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The TCI Business Outlook by Philip C. Galanis

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CONSIDER THIS …

“Some people regard private enterprise as a predatory tiger to be shot. Others look on it as a cow they can milk. Not enough people see it as a healthy horse, pulling a sturdy wagon.” Winston Churchill

As published in the Nassau Guardian, June 10, 2024 – On Friday, June 7, 2024, Counsellors Limited staged the first-ever Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Business Outlook (the Business Outlook) at Beaches Resort, Villages, and Spa on Providenciales. By any objective measure, the event, which was attended by ninety participants, was an outstanding success. Drexwell Seymour, Managing Partner of HLB TCI Ltd., and Deandrea Hamilton, CEO and Consultant of Magnetic Media, moderated the historical event. The theme for the Outlook was “Opportunities for Growth and Inclusion for All TCI Stakeholders.”

Therefore, this week, we will Consider This … what were some of the highlights of the first TCI Business Outlook?

Keynote address

The Hon. Charles Washington Misick, MP, Premier of the TCI, delivered the keynote address. During his remarks, Premier Misick highlighted some of his government’s fiscal results over the past few years and the challenges that the jurisdiction faces in the years ahead.

The Premier observed that the TCI has been very successful, particularly in the management of its fiscal matters. He also shared that the TCI Government’s budgeted 2023-24 revenue was $415 million, a healthy budget surplus of $56 million, and the government had accumulated no national debt. He confirmed that his government had approved more than $1 billion in investment in the tourism sector. In addition, he stated that investments of another half a billion dollars were in the pipeline and that, over the next two years, the tourism plant would increase by at least 1,600 new hotel rooms. While most of those investments will be made in Providenciales, high-end brands such as Marriott will be developed on some of the other islands in the Turks and Caicos.

The Premier also noted that his social budget had increased from $3 million to $10 million since coming to office, recognizing that it was important that no Turks Islander be left behind. He also alluded to the need to rationalize taxes so that they are more equitably applied across disparate social groupings.

Tourism drives the TCI economy

The Hon. Josephine Connolly, MP, Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime, Gaming, and Disaster Management, built on Premier Misick’s presentation regarding the role tourism plays in TCI economy.  Tourism drives the TCI economy, according to the Minister of Tourism, accounting for nearly 80% of the gross domestic product, most of which is centered in Providenciales.

In 2021, the United States was the main market for inbound tourism in the Turks and Caicos Islands, making up more than 80% of the nearly half a million stop-over visitor arrivals registered in that year.

This was confirmed by Stacey Cox, CEO of Turks & Caicos Hotel & Tourism Association, and Alvin Hegner, Chairman of Experience TCI, both of whom delivered presentations on tourism and its importance to the jurisdiction. The Turks and Caicos Hotel & Tourism Association is dedicated to fostering sustainable growth in tourism for the benefit of its members and the wider TCI community.

Experience TCI is the tourism authority responsible for promoting the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier travel destination and boosting the number of visitors, enhancing their experience, and thereby driving economic growth and sustainability in the Turks and Caicos Islands through a thriving tourism sector.

Catalyst for growing business

Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest TCI, and Paul Pirie, CEO of TCI Finance, delivered presentations on the Catalyst for Growing Business. Invest TCI was established to assist local and foreign investors in accessing government concessions for investing in the Turks and Caicos islands and to provide investors with introductions to local service providers/suppliers. On the other hand, TCI Finance has a mandate to grow the jurisdiction’s financial services sector in competition with other financial offshore centers such as The Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, and the Cayman Islands. The presenters outlined their plans for achieving their objectives.

Mr. Pirie noted that financial services presently account for less than 10% of the island’s gross domestic product, which he hopes to grow to 30% in the years ahead, notwithstanding the sustained assaults that similar offshore financial sectors experience from the OECD and the Financial Action Task Force. Some participants questioned TCI Finance’s ability to achieve such an aggressive objective considering the existing regulatory framework in which the offshore financial sector currently operates.

The sessions on Access to Capital and The Future of Banking were presented by Kerryl Lyn King-Henry and Terrance Gibson, the Country Managers of the Royal Bank of Canada and CIBC, respectively. Both presenters addressed the challenges that its current and prospective customers face in accessing capital and the steps the banks are taking to address those challenges. In addition, Mr. Gibson addressed the challenges that some of the bank’s customers face regarding access to banking services on some of the smaller, more remote, and less populated islands in the Turks & Caicos Islands, similar challenges that Bahamians face on similarly placed islands within its archipelago.

Modern healthcare services

The session on Committed to Health and Innovation was extremely interesting in terms of both the content and the timeliness of the information imparted to Outlook’s participants. Mr. Dennis Deveaux, CFO of Doctors Hospital Health Systems in The Bahamas, and Dr. Denise Brathwaite-Tennant, CEO of TCI Hospitals, updated the audience on the latest offerings by both organizations, highlighting that world-class medical services are available at both institutions and that both organizations are constantly reviewing how they can improve their services locally in order to avoid patients from seeking modern medical treatment abroad.

Infrastructure

Honorable Jamell Robinson, MP, Deputy Premier, and the Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, delivered a presentation on “Addressing Infrastructure and Housing Challenges.” The Minister informed the participants that the demand for residential housing will be between 8,500 and 13,000 new homes and apartments over the next few years. He advised us that most of this demand is being generated by the growth in the economy, principally in the tourism sector, and that affordable housing will continue to be a major challenge for his ministry for the foreseeable future.

The Minister also spoke about some of the infrastructural developments that will take place in the Turks and Caicos, with great emphasis on improving the Providenciales International Airport. That improvement has been pegged at approximately $400 million and is projected to begin later this year.

Minister Robinson also discussed the need for the government to address the congestion that has arisen on Providenciales and what his government intends to do to expand the road corridors throughout the island. He noted that his ministry will provide infrastructural development for airports on the neighboring islands of the TCI.

Mr. Devon Cox, Vice President of Operations at Fortis TCI, the electric company made a presentation on the country’s electricity infrastructural needs. He informed Outlook that in light of the anticipated increase in the number of hotel rooms and other ongoing development projects on the islands, the need for reliable, affordable electricity would increase exponentially and that Fortis has developed a master plan to address the demand. He also provided an analysis of the power infrastructural developments that will take place on the other islands of the archipelago.

Mr. Delano Arthur, Executive Director of the Energy and Utilities Commission, informed the audience about some of the plans to regulate the utilities industries in the TCI. The Energy and Utilities Commission plays a very similar role in the TCI to that of URCA in The Bahamas. Although it is not statutory, plans are being made to establish the Energy and Utilities Commission as a statutory body shortly.

The Bahamas diaspora

The day’s final session was entitled “The TCI-Bahamas Diaspora—Embracing a New Mindset of Collaboration.” Ms. Vernae Mills, Executive Director of the TCI Bahamas Diaspora office in Nassau, Bahamas, addressed the participants on the role that the office plays in assisting Turks Islanders who live in The Bahamas and encouraging and facilitating their return to take advantage of opportunities in the TCI.

Conclusion

As we indicated before, the first-ever TCI Business Outlook was a stunning success. This Business Outlook was historical because it was the first time that The Counsellors Limited has hosted this successful series outside The Bahamas. As Mrs. Joan Albury observed when she summarized the day’s event, “We hope that this will be an annual feature in the TCI business calendar, and we will make every attempt to host it early in the year, so then it becomes much more meaningful and effective for its participants.”

Our countries, The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands have been intertwined for centuries, two tiny specks of the giant British Empire, together in an azure sea. To continue our relationship in the 21st century, in this instance in the realm of business, has the potential to promote productivity for our two countries that share geography, climate, backgrounds, customs, and success stories. To, once again, using the effective TCI Business Outlook as the forum, come together to mutually benefit our countries is historically appropriate and very satisfying to those of us who live in this little corner of the diaspora

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Password to Paradise Radio Remotes at Beaches Turks & Caicos continue to highlight the TCI as the preferred Caribbean destination  

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — For two consecutive weeks, popular on‑air personalities set up remote studios on the sands of Grace Bay, turning Beaches Turks & Caicos into a live broadcast hub for North American listeners. Morning shows and drive‑time programmes all streamed directly from the resort, with hosts sharing first‑hand impressions of the islands’ beaches, culinary scene, and signature warm hospitality.

The broadcasts formed part of the “Password to Paradise” promotion, a multi‑station campaign that invited listeners to tune in for special on‑air codes for the chance to win all‑inclusive vacations to Beaches Turks and Caicos resort. Stations in major markets across the U.S. and Canada used the resort as their backdrop while encouraging audiences to “trade the cold for Turks and Caicos,” painting vivid pictures of turquoise waters and white‑sand shores with every break.

The “Password to Paradise” mission, already a proven radio promotion format in Canada and the U.S., took on new resonance when paired with live reports from the resort itself. Contest teasers, winner announcements, and social media reels featuring guests arriving in Turks and Caicos amplified the islands’ profile well beyond traditional print or digital advertising.

Tourism officials have welcomed the radio initiative as a timely boost to an already buoyant sector. Minister of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, emphasized the importance of partnerships that not only grow arrivals but also ensure that Turks and Caicos Islanders remain the primary beneficiaries of tourism’s success.

In commenting on the recent wave of live broadcasts and contests, Minister Jolly noted, “these visiting broadcasters have showcased the islands to millions of listeners across North America and underscored the “value added” to an economy that continues to expand on the strength of tourism.” He continued, “ sustained, experience‑driven campaigns like “Password to Paradise” align with the government’s broader strategy of attracting high‑value visitors while protecting the country’s natural assets and cultural heritage.”

The Turks and Caicos tourism product is widely described as a cornerstone of the national economy, as this sector continues to grow from strength to strength it will increase the number job creation for islanders.

Additionally, tourism leaders point to the long‑tail impact of being featured repeatedly across multiple radio brands, social channels and contest sites. Each on‑air mention, online clip and contest entry serves as an invitation to discover Turks and Caicos, reinforcing the islands’ reputation as a premier Caribbean destination at a time when global competition for tourists is intense.

For Beaches Turks and Caicos, the broadcasts were another opportunity to highlight its position as one of the region’s leading family‑friendly all‑inclusive resorts. DJs and hosts shared experiences from the resort’s multiple villages, expansive pools, waterpark attractions, and dining venues, giving listeners an authentic taste of the “Luxury Included” vacation concept from a guest’s point of view.

General Manager, Deryk Meany highlighted the resort’s partnership with the radio stations as he complemented a wider pattern of media collaborations that Turks and Caicos has pursued in recent years, from television features in major U.S. markets to digital campaigns showcasing the archipelago’s diverse islands. With the success of the latest “Password to Paradise” mission, industry insiders say the stage is set for more creative broadcast partnerships that leverage the power of storytelling to keep Turks and Caicos Islands firmly on the map.

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Beaches Turks & Caicos adds four new PADI Dive Instructors to the cadre of professionals in the watersports department

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks & Caicos, a PADI-certified dive resort in Providenciales, continues to invest in its watersports team by training and certifying four team members to become qualified dive instructors to its operation. The resort operates one of the most comprehensive resort diving programmes in the region, offering on-site PADI courses and daily dives for guests of varying experience levels.

These latest certifications were conducted under the supervision of PADI Course Director and Dive Shop Manager Leonard Suckrajh, who is among an elite group of PADI professionals in the Caribbean. His role as course director allows the resort to deliver instructor-level training on property, further elevating the standard of safety, education and guest experience at the resort’s dive centre.

Suckrajh expressed his satisfaction with the commitment and professionalism demonstrated by the four new instructors, Almina Browne, Cicely Clarke, Andrew Dunkley and Boat Captain Tryston Sang throughout their training and assessment. “I am extremely proud of them,” he said. “They have invested significant time and effort in developing their technical competence and instructional skills and their achievement reflects a deep commitment to delivering safe, high-quality dive experiences for our guests.”

He noted that their performance reflects a strong culture of excellence within the watersports department and aligns with the resort’s long-standing emphasis on safety and training. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, our objective is not only to train divers, but to develop highly responsible professionals who understand that every dive is grounded in safety, teamwork and respect for the marine environment,” he added. Suckrajh, whose own progression to course director spans more than two decades in watersports and diving within the Sandals and Beaches brands, said the new instructors represent “the next generation of leaders within our dive operation.”

General Manager, Deryk Meany, commended the level of collaboration required to guide four new instructors through the rigorous PADI process. “Attaining PADI instructor status is a demanding accomplishment that cannot be realized in isolation,” Meany said. “It requires the coordinated support of the dive shop, the wider watersports team, and the broader resort operation to ensure candidates have the necessary resources, time and mentorship to succeed.”

He emphasized that strengthening the cadre of certified instructors supports the resort’s commitment to excellence in guest service. “Each additional instructor enhances our capacity to offer guests a greater range of options, a higher degree of personal attention and consistently high safety standards,” Meany continued. “This milestone reinforces our position as a leading provider of family-friendly diving experiences in the Caribbean.”

Beaches Turks and Caicos is recognized for providing a wide spectrum of PADI courses on site, from Discover Scuba Diving and Open Water certification to advanced and specialty programmes. Previous training initiatives at the resort have resulted in many team members achieving PADI instructor status, significantly increasing both certification capacity and in-water safety oversight.

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Beaches Turks & Caicos shares fine dining experiences to high school students in Providenciales  

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Students from the Clement Howell High School were recently welcomed to Beaches Turks and Caicos for an immersive fine dining and etiquette session at one of the resort’s signature à la carte restaurants. For the second consecutive year, the resort’s learning and development, public relations and food and beverage teams designed and delivered practical training that exposed students to the standards and expectations of a world‑class hospitality environment.

General Manager of Beaches Turks and Caicos, Deryk Meany, said the resort is committed to making the experience a fixture on the school calendar. “We are honoured to once again open our doors to the students of Clement Howell High School,” Meany added. “As one of the largest employers and training grounds in the Turks and Caicos Islands, we see it as our responsibility to help prepare the next generation with the skills, confidence and professional support they need to succeed in hospitality and beyond.”

He added that the partnership aligns with the values of both Beaches Resorts and the Sandals Foundation. “This programme is about more than a single day at the resort,” Meany continued. “It is about creating a consistent pathway for young people to see themselves in this industry, to understand the standards we uphold, and to recognise that there is a place for them at every level of the tourism sector.”

During the session, the resort’s learning and development and food and beverage professionals guided students through the full fine‑dining experience—from greeting and seating, to understanding multi‑course menus, cutlery placement, napkin etiquette and appropriate table conversation. Students also learned about body language, professional dress, and how to conduct themselves confidently in formal and semi‑formal settings such as interviews, scholarship dinners and official functions.

Learning and Development Manager Phildreka Mayham explained that the training was deliberately structured to blend technical knowledge with life skills. “Our goal is to demystify the fine dining environment for these students,” Mayham noted. “We want them not only to know which fork to use, but to understand that etiquette is really about respect for others, respect for themselves, and the ability to move comfortably in any social or professional space.”

She added that the programme is also a platform to introduce students to career possibilities. “Through this engagement, they get to interact directly with our team members, ask questions about different roles, and see first‑hand that hospitality offers diverse pathways—from culinary arts and service to training, management, and leadership,” Mayham shared.

For Clement Howell High School, the partnership with Beaches Turks and Caicos and the Sandals Foundation has become an important extension of the Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) curriculum. Guidance Counsellor Tanisha Graham said the experience supports the school’s broader focus on personal development and career readiness. “Our students are learning about self‑presentation, communication, and social responsibility in the classroom,” Graham noted. “Being able to step into a professional fine dining setting and put those lessons into practice is incredibly powerful for them.”

Graham emphasised the impact on students’ self‑confidence. “Many of our students are experiencing this kind of setting for the very first time,” she explained. “To see them sit up a little straighter, engage in conversation, and realise that they belong in these spaces—that is transformational. It reinforces the message that their potential is limitless.

Public Relations Manager, Orville Morgan added, “this initiative forms part of the resort’s ongoing investment in education and skills development across the Turks and Caicos Islands, complementing previous support to Clement Howell High, including enhancements to hospitality‑related clubs and programmes. The fine dining and etiquette training is expected to continue as an annual feature, with plans to refine and expand the experience based on feedback from students and teachers.”

As the second cohort of HFLE students completed their training, teachers expressed optimism that the collaboration will continue to grow and inspire even more young people to consider careers in hospitality. For Beaches Turks and Caicos, the hope is that today’s students will return in the years ahead as interns, team members, and leaders—bringing with them the confidence, poise and professionalism first nurtured at a carefully set table in one of the resort’s restaurants.

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