News
New Appointments at Experience Turks & Caicos
KITCHANDRA PENN-MCDONALD appointed as Human Resources Manager
Kitchandra Penn-McDonald, Human Resources Manager, Experience Turks and Caicos
Experience Turks and Caicos is pleased to welcome Mrs. Kitchandra Penn-McDonald, Human Resources Manager, to their team, effective today, December 4th, 2023. Mrs. Penn-McDonald is currently enrolled in a Masters Degree programme in Human Resources Management and Development at the University of Salford, Manchester, Mrs. Penn-McDonald has eight years of experience working in the Human Resources Management.
Before Experience Turks and Caicos, Mrs. Penn-McDonald was Director of Human Resources at Waterloo Hotel Management Limited (Ltd.). She was also employed as the Human Resources Manager at The Sands at Grace Bay. In welcoming Mrs. Penn-McDonald to the team, Ms. Racquel Brown, Change Manager and Interim CEO of Experience Turks and Caicos, said she is pleased to fill this critical position. “Hiring Mrs. Penn-McDonald, Human Resources Manager, is essential for talent recruitment and management to ensure the build-out and success of Experience Turks and Caicos. She will be essential in assisting me in ensuring that the organisational structure is in place to promote and enhance a positive and effective work environment for product development and to market and promote the Turks and Caicos Islands. I look forward to working with Mrs. Penn-McDonald in the coming months,” she said Mrs. Penn-McDonald described her new role as an amazing opportunity. “I am deeply honoured to be the Human Resources Manager for Experience Turks and Caicos. It is an amazing privilege and a great responsibility to take on this job and I will do it with everything I have to the best of my ability for the success of the organisation,” she said.
HELCYANN SELVER appointed as Local Representative
Helcyann Selver, Local Representative, Experience Turks and Caicos
Experience Turks and Caicos is pleased to welcome Miss Helcyann Selver, Local Representative, to their team, effective today, December 5th, 2023. Miss Selver is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Human Services, with a specialisation in Mental Health from Walden University Online and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Benedict College, Columbia, South Carolina. Miss Selver, who is from North Caicos, reports to the Destination Development Department and is responsible for product development in North, Middle and East Caicos.
In welcoming Miss Selver to the team, Ms. Racquel Brown, Change Manager and Interim CEO of Experience Turks and Caicos, said her appointment is in keeping with the thrust to market and promote the Turks and Caicos Islands as multi-island destination. “We are positioning the destination beyond Providenciales as we seek to increase visitation and spend. Developing the tourism product in our sister islands is key to this and, as such, the addition of Miss Selver to our team allows for the enhancement of North, Middle and East Caicos for more activities to increase day tours and to increase spend on island to the benefit of our communities and stakeholders.” she said. Miss Selver said she is excited to develop the tourism product in the sister islands. “It is an amazing opportunity to be a local representative from North Caicos and to be able to help with the development of tourism in my island and the sister islands. It is an honour to be able to be a part of the change that you want to see in our community. In working with Experience Turks and Caicos I now have the opportunity to market and promote my hometown with hopes of attracting not only tourists but to encourage the development of local businesses,” she said.
LAYTON LEWIS appointed as Events Organiser Specialist
Layton Lewis, Events Organiser Specialist, Experience Turks and Caicos
Experience Turks and Caicos is pleased to welcome Mr. Layton Lewis, Events Organiser Specialist, to their team, effective December 4th, 2023. Mr. Lewis holds a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management from Mount Saint Vincent University in Canada with a minor in Marketing and an Associate Degree in Business Administration from the Turks and Caicos Community College in Grand Turk. A native of Grand Turk, Mr. Lewis previously worked as a Marketing Executive for the Canadian office of the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board.
In his capacity as Events Organiser Specialist, Mr. Layton will be responsible for planning and coordinating marketing events for Experience Turks and Caicos. In welcoming Mr. Lewis to the team, Ms. Racquel Brown, Change Manager and Interim CEO of Experience Turks and Caicos, said his role is an important one for the organisation. “As the Event’s Organiser Specialist, Mr. Lewis is an important addition to Experience Turks and Caicos due to the diversity of events we will execute. These include, press conferences, hosting visiting Travel Agents and Journalists, Workshops, Stakeholder Meetings. In this role, he will be assisting departments with the planning and execution of all events in the Turks and Caicos Islands and Source markets to ensure all events represent the branding of Experience Turks and Caicos and objective(s) of all events” she said. Mr. Lewis said he is humbled by the opportunity. “I’m eternally grateful and humbled to be hired for the role as Events Organiser Specialist within Experience Turks and Caicos. An opportunity to serve my country in this capacity will not be taken lightly. Thanks be to God, for he is good!”
News
The Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (February 25th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands began 2026 on a positive note, with stayover arrivals in January surpassing the same period in 2025.
Preliminary figures indicate that 56,830 stayover visitors arrived in January 2026, representing a two percent increase year-on-year. The steady growth continues the positive momentum experienced at the close of 2025.
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, attributed the encouraging performance to new collaboration with tour operator partners as well as increased airlift from key source markets.
“We anticipated a strong January performance following the growth recorded in November and December. The winter season has traditionally been a robust period for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this year that strength has been further supported by enhanced collaboration with partners and expanded airlift from Canada and the United States We are cautiously optimistic about maintaining this upward trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.
Cruise Sector
In cruise, preliminary figures show 122,935 cruise passenger arrivals in January, reflecting a 15 percent decrease compared to January 2025.
The decline is attributed to a reduction in cruise calls during the month. A total of 33 vessels called on Grand Turk in January, seven fewer than during the corresponding period last year.
Marketing Shows
As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier luxury destination, Experience Turks and Caicos has been actively participating in the Travel & Adventure Shows across several major cities in the United States.
The destination has already been showcased in Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago, with Fort Lauderdale and Denver scheduled in the coming weeks.
Public Relations Manager Laura Dowrich represented the Turks and Caicos Islands alongside the destination’s U.S. marketing agency, ABA Global.
Beaches Turks & Caicos – Stone Creek Travels
“One of the most encouraging takeaways from these shows is that the Turks and Caicos Islands is indeed on travellers’ radar. We met many visitors who shared fond memories of their time here, others who already have trips booked and were seeking recommendations on activities and dining, and many more who aspire to visit. It was a pleasure highlighting our multi-island destination and sharing the many experiences that make the Turks and Caicos Islands truly special,” said Ms. Dowrich.
Awards & Recognition
Building on a stellar year of accolades in 2025, the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun 2026 with additional international recognition.
The destination earned a Gold Badge in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing #5 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean and #5 in Best Beaches in the World. In the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Grand Turk was ranked #10 among the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit.
About Experience Turks and Caicos
Middle Caicos Dragon Cay Resort
Experience Turks and Caicos is the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is committed to positioning the destination as a premier, sustainable luxury tourism hub. By leveraging smart tools, data-driven strategies, and stakeholder collaboration, Experience Turks and Caicos focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and fostering long-term industry success.
About the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the destination is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Each island and cay offer a unique experience:
- Providenciales boasts world-class resorts, fine dining, and high-end tourism offerings.
- Grand Turk serves as the vibrant hub for cruise tourism and historical exploration.
- The sister islands provide a gateway to nature, adventure, and authentic local culture.
Recognised as the world’s best-kept secret, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer effortless luxury, with seamless connectivity via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Photo Captions:
Grand Turk – slow travel with us
North Caicos – Correy Forbes
South Caicos Sail Rock
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
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Caribbean News
Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.
The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.
“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital
policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.
“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”
Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.
Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.
Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.
Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.
Photo Caption:
TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain
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News6 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
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Caribbean News1 week agoLiberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
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News6 days agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals