Caribbean News
TCHTA says Covid Vaxx Mandate Extension ‘Out of Touch’
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, December 23, 2022 – Keeping the vaccine mandate is bad for business and makes the TCI look archaic in its policies according to the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association as it forecasts a possible downturn in bookings. The Association, through Stacy Cox, CEO issued a statement to Magnetic Media in the hours following the revelation that the Government would stretch the mandate for three more months, making it clear the membership is not in agreement with the decision.
“The TCHTA has provided the Minister with occupancy projections through to February 2023 and a list of regional countries that no longer require vaccination for entry. We shared our clear position that the vaccination requirement should not be extended further, as we did with his predecessor.”
The TCHTA said they had in fact been consulted on the decision and while making it abundantly clear they were thankful to the Government, specifically Shaun Malcolm, the new Minister of Health for consulting them and for the
Government’s successful navigation of the pandemic, this was not a move they considered helpful to the country describing the TCIs competitive edge as ‘fragile’.
“To date, we are one of a small group of countries regionally that maintains this requirement. More pointedly, we are one of an even smaller group whose country’s economy would be significantly affected by the loss of tourism dollars. The TCHTA believes the extension of this requirement will not only cause a downturn in bookings but will affect the overall outlook on the destination.”
The country’s travel partners have been anxious about the mandate and many had hoped it would simply phase out on December 31st and the effect is not only felt by short term visitors.
“There are homeowners who have patiently waited to enter the country, not having seen their homes for years. There are Turks and Caicos Islanders whose family members have not had the opportunity to visit them. While these groups have understood the need for the protocols to keep everyone safe, that period of understanding is quickly morphing into frustration.”
The Association acknowledged that the measures had kept people safe but reiterated it was now obsolete.
“As of May 2022, 30 countries, including the United Kingdom, have lifted the vaccination requirement for entry. We continue to applaud our Ministry of Health and the Government for making tough decisions to protect our residents and visitors– However, the TCHTA believes that this requirement no longer serves us, and will now position us as a destination that is archaic in its policies.”
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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