News
TCHTA Reveals Jaw-Dropping Cover and Features Local Talent in Destination 2022 Magazine
#TurksandCaicos, January 28, 2022 – The highly anticipated return of the TCHTA’s Destination Turks & Caicos Islands Magazine delivered all the sensation and dazzle befitting the time-honoured publication.
Now in its 16th year of production, the “Destination Guide”, as it has been endearingly dubbed, is a mainstay of the tourism product in the Turks & Caicos Islands. It is a cover-to-cover representation of the sights, accommodations, activities, and culture of this destination with all resort, villas, and hospitality businesses proudly displaying and sharing the guide with those who come to our shore.
The powerful imagery within the pages of the Destination magazine has made it a collector’s item for visitors and residents alike with requests from past visitors for the latest edition to be mailed to them each year.
At the 15-year mark, the TCHTA took the bold leap to contemporize the publication and to discontinue the outsourcing of its production, taking on the task in-house. The Marketing Committee and Office Team brought on local talent to build a powerhouse creative group that would give a face-lift to the showpiece and modernize its production to assure continued appeal to the today’s market. The result was astounding, with the TCHTA adopting a modern, sleek, oversized luxury magazine and retiring the hardcover coffee table book that had become synonymous with the annual.
Chair of the Marketing Committee, Karen Whitt, shared “We are ecstatic over the success of the new approach we have taken to ‘Destination’. More than just a piece for guests to enjoy while on island, it is a critical tool we use internationally to market the destination and show travel partners and their clients what awaits them here in Turks & Caicos. Now that we are launching the 2022 edition, truly, the 2020 magazine is still fresh and so powerful that people are still falling in love with it every day. After seeing the stunning cover for the 15th edition, I wondered how we could possibly top it. But as you can see, our team has somehow delivered another unbelievable cover and I simply cannot stop looking at it.”
And arresting, it is! The 2022 cover of the Destination Magazine features a magnificent montage of 20 faces representing a wide array of roles in the hospitality sector: Bartenders, Event Planners, General Managers, Human Resources Management, Pool & Beach Attendants, and more. The mosaic face made up of black and white images is not only a visual representation of the fact that it takes the efforts of many to make ‘brand TCI’ what it is, but a symbolic one as well. The dynamic photography provided for the work of art was aptly done by Anita Marcus and David Gallardo of Brilliant Studios, and it is indeed just that…. brilliant.
High praise was extended to the core creative team: Designer & Art Director, Erin Patrick of EP Designs; Editor, Nicholette Thomas of the TCHTA; Editor and Head Writer, Sonia OMEGA Simmons of TCHTA/SOS Media; and Head Writer, Dominique Rolle of Caya Hico Media, all of whom collaborated on the creative direction of the publication with overall guidance from the association’s Marketing Committee Chair & Co-Chair, Karen Whitt and Stacy Cox, respectively.
The strength of the piece does not end with the breathtaking cover or the dynamic images within its pages. The Destination Magazine is also filled with strong stories giving way to readers learning more about the Accommodations, Activities, Shopping, Wellness, Weddings, Photography, Dining, and Businesses across the country with the magazine using a feature story in each of these categories.
Last year, the TCHTA sent out a clarion call inviting local writers to join the creative team and author these fascinating stories. As such, Destination 2022 proudly features work by Jayne Baker, Tiersa Hall, Tatiana Handfield, Cynclair Musgrove, Brianna Walcott, and Keton Whitter.
“This has added an elevation to the piece that makes it historical and provides a further connection to community,
highlighting that hospitality is a part of each and every one of us here in these islands,” said Stacy Cox, TCHTA CEO. “We are so proud of the work these writers have done and how special they have made this edition with their contributions. We invite all residents to collect a copy of the magazine and to celebrate these thespians along with us. Front to back, Destination 2022 is a testament to the strength of the association, and its commitment to the continued advancement of the people and the industry.”
Cox continued, “I cannot extend enough thanks and appreciation to our members for supporting the magazine, and to our photographers for always providing us the awe-inspiring imagery that makes the Destination Guide distinct and exceptional.”
Caya Hico Media, Paradise Photography, Visit TCI and Brilliant Studios provided all photography for the magazine along with feature photography from TCHTA members.
Magazine distribution to accommodations and businesses around the island is now underway, with the option of collection available to the public at the TCHTA’s office at #52 Salt Mills, Grace Bay. With the current climate in mind, for businesses and resorts who are still on a reduced touch-points protocol, the association has produced tent cards featuring a QR code that allows anyone wishing to view the magazine to conveniently do so via their mobile device. As an added feature, the TCHTA is prepared to take Destination 2022 around the world on USB drives compatible with Android or Apple devices which will be distributed at marketing shows and conferences.
Highlights of the magazine will be shared on the association’s social media platforms and website.
The Caribbean tourism deal first reported as a possibility on Tuesday is now a signed agreement. Royal Caribbean Group plans to pay
approximately US$3 billion for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, putting the value of the business at about US$6 billion. The purchase is expected to close in early 2027, subject to approvals.
Founded in Jamaica by the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart in 1981, the resort business has a presence across nine Caribbean destinations, including Jamaica, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Sandals has described its workforce as nearly 20,000 people, most of them Caribbean nationals.
“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality,” said Adam Stewart in the announcement carried by PR Newswire. He will remain executive chairman, while the Stewart family retains a stake. The companies say existing reservations and resort operations will continue as usual.
News
Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands Empowers Local Students Through Back-to-School Backpack & Supplies Drive
PROVIDENCIALE, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS — The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI) is proud to
announce the successful completion of its 2026 Back-to-School Supplies Initiative, distributing essential backpacks and educational materials to local students and families across the community.
With the new academic year underway, this annual drive was designed to alleviate the financial burden on families while equipping local youth with the necessary tools for academic success.
Education is an investment in a better generation and a brighter future. We are grateful to all our generous donors and supporters whose contributions helped make this initiative possible.
The initiative’s success was made possible through the collaboration and contributions of local corporate partners and community members. IATCI extends its sincere appreciation to the following sponsors for their support and commitment:
• Mayaa Ltd, Ayavue Enterprises, Provo Café, Sunny Foods, Gold Smith, Charlie’s, Kishco / Kostco, Citrusbuy Ltd.
Through partnerships like these, IATCI continues its commitment to fostering community growth, supporting educational development, and making a lasting positive impact across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
About the Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)
The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands is a non-profit community organization dedicated to cultural enrichment, community service, and supporting educational and social initiatives throughout the islands.
Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)
“Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures”
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — September 23, 2026; TCI Hospital joined healthcare organisations around the world in celebrating World Pharmacy Day from September 21-25, 2026, recognising the vital contribution pharmacists and pharmacy technicians make to patient safety, quality care and stronger healthcare systems.
Under the theme “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures,” this year’s observance highlighted the importance of enabling pharmacy
professionals to use their knowledge, skills and expertise to their fullest potential in improving health outcomes and supporting patients throughout their healthcare journey.
As part of World Pharmacy Week, September 19–25, TCI Hospital celebrated its Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians while engaging patients, students and the wider community in activities focused on medication safety, pharmacy careers and the expanding role of pharmacy professionals in healthcare.
More Than Preparing Medications
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are integral members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team at TCI Hospital. While pharmacy is often associated with dispensing and preparing medicines, the work of pharmacy professionals extends far beyond the pharmacy counter.
The hospital’s pharmacy team works collaboratively with physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals to support the safe and appropriate use of medications throughout the patient journey. Their work includes medication preparation and management, medication reconciliation and review, patient education, and processes designed to identify and reduce medication-related risks.
Their specialised knowledge is particularly important in clinical areas such as the Neonatal Unit, Oncology and Dialysis services, where medication management requires precision, careful calculation, specialised preparation and close attention to individual patient needs.
For TCI Hospital, World Pharmacy Day therefore provides an opportunity not only to celebrate pharmacy professionals, but also to increase public understanding of their important contribution to safe, effective and patient-centred care.
Inspiring the Next Generation
An important part of TCI Hospital’s 2026 observance was engaging young people and introducing them to the diverse opportunities
available within the pharmacy profession.
Students from Maranatha Academy in Providenciales and HJ Robinson High School in Grand Turk, participated in an exposition designed to provide insight into the work of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and their contribution to patient care and medication safety.
Students explored how medications moved through the healthcare system, the safeguards used to help prevent medication errors, and the importance of medication reconciliation in identifying and resolving potential medication-related concerns.
The sessions also featured practical demonstrations of selected tools and processes used by pharmacy professionals, giving students an opportunity to experience aspects of the profession beyond the traditional image of dispensing medicines.
Through this engagement, TCI Hospital hoped to encourage more young people in the Turks and Caicos Islands to consider careers in pharmacy and the wider healthcare sector.
Taking Pharmacy Education into The Community
TCI Hospital extended the conversation beyond the hospital through a special TCI Hospital House Call Talk Show episode featuring pharmacy professionals and a patient.
The programme explored the role of pharmacists from both the healthcare professional and patient perspectives, including how pharmacy professionals contributed to safe medication use and how patients could become active partners in their own medication safety.
The discussion encouraged patients to know the medications they were taking, provide healthcare professionals with accurate and up-to-date information about their medicines, follow medication instructions carefully, and ask questions whenever they were uncertain about their treatment.
The programme also highlighted pharmacy as a rewarding healthcare career and encouraged young people to explore educational and professional opportunities in the field.
Medication Safety is a Shared Responsibility
World Pharmacy Day also provides an important reminder that medication safety is a shared responsibility involving healthcare organisations, healthcare professionals, patients and families.
Patients can contribute to safer care by maintaining an accurate list of their medications, including prescription and non-prescription
medicines; informing healthcare professionals about medications they are taking; following instructions for safe medication use; and asking questions when they do not understand why or how a medicine should be taken.
Healthcare organisations and professionals, in turn, have a responsibility to maintain systems that support safe medication practices and enable pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to contribute their expertise across the continuum of care.
TCI Hospital remains committed to strengthening medication safety, supporting its pharmacy workforce, educating patients and promoting effective collaboration across the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Celebrating the People Behind Safe Medication Use
Chief Executive Officer of TCI Hospital, Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, said World Pharmacy Day is an important opportunity to recognise the expertise and dedication of the hospital’s pharmacy professionals.
| “Our pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are essential members of the multidisciplinary team and make an invaluable contribution to safe, high-quality patient care every day. Their role extends far beyond preparing and dispensing medications. They bring specialised knowledge, precision and clinical expertise to medication management and work alongside our healthcare teams to reduce risks and support the best possible outcomes for our patients.
This year’s theme also reminds us that empowering pharmacists means creating opportunities for them to contribute their expertise across the patient journey. We are proud of our pharmacy team and sincerely thank them for their professionalism, dedication and commitment to helping build healthier futures for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.” Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant |
Chief of Allied Services, Eleanor Hall, highlighted the importance of recognising pharmacy as an integral clinical service and supporting the continued professional development of the pharmacy workforce.
| “Pharmacy is an essential component of safe and effective healthcare delivery. Our pharmacy professionals work collaboratively across disciplines and services, bringing expertise that supports clinical decision-making, medication safety and patient education. Their contribution is especially important as healthcare becomes increasingly complex and patients require more individualised approaches to medication management.
Empowering our pharmacy workforce also means investing in professional development, encouraging innovation and ensuring that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have opportunities to contribute their knowledge throughout the healthcare system. I am extremely pleased that this year’s activities also extend into our schools and community, helping people better understand the profession while inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals.” Eleanor Hall |
Pharmacy Manager Kennita Myers said the theme reflects both the responsibility carried by pharmacy professionals and the opportunities available to further strengthen their contribution to patient care.
| “Every medication we prepare, review or manage represents a patient who is depending on us to get it right. Whether we are supporting neonatal care, oncology, dialysis or other hospital services, accuracy, vigilance and patient safety remain at the centre of everything we do.
Our pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are also educators and advocates for safe medication use. We want our patients to understand their medicines and feel confident asking questions about their treatment. We are equally passionate about introducing young people to pharmacy and showing them the many ways, they can build meaningful careers while contributing to the health of their community. World Pharmacists Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate our profession, share our knowledge and inspire the next generation.” Kennita Myers |
Thank You to Our Pharmacy Professionals
Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital extends its sincere appreciation to its pharmacists and pharmacy technicians for their professionalism, expertise and commitment to patient safety.
Whether preparing specialised medications, supporting clinical teams, educating patients, reviewing medication therapy or strengthening medication-safety processes, pharmacy professionals play an important role at every stage of the patient journey.
Their work embodies the message of World Pharmacy Day 2026: “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures.”
To all of our Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians, thank you for helping to keep our patients safe, supporting our healthcare teams and contributing every day to healthier futures for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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