Caribbean News
PNP Gov’t Does Not Have the People’s Blessing; PDM says it’s not Too Late to Keep TCI Tourist Board
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, February 9, 2023 – More fall-out today for the PNP Government as it progresses toward an end to the TCI Tourist Board to establish a brand new set of entities, this time the Opposition PDM is speaking up in a press conference about change which has sparked controversy and harsh rebuke.
Minimal consultation with the public and none existent consultation with the Opposition on the new Destination Marketing and Management Organization is being viewed by the People’s Democratic Movement as suspicious and a huge mistake by the PNP Government Administration.
“Did you receive the blessing of the people who elected you to go down this road? We are here elected by the people spending their money so surely there must be some consultation with the entire Turks and Caicos. Don’t force this DMMO on the people,” Opposition leader Edwin Astwood said in a press conference on Thursday.
The conference was carried live on Facebook and joining the party’s Leader were Alvin Garland, PDM Appointed Member to the House of Assembly; Robert Been, Deputy Leader of the People’s Democratic Movement and the party’s National Chairman, Ezra Taylor.
The government has maintained that several rounds of consultations with stakeholder groups on decisions regarding the DMMO, were held. Still, the Opposition Leader, calling the decision about the dismantling of the TCI Tourist Board unpatriotic, questioned the extensiveness of those consultations.
“Did they come to the people or was it just a few of their friends who will benefit?” He asked. He confirmed that the Opposition, while presented with the plans recently, had not been consulted in any significant way, or had any significant input on the project which will define the Turks and Caicos’ tourism future in the decades to come, if it is implemented.
“All House of Assembly members have had presentations on the DMO but you have to go to the people not just the HOA— there have been presentations, not consultations–– the appointed member and I voiced our concerns, and we are still raising our concerns.” He said
The PDM says not only has the Government not consulted the country significantly they expressed confusion about why the DMMO was being pushed through so swiftly.
“How much money has been paid, have the consultants been fully paid?” Asked Opposition Leader Edwin Astwood. “There are a number of red flags, the Government isn’t being forthwith and coming and explaining everything to the people” He continued.
Appointed member, Alvin Garland, reminded the government that it was not too late to change course as tourism is at optimal performance.
“Tourism is at an all-time high in this country, and there is not an argument that I believe can be made about why it is necessary, at this time, to dismantle the Tourist Board.”
Instead of making the Board redundant, which resulted in its 17 employees receiving severance letters last Friday, both Astwood and Garland advocated for enhancements at the TCI Tourist Board, in favour of keeping the organisation in tact.
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
-
TCI News7 days agoTurks and Caicos Islands Reaffirms Status as Premier Beach and Romance Destination at World Travel Awards
-
Bahamas News5 days agoNassau Cruise Port Marks Sixth Anniversary with Exciting New Additions for Visitors and The community
-
Caribbean News5 days agoSandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
-
TCI News3 days agoVisitTCI and Potcake Place Highlight Growing Homeless Dog Crisis
-
Caribbean News1 week agoCaribbean Powerhouses to Inspire at CaribCon in the Turks and Caicos Islands