News
TCREA Ambassador Launches Revolutionary Mentorship Program for Turks & Caicos
#TurksandCaicos, May 11, 2022 – The Turks & Caicos Real Estate Association (TCREA) has announced a pioneering initiative to shape the next generation of real estate gurus for the country.
In a forum with local media, a dynamic group of industry stalwarts and trendsetters shared that local high school students aged 14-17 will now get a first-hand look at the burgeoning real estate domain here in Turks & Caicos through the TCREA Real Estate Mentorship Program.
Led by TCREA Ambassador, Mr. Trevor Musgrove, the initiative seeks to educate school-leavers on the advantages of becoming a part of one of the country’s foremost industries which has seen remarkable growth throughout the years and has recently enjoyed record-breaking numbers even amidst a global pandemic.
The Committee is an impressive one and boasts a group of the most accomplished, internationally celebrated, and experienced brokers and realtors in the game: Blair MacPherson of REMAX; Nina Siegenthaler, Manfred Smith, and Richard Sankar of Sotheby’s; Vernica Delancy and Dedra Gray of Keller Williams; and Sean O’neill, Musgrove’s partner in Turks and Caicos’ newest real estate firm, The Agency.
Sharing more about his decision to launch the initiative, Musgrove stated, “Mentorship is something I truly care about. As a young boy growing up in North Caicos, I could never have predicted that this is where I would be. But I can tell you with certainty that I am where and who I am because of people who took the time to steer me in the right direction when I shared my dreams and goals with them.
“It is said that to whom much is given, much is required. I am a firm believer that one of the most important things you can do is to provide an open door to those who wish to see their own dreams realized and are willing to work hard to do so.”
He continued, “Each of the real estate professionals that have graciously volunteered their time to this initiative encompass what the spirit of this program is all about. Some of these individuals were the ones I looked up to and have emulated, and we will continue to do the same for more young men and women here in Turks and Caicos.”
Musgrove says that the program is much more than an introduction to an expanding and lucrative industry. It will allow youngsters to see the side of Turks and Caicos that appeals to the ‘movers and shakers’ of the world. It is his hope that after going through the program the teens will have a better appreciation of their country and will understand why it is a captivating and award-winning destination, and why so many seek to make it a second home.
The Minister of Education, Honourable Rachel Taylor, was also present for the grand announcement proudly declaring the Ministry’s endorsement of the program.
“I was delighted to receive Mr. Musgrove’s communication that this mentorship program was being developed, as it aligns perfectly with one of the key pillars set out in our National Youth Policy.
“I understood that the group’s initial plans were to share this opportunity with students on Providenciales only, for logistical reasons. I believe that this is an experience that should be extended to all high school students in the Turks & Caicos Islands, and I promptly requested that Mr. Musgrove disseminate this information to Grand Turk, North Caicos, and South Caicos with a commitment that my Ministry will provide the necessary transportation for successful Sister Island applicants to travel to Providenciales for their in-person mentorship sessions.
“It is my hope that all eligible students will take advantage of this outstanding opportunity which I and my Ministry are proud to endorse and support.”
“I must point out that our National Skills Audit of 2017 speaks to the soft skills gaps in the areas of Problem Solving,
Critical Thinking, Analytical Skills, Communication, Team Building and Customer Services. I am elated that this TCREA Mentorship Program seeks to develop and harness these areas as we prepare our youths to become productive citizens of this country.
“This program is indeed in line with our Youth Policy which incorporates 7 pillars. Pillar 1 speaks to Enhancing Youth Economic Participation and Economic Empowerment. This youth led initiative will aid in promoting the concept of workplace learning as they use the workplace as a learning space through this Mentorship opportunity. This program will bridge the gap in supporting school-to-work transition initiatives for the cohorts of students who may have an eye for Real Estate,” said the Minister.
The TCREA Mentorship Program will run from May to December of this year, culminating in a special retreat. Mentees will receive educational modules at the start of each month and will come together with Mentors at the end of the month to engage in interactive sessions putting their education to practice. These in-person sessions will take shape in office meetups, open house visits, and other exciting activities.
Applications for enrollment into the program were sent to high schools just before the Easter break, with the final day for submissions slated as Friday, April 29th 2022. Musgrove says this first group will be capped at 10 students, as they wish to ensure a personal experience for all involved. He is confident the program will be continued by future TCREA Ambassadors and will grow in size from year to year.
News
The Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (February 25th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands began 2026 on a positive note, with stayover arrivals in January surpassing the same period in 2025.
Preliminary figures indicate that 56,830 stayover visitors arrived in January 2026, representing a two percent increase year-on-year. The steady growth continues the positive momentum experienced at the close of 2025.
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, attributed the encouraging performance to new collaboration with tour operator partners as well as increased airlift from key source markets.
“We anticipated a strong January performance following the growth recorded in November and December. The winter season has traditionally been a robust period for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this year that strength has been further supported by enhanced collaboration with partners and expanded airlift from Canada and the United States We are cautiously optimistic about maintaining this upward trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.
Cruise Sector
In cruise, preliminary figures show 122,935 cruise passenger arrivals in January, reflecting a 15 percent decrease compared to January 2025.
The decline is attributed to a reduction in cruise calls during the month. A total of 33 vessels called on Grand Turk in January, seven fewer than during the corresponding period last year.
Marketing Shows
As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier luxury destination, Experience Turks and Caicos has been actively participating in the Travel & Adventure Shows across several major cities in the United States.
The destination has already been showcased in Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago, with Fort Lauderdale and Denver scheduled in the coming weeks.
Public Relations Manager Laura Dowrich represented the Turks and Caicos Islands alongside the destination’s U.S. marketing agency, ABA Global.
Beaches Turks & Caicos – Stone Creek Travels
“One of the most encouraging takeaways from these shows is that the Turks and Caicos Islands is indeed on travellers’ radar. We met many visitors who shared fond memories of their time here, others who already have trips booked and were seeking recommendations on activities and dining, and many more who aspire to visit. It was a pleasure highlighting our multi-island destination and sharing the many experiences that make the Turks and Caicos Islands truly special,” said Ms. Dowrich.
Awards & Recognition
Building on a stellar year of accolades in 2025, the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun 2026 with additional international recognition.
The destination earned a Gold Badge in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing #5 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean and #5 in Best Beaches in the World. In the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Grand Turk was ranked #10 among the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit.
About Experience Turks and Caicos
Middle Caicos Dragon Cay Resort
Experience Turks and Caicos is the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is committed to positioning the destination as a premier, sustainable luxury tourism hub. By leveraging smart tools, data-driven strategies, and stakeholder collaboration, Experience Turks and Caicos focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and fostering long-term industry success.
About the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the destination is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Each island and cay offer a unique experience:
- Providenciales boasts world-class resorts, fine dining, and high-end tourism offerings.
- Grand Turk serves as the vibrant hub for cruise tourism and historical exploration.
- The sister islands provide a gateway to nature, adventure, and authentic local culture.
Recognised as the world’s best-kept secret, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer effortless luxury, with seamless connectivity via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Photo Captions:
Grand Turk – slow travel with us
North Caicos – Correy Forbes
South Caicos Sail Rock
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
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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
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News6 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
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Caribbean News7 days agoLiberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
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News6 days agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals