News
Loopholes and Lawsuit-fears paralyzed officials on Super-Spreader Events
#TurksandCaicos, August 27, 2021 – The Disc Jockeys hosting the party concert weekend events were out-smarting law makers and jumping through loop holes admitted Minister of Health Jamell Robinson, who hosted a press debriefing on Wednesday to confront the myriad of issues related to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Government and Police had been criticised for not shutting down potential Covid-19 super spreader events and residents learned that the fear of being sued prevented action to end an August 20th weekend concert series, where American recording artist, Trina was the feature.
“We were alerted about the events taking place. So we had a meeting and discussed, well was this permitted through us? The answer was no. So the next question became, okay, can it go forward? And out of that discussion, we found that because of the location where the events were being purported to happen that there was a loophole in the regulations. Such that if you had the event at a normally operating business location, you would be able to get the capacity of 70 per cent vs the required permitting of 50 people.”
Super spreader events are suspected of being at the source of the recent surge; after all, numbers of new cases have been trending up since restrictions were relaxed in July. Warnings have been issued, threats have been levelled to suspend business licenses for social gathering and mask wearing breaches therefore this time, it is hoped the newest raft of rules will work.
“On further discussion, we said well if this event can take place under the law what is the plan to risk manage it taking place. So, we had a conversation with the compliance team and in that discussion, we also found out that the international artist who was visiting the country, had already received a temporary work permit to be in the islands. Not only did we have a loophole, we had one arm of Government issuing a permit for that person to be here when the other arm of government had no clue this was taking place,”explained the Minister of Health.
Instead of applying for their events to the Ministry of Health, the promoters danced past the Environmental Health Department and regulators leaving officials paralysed by reasonable fears of costly lawsuits.
“We can take the risk of quote on quote, shutting that event down, which many persons cried out and asked us to do. We would have left the government liable for not only the cost of the event being put on but also for defamation and damages to the promoter and the organisers of the event.”
The Minister said, certainly a law suit would have been imminent but now those loopholes are plugged.
Following a Cabinet decision, even more scrutiny will come for events which allow 50 people in attendance, as Dr. Nadia Astwood, the Chief Medical Officer will also have to approve the application.
Temporary work permits for performers, artists and entertainers are on freeze, indefinitely.
Additionally, since these events usually draw party-goers and revelers, a new mandate and tighter rules are in force as of next month.
“There will be no nationwide lockdown,” said Minister Robinson, “All night clubs and bars should will reduce their occupancy to 50 per cent of their registered capacity. Patrons at night clubs and bars must provide proof of being fully vaccinated. Bars and clubs to be responsible for verifying identity and vaccination status of all participants and a log book kept with the same and shared with the ministry of health and the environmental health department every Monday.”
Identity tags for patrons will also be introduced; a measure to come on stream by September 14. All other new measures take effect from Wednesday September 1.
Health and Police promise a better response to suspect and risky party events in future. The Ministry of Health has informed they do not know if these events have led to the coronavirus surge, hospitalizations or deaths due to a lack of cooperation in the contract tracing process.
Caribbean News
Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts Announce Landmark Partnership to Accelerate Their Leading Vacation Experiences
Royal Caribbean Group Investment to Advance Sandals and Beaches’ Growth and Broaden the Group’s Vacation Portfolio
Montego Bay, Jamaica and Miami, September 24, 2026 – Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) and Sandals Resorts today announced the signing of an agreement to form a partnership in the all-inclusive resort space with a 50% investment from Royal Caribbean Group. Building on Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ more than four decades of leadership in Caribbean hospitality, the joint venture will create new opportunities for continued resort growth while broadening the experiences across Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform.
The partnership brings together two of the travel industry’s most celebrated vacation companies, pairing Sandals and Beaches’ all-inclusive
resort expertise with Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform, including industry-leading brands – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea – a portfolio of private destinations, new river cruising offering, and an industry-first loyalty program. United in a shared history in the Caribbean and connected by a love for their communities, the companies will offer travelers an unparalleled collection of cruise, private destination and resort experiences, serving guests across more vacation occasions and establishing their undisputed leadership in Caribbean vacations.
The joint venture expands Royal Caribbean Group into an adjacent vacation category, growing its participation in the approximately $2 trillion global vacation market, and meets the growing global demand for Sandals and Beaches Resorts by accelerating their expansion. The partnership will include Sandals and Beaches’ collection of premier all-inclusive properties across the Caribbean, and the companies will explore opportunities to broaden distribution, deepen guest engagement, and make it easier for travelers to discover vacation experiences offered across both portfolios.
“For nearly 60 years, we’ve reimagined what a vacation can be, constantly expanding the ways we inspire our guests to explore, connect and create lifelong memories,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We have been building a vacation platform that brings joy to millions of people around the world and creates meaningful relationships that last with our guests. Our partnership with
Sandals and Beaches Resorts is an important next step on that journey – bringing together two iconic leading vacation companies to further strengthen and grow one of the most admired resort portfolios in the world. The Stewart family has created powerful and beloved brands, and we are honored to build on that legacy. Together, we see tremendous opportunity to expand the reach of Sandals and Beaches Resorts and continue turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.”
“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality. Today is proof of how far that vision can go,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. “This partnership is the natural next step in building on that conviction. It gives us the ability to grow faster with a partner that shares our values of exceptional hospitality, long-term investment, and the power of enduring brands. Together, we will introduce more guests to Sandals and Beaches Resorts while creating even more extraordinary experiences for those who have made our resorts part of their lives for decades.” Stewart added, “As we continue to grow, we will remain true to what has always defined us: delivering authentic vacations that exceed expectations while creating opportunities for our team members, travel advisor partners and the communities we call home. The future has never been brighter, and I know this moment would make my father incredibly proud.”
The joint venture will be governed by a board under the shared leadership of Stewart and Liberty. Stewart will maintain a leadership role in
guiding the company’s long-term strategic growth as Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Existing reservations, loyalty programs, resort operations and cruise operations will continue as usual, with the partnership bringing additional resources to support future opportunities.
Under the terms of the agreement, Royal Caribbean Group will acquire a 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion, representing a forward EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x. Royal Caribbean Group has secured committed debt financing from Morgan Stanley to fund the investment. The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions, and is expected to be accretive to earnings next year.
BofA Securities and PJT Partners acted as financial advisors, and Latham & Watkins and Jones Day acted as legal advisors to the Sandals Group. Perella Weinberg Partners and Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisors and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to Royal Caribbean Group.
PHOTO CAPTION: Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, mark the signing of an agreement to form a landmark partnership that expands Royal Caribbean Group into the all-inclusive resort space and supports the future growth of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. The signing took place at Royal Caribbean Group’s new headquarters in Miami, with the city’s skyline in the background.
The Caribbean tourism deal first reported as a possibility on Tuesday is now a signed agreement. Royal Caribbean Group plans to pay
approximately US$3 billion for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, putting the value of the business at about US$6 billion. The purchase is expected to close in early 2027, subject to approvals.
Founded in Jamaica by the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart in 1981, the resort business has a presence across nine Caribbean destinations, including Jamaica, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Sandals has described its workforce as nearly 20,000 people, most of them Caribbean nationals.
“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality,” said Adam Stewart in the announcement carried by PR Newswire. He will remain executive chairman, while the Stewart family retains a stake. The companies say existing reservations and resort operations will continue as usual.
News
Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands Empowers Local Students Through Back-to-School Backpack & Supplies Drive
PROVIDENCIALE, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS — The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI) is proud to
announce the successful completion of its 2026 Back-to-School Supplies Initiative, distributing essential backpacks and educational materials to local students and families across the community.
With the new academic year underway, this annual drive was designed to alleviate the financial burden on families while equipping local youth with the necessary tools for academic success.
Education is an investment in a better generation and a brighter future. We are grateful to all our generous donors and supporters whose contributions helped make this initiative possible.
The initiative’s success was made possible through the collaboration and contributions of local corporate partners and community members. IATCI extends its sincere appreciation to the following sponsors for their support and commitment:
• Mayaa Ltd, Ayavue Enterprises, Provo Café, Sunny Foods, Gold Smith, Charlie’s, Kishco / Kostco, Citrusbuy Ltd.
Through partnerships like these, IATCI continues its commitment to fostering community growth, supporting educational development, and making a lasting positive impact across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
About the Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)
The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands is a non-profit community organization dedicated to cultural enrichment, community service, and supporting educational and social initiatives throughout the islands.
Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)
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