News
In a booming economy, how can TCI get the most out of direct foreign investments?
Ed Forbes
Concerned citizen of Grand Turk
#TurksandCaicos, August 30, 2022 – Turks and Caicos Islands is at an inflection point, which means, there needs to be “profound changes” to the way we attract foreign investors.
While many countries are still reeling from the devastating impact Covid-19 pandemic had on their economy, most of the tourism sector in TCI is on a rebound.
From the looks of it, our economic recovery plan appears to be in full gear and beginning to move again at a very fast pace. In my opinion, this in itself, is a signal of attraction to potential investors.
During a time of genuine crisis such as this prolonged covid19 pandemic, I must say, I was pleased to see how both administrations worked arduously together to find effective solutions to help save lives and keep our economy afloat.
This was done, regardless of the circumstances in order to achieve the desired outcome for the country.
Sadly, we loss a number of our citizens to this horrible virus including my own mother. Nevertheless, throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, both infection rates and hospitalization were relatively minimal compared to many other Caribbean countries.
A big thank you to our dedicated medical team, to include the Cuban medical brigade who assisted.
Our country needs more politicians who are willing to work across party lines, avoiding divisive social issues and focusing on promoting businesses and tourism for the benefit of our people. At the same time, it’s also important to maintain that balance of power in these islands.
With such rapid development and big corporations poised to reap huge profits, in my opinion, the country is in a good position to demand more from potential foreign investors wanting to do business in our islands.
With that being said, this brings me to my main points. With this economic boom, are we seeing enough of the trickle-down effect? Secondly, at this stage in our development, is TCI intentionally and purposely luring and incentivizing the right investors?
With TCI’s financial stability, how do we capitalize on this momentum to win on an even bigger front? What we cannot afford to do is to have our citizens losing faith in the shared enterprise of our country.
Whilst hotels and villas bring many job opportunities, it should not be the only economic engine of growth at this stage in our development. There are only so many buildings you can erect on a small developing island like Providenciales before we turn our towns into a concrete jungle.
Maybe it’s time to slow down a bit and start planning the future of the country more strategically. Not just in terms of physical structures, but workforce assessment, human investment, and development.
Furthermore, to optimize development and for a more sustainable economy, we must move beyond the creation of just service jobs. Not to take anything away from these kinds of jobs, but traditionally they are held by migrant workers and come with low paying wages unless you’re in top management positions.
Erecting more and more hotels mean there will be a need for more transportation, which drives the demands for more vehicles and additional access roads. There will also be a need for more grocery stores and products on demand etc.
What our citizens would like to see more off from our politicians, is a stronger push for foreign investments in our basic infrastructure needs. This may require more community driven discussions to help determine the pathway.
Arguably, there isn’t enough emphasis being placed on these critical areas to support such growth. For example, there is a growing need for a public transportation system, farming on a larger scale, waste management and
recycling opportunities etc. These types of investments will help to alleviate a number of our socio-economic issues.
Perhaps, the creation of more higher paying jobs for our people, and jobs that will attract citizens in diaspora who may have the necessary skill sets beneficial to our country’s development.
With wages not keeping up with the growing rate of inflation, our people also need real paying jobs that match their qualifications, not just any jobs.
If we fail to change course, I’m afraid we run the risk of losing more of our young people to crime or some becoming diaspora as we have seen over the years.
We cannot and should not let big foreign investors dictate the outcomes for TCI without giving back to our communities in a meaningful way. This could be in the form of direct investment in trade schools, banking, reefs, and sea life sustainability projects etc.
This is our moment Turks Islanders!
In a free enterprise economy like ours, the truth to the matter is, the strength of our democracy will only work when everyone has an opportunity.
Not only should our country be in a position to attract private investment but to retain and leverage it for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
News
BermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights Begin December 20 with Fares from $347 One Way, Creating Direct Access to Salterra Resort & Spa
– New Route Expands BermudAir’s Winter Turks & Caicos Network –
[New York, NY – August 20, 2026] – BermudAir, the leading premium leisure carrier to Bermuda and the Caribbean, today announced it will introduce nonstop flights to South Caicos from Newark this winter. The route places one of the Caribbean’s most secluded island destinations just 3.5 hours from the New York area for the first time.
The new service starts on December 20, 2026, operating on Sundays and Thursdays, and will be the only nonstop service to the destination
from the New York area. This seasonal service will operate through April 25, 2027. Fares start at $347 one way ($773 roundtrip) and go on sale today.
The new South Caicos route creates gives travelers two distinct luxury resort options, with direct access to Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, recently named the No. 1 resort in Turks and Caicos by Condé Nast Traveler.
Set across 85 beachfront acres with a 3,000-foot private white-sand beach, Salterra brings a full luxury resort experience to an island still defined by its historic salinas, pristine waters, bonefishing flats and uninhabited cays. Upon landing at South Caicos International Airport (XSC), guests are approximately 10 minutes from the resort.
While flights go on sale today, the airline’s BermudAir Holidays vacation-packaging division will offer curated travel to South Caicos from next month, featuring flights, hotels and authentic island experiences, with bundled discounts and value-added perks, making it even easier to explore the destination.
Previously BermudAir announced seven new routes to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Toronto (YYZ) which will all start in December except for Fort Lauderdale which begins October 26.
Expanded Winter Season
- To South Caicos:
- Twice-weekly nonstop from Newark (Sundays and Thursdays) from December 20 through April 25, 2027.
- To Turks and Caicos:
- Weekly nonstop from Newark (Saturdays) and one weekly direct service (Thursdays) from December 19 through April 29, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Boston (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Baltimore-Washington (Thursdays), from December 24 through April 29, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (Thursdays and Sundays), from December 20 through May 2, 2027;
- Thrice-weekly service from Fort Lauderdale (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), from October 26 through May 3, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from St Petersburg/Tampa (Mondays and Thursdays), from December 21 through May 3, 2027; and
- Weekly nonstop service from Toronto (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027.
“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Now New Yorkers can fly nonstop to two distinct sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands — Providenciales and the secluded island of South Caicos, home to the exquisite Salterra and Sailrock South Caicos resorts.”
The airline consistently earns Net Promoter Scores of 70+, one of the highest ratings in the airline industry. All flights will be operated on comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality.
“South Caicos has always felt worlds away, and that is part of its magic,” said Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO of Salterra. “Beginning this winter, guests can fly nonstop from Newark in 3.5 hours, land at one of the newest international airports in the region and be at Salterra minutes later. This route makes a long weekend escape and an extended stay to one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands remarkably easy, without changing the sense of discovery that makes South Caicos so special.”
For more information or to book flights, visit www.flybermudair.com. Salterra will offer dedicated stay packages timed to BermudAir’s Thursday and Sunday nonstop service. To book a stay at Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, visit www.salterra.com
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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