in January 2026, representing a two percent increase year-on-year. The steady growth continues the positive momentum experienced at the close of 2025.
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, attributed the encouraging performance to new collaboration with tour operator partners as well as increased airlift from key source markets.
“We anticipated a strong January performance following the growth recorded in November and December. The winter season has traditionally been a robust period for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this year that strength has been further supported by enhanced collaboration with partners and expanded airlift from Canada and the United States We are cautiously optimistic about maintaining this upward trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.
Cruise Sector
In cruise, preliminary figures show 122,935 cruise passenger arrivals in January, reflecting a 15 percent decrease compared to January 2025.
The decline is attributed to a reduction in cruise calls during the month. A total of 33 vessels called on Grand Turk in January, seven fewer than during the corresponding period last year.
Marketing Shows
As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier luxury destination, Experience Turks and Caicos has been actively participating in the Travel & Adventure Shows across several major cities in the United States.
The destination has already been showcased in Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago, with Fort Lauderdale and Denver scheduled in the coming weeks.
Public Relations Manager Laura Dowrich represented the Turks and Caicos Islands alongside the destination’s U.S. marketing agency, ABA Global.
Beaches Turks & Caicos – Stone Creek Travels
“One of the most encouraging takeaways from these shows is that the Turks and Caicos Islands is indeed on travellers’ radar. We met many visitors who shared fond memories of their time here, others who already have trips booked and were seeking recommendations on activities and dining, and many more who aspire to visit. It was a pleasure highlighting our multi-island destination and sharing the many experiences that make the Turks and Caicos Islands truly special,” said Ms. Dowrich.
Awards & Recognition
Building on a stellar year of accolades in 2025, the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun 2026 with additional international recognition.
The destination earned a Gold Badge in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing #5 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean and #5 in Best Beaches in the World. In the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Grand Turk was ranked #10 among the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit.
About Experience Turks and Caicos
Middle Caicos Dragon Cay Resort
Experience Turks and Caicos is the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is committed to positioning the destination as a premier, sustainable luxury tourism hub. By leveraging smart tools, data-driven strategies, and stakeholder collaboration, Experience Turks and Caicos focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and fostering long-term industry success.
About the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the destination is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Each island and cay offer a unique experience:
- Providenciales boasts world-class resorts, fine dining, and high-end tourism offerings.
- Grand Turk serves as the vibrant hub for cruise tourism and historical exploration.
- The sister islands provide a gateway to nature, adventure, and authentic local culture.
Recognised as the world’s best-kept secret, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer effortless luxury, with seamless connectivity via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Photo Captions:
Grand Turk – slow travel with us
North Caicos – Correy Forbes
South Caicos Sail Rock
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
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Caribbean News
Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.
The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.
“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital
policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.
“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”
Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.
Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.
Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.
Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.
Photo Caption:
TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain
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News6 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
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Caribbean News7 days agoLiberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
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News6 days agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals