News
DTR AND DECR HOST STAKEHOLDERS MEETING WITH INSURANCE COMPANIES TO IMPROVE COVERAGE FOR JETSKI OPERATORS
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REGULATIONS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND COASTAL RESOURCES
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 8th May 2024 – The Department of Tourism Regulations aims to bridge the gap between insurance companies and water sports operators struggling to acquire adequate business insurance. The goal is to create a robust and sustainable tourism product that ensures safety and reliability for all stakeholders. On April 30, 2024, the DTR hosted a meeting with four insurance companies to address concerns regarding liability risks, enhance coverage options, and explore avenues
to bolster safety measures through comprehensive insurance provisions
The meeting involved key representatives from prominent insurance companies, namely from ‘NW Hamilton’: Elianise Rigby and Jewel Ewing; ‘JS Johnson’: Queen Been; ‘CSC Insurance’: Alicia Palmer; and GK Insurance: Marie Beckford. Government officials present from DTR: Director Avi Adams, Deputy Director Talia Thomas, Regulation Development Specialist Sasha Arthur, Quality Assurance Officer Donessia Gardiner, Communication Officer Alique Harvey, and DECR’s Deputy Director Jatavia Howell, as well as Experience Turks and Caicos representative Strategic Development Manager Courtney Robinson, to develop tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of Jetski operators within the local tourism landscape.
Currently, insurance options for Jetski owners in the Turks and Caicos Islands are limited, posing challenges for operators and regulators. Through collaborative efforts with insurance providers, the DTR is committed to expanding coverage options and streamlining insurance processes to promote compliance and enhance safety standards across the industry.
“The Department of Tourism regulations is in charge of ensuring that the tourism product of the Turks and Caicos Islands is robust and sustainable. Upon setting regulations, we realize that some companies, local companies struggle with obtaining insurance,” said Avi Adams, Director at the Department of Tourism Regulations. “Our department, along with the DECR and the TCIG at large, is on a mission to bridge that gap to ensure that local vendors can obtain the insurance that is needed to offer a tourism product that can be
safe and reliable, while also helping to mitigate some of the risks that insurance companies may have challenges with.”
Remarking on the proceedings of the meeting, Queen Been of J.S Johnson Insurance said “I am grateful to the Department of Tourism regulations in the TCI for hosting a timely, informative presentation on enacting laws for best practices for water sports and other tourism businesses. This will be of interest to all stakeholders, and the safety of our guests. Thank you for the opportunity to attend and lend my voice to encourage responsible management of our tourism product by all.”
The meeting outcome will inform the DTR’s ongoing efforts to implement regulatory measures that prioritize safety without stifling the growth of recreational activities vital to the local tourism sector. Through continued collaboration with stakeholders, the department remains steadfast in its commitment to fulfilling its promises and fostering a climate of trust, transparency, and accountability within the industry.
Turks and Caicos, January 20, 2025 – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 41st meeting of Cabinet held on December 11th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of Hon. Rhondalee Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood acting as Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Considered proposals related to the 2022 Crown Land Review Report.
- Approved the mutation of parcels 60603/57, 60610/316, 60700/107, and 20313/47, 58 & 59 and for the same to be vested with the
TCI Airports Authority. - Received a presentation on proposals on the integration of Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) technologies into programs at the Turks and Caicos Community College.
- Approved the management authority of parcel 60503/315 to the Turks & Caicos Islands Sports Commission for multi-purpose use for the development of a community park and recreational facility.
- Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission on the establishment of a National Sports Training Centre.
- Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission regarding the establishment of a Department of Parks and Recreation.
- Received a presentation from the Ministry of Health on matters relating to the National Health Insurance Board.
- Approved the re-appointment of Mrs. Angela Musgrove as the Chief Executive Officer of Invest Turks and Caicos for a three-year term.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Henry Wilson as a member to the Fisheries Advisory Committee.
- Noted the award of the following contracts in line with the process according to the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance; Contract Award Notification:
- PN 005690, TR 24/09, Upgrading Bight Park
- PN 005729, TR 24/23, Vehicles for Immigration
- PN 005730, TR 24/08, DDME Communication Equipment – Mobile Antenna
- PN 005765, TR 24/31, Redevelopment of Regatta Village
- TCINIB 01/2024, TR 24/26, Vehicles for NIB
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
Turks and Caicos – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 40th meeting of Cabinet held on December 4th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present, with the exception of Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood, acting as Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Approved the Turks and Caicos Islands Fiscal Strategic Policy Statement.
- Approved the negotiation of a Development Agreement/Order with Retreat Development Ltd.
- Approved the transfer of excess revenue from the Consolidated Fund into the National Wealth Fund for the Financial Year Ending 31 March 2024.
- Approved Planning Application PR 17673 for a proposed watch tower and rest station on block and parcel 60000/345 for the TCI Regiment.
- Approved the negotiation of a license agreement with the Proprietors of Balfour Salt Ltd. for a period of 10 years.
- Approved the policy document for the use of Biometrics and Introducing an Electronic Travel Authority Requirement.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Lynden Hall Snr. as a member of the Turks and Caicos Islands Gaming Control Commission Board for a period of two years.
- Approved the write-off of water charges and penalties in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Financial Management Ordinance 2012.
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
January 20th, 2024 – Nassau, Bahamas – The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) proudly announces the release of its 2023-2024 Annual Impact Report, which documents key conservation milestones achieved from January 2023 to June 2024.
Highlights from the report include: completion of the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan – a comprehensive roadmap to guide the organization’s efforts over the next five years; the declaration of Seahorse National Park in Eleuthera as the country’s 33rd national park; advancements in critical scientific research and the creation of conservation plans aimed at protecting endangered species; major infrastructure improvements in national parks, enhancing visitor access and recreational opportunities; and new strategic partnerships with
local and national organizations for collaborative national park management.
“The past 18 months have been a pivotal chapter for the BNT,” said Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle, Executive Director of The Bahamas National Trust. “With the unwavering support of our members, donors, and partners, we’ve expanded our national park system, advanced critical conservation efforts, made major infrastructure improvements in national parks, and connected thousands of Bahamians to their parks. These achievements underscore the power of collaboration and inspire us to continue building a future where people and nature thrive together.”
Looking to the future, the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan prioritizes enhanced park management, tackling climate resilience, addressing invasive species, and strengthening community partnerships to ensure the sustainability of The Bahamas’ national parks.
The Bahamas National Trust extends heartfelt thanks to its supporters for making these achievements possible, and invites everyone to explore the full 2023-2024 Impact Report on its website at https://bnt.bs/2023-2024-impact-report/.
To learn more about the BNT’s role in managing national parks, protecting wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs, and follow its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
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