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TREVOR MUSGROVE REFLECTS ON TWO YEARS AS PRESIDENT OF TCHTA

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, May 15, 2023 – Post-election, Trevor Musgrove now moves from the role of TCHTA President to Chairman. Musgrove delivered his final message to members at the association’s recent AGM, before passing the torch to the newly elected President, James McAnally.

Reflecting on his two years, Trevor says, “Through my involvement as a Board Director in previous years, I knew the role would be both challenging and rewarding.” He continued, “As an Allied Member, it was important to me that we worked to bring even more small businesses into the membership and forged a better relationship with government. These were my main goals.”

As Chair of the Advocacy Committee, Musgrove’s final report on February 24th was an overview of the organization’s success in representing its members, the tourism industry, and the country’s communities. Advocacy issues over the past two years ran the gamut of Immigration and Border Control regulations, Human Resource concerns, Crime, and more.

In 2022, the association’s efforts were chiefly focused on the big changes announced by government for the DMMO transition and lobbying for responsive and aggressive tactics in the face of the country’s heightened crime wave. Back in 2021 when Musgrove was first elected to the seat, the country was moving out of its ‘closed borders’ period, and many crucial decisions needed to be made for the safety and protection of the country and its people while balancing the need for an economic rebound.

Incidentally, the TCHTA Board and current government both took seats around the same time in 2021, and Musgrove’s team engaged the Ministers early to pledge a continued commitment to partnership. This, Musgrove says, paid off.

“Thankfully, the government embraced the need for public and private stakeholders to be engaged so that the needs of the country were addressed holistically,” he shared. “They kept us involved and ensured feedback and data from our members was included when major decisions were being made.”

The Chairman says he is filled with pride over the accomplishments he and his outgoing Board of Directors achieved together and is appreciative of the all-hands-on-deck collaboration.

During the period of his Presidency, the TCHTA launched its Member-2-Member program which was a significant move to strengthening the network of businesses and encouraging B-2-B participation, and one Musgrove looks forward to seeing expand in its reach.

It was a busy and eventful two years as the TCHTA worked diligently to assist in the matters affecting the country during a time when the industry was getting ‘back to business’. This included assisting the government with:

  • Airport overcrowding after the reopening of the country’s borders
  • Lobbying the CDC on country’s status on global site
  • Setting up multiple COVID-19 testing sites for visitors and residents
  • Input on Beach Vending policy
  • Lobbying for swift and aggressive responses to crime
  • Endorsement of the Gun Amnesty program
  • Engagement with Ministry of Tourism and DMMO consultants
  • Providing data for inclusion in vaccination mandate Cabinet discussions

Musgrove says this list is far from exhaustive but shows the level of engagement and continued efforts of the Board and the TCHTA’s committees over the last two years.

“We have also maintained our focus on community efforts and ensured that during our milestone 30thanniversary year in 2022, our calendar included various activities engaging the community because we simply couldn’t do it without them,” said Musgrove.

Among the activities referenced were the 30 Mighty Mahogany trees planted throughout the country; the adoption of 30 coral reefs through the Reef Fund, and giveaway competitions open to the public. In addition to the commemorative initiatives, Musgrove is proud of the association’s support of the South Caicos back-to-school program and the ADIP local film festival sponsorship.

He was pleased to have been at the helm to see the TCHTA’s signature programs “TCI Shines”, “Hospitality Adventures” and “Hello Tourist” come back after the necessary hiatus, and the association’s premier luxury magazine, “Destination”, return to resort rooms and to the international market.

When asked how it felt to be leaving the role, Musgrove had this to say: “It is bittersweet for me. It allowed me to play a more active part in the important work we do, and I’ve enjoyed every minute.”  Musgrove says he has done his best to lead with integrity and purpose and looks forward to giving his full support to the new President, as was done for him by his predecessor.

He shared his confidence in James McAnally, who will now lead a new Board of Directors for the 2023 to 2025 term, “Jamie is a committed and dedicated individual with a love for everything Turks and Caicos. He has been a part of the association for many years as a Director and is a head-down, hands-to-the-wheel gentleman. Always hard at work, and always thinking ahead for what can be done to make Brand TCI even stronger. He is also passionate about protecting our natural resources which is a great benefit as we move toward stronger sustainability efforts for the country.”

When asked why he chose not to put himself forward for the seat in the recent association elections, Trevor said, “Unfortunately my other commitments did not allow for it, but I am no less dedicated to the TCHTA and the work we do to protect our members, our product, and the sustainability of the Turk and Caicos Islands.”

He shared how humbled he has been by the wave of support and encouragement he received throughout this time. “A big thank you to everyone who advised or encouraged me along the way. I will forever be appreciative of your support.”

Musgrove says he leaves the post humbled and grateful for the opportunity to lead alongside a group of dedicated and passionate individuals and hopes that whatever he brought to the role has been for the betterment of the association, Brand TCI, and this country that he loves so dearly.

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Government

Government Outlines New Healthcare Vision as Interhealth Exit Accelerates Reform  

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By Magnetic Media Newsroom

 

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.

During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.

Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.

“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.

The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.

Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space, recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.

Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.

Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.

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Education

Turks and Caicos Islands Students Excel at Cycle 13 WizdomCRM Regional AI Game National Awards Ceremony

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Ministry of Education Representatives with Rubis and Top 3 Performers

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 22 July 2026:  The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture proudly congratulates the students of the Turks and Caicos Islands on their outstanding performance at the Cycle 13 WizdomCRM Regional Virtual Sustainable Stock Market AI Game National Awards Ceremony.

The ceremony was held on Thursday, 16 July 2026, at the Blue Haven Resort, under the theme “Champions Today. AI Leaders Tomorrow.” It was hosted by the Ministry in collaboration with WizdomCRM.

Students across the Caribbean took part in the investment challenge, each beginning with a virtual portfolio of USD $25,000 and working to grow it through simulated investments on regional and international stock markets. Throughout the competition, students were guided by Mr. Rabbit, WizdomCRM’s AI Tutor, and supported by E-Classroom sessions, building financial literacy, critical thinking and investment skills.

The Turks and Caicos Islands emerged as the region’s top-performing territory, claiming the top six regional positions, securing 14 of the Caribbean’s Top 20 places, and placing four schools on the regional leaderboard. Leading the region was Marc Roubentz-Perceus of TCIPS Comprehensive High School, who grew his portfolio to USD $370,336.63. He was followed by Joshua Creese of Raymond Gardiner High School in second place, and Stendro Chalas of TCIPS Comprehensive High School in third. Raymond Gardiner High School was also recognised as the Top School for Cycle 13.

Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, said: “I congratulate every student who took part in Cycle 13. You

have demonstrated the confidence to compete with the very best students regionally, and you have shown our country what is possible. This success is not luck; it is the result of an ecosystem built by students, teachers, parents, school leaders and partners who continue to invest in educational excellence. As we look ahead, the Ministry is in active discussions with WizdomCRM to expand access to its AI-powered learning tools, including Super AI, the AI Tutor, the Plagiarism Checker and the Grammar Checker, so that our young people are equipped with the future-ready skills they need to succeed.”

The Ministry extends sincere appreciation to the dedicated teachers who mentored the students, and to Rubis Turks and Caicos, whose sponsorship provided the cash prizes awarded to the top three regional champions. The Ministry also thanks WizdomCRM, participating schools, parents and stakeholders for their partnership in this achievement, which reflects the Ministry’s continued commitment to innovation, digital learning and youth development across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

WIZDOM CRM – Top Performers Cycle 13

Position  Name  School Portfolio Value Regional Placement
1st Marc Roubentz-Perceus TCIPS Comprehensive High School $ 370,336.63 1st
2nd Joshua Creese Raymond Gardiner High School $ 264,841.31 2nd
3rd Stendro Chalas TCIPS Comprehensive High School $ 247,738.09 3rd
4th Ojed’harlie Jolissaint Wesley Methodist School $ 227,389.60 4th
5th Tyshawn Wright Raymond Gardiner High School $ 189,064.18 5th
6th Jah’keem Missick Raymond Gardiner High School $ 173,654.58 6th
7th Curvin Handfield Raymond Gardiner High School $ 156,984.89 8th
8th Chadazea Darville Wesley Methodist School $ 147,428.43 9th
9th Vivaan Castleton British West Indies Collegiate $ 120,833.83 14th
10th Damendine Simplus TCIPS Comprehensive High School $ 118,660.55 15th
11th Dyvion Louis Raymond Gardiner High School $ 111,572.81 16th
12th Colin Moriarty British West Indies Collegiate $ 106,854.81 17th
13th Kensley Felix TCIPS Comprehensive High School $ 101,285.06 18th
14th Redjino Saint-Louis Raymond Gardiner High School $ 99,927.39 19th

TEACHERS

  1. Fexnel Colvert – TCIPS Comprehensive High School
  2. Valerie Olice – Raymond Gardiner High School
  3. Warren French – Wesley Methodist School
  4. Phyllis Boucher – British West Indies Collegiate

Top Performing School: Raymond Gardiner High School

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Government

Parnell Urges Premier to Step Aside, Proposes Bipartisan Board to Guide Healthcare Transition

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By Magnetic Media Newsroom

 

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — Opposition Leader Douglas Parnell is calling on Premier Charles Washington Misick to step aside, arguing that the Government has failed to provide the leadership, transparency and public engagement needed as the Turks and Caicos Islands prepares for one of the most significant changes in its healthcare system.

Responding to Government statements following InterHealth Canada’s contract termination notice, Parnell said residents were only now learning officially that negotiations with the hospital operator had been underway for more than a year, despite several previous opportunities for Government to inform the public.

He questioned why no detailed explanation was provided during the State of the State Address, Budget Debate or recent healthcare announcements, including the opening of the new polyclinic.

Parnell argued that while the PDM supports reforming or replacing the existing hospital arrangement, the process must be transparent and centred on the public interest.

The Opposition Leader reminded residents that the PDM had challenged the InterHealth agreement while in government, pursuing arbitration and preparing further legal action over concerns about the contract before leaving office following the General Election.

To guide the next phase, Parnell proposed establishing a bipartisan Health Transition Board comprising Government and Opposition representatives to oversee the transition, monitor public accountability and manage the procurement process for any future healthcare provider.

He also outlined what the PDM believes should form the foundation of the next healthcare system, including guaranteed continuity of care, automatic employment protection for hospital workers, recruitment incentives for specialist physicians, expanded intensive care services, comprehensive mental health care, enhanced geriatric services and accelerated efforts to attract qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders in the medical profession back home.

Parnell also presented ten questions for Government covering outstanding payments, borrowing plans, legal implications, transition arrangements and the future structure of healthcare delivery.

He said the changes now unfolding require decisive leadership, openness and a carefully managed transition that places patients, healthcare workers and the long-term interests of the Turks and Caicos Islands first.

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