News
The Boom is here, but are we Ready for it? Horrendous lines at the AIRPORT say, NO!
By Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
#TurksandCaicos, March 21, 2022 – Government and the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) can no longer get away with saying the ‘overcrowding’ at the airport is a ‘good problem to have’, it is now becoming increasingly risky from a health perspective and condemning – reputationally – for a destination renown as a luxury escape.
The consistent marketing of the Turks and Caicos, which is a British Overseas Territory, as an elite Caribbean region getaway is working marvellously, but the plans to brace for the booming interest in TCI holidays are lagging dangerous behind; the results and optics are disastrous.
Wrong last impression
On the afternoon of Saturday March 19, hundreds of tourists were filmed on cell phone video smashed together like sardines at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS). Obviously frustrated, agitated and incensed by the horrendous lines at the outdoor-styled departure area; the guests were moaning in disbelief.
All Covid-19 physical distancing protocols had to be ignored; it was impossible to distance anyone. There were too many people and no space to cater to them as they queued up. The lines for flight check-in and security check points were most definitely blurred.
“Today we processed a total of Four-thousand, thirty-one (4031) passengers and Twenty-seven (27) commercial flights. Due to infrastructural limitations, in combination with flight delays of 30-60 minutes we experienced congestion issues beyond expected,” said the TCIAA in a statement issued Saturday night.
In one video, children were captured seated on the grimy ground of a parking lot which is used as a holding area for ground transportation at the PLS.
To all reading that statement, it seemed the TCIAA and the Ministry of Border Services were caught unprepared for the travel traffic and proved to be a weak link in the experiential tourism chain.
Everyone Knew it was Coming
In 2021, the Turks and Caicos recorded its best year for tourism and real estate sales, according to Premier Washington Misick, in his 200-day in office report.
“All signs point to an economy on the rebound, said Premier Washington Misick in September 2021, when he gave a National Address.
“Preliminary figures show, that during the first half of this year visitor arrivals increased by approximately 34.5 per cent compared to the same period last year. Merchandise imports into the Turks and Caicos Islands during the first half of this year totalled $215.6 million. This represents an increase of $30.6 million or 16.9% percent when
compared to the same period in 2020. The Recurrent Revenue of $165.4 million at August, exceeded budget by $39.5 million. The major revenue drivers are: Stamp duty on land transactions – $44m; Hotel and Restaurant Tax – $36m; Customs processing and Import duties – $42m.”
Easier getting in, tougher getting out, both bad.
Our newsroom was informed by passengers that disembarkation is also a nightmare. Up to 30-minutes waiting in the landed plane for guests is frustrating we are told, but admittedly more kind that having the arriving passengers standing in the open elements which would be far more unbearable.
Exiting the TCI by commercial flight at the PLS is taking up to three hours.
“Tourism numbers have grown considerably over the past several years, and we understand that this growth necessitates an airport redevelopment plan, which has remained a top priority for us. Long-term development strategies are being progressed to support decision making for a new terminal building, ancillary facilities, upgrades to our taxiway system and airfield, to provide an improved passenger experience. Various short-term measures continue to be explored whilst we work towards the expansion of the airport as a permanent solution,” said the TCIAA.
Since it is out of the question that Turks and Caicos plug up the enviable tourism boom, the question now becomes what can be done to deliver more comfortable service until the long term plans for the country’s #1 airline gateway are actualized.
A canopy was due to be constructed on the airport tarmac by now; it is supposed to accommodate hundreds of arriving passengers. Inexplicably, it remains unconstructed.
An Old Problem
Tourism arrivals for the Turks and Caicos have been on an annual upward trajectory. In 2019, the country hit a fabulous stride and that is also about the time videos of overcrowding began to surface. They showed horrendous lines outside of arrivals and as travellers departed.
The situation exposed an unfavourable problem which many blamed on a short-sighted expansion of a little over a decade ago.
It is well documented that the airport expansion of 2010-2014 came in two phases at a cost of $10 million cumulatively. It was said to nearly double the size of the terminal from 51,462 to 92,321 sq. ft but it was also criticised as many suspected the design offered no protection from the unpredictable elements and the enlarged facility was still insufficient.
Residents say they are tired of hearing the Government of the day, pat itself on the back for strong tourism performance and then fail to provide the infrastructure and public amenities to in order to give people an end to end exceptional experience.
Islanders also believe they deserve a better experience as travellers and workers at the Providenciales International Airport.
While the TCIAA explained the situation, yet again, there was no announcement about the mitigation efforts planned to cope with the next big rush, which is now about four days away.
“Our team, in partnership with our stakeholders are working assiduously to provide a more smoother passenger flow through the terminal building.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused on these unique peak days. We remain committed to provide the greatest level of comfort possible for our valued travelers.”
UPDATED…
Caribbean News
Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.
The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.
“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital
policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.
“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”
Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.
Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.
Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.
Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.
Photo Caption:
TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key
government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.
The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and
posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
February is National Self- Check Month and family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, OH, John Hanicak, MD, highlights why at home self-checks are extremely important when it comes to not just early cancer detection but identifying other illnesses too and offers tips on what to look out for.
“Sometimes I look at them as sort of like your check engine light on the car, just like there would be a red flashing light that tells you that
there’s something wrong with a car and prompts you to bring that in and get serviced. Your body does the same thing. It gives you warning signs to look into that symptom a little bit further,” said Hanicak.
Dr. Hanicak said self-checks are going to be a little different for everyone.
However, in general, he recommends looking for anything that may seem abnormal, such as unexplained weight loss, blood in your urine, bumps and bruises that won’t heal, and changes in bowel habits.
For example, if you suddenly start going to the bathroom a lot more than you used to, that could be a sign of something more serious.
He also suggests doing regular skin checks and documenting any moles or spots that start to look different.
“Realize that you are your own person. There’s nobody else in the world exactly like you. You’ve got your own set of ideas, your own family history and your own genetics. Know what is normal for you, and when that changes, that’s the kind of thing that we would be interested in talking about,” said Dr. Hanicak.
Dr. Hanicak notes that self-checks are not meant to replace cancer screenings, as those are just as important to keep up with.
Press Release: Cleveland Clinic
