News
Progress on the proposed $1m floating dock for Grand Turk still looms in the balance.
#TurksandCaicos, January 18, 2023 – Progress on the proposed $1m floating dock for Grand Turk still looms in the balance.
The lack of a public dock and a proper working ramp in the vicinity of the carnival cruise ship port, has been a source of contention for boat tours operators and local fishermen for years.
What residents thought was a breakthrough with the government announcement of a proposed $1m floating dock, appears to have loss its steam. 
As our tourism industry grows, there is a greater need for more safeguards and resources to be put in place to help support tour operators and protect the tourism products that we so desperately depend on.
It’s imperative that the government address these issues in a wholesome way to include input from relevant stakeholders.
Many citizens are of the view that in order to build stronger public/private partnerships, whenever extraordinary decisions are made that can affect an entire industry, the point of view from various stakeholders of that industry should always be considered.
Unfortunately, there is more and more evidence that the local water-sports and land tour operators are being put in a less competitive position and disadvantaged in an industry that was created to support the residents of Grand Turk and Salt Cay and not just Carnival cruise lines.
That is the premise of this article and the story must be told.
The most pressing issue impacting the Watersports operators is not the fact that we do not have a floating dock, but the lack of a proper working ramp to launch and pull up our vessels. There are other pending issues, but if the boat operators can get movement on this particular item it will serve the residents well.
I believe its an important piece of infrastructure that is desperately needed on the island. It will put boat operators in a better position to support the tourism product, proper boat maintenance, in addition to cutting the absorbent cost associated with launching and removal of vessels.
During the latter part of 2021, the government proposed $1m to build a floating dock within the vicinity of Carnival cruise port. To my knowledge, as of this date, no further information or discussion was released to the public.
Below is a list of reasons for our concerns as it relates to this matter.
- The current condition and accessibility of the existing ramp located at south base is not fit for use.
- It will allow boat tour operators, local fishermen and casual boat users easier access to properly maintaining their vessels.
- It will ease the financial burden for so many of us as the associated cost to launch and remove vessels is well over $200.
- It will minimize damages caused to vessels during transit due to the build up of uncontrollable sand dunes and a lack of the proper equipment being used.
- The police dock located at north creek is not practical or conducive to small business operators depending on the cruising industry to make an honest living. In addition, during inclement weather, entering and exiting north creek could be treacherous and at times boat operators can not exit the channel. This could impact the tourism experience if vessels are unavailable for prebooked tours in addition to causing loss revenue.
Recommendations and Solutions:
- At this given time a proper ramp is more practical then a floating dock.
- Recommended location for a permanent not a the floating dock should be at Governor’s beach. Partial
infrastructure is already there as it was previously used by the US Navy. In addition, the access lane is already in place. - Another alternative would be to extend and enhance the Salt Cay dock for public use.
- Equip dock with lights and running water for proper use and maintenance of vessels or search and rescue operations.
- Repair and enhance the existing public ramp located at south base.
- Repair the roads leading to and from all docks and ramps.
Development within a Park, by ordinance, is acceptable if it benefits the general public. I think a proper public ramp or dock on the western shores would fit that bill and the boaters have certainly made a compelling argument.
I often marvel that it took successive Governments no time to come up with finding funds to remove the old steamer on Governor’s beach, but it’s taking years to provide a needed resource to support the tourism industry which Grand Turk boat operators and local fishermen primarily depends on.
It will take high level and bureaucratic commitment to move this forward.
Nevertheless, boat operators are optimistic that change will come some day. We look forward to a favorable outcome where we can all work together in unison for the betterment of this great country.
Ed Forbes
Concerned citizen of Grand Turk
Caribbean News
Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts Announce Landmark Partnership to Accelerate Their Leading Vacation Experiences
Royal Caribbean Group Investment to Advance Sandals and Beaches’ Growth and Broaden the Group’s Vacation Portfolio
Montego Bay, Jamaica and Miami, September 24, 2026 – Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) and Sandals Resorts today announced the signing of an agreement to form a partnership in the all-inclusive resort space with a 50% investment from Royal Caribbean Group. Building on Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ more than four decades of leadership in Caribbean hospitality, the joint venture will create new opportunities for continued resort growth while broadening the experiences across Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform.
The partnership brings together two of the travel industry’s most celebrated vacation companies, pairing Sandals and Beaches’ all-inclusive
resort expertise with Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform, including industry-leading brands – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea – a portfolio of private destinations, new river cruising offering, and an industry-first loyalty program. United in a shared history in the Caribbean and connected by a love for their communities, the companies will offer travelers an unparalleled collection of cruise, private destination and resort experiences, serving guests across more vacation occasions and establishing their undisputed leadership in Caribbean vacations.
The joint venture expands Royal Caribbean Group into an adjacent vacation category, growing its participation in the approximately $2 trillion global vacation market, and meets the growing global demand for Sandals and Beaches Resorts by accelerating their expansion. The partnership will include Sandals and Beaches’ collection of premier all-inclusive properties across the Caribbean, and the companies will explore opportunities to broaden distribution, deepen guest engagement, and make it easier for travelers to discover vacation experiences offered across both portfolios.
“For nearly 60 years, we’ve reimagined what a vacation can be, constantly expanding the ways we inspire our guests to explore, connect and create lifelong memories,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We have been building a vacation platform that brings joy to millions of people around the world and creates meaningful relationships that last with our guests. Our partnership with
Sandals and Beaches Resorts is an important next step on that journey – bringing together two iconic leading vacation companies to further strengthen and grow one of the most admired resort portfolios in the world. The Stewart family has created powerful and beloved brands, and we are honored to build on that legacy. Together, we see tremendous opportunity to expand the reach of Sandals and Beaches Resorts and continue turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.”
“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality. Today is proof of how far that vision can go,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. “This partnership is the natural next step in building on that conviction. It gives us the ability to grow faster with a partner that shares our values of exceptional hospitality, long-term investment, and the power of enduring brands. Together, we will introduce more guests to Sandals and Beaches Resorts while creating even more extraordinary experiences for those who have made our resorts part of their lives for decades.” Stewart added, “As we continue to grow, we will remain true to what has always defined us: delivering authentic vacations that exceed expectations while creating opportunities for our team members, travel advisor partners and the communities we call home. The future has never been brighter, and I know this moment would make my father incredibly proud.”
The joint venture will be governed by a board under the shared leadership of Stewart and Liberty. Stewart will maintain a leadership role in
guiding the company’s long-term strategic growth as Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Existing reservations, loyalty programs, resort operations and cruise operations will continue as usual, with the partnership bringing additional resources to support future opportunities.
Under the terms of the agreement, Royal Caribbean Group will acquire a 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion, representing a forward EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x. Royal Caribbean Group has secured committed debt financing from Morgan Stanley to fund the investment. The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions, and is expected to be accretive to earnings next year.
BofA Securities and PJT Partners acted as financial advisors, and Latham & Watkins and Jones Day acted as legal advisors to the Sandals Group. Perella Weinberg Partners and Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisors and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to Royal Caribbean Group.
PHOTO CAPTION: Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, mark the signing of an agreement to form a landmark partnership that expands Royal Caribbean Group into the all-inclusive resort space and supports the future growth of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. The signing took place at Royal Caribbean Group’s new headquarters in Miami, with the city’s skyline in the background.
The Caribbean tourism deal first reported as a possibility on Tuesday is now a signed agreement. Royal Caribbean Group plans to pay
approximately US$3 billion for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, putting the value of the business at about US$6 billion. The purchase is expected to close in early 2027, subject to approvals.
Founded in Jamaica by the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart in 1981, the resort business has a presence across nine Caribbean destinations, including Jamaica, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Sandals has described its workforce as nearly 20,000 people, most of them Caribbean nationals.
“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality,” said Adam Stewart in the announcement carried by PR Newswire. He will remain executive chairman, while the Stewart family retains a stake. The companies say existing reservations and resort operations will continue as usual.
News
Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands Empowers Local Students Through Back-to-School Backpack & Supplies Drive
PROVIDENCIALE, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS — The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI) is proud to
announce the successful completion of its 2026 Back-to-School Supplies Initiative, distributing essential backpacks and educational materials to local students and families across the community.
With the new academic year underway, this annual drive was designed to alleviate the financial burden on families while equipping local youth with the necessary tools for academic success.
Education is an investment in a better generation and a brighter future. We are grateful to all our generous donors and supporters whose contributions helped make this initiative possible.
The initiative’s success was made possible through the collaboration and contributions of local corporate partners and community members. IATCI extends its sincere appreciation to the following sponsors for their support and commitment:
• Mayaa Ltd, Ayavue Enterprises, Provo Café, Sunny Foods, Gold Smith, Charlie’s, Kishco / Kostco, Citrusbuy Ltd.
Through partnerships like these, IATCI continues its commitment to fostering community growth, supporting educational development, and making a lasting positive impact across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
About the Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)
The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands is a non-profit community organization dedicated to cultural enrichment, community service, and supporting educational and social initiatives throughout the islands.
Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)
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