TCI News

80,000 Travellers in June and July for Turks & Caicos

Published

3 months ago

May 12, 2024

Shanieka

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

Record-breaking numbers are expected for TCI tourism this summer, specifically from air arrivals with 80,000 travelers per month booked.

“June and July, in particular, are poised to become record-breaking months, with forecasted arrivals nearing the 80,000 mark for each,” said Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism during a ministerial speech on April 17.

“Since January 2024, we have consistently welcomed over 65,000 visitors each month, with March peaking at over 71,000 arrivals,” she explained further.

It’s excellent news for the thousands of locals who depend on the tourism industry to support their livelihoods, from jet ski operators to chefs; and is also excellent news for the economy which balances on tourism. The positive economic impact that increased visitors will have on the locals who work in the industry cannot be overstated.

Conversely, the potential of record arrivals could put a heavy strain on the main port of entry, the Providenciales/Howard Hamilton International Airport, which for many is a place of distress.

Long lines, no a/c, poor facilities, and a bunch of flights coming in at once create nightmarish conditions for travelers on weekends when the airport is busiest. It’s so bad that travellers continue to vow that they will never return despite the beauty and warmth of the country.

In March, hundreds of visitors were stuck at the airport overnight when travellers hit a record 60,000 passengers. It raises valid concerns about how the Providenciales International Airport is going to manage the whopping 80,000 monthly passengers booked for TCI travel this summer.

The answer to that didn’t come from Connolly as she steered clear of addressing any airport issues. Instead, it was hinted at by Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Border Services, who oversees the ports.

“The TCAA has initiated a congestion alleviation plan, which encompasses renovations aimed at enhancing various critical aspects of the airport. We hear the cries and concerns of the people and immediately shift gears to respond,” he said, but omitted any details on the plan and how it would work to achieve its goal.

There have been congestion alleviation plans initiated before, with success, but even those changes are failing to keep pace with the rapidly escalating popularity of the destination. The long term solution, which is the complete redevelopment of the airport, is behind schedule, with the Invitation to Tender (ITT) not yet listed. It’s set to be done in the coming months.

With this work ongoing the country is awaiting the results of the capacity-carrying study that will lay out how many visitors the country can entertain sustainably.

“Our Tourism industry must be sustained as exceeding the destination’s carry capacity will result in a decline in quality of life for both residents and visitors, emphasizing the need for this study,” Connolly said.

The country expects to take in $112 million from accommodation taxes this year alone.

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Crime

Shooting Incident

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd, 2024.

Around 10:59 am, the Police Control Room received a call of gunshots at a location along the Millennium Highway, Providenciales.

Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force were dispatched and, based on preliminary investigations, were told that the occupant (s) of a red Suzuki Swift was at a business place when another car pulled alongside it, and the occupants started shooting.

The driver of the Swift drove off while the other unidentified vehicle sped off in a separate direction.

Officers found the Swift abandoned near Miracle Close, Blue Hills, shortly after.

Based on investigations, no injuries were reported.

This remains an active investigation.

The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information or CCTV footage of the shooting that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.

Additionally, persons are being asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.

News

Twelve Officers Sworn In

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd, 2024.

There are twelve new officers within the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

The officers—Ronn James, Ernie Henry, Aron Charlery, Andrew Ottley, Emmanuel Dabreo, Damion Clarke, Jeffrey Kaye, Roan Waugh, Shan Livermore, Kemar Chambers, Michael Campbell, and Ajay Budhai—took an oath to protect and serve the citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands yesterday (July 22nd) afternoon at Police Headquarters, Providenciales.

Commissioner of Police Edvin Martin, who administered the officers’ oath, said, “Thank you for choosing the TCI. It will not be a bed of roses. Policing requires hard work, and you ensure our communities are safe. Your arrival was anticipated and highly overdue.

“You are now officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, and you are committed to the safety of the people of these archipelagoes. We must lead by example and not let our guard down. Stand firm on the foundation of our motto- Service With Pride and Integrity. Integrity is doing the right thing in the absence of anyone watching.”

The President of the Christian Council, Pastor Wilbert Jennings, delivered the opening prayer and told officers to always call on God in their time of need.

Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams, Assistant Commissioner Kendall Grant, acting Assistant Commissioner Mat Newton, Chairman of the Police Welfare Association Sgt. Jepson Victor and Human Resources Manager Rex Swann also attended the ceremony.

Crime

Male Charged with Theft and Handling Stolen Goods

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

July 23^rd,2024.

A 23-year-old male from the Bight, Providenciales, has been charged with the theft of a boat.

CHANDELER JOSEPH is expected to appear before a Magistrate next week to answer the following charges:

Two Counts of Theft
Two Counts of Handling Stolen Goods

The charges against Mr. Joseph followed a report of a stolen boat in the Turtle Cove district on July 19^th,2024.

Inquiries were conducted shortly after Mr Joseph was arrested and subsequently charged.

The RTCIPF is asking anyone with information on illegal activities that may assist the police with enquiries to contact 911, the closest police station, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 and anonymously give any information.

Additionally, persons are being asked to download the CrimeStoppers P3 app.