News
Turks & Caicos Ports Make Spectacular Rebound and near $7 million in earnings
By Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
#TurksandCaicos, July 15, 2022 – Revenues were up 25 percent for the Turks and Caicos Islands Ports Authority over last year and that meant goods brought into the islands achieved record breaking levels; a bitter sweet accomplishment for the British overseas territory.
“I am sure you will agree, the performance of a nation’s ports is an important barometer of the strength of its economy. There was a rebound in shipping during the year. We received 754 vessel calls, which was a 21% increase over 2019/20. We recorded a 59% increase in imported cargo volumes in 2021/22. We handled 594,498 tons of cargo compared to 374,194 tons in the previous year.
The rebound in shipping had positive implications for our revenues, we ended the year with a revenue outturn of $6,928,891, which was 25% higher than estimated,” reported Urban Francis, Chairman of the Ports Authority at the
Annual General Meeting held on June 23, 2022.
Nearly 600,000 tons of cargo came in and the earnings for the Ports Authority is leading to some major re-investments to modernize ports spaces in the country.
“My fellow Directors and I are proud of the many infrastructure developments taking place on ‘our watch, with a planned investment of about $60 million.’ This will be our legacy. We are pleased that we have projects taking place on all Islands such as the Welcome Center, Master Plan, phase 2 and dredging at Bellefield Landing, North Caicos; and the South Caicos Port Rehabilitation Project,” informed Mr. Francis.
Staff motivation efforts also ranked high in the report by the Chairman, from staff longevity and training hours, to community projects and regional leadership which he surmised helped in the Ports Authority’s brand awareness.
“The Ports Authority continues to develop positive brand identity through our community Outreach program, while giving back to the communities we serve. During the year we:
- recognized our Nurses on International Nurse’s Day;
- collaborated with the Social Welfare Department to bring Christmas cheer to fifty (50) foster children;
- recognized local seafarers in our publications;
- held an Online Photography Contest to select photos for our 2022 Calendar; and
- supported the Middle Caicos Valentine’s Day Cup.
Internationally, the Ports Authority hosted the 24th Annual Meeting of the Port Management Association of the Caribbean in June 2021. At end of the meeting, we were awarded the Nova Port Cup, which represented the best performing member port, based on several objective KPIs. Our Director of Ports was also elected Vice Chairman of the association for a 2-year term of office.”
Seven major staff development achievements were cited in the meeting held at the Sands at Grace Bay.
“One Thousand and One Hundred and Ninety (1,190) hours of staff training was undertaken, an average of 22 hours per staff.
We promoted Ms. Shawna Lewis and Ms. Sharea Rigby to the positions of Deputy Director and Financial Controller, respectively. Mrs. Sharona Walkin and Mr. Pierre Clerveaux were promoted to positions of Port Facility Security Officer and Safety Officer at South Dock, Provo, respectively; while Mr. Ronadio Roberts of the Grand Turk port and Mr. Jarrad Forbes of the Provo port were promoted to the position for Security Supervisor.
Fourteen (14) staff completed ten years of service, and were celebrated on November 11th, 2021 at an event held at Beaches Resort; we also bade farewell to Mr. Walter Hanchell, a stalwart of the Ports Authority.”
There were scholarships and professional upgrades.
“Three Hundred and Ninety-Two (392) hours of external virtual staff training was sponsored. Four female officers benefited from scholarships with the Galilee International Management Institute in Israel, resulting in them building capacity in advance security and port management.
Three (3) staff benefited from tertiary level scholarships, sponsored by the Ports Authority.
We sponsored 2 oil spill managements training workshops for over 29 participants; consisting of our staff and stakeholders to build response capability and an organizational restructuring exercise commenced, to have in place an effective structure which maximizes productivity and staff job satisfaction.”
In order to improve the operations and chart a clear path for the future of the Ports Authority, there was consultancy; efforts to vesting crown land assets; a review of the strategic plan and a safety risk assessment among other initiatives.
The Chairman said they would have liked to have signed next phase agreements for port developments underway in the family islands, but that was not to be in the fiscal period.
“Whilst we able to close the tenders for Phase 1 and 2 and the Port office complex associated with the Redevelopment of South Dock, Provo; and the Bellefield Landing Boat Slips project, we are disappointed that we unable to sign contracts for these projects during 2021/22.”
Francis wrapped up his report with a look to the future.
“Some key work plans for upcoming year include: Concluding arrangements to commence Phases 1 and 2 and the Port office Complex associated with the Redevelopment of South Dock, Provo and the Bellefield Landing Boat Slips project; Implementation of agreed recommendations for Organizational Restructuring Exercise; Concluding stevedoring arrangements;Organizational Culture reforms; Preparation of a work plan take forward observations from the risks. assessment of port approaches and internal waters of the TCI; Introduction of Port Emergencies Management Plan prepared by the Organization of American States for PMAC; Preparation of Port Maintenance Dredging Policies and Plans; Concluding arrangements for PMAC Data Intelligence Project to improve statistics and an evaluation of the impact of our public awareness programs.”
The Minister of Border Services, with ports in his portfolio, Arlington Musgrove was thanked, “for his unwavering support and continued confidence in the Board and Staff.”
The meeting was held at the conference room of the Atrium, Leeward, Providenciales.
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
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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