News
H.E Nigel Dakin CMG, Christmas Message to the Turks and Caicos Islands, 2021
Merry Christmas Turks and Caicos.
For the first time in a year our children, Charlie and Fraser, have joined us in TCI, so we are together for a family Christmas. As we gather to celebrate the season, and the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, our first and most important message, from our family to yours, is to wish you a joyful and peaceful Christmas. We hope the New Year – and 2022 – are kind to both you and yours.
Much happened in 2021. The Islands entered the year uncertain about what this year would bring, I hope it enters 2022 far more confident about its future.
You may recall that this time, last year, news was breaking that we would receive our first batch of vaccine in January. There was as much nervousness, as excitement, about the prospect. At the same time, we were starting to hear about a new variant of COVID coming out of India – what became known as the Delta Variant – which in due course would significantly push up our numbers in the early part of 2021. The early part of this year was a race between distributing the vaccine as against the Delta variant spreading, The good news was that the vaccine – and therefore TCI – won.
Because of that, because all that follows are linked, we end the year with 80% of our population vaccinated. We end
the year with all the visitors to our Islands vaccinated. We end with our hotels full and with cruise ships having returned to Grand Turk. Schools have reopened. Almost all restrictions have been lifted. We are one of the only places in the world that should leave the pandemic with no debt. Government revenues are strong because our main industries: tourism and real estate are doing well.
Visitors want to be here – and they came here when no one else welcomed them – not just because we are ‘beautiful by nature’ but we are now known to be ‘safe by design’.
What a difference a year makes. TCI is now being talked about as one of the few places in the world who will leave the pandemic stronger than we entered it, and that is because, in these small Islands, we pulled together.
What did that look like? Both governments who were in power this year managed, and are manging, the pandemic tremendously well. Unlike many nations, both political parties were also extraordinarily responsible – and remain responsible – when occupying the Opposition benches. Likewise, TCI’s ‘mainstream press’ kept the public well informed without seeking to sensationalise – which would have been easy – but as we have seen elsewhere nationally caustic.
This was a year when health professionals in our hospitals, local practices and in the Ministry worked together. It’s when public servants literally served, some working extraordinary hours – in the Ministry of Health for sure – but also across multiple other departments and we saw genuine cross Government working. No one wants to work 14hour days – week in and week out – seven days a week – but some key personnel did – they know who they are – and I know they did it for their love of TCI. All the uniformed services played their part, and for that I am forever grateful.
The private sector rolled their sleeves up and helped find solutions both for themselves, their employees and for the Territory. That our tourism industry – working with the Ministry of Health – developed rapid testing facilities to ensure our economy was not interrupted, nor our reputation tarnished, when the US changed their testing requirements for re-entry almost overnight, was a highlight of the year.
The NGOs did what they always do best and, although it’s the Red Cross’s tag line, I think it applied to all of those in the charity sector: they connected human kindness with human crisis.
However, the memory I will hold, for as long as I think of this year and indeed last, was the stoicism and dignity of the people of these Islands. Resilience from a Hurricane is needed for days, weeks and in some cases months, but resilience from a pandemic, for two years, is a different matter entirely – and it isn’t over yet. The people here dug deep, tightened their belts and the vast majority – the overwhelming majority – helped solve the problem rather than exacerbate it.
It’s not least because of this sacrifice, that I use this Christmas message to ask those that have been vaccinated to now take the booster shot. It is on offer to all those who had their second shot three months ago or more – a recent change that’s been made because of the new variant presently spreading rapidly across the globe which will hit us in the New Year, and which will push our COVID numbers up but – if we have been boosted – keep our levels of serious sickness down. What we can’t afford now, is to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. We have sacrificed too much, and are in too good a position now, for that.
Despite the pandemic I’ve been able to visit all the family Islands this year. That was over and above the whirl-wind tour of all 22 polling stations, on every Island, on election day including remote spots such as Lorimer’s in Middle Caicos. This was one of the highlights of the year, watching the Turks and Caicos Islanders embrace their right to vote under the testing conditions of COVID, and I’d want to thank every man and woman who helped run that election and all who engaged in it. It gained plaudits from International Observers, and it allowed a seamless transfer of power to occur the following day. The management of the pandemic from one government to the next was equally seamless.
Of course, Mandy and our son Fraser, have seen far more of the Islands in the last two weeks than I ever will. That
footsteps4good was able, in one 12 day journey – walking over land and rowing across the ocean – accepting help when safety required it – to connect the beauty of these islands, including some of its most remote Cays, with all the people of these Islands, was not just worthy in that it allowed the Islands to actively participate and donate to a charity of their choice, but it was also a metaphor for the power of there being ‘One TCI’. The aerial images that the journey produced will, the team hope, tell the story of what a blessed land we inhabit.
2021 will also be remembered as the year that our very own Regiment was properly established. The Defence Act was passed on Christmas Eve of 2020 – one of the best
Christmas presents I think the Territory could have received – and this year has seen it move from selecting and training its first recruits to them being both operational and immediately successfully. This is, I hope, an institution that will endure for so long as there is a Turks and Caicos Islands – one that will offer more places to young men and women in the coming year – and will become something that symbolises national pride and helps reinforce national identity.
Two final thoughts. The first to those children whose school year was disrupted. Although it may be hard to imagine at your age the one thing that every adult has in common with you is we all went through school. We all remember lessons we disliked and teachers we loved or perhaps even visa-versa. We all remember the times we spent in the playground and the friendship’s that were made and which we invested in heavily.
Because of COVID we know you gave up much in the first part of this year – an awful lot that could not be replicated through remote learning because school is so much more than that. All any of us can say in Government is that your sacrifice was part of the reason we are now where we are, and so when you look back on 2021 – in say twenty years – please know the part you played. Like last year, you were magnificent.
And finally, to the youngest watching. Have no fear, Santa is coming. He’s double vaccinated and boosted, as are his elves. He has the right travel insurance, and we know he’s booked in for his COVID test in Lapland. There is, I’m told, a dedicated member of staff ready to clear Santa through the TCI Travel Portal. There was no quarantine for him last year and none this. I believe his journey through the night sky starts in Salt Cay, then to Grand Turk, on to the Caicos Islands, ending in Providenciales before he is off, in the twinkling of an eye, to the Bahamas. But who knows how he does what he does, or quite where he goes?
The point about the magic of Christmas – for young and for old – is it reminds us there are still some mysteries, some linked to faith, that are unknowable, but which are important to how we live our lives and how we think of each other. We look forward to worshiping as a family on Christmas Eve, and reflecting on both the religious majesty, and the childhood magic, that this season brings as we ready ourselves for the new beginning that Christmas promises for all our futures, and that the New Year delivers to us, in the moment the clock strikes midnight on the 31st.
And with that, our thoughts go from our family, to yours, at this special time of year – and we hope 2022 brings you all that you hope for, and in particular it brings you kindness.
A very merry Christmas to you all.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos continued its strong commitment to sports development in
the Turks and Caicos Islands with its sponsorship of the 2025/2026 Provo Men’s Premier League, a partnership that has significantly elevated the competition for a second consecutive year.
The season, which saw an increase in participating teams and heightened competitiveness across the league, has been widely regarded as one of the most successful in recent years. The top honours were shared between two of the league’s most dominant sides, SWA Sharks FC and Academy Eagles FC, both delivering consistent and high-level performances throughout the campaign.
Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) Technical Director Dane Ritchie highlighted the critical role Beaches Turks and Caicos played in strengthening the league’s structure and overall quality.
“The sponsorship from Beaches Turks and Caicos for the second year helped tremendously in making the competition a success,” Ritchie said. “This season we were able to have a more structured programme with the inclusion of youth talents coming to the fore, as well as the improvement of the coaching staff for the different teams being certified by Concacaf.”
Ritchie noted that the enhanced organisation of the league created more opportunities for emerging players, while also raising the
standard of coaching and match preparation. The integration of youth talent into senior teams was particularly impactful, signaling a positive shift toward long-term player development within the territory.
Provo Men’s Premier League President Patrick Baptiste echoed these sentiments, describing the season as a milestone for both football and youth advancement in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“This was a very good year for football and youth development,” Baptiste said. “We were able to overcome a few challenging moments, but the overall grade for this season is an A.”
Baptiste emphasised that the continued support from Beaches Turks and Caicos has been instrumental in driving the league forward, providing much-needed financial backing and stability.
“With a title sponsor like Beaches Turks and Caicos providing the financial support again for this season, we are grateful,” he added. “We have come a far way and we still have a way to go, but the TCIFA team has been charged to continue to be creative in our marketing and being more inclusive in how we seek to showcase the talents of the TCI.”
Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort General Manager Deryk Meany also expressed satisfaction with the partnership and the overall progress
of the league.
“Our commitment to youth development and the growth of sports and community throughout the TCI is of paramount importance to us as an organisation,” Meany said. “We are satisfied with this partnership and being the main sponsor is a major accomplishment for the resort. We are happy to have fielded a team this season that was placed fourth in the knockout round of the competition. We are seeking to continue to provide growth for our team members as well as the development of talent throughout the TCI.”
The 2025/2026 season also reflected broader efforts to professionalize football operations locally, including improved scheduling, officiating standards and fan engagement initiatives. Matches drew increased attendance, while community interest in the sport continued to grow, particularly among young athletes aspiring to compete at higher levels.
News
Platinum Sponsor Beaches Turks & Caicos celebrates top Corporate Engagement title at DG’s 5K 2026
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos has been recognised with the corporate engagement award after fielding the largest number of participants in the second staging of the Turks and Caicos Islands Deputy Governor’s 5K Run/Walk, held recently.
The resort, which also served as a platinum sponsor for the event, mobilized an impressive team of 100 participants, demonstrating its
strong commitment to community engagement, health, and philanthropy. Proceeds from the initiative will benefit three key organisations: the Turks and Caicos Islands Cancer Society, the United Way of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Ashley Learning Centre.
General Manager Deryk Meany praised the collective effort of the Beaches team, highlighting the significance of the initiative both for employee wellness and community impact.
“This was a team effort that saw the resort mobilising a strong team to participate in this event,” Meany said. “It provided a healthy activity for participation as well as giving back to a worthy cause. Congratulations to the Deputy Governor and her organising team for staging such a successful event.”
Participants from across various departments joined the early morning run/walk, showcasing camaraderie, determination and a shared commitment to making a difference.
Hotel Manager Ghislain Boutoulle described the event as both physically rewarding and meaningful.
“The route was very good. It was challenging at first but once I got the pace of the run, it was a good morning workout that was done for a worthy cause,” Boutoulle shared. “The Beaches team were well organised and showed the grit and determination to complete the run.”
For many team members, the experience extended beyond fitness, offering opportunities for personal connection and memorable moments. Soraha Jolly from the resort’s entertainment department highlighted the event’s emotional significance.
“This was good. I got the chance to participate with my mother and we ended the run feeling healthy,” Jolly said. “The event was a combination of partnership, healthy lifestyle and camaraderie. I am looking forward to the next staging to be the first to register for the Beaches team. It was a great experience for the entire team, but a very special one for me and my mom.”
Deputy Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams commended all participants and sponsors, with special recognition given to Beaches
Turks and Caicos for its outstanding contribution.
“The three beneficiaries for this year’s staging were carefully selected to benefit from this event,” the Deputy Governor noted. “Giving back to the community, providing support for health through the Cancer Society and building a strong platform for education with the Ashley Learning Centre allowed the team to give back to a great cause.”
She continued, “We are grateful for all our sponsors but a special commendation to our platinum sponsor, the Beaches Turks and Caicos team, for not only donating but having the largest contingent of participants for this event. This is what true partnership looks like as we continue to build a strong relationship to make our community and the Turks and Caicos Islands better.”
The Deputy Governor’s 5K Run/Walk continues to grow as a signature community event, promoting wellness while raising critical funds for organisations that support health, education and social development across the islands.
Beaches Turks and Caicos’ strong showing this year underscores the resort’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility and community partnership. With its record participation and enthusiastic team spirit, the resort has set a high benchmark for future events, reinforcing its role as a leader in both hospitality and community engagement in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (June 16th, 2026) — Experience Turks and Caicos, in collaboration with the Statistics Authority, has announced the completion and publication of the latest Visitor Exit Survey Report, providing enhanced insights into visitor behaviour, spending patterns and overall travel experiences in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Visitor Exit Survey is a joint initiative designed to better understand the characteristics of visitors to the destination, including their
travel motivations, length of stay, expenditure, satisfaction levels and perceptions of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a tourism destination.
While exit surveys have been conducted in previous years, this latest publication marks a significant enhancement in the way tourism data is collected and shared. It introduces a new quarterly reporting framework, with surveys conducted at the end of each quarter and findings published on a more frequent basis throughout the year.
This improved reporting cycle is intended to provide more timely and actionable insights to support tourism planning, policy development, marketing strategy formulation and broader industry decision-making.
“The Statistics Authority is pleased to partner with Experience Turks and Caicos on the Visitor Exit Survey program,” said Mr. Shirlen Forbes, Director. “As tourism remains the cornerstone of our economy, reliable and timely data is essential for understanding visitor behaviour, measuring tourism’s economic impact and supporting informed decision-making. We value our ongoing collaboration with Experience Turks and Caicos and believe these quarterly reports will provide stakeholders with valuable insights to help guide the future growth and development of the industry.”
Miss Sharissa Lightbourne, Marketing Intelligence Manager of Experience Turks and Caicos, noted that the expanded approach will allow
government and industry stakeholders to better track trends in visitor behaviour and assess the economic contribution of tourism beyond traditional arrival statistics.
“Data is the foundation of informed decision-making and plays a critical role in shaping the future of our tourism industry. The insights contained in this report provide a deeper understanding of who our visitors are, how they experience the destination, and how they engage with our tourism product. This information is invaluable to our hotel partners, service providers, investors and other stakeholders as they refine their business strategies, enhance the visitor experience and identify new opportunities for growth. I would like to thank the Statistics Authority for its continued collaboration and commitment to strengthening tourism intelligence in the Turks and Caicos Islands. I encourage everyone in the industry to download the report and explore the valuable insights it contains,” she said.
The findings will also support more targeted destination marketing efforts, improved visitor experience initiatives and more informed investment decisions across the tourism sector.
Experience Turks and Caicos and the Statistics Authority reaffirm their commitment to strengthening tourism intelligence and ensuring that stakeholders across the industry have access to reliable, timely and relevant data.
Download the report here: https://issuu.com/myexperiencetci/docs/tci_departing_visitor_survey_report_q1_2026
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