News
TCHTA and Partners Host Earth Day Weekend Initiatives in Grand Turk
#Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands, May 5, 2023 – The Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) took its signature TCI Shines Earth Day program to the nation’s capital, partnering with members to create
a weekend of events in celebration of the globally-recognized environmental movement. The three-day collaboration included community engagement, education, and awareness activities. These initiatives aimed to promote sustainable tourism and encourage the community to take responsibility for keeping their environment clean.
The events began with a ship tour hosted by Carnival Corporation & PLC. TCHTA members, government officials, high school students, and other stakeholders boarded the Carnival Mardi Gras for a first-hand look at the ship’s strict standards and operating procedures. The Carnival team shared how systems have been put in place to focus on sustainability efforts: food waste management, advanced air quality systems, decarbonization practices, and adopting the circular economy model aimed at waste reduction. Tour attendees explored the beauty and magnificence of the Mardi Gras and had an enlightening experience by all accounts.
“We are excited to partner with the TCHTA and for the opportunity to give the community an intimate look at our operation and our commitment to safeguarding the planet we call home, our guests, the communities we serve, and
our Carnival family. I think it also gives the community a real appreciation for the rigor and focus we dedicate to complying with the laws and regulations that govern our business,” said Marie McKenzie, Senior Vice President of Government & Destination Affairs for Carnival Corporation & PLC. Sharing her thoughts on the importance of the partnership, she continued, “One of Carnival’s core principles is to honour the integrity of every ocean we sail, place we visit and life we touch. Achieving our purpose & mission depends on our being a good corporate citizen and a positive force for our partner destinations, supporting local sustainable community development, and inspiring ripple effects of positive economic and social impacts.”
On day two, the TCHTA’s Education Committee took to the capital’s schools, speaking to students on the history of the TCI Shines initiative. Led by the committee’s Chair and newly-elected Association Vice President, Tendra Musgrove, the children were encouraged to be ambassadors for the cause, ensuring that they admonished peers and family members about the detriments of destructive environmental behaviours.
“We must instill in our children the values of sustainability and environmental preservation,” said Musgrove, “We hope that by educating them about TCI Shines and the importance of tourism to our islands, they will become passionate ambassadors in their communities.”
On cleanup day, community members joined the TCHTA team at one of Grand Turk’s most precious landmarks, the Clock Tower Park on Pond Street. Members of government, Rotary and Rotaract, the Overback, Palm Grove, and Breezy Brae community groups, and the Cadets were among those who came together to make the streets of the
capital shine on Earth Day. Groups were deployed to several areas, working to rid the sidewalks and bushes of unsightly garbage and debris.
The effort was graciously supported by partners Graceway Communities, DECR, and FortisTCI, and TCHTA member, Exclusive Escapes. The Honourable Otis Morris and his team assisted with hauling and discarding filled bags.
TCI Shines is one of the TCHTA’s signature initiatives, led by its Sustainable Tourism Committee bi-annually. The initiative aims to promote sustainable tourism and encourage the community to take responsibility for keeping their environment clean, inclusive of land and sea.
Mona Beeson, Chair of the TCHTA Sustainable Tourism Committee, expressed her delight at the turnout. “We are thrilled with the success of this Earth Day weekend. It was heartening to see the community come together to make a positive impact on the environment. For 14 years, TCI Shines has impacted our communities and our industry, and we are always humbled by the support and eager participation throughout the islands.”
The TCHTA is grateful to its partners and volunteers for their support and commitment to keeping Turks and Caicos beautiful by nature, and clean by choice. The association looks forward to taking TCI Shines back to Grand Turk and to the sister islands in the continuing years.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders,
executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.
Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.
In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.
The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.
This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.
Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership
experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.
A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.
Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.
Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:
“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, 5 February 2026, at Block and Parcel 60503/17 in the Five Cays area.
The exercise was led by the Planning Department, pursuant to its statutory authority under the Physical Planning Act to address
unauthorised development. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Crown Land Unit and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action formed part of a Public Private Partnership initiative between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and private landowners. The registered owners of the land would have sought the state’s assistance to issue copies of Section 58 Enforcement Notices on unlawful structures identified on the parcel. The subject parcel comprises approximately 25 acres extending across Millennium Highway.
During the exercise, a total of fifty-four (54) copies of the Enforcement Notice were issued on structures located on the parcel. Notices were affixed to structures and served on persons found to be occupying illegal developments.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold planning regulations, protect property rights, and promote orderly and lawful development. Persons undertaking construction are reminded that development without the requisite planning approvals is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
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