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Gaming Bills pass; Worry expressed over Gambling Addiction 

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Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

 

#TurksandCaicos, February 1, 2024 – The passing of two new gaming bills has again raised longtime concerns about gambling in the Turks and Caicos.

In an effort to better regulate the Gaming industry, two new pieces of legislation, The Gaming Control Amendment and the Gaming Machine amendment bill were passed in the House of Assembly on January 23rd allowing gaming taxes to be calculated from adjusted gross receipts and mandating a 30 percent tax limit for gaming machines.

The laws also gave casinos a 15-day limit each month to pay said taxes. While members generally agreed that the new regulations were necessary, some concerns were raised about the social issues related to gambling.

Alvin Garland, Opposition Appointed Member, said it was not in the best interest of Turks and Caicos residents. Not only was he displeased that the government brought the Gaming Control and Gaming Machine Amendment Bills as the first matters after the new year, he said it could harm locals.

“We are beginning to see  there is an increase in addictive gamblers in the Turks and Caicos, and instead of us bringing legislation to encourage them, we should be bringing legislation or finding ways to discourage Turks and Caicos Islanders from gambling.”

Garland referenced The Bahamas, who he said had strict gambling laws for its people, and stressed that gambling could still be profitable, even if it was directed only as a pastime for tourists, which had been the initial purpose of the Turks and Caicos first casino.

Another concern for Garland was that the profit from the Casinos and Gaming halls would not be going to Turks and Caicos islanders anyway.

“Individuals that profit from gaming in the Turks and Caicos are not Turks and Caicos Islanders,” he continued “ The two casinos, most of the gaming houses, if not all, are owned by foreigners. They make their money by Turks and Caicos Islanders gambling. the only way gaming establishments can make money is if the people who are gambling lose their money.”

Garland again raised the issue of potential social impacts.

“It is not an indictment on this government, but it’s an indictment on any government, that we should be doing more to discourage Turks and Caicos Islanders from gambling and that is just the reality of it. We do not want to be promoting gambling for our people.”

In response to the comments, Washington Misick, TCI Premier, who was leading the debate, maintained that there were protections for residents in the 2018 iteration of the bill.

“The Commission shall set aside specific funding which shall be used for the purpose of a program to deal with problem gaming and addictions, and the money shall be used for treatment of problem gaming and substance abuse and related research,”  Misick quoted as a rebuttal to Garland’s concerns.

The Premier also quoted another provision which mandated that gambling houses submit an annual compulsive and problem gambling plan.

The protections in Section 23 as read by the Premier were more geared toward those already engaging in gambling rather than prevention.

Harold Charles, Governor’s Appointed Member, also chimed into the debate with similar concerns. Citing the government’s use of Singapore as an example used in the creation of the bill he said, “In Singapore, they do not allow their residents to gamble, the only people who gamble are high net worth individuals.”

The Premier had, during the debate, said that Singapore’s example showed that effective regulation can strike the necessary balance.

Charles stressed that some Turks and Caicos residents had already become trapped in the system.

“There was a young man who approached me to tell  me he was in trouble he couldn’t pay his rent because he was addicted to gambling—-this is something that has really been bothering me because I know that before we didn’t allow our locals to gamble and we changed that and I don’t believe that that’s a good thing.”

Hon Charles urged the government to consider restricting individuals below a certain net worth from gambling in their legislation, as a caution for residents.

“We have a moral responsibility to look after and protect our people,” he stressed.

“That is an argument that could potentially strike at the heart of democracy,” Misick responded to the calls for banning gambling for certain residents though he maintained that government intervention was necessary in some cases.

“The issue of Turks and Caicos Islanders gambling is one that can be discussed in the public arena, if that is the will of the people of these islands,” he said

The Premier reminded that the members across the floor were free to bring a bill to the house to discuss who was allowed to gamble, but firmly maintained that the purpose of the current bills were to do nothing more than provide regulatory control of the industry.

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Beaches Turks & Caicos wrapped up another successful Provo Men’s Premier League season  

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos continued its strong commitment to sports development in the Turks and Caicos Islands with its sponsorship of the 2025/2026 Provo Men’s Premier League, a partnership that has significantly elevated the competition for a second consecutive year.

The season, which saw an increase in participating teams and heightened competitiveness across the league, has been widely regarded as one of the most successful in recent years. The top honours were shared between two of the league’s most dominant sides, SWA Sharks FC and Academy Eagles FC, both delivering consistent and high-level performances throughout the campaign.

Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) Technical Director Dane Ritchie highlighted the critical role Beaches Turks and Caicos played in strengthening the league’s structure and overall quality.

“The sponsorship from Beaches Turks and Caicos for the second year helped tremendously in making the competition a success,” Ritchie said. “This season we were able to have a more structured programme with the inclusion of youth talents coming to the fore, as well as the improvement of the coaching staff for the different teams being certified by Concacaf.”

Ritchie noted that the enhanced organisation of the league created more opportunities for emerging players, while also raising the standard of coaching and match preparation. The integration of youth talent into senior teams was particularly impactful, signaling a positive shift toward long-term player development within the territory.

Provo Men’s Premier League President Patrick Baptiste echoed these sentiments, describing the season as a milestone for both football and youth advancement in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“This was a very good year for football and youth development,” Baptiste said. “We were able to overcome a few challenging moments, but the overall grade for this season is an A.”

Baptiste emphasised that the continued support from Beaches Turks and Caicos has been instrumental in driving the league forward, providing much-needed financial backing and stability.

“With a title sponsor like Beaches Turks and Caicos providing the financial support again for this season, we are grateful,” he added. “We have come a far way and we still have a way to go, but the TCIFA team has been charged to continue to be creative in our marketing and being more inclusive in how we seek to showcase the talents of the TCI.”

Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort General Manager Deryk Meany also expressed satisfaction with the partnership and the overall progress of the league.

“Our commitment to youth development and the growth of sports and community throughout the TCI is of paramount importance to us as an organisation,” Meany said. “We are satisfied with this partnership and being the main sponsor is a major accomplishment for the resort. We are happy to have fielded a team this season that was placed fourth in the knockout round of the competition. We are seeking to continue to provide growth for our team members as well as the development of talent throughout the TCI.”

The 2025/2026 season also reflected broader efforts to professionalize football operations locally, including improved scheduling, officiating standards and fan engagement initiatives. Matches drew increased attendance, while community interest in the sport continued to grow, particularly among young athletes aspiring to compete at higher levels.

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Platinum Sponsor Beaches Turks & Caicos celebrates top Corporate Engagement title at DG’s 5K 2026  

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos has been recognised with the corporate engagement award after fielding the largest number of participants in the second staging of the Turks and Caicos Islands Deputy Governor’s 5K Run/Walk, held recently.

The resort, which also served as a platinum sponsor for the event, mobilized an impressive team of 100 participants, demonstrating its strong commitment to community engagement, health, and philanthropy. Proceeds from the initiative will benefit three key organisations: the Turks and Caicos Islands Cancer Society, the United Way of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Ashley Learning Centre.

General Manager Deryk Meany praised the collective effort of the Beaches team, highlighting the significance of the initiative both for employee wellness and community impact.

“This was a team effort that saw the resort mobilising a strong team to participate in this event,” Meany said. “It provided a healthy activity for participation as well as giving back to a worthy cause. Congratulations to the Deputy Governor and her organising team for staging such a successful event.”

Participants from across various departments joined the early morning run/walk, showcasing camaraderie, determination and a shared commitment to making a difference.

Hotel Manager Ghislain Boutoulle described the event as both physically rewarding and meaningful.

“The route was very good. It was challenging at first but once I got the pace of the run, it was a good morning workout that was done for a worthy cause,” Boutoulle shared. “The Beaches team were well organised and showed the grit and determination to complete the run.”

For many team members, the experience extended beyond fitness, offering opportunities for personal connection and memorable moments. Soraha Jolly from the resort’s entertainment department highlighted the event’s emotional significance.

“This was good. I got the chance to participate with my mother and we ended the run feeling healthy,” Jolly said. “The event was a combination of partnership, healthy lifestyle and camaraderie. I am looking forward to the next staging to be the first to register for the Beaches team. It was a great experience for the entire team, but a very special one for me and my mom.”

Deputy Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams commended all participants and sponsors, with special recognition given to Beaches Turks and Caicos for its outstanding contribution.

“The three beneficiaries for this year’s staging were carefully selected to benefit from this event,” the Deputy Governor noted. “Giving back to the community, providing support for health through the Cancer Society and building a strong platform for education with the Ashley Learning Centre allowed the team to give back to a great cause.”

She continued, “We are grateful for all our sponsors but a special commendation to our platinum sponsor, the Beaches Turks and Caicos team, for not only donating but having the largest contingent of participants for this event. This is what true partnership looks like as we continue to build a strong relationship to make our community and the Turks and Caicos Islands better.”

The Deputy Governor’s 5K Run/Walk continues to grow as a signature community event, promoting wellness while raising critical funds for organisations that support health, education and social development across the islands.

Beaches Turks and Caicos’ strong showing this year underscores the resort’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility and community partnership. With its record participation and enthusiastic team spirit, the resort has set a high benchmark for future events, reinforcing its role as a leader in both hospitality and community engagement in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Experience Turks and Caicos and Statistics Authority Publish Latest Visitor Exit Survey Report    

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (June 16th, 2026) — Experience Turks and Caicos, in collaboration with the Statistics Authority, has announced the completion and publication of the latest Visitor Exit Survey Report, providing enhanced insights into visitor behaviour, spending patterns and overall travel experiences in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Visitor Exit Survey is a joint initiative designed to better understand the characteristics of visitors to the destination, including their travel motivations, length of stay, expenditure, satisfaction levels and perceptions of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a tourism destination.

While exit surveys have been conducted in previous years, this latest publication marks a significant enhancement in the way tourism data is collected and shared. It introduces a new quarterly reporting framework, with surveys conducted at the end of each quarter and findings published on a more frequent basis throughout the year.

This improved reporting cycle is intended to provide more timely and actionable insights to support tourism planning, policy development, marketing strategy formulation and broader industry decision-making.

“The Statistics Authority is pleased to partner with Experience Turks and Caicos on the Visitor Exit Survey program,” said Mr. Shirlen Forbes, Director. “As tourism remains the cornerstone of our economy, reliable and timely data is essential for understanding visitor behaviour, measuring tourism’s economic impact and supporting informed decision-making. We value our ongoing collaboration with Experience Turks and Caicos and believe these quarterly reports will provide stakeholders with valuable insights to help guide the future growth and development of the industry.”

Miss Sharissa Lightbourne, Marketing Intelligence Manager of Experience Turks and Caicos, noted that the expanded approach will allow government and industry stakeholders to better track trends in visitor behaviour and assess the economic contribution of tourism beyond traditional arrival statistics.

“Data is the foundation of informed decision-making and plays a critical role in shaping the future of our tourism industry. The insights contained in this report provide a deeper understanding of who our visitors are, how they experience the destination, and how they engage with our tourism product. This information is invaluable to our hotel partners, service providers, investors and other stakeholders as they refine their business strategies, enhance the visitor experience and identify new opportunities for growth. I would like to thank the Statistics Authority for its continued collaboration and commitment to strengthening tourism intelligence in the Turks and Caicos Islands. I encourage everyone in the industry to download the report and explore the valuable insights it contains,” she said.

The findings will also support more targeted destination marketing efforts, improved visitor experience initiatives and more informed investment decisions across the tourism sector.

Experience Turks and Caicos and the Statistics Authority reaffirm their commitment to strengthening tourism intelligence and ensuring that stakeholders across the industry have access to reliable, timely and relevant data.

Download the report here: https://issuu.com/myexperiencetci/docs/tci_departing_visitor_survey_report_q1_2026

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