Ritz-Carlton Turks and Caicos opens in Turks and Caicos with private ribbon cutting

#TurksandCaicos, June 24, 2021 – Everyone speaking at the private ribbon cutting ceremony of Ritz-Carlton Turks and Caicos believes this resort is going to bring a new level of prosperity to the islands and said so in their remarks.  Everyone speaking also had a slew of people to thank because the ahead of schedule completion and opening of the resort has been a long time coming. 

From the Premier however, there was more than an excitement about the prospect of prosperity; there was a message with a strong appeal. 

“We look forward to the economic benefits that your opening will bring to the Turks and Caicos Islands and appeal to your sense of corporate responsibility to do right by the people of the TCI and our fragile environment by ensuring that they are given every opportunity to excel within your organization, and to ensure that your operational methodology is sensitive to the environment,” said the Premier, Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade.

The brief ceremony held in the lobby of the new hotel was very private and low key.  Media had the day before been invited on property for a more intimate exchange; there would be no independent coverage of the event by local media. 

According to the media release from the Ritz-Carlton, Walter Gardiner Jr, local developer and broker for the property and Roberto Stipa, from the Hotel Ownership Group, who had gratitude for all three administrations which ushered the project to fruition were on the succinct agenda. 

“Our sincere appreciation to the three premiers and cabinet that went through with the project the Honorable Rufus Ewing, the Honorable Sharlene Cartwright and the Honorable Charles Washington Misick.

Roberto also thanked Mr. Walter Gardiner, the shareholders of Hotelco, Marriott International, the construction and contractors team, his family and the local community and the Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos.

“This project would not have been possible because of their dedication, perseverance and expertise we were able to move this project along, completing it during one of the most difficult years”.

On hand for the ribbon cutting yesterday were:  Governor Nigel Dakin and his Wife; Deputy Governor – Anya Williams and Mr. Williams; Deputy Premier – E. Jay Saunders; Leader of the Opposition –Edwin Astwood; Minister of Tourism – Josephine Conolly and other House of Assembly and Honorable Government Dignitaries. 

The resort’s General Manager, Mr. John Hazard expressed gratitude to the property ownership team, Marriott International, designers from Coleman Partners Architects, as well as the people of Turks and Caicos Islands.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve as the General Manager for this idyllic resort and start creating guests for life in this world-class destination,” Hazard stated. “It is an honor to lead this talented team of Ladies and Gentlemen aiming to create memorable experiences, inspire life’s most meaningful journey through The Ritz-Carlton Gold Standards and gracious hospitality leaving indelible marks on all of our guests.”

Cutting the ribbon were the Premier, Walter Gardiner, Robert Stipa, Josephine Connolly and Ritz-Carlton Turks and Caicos General Manager, John Hazard.