News
Burgers, Peacocks & Surpluses
By Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
#TurksandCaicos, May 11, 2022 – Yesterday, I was seated in a room of thirty travel agents, one of the companies is among the top five in the world for vacation bookings, and it was a rousing reminder that these are the individuals who are making direct contact with the 1.5 million (plus) travellers who are choosing Turks and Caicos for their Caribbean holidays.
The men and women who sensibly lapped up the loving attention from Team Beaches Resort, were being personally thanked by Gary Sadler, 37-year executive and Vice President of Unique Vacations, a subsidiary of Sandals Resorts International. It was Global Travel Advisor Day and it meant much to be in the room during a season when travel and tourism have roared back to life following a life-sucking pandemic period.
The individuals, I learned are directly responsible for keeping Beaches Resort Villages & Spa, which accounts for over 70 per cent of long stay visitors to the British overseas territory at well over 90 per cent full for at least the past ten weeks.
It again hit me in the gut; essentially the undeniable popularity of the Turks and Caicos Islands has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with the people that want to come, the people who book their holidays and the people who work at the properties where these guests stay and play.
It’s a people thing.
In my 14 years here as a working journalist, I have not yet met a Travel Agent who told me that when a guest sought them out for a Turks and Caicos Islands vacation, they enquired on whether the Progressive National Party or the People’s Democratic Movement were in governing power.
Instead, it’s what they’ve seen on social or traditional media, you know those jaw dropping vistas fabulously framed by luxury resorts; hues of blues and turquoise in our dynamic slice of the Atlantic Ocean and the pristine wonders endemic to the Turks and Caicos which have lured them here. For most islanders, that remarkable beauty is attributed to no political party, it is a credit laid solely at the feet of a very good, masterfully creative heavenly God.
Bottom line, no matter who was the vote leader in the February 2021 General Election, this tourism revival would have belonged to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Underpinning my observation as a point of fact and not of fiction is the ongoing National Budget Debate. The general public is subject to a concerning and revealing peacock parade in the House of Assembly.
On the one side, there is the elected government administration – the PNP – which is happily patting itself on the back for the economic buoyancy in the Turks and Caicos. Sharing a lot of strides it counts as its own, but which are largely linked to foreign owned companies, professionals or interests in tourism and real estate – who do their own marketing and managing.
On the other side, there is the elected opposition which is happily unimpressed by the fiscal plan laid in parliament; a plan it says remains out of synch with the souls of the people because the average person is still hard pressed to ‘feel’ the financial boom.
The twist? Both political sides are right. If I had a $20 million dollar surplus and boosted the budget by $78 million dollars; I would brag my butt off too.
If I reviewed this Budget and noticed that savings were swelling while people were hurting and public sector pay increases and tax breaks were a mirage, I would also blast it to pieces.
So the country, at least the electorate is saddled with the reality that we could be simply flipping a burger. So what happens when both sides are well done?
Do we eat and then… well you know. Or do we keep flipping until the meat patty is so badly burned, that it is unfit for consumption?
Last year, when the former Sharlene-Robinson led administration was shown or at the very least appeared to be prepared to allow over $12M in stimulus money to go back to the piggy bank, the new Government cried shame and did swift work to more easily and equitably distribute the resources. This year, the same PNP Government who cried foul had the audacity to announce that $20M would be returned to the piggy bank when life on the planet has never been so expensive and people are struggling.
Now, another banner year for tourism and real estate is predicted. The country’s economic rating is poised for an upgrade and cash reserves will be healthy. All refreshing, heartening news.
But can a political party take the credit for the robust economy? And is there a political party truly prepared to ensure that there is no blockage when it comes to the overflow of prosperity?
Only time will tell. But God knows, we’re on the third flip (since the end of UK Direct Rule) and I am tired of eating surpluses… ah, I mean; hamburgers.
CTO Secretary-General Dona Regis-Prosper sits with the top three contestants (l-r), Khari Gonsalves of St. Kitts, Keyana Warner of Nevis, and Anthurium Lewis of Tobago, while other youth congress participants look on.
GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – Keyana Warner, the Junior Minister of Tourism from Nevis, has been crowned the winner of the 20th Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Tropical Shipping Regional Tourism Youth Congress. Warner, a student from Charlestown Secondary School, secured the victory following an outstanding presentation on Thursday at The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa.
The Congress, a highlight of the CTO State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) and held under the theme “Caribbean Tourism: Through the Eyes of Tomorrow”, featured 12 talented young tourism advocates from across the Caribbean. These young minds shared their innovative ideas and passion for the future of the region’s tourism industry, exploring topics such as adventure tourism, solo travel, collaboration across cultures, and the blue economy.
Anthurium Lewis of Bishop’s High School in Tobago claimed second place, while Khari Gonsalves of Basseterre High School in St. Kitts secured third place.
“The Congress, along with the activities leading up to this event, plays a crucial role in introducing the next generation to the significant impact tourism has on our region,” said Master of Ceremonies Sharon Banfield-Bovell, CTO’s Director of Resource Mobilization and Development. “It is not just a competition; it is a gateway to nurturing the next generation of tourism advocates and innovators who will shape the future of the Caribbean tourism industry.”
The week leading up to the Congress saw the junior ministers of tourism engage in several workshops, including a VR/AR masterclass facilitated by Ed and Claudia Limon, and a workshop exploring Cruise Tourism Awareness and Careers in the Cruise Sector facilitated by Beth Hatt of Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence.
udges for the Congress Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority; Aquila’s Beth Hatt; and Vanessa Ledesma, Acting CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, are all smiles in the Cayman Islands.
The 2024 Regional Tourism Youth Congress received generous support from the Government of the Cayman Islands, title sponsor Tropical Shipping, Carnival Corporation & plc in partnership with Acordis International Corp, Winged Whale Media, and Breeze Travel Solutions. This event provided a valuable platform for young people to connect with industry professionals, gain experience, and develop leadership skills.
The Congress was chaired by last year’s winner, Naomi Onwufuju of the British Virgin Islands.
Judges for the Congress were Aquila’s Beth Hatt; Colin James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority; and Vanessa Ledesma, Acting CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.
Participating countries included Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Nevis, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tobago, and Turks and Caicos Islands.
Turks and Caicos, September 17, 2024 – An operation involving officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine Branch, the TCI Regiment and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has resulted in the seizure of marijuana with an estimated street value of $931,600.00.
The illegal find was made yesterday morning (September 16) at a location east of South Caicos.
Police reports indicate that a small vessel was seen acting suspiciously in and around the waters to the west of South Caicos. Via aerial surveillance, the vessel, which was grounded on the banks, was located, and three males were seen running off into bushes.
Given the difficulty of the area, the TCI Regiment was transported via the USCG helicopter and located five bags containing thirty-eight packages weighing a total of 209 lbs.
The operation and the investigation are ongoing, and further inquiries will be conducted regarding the origin of the drugs and the individuals involved.
The RT&CIPF expresses gratitude to the Regiment and international partners as we continue to dismantle illegal organizations through coordinated and targeted operations.
We are asking anyone with information that may help in this investigation to contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide any information anonymously.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.
Education
Back-to-School Health Tips for Parents and Students: A Message from the Ministry of Health and Human Services Deandrea Hamilton You
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – September 2024: As the school year begins, the Ministry of Health and Services is dedicated to ensuring students stay healthy and active throughout the academic year. The return to school is an exciting time, and we are encouraging parents to help their children build healthy habits that will support their physical and mental well-being. Here are some essential general health tips to keep in mind:
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Encourage your child to consume a variety of nutrient-rich foods that support growth and energy.
- Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein in their daily meals.
- Limit sugary snacks and junk food, which can affect concentration and energy levels.
- Stay Hydrated: Hydration is crucial for mental clarity and physical performance.
- Ensure your child drinks plenty of water throughout the day, especially during school hours.
- Equip them with a reusable water bottle to make hydration easy and accessible.
- Stay Active: Physical activity promotes not just fitness, but also mental alertness.
- Encourage participation in school sports or active play during recess.
- Aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, whether through organised sports or free play
- Manage Stress: School can sometimes be stressful for students, especially as they balance academic and extracurricular activities.
- Teach your child to take regular breaks to relax and recharge.
- Encourage open conversations if they feel overwhelmed. Let them know it’s okay to ask for help.
Maintaining proper hygiene and practising illness prevention is essential for keeping students healthy, especially during the school year when they interact closely with others in classrooms and playgrounds. Here are some hygiene-related tips:
- Wash Hands Regularly: Good hand hygiene is a key defense against illness.
- Teach children to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before meals and after using the restroom
- Practice Good Hygiene: Promoting cleanliness reduces the spread of illness.
- Remind your child to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing.
- Encourage them to avoid touching their face with unwashed hands to reduce the risk of infections.
- Stay Home if You’re Sick:One of the best ways to prevent the spread of illness in schools is staying home when unwell.
- Keep your child home if they are showing signs of illness to protect classmates and teachers.
- Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
- Get Vaccinated: Immunisations are critical for preventing diseases.
- Ensure your child is up to date with their required vaccinations.
- Consider the flu shot to protect against seasonal flu, especially before flu season begins.
The Minister of Health and Human Services, Shaun D. Malcolm remarked, “The Ministry of Health and Services is committed to supporting the health and safety of our students as they return to school. By following these simple tips, parents can help their children have a healthy, productive, and enjoyable school year”.
For additional information, please visit the Ministry of Health and Human Services Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.
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