TCI News
Adventist Youth Make Global Impact on Youth Day: “Show Up in the Cities”
PROVIDENCIALES, March 21 – Adventist youth from all corners of the globe embarked on a transformative journey as they participated in the annual Global Youth Day under the rallying cry, “Show Up in the Cities.” This dynamic initiative, spearheaded by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, aims to empower its youth to actively engage with their communities and effect positive change.
Ikechuku Orukwowu of the Ephesus SDA church administers a blood sugar test to a member of the community at the GK Supermarket in Long Bay. Global Youth Day, March 16, 2024
Since its inception in 2013, Global Youth Day has been a beacon of hope, emphasizing the core values of salvation, discipleship, and mission through tangible actions tailored to meet the needs of local communities. This year, the focus remained on practical outreach, with young Adventists engaged in projects that are not only relevant but also sustainable for their cities.
The diversity of projects envisioned reflects the breadth of impact the Adventist youth aspire to achieve. Over the 11-year period the Adventist churches within the Turks and Caicos Islands have conducted blood drives to support healthcare systems, health projects including screenings and awareness campaigns, and cleaning campaigns to beautify urban spaces. Additionally, all members engage in literature distribution, providing essential resources and spreading messages of health and hope.
Elder Judith Robinson, from the Antioch SDA church talks with recovering patients at the Cockburn Town Medical Centre in Grand Turk, while other members of the Church look on. March 16, 2024
Beyond these traditional endeavors, the scope of involvement extends to embracing the vulnerable within society. This includes adopting homes such as orphanages, elderly care facilities, and hospices, exemplifying the Adventist commitment to compassion and inclusivity. Moreover, the initiative seeks to equip youth with practical skills through training programs, fostering personal growth and community development.
Recognizing the importance of environmental stewardship, Adventist youth are also encouraged to undertake nature conservation projects, promoting sustainability through activities like tree planting and pollution awareness campaigns. Furthermore, the initiative extends its reach to encompass broader societal issues, including mental health awareness and lifestyle seminars aimed at promoting holistic well-being.
President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Conference of Seventh – day Adventists, Pastor Steve Cornwall noted that all the churches within the conference participated in Global Youth Day 2024. Cornwall hailed it a huge success while also noting some key community issues that the churches need to actively engage in. “In my view, the key community issues that the church should engage in addressing are fostering unity and compassion, promoting holistic wellness, and actively participating in environmental conservation efforts,” Cornwall shared. He further added, “With the recent upsurge in crime we need to take a stand to reclaim the lives of our youth. Due to the socio-economic disparities that exist within some of our local communities, it makes it even more difficult for some families to survive. Therefore, the distribution of basic humanitarian supplies, such as food and clothing, were received with open arms. When we consistently engage in community outreach it helps to raise awareness about important issues, inspire positive change, foster unity, and strengthen community bonds.”
Eshmalee Cherizard from the Blue Hills SDA church shares literature with a member of the Kew Town Community. Global Youth Day. March 16, 2024
As the day unfolded, countless stories emerged of young Adventists making a tangible difference in their communities. The spirit of service and compassion resonated, leaving an indelible mark on hearts and minds alike.
Eshmalee Cherizard, a youth who attends the Blue Hills SDA Church, shared the highlights of her day. “I love going out in the community to hand out tracks and pray for people. It makes me feel good knowing that I am helping someone to have a great day. So many people need to know about God, and I get to tell them how wonderful He is.”
Little Amelia Lindsay of the Victory SDA company located on Industrial Drive Road proudly advertises free food tasting, clothing and medical checks.
Youth Director of the Turks and Caicos Islands Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Jermaine Reid has sounded the call for all Adventist youth to continue their good deeds. “As a church we need to be more like Jesus in our evangelism strategies, taking the gospel to the people. Let the gospel put on shoes and walk the streets as Jesus did finding the people where they are. Each church within our conference will continue its outreach efforts.” Reid ended by noting, “As a conference we are always ready to serve the community.”
In essence, Global Youth Day stands as a testament to the transformative power of collective action and youthful idealism. Through their unwavering commitment to service and mission, Adventist youth are not merely spectators but active participants in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Written by Jodian Scott-Banton
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks & Caicos continues to lead the way in sustainability by cultivating a
culture of environmental stewardship across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through the introduction of biodegradable alternatives, agricultural education and community partnerships, the resort is setting a new standard for eco-conscious hospitality. As part of its ongoing sustainability mission, the resort has replaced single-use plastics and certain chemicals with compostable, biodegradable products derived from natural sources, to reduce pollution and minimize the resort’s carbon footprint.
“At Beaches Turks & Caicos, sustainability is woven into every part of the guest experience,” said Managing Director, James McAnally. “From the products we use to the relationships we nurture, our goal is to make responsible environmental choices that benefit our guests, team members and the wider Turks and Caicos community.”
The resort also practices on-site composting, recycling fruit and vegetable waste from its kitchens to enrich soil and sustain its lush
landscaping. This closed-loop system reduces waste and promotes biodiversity across the property.
Beyond the resort, Beaches collaborates with local partners including schools, government agencies and NGOs to extend green education into the wider community. Through the Sandals Foundation, the resort supports projects such as the installation of water filtration systems, tree-planting activities and biodegradable workshops. Schools like Enid Capron Primary have expanded their farming projects and integrated agricultural science into their curriculum thanks to this partnership. Beaches also leads regular coastal cleanups and reforestation drives which inspires residents and students to play an active role in protecting their environment. “The Earth Guardian volunteers take pride in giving back to our schools and the communities we serve,” noted Public Relations Manager, Orville Morgan. “These initiatives create a sense of shared responsibility that strengthens both our communities and our natural resources.”
With its commitment to biodegradable innovation, sustainable education and environmental action, Beaches Turks & Caicos continues to set the benchmark for biodiversity and sustainability in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Photo Captions
1st insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos and the Sandals Foundation celebrate with students at the Enid Capron Primary School in a Reading Road Trip experience where guests and students get to experience a cultural melting pot of activity.
2nd insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort Simone Woodfine from the Bar Department prepares to plant a tree at one of our schools to celebrate the mission of providing a healthier environment for the Turks and Caicos Islands
TCI News
Turks and Caicos Corporate Community Join Beaches Resort to Raise Funds for Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief
Turks and Caicos Islands, December 17, 2025 – Corporate partners in and around Providenciales recently joined Beaches Turks and
Caicos Resort raising over US $54,000 to support Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief effort. The fundraising dinner, aptly titled, ‘One Caribbean, One Family, One Love’ saw over eighteen companies gather on Friday, December 12 to support the recovery of families and the rebuilding of communities affected by the category 5 storm.
“When our Caribbean family calls, we will respond with love,” said Deryk Meany, General Manager of the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort. “Today it is Jamaica that is affected, but tomorrow, it could be the Turks and Caicos or another neighbouring island. We are committed to serving our brothers and sisters and are deeply grateful to everyone who have donated to the cause.”
Since the passage of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica on October 28, the Sandals Foundation has been working around the clock with local
agencies and international partners to provide shelter essentials, food, and clean water, restore schools, and provide medical support to hospitals. Funds raised at the recent benefit dinner will help bolster the next phase of the philanthropic organisation’s support to rebuild schools and livelihoods in affected communities.
“As we continue to provide essential first-relief support, we have already begun our long-term recovery response,” says Patrice Gilpin, Public Relations Manager at Sandals Foundation. “Many schools, which are the cornerstone of stability, learning, and emotional support for our young ones, require urgent attention. This donation will go a far way in restoring a sense of normalcy in the lives of our youngest and most vulnerable.”
The One Caribbean, One Family, One Love fundraising dinner featured, amongst other things a silent auction of Sandals and Beaches
Resort stays, airline tickets, spa services, catamaran cruise, and private chef dinner. The night’s four course meal was also spearheaded by the TCI’s 2025 Taste of the Caribbean silver medalist culinary team- all of whom volunteered for the event.
Managing Director of the Northern Caribbean and Curaçao, James McAnally expressed delight at the outcome noting, “The success of this event is indicative of the power of partnerships to effect real change. We are grateful to the TCI business community, resort guests and our resort team for coming together and making this moment count.”
Photo Captions
1st insert: Sandals Foundation Public Relations Manager Patrice Gilpin (centre) accepts the cheque from Beaches Turks and Caicos resort General Manager Deryk Meany (left) and Managing Director of the Northern Caribbean and Curacao James McAnally
2nd insert: Members of the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort’s entertainment team were on hand to provide scintillating performances at the event
3rd insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort General Manager Deryk Meany (5th left) poses for the cameras with representatives of the Graceway Communities as he personally thanked those who were in attendance
TCI News
Experience Turks and Caicos Projects Month-on-Month Growth of Stayover Arrivals for Winter Season
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (December 17th, 2025) – As the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes visitors for the 2025/2026 winter season, forward bookings for the peak travel period from December to March are projected to surpass those of the same period last year. Experience Turks and Caicos is also forecasting steady month-on-month growth throughout the first half of 2026, with forward bookings already tracking ahead of 2025 levels.
“This is welcome news for our tourism sector, which experienced modest declines over the last two quarters,” said Mr. Paul Pennicook,
Interim CEO Consultant of Experience Turks and Caicos. “One of the key drivers of this positive outlook is increased airlift, including a 19 percent increase in capacity from Canada for the winter season and a six percent increase from the United States.” Mr. Pennicook also attributed the improved projections to targeted marketing and trade engagement efforts led by Experience Turks and Caicos, particularly ongoing training and education for travel advisors and tour operator call-centre agents across all key source markets.
“We have maintained a strong presence through product launches and travel trade events such as Delta Vacations University, while significantly increasing the destination’s visibility through co-op advertising with major tour operators in our three primary markets,” he added.
Public relations activity has also played a critical role, with several hosted media visits from journalists in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Latin America, alongside proactive pitching efforts that resulted in more than 100 placements in travel trade and consumer publications in 2025.
Analysis of current booking patterns also indicates a notable shift toward shorter booking windows. “One major U.S. tour operator reports
that over the past several weeks, approximately 90 percent of bookings have been for travel within the next 60 days,” Mr. Pennicook noted. “Hoteliers are reporting similar trends, suggesting the potential for further growth as we move into 2026.”
Despite the positive outlook, October and November recorded declines in stayover arrivals. Preliminary data shows 30,508 air arrivals in October, representing a seven percent decrease compared to October 2024, largely due to reduced airlift from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom as well as the impact of Hurricane Melissa on travel to the region. November recorded 52,547 stayover arrivals by air, a marginal one percent decrease year-on-year.
As the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes visitors back to its shores this winter season, Experience Turks and Caicos would like to reassure that the island remains safe and welcoming. Statistics from the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force show that overall crime is down, with a 40 percent reduction in murders. Experience Turks and Caicos is working closely with the police force to ensure tourism areas are well monitored and patrolled to enhance visitor security.
