News
“He will forever be missed…” Lewis Astwood laid to rest in Official Funeral attended by country leaders past & present
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, June 16, 2022 – Former politician and founding member of the People’s Democratic Movement Lewis Astwood III was laid to rest at Paradise Baptist Church in Five Cays on Wednesday, June 8th.
The pioneering leader was sent home with an official ceremony from the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, attended by several sitting Members of Parliament.
Astwood was celebrated by his successors on both sides of the political arena.
The ceremony was attended by Governor Nigel Dakin; Deputy Governor Anya Williams, Premier Washington Misick; Leader of the Opposition Edwin Astwood; former Premier Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson; former Chief
Ministers Derek Taylor and Oswald Skippings, other Members of Parliament, members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force who served as pallbearers, and members of the TCI Regiment and Cadet Corps.
Premier Washington Misick read the 23rd Psalm, with the hope that it would ‘bring some comfort’ to Astwood’s family. Leader of the Opposition Edwin Astwood expressed his deep love for his uncle describing his death as a “great loss.”
“He will forever be missed. I do not know how many others know him in his other stations, but he was one of the best uncles that I could have had. He was one of the best in the world.”
Derek Taylor gave the congregation a reflection of Astwood’s life recalling fondly how he was called “red cow” because of his love for the condensed milk of the same name. He explained Astwood’s love for his donkey ‘Buster’.
“Buster would go in the house and watch TV…It got so bad that when he got attacked by another donkey he would run to people for shelter!” he explained to rounds of laughter
Jokes aside Lewis was a true patriot Taylor said, committed to his country in every way.
“He was a hands-on minister, he set the bar. He did not stay in the office. Lewis was well informed and not only in the public sector but in the private sector as well…he would long to be remembered for his contributions to these islands,” Taylor explained.
Born in 1943, Astwood became the first Minister of Works and Utilities and despite his lack of a formal high school and university education, he did brilliantly at the job.
Drexwell Seymour explained, “Each time someone talked to Lewie he made a lasting impression on them with his knowledge, he was always thinking outside the box.”
Astwood’s life was not easy after the death of his father and his mother’s migration to The Bahamas, he did whatever it took to keep himself and his family afloat.
“Some days his cousins would bring food in their pockets so he could have dinner and in return, he would help them with their homework as he was an ace in mathematics and geography. He did not let anything deter him from the life he wanted.” Seymour said during the obituary.
Despite having a lucrative job in the Bahamas when he grew older, he returned home to serve and was a successful businessman and politician. Both Astwood’s son and daughter entered the political sphere, following in their father’s footsteps. His son Sean Astwood held the position of Deputy Premier.
Lewie Astwood was instrumental in improving life for the Turks and Caicos Islanders.
Described as a ‘diehard PDM’ he put his country first and is credited with alleviating initial water problems in Grand Turk and upgrading roads and electricity as well as championing the cause of dialysis patients. He is also credited with upgrading the working conditions of Cable and Wireless staff and being instrumental in export trade deals with the European Union among a great many other things.
Astwood also represented the Turks and Caicos on the international stage in Fiji, the United States, and the UK.
“He was a man of change and solutions and a man that gave with his heart on his sleeve,” Seymour said. 
His commitment to family and the Turks and Caicos as well as his overwhelming compassion was lauded by all who remembered him. Retired clerk of the Legislative Council Ruth Blackman, spoke tearfully about the hours that he labored by her side out of the goodness of his heart as she went through labor in the hospital.
Describing him as a visionary, she insisted that we must ensure that our children knew of his own and his colleague’s contributions.
“We have to ensure that our children know the struggles and the difficulties that persons like the honorable Oswald Skippings, the honorable Norman Saunders, and the honorable J.A.G.S. McCartney went through because we are where we are today because of them, it’s on their shoulders that we stand today.”
She challenged the sitting members to do something to mark his legacy insisting that “we must keep it alive”
Astwood passed away on May 13th, 2022 at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. He was interred in the Bight Public Cemetery in Providenciales.
He was rewarded for his time in public service by the House of Assembly with an official funeral with full honours.
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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News5 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
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Caribbean News6 days agoLiberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
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News5 days agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals