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PDM’s Been delayed Appointment of Deputy Premier  

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Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

 

#TurksandCaicos, March 9, 2024 – Unprecedented is how the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) described the one-week absence of a Deputy Premier that occurred in the Turks and Caicos recently.

”Tomorrow March 5th marks a week since Premier Misick removed Hon Saunders as Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance. This development has raised significant concerns regarding the prolonged absence of a sitting Deputy Premier, marking an unprecedented situation in our history. We urgently call upon Hon. Premier to fulfil his constitutional duty by promptly appointing a new Deputy Premier,” said Robert Been, PDM Deputy Party Leader on Monday, March 4th.

By 12:16 pm Tuesday, March 5th, Jamell Robinson, Minister of Physical Planning had been declared the new Deputy Premier by Washington Misick, TCI Premier.

Prior to the appointment, the PDM had thrown the rulebook at Misick.

“Pursuant to section 31 (1) ( c ) of The Constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands, The Governor Shall acting in accordance with the advice of the Premier appoint one of the Ministers Of Cabinet as Deputy Premier. The appointment of a Deputy Premier is embedded in the constitution, and not at the discretion of the Premier as to whether there should or should not be a Deputy Premier. Despite internal political challenges within the Hon. Premier’s party, we urge him to prioritize the people’s interests and expeditiously fill the Deputy Premier position,” Been wrote.

The deputy leader said with a pool of 14 elected Members of the PNP party, the Premier should find it feasible to make the appointment, describing it as imperative. Been also speculated on why the Premier waited.

“The delay in appointing a Deputy Premier raises questions: Is it possible that Hon. Misick cannot identify any elected members in his party capable of filling the role, or is it the case that none of his elected members have confidence in his leadership to accept the role of Deputy Premier?

Amid pressing issues such as rising crime, increased violence, uncontrolled illegal migration, economic hardship, and various social challenges, the PDM and the people have no choice but to conclude that the elected members may have lost confidence in Hon. Misick’s leadership. However, we assert that the General Election is the appropriate time for the voices of Turks and Caicos Islanders to be heard, and we are confident that those concerned voices will speak.”

Been maintained that the PDM’s role was to ensure accountability within the Government, emphasizing the protection of the government’s role and function from political expediency’ and had called on Her Excellency the Governor to closely monitor the matter.

Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts Announce Landmark Partnership to Accelerate Their Leading Vacation Experiences

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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.

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Caribbean News

Royal Caribbean Signs US$3-Billion Deal for Half of Sandals and Beaches

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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.

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Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands Empowers Local Students Through Back-to-School Backpack & Supplies Drive

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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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