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H.E Nigel Dakin CMG, Christmas Message to the Turks and Caicos Islands, 2021

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5 years ago

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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.

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Women in Tourism Retreat Returns for Second Year with Western Air CEO Rexy Rolle as Keynote Speaker  

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2 days ago

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November 12, 2026

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Rexy Rolle, Keynote Speaker for Women in Tourism Retreat

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – November 12th, 2026: Women making their mark across the tourism industry will once again have an opportunity to connect, share experiences and celebrate their achievements as Women in Tourism Caribbean returns for its second year, featuring Bahamian aviation executive and attorney Rexy Rolle as keynote speaker.

The event, scheduled for November 12th to 15th at the Shore Club, brings together women from across the tourism sector for an occasion focused on building regional sisterhood, mentorship leadership, and the contributions women continue to make to one of the Caribbean’s most important industries.

Rolle serves as President, Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel of Western Air, the largest privately owned airline in The Bahamas. An Andros native from North Mastic Point, she has played a significant role in the airline’s growth, helping to expand its fleet and route network, develop new business opportunities and introduce services designed around the needs of its passengers.

Her keynote address will be on the topic: “Behind the Lipstick”.

“Miss Rolle’s participation as keynote speaker adds a youthful dimension to the second annual Women in Tourism event, creating an opportunity for attendees to hear from a young Caribbean woman who has helped steer a growing aviation enterprise while balancing the demands of business leadership, professional practice and community engagement. One of the aims of Women in Tourism is to inspire the next generation of to evolve the tourism industry and I know Miss Rolle will certainly provide that inspiration,” said Mrs. Stacy Cox, founder of Women in Tourism Caribbean.

Mrs. Cox started Women in Tourism Caribbean in 2019 as a digital initiative we than 14,000 followers to bring awareness to and honour women driving the tourism sector across the Caribbean from housekeeping to the C-suite. In 2025, she decided to take a step further in developing Women in Tourism as a weekend retreat.

The first year saw a wide cross-section of women from the Caribbean and diaspora flying to the Turks and Caicos Islands to celebrate each other, network and create a safe space to share their challenges, vulnerabilities and achievements.

“As women continue to shape tourism through entrepreneurship, management, aviation, hospitality, marketing and destination development, Women in Tourism Caribbean provides a space to recognise their contributions and encourage the next generation of female leaders. I am excited about our second year and even more excited to take Women in Tourism to another island in 2027,” said Mrs. Cox.

Panel discussions for Women in Tourism Caribbean 2026 will centre around the following themes: “Caribbean Isms” and “Rooted Yet Adaptable”.

Speakers include: Brittany Braithwaite (Barbados), Phoebe Pereira (Trinidad), Charmaine Gibbs (Grenada), Stacey Liburd (Anguilla), Sheba Wilson (Turks and Caicos), and Rose Anne DeFrieitas (US Virgin Islands).

Activities include a boat experience, Spa Day, school visits and an opening reception at Treasure Beach, Beaches Turks and Caicos.

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Caribbean News

CARDI announces new leadership appointments for its  Board of Governors and Board of Directors

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2 days ago

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November 12, 2026

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12 November, 2026 | St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) has officially announced the leadership appointments of the Honourable Floyd Green, MP, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Jamaica, as Chairman of the CARDI Board of Governors (BOG), and Professor Leonard O’Garro as Chairman of the CARDI Board of Directors (BOD), for the period October 2026 to September 2029.

Minister Green brings extensive administrative and agricultural sector policy expertise to the Board of Governors. His leadership will guide CARDI’s strategic policy alignment, focusing heavily on regional value chains, import displacement initiatives, and strengthening agricultural standards across CARICOM Member States to support longterm food security.

Supporting this strategic mandate, Professor O’Garro, a national of St Vincent and the Grenadines, assumes leadership of the Institute’s Board of Directors with a distinguished background in biotechnology, biosafety, plant pathology and agricultural research. His technical guidance will direct the Institute’s scientific programming, ensuring that practical, science-driven innovations effectively address climate resilience and production challenges throughout the Caribbean.

Executive Director Ansari Hosein, in welcoming both leaders, noted that their combined vision, scientific acumen and regional and international experiences will be instrumental in further strengthening the leadership and governance of the Institute. He also thanked former Chairman, BOG, the Honourable Lennox Andrews, Minister for Economic Development, Planning, Agriculture and Lands, Forestry, Blue Economy, Marine Resources and Cooperatives, Grenada, and former Chairman, BOD, Mr Ignatius Jean, for their dedication and outstanding stewardship over the years.

The Institute remains committed to delivering high-impact, tangible agricultural research and development solutions that enhance regional productivity, food and nutrition security, and sustainable development for its Member States.

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Health

Islanders Benefit from Free Dental Care Through Sandals Foundation, Great Shape, and TCI Gov’t Partnership

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2 days ago

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November 12, 2026

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands – Approximately 1,400 residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) benefited from comprehensive, state-of-the-art dental care through a recently concluded 1000 Smiles dental clinic, initiative spearheaded by Great Shape! Inc. in partnership with the Sandals Foundation, Beaches Turks & Caicos and the Ministry of Health and Human Services.

Hosted at the Church of God of Prophecy in Five Cays, Providenciales, the initiative provided a wide range of essential dental services at no cost to beneficiaries. These included dental examinations, professional cleanings, fillings, extractions, X-rays, sealants and other necessary treatments, helping to address oral health needs while improving access to quality dental care within the local community.

Now in its fifth year in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the programme continues to demonstrate the value of sustained public-private partnerships in expanding access to essential healthcare. The growing reach of the initiative reflects residents’ continued support and confidence in the philanthropic commitment of the Sandals Foundation, the charitable arm of Sandals Resorts International, its partnership with the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands and Great Shape! Inc.

A team of 77 dental professionals participated in this year’s clinic, delivering services with efficiency, professionalism and a shared commitment to improving the oral health and wellbeing of residents.

Beyond the provision of direct dental treatment, the initiative also placed significant emphasis on preventive care and education, recognising the importance of establishing good oral hygiene practices from an early age.

Through Great Shape! Inc.’s dental education programme, teams visited schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands, reaching a total of 4,320 students with practical information and guidance on maintaining good oral health. Participating institutions included Thelma Lightbourne Primary School, BEST Institute, Community Christian School, Ashley Learning Centre, Preparing Little Minds, Richmond Hill Preparatory School, Ianthe Pratt Primary School, Maranatha Academy, Elite School, Holy Family School, Oseta Jolly Primary School, Enid Capron Primary School, Provo Christian Academy, Shining Stars Preparatory School and Mills Institute.

During school visits, students and teachers participated in interactive educational sessions that highlighted the importance of proper brushing techniques, flossing and consistent oral hygiene practices. The sessions were designed to build awareness, encourage healthy habits and reinforce the importance of preventive dental care.

Deryk Meany, General Manager of Beaches Turks and Caicos, was elated to see the turnout of families, noting that increasing access to healthcare services is a key component of the philanthropic organization’s work in improving the lives of the region’s people.

“We are beyond pleased to see the expansion of the 1000 Smiles dental programme in Turks and Caicos Islands. Healthy people make healthy communities and as an organization committed to nation building, we are fully committed to doing what we can to invest in the long- term development of the region’s health sector and services,” Mr. Meany stated.

The continued implementation of the 1000 Smiles dental clinic initiative has been strengthened through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands in collaboration with the Sandals Foundation, to facilitate the provision of free dental care to residents during the month of October.

The programme underscores the importance of collaborative partnerships in addressing community healthcare needs, particularly in areas where access to affordable dental services may be a challenge. By combining clinical services with educational outreach, the initiative delivers both immediate assistance and longer-term benefits through increased awareness and prevention.

Great Shape! Inc.’s 1000 Smiles project has established a significant regional presence, providing free dental services to thousands of beneficiaries across Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Grenada, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Antigua, Barbados and The Bahamas.

Through initiatives such as 1000 Smiles, the Sandals Foundation and its partners continue to demonstrate a commitment to strengthening communities, supporting healthier futures and making a meaningful difference in the lives of Caribbean people.

Photo captions: All photographs were taken at the clinic site except the dental group at Beaches.

(Members of the Great Shape dental team attending to patients at the recent dental clinic staged in the Turks and Caicos Islands.)

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