News
Is the glimmer of hope for the nation’s capital fading away?
#TurksandCaicos, September 28, 2021 – Nearly 18 months have past since the Covid-19 pandemic hit, bringing a sudden collapse to the economy in Grand Turk which is the nation’s capital. The island is still reeling from the impact, and hasn’t been in such an economic despair since 2008, during the devastation caused by hurricane Ike.
It never dawned on me how much Grand Turk have become so dependent on the tourists dollars until now. With the pause on the cruise ships embarking on Grand Turk shores, it has impacted hundreds of local jobs and small businesses.
Although a few tourists from the island of Providenciales trickle in, it is not near sufficient revenue to add any sort of real relief to the people of Grand Turk and Salt Cay, many of whom are unable to find jobs to help support their families. For some, the only lifeline is the benefit of having a family member or two, who are employed by the government. The reality is, this is unsustainable if further delay of the cruise ships to Grand Turk continues for much longer.
Cruising has resumed in select Caribbean countries like the Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Jamaica and a few others. However, the debacle continues as the cruising industry faces fluid embarkation protocols with international ports, in addition to requiring mandatory vaccination of passengers. Having said that, as much I would like to be optimistic about the imminent return of cruising to Grand Turk, the prospects for 2021 appear pretty bleak.
During the earlier part of this year, some extravagant plans were proposed by the government, with talks of utilizing a portion of the Carnival infrastructure funds to help resuscitate the ailing economy in Grand Turk, but execution appears to be at a standstill. 
As the government struggles to find an economic balance to fuel recovery efforts, it would be prudent to keep hope alive on a continuous basis particularly for the people of these two Islands. This can easily be done by providing more regular updates on the progress of talks with Royal Caribbean and Carnival’s executive team.
Public communication should also include a targeted date for reopening of the Grand Turk cruise port and any interim plans to mitigate the loss of employment income. As the summer months drawn down, there are literally very little flow of tourism now. Hoteliers, tour operators and small businesses have taken huge losses and are feeling the punch.
Local government contracts are sparse, and under the current laws of how contracts are awarded, there aren’t enough to go around. Given the nature of this unprecedented virus and prolonged hardship, this may not be the best approach especially for those needing it the most. Therefore, citizens are anxiously awaiting to see what the next big step this administration will take to provide jobs for many of those who are unemployed.
In my opinion, what both political parties have failed to do is to share the wealth, which I think is a huge missed opportunity. With the staggering number of tourists visiting the island of Providenciales on a weekly basis, more could be done to lure tourists to these outer islands.
Among many things, the government could increase the marketing budget abroad, with specific focus on promoting whale watching which is a niche market to Grand Turk and Salt Cay. In addition, promoting the “magnificent wall”, The Wall as it is referred too, is an amazing 7k feet deep ocean shelf, approximately 1000 feet off Grand Turk shore line, a dream for scuba diving enthusiasts. Or perhaps, having on display, posters with names of the outer islands at the international airport. Animation of our brand via promotional videos would also capture travelers attention.
Stakeholders across the travel and tourism sector, can also partner with the local airline operators to offer promotional discounts on airfares and lodging to these particular islands etc. In all likelihood, this would entice more tourists to consider taking a day trip to these outer islands.
How long will the pendulum continue to swing both ways in the nation’s capital, regardless of political parties?
Granted, the newly proposed reforms and projects recently announcement by the Premier, appeared to have given the people of Grand Turk some renewed hope.
Nevertheless, for added accountability, the focus should continue to be on tangible deliverables and timeframe of these ministerial proposals.
My fear is, if cruising doesn’t resume within a reasonable timeframe, we could began to see an uptick in petty crimes. With the trickle down impact, it could also force the closure of more small businesses on the island.
Subsequently, causing an exodus of folks seeking employment elsewhere, which could cause further drain of the talent pool from the Capital.
Ed Forbes
Concerned Citizen of Grand Turk
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders,
executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.
Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.
In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.
The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.
This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.
(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.
Key Activities Included:
Educational Training Sessions
Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.
House Call Talk Show Feature
A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.
Red Fridays Awareness Campaign
Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.
Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run
In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of
heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.
Digital Health Education Campaign
To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.
Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment
While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:
- Community-based education initiatives
- Preventative screening and early detection programs
- Lifestyle and wellness promotion
- Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes
“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”
For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc
About TCI Hospital
TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.
Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership
experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.
A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.
Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.
Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:
“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”
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