TCI News
Minister Connolly says Tourism Management now more effective; hits back at Higgs
Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
For the first time concrete issues that had been observed at the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board are being revealed.
“The Tourist Board launched costly marketing campaigns to Germany, Italy, the UK, and other parts of Europe without concrete data on their effectiveness,” shared Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism, in a recent ministerial statement during the budget debate week.
It was likely in response to Ralph Higgs, PDM all-island candidate who described the DMMO known as Experience Turks and Caicos as a failure.
“There is no comprehensive or strategic marketing plan in place to keep the Turks and Caicos Islands visible in the marketplace,” he said in a March 20 letter.
In her April 18 response, Connolly maintained that the DMMO was technologically far ahead of the now dismantled, TCI Tourist Board.
“Never in the history of the Tourist Board have we had the capability to track and analyze how many people are actively searching for Turks and Caicos, pinpointing their location down to the city,” she said
Residents, opposition members, and others have been asking the government to list reasons why the Board was shuttered and the Destination Marketing and Management Organization created in its stead, but the government stuck to one line, simply insisting that it was time for a change in the tourism industry.
While that may be true, for many residents, handing over control of the country’s biggest industry to a semi-private company was a bold move with far too little explanation behind it.
One resident speaking at the 2023 video launch of the DMMO had said, “…we have to consider that in the absence of widespread accurate information, the false information will be taken as fact, as people will have little choice but to default to what is presented to them. We have to make a better effort to keep the country informed and educated along the way.”
There was also the question of why the Tourist Board wasn’t upgraded to do the work of the DMMO especially since the minister had such glowing praises for the Board before it met its closure.
While many of those questions remain unanswered it’s clear now that there was some concern about the running of the organization with Connolly saying: “It is imperative to acknowledge the significant history of the Tourist Board, which served our nation for 53 years. While we can all appreciate the nostalgic attachment to this institution, time moves on and we cannot remain a prisoner to the past” she continued “The Tourist Board lacked intelligence-driven decision-making, relying solely on rudimentary data that provided limited insights.”
The Minister maintained that the country has ‘never been as deliberate, intentional, and strategic in our spending, which is now led by data and intelligence,’ Connolly maintained, comparing the DMMO and Tourist Board.
The minister is now maintaining that the aim is not merely to spend money on marketing but to invest wisely.
***MEDIA RELEASE***
July 23rd, 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.
***MEDIA RELEASE***
July 23rd, 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.
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