News

The TCI Business Outlook by Philip C. Galanis

Published

2 years ago

June 18, 2024

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

News

Academy Eagles FC crowned Beaches Turks & Caicos sponsored Provo Men’s Premier League champions 2026

Published

5 days ago

May 13, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — The Academy Eagles FC were crowned champions of the Beaches sponsored Men’s Provo Premier League after securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over defending champions, SWA Sharks, at the Venetian Road football field.

In a match that featured a mix of youth and experienced players, the Academy Eagles eventually broke through late in the game when Jean Innocent found the back of the net in the 77th minute. Innocent doubled the lead in the 95th minute from the penalty spot to clinch the championship.

Academy Eagles head coach Aaron Lawrence expressed immense pride in his squad’s performance. “I applaud the team for their discipline throughout the season and their ability to stick to the plan heading into this game,” Lawrence shared, adding special praise for team captain Myherwens Varis for “following tactical instructions throughout the game.”

“This victory would not have been possible without the thoughtful support from our main sponsor, Beaches Turks and Caicos resort. This is the second year running with this relationship. This has provided exposure for the semi-professional players and the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association,” Lawrence noted.

On the opposing sideline, SWA Sharks coach Jack Watson was modest in defeat. While he noted that his team executed their strategy well, he recognized the Eagles’ determination. “I congratulate the Eagles team for wanting the win more,” Watson said. “We played to the game plan, but I fault a lapse in judgment that gave up two goals.”

Beaches Turks and Caicos, returning for a second year of sponsoring the competition, expressed ongoing dedication to youth football in the islands. General Manager Deryk Meany shared his enthusiasm, “I am satisfied with the impact that the league is having on youth development throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands and our resort’s involvement in fielding a team for the competition.” The final phase of the tournament now transitions to a knockout format among the eight participating clubs.

League executives also weighed in on the success of the season. Provo Premier League President, Phillip Baptiste, expressed his satisfaction with the league format and highlighted the significant progress made by the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) over the course of the tournament.

“This is what true success looks like as corporate partners like Beaches Turks and Caicos resort joins forces with the TCIFA in providing an avenue for youth development and sports. While we are happy for the continued sponsorship, we are anticipating more support from other entities. This is not only a win for sports, it is a win for development here in the TCI,” Baptiste shared.

TCIFA Technical Director Dane Ritchie echoed these positive sentiments, pointing to the league’s development as an avenue for showcasing local talent on a broader stage. “Our team continues to learn as they work on developing talents with the youth players, as well as providing a broader marketing avenue for the league to be seen internationally with FIFA+ streaming,” Ritchie said.

He added, “the TCIFA commends the growth of the coaching staff involved in the league and looks forward to further enhancing the competition to make them more competitive in the Caribbean leagues.”

Beaches FC and Cheshire Hall FC have both punched their tickets for the first two spots in the semifinals with a 2-0 win over Teachers’ Young Strikers and 5-0 thrashing of Provo United respectively in the first two quarter finals.

News

Beaches Turks & Caicos celebrates Stars at its Annual Prestige Awards

Published

5 days ago

May 13, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — The French Village main stage at Beaches Turks and Caicos resort was transformed into a dazzling beacon of green and gold as the resort celebrated its highest achievers. Under the inspiring banner of “One Team, One Vision, Endless Achievements,” the annual Prestige Awards recently closed the chapter on an exceptional 2025.

More than 120 nominees across twelve distinct categories walked the red carpet, greeted by flashing cameras and the cheering of their peers. The evening was laced with vibrant entertainment that kept the energy high between award presentations. Attendees were also treated to an exquisite five-course menu, carefully curated to match the prestige of the occasion and celebrate the rich culinary talent present at the resort.

The event served as a powerful reminder of the dedication required to operate one of the premier family resorts in the Caribbean. General Manager Deryk Meany took the stage to address the audience while reflecting on a year of resilience, innovation and unparalleled guest service.

“This is a celebratory milestone that as leaders we are happy to share with the stars of the hospitality industry,” Meany shared. “You have shown the world the true mettle of leadership and commitment here at Beaches Turks and Caicos.”

To further recognize unique contributions to the resort’s operational success, Meany personally distributed the General Manager’s Special Awards. These honours were bestowed upon Eric ‘Cookie’ Johnson from the kitchen, Harriet Beeput from administration, and Javier Sarita from the entertainment department for their exceptional behind-the-scenes dedication.

The climax of the evening featured the announcement of the resort’s most prestigious overarching awards. Felipe Luzardo Neira from the kitchen took home the MVP of the Year (Manager of the Year) award, while Chad Peterkin from engineering and maintenance was named All-Rounder of the Year (Supervisor of the Year). The loyalty & travel department proved their collective strength by securing the A-Team of the Year title.

Individual team members were also recognized for their ultimate service standards. Deandra Astwood from the front office earned the Platinum Team Member of the Year award. The highest individual honour, Diamond Team Member of the Year, was awarded to Javain Campbell from the restaurant department. Campbell used his moment in the spotlight to highlight the importance of cross-departmental collaboration and community outreach.

“This accolade is a testament to the commitment and teamwork within all the departments of the resort,” Campbell noted after receiving his award. “The opportunity to volunteer at different Sandals Foundation activities as well as be a mentor to other team members means the world to me. This achievement will allow me to do more in leadership as I have been tasked with representing the entire team here at the resort.”

The Prestige Awards ensured that every facet of the resort’s operations received proper recognition. From environmental sustainability to guest entertainment, the specific category winners showcased a wide array of talents:

Movers & Shakers was awarded to Katherine ‘Tinkerbell’ Jiminez from the entertainment department
Legendary Team Member was secured by Kadian Smith from the restaurant
Circle of Joy went to Emanie Jocelyn Seide from security and loss prevention
Earth Guardian was claimed by Bernard Florvil from engineering and maintenance
Sandals Foundation Sentinel was awarded to Tanya Swann from administration
Standing Ovation Award was proudly accepted by Richard Myers from the laundry team
Money Maker Award went to Teesha McCallum-Hamilton from the resort shop
Heart of the House Hotel Manager’s Award was presented to Carlton Biggs from stewarding department
People’s Choice Award was won by Claire Ann Balones from the off site department
Pacesetter Award was given to Kassandra Henry from accounts & cost control
Founder’s Circle Award was claimed by Susan Outten from the restaurant

As the night drew to a close, the focus shifted to the rigorous selection process that led to the evening’s celebrations. The Prestige Awards do not merely look at a single moment of excellence, but rather evaluate a full twelve months of unwavering dedication to the guest experience. Human Resources Manager Owenta Coleby highlighted the rewarding journey these team members took to reach the main stage.

“This event is a culmination of a number of activities for the resort’s leadership and the team members who have been exemplary and consistent throughout the year,” Coleby shared. “Congratulations are in order for each nominee as they have been crowned winners for the different months of 2025.”

With the trophies distributed and the 2025 season officially wrapped, the staff at Beaches Turks and Caicos now look forward. Fueled by the “One Team, One Vision” mantra, these award winners are already setting the standard for another year of endless achievements.

Health

29 Million Strong, the World Salutes Nurses as International Nurses Day is Observed

Published

6 days ago

May 12, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

On Tuesday May 12, the world pauses to honor one of humanity’s most trusted, exhausted, resilient and indispensable professions — nursing.

International Nurses Day is observed annually on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, widely regarded as the founder of modern nursing, and comes at a time when global healthcare systems continue to rely heavily on nurses carrying extraordinary emotional, physical and professional burdens.

According to the World Health Organization, there are an estimated 29 million nurses worldwide, making nursing the largest professional group within the global healthcare workforce. Yet despite their numbers, many countries continue to face severe nursing shortages, burnout crises and migration challenges as healthcare demands rise faster than staffing levels.

Still, nurses remain the heartbeat of healthcare.

They are present at life’s first breath and often its final moments. They work through hurricanes, pandemics, emergencies and violence. They calm fear, interpret pain, comfort families and frequently become the bridge between doctors, patients and hope itself.

In small island nations like those across the Caribbean, nurses often carry even greater responsibility — serving communities where resources may be stretched, specialists limited and healthcare systems under constant pressure.

This year’s observance again shines a spotlight not only on the compassion nurses bring to their profession, but also on the growing global call for better pay, safer working environments, improved mental health support and stronger investment in healthcare staffing.

For many people, the most memorable face in healthcare is not always the surgeon or specialist — it is the nurse who stayed a little longer, explained a little more gently or cared a little more deeply during a difficult moment.

Tomorrow’s observance is therefore more than ceremonial.

It is a reminder that behind every functioning hospital, clinic, emergency room, health center, operating theatre and recovery ward stands a nurse — often overworked, sometimes underappreciated, but consistently essential.

To nurses across The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, the Caribbean and the wider world: thank you for showing up, even on the hardest days.

Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.