News
Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority Renames Airports to Honor Local Pioneers
Hundreds Gather for Ceremonies Commemorating Clifford Gardiner and Eric Arthur
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, September 10, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) celebrated the renaming of two of its airports on September 10th, 2024, in honor of local aviation pioneers Clifford Gardiner and Eric Arthur. The Clifford Gardiner International Airport (formerly North Caicos Airport) and Eric Arthur Airport (formerly Middle Caicos Airport) were officially renamed in ceremonies attended by hundreds of community members, dignitaries, and family members.
The events were marked by strong community turnout, with locals gathering to honor the legacies of the two men who made
significant contributions to aviation and business in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Present at both ceremonies were Her Excellency the Governor, the Hon. Premier, the Hon. Minister of Immigration, and the honorees’ families.
During the North Caicos event, the son of Clifford Gardiner delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech, thanking the community for their unwavering support. The event also featured remarks from Dyke Nelson, the architect of the new terminal design for Clifford Gardiner International Airport, who emphasized the importance of honoring local heritage through thoughtful, modern infrastructure.
At the Middle Caicos ceremony, several members of the Arthur family attended, including Christine Rigby, daughter of Eric Arthur, who traveled from the Bahamas to be present, and Wilkie Arthur. Both family members expressed profound gratitude for the recognition of Eric Arthur’s legacy and the ongoing inspiration his story brings to future generations.
“We can not express with more sincerity and genuineness how thankful we are to those who remembered our father, Mr. Eric Arthur, after his passing for some 40 years and seven months.” said Wilkie Arthur. “This was indeed necessary, and we are honored.Thanks to all involved in making this a reality.”
Meanwhile, TCIAA CEO, Godfrey Smith said “Seeing so many members of our community come together in support of these
momentous renamings is truly heartwarming,” He added “These ceremonies are not just about honoring the past but also about celebrating our future. Clifford Gardiner and Eric Arthur were pioneers who set the foundation for aviation in these islands, and their legacy will continue to inspire us all.”
The Hon. Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Border Services with responsibility for aviation, who is also the representative for ED 4 North Caicos and Middle Caicos, also spoke passionately about the renaming ceremonies, which he expressed as been “near and dear to his heart.”
Hon. Musgrove, who is a son of the soil, recounted fond memories of the aviation pioneersand expressed an overwhelming sense of joy and gratification to see this government’s master plan for aviation throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands continuing to manifest in what he calls his beloved “Twin Islands”.
The renaming of these airports marks a significant moment in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ history, paying tribute to the lives and accomplishments of two remarkable individuals who paved the way for future generations.
For more information, please contact:
Easher Parker
Media Officer, TCIAA
Tel: 649.946.4420
Email: easherparker@tciairports.tc
[END OF RELEASE]
Commenting on the renaming ceremonies:
Turks and Caicos, January 20, 2025 – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 41st meeting of Cabinet held on December 11th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of Hon. Rhondalee Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood acting as Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Considered proposals related to the 2022 Crown Land Review Report.
- Approved the mutation of parcels 60603/57, 60610/316, 60700/107, and 20313/47, 58 & 59 and for the same to be vested with the
TCI Airports Authority. - Received a presentation on proposals on the integration of Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) technologies into programs at the Turks and Caicos Community College.
- Approved the management authority of parcel 60503/315 to the Turks & Caicos Islands Sports Commission for multi-purpose use for the development of a community park and recreational facility.
- Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission on the establishment of a National Sports Training Centre.
- Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission regarding the establishment of a Department of Parks and Recreation.
- Received a presentation from the Ministry of Health on matters relating to the National Health Insurance Board.
- Approved the re-appointment of Mrs. Angela Musgrove as the Chief Executive Officer of Invest Turks and Caicos for a three-year term.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Henry Wilson as a member to the Fisheries Advisory Committee.
- Noted the award of the following contracts in line with the process according to the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance; Contract Award Notification:
- PN 005690, TR 24/09, Upgrading Bight Park
- PN 005729, TR 24/23, Vehicles for Immigration
- PN 005730, TR 24/08, DDME Communication Equipment – Mobile Antenna
- PN 005765, TR 24/31, Redevelopment of Regatta Village
- TCINIB 01/2024, TR 24/26, Vehicles for NIB
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
Turks and Caicos – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 40th meeting of Cabinet held on December 4th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present, with the exception of Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood, acting as Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
- Approved the Turks and Caicos Islands Fiscal Strategic Policy Statement.
- Approved the negotiation of a Development Agreement/Order with Retreat Development Ltd.
- Approved the transfer of excess revenue from the Consolidated Fund into the National Wealth Fund for the Financial Year Ending 31 March 2024.
- Approved Planning Application PR 17673 for a proposed watch tower and rest station on block and parcel 60000/345 for the TCI Regiment.
- Approved the negotiation of a license agreement with the Proprietors of Balfour Salt Ltd. for a period of 10 years.
- Approved the policy document for the use of Biometrics and Introducing an Electronic Travel Authority Requirement.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Lynden Hall Snr. as a member of the Turks and Caicos Islands Gaming Control Commission Board for a period of two years.
- Approved the write-off of water charges and penalties in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Financial Management Ordinance 2012.
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
January 20th, 2024 – Nassau, Bahamas – The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) proudly announces the release of its 2023-2024 Annual Impact Report, which documents key conservation milestones achieved from January 2023 to June 2024.
Highlights from the report include: completion of the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan – a comprehensive roadmap to guide the organization’s efforts over the next five years; the declaration of Seahorse National Park in Eleuthera as the country’s 33rd national park; advancements in critical scientific research and the creation of conservation plans aimed at protecting endangered species; major infrastructure improvements in national parks, enhancing visitor access and recreational opportunities; and new strategic partnerships with
local and national organizations for collaborative national park management.
“The past 18 months have been a pivotal chapter for the BNT,” said Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle, Executive Director of The Bahamas National Trust. “With the unwavering support of our members, donors, and partners, we’ve expanded our national park system, advanced critical conservation efforts, made major infrastructure improvements in national parks, and connected thousands of Bahamians to their parks. These achievements underscore the power of collaboration and inspire us to continue building a future where people and nature thrive together.”
Looking to the future, the BNT’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan prioritizes enhanced park management, tackling climate resilience, addressing invasive species, and strengthening community partnerships to ensure the sustainability of The Bahamas’ national parks.
The Bahamas National Trust extends heartfelt thanks to its supporters for making these achievements possible, and invites everyone to explore the full 2023-2024 Impact Report on its website at https://bnt.bs/2023-2024-impact-report/.
To learn more about the BNT’s role in managing national parks, protecting wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs, and follow its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
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