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Travelling Residents to pay $10 DMMO fee but will get benefits says Tourism Minister Connolly

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By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

 

 

#TurksandCaicos, July 2, 2023 – “Let me be clear: this is the people’s money, and we intend to be open and transparent on how the funds are used, and we want to ensure accountability in the use of the funds,” promises Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism as she detailed how money collected under Experience Turks and Caicos, the newly established Destination Marketing and Management Organization will be spent.

A large part of the funding for the DMMO will come from a new $10 levy which ALL air travelers will pay. With the bill authorizing that levy now laid in parliament residents finally have concrete information of how the process will work.

Connolly on Wednesday June 28, in parliament, outlined the Destination Management Fee Bill 2023.

With the passage of this bill residents and visitors entering the country will be subject to the fee whether they are touring or returning home.

The only individuals exempt from the tax are cruise passengers (who already pay a similar fee), travelers under 10 years old and those on domestic flights.

She urged residents not to worry about the $10 fee to fly home as in tandem, the Government is proposing to Cabinet a $400 increase in duty exemption, to $1000 per trip.

Interestingly, travelers can either pay the fee when they book their ticket and have the $10 which is collected by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), similar to departure tax or pay their ten bucks in person to a customs officer. The second option is for passengers by vessel or by the fixed-based operator in the case of private jets or airlines.

It will be left up to the operators of airlines and other entities to ‘keep meticulous records and submit this information to the Government to permit proper reconciliation,’ Connolly said.

Following collection, all of this money will go into the Destination Enhancement Fund to help improve the country for both locals and visitors. It’s now up to the minister of finance to create a plan outlining how the cash will be used.

In an effort to assuage fears of potential  mismanagement, Connolly said there would be audits performed on the fund and it will have to go through the same procurement process as the rest of the public bodies.

Government

Melissa Holland Appointed as Public Service Information Officer

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Turks and Caicos, September 6, 2025 – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is proud to announce the appointment of Ms. Melissa Holland as the new Public Service Information Officer within the Office of the Deputy Governor.

Ms. Holland holds an Associate Degree in Business from Turks and Caicos Community College, a Creative Suite Certificate in Website Development from StackSkills, and an Administrative Professional Certification from the College of Administrative Professionals. She has also engaged in continuous learning through Coursera.

Over the course of her career, Ms. Holland has accumulated valuable experience in various roles. She began her journey as a Clerical Officer at the Ministry of Education from June 2007 to May 2009 and was promoted to Secretary to the CEO from December 2009 to April 2010. Subsequently, she served as the Assistant to the Director of Sales, Marketing & Rentals at Apes Hill Club in Barbados from May 2011 to July 2014. Ms. Holland then took on the role of Office Assistant at Growing Soul Records in Miami, FL, from August 2014 to October 2015, followed by another position as an Office Assistant at Arrow Electronics in Denver, CO, from November 2015 to June 2018.

In June 2018, she became a Multimedia Specialist at Shop Genesis and later transitioned to the role of Creative Director at Black Sage Analytics from September 2020 to 2022. More recently, she served as an Administrative Officer at the Ministry of Health and Human Services from December 2022 to March 2023, before moving to the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services as an Administrative Officer from March 2023 to August 2025. She acted as the Communications Officer for Border Force in September 2023.

Upon her appointment, Ms. Holland shared her enthusiasm, stating, “My journey from capturing moments through lifestyle photography to creating designs that honor the vibrance of Caribbean culture has been shaped by both creativity and faith. Stepping into the role of Public Service Information Officer is a privilege and an exciting opportunity to unite my love for storytelling with service. Guided by Proverbs 3:5-6, I trust God to continue directing my path and using my gifts for a greater purpose”.

Her Excellency Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, congratulated Ms. Holland, stating, “We are delighted to congratulate Ms. Melissa Holland on her appointment as Public Service Information Officer and to welcome her to our team in the Office of the Deputy Governor.

In this important role, Ms. Holland will be responsible for the accurate and timely dissemination of both internal and external communications related to the operations of the public service, including circulars, notices, appointment announcements and other official updates.

We are confident that Ms. Holland’s diverse background and professional expertise will be invaluable in fulfilling these responsibilities and we look forward to the meaningful contributions she will undoubtedly bring to the team.

Congratulations, Ms. Holland, on your new appointment!”

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    Government

    Andy Missick Appointed Juvenile Manager

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    Turks and Caicos, September 6, 2025 – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Andy Missick as the Juvenile Manager within the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Services in the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities.

    Mr. Missick holds a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours in Social Work from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.

    His professional experience includes serving as a Registration Officer at the Financial Services Commission for three years, a Social Worker for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government for one year and as a Probation Officer in the Department of Rehabilitation & Community Supervision from 2023 until his recent promotion.

    Sharpening his skills in the area of rehabilitation, Mr. Missick has completed professional training in the following areas: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Case Management, Risk Assessment, Intake and Interviewing Techniques, Counseling, Report Writing, Conflict Resolution and Mediation, Reentry and Reintegration Planning, Community Resource Networking, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Behavior Modification, and Social Skills Training.

    Known for his contributions to Youth Leadership and Representation in the Turks and Caicos Islands and elsewhere, Mr. Missick currently serves as the Male CARICOM Youth Ambassador since 2023 and is a currently a Youth Parliamentarian having representing the Turks and Caicos Islands at the 12th Annual Commonwealth Youth Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand; the 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting in London, United Kingdom and the Caribbean Youth Summit 2023 in Kingston, Jamaica.

    In addition to his professional roles, Mr. Missick is involved in community service and volunteerism through the Rotaract Club of Providenciales, where he has been an active member for seven years. He has held various leadership positions, including Sergeant-at-Arms, Foundation Chair, Youth Service Director, Wellness Chair, Fundraising Director, Vice President and currently serves as the President.

    Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Missick stated, “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity. Growing up in the Turks and Caicos, I have seen far too many young lives cut short. Some lost to violence, some to poor choices and some to the weight of circumstances they never asked for. Those experiences are etched into me and they are the reason I feel such deep gratitude and responsibility in being appointed Juvenile Manager. This is more than a role; it is a calling to stand in the gap for our youth, to remind them that they are not defined by their mistakes but by the greatness still inside of them. I believe in second chances, I believe in opportunity, and I believe that with guidance, accountability and hope, our young people can rise above their struggles and become the leaders of tomorrow.

    I anchor myself in the words of Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” True leadership is service, and in serving our youth, I serve the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This appointment is not just about today. It is about building a legacy of hope, discipline and purpose for tomorrow”.

    In congratulatory remarks, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, said, “It gives me great pleasure to officially congratulate Mr. Andy Missick on his appointment as Juvenile Manager with the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Services, within the Ministry of Public Safety.

    The post of Juvenile Manager is a critical role, focused on shaping the future of our islands by supporting, guiding and rehabilitating at-risk youth. The Juvenile Manager plays a key part in ensuring that young individuals are given every opportunity to grow into productive, empowered citizens who contribute meaningfully to society.

    Mr. Missick brings to this position a wealth of experience, a deep passion for youth empowerment and a proven track record of service and leadership. His longstanding commitment to the development of young people in the Turks and Caicos Islands is well known, having served with distinction as a CARICOM Youth Ambassador, Youth Parliamentarian and a dedicated member of the Rotaract. Through these platforms, he has consistently advocated for youth engagement, policy development and community service, earning the respect of peers and stakeholders alike.

    We are confident that Mr. Missick will continue to inspire and implement innovative initiatives that uplift our youth and strengthen our communities.

    Congratulations, Mr. Missick, on your well-deserved promotion. We look forward to the positive impact you will undoubtedly make in this vital role.”

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    Government

    TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL POST MEETING STATEMENT  

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    Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 15 August 2025 — Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and the Hon. Premier Charles Washington Misick, co-chaired a meeting of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) National Security Council (NSC) on Thursday 7th August, 2025 at the Office of the Governor, Raleigh House Graceway Plaza, Providenciales.

    In attendance, the Deputy Governor (Ag.), the Hon. Deputy Premier, the Hon. Attorney General and the Commissioner of Police. Also in attendance, the National Security Advisor, PS/National Security, the Commanding Officer TCI Regiment and Director General TCI Border Force (Ag.).

    Members were briefed:

    • By the Hon. Minister for the Ministry of Innovation, Technology and Energy on ongoing recovery efforts following the cyber breach in December 2024. The Minister further briefed on the development of a Cyber Security Strategy and Transformation Plan (CSSTP) that intends to mature TCI’s cyber security capability.
    • By the Intelligence Working Group (IWG) on key national security risk, serious crime patterns and emerging trends.
    • By the National Security Lead engaged to undertake a National Security Threat Assessment (NTSA) of the Turks and Caicos Islands, which will form the basis of a National Security Risk Register and National Security and Development Strategy.
    • By the Unified Command (UC) on work to acquire a long range – deep water patrol vessel to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness.
    • By the Informal Settlement Unit (ISU) on proposed processes for the redevelopment of designated informal communities along with a proposal to establish the ISU as a Statutory Agency.
    • By the Commanding Officer of the TCI Regiment on a proposal to expand the enlistment criteria for Reservist and Permanent Staff ranks of the TCI Regiment, subject to section 15 (2) of the TCI Defence Ordinance.
    • By the Director of the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Services in regards to community supervision and safeguarding infrastructure requirements.

    Follow up questions are welcomed and can be directed to nationalsecurity@gov.tc.

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