News
North Caicos Promenade Opened and honours Sisal Pioneers
By Deandrea Hamilton & Dana Malcolm
Editorial Team
#TurksandCaicos, June 19, 2023 – The enormous potential in tourism continues to be unlocked for North and Middle Caicos as on Tuesday June 13, there was another defining moment for the twin islands with the opening ceremony for the long anticipated craft market and promenade in Bottle Creek.
The ribbon was cut in a grand opening which featured the country’s top officials including: Anya Williams, Acting Governor; Washington Misick, TCI Premier; Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism, Arlington Musgrove, Immigration Minister and Twin Islands MP and Claudius Williams III, who is the son of the promenade’s
namesakes.
The shopping and recreational site, which overlooks picturesque Bottle Creek, will now be known as the Carlton Williams Promenade in honor of Williams and his father Carlton Williams Sr who dedicated years of service to the sisal industry of the island.
In celebration of the completion and opening, a unique Cabinet meeting was held historically in North Caicos, at the recently completed, multi-million dollar Bellfield Landing Welcome Center and dock, which was also completed under the Washington Misick-led Administration.
Ferry Services now arrive at a state of the art center, which features shopping, dining and lounging experiences. Bellfield Landing Welcome Center is a source of pride for islanders, shared Jas Walkin, recently installed District Commissioner, with more aesthetic appeal and greater safety for residents and visitors. The completion in October 2022 was a significant step to opening the twin islands to greater economic opportunities.
Last month, farming entrepreneur Courtney Missick introduced a new attraction, featuring his farm and its produce. The ribbon cutting ceremony attracted government and corporate leaders as Isaac Farm began its new chapter.
The trip to North Caicos for the government dignitaries was also a return home for the Premier who is a North Caicos native. Washington Misick shared a post on his official Facebook page rededicating himself to the representation of the people.
“I fondly remember the bay from childhood; seeing it reach new heights is exciting. I’m particularly looking forward to the continued growth and advancement of the twin islands. My government is keen to see the projects earmarked for both islands come to fruition but also the improvement of services and accessibility to both residents and visitors
alike. I am committed to the mission,” he said.
The opening of the promenade featured remarks and cultural performance by the Adelaide Oemler Primary School students. There was also a tour of the new site; most popular was the Sisal Museum which showcases a variety of sisal made creations and stories on the pioneers of the industry in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Construction of the Promenade began under the former PDM Administration as a vision of Ralph Higgs, former tourism minister and MP.
The Government has already begun to seek out vendors to fill the spaces in the turquoise topped buildings with invitations to submit business plans.
Some, though, have already set up shop, literally, at the Carlton Williams Promenade which also features a cafe and playground area.
Story by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
Published: June 12, 2025
AHMEDABAD, INDIA – A London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 people crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport in western India early Wednesday morning. The crash killed 241 people and left behind a single, severely injured survivor — a British national. The aircraft reportedly experienced a catastrophic failure less than a minute into its ascent, plunging into a populated area just outside the city.
The scale of the devastation has been described by BBC reporters on the scene as “apocalyptic,” with both passengers and residents on the ground among the dead. The cause of the crash is under investigation, but Indian aviation officials confirmed that rescue operations have concluded, and one of two flight data recorders had been recovered.
As the world reels from the scale of the disaster, governments across the globe are responding with condolences and offers of support.
Among them, The Bahamas has joined the international chorus of grief and solidarity.
Fred Mitchell, The Bahamas’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement Wednesday afternoon: “The Government and people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas extend deepest condolences to the Government of the Republic of India, the families of those aboard the Air India flight that crashed near Ahmedabad on 12th June, and all affected communities. We are saddened by the tragic loss of life, including both passengers and residents on the ground, as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
We stand in solidarity with India and join voices worldwide in offering support during this time of grief.”
He added:
“The Bahamas commends the swift and coordinated efforts of Indian emergency services and international responders. May those who perished rest in peace, and may those who survive recover fully.”
The lone survivor of the crash has been identified by BBC News as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian descent. He is currently being treated in hospital after being pulled from the wreckage.
Speaking with BBC reporters from his hospital bed, Ramesh shared a chilling description of the moment disaster struck:
“Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise… it all happened so quickly,” he said.
“I don’t know how I survived. Everything went dark.”
Ramesh has since been visited by India’s Minister of Home Affairs. His family in Leicester, UK, is being supported by British consular staff.
Air India has confirmed that it is cooperating fully with the investigation. In a statement, the airline said:
“Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones.”
The passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. Dozens of victims have been identified, and grief-stricken relatives have begun arriving in Ahmedabad.
The Bahamas’ expression of sympathy marks the Caribbean nation’s formal recognition of the tragedy and its global significance. As the lone survivor begins to recover, the world looks to investigators for answers on what went so horribly wrong just seconds after takeoff.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks & Caicos (BTC) recently welcomed 35 students from Clement Howell High
School’s Social and Environmental Arts Club for an immersive educational tour showcasing the resort’s sustainable waste management and composting systems, including grey water recycling.
The visit was part of BTC’s ongoing commitment to environmental education and sustainability. Students explored the resort’s eco-friendly initiatives, including how kitchen waste is transformed into nutrient-rich compost to support the property’s vibrant gardens.
Gerry Harris, 15, said the experience was eye-opening. “It showed me how simple but effective waste disposal can be—even at home. Seeing it first-hand made a big difference.”
17-year-old Onerce Oriol, who aspires to be a construction engineer, was especially drawn to the composting demonstration. “It was exciting to learn how common kitchen scraps can enrich the soil. I never realized how waste could be reused in such a beneficial way.”
The interactive, hour-long tour gave students a chance to engage in the process directly, enhancing their understanding through hands-on learning.
“This was a very informative experience,” said Robert Toby Grant, creative environmentalist and teacher at Clement Howell High. “Our
students gained practical knowledge of BTC’s sustainability efforts and how they can apply these practices in their own lives.”
Jamie McAnally, managing director at Beaches Turks & Caicos, emphasized the value of community partnerships, “engaging students is key. One inspired student can influence an entire household, creating a ripple effect that benefits communities and ultimately, the island.”
BTC continues to champion environmental stewardship across Turks & Caicos, partnering with schools, government agencies and NGOs to promote sustainable practices. One standout collaboration is with the Edward Garland Youth Centre, which transforms plastic bottle waste from the resort into eco-art and garden installations.
Beaches Turks & Caicos is proud to support initiatives that build a greener future for the “Beautiful by Nature” Turks & Caicos Islands.
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