Connect with us

News

Gov’t still has $600,000 to give Grand Turk businesses

Published

on

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

 

#TurksandCaicos, December 24, 2021 – The Cruise Tourism Sector Assistance Grant has gone 60 per cent undersubscribed and the Turks and Caicos Islands Government has created several avenues to enable more Grand Turk businesses to access the $1 Million fund.

Deputy Premier E. J Saunders said government has written off $21,000 in business license arrears for Grand Turk businesses in the cruise tourism sector.  The write off, approved in the House of Assembly on December 13 was geared toward freeing up business with outstanding penalties so those businesses could benefit from the $1 million Cruise Tourism Sector Assistance grants.

So far under the grant program,  there have been payouts to businesses totaling over $400,000.

The business that missed out though will have to wait until January to see their share of the stimulus package. Deputy Premier Saunders urged owners who fall within this category not to worry about missing the Christmas rush, saying, “Christmas created this artificial deadline… and I understand the urgency but the winter season goes beyond Christmas and we want people to benefit from that…people who didn’t benefit from it for Christmas will benefit for the rest of the season.”

Saunders said government expects a very good winter season, hence the rush to get business on their feet. He stressed that his government was all about helping people and told Magnetic Media that if people still needed support come February and March, it would be considered.

The Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance also said the program would extend to all of the Turks and Caicos.

“We have brought papers to Cabinet to write off, those amounts right across the Turks and Caicos and have that passed to Parliament so it can be approved on the house.”

He explained that the delay was because the bills tabled before the Cabinet needed more information saying that for transparency purposes the information had to be completely accurate.

“They have gone back to the Ministry of Finance so they can get more supporting documentation so when they go to the house we will be able to answer every question as it comes up.”

Saunders said the intention is not to hold up the cruise sector while write offs are secured for the rest of the country which is why Grand Turk benefitted first.

So far the government has given $180,000 thousand to Taxi Service providers; $94,000 to land tour operators; $47,000 to Water Sports equipment companies; $38,000 to Native Arts and Craft stores; $30 thousand to Water Tour Operators; $10,500 to Hair Braiding businesses and $3,500  to Spas and Massage Parlours.

When announced by Akierra Missick, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure which is actually funding the program, it was said allotments were in the range of $3,500 to $10,000.

An appeals process was, this week, set up for those applicants who were denied and persons can send their appeals to tcicruisegrant@gov.tc

Continue Reading

News

Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Health

TCI Hospital Celebrates Successful “Heart Strong TCI” Initiative During Heart Month

Published

on

(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.

Continue Reading

News

New Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission

Published

on

Darius E. Ferguson, Member of the Integrity Commission Board

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.”

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING