News
Edwin Astwood Statement: Carnival and the PNP Government “Secret Dealings!”
Press Statement*
From: Hon. Edwin A. Astwood
As the Leader of the Opposition and the People’s Democratic Movement, I am profoundly shocked and dismayed by the recent town hall meeting convened by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government regarding the Grand Turk Cruise Port Operations and its impact on Tourism and private commercial businesses in Grand Turk.
The fact that over 200 concerned individuals, comprising tour operators, store managers/workers, beach vendors, taxi drivers, restaurant and retail workers, and others, attended the meeting seeking clarity on the proposed shutdown of the Grand Turk Cruise Center, only to be left without substantive information by the government, including the Premier and Government Cabinet ministers, is utterly unacceptable.
It has now been a week since the meeting with Carnival executives, and all that has been offered is what the Premier described as a mere “holding letter” sent to Carnival. This lack of decisive action and transparency is deeply troubling.
Simply convening meetings to listen to the concerns of impacted businesses and citizens is not sufficient. What is urgently needed is a comprehensive plan that not only addresses the implications of Carnival’s proposal but also ensures the protection of livelihoods in Grand Turk.
The critical issue is that of this PNP government’s continuation in making bad contractual deals with Outside companies that have been shown to have ultimately disadvantaged the people of our country, and in this case, directly disadvantaged the residents of Grand Turk.
The relationship between governments and corporations, particularly in the cruise industry, demands transparency, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to serving the best interests of the populace. Unfortunately, all too often, we witness instances where the PNP governments enter into agreements that prioritize profits over people, which is now leading to dire consequences for our people,
our communities, and our collective well-being.
At the heart of this issue lies the fundamental responsibility of an elected government to act as stewards of the public good, safeguarding the interests and welfare of its citizens above all else. I told them in 2021, and on the debating of the Beach and Coastal Vending Bill that the contractual agreements in the new Carnival Agreement were not in the best interest of our people, and that it was clearly tilted in favor of Carnival interest, and possibly their interests, at the expense of the people interest, and that they not only betray this sacred duty but also jeopardize the very fabric of the Grand Turk community.
By engaging in these covert dealings, the Premier and his government have demonstrated a shocking lack of integrity and a blatant disregard for the concerns and needs of the people they were elected to serve. Now the chickens have come home to roost, and we are seeing the real desire being put forward by carnival, as was stated to the government, that was read out loud to the audience in attendance to the town hall meeting by the Premiere.
It also brings to my mind another saying; “He who pays the Piper, calls the tone”, and now we see Carnival Corp. not just calling, but demanding all the tones they want the Government to play. Hence, for the residents of Grand Turk this cannot be “Living our best life”
The Premier and his government’s lack of transparency in these matters raises serious doubts about their commitment to fostering sustainable economic development and supporting the well-being of citizens. As concerned citizens, it is incumbent upon us to speak out against such injustices and demand greater accountability from our elected officials in their dealings with these powerful corporate entities.
Moreover, it is alarming that the government stated that out of 14 projects earmarked for the infrastructure fund, only two or three have come to fruition, despite over $9 million allocated. We have not seen or felt the impact of the infrastructure fund. There have been no natural disasters or any pandemics, nothing that should have delayed these projects for almost four years. Furthermore, with the Country’s Budget devoid of any new projects, priority should be given to getting these projects moving.
As the Minister of Home Affairs rightly pointed out in the town hall meeting, the cruise industry is a vital lifeline for Grand Turk. However, the government’s failure to deliver on promised infrastructure projects compounds the challenges facing the community of Grand Turk with the Cruise line cutting back on ship calls to the island, how will our people Live their best life?
On behalf of the People’s Democratic Movement, and as a guardian of democracy and the voice of the people, I call upon the government to come clean about their secret agreements with the cruise ship company and provide concrete plans to address the concerns raised at the town hall meeting and to take immediate action to expedite the implementation of infrastructure projects promised to Grand Turk.
it is imperative that the Premier and his government heed the calls for transparency and accountability, show the people the renewal of the contract deal in 2021 which should have never been renewed rather put forth a new contractual agreement. Now the Premier and his government need to take immediate action to rectify the betrayal of trust that has occurred in their secret dealings with the cruise ship company.
Time is now for action, not just words. The livelihoods of our people matter and the well-being of our citizens and businesses cannot continue to be neglected.
Hon. Edwin A. Astwood
Leader of the Opposition
People’s Democratic Movement
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort has launched its 2026 Summer Internship Programme with a record-breaking cohort of 111 high school and tertiary-level students, marking the largest intake in recent years.
The six-week programme, which runs from July 6 to August 14, 2026, is designed to give young Turks and Caicos Islanders hands-on
exposure to the hospitality industry across a wide range of departments.
Human Resources Recruitment Specialist Fitzroy Virgo highlighted the programme’s growing significance, “this is the largest cohort we have had in recent times. We currently have 111 participants with a waiting list of almost another 100. We are happy that we have been able to attract some of the brightest and best young minds in the Turks and Caicos Islands as we have interns from Providenciales, North and South Caicos Islands.”
Virgo also noted that the programme goes beyond technical training, incorporating soft skills workshops in financial literacy, customer service, résumé writing and brand and image management.
General Manager Deryk Meany praised the human resources and training teams for the programme’s sustained growth. “The success of this programme has allowed us to grow each year as we continue to build a conducive learning environment for aspiring professionals in the hospitality industry throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Meany said.
He noted that many of this year’s interns were first introduced to Beaches through educational tours facilitated by the Sandals Foundation. “We are excited to provide training in the various areas but more importantly to train them in the soft skills areas that will allow them to be more marketable after they experience this internship programme.”
Among the interns is Maranatha Academy fifth form student Vernae Handfield, who has set her sights on the culinary arts. “My dream is to
explore the culinary world and to be a Michelin chef in the future — hence my reason for wanting to start my experience here at the largest resort in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Handfield shared. “I’m looking forward to learning from all these experts who have many years of experience in the different cuisines.”
For others, the programme offers a bridge between classroom theory and real-world application. Keiser University accounting major Sean Astwood II said the opportunity is perfectly aligned with his academic goals. “I want to be able to put into practice my theoretical knowledge into the field of accounting and eventually auditing. Getting the opportunity here at Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort is the perfect environment for me to start to build my skills. I’m grateful for this experience to be immersed into this dynamic working environment.”
The programme has also fostered a culture of return, with several interns participating for multiple consecutive years — a testament to the quality and lasting impact of the experience. As Beaches Turks and Caicos continues to expand its community engagement through hospitality education, the 2026 cohort stands as a powerful reflection of the resort’s commitment to developing local talent and strengthening the Turks and Caicos Islands’ hospitality workforce for years to come.
Photo Insert: A section of the audience at the Beaches Turks and Caicos 2026 summer internship programme at the Caribbean Village conference room
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, July 9, 2026- The Crown Land Unit, with coordination and support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise in the Blue Hills area off Tom Lightbourne Road and opposite the dump on Thursday, July 2, 2026, as part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to protect Crown land from illegal occupation and encroachment.
The operation brought together representatives from the Crown Land Unit, the ISU, the Planning Department and the Royal Turks and
Caicos Islands Police Force who provided security for the exercise. Following a briefing, inspections were carried out across a number of parcels of Crown land where illegal structures and other unauthorised uses had been identified.
During the exercise, officers served a total of eleven (11) Letters of Illegal Occupation to occupied structures, while six (6) Section 22 Notices of Unauthorised Occupation were issued in accordance with the provisions of the Crown Land Act. In addition to illegally constructed buildings, notices were also issued in relation to the unauthorised placement of vehicles, boats and a jet ski on Crown land. Where occupants were not present, notices were affixed to the relevant structures or locations.
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds the public that occupying or otherwise using Crown land without lawful authority is an offence under the Crown Land Act. These inspections and enforcement activities form part of a sustained programme aimed at safeguarding public lands, discouraging unlawful development and ensuring that Crown land is managed in the best interests of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Crown Land Unit will continue to work closely with its partner agencies to identify and address instances of illegal occupation across the Islands. Persons occupying Crown land without authorisation are encouraged to comply with all notices issued and to seek guidance from the relevant authorities where necessary.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos has officially unveiled its newly constructed Team Member Welcome Centre, marking a significant milestone in the resort’s ongoing Beaches 2.0 transformation.
The new facility, introduced as part of phase one of the development, is designed to centralize essential services and amenities for team
members while elevating comfort, convenience and overall workplace satisfaction. The space now houses a state-of-the-art cafeteria, a multimedia training room, the human resources department, expanded locker and changing facilities and an automated banking machine- creating a comprehensive, one-stop hub for team members.
Speaking at the opening, General Manager Deryk Meany emphasized the broader vision behind the investment and its alignment with the brand’s evolution.
“This is one more step in Beaches 2.0 being consistent, providing personalized service and taking it to the next level for our team members to be comfortable. I want my team to know that this resort is the most ideal place to work and we are invested in their comfort and wellbeing” Meany stated.
The initiative reflects a growing recognition within the hospitality sector that employee experience is connected to guest satisfaction. Beaches Turks and Caicos has prioritized modern infrastructure and staff focused amenities to strengthen team engagement while reinforcing its reputation as a leading employer in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Regional Managing Director James McAnally described the Welcome Centre as a space for employees’ well-being and operational excellence.
“This project is a long-term plan that was designed to provide comfort for every team member,” McAnally said. “The new dining space can rival fine dining restaurants on the island. We have provided the best for our team and we want them to enjoy the amenities as we continue to enhance the family atmosphere at Beaches Turks and Caicos.”
The restaurant which is a standout feature of the new facility, offers a modern dining experience with upgraded seating, contemporary
finishes and an enhanced menu selection. Designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind, the space reflects the resort’s commitment to quality for its team.
In addition to dining, the multimedia training room introduces advanced learning capabilities, supporting ongoing team development through interactive and technology-driven training sessions. The inclusion of human resources within the same complex further streamlines comprehensive space for staff related services, while the expanded locker and changing areas address a conducive working facilities space for the team.
Long-serving team member Carlton Salmon praised the development, noting its impact on morale and daily operations.
“This place is simply amazing,” Salmon shared.
“The style and design are similar to the new Treasure Beach Village. This is Beaches 2.0. Every team member has given positive ratings for not only the food, but the one-stop shop idea.”
The Welcome Centre’s opening signals more than just a physical upgrade. It shows that Beaches Turks and Caicos continues to position itself as a forward-thinking leader in Caribbean hospitality.
As phase one comes to fruition, anticipation is already building for future enhancements under the Beaches 2.0 initiative, which aims to further integrate innovation, community support and elevated service standards across the resort.
PHOTO CAPTION: The official ribbon cutting at the Welcome Centre has (l-r) Curtis Lee, Hotel Manager, Phildreka Campbell, Learning and Development Manager, Patricia Talbot, Restaurant Manager, Javain Campbell, Diamond team member, James McAnally, Regional Managing Director, Deryk Meany, General Manager, Owenta Coleby, Human Resources Manager, Tanya Swann, Executive Assistant Manager Treasure Beach Village, and Dr Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, Director of Special Education Needs Services
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