News
Labour Department Apprenticeship Program Launched, over 100 regisiter
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, June 24, 2022 – Just over 100 of the 180 tertiary students in the Turks and Caicos are already registered for the government’s new apprenticeship and internship program. The program was officially launched on Tuesday, June 21st but applications have been coming in for some time.
Minister of Education Rachel Taylor described the program as “a strategic mechanism to bridge the gaps, to empower our youth, to transform lives and achieve human capital development goals.”
Taylor referenced the National Skills Audit noting that youth were sometimes blocked from employment opportunities because they lacked experience and the program aimed to fix that.
The program will work in two parts providing 6-week internships for students in college and flexible 1-month to 9-month long apprenticeships for graduates leaving or out of college.
Labour Commissioner Edwin Taylor broke down the program and explained the main aims.
“There was a set of information that students gave to us which was troubling. A lot of students indicated that after completing university they didn’t plan to stay in the Turks and Caicos; a lot of them indicated they didn’t see opportunities for them. This program is not just to give them skills but to give them hope and to prove to them that there is a place for them here in the Turks and Caicos.”
The Government thus hopes to use the program to, “Bridge the gap between employment and the education field. The program is geared towards giving them real-life experience in their field of study with a reputable institution in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
The program is for all students whether they are studying in the TCI or overseas and will carry compensation for all participants, where companies lack the funds to compensate students the government will step in and cover the cost. Apart from experience, the idea is to connect students with employers so they know of companies that can use their skills when they graduate.
He explained that the program will be mutually beneficial for both students and employers and they will have guidelines to make sure both are getting the maximum benefit from the program.
“Companies will be obligated to pair them with a mentor who can monitor them and provide them with full rules of engagement and guidelines and descriptions of the jobs,” Commissioner Taylor said.
Students will also spend two hours a week learning the soft skills most desired by overseas companies including active listening, Critical thinking, customer service training, people management, emotional intelligence, and workplace protocol.
There were several success stories shared in the meeting. TCI Islander and UK-certified Lawyer Arnelle Taylor explained how internships had prepared her for work.
“There were many practical and pragmatic benefits to participating in internships while pursuing my tertiary education. They allowed me to supplement the theory of what was learned in the classroom into real work-life practice.” She said.
Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development Akierra Missick praised the program saying she was well aware of the acute lack of technical workers including engineers, road developers, land-use planners, etc. in her industry.
Director of Youth in the Department of Youth Jasmine Thomas explained that the internship would help to create the 21st century youth noting that they were fully on board with the program.
“The national youth policy speaks to enhancing social capital and enhancing the resilience of young people through intellectual capital in order to provide sustainable employment thus creating the 21st century youth to contribute to national development.”
To augment this program a Labour Market Information System will be developed in the latter part of the year to provide real time information for companies. Commissioner Taylor explained that students would have a passport-like document showing all of their work experience.
“We want to start a passport program where an individual will be able to carry around their resume showing every time, they attend any of these internships that you as partners in this initiative would be able to have direct access to through that Labour Market Information System.” He told business
Minister Taylor chimed in, “Your information will be presented to us in real time so that through our succession planning we will be able to ensure that our people with the right skill sets are placed in the right jobs.” She explained that a TCI delegation would be soon traveling to the Cayman Islands to observe their own system to advise implementation in the TCI
Minister Taylor was particularly grateful to the companies who had made themselves available for internships.
“The excitement that I get from the companies is so rewarding and so encouraging. I want to thank each and every one of you, you are our partners who are going to assist us in reaching each and every one of our goals.” She said.
The launch was attended by Premier Washington Misick, Deputy Premier E. Jay. Saunders, Minister of PPID Akeirra Missick, and representatives from companies across the TCI.
The deadline for more applications is Friday, June 24th and the actual internships will begin by early July.
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.
Photo Captions:
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
-
News7 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
-
Caribbean News1 week agoLiberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
-
News7 days agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals