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Caribbean Tourism Organization Announces Speaker Lineup for Caribbean Week in New York 2024  

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The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has announced a stellar lineup of speakers for Caribbean Week in New York 2024. This year’s event will feature a diverse array of leaders, including a Deputy Prime Minister from the Caribbean, a leading airline executive, a renowned music producer, a world-class Caribbean communications specialist, and a cutting-edge data engineer at the forefront of artificial intelligence developments.

Rosa Harris, Chairman of the CTO Board of Directors and spokesperson for Caribbean Week, noted the strong interest from speakers and panelists. Among the confirmed speakers are I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism of The Bahamas; José Freig, Vice President of International Operations, American Airlines; music producer Evan Rogers; Lisa-Ann Joseph, Managing Director of the Trinidad and Tobago-based Reputation Management Caribbean Ltd.; and data engineer and solutions architect Femi Anthony.

“We are delighted by the interest expressed in this year’s event, not to mention the rapid pace of registrations for our program,” said Harris, noting that the InterContinental New York Times Square room block is almost sold out.

Celebrating its 35th anniversary under the theme “Connecting the Globe, Celebrating Diversity”, Caribbean Week 2024 will showcase a dynamic lineup of events and business meetings. These sessions will involve the CTO Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and Ministerial Council. Discussions will focus on the critical issues shaping the evolution and growth of Caribbean tourism, providing an opportunity for robust and strategic dialogue.

The week kicks off with a church service and a Business and Tourism Marketing Symposium. Returning this year are the Caribbean Media Awards and the much-anticipated Media Marketplace.

In keeping with its commitment to fostering innovation, CTO will host a special session dedicated to artificial intelligence, underscoring the organization’s forward-thinking approach. Additionally, the impactful work of the CTO Scholarship Foundation and the recently launched Jean Holder Memorial Scholarship will be in the spotlight along with the highly anticipated Women’s Leadership Breakfast Awards.

Speakers confirmed for the sessions include:

Leveraging Data for Marketing: Stan Ivankovic, Vice President, Business Development, Environics Analytics

Caribbean Travel Trends: Bonnie Borkin, Sr. Director, Tourism & Enterprise, Adara – A RateGain Company

MICE Marketing: Danny Cohanpour, CEO/Founder, Trove Tourism Development Advisors

The Latin America Market: Jackie Santiago, Senior Strategist, CIIC PR

Unlocking Cruise Potential: Claudine Pohl, Founder & CEO, Lemoneight; Wendy McDonald, Regional Vice President Government Relations, Caribbean, Royal Caribbean Group

Caribbean Service Excellence: Barry Collymore, Proprietor, Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort and Founder, West Indies School of Hospitality (WISH); Bill Clegg, Regional Director of Development, BW Hotels & Resorts; Kashmie Ali, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sailrock South Caicos; Marcia James, Director of Sales & Marketing, The Kimberly Hotel; Joan Leacock, Human Resource Development Consultant, CTO

Artificial Intelligence: Femi Anthony, Solutions Architect and Data Engineer; Nan Marchand Beauvois, Hospitality Strategist; Jennifer Bisram, Reporter, CBS2 News

Caribbean and African American Marketing: Melissa Noel, Contributing News and Politics Editor, ESSENCE Magazine; Elinor Tatum, Publisher, New York Amsterdam News; Irwine Clare, OD, Founder, Team Jamaica Bickle; Jacqueline Nwobu, CEO, Munaluchi Bride Magazine

Airlift Forum: Rosa Harris, Chairman, CTO Board of Directors, and Director of Tourism, Cayman Islands; Dave Appleby, Director, Air Service Development Consulting ASM, Aviation Week Network, Informa PLC; José Freig, Vice President, International Operations, American Airlines; I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, The Bahamas; Valérie Damaseau; Commissioner of Tourism and Culture, Saint-Martin; Hadyn Hughes, Minister of Tourism and Infrastructure, Anguilla

Gateway Connections: Mark Walton, Associate Professor of the Professional Practice in Media Management, The New School; Evan Rogers, Music Producer; Frederick A. Morton, Jr., Chairman & CEO, TEMPO Networks, LLC; Christopher Browne, CEO, The Buckler Group

Public Relations and Crisis Communications: Lisa-Ann Joseph, Managing Director, Reputation Management Caribbean Ltd.; Jennifer Maguire, President, JMCPR; Cessie Cerrato, Founder, Cessie C. Communications; Marie “Driven” Theodore, Managing Partner, Playbookmg

Caribbean Media Awards: Kenneth Bryan, Chairman, CTO, and Minister of Tourism and Ports, Cayman Islands

Jean Holder Memorial Scholarship Luncheon: Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of Tourism, U.S. Virgin Islands

Smart Destination Management: Nicola Madden-Greig, OD, President, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association; Jeremy Jones, Corporate Director, Resort Operations – Jamaica, Sandals Resorts International; Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism, Turks and Caicos

Travel Trade Marketing: Ruthanne Terrero, VP/Editorial Director, Questex Travel Group

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation is the headline sponsor of Caribbean Week in New York. Gold sponsors include the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Sandals Resorts International is a silver sponsor. Additional supporters include Caribbean Media Exchange, Diamonds International, and Marketplace Excellence.

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News

GOVERNMENT REVIEWING TENDER AFTER GRAND TURK–SOUTH CAICOS FLIGHTS STOP

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Turks and Caicos Islands – March 10, 2026 – Commercial flights between Grand Turk and South Caicos have been temporarily discontinued, leaving residents without a direct air link between the two islands since March 1.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government confirmed the suspension in a statement Tuesday, explaining that the route — which operates under a government subsidy — is currently under review as officials reassess the tender process used to award the service.

The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Investment and Trade said the government is “working diligently to assess available options” to restore reliable air service between the islands as quickly as possible.

While the statement did not identify which airline had been operating the route, historically Caicos Express Airways and interCaribbean Airways have provided flights between South Caicos and Grand Turk using small twin-engine aircraft.

Officials acknowledged the disruption has caused concern among residents, noting that inter-island air travel is critical for access to essential services, business activity and government operations.

The government emphasized that the suspension does not affect flights between Grand Turk and Salt Cay, which continue to operate normally.

The review now underway will determine the next provider for the subsidized route. Authorities say the process must be conducted in a “fair, transparent and efficient manner” before service can resume.

For residents of the two islands, however, the immediate issue remains transportation — with many now forced to reroute through Providenciales or rely on limited sea travel until the air connection is restored.

Further updates are expected once the government completes its review and awards a new operating arrangement.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Treasure Beach Village Opens at Beaches; Tourism Leaders Expect Surge in Bookings  

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — A major new chapter in Caribbean tourism has begun in the Turks and Caicos Islands with the opening of Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos, a $150 million expansion expected to drive increased bookings, air arrivals and tourism earnings for the country.

The new oceanfront development, officially opened on February 28, adds 101 luxury multi-bedroom suites to the resort and introduces new dining, entertainment and family experiences designed to strengthen the destination’s position in the global luxury family vacation market.

Tourism officials and resort executives say the expansion is expected to generate greater demand for the destination, which in turn translates to more flights, more visitor spending and increased government revenue from hotel and tourism taxes.

The development is part of an ongoing investment strategy by Sandals Resorts International, which continues to expand the Beaches brand across the Caribbean.

Executive Chairman Adam Stewart described the opening as a powerful signal of confidence in the Turks and Caicos tourism product.

“This moment reflects a partnership between Sandals and the Turks and Caicos Islands that has been built over decades,” Stewart said during the opening celebrations. The new village, he added, builds on the brand’s reputation for creating multi-generational travel experiences where families reconnect and spend meaningful time together.

The resort expansion reinforces Beaches’ reputation as the world’s leading luxury all-inclusive resort brand for families, and Beaches Turks and Caicos continues to stand as one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious properties.

Government officials attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including Tourism Minister Zhavargo Jolly, said the investment strengthens the destination’s international standing and highlights continued confidence in the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier tourism market.

The new village significantly expands the resort’s accommodation offerings with spacious ocean-view suites and high-end villas designed to host larger families and groups. The property now includes luxury options such as the CrystalSky four-bedroom beachfront villas and a multi-level Chairman’s Penthouse suite capable of accommodating up to ten guests.

Treasure Beach Village also introduces six new dining concepts, including the Pinta Food Hall with multiple global cuisine stations and Butch’s Island Chop House, a signature steakhouse previously exclusive to the Sandals brand.

Additional amenities include a 15,000-square-foot lagoon pool, waterslides and splash zones for children, a swim-up bar, and the brand’s first Starfish Cinema, a theatre designed for family movie nights.

Guests staying in the new village will also have access to the full Beaches Turks and Caicos experience, including 28 restaurants, the 45,000-square-foot Pirates Island Water Park, unlimited water sports and supervised children’s programmes.

Industry observers say the investment not only enhances the visitor experience but also strengthens Turks and Caicos’ reputation as one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after luxury destinations.

 

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Education

Message from Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 6 March 2026: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”  Today, as we observe National Teachers’ Day, we pause to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of our teachers and the dedicated leaders of our schools. Your commitment to shaping young minds, guiding character, and nurturing potential is a calling that reaches far beyond the classroom. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”  Your daily efforts reflect the truth and wisdom of these words.

We also extend sincere appreciation to the leaders of our schools whose vision, guidance, and steady leadership create environments where both teachers and students can flourish. Your role in supporting educators and maintaining strong, positive learning communities is invaluable to the continued progress of our education system.

Teaching is not without its challenges. Yet, even in moments of stress and difficulty, our teachers continue to demonstrate genuine love, patience, and concern for their students. For this, we are deeply grateful. Your compassion, encouragement, and dedication help our children feel seen, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential. Truly, to teach is indeed to touch lives forever.

Education is strongest when it is supported by partnership. We must also recognize the important role of parents and families in the success of our children. When schools and homes work together, the results are powerful. As we often say, when parents lead, children succeed. This shared commitment creates a strong foundation for learning and growth.

As a Department and Ministry of Education, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting our teachers and school leaders. We will continue to invest in meaningful professional development, provide the resources necessary for effective teaching and learning, and strengthen the systems that empower educators to thrive in their profession. Your work matters deeply, and we remain dedicated to ensuring you have the support needed to continue making a lasting difference.

On behalf of the Ministry of Education, I thank you. Thank you for your dedication, your resilience, your leadership, and for the love and care you show to our children each and every day. Today we celebrate you and the incredible impact you have on our nation’s future.

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