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PDM Chastises Gov’t on Bomb threat handling; Astwood says he has 10 Solutions

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Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

The People’s Democratic Movement is talking airport innovation and chastising the government for its silence following the recent string of bomb threats against the JAGS McCartney International and Providenciales International Airports in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

If something serious is happening to our country and our people of the Turks & Caicos Islands, by now we all know who will be silent and who will be hiding from their responsibilities. If you said the Premier and his Cabinet Ministers, you are 100% correct. I have never seen such a government that constantly hides from crises, and are afraid of speaking to serious issues affecting our people,” said Edwin Astwood, Opposition Leader in a statement issued on May 1.

There has since been statements issued by Edvin Martin, TCI Commissioner of Police and jointly by Washington Misick, TCI Premier and Daleeni Daniel-Selveratnam, TCI Governor.  There have also been more threats, up to seven with the scope expanding to include school children.

For airport safety and security, the PDM Leader laid out ten innovations a government administration led by him would action, he said.

A PDM government, under my leadership, will review and implement innovative approaches and technologies that can be considered for at airports to strengthen security measures, such as:

  1. Biometric Authentication- to verify the identity of passengers and airport personnel, enhancing security and streamlining the check-in and boarding processes.
  2. Explosive Detection Systems- systems that use cutting-edge technologies such as computed tomography (CT) scanning to enhance the detection of explosives and other prohibited items in baggage and cargo.
  3. Email Authentication Protocols- Implementations email authentication protocols such as SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) to verify the authenticity of email senders and prevent email spoofing.
  4. Email Threat Intelligence- Utilize email threat intelligence feeds and services that provide real-time information on emerging email threats, malicious domains, and known threat actors to enhance our email security defenses.
  5. Cybersecurity Measures – to protect our airports infrastructure, systems, and data from cyber threats, and hacking attempts that could compromise airport operations and passenger safety.
  1. Drone Detection and Mitigation- to identify unauthorized drones flying near our airports premises and employing countermeasures to mitigate potential threats posed by rogue drones.

  2. Smart Access Control Systems- utilizing biometrics, RFID technology, or mobile credentials to manage and monitor access to restricted areas within our airport, reducing the risk of unauthorized entry.
  3. Enhance Emergency Response Training- emergency response training exercises and drills to prepare our airport staff, security personnel, and first responders to effectively respond to security incidents, natural disasters, or terrorist attacks.
  4. Public Awareness Campaigns- Educating passengers and airport visitors about our country’s security procedures, emergency protocols, and the importance of reporting suspicious activities to enhance overall security vigilance and community engagement in maintaining airport safety. 
  5. Collaboration with Law Enforcement – Our National Security Council to Work closely with both local and international law enforcement agencies, cybersecurity organizations, and industry partners to share threat intelligence, collaborate on investigations, and take legal action against malicious actors involved in email threats.”

The bomb threats, which have all, so far been found to be hoaxes has spread to now include airport facilities in Cayman, Bermuda, Anguilla and the BVI.  The emailed threat has been traced to a Russian domain, similarly in India bomb threats against schools there are originating from a Russian domain.

At this stage however, there continues to be emphasis on the collaborations now employed to unearth who is responsible for the threats.

The RTCIPF, on the operational response and ongoing investigations into the recent threats made against the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports and Schools. As of 26 April, ten (10) threats have been made with the most recent three (3) targeting various schools in Grand Turk and South Caicos. In addition, it was confirmed that similar threats have been made against airports in other British Overseas Territories in the region.

The Strategic Coordinating Group (SCG), stood-up by the NSC, is managing TCI’s response, and is collaborating with UK and international partners in its law enforcement efforts to track the source of the threats and manage risks,” divulged an NSC post meeting statement.

The meeting, held on May 7 at the Office of the Governor in Providenciales, included: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, and the Honourable Premier Charles Washington Misick, co-chairs;  HE the Deputy Governor, the Hon. Deputy Premier; the Hon. Minister for Immigration and Border Services; the Hon. Attorney General; the Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF); the Permanent Secretary National Security Secretariat (NSS); the Permanent Secretary Governor’s Office; the NSS Threat Lead; Hon. Minister of Tourism; Hon. Minister of Education; Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education; Director of the Education Department; Assistant Commissioner of Police and the Executive Charmain and Managing Director of the Turks and Caicos Islands Airport Authority.

Astwood has now requested that the terms of reference of the airport be made public and has extended, yet again, to the general public his willingness to take over leadership of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Beaches Turks and Caicos sets the Benchmark for Biodiversity in the TCI

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Volunteers from the Sandals Foundation and Great Shape 1000 Smiles dental programme complete an oral health presentation at the Ashley Learning Centre took time out to share in a photo opportunity with some students and teachers

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

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Turks and Caicos Corporate Community Join Beaches Resort to Raise Funds for Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief

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Some members of the local media fraternity who were present to share in the experience

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

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Experience Turks and Caicos Projects Month-on-Month Growth of Stayover Arrivals for Winter Season  

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Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, Experience Turks and Caicos

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.

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