News
Support for Local Artisans Being Championed by Beaches Resorts and the Sandals Foundation
PROVIDENCIALES, June 27, 2024 – Sandals Resorts International, parent company of Beaches Turks and Caicos and the Sandals Foundation, continue to invest in the vibrant culture of the Turks and Caicos Islands and supporting local artisans with the recent addition of a sun mural, cementing a positive message at the Cultural Marketplace.
To commemorate its 15th anniversary, the Sandals Foundation recently gifted 13 communities across nine islands with sun murals,
cementing a positive message that inspires hope. The Cultural Marketplace was deemed the ideal location for TCI’s mural in an effort to enhance the shopping experience and trade of the local artisans.
‘This mural is a tangible reminder of the strength and beauty that lies within each of us and can be seen as a symbol, reminding communities that they are powerful beyond measure,” says Patrice Gilpin, Public Relations Manager of the Sandals Foundation.
Local artist, Zachary Solomon, was commissioned to design and paint the mural with a key feature to insert the inspirational words of “dream”, “hope”, “joy”, “love”, and “believe”, among others
Beaches Turks and Caicos is committed to maintaining its relationship with the talented craft entrepreneurs which serves a dual purpose of helping to create a viable source of revenue and independence for many while also exposing the local culture and artistry of our people to the rest of the world.
For the Beaches Turks and Caicos guests who want to explore the rich culture of our island through artistic artifacts, the craft market may be easily accessed through the Italian Village gate. Additionally, there are a select number of craft vendors who are granted access to the property on Wednesdays and Fridays, offering guests more opportunities to discover our island’s treasures.
An unveiling ceremony was held with key stakeholders where Managing Director, James McAnally shared, “This mural helps to
beautify the community but it also has a longstanding message of hope and love and imagination, and dreaming big, and believing. It highlights all those positive thoughts, feelings and values that we should share.” McAnally explained that anyone who comes to the marketplace feeling down, the inspirational mural is definitely something that will lift their spirits. “It’s also a beautiful backdrop for taking selfies and family photos,” he noted.
Karen Cox, the appointed spokesperson on behalf of the craft vendors shared, “As vendors, we appreciate the partnership with Beaches and the Sandals Foundation. They have helped us a lot with the market. They keep beautifying it so that it always looks attractive. They also give us the opportunity to go on property to sell our products.”
Winnifred McIntosh, owner of Winnie’s Craft store at the Cultural Marketplace, boasts of being one of the first craft vendors in the Turks and Caicos Islands. She continues to find great pleasure in weaving straw to make baskets, bags and fans. She also does beadings and carving of shells for jewelry and hair accessories. The handmade dolls which are donned in TCI’s local dress are also ideal for having patrons take a piece of local history back home with them, given the significance of the colours of the ribbons. “I enjoy what I do, and I like to teach others the craft because it is very important that these aspects of our culture continue. If someone needs something specially made, once they place their order, I set about doing my designs and stitching. I am so happy when I know that my customers are happy,” Winnifred shared.
Seventy – nine-year-old, Esther Stubbs, who has been a craft vendor since 1971, recommends that other entities build a relationship with the craft entrepreneurs. “I am grateful for what Beaches Turks and Caicos has been doing for us, but more can be done by other entities. For example, music festivals can be held at the Cultural Marketplace. This will remind people that we are here while guests and locals can come and enjoy the culture.”
Beaches Turks and Caicos’ Managing Director who also serves as President of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA), encourages all the hoteliers to establish a partnership with the local craft artisans. “This partnership stands to enrich not only guest experiences but also our communities. Our local artisans bring extraordinary creativity and cultural heritage to life through their work. I encourage you to host artisan fairs in your lobbies, feature their work in your gift shops, integrate their products in your room amenities, and visit the market with friends and family. All the citizens have our part to play in promoting and supporting, through our purchases, the artisans of the Cultural Marketplace and elsewhere.”
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the recently unveiled Sandals Foundation 15th-anniversary inspirational sun mural. This stunning artwork not only adds charm to the space but also serves as a beacon of inspiration. Whether you’re purchasing a one-of-a-kind piece or snapping selfies against the backdrop of the inspirational mural, the Cultural Marketplace provides countless picture-perfect moments for all visitors to cherish.
From skillfully crafted straw and shell creations to intricately designed beadwork, wood carvings, and stylish clothing, the Cultural Marketplace showcases the exquisite beauty of the Caribbean’s natural resources. As citizens of this island, let us lead the way in showcasing the beauty and diversity of our local cultures. Together, we can create a win – win situation for our hotels, our guests, and our local artisans.
Photo Captions:
Header: BTC local Artisian Winnifred McIntosh (L) and BTC’s Social Media Coordinator Emmathanael Thervenin
1st insert: BTC local Artisian Esther Stubbs with one of her handmads craft items
2nd insert: BTC Local Artisian Winnifred McIntosh shows off one of the locally designed dolls
3rd insert: BTC local Artisian Winnifred McIntosh stands at the Sandals Foundation 15th Anniversary mural
After demolition
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 17 July 2026: The Planning Department, with support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), and the Crown Land Unit conducted a coordinated enforcement operation on Thursday, 2 July 2026, resulting in the demolition of six unauthorised structures on private property at Block and Parcel 60502/48. Security for the operation was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
The enforcement action followed the issuance of an Enforcement Notice by the Planning Department on 29 January 2026, advising the persons responsible for the structures that they had been erected without the necessary planning approval and were required to be removed. Following the expiration of the compliance period, a multi-agency operation was organised to carry out the demolition.
Before demolition activities commenced, personnel conducted a comprehensive inspection of the site to confirm that all structures were unoccupied and free of gas cylinders or other hazardous materials. These precautionary measures were undertaken to safeguard the welfare
of both the enforcement teams and the public while ensuring the operation was carried out safely and efficiently.
Upon completion of the exercise, participating agencies returned to Police Tactical Headquarters for a debrief, marking the successful conclusion of another coordinated enforcement effort.
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds members of the public that all construction activities must receive the appropriate planning approvals before work begins. The Planning Department will continue to work alongside its partner agencies to enforce the Planning Ordinance, promote orderly development and ensure that construction throughout the Islands complies with the applicable laws and regulations.
Members of the public are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the planning approval process and to seek guidance from the Planning Department before undertaking any development to avoid enforcement action and loss of money invested.
News
DDME’s Hurricane Hunt Scavenger Hunt Sparks Community Spirit and Storm Preparedness in Providenciales
Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — Fifteen teams raced across Providenciales on Saturday July 4th for the inaugural DDME Hurricane Hunt, a community scavenger hunt designed to combine friendly competition with hurricane preparedness education.
Teams were given a bag of supplies and 15 cryptic clues, participants had less than two hours to pinpoint locations and collect hurricane must-haves; including water jugs, shovels, flashlights and other supplies that every household should have on hand ahead of a storm.
The challenge tested not only participants’ local knowledge and navigation skills, but also their teamwork under time pressure; all while reinforcing practical lessons about what it takes to stay ready when a storm approaches.
Beyond the hunt itself, the event drew a lively crowd of families and supporters who turned out to enjoy a full day of festivities. Attendees took part in games, received free gifts, face painting, canvas painting, bounce houses and visited vendor booths; while enjoying fresh food off the grill throughout the afternoon.
“This event brought together the best of both worlds; a fun, high-energy competition and a meaningful reminder of how important it is for our community to be prepared,” Mr. Aaron Ballantyne, Community Preparedness Officer for Providenciales. “Seeing 15 teams fully engaged, racing to landmarks across the island while learning what belongs in a hurricane kit, was exactly the outcome we hoped for.”
DDME extends their sincere gratitude to the stakeholders that partnered with the event and generously donated their time, resources and
efforts to make it a success: The Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross, The Oseta Jolly Primary School, The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Do It Center (Building Materials), KB Homes, Digicel TCI, Frost Cay and Clint Grilling and Catering Services, along with all other vendors who were solicited.
The event’s success was also made possible by the private organizations and government departments that opened their locations to serve as scavenger hunt sites, allowing the hunt to unfold across the island; from Chalk Sound to Long Bay.
The quick thinking first place team consisted of; Neekimo King, Keturah Miller-Brown, Lashaunda Dickenson and Kebba Thomas who all walked away with exciting prizes.
Ms. Bernadya Smith, Public Information and Media Manager stated; “With hurricane season underway, this event, along with our recent Hurricane Expo held in Grand Turk and community pop-ups throughout the country, is a testament to DDME’s commitment to blending community engagement with year-round storm readiness. We look forward to making this event an annual staple that brings families together while keeping preparedness at the forefront of every community we serve.
Follow DDME social media pages to stay up to date with upcoming events and to join their weekly quizzes for a chance to win exciting prizes all hurricane season long.
News
Invest TCI Supports Certification of Local Flats Fishing Guides Through MSME Technical Assistance Under Historic TCFFA–TCICC Partnership
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — June 11th 2026 — Invest Turks and Caicos Islands has confirmed a financial commitment of $26,750 through the MSME Programme’s Technical Assistance support to assist 35 participants undertaking STCW and Fly-Fishing Guide Certifications under the Turks and Caicos Fly Fishing Association (TCFFA) and the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) partnership. The support is intended to strengthen the capacity of existing and emerging local operators within the flats-fishing and marine–based tourism sector, helping participants formalize their skills, improve service standards, and access higher-value economic opportunities.
The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between TCFFA and TCICC on 12th May 2026, establishing the
country’s first endorsed and regionally recognized Sustainable Fly-Fishing curriculum. That partnership, funded in part by the UK Government through the Darwin Plus Local initiative, aims to certify twenty or more Turks and Caicos Islanders as Flats-Fishing Guides and Train-The-Trainers — drawn from Providenciales, North Caicos, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, and Grand Turk.
Invest TCI’s contribution ensures that the financial barrier to certification does not prevent qualified candidates from accessing this sector-building opportunity. The support is being provided as technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of existing and emerging MSMEs within the flats-fishing and marine-based tourism sector, enabling participants to formalize, improve service standards, and access higher-value market opportunities.
“We are indeed happy to be a part of this initiative and to provide financial support towards the certification of the 35 participants. Invest TCI is committed to empowering small and medium enterprises and the individuals who drive them – and this programme is a direct example of that commitment in action.” — Alexa Cooper, Vice President – SME Development, Invest Turks and Caicos
Regional studies, including research on The Bahamas’ flats-fishing sector, show that the industry can generate significant economic value through lodging, meals, transport, retail, and guided services. This demonstrates the potential for Turks and Caicos to strengthen its own flats-fishing value chain through professional training, certification, and local enterprise development.
Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos, highlighted the strategic alignment between the investment and Invest TCI’s broader
mission:
“Invest TCI’s mandate is to support a stronger, more diversified economy with Turks and Caicos Islanders positioned to benefit from the industries that shape our future. This initiative directly aligns with that mandate. By supporting certification for local flats-fishing guides, we are helping to convert local knowledge into recognized credentials, strengthen small business capacity, and retain more value within our communities. It is a practical investment in people, enterprise, and sector development.” — Angela Musgrove, CEO, Invest Turks and Caicos
TCFFA President Levardo Talbot, whose association initiated the candidacy process and identified the funded participants, welcomed Invest TCI’s commitment as pivotal to the programme’s reach:
“For the first time, Turks and Caicos Islander fly fishing guides have an endorsed and regionally-recognized, locally delivered pathway into a profession that has long been built on their knowledge but not always on their terms. Invest TCI’s support ensures the people who should be in this room are in this room.” — Levardo Talbot, President, Turks and Caicos Fly Fishing Association
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