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Another Perspective for TCI Tourism Management

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#TurksandCaicos, October 30, 2021 – Tourism is the engine that drives our economy. The tourism industry employs more people than any other industy, and it is the most fragile industry in the world. Therefore, governments must be able to address and adapt to many factors known and unknown.
Covid-19 has shown us how quickly employees can become insolvent in an emergency and how ill-prepared they were to face such a global health pandemic. However, the tourism industry managed to survive and bounced back better than before.
I agree that the Tourist Board in its present state and structure does not meet the needs or address future growth for a changing world, and a growing economy. However, I disagree with the government’s decision to dismantle this important organization which has helped to create what we see today. The government should look at restructuring the present organization, and placing it directly inside of the Ministry of Tourism.
1. The current director will now become the director-general of Tourism. The director-general will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the entire Ministry of Tourism. The Director-General will be assisted with 3 deputy directors-general who will be responsible for various departments within the Ministry of Tourism.
The new departments within the Ministry of Tourism should look like the following:
1. Marketing & Public Relations
2. Research, Development & Training
3. Standards, Brand Management & Policy Management
Let me explain a little further.
The Marketing & Public Relations Deputy Director-General will be responsible for all FAM trips (Familiarization Trip) for travel agents, press releases, social media, marketing materials, Trip Advisor Reviews Concerning the destination, welcome greater at our ports of entry, marketing officers in (Canada, USA & UK/ Europe) and local host for our visiting VIP’s.
The Research Development & Training Deputy Director-General will be responsible for training of persons desiring to enter the industry both as an employee or business owner.  They will be responsible for ensuring that the Turks & Caicos Islands stay at the cutting edge of new changes & technology in the industry, and seeing how best we can adapt to those changes. They will also be responsible for data information with regards for questionnaire.
The Standards, Brand Management & Policy Management Deputy Director-General will be responsible for inspection of all Resorts, Hotels, guest houses, villas, tour operators, taxi cab drivers, restaurants and Airbnb. No one will be allowed to open business within the industry without first receiving a certificate of approval from the Ministry of Tourism. They will be responsible for the yearly inspection of all tourism-related business, ensuring that they have the necessary insurance to be in business and the quality of the product provided.
They will oversee the policies which will address every area of our number one industry and create the framework which will allow for future growth in a sustainable way. Sustainable Development will be the cornerstone of this department.
As Turks & Caicos Islanders, we all have our role to play to protect our number one industry for future generations to enjoy.
This is my view.
By Jamie ‘Quincy’ Williams

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TCI Border Force Hosts Border Security Training for Overseas Territories

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Turks and Caicos, February 12, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Border Force recently concluded a series of critical training exercises focused on container targeting, search procedures, and firearms awareness. This initiative, a vital investment in regional security, saw TCI Border Force officers joined by colleagues from the Anguilla Customs Department, BVI Customs Department, and Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control.

The training, conducted from 21st to 31st January, was facilitated by a team from Home Office International Operations through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Border Security Programme and organised via the Integrated Security Funding Overseas Territories Border Security Programme. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the UK government and participating agencies to combat transnational crime and the flow of illicit goods within the Overseas Territories.

The curriculum encompassed three courses. The first, Fundamentals of Container Targeting (21st-24th January), focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of current priorities and container targeting capabilities, risk analysis within container traffic, and practical exercises utilising intelligence flows. The second, Search of Containers, saw participants receive specialised training on current threats facing the shipping industry and best practices for container search procedures. Finally, a crucial course on Firearms Awareness provided instruction on various types of firearms and the identification of firearm parts, equipping officers with the knowledge necessary to interdict illegal weapons.

These training exercises represent a significant step forward in strengthening the TCI Border Force’s ability to facilitate trade while protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Enhanced targeting and search capabilities will lead to more effective screening of cargo and potentially shorter processing times for legitimate shipments. Greater security will also be evident as the increased focus on firearms awareness will contribute to a safer environment.

“This training is a crucial investment in the safety and security of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” stated Emilio Seymour; Director General of TCI Border Force. “By working collaboratively with our regional partners and leveraging the expertise of the Home Office, we are significantly improving our ability to detect and deter criminal activity. The enhanced skills acquired by our officers will have a direct and positive impact on our community, protecting our economy and ensuring a safer environment for all.”

The TCI Border Force remains committed to protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. This training initiative represents a significant investment in that commitment.

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Solar PV Projects Completed at Critical Turks and Caicos Islands Healthcare Facilities

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Grand Turk Wellness Center

PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities

South Caicos

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 11th February 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) have taken a significant step toward a more sustainable energy future with the installation of five (5) solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at key healthcare facilities across the archipelago.

This initiative, funded by the European Union through the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity Programme (RESEMBID) and implemented by Expertise France, aims to enhance sustainability, reduce operational costs for the TCI Government, and contribute to long-term economic viability.

North Caicos

The solar PV systems have been strategically installed at critical medical facilities, including the Blue Hills Clinic in Providenciales, the Bottle Creek Clinic in North Caicos, the Alsada Hall-Malcolm Primary Healthcare Clinic in Middle Caicos, the South Caicos Primary Health Clinic, and the Wellness Centre in Grand Turk. These healthcare centers provide essential services to local communities, and the integration of solar energy demonstrates TCI’s commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency within vital public sectors.

Leading this transformative initiative is the Energy and Utilities Department (EUD) under the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities (MPSU). The EUD has overseen the installation and integration of these solar PV systems within the local energy landscape, leveraging the islands’ abundant sunshine which averages approximately 350 sunny days per year — an ideal setting for solar energy generation. These systems, equipped with advanced battery storage solutions, will significantly reduce electricity costs for healthcare facilities while ensuring uninterrupted power supply during grid outages or energy supply challenges.

Middle Caicos

EUD Commissioner Delano R. Arthur emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The solar PV systems will greatly reduce electricity costs and symbolize our shift toward a sustainable energy future. This investment not only strengthens energy security, but reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions and environmental impact.”

The collaboration between the European Union, Expertise France, and local government agencies ensures that the project aligns with international renewable energy standards, benefiting both the environment and the community. Installation was successfully carried out by Green Revolution Ltd., a local company committed to advancing sustainable development in TCI. Their involvement highlights the importance of local expertise and community engagement in executing renewable energy initiatives.

Blue Hills

For further information, please contact:

Energy and Utilities Department (EUD)
Email: eud@gov.tc

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SHARK INCIDENT, BLUE HILLS

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12 February 2025, Providenciales – On Friday 7 February a tourist was injured by a shark in the waters adjacent to Blue Hills, Providenciales.

The individual was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where she was stabilized and later flown off island for further medical care.

Upon confirmation of the incident the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) issued a beach closure notification from Thompson’s Cove Beach to Froggies ATV, Blue Hills in an abundance of caution. The beach was reopened on Sunday, February 9th at 1pm after it was determined that the shark had moved to deeper water.

The shark was estimated to be approximately 6ft in length, however the species is yet to be confirmed.

Further to the investigation, it has been determined that the tourist had attempted to engage with the animal from the shallows in an attempt to take photographs.

The DECR would like to urge the public to always  be aware of your surroundings, follow local advisories, and respect marine life. Swim in designated areas, avoid murky waters, never swim alone, and do not attempt to feed marine wildlife under any circumstances

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