News
The Strand Turks & Caicos opens to Glowing Reviews in Cooper Jack Bay; first guests arrive Saturday
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, November 22, 2024 – As of November 23, the Strand Turks and Caicos will be welcoming its first guests to its idyllic resort nestled in picturesque Cooper Jack Bay, Providenciales. Ahead of the guests’ arrivals, there was the official opening and ribbon cutting which welcomed country leaders and other dignitaries.
“I consider it an honor to be here today, to join the celebrations of the opening ceremony of The Strand TCI, a remarkable addition to our
beautiful islands. This luxurious private residential community development; is indicative of the vision, dedication, and collaborative spirit that defines our islands.
At the outset, I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all those who have played a pivotal role in the realization of this ambitious project. Your commitment and tireless efforts have brought forth a development that enhances our natural beauty while offering a unique lifestyle that aligns with the aspirations of sophisticated homeowners and discerning travelers alike. The Strand TCI stands as a demonstration of excellence in luxury living, and it reflects our collective ambition to elevate the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for sustainable tourism,” said Jamell Robinson, minister of PPID and Deputy Premier.
At the onset, the Strand described itself as a charming, luxury seaside sanctuary capturing elevated views of the Caicos Banks.
“Overlooking the beautiful Cooper Jack Bay on the south coast of Providenciales, known for its serenity and rugged landscapes, the property offers residential-style accommodations and a long list of resort amenities, including a beach club, a restaurant, a marina, a kid’s club, and sports facilities. A full-service spa is also in the works for 2025. Until then, guests can book in-room spa treatments.”
Guests of The Strand, which is part of The Leading Hotels of the World, can book one-bedroom suites, stand-alone villas, and townhome-style residences designed by RAD Architecture and the Fort Lauderdale-based design studio Modus Operandi, informed a Travel + Leisure report on the property.
“As we celebrate this significant achievement, we must acknowledge the vital role that sustainable practices play in our tourism strategy. The government of the Turks and Caicos Islands is steadfast in its commitment to fostering a tourism sector that not only prioritizes luxury and comfort but also respects and preserves our invaluable natural resources. We recognize that our islands are a precious gift, and it is our duty to safeguard their integrity. The Strand TCI exemplifies this ethos, demonstrating how luxury and sustainability can coexist harmoniously,” expressed Hon Robinson in his remarks at the opening.
Guests at the ceremony on Wednesday November 20, were treated to an all access, guided tour of the resort, where they were able to explore the immaculately furnished rooms, enjoy live music, dine on sumptuous cuisine with a special treat: the unveiling of a uniquely commissioned, Bradley Theodore mural.
Theodore, a native of Turks and Caicos is a highly acclaimed, NY-based visual artist who is known for his eclectic and riveting artworks.
“Moreover, I would like to emphasize the importance of the partnerships we cultivate between the public and private sectors. It is through these collaborative efforts that we can drive economic growth, create meaningful employment opportunities, and ensure that our islands remain vibrant and competitive in the global marketplace. The success of The Strand TCI is a quintessential example of what can be achieved when the government and private enterprises work hand in hand towards a common goal. Together, we can build a sustainable future that honors our heritage and embraces innovation.”
That innovation extends to 160 rooms at the resort, starting at around $800 per night.
Specifically, the Strand Turks and Caicos features from sprawling seven bedroom, multi-level escapes ideal for larger groups, rooftop terraces to cozier individual, two and three bedroom suites.
Among the other dignitaries attending the event, government ministers including Hon Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism and the Environment and Her Excellency Anya Williams, TCI Deputy Governor.
From the Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development Minister (PPID), there was commendation for the unique investment.
“As we embark on this new chapter, let us celebrate not only the achievements represented here today but also the promise of what lies ahead. The Strand TCI is a residential community that depicts an embodiment of our shared vision for a prosperous, sustainable, and thriving Turks and Caicos Islands.
In conclusion, I once again express my deepest gratitude to everyone involved in this extraordinary project. Your hard work and dedication are truly commendable, and I am excited about the positive impact that The Strand TCI will have on our islands. Together, let us continue to work towards a future where luxury tourism, sustainability, and community spirit flourish.”
The Del Mar restaurant, to be part of the Strand property is set to open in December.
TCIG knew from April that fuel factor could surge almost 80%; Minister says $500 cost-of-living payment was part of Government’s response
PROVIDENCIALES — The Turks and Caicos Government knew months before July’s shocking electricity bills that consumers faced a potentially massive increase in the fuel factor.
Minister of Information Technology and Energy E. Jay Saunders revealed Friday that Pelican Energy warned his Ministry in April that generation fuel costs were projected to rise from $3.09 per gallon in May to $4.79 in June and July.
That translated into a projected fuel factor jump from about 17.5 cents to 31 cents per kilowatt-hour — an increase of almost 80%.
Saunders said he personally advised Cabinet of the projected increase and presented options for cushioning the impact.
He characterised Government’s $500 cost-of-living payment as its “initial response” to rising fuel costs, before a separate fuel-factor subsidy was approved.
Cabinet records show Government agreed on June 24 to provide funding to mitigate the fuel-factor impact, with the relief programme approved July 8.
Eligible residential customers — those averaging less than $1,500 monthly over the previous three bills — are capped at 22 cents per kWh from July through October.
Pelican confirmed Friday that Government’s contribution was already applied to July bills, meaning the bills now triggering widespread public outrage would have been even higher without the subsidy.
Saunders did not disclose the programme’s total cost.
His admission that Government knew since April, however, raises another question amid the backlash: why were consumers not directly warned by Government about the scale of the approaching increase?
NASSAU, Bahamas — More Bahamians are accessing HIV and sexually transmitted infection-related healthcare through National Health Insurance, a trend the NHI Authority says should be viewed positively.
NHIA stressed in an August 6 statement that its 2025 figures measure healthcare utilisation, not newly diagnosed infections. They include beneficiaries screened, treated, monitored or receiving follow-up care, including people diagnosed previously.
“Increased utilisation of these services should be viewed as a positive development,” NHIA said.
The Authority pointed to “greater enrolment and use of NHI, improved access to screening and testing, continued treatment and monitoring of existing conditions, and increased willingness to seek medical care.”
The development comes amid a mixed three-year HIV picture. New diagnoses rose from 130 in 2023 to 156 in 2024, before declining to 142 in 2025.
NHIA said increased utilisation demonstrates that more beneficiaries are accessing needed healthcare and actively managing their health, reinforcing the importance of screening, early diagnosis and continued treatment.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Americas has recorded 47,459 confirmed measles cases and 44 deaths in 2026, the region’s highest case count in 22 years, prompting the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to urge stronger vaccination, surveillance and rapid outbreak response.
As of July 18, cases were already more than triple the 15,011 recorded during all of 2025. Guatemala, Mexico, the United States and Peru
account for 95% of confirmed cases. Guatemala leads with 30,371 cases and 26 deaths, followed by Mexico with 12,255 cases and 17 deaths.
PAHO classifies the regional public health risk as very high, citing active outbreaks, immunity gaps, international travel and populations with inadequate vaccination coverage.
The organization says prevention starts with vaccination. Countries are being urged to achieve and maintain at least 95% coverage with two doses of measles-containing vaccine, particularly protecting children and under-vaccinated communities.
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash.
PAHO is urging health authorities to detect suspected cases early and respond rapidly to stop transmission. Unvaccinated and under-vaccinated people, young children and communities with limited healthcare access face increased risk of severe illness and death.
-
News1 week agoFacts According to the Turks & Caicos Premier About His Constitutional Amendments
-
News1 week ago80 DAYS. $80 MILLION. – PDM Demands Answers from Government
-
News1 week ago“The Contract is The Problem, Not The Hospitals”
-
News1 week ago
Premier Lays Out Cost of Hospital Dispute
-
News7 days agoPAY FIRST. QUESTION LATER.
-
Education1 week agoDr. Candice Williams Appointed First Vice-President of Regional Higher Education Association
-
Health3 days ago47,459 MEASLES CASES, 44 DEATHS ACROSS AMERICAS
-
News3 days agoELECTRICITY BILL SHOCKER: PELICAN ENERGY WARNED GOV’T