News
PNP Gov’t Member accuses Opposition Leader of “Cheap” Politics
Dana Malcolm
#TurksandCaicos, December 21, 2023 – Jameka Williams, Government Appointed Member of the House of Assembly, is challenging the Leader of the Opposition for what she described as ‘cheap political tactics’ highlighting his previous and current stance on increases in pay for Members of the House of Assembly.
“Last week in the House of Assembly, the Leader of the Opposition presented what some may describe as his most passionate speech arguing that the Integrity Commission increased the salaries for Ministers and members of the House of Assembly by an exorbitant amount. In my rebuttal, I pleaded with the Leader of the Opposition to retract his statement, and to discontinue using cheap political tactics to mislead the public into thinking that he was not an advocate and supporter of the salary increases— I reminded him of a previous House sitting where he was advocating for salary increases for members, ” Williams posted to Facebook.
After being accused of “lying” by Astwood, Williams provided what she described as evidence of the Opposition Leader Astwood, a three time member of parliament, lobbying for an increase in another clip from the House of Assembly
“Myself [I] have never shied away from dealing with this topic. There is a lot of noise out there in the public that my parliamentary colleagues are bad people– they are only in here for the salary— I beg to differ, and the proof is in the pudding. I am being hard on my parliamentary members but they are all good people and I know they’re in it for the right purpose,” the Leader of the Opposition said.
The Opposition Leader, on December 13, had decried the increases which range from $25,000 to $49,000 thousand
per year. Astwood said his ire was turned toward the size of the raises, not the actual need for a raise.
“I want to tell the members of the public, this increase was never about you! Sorry. Let’s see who got the biggest benefit,” he continued “I am ashamed, and if you all need to take away my money, take it away, you can’t miss what you ain’t had!” he had said.
Williams, who is one of the four un-elected, appointed members of the House of Assembly, will get a pay increase of $24,700 per year, taking her annual parliamentary income to $97,500 though she has no set constituency.
Astwood points to a more conservative jump in the annual pay, but Williams has accused him of being disingenuous.
“You were not genuine and your statements were only made to jump on any bandwagon that you erroneously believe will get you some political mileage. Mr. Leader of the Opposition this will not give you or your party, the PDM, brownie points at the next general election,” she maintained.
Astwood had maintained that while an increase was necessary, the figures quoted were exorbitant.
“I have to let the public know, I ain’t no hater. I’ve been a minister but some things are a little too much. Let’s take care of the people at the bottom first. [Us] at the top? yes, we should be getting something- give us $10,000– something that we can manage, we already make a lot of money.” Astwood had advised during his speech.
“Be a man of your word, you are not fooling anyone. Whenever you try to mislead the public and use cheap political tactics, I will expose you” Williams promised.
Astwood has already issued his rebuttal, remaining adamant that the people believe the pay increase is too much and so does he.
“Therefore, I make no excuses for expressing the feelings of the people that I represent in the House of Assembly. That is what we are being paid to do and will do just that. So, it is “a sin and a shame” that this current PNP government is giving themselves such huge raises; while not wanting to do the work of representing the people.”
Caribbean News
Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts Announce Landmark Partnership to Accelerate Their Leading Vacation Experiences
Royal Caribbean Group Investment to Advance Sandals and Beaches’ Growth and Broaden the Group’s Vacation Portfolio
Montego Bay, Jamaica and Miami, September 24, 2026 – Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) and Sandals Resorts today announced the signing of an agreement to form a partnership in the all-inclusive resort space with a 50% investment from Royal Caribbean Group. Building on Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ more than four decades of leadership in Caribbean hospitality, the joint venture will create new opportunities for continued resort growth while broadening the experiences across Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform.
The partnership brings together two of the travel industry’s most celebrated vacation companies, pairing Sandals and Beaches’ all-inclusive
resort expertise with Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform, including industry-leading brands – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea – a portfolio of private destinations, new river cruising offering, and an industry-first loyalty program. United in a shared history in the Caribbean and connected by a love for their communities, the companies will offer travelers an unparalleled collection of cruise, private destination and resort experiences, serving guests across more vacation occasions and establishing their undisputed leadership in Caribbean vacations.
The joint venture expands Royal Caribbean Group into an adjacent vacation category, growing its participation in the approximately $2 trillion global vacation market, and meets the growing global demand for Sandals and Beaches Resorts by accelerating their expansion. The partnership will include Sandals and Beaches’ collection of premier all-inclusive properties across the Caribbean, and the companies will explore opportunities to broaden distribution, deepen guest engagement, and make it easier for travelers to discover vacation experiences offered across both portfolios.
“For nearly 60 years, we’ve reimagined what a vacation can be, constantly expanding the ways we inspire our guests to explore, connect and create lifelong memories,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We have been building a vacation platform that brings joy to millions of people around the world and creates meaningful relationships that last with our guests. Our partnership with
Sandals and Beaches Resorts is an important next step on that journey – bringing together two iconic leading vacation companies to further strengthen and grow one of the most admired resort portfolios in the world. The Stewart family has created powerful and beloved brands, and we are honored to build on that legacy. Together, we see tremendous opportunity to expand the reach of Sandals and Beaches Resorts and continue turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.”
“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality. Today is proof of how far that vision can go,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. “This partnership is the natural next step in building on that conviction. It gives us the ability to grow faster with a partner that shares our values of exceptional hospitality, long-term investment, and the power of enduring brands. Together, we will introduce more guests to Sandals and Beaches Resorts while creating even more extraordinary experiences for those who have made our resorts part of their lives for decades.” Stewart added, “As we continue to grow, we will remain true to what has always defined us: delivering authentic vacations that exceed expectations while creating opportunities for our team members, travel advisor partners and the communities we call home. The future has never been brighter, and I know this moment would make my father incredibly proud.”
The joint venture will be governed by a board under the shared leadership of Stewart and Liberty. Stewart will maintain a leadership role in
guiding the company’s long-term strategic growth as Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Existing reservations, loyalty programs, resort operations and cruise operations will continue as usual, with the partnership bringing additional resources to support future opportunities.
Under the terms of the agreement, Royal Caribbean Group will acquire a 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion, representing a forward EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x. Royal Caribbean Group has secured committed debt financing from Morgan Stanley to fund the investment. The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions, and is expected to be accretive to earnings next year.
BofA Securities and PJT Partners acted as financial advisors, and Latham & Watkins and Jones Day acted as legal advisors to the Sandals Group. Perella Weinberg Partners and Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisors and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to Royal Caribbean Group.
PHOTO CAPTION: Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, mark the signing of an agreement to form a landmark partnership that expands Royal Caribbean Group into the all-inclusive resort space and supports the future growth of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. The signing took place at Royal Caribbean Group’s new headquarters in Miami, with the city’s skyline in the background.
The Caribbean tourism deal first reported as a possibility on Tuesday is now a signed agreement. Royal Caribbean Group plans to pay
approximately US$3 billion for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, putting the value of the business at about US$6 billion. The purchase is expected to close in early 2027, subject to approvals.
Founded in Jamaica by the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart in 1981, the resort business has a presence across nine Caribbean destinations, including Jamaica, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Sandals has described its workforce as nearly 20,000 people, most of them Caribbean nationals.
“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality,” said Adam Stewart in the announcement carried by PR Newswire. He will remain executive chairman, while the Stewart family retains a stake. The companies say existing reservations and resort operations will continue as usual.
News
Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands Empowers Local Students Through Back-to-School Backpack & Supplies Drive
PROVIDENCIALE, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS — The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI) is proud to
announce the successful completion of its 2026 Back-to-School Supplies Initiative, distributing essential backpacks and educational materials to local students and families across the community.
With the new academic year underway, this annual drive was designed to alleviate the financial burden on families while equipping local youth with the necessary tools for academic success.
Education is an investment in a better generation and a brighter future. We are grateful to all our generous donors and supporters whose contributions helped make this initiative possible.
The initiative’s success was made possible through the collaboration and contributions of local corporate partners and community members. IATCI extends its sincere appreciation to the following sponsors for their support and commitment:
• Mayaa Ltd, Ayavue Enterprises, Provo Café, Sunny Foods, Gold Smith, Charlie’s, Kishco / Kostco, Citrusbuy Ltd.
Through partnerships like these, IATCI continues its commitment to fostering community growth, supporting educational development, and making a lasting positive impact across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
About the Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)
The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands is a non-profit community organization dedicated to cultural enrichment, community service, and supporting educational and social initiatives throughout the islands.
Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)
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