News
Nearly 1000 Hospitality Employees Supercharged Through TCHTA Collaborative Training Series
#TurksandCaicos, July 7, 2023 – The Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) proudly announces the successful completion of its second round of training in the pursuit of heartfelt, supercharged service. The training series, delivered by the esteemed Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association’s Education Foundation (CHTAEF), has empowered and elevated a cohort of 525 individuals in the industry, resulting in a combined near-1000 trained since the start of the historical collaboration in late 2022.
Hosted and facilitated by the TCHTA, the comprehensive training program included front-facing and back-of-house staff. Participants ranged from entry-level employees to management, reflecting a commitment to fostering excellence at every industry level.
Under the expert guidance of the Education Foundation, the training series was comprised of captivating sessions such as “Strengthened Supervisors,” “Healthy Management”, and “Food Safety”. A special module tailored to sensitizing Security Personnel in the tourism and customer service spaces was also held, all under the umbrella of the Caribbean Supercharged Service Training Series. These modules gave participants invaluable skills to deliver exceptional service experiences, ensuring a lasting impression on visitors and customers.
The program’s Certificate Celebration saw a visit from Education Foundation Trustee Ernest Dwight, who commended the teams on their “willingness to play their part in delighting customers and owners through
knowledgeable supercharged service”.
Held at the Brighter Futures Center on Leeward Highway, Minister of Tourism Honourable Josephine Connolly, TCHTA President James McAnally, TCHTA People Development Committee Co-Chair Stacey-Ann Albert, and TCHTA CEO Stacy Cox all extended congratulatory remarks to the group of celebrants while the ever-dynamic Facilitator Louise John moderated the event. The venue proved nostalgic, as it was the space used to facilitate the centralized training sessions throughout the seven weeks.
Sailrock Resort Operations Manager and TCHTA People Development Committee Co-chair Stacey-Ann Albert shared her feelings about the celebration, “Our association is committed to promoting excellence in the industry, and today is a testament to that.” She continued, “The certificates received represent a milestone in the participants’ professional journeys, signaling their growth and a commitment to providing exceptional service.”
TCHTA CEO Cox delivered a charge to the room, “The TCHTA has a mandate of educating not only the hospitality industry, but beyond. We want to foster a culture of training throughout Turks & Caicos. You are now entrusted to take what you have learned from the training and spread it throughout your circles and spheres of influence”.
During their time in the destination, facilitators Louise John and Suzanne Shillingford-Brooks were graciously hosted by Sailrock Resort in South Caicos, The Sands at Grace Bay, H20 Life.Style.Resort, Tides Grace Bay, Grace Bay Club, Ocean Club Resort, The Shore Club, The Somerset, and Barbetta Restaurant. The Association shared thanks to these properties and businesses for their support.
Reflecting on the overall initiative TCHTA President McAnally said, “This is a noteworthy accomplishment for Turks & Caicos and aligns with our Association’s mission to build meaningful relationships that will propel us forward as a destination and a brand. Our people and the service they deliver lie at the core of that goal, so we take education and development very seriously and are proud of this collaboration.”
The TCHTA expresses its gratitude to members for their dedication to the sustainability and growth of the industry through people development. Photos from the closeout ceremony can be found on the organization’s website at www.turksandcaicoshta.com.
Turks and Caicos, May 23, 2026 – Invest Turks and Caicos Islands took center stage at one of the region’s most influential hospitality
investment gatherings this spring, serving as a Platinum Sponsor at ALIS CALA 2026 in Coral Gables, Florida.
Held April 28 to 30 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, the conference brought together more than 600 tourism, hotel and investment leaders from over 35 countries focused on the future of hospitality investment in the Caribbean and Latin America.
ALIS CALA — short for the Americas Lodging Investment Summit Caribbean and Latin America — is widely regarded as the region’s premier deal-driven hospitality investment conference. The platform emerged from the merger of the long-running Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) and Hotel Opportunities Latin America (HOLA), creating what organizers describe as a high-level space where investors, developers, lenders, hotel brands and government leaders connect around major regional projects and opportunities.
The event is known for attracting senior decision-makers, with roughly one in three delegates holding titles such as Chairman, CEO, President, Owner or Principal.
Invest Turks and Caicos said its participation focused heavily on showcasing investment opportunities across the territory, particularly in the Family Islands.
CEO Angela Musgrove delivered a presentation highlighting development opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands to what the agency
described as a full room of attendees and strong stakeholder interest.
In a statement following the conference, Invest Turks and Caicos said discussions centered on tourism expansion, sustainable development and long-term investment partnerships designed to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a leading investment destination in the region.
The agency added that it looks forward to continuing conversations started at ALIS CALA and building new partnerships with investors, developers and strategic stakeholders interested in growth opportunities throughout the islands.
The conference itself focused heavily on capital access, hotel development pipelines, mixed-use tourism projects and investment confidence throughout the Caribbean basin — sectors where Turks and Caicos continues to attract increasing international attention.
The Rick Fox Political Timeline
“Are You Thinking About Politics?”
Fox publicly acknowledged growing calls for him to enter Bahamian politics, saying he had been hearing from women, youth, business owners and everyday Bahamians who were “ready for something different.”
October 19, 2025
“Then Jump, Man.”
Fox revealed a conversation with NBA legend Michael Jordan, who encouraged him to enter politics after asking whether he believed he could help young Bahamians.
November 24, 2025
“The Bahamas Must Be First”
Fox officially announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election, promising transparency, affordability, opportunity and a modern Bahamian economy.
February 4, 2026
“Officially Picked”
The Free National Movement formally ratified Fox as its candidate for Garden Hills, instantly making him one of the most talked-about figures in the election cycle.
March 20, 2026
“From Courtside to Campaign Stage”
Fox mounted the national campaign stage for the first time at the FNM’s major campaign launch at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau.
March 30, 2026
“I’m Giving The Salary Back”
Fox announced he would not take a parliamentary salary if elected, saying the funds should instead go back into helping the people of
Garden Hills.
April 14, 2026
“Nomination Eve Goes Viral”
A heated confrontation involving Fox and PLP supporters outside the Parliamentary Registration Department exploded across social media after video captured the tense exchange.
April 16, 2026
“Pick Rick” Officially Launches
Nomination Day cemented Fox’s candidacy and formally launched the now-famous “Pick Rick” campaign branding.
April 19, 2026
“Vote and Win”
Jamiah Burrows won a vehicle through Fox’s civic participation challenge, part of a campaign effort encouraging voter engagement and turnout.
April 20, 2026
“The Wealthiest Candidate”
Financial disclosures revealed Fox as the wealthiest candidate in the 2026 election cycle, with reported assets exceeding $469 million, ending speculation about his financial standing.
April 25, 2026
“The Garden Hills Blueprint”
Fox unveiled detailed policy graphics outlining plans for:
- youth development,
- healthcare access,
- infrastructure upgrades,
- environmental restoration,
- entrepreneurship,
- and a proposed $10 million investment fund for Garden Hills.
May 4, 2026
“The Numbers Don’t Lie”
Fox’s campaign highlighted more than:
- 20 community clean-ups,
- 16 streets and locations served,
- and 13 solar lights installed across Garden Hills during the campaign.
May 6, 2026
“Shaq Steps In”
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal publicly endorsed Fox, helping elevate international attention surrounding the campaign.
May 8, 2026
“Buju Backs Rick”
Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton threw his support behind Fox ahead of Election Day.
May 10, 2026
“Vanessa Williams Endorses”
Fox’s former wife, actress and singer Vanessa Williams publicly endorsed his campaign.
May 11, 2026
“Magic Joins the Campaign”
NBA icon Magic Johnson became the latest major celebrity to endorse Fox just one day before Bahamians went to the polls.
May 12, 2026
“Election Day”
Fox contested the Garden Hills constituency seat against PLP incumbent Mario Bowleg in one of the country’s most closely watched races.
May 13, 2026
“Grace in Defeat”
Fox publicly conceded the race and congratulated Bowleg on his victory in Garden Hills.
May 18, 2026
“We Pick Rick”
Despite losing at the polls, Fox officially entered Parliament after being appointed to the Senate by the FNM — with the party itself declaring:
“We Pick Rick.”
The appointment made Fox one of the most internationally recognized figures ever to serve in the Bahamian Senate.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in coordination with the Planning Department and key partner agencies, conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the Lower Bight area in Providenciales. The exercise resulted in the complete removal of a total of eight (8) unauthorized structures and all associated debris from a
privately-owned parcel of land.
The operation was led by the Planning Department, with coordination by the ISU and support from the TCI Border Force, the Crown Land Unit, and Pelican Energy. Security for the exercise was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. All agencies worked collaboratively to ensure the exercise was carried out in a safe, orderly, and controlled manner.
The enforcement action followed a structured and lawful process in accordance with the Physical Planning regulatory framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Section 45 Enforcement Notices were first issued on the affected parcel in December 2024, identifying unauthorized structures erected without the requisite approvals. This was followed by the issuance of Warning Notices on April 16, 2026, which advised occupants that they were in breach of planning and land use regulations and provided notice that demolition activities would proceed following the prescribed compliance period. Despite these notices and the time afforded for compliance, the unauthorized structures remained in place.
This exercise represents part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring that development within the Turks and Caicos Islands is lawful, safe, and aligned with national standards.
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