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Experience Turks and Caicos hosts Tourism Career and Entrepreneurship Fair in South Caicos  

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PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS (January 23rd, 2024) – Students of the Majorie Basden High School in South Caicos were given the opportunity to explore careers in the tourism industry when the Tourism Career and Entrepreneurship Fair took place on Monday, January 22nd, 2024 from 11 am to 3 pm at the South Caicos Community Centre.

Experience Turks and Caicos hosted the Tourism and Entrepreneurial Career Fair to expose students to numerous career opportunities and encourage entrepreneurship within the tourism industry.

The students interacted with the exhibitors to learn about the different careers of those present:

  • Department of Tourism Regulations
  • Invest TCI
  • TCI Airports Authority
  • Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR)
  • Department of Fisheries and Marine Resource Management
  • Turks and Caicos National Trust
  • Chili’s Catering & Takeout
  • Sailrock Resort
  • Salterra Resort

The Honourable Jameka Williams, the Government’s Appointed Member, praised Experience Turks and Caicos for giving students of South Caicos exposure to careers in the tourism industry.

“South Caicos TCIs fishing capital, is one of the most peaceful islands with little to no hard crime. This island offers you some of the friendliest people and showcases a picture of true island living. South Caicos is a success waiting to explode with two major hotel properties (Sailrock Resort and Salterra Resort) and a new airport that can accommodate international flights. It is our time in South Caicos to not only position ourselves for success but to ensure the people on this island are first for all considerations as we continue to grow,” she said in her address.

Urging the students to get the necessary qualifications, Ms. Williams told them to make sure to return to South Caicos as the opportunities are endless.  She said the government, through Invest TCI, offers free cash grants of up to $30,000 for small and medium-sized businesses.

“I would like to encourage the youth of South Caicos to prepare yourselves to take advantage of the opportunities available now and in the future.  As a people, we tend to complain about the opportunities afforded others, but we must also position ourselves to take what is ours. I would like to commend the organisers of Experience TCI for this timely event as it gives the people of South Caicos an opportunity to prepare for the continued success of this island,” she said.

Also addressing the students was Ms. Racquel Brown, Change Manager and Interim CEO of Experience Turks and Caicos who told the students there was a world of opportunity awaiting them in tourism.

Sharing her journey, Ms. Brown said she wanted to study law but ended up studying geology.

“You might say what does that have to do with tourism? Tourism is everyone’s business and, in the Turks, and Caicos Islands, everyone here is involved directly or indirectly in the tourism industry. I share with you what my study area was because it allowed me to assist in developing products, for example, attractions and sites, to enhance the guest experience. I say to all of you that you may be into doing TikTok, into doing graphics, into doing snorkeling, you may like to fish, cook or do tours, the world is your oyster, please do not limit yourself,” she urged.

In his address, Mr. Norman Saunders, the former Hon. Chief Minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands, spoke about the history of the tourism industry in the Turks and Caicos Islands and his role in determining the development of the tourism industry back in 1972 after the closure of the Salt Industry in 1964.

He said that the economy needed a boost after the closure of the Salt industry and they decided to focus on tourism following a tour of the Caribbean to learn about the development of the tourism industry from other islands. Listen to excerpts of his address HERE.

The next Tourism and Entrepreneurial Career Fair is scheduled to take place in Providenciales on February 1st, 2024 at Graceway Sports Centre.

 

Photo Captions:

Header:  Students of the Majorie Basden High School listen intently to Rose Seymour, Environmental Officer from the Department of Environmental and Coastal Resources at the South Caicos Tourism Career and Entrepreneurship Fair

1st insert: Students get information on facilities available for entrepreneurs from Invest TCI

2nd insert: A Manager from Sailrock Resort in South Caicos talks to the students about careers at the hotel

3rd insert:  The Hon Jameka Williams, Government’s Appointed Member, Mr. Norman Saunders, former Chief Minister of the Turks and Caicos Island and Ms. Racquel Brown, Change Manager/Interim CEO, Experience Turks and Caicos

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The Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals  

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Grace Bay Strip Stone Creek Travels

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

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DDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop

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Ms. Yolande Williams, Community Preparedness Officer for South Caicos speaking to Dr. Clerveaux

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.

 

Photo Captions:

1st insert:   Ms. Tamara Hylton, Training and Education Manager for DDME
2nd insert: Dr. Virginia Clerveaux with DDME Staff Members
3rd insert: Mr. Kevern De Bellott, Deputy Director for DDME speaking to Dr. Clerveaux

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Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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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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