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Trouble in Paradise: Can We Stop the Bleeding in TCI?

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Ed Forbes

Concerned Citizen

 

October 8, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) is at a critical juncture in our country’s history. Rapid development brings opportunities, but it also comes with deep challenges. As an islander, I can’t help but feel concerned about where we’re headed. Our country, once known for unity and shared values, now seems at risk of losing the very things that made it so special.

Growth is inevitable, but what concerns me most is the erosion of our guiding principles. Generations before us embraced diversity, welcoming people of different backgrounds—nurses, teachers, police officers, and laborers alike—into our community. They believed in the ideal that we were all responsible for each other.

We are now facing a new wave of immigration that doesn’t feel the same. It’s more than just a shift in demographics; it’s a shift in the culture and fabric of our society.

Turks and Caicos has always stood out because of its strong social fabric. Our people lived by the belief that we were each other’s keepers, ensuring the best place to live, work, and raise a family. We also had the benefit of support from Britain and the economic security of the American dollar. But today, we face a new reality—one filled with confusion, division, and violence.

The rise of social media has only deepened the divide. We now chase fleeting things—money, status, likes—while neglecting the connections that truly matter.

We’ve built walls around ourselves and lost trust in one another. In the space between us, misinformation and fear have flourished, leaving us disconnected and vulnerable to manipulation. And for the first time, violence has become a part of the TCI experience, particularly among our youth.

Real conversations and conflict resolution must become a part of the norm of how issues are resolved and not allow our emotions and pride to get the best of us.

The question is, are we teaching conflict resolution in our homes, schools, and churches?

Our youth are left with no tools to handle disagreements, and violence has become the default. We must ask ourselves, what are we doing to guide them away from this dangerous path?

If we want real change, we can’t just complain—we must act. We need to hold our governments, governor and those responsible for our national security accountable for failure to proactively address glaring issues. But it’s not just about the government.

Every institution—legal, political, religious, and social—has played a role in this unraveling. True accountability requires us to look at the bigger picture and address the systemic issues plaguing our society.

We must also guard against the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a select few. In addition, providing equal opportunity to disenfranchised communities is vital.

Despite the concerted efforts made by our dedicated law enforcement department to curb crime in these pocket areas, in my opinion, not enough is being done to steer individuals away from the life of crime.

When a country fails to deliver on their promise in these challenged areas, ordinary people are left behind, illegal activities festers, resentment and hate grow, which could lead to violence. We’ve seen it happen elsewhere, and we must prevent it from happening here.

This is a reflection on the serious issues facing the Turks and Caicos Islands, and it highlights how violence and crime have become normalized to the point where concern for the loss of human live is often secondary to curiosity about location.

What we fail to grasp is the interconnectedness of these islands, what affects one impacts all. This is a shared struggle requiring a collective response.

There is no single solution. The issues are multifaceted, requiring a coordinated and holistic approach. Many of the solutions have been previously raised or touched on by various concerned citizens and groups.

Just to name a few;

Is there an Active Prison Board? A robust prison system with a focus on rehabilitation could indeed mitigate the formation of dangerous subgroups, both in and out of prison. Proper policies and leadership from a dedicated prison board would ensure the system works not just to detain but to reform.

Do we have a widely recognized “Think Tank Committee” designed to solicit independent voices and ideas to help influence government and public decisions?

Maritime Patrol: Strengthening maritime patrols around key areas such as Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and Great Sand Cay would help secure the islands from illegal activities like trafficking and other crimes that take advantage of unpatrolled waters.

Crime Stoppers Program: Increasing the financial appeal and effectiveness of anonymous reporting through Crime Stoppers could build public trust. It’s crucial that more people believe in the confidentiality of the system to encourage a higher level of crime reporting.

Lighting and CCTV: Improving surveillance infrastructure, with better lighting and strategically placed CCTV, would undoubtedly enhance law enforcement’s ability to prevent and solve crimes. These technological tools are vital in deterring criminal activity, providing a sense of security for tourists and citizens alike, in addition to quickly identifying suspects.

The natural beauty of TCI, often hides these deep-rooted issues, but progress and change won’t come from ignoring the underlying challenges.

What we need is strong, decisive leadership, paired with community involvement. Having a comprehensive strategy along with a well executed plan, will disrupt and dismantle these illegal drug trade networks which appears to be fueling the fire.

To answer the question, “Yes we can”. Real change will only come when everyday people rise up, not as lone voices, but in large numbers, unafraid to speak truth to power.

This is our country’s moment of reckoning. Let’s not waste it.

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Beaches Turks & Caicos wrapped up another successful Provo Men’s Premier League season  

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos continued its strong commitment to sports development in the Turks and Caicos Islands with its sponsorship of the 2025/2026 Provo Men’s Premier League, a partnership that has significantly elevated the competition for a second consecutive year.

The season, which saw an increase in participating teams and heightened competitiveness across the league, has been widely regarded as one of the most successful in recent years. The top honours were shared between two of the league’s most dominant sides, SWA Sharks FC and Academy Eagles FC, both delivering consistent and high-level performances throughout the campaign.

Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) Technical Director Dane Ritchie highlighted the critical role Beaches Turks and Caicos played in strengthening the league’s structure and overall quality.

“The sponsorship from Beaches Turks and Caicos for the second year helped tremendously in making the competition a success,” Ritchie said. “This season we were able to have a more structured programme with the inclusion of youth talents coming to the fore, as well as the improvement of the coaching staff for the different teams being certified by Concacaf.”

Ritchie noted that the enhanced organisation of the league created more opportunities for emerging players, while also raising the standard of coaching and match preparation. The integration of youth talent into senior teams was particularly impactful, signaling a positive shift toward long-term player development within the territory.

Provo Men’s Premier League President Patrick Baptiste echoed these sentiments, describing the season as a milestone for both football and youth advancement in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“This was a very good year for football and youth development,” Baptiste said. “We were able to overcome a few challenging moments, but the overall grade for this season is an A.”

Baptiste emphasised that the continued support from Beaches Turks and Caicos has been instrumental in driving the league forward, providing much-needed financial backing and stability.

“With a title sponsor like Beaches Turks and Caicos providing the financial support again for this season, we are grateful,” he added. “We have come a far way and we still have a way to go, but the TCIFA team has been charged to continue to be creative in our marketing and being more inclusive in how we seek to showcase the talents of the TCI.”

Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort General Manager Deryk Meany also expressed satisfaction with the partnership and the overall progress of the league.

“Our commitment to youth development and the growth of sports and community throughout the TCI is of paramount importance to us as an organisation,” Meany said. “We are satisfied with this partnership and being the main sponsor is a major accomplishment for the resort. We are happy to have fielded a team this season that was placed fourth in the knockout round of the competition. We are seeking to continue to provide growth for our team members as well as the development of talent throughout the TCI.”

The 2025/2026 season also reflected broader efforts to professionalize football operations locally, including improved scheduling, officiating standards and fan engagement initiatives. Matches drew increased attendance, while community interest in the sport continued to grow, particularly among young athletes aspiring to compete at higher levels.

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Platinum Sponsor Beaches Turks & Caicos celebrates top Corporate Engagement title at DG’s 5K 2026  

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos has been recognised with the corporate engagement award after fielding the largest number of participants in the second staging of the Turks and Caicos Islands Deputy Governor’s 5K Run/Walk, held recently.

The resort, which also served as a platinum sponsor for the event, mobilized an impressive team of 100 participants, demonstrating its strong commitment to community engagement, health, and philanthropy. Proceeds from the initiative will benefit three key organisations: the Turks and Caicos Islands Cancer Society, the United Way of the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Ashley Learning Centre.

General Manager Deryk Meany praised the collective effort of the Beaches team, highlighting the significance of the initiative both for employee wellness and community impact.

“This was a team effort that saw the resort mobilising a strong team to participate in this event,” Meany said. “It provided a healthy activity for participation as well as giving back to a worthy cause. Congratulations to the Deputy Governor and her organising team for staging such a successful event.”

Participants from across various departments joined the early morning run/walk, showcasing camaraderie, determination and a shared commitment to making a difference.

Hotel Manager Ghislain Boutoulle described the event as both physically rewarding and meaningful.

“The route was very good. It was challenging at first but once I got the pace of the run, it was a good morning workout that was done for a worthy cause,” Boutoulle shared. “The Beaches team were well organised and showed the grit and determination to complete the run.”

For many team members, the experience extended beyond fitness, offering opportunities for personal connection and memorable moments. Soraha Jolly from the resort’s entertainment department highlighted the event’s emotional significance.

“This was good. I got the chance to participate with my mother and we ended the run feeling healthy,” Jolly said. “The event was a combination of partnership, healthy lifestyle and camaraderie. I am looking forward to the next staging to be the first to register for the Beaches team. It was a great experience for the entire team, but a very special one for me and my mom.”

Deputy Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams commended all participants and sponsors, with special recognition given to Beaches Turks and Caicos for its outstanding contribution.

“The three beneficiaries for this year’s staging were carefully selected to benefit from this event,” the Deputy Governor noted. “Giving back to the community, providing support for health through the Cancer Society and building a strong platform for education with the Ashley Learning Centre allowed the team to give back to a great cause.”

She continued, “We are grateful for all our sponsors but a special commendation to our platinum sponsor, the Beaches Turks and Caicos team, for not only donating but having the largest contingent of participants for this event. This is what true partnership looks like as we continue to build a strong relationship to make our community and the Turks and Caicos Islands better.”

The Deputy Governor’s 5K Run/Walk continues to grow as a signature community event, promoting wellness while raising critical funds for organisations that support health, education and social development across the islands.

Beaches Turks and Caicos’ strong showing this year underscores the resort’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility and community partnership. With its record participation and enthusiastic team spirit, the resort has set a high benchmark for future events, reinforcing its role as a leader in both hospitality and community engagement in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Experience Turks and Caicos and Statistics Authority Publish Latest Visitor Exit Survey Report    

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (June 16th, 2026) — Experience Turks and Caicos, in collaboration with the Statistics Authority, has announced the completion and publication of the latest Visitor Exit Survey Report, providing enhanced insights into visitor behaviour, spending patterns and overall travel experiences in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Visitor Exit Survey is a joint initiative designed to better understand the characteristics of visitors to the destination, including their travel motivations, length of stay, expenditure, satisfaction levels and perceptions of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a tourism destination.

While exit surveys have been conducted in previous years, this latest publication marks a significant enhancement in the way tourism data is collected and shared. It introduces a new quarterly reporting framework, with surveys conducted at the end of each quarter and findings published on a more frequent basis throughout the year.

This improved reporting cycle is intended to provide more timely and actionable insights to support tourism planning, policy development, marketing strategy formulation and broader industry decision-making.

“The Statistics Authority is pleased to partner with Experience Turks and Caicos on the Visitor Exit Survey program,” said Mr. Shirlen Forbes, Director. “As tourism remains the cornerstone of our economy, reliable and timely data is essential for understanding visitor behaviour, measuring tourism’s economic impact and supporting informed decision-making. We value our ongoing collaboration with Experience Turks and Caicos and believe these quarterly reports will provide stakeholders with valuable insights to help guide the future growth and development of the industry.”

Miss Sharissa Lightbourne, Marketing Intelligence Manager of Experience Turks and Caicos, noted that the expanded approach will allow government and industry stakeholders to better track trends in visitor behaviour and assess the economic contribution of tourism beyond traditional arrival statistics.

“Data is the foundation of informed decision-making and plays a critical role in shaping the future of our tourism industry. The insights contained in this report provide a deeper understanding of who our visitors are, how they experience the destination, and how they engage with our tourism product. This information is invaluable to our hotel partners, service providers, investors and other stakeholders as they refine their business strategies, enhance the visitor experience and identify new opportunities for growth. I would like to thank the Statistics Authority for its continued collaboration and commitment to strengthening tourism intelligence in the Turks and Caicos Islands. I encourage everyone in the industry to download the report and explore the valuable insights it contains,” she said.

The findings will also support more targeted destination marketing efforts, improved visitor experience initiatives and more informed investment decisions across the tourism sector.

Experience Turks and Caicos and the Statistics Authority reaffirm their commitment to strengthening tourism intelligence and ensuring that stakeholders across the industry have access to reliable, timely and relevant data.

Download the report here: https://issuu.com/myexperiencetci/docs/tci_departing_visitor_survey_report_q1_2026

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