News
Invest TCI Celebrates Strategic Progress at 3rd Annual General Meeting
PRESS RELEASE
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency (Invest TCI) successfully hosted its 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 17th, 2024, at The Ritz Carlton, Turks and Caicos, under the theme “Building Bridges to Accelerate Economic Growth: The Invest TCI Impact.” The meeting provided a comprehensive overview of Invest TCI’s transformative progress during FY 2023-2024, highlighting the agency’s strides in linking foreign investments with local small businesses to drive economic growth and resilience.
The AGM was called to order by the Chairlady of Invest TCI, Ms. Cindy Ewing, who opened with a compelling reflection on the agency’s achievements. In her address, she remarked, “Invest Turks and Caicos has made significant strides in economic development, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. Thanks to your steadfast support and collaboration, this has not only set the stage for sustainable growth but also ensures that our impact is felt where it matters most: in the lives of our people.”
The evening continued with remarks from the Premier, Hon. Charles Washington Misick, Minister of Finance, Investment, Trade, and Public Policy. Premier Misick emphasized Invest TCI’s transformation, stating, “Invest TCI is more than an investment promotion agency; it is a multifaceted engine of growth that will impact our communities. Today, we see Invest TCI not only as a promoter of inward investment but also as a catalyst for domestic investment.”
CEO of Invest TCI, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, provided an overview of the agency’s achievements, focusing on sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and investment growth. She highlighted the launch of the Direct Domestic Investment (DDI) Policy and discussed the ongoing development of the National Linkages Program, which will integrate local MSMEs into Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) supply chains, promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Mrs. Musgrove concluded her presentation by stating, “FY 2023-2024 has been a year of transformative progress for Invest TCI. Through strategic investments and robust support for local businesses, we have laid the foundation for long-term growth, economic resilience, and community prosperity. As we look to the future, we remain committed to driving sustainable economic growth, fostering innovation, and ensuring that TCI continues to thrive as a world-class investment destination.”
The meeting captivated attendees with a compelling video showcasing the powerful impact of partnerships between local businesses and larger enterprises. The video featured the collaboration between Mr. Kitchener Penn, owner of the TCI Junkanoo Museum and founder of We Funk Junkanoo, and Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort, represented by Managing Director Mr. James McAnally. It emphasized the mutual benefits of these collaborations and encouraged other large enterprises to follow suit.
A significant highlight of the AGM was the insightful panel discussion titled “Bridging the Gap: Linking Small Businesses with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).” Moderated by Ms. Alexa Cooper, VP of SME, the panel explored the critical role of FDI in economic development, focusing on integrating local small businesses into FDI-driven projects. Distinguished panelists included Ms. Ayiesha Sammy, Director of Trade, Industry and Fair Competition; Mr. Matt McDonald, Managing Director and CEO of Vista Development; Mr. Michael Tibbetts, Managing Director of Salterra Resort and Spa; Ms. Arlene Hall, Owner of Island Organics TCI; and Ms. Lavern Reynolds, Owner of TCI Dolls.
The AGM added an extra element of excitement with a raffle for attendees, featuring prizes such as a Ritz Carlton dinner voucher for two and a gift certificate from Do It Centre.
In addition to the raffle, Invest TCI honored outstanding team members who exemplified the agency’s core values. Honourees included Mrs.
Anissa Adderley, Ms. Judith Garland, Ms. Shevon Williams, Ms. Kayanna Seymour, and Ms. Marzena Hinson. Special recognition was also given to Mr. Salik Garland for his five years of dedicated service to the agency.
The meeting wrapped up on a high note with closing remarks from Invest TCI board member, Ms. Yaa McCartney. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders for their ongoing support and collaboration, acknowledging the collective effort in driving success. Ms. McCartney also took a moment to commend the Invest TCI team for their unwavering dedication and hard work, highlighting their crucial role in pushing the agency’s mission forward.
The AGM successfully brought together key stakeholders, including government officials such as Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Human Services; Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities; Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture; and Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Fisheries, Agriculture, Gaming and Religious Affairs.
The meeting also welcomed other government figures, heads of statutory bodies, developers, MSME recipients, and other key partners, providing a platform to explore new opportunities, foster meaningful connections, and drive sustainable, resilient economic growth within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
News
BermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights Begin December 20 with Fares from $347 One Way, Creating Direct Access to Salterra Resort & Spa
– New Route Expands BermudAir’s Winter Turks & Caicos Network –
[New York, NY – August 20, 2026] – BermudAir, the leading premium leisure carrier to Bermuda and the Caribbean, today announced it will introduce nonstop flights to South Caicos from Newark this winter. The route places one of the Caribbean’s most secluded island destinations just 3.5 hours from the New York area for the first time.
The new service starts on December 20, 2026, operating on Sundays and Thursdays, and will be the only nonstop service to the destination
from the New York area. This seasonal service will operate through April 25, 2027. Fares start at $347 one way ($773 roundtrip) and go on sale today.
The new South Caicos route creates gives travelers two distinct luxury resort options, with direct access to Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, recently named the No. 1 resort in Turks and Caicos by Condé Nast Traveler.
Set across 85 beachfront acres with a 3,000-foot private white-sand beach, Salterra brings a full luxury resort experience to an island still defined by its historic salinas, pristine waters, bonefishing flats and uninhabited cays. Upon landing at South Caicos International Airport (XSC), guests are approximately 10 minutes from the resort.
While flights go on sale today, the airline’s BermudAir Holidays vacation-packaging division will offer curated travel to South Caicos from next month, featuring flights, hotels and authentic island experiences, with bundled discounts and value-added perks, making it even easier to explore the destination.
Previously BermudAir announced seven new routes to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Toronto (YYZ) which will all start in December except for Fort Lauderdale which begins October 26.
Expanded Winter Season
- To South Caicos:
- Twice-weekly nonstop from Newark (Sundays and Thursdays) from December 20 through April 25, 2027.
- To Turks and Caicos:
- Weekly nonstop from Newark (Saturdays) and one weekly direct service (Thursdays) from December 19 through April 29, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Boston (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Baltimore-Washington (Thursdays), from December 24 through April 29, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (Thursdays and Sundays), from December 20 through May 2, 2027;
- Thrice-weekly service from Fort Lauderdale (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), from October 26 through May 3, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from St Petersburg/Tampa (Mondays and Thursdays), from December 21 through May 3, 2027; and
- Weekly nonstop service from Toronto (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027.
“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Now New Yorkers can fly nonstop to two distinct sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands — Providenciales and the secluded island of South Caicos, home to the exquisite Salterra and Sailrock South Caicos resorts.”
The airline consistently earns Net Promoter Scores of 70+, one of the highest ratings in the airline industry. All flights will be operated on comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality.
“South Caicos has always felt worlds away, and that is part of its magic,” said Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO of Salterra. “Beginning this winter, guests can fly nonstop from Newark in 3.5 hours, land at one of the newest international airports in the region and be at Salterra minutes later. This route makes a long weekend escape and an extended stay to one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands remarkably easy, without changing the sense of discovery that makes South Caicos so special.”
For more information or to book flights, visit www.flybermudair.com. Salterra will offer dedicated stay packages timed to BermudAir’s Thursday and Sunday nonstop service. To book a stay at Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, visit www.salterra.com
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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