News
43 Nominated as Voters decide who will lead TCI into Next Decade
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, January 19, 2025 – Forty-three men and women have secured nominations for the February 7 General Elections according to the Elections Department of the Turks and Caicos Islands; it reflects a relative decrease in nominee interest despite a constitutional expansion of electable seats in the House of Assembly.
Nomination day was held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 across the voting districts of the TCI.
Each of the major political parties – the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) and the Progressive National Party (PNP) had 19 individuals officially nominated for the 19 seats now up for grabs in the upcoming runoff. Ten of those seats are districts, the other nine are for the all-island or at-large contenders.
It is a consequential race which establishes who will govern the islands into the next decade.
The third party, the Progressive Democratic Alliance (PDA) which now enters its third election race has one man who will challenge in the all-island category, which has grown from five seats to nine.
Five independent candidates have nominated this time around, showing a waning interest there as electors continue to cast votes largely for the established political machinery.
In the recent constitutional amendment, which took effect in late November 2024, the concept of appointing four people to the House of Assembly was repealed and replaced. The four, which came – two from the Governor and one from each major party – will now be elected to serve by the Voters.
Each ballot will feature two distinct sections, according to the Elections Department. One section will be devoted to the all-island candidates, the other section will be for the constituency or district candidate choices.
Voters will choose nine people in the all-island category and one individual to represent their home constituency.
Forty-three names on a single ballot where you get to choose multiple candidates may seem daunting, but over the years electors have managed the transition remarkably well, though the tallying process was often described as protracted.
It was in 2012 that the Turks and Caicos adopted, constitutionally, this unique style of voting. It would still employ the first past the post system, which gives the seat to the candidate with the popular vote or most votes at the end of the night. It now also gave electors the option of choosing more representatives. That meant someone for the district and five people who ran on a national level.
Previously, Turks and Caicos elections featured 15 constituency seats; often with only two contenders. One from the PDM and one from the PNP; voters were expected to select one and be done. Over the years that has brought election victory evenly to these two political camps. Six election wins for the PDM, the oldest party and six election wins for the PNP, the incumbent party.
Based on the numbers, the dramatic change to elect not one but six MPs presented in the revised, UK-drafted 2011 Constitution Order seemed to be an exciting new prospect. It followed three-years of UK Direct Rule, when elected representation was put on hold due to jarring allegations of “systemic corruption” in government and abuse of power in governance.
This broadening of the field of who could serve in the house of representatives held the power to not only disrupt the popularity of a two party system but it flung wide the doors of opportunity to individuals who brought independent insight and opted to run unattached to the entrenched parties.
There were 37 candidates in that general election, given the nod by the PDM, the PNP, the PPP (People Progressive Party, which is now defunct) and those who ran as independents.
The November 9, 2012 general election ballot had six constituencies which featured three candidates, four of them offered to the voter two candidates and vying for the five all-island seats available at that time, were 11 individuals.
Voter turnout was nearly 88%; the highest it’s been since the 2011 constitution was enacted.
Four years later, the December 15, 2016 general election saw voter turnout dip by 7% but candidates’ interest in House of Assembly representation boomed with 52 nominees.
It was the election cycle that saw the birth of a new political party, the PDA and a whopping number of independents offered for the five all-island seats.
History shows 31 candidates ran for the 10 district seats with South Caicos fielding the most, at four candidates on the district side of the ballot paper. In the all-island category, 21 names were presented to the nation.
Fast forward to February 19, 2021 when interest in candidacy dwindled to its lowest, 38 people.
We saw no challenge of the PDA in any of the constituencies and unattached interest came from seven individuals.
Voter turnout also dropped dramatically in 2021 to 75%, reflecting that over 2,000 voters or one third of the electorate did not participate in the vote. While the lower turnout could have been fear linked to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, many leaned toward high voter apathy or disillusionment with the political system.
After a noteworthy bi-partisan victory on changes to the Constitution, the 2024 amendments gave voters more to consider. More candidates for which to cast a vote, more years for political parties to serve and more ministers to carry out country affairs, among other things.
Voters can select a total of ten individuals to serve in what will now be the Parliament of the Turks and Caicos Islands. That’s four more votes to be carefully chosen by colouring in an oval next to the name of the candidates of one’s choice. One constituency, nine all-island.
The excruciating wait for returns and results on the choices of now 9,353 registered voters – an increase of 772 electors – will be cut significantly as ballots will now be tabulated, electronically.
Electronic voting makes its debut in the Turks and Caicos Islands on February 7, 2025 and when the results come in, whomever is named the winner in each of the 10 districts and whomever makes it as among the top nine finishers in the All-Island category will go on to comprise the Parliament for the next five years.
Caribbean News
Royal Caribbean Group and Sandals Resorts Announce Landmark Partnership to Accelerate Their Leading Vacation Experiences
Royal Caribbean Group Investment to Advance Sandals and Beaches’ Growth and Broaden the Group’s Vacation Portfolio
Montego Bay, Jamaica and Miami, September 24, 2026 – Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) and Sandals Resorts today announced the signing of an agreement to form a partnership in the all-inclusive resort space with a 50% investment from Royal Caribbean Group. Building on Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ more than four decades of leadership in Caribbean hospitality, the joint venture will create new opportunities for continued resort growth while broadening the experiences across Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform.
The partnership brings together two of the travel industry’s most celebrated vacation companies, pairing Sandals and Beaches’ all-inclusive
resort expertise with Royal Caribbean Group’s vacation platform, including industry-leading brands – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea – a portfolio of private destinations, new river cruising offering, and an industry-first loyalty program. United in a shared history in the Caribbean and connected by a love for their communities, the companies will offer travelers an unparalleled collection of cruise, private destination and resort experiences, serving guests across more vacation occasions and establishing their undisputed leadership in Caribbean vacations.
The joint venture expands Royal Caribbean Group into an adjacent vacation category, growing its participation in the approximately $2 trillion global vacation market, and meets the growing global demand for Sandals and Beaches Resorts by accelerating their expansion. The partnership will include Sandals and Beaches’ collection of premier all-inclusive properties across the Caribbean, and the companies will explore opportunities to broaden distribution, deepen guest engagement, and make it easier for travelers to discover vacation experiences offered across both portfolios.
“For nearly 60 years, we’ve reimagined what a vacation can be, constantly expanding the ways we inspire our guests to explore, connect and create lifelong memories,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “We have been building a vacation platform that brings joy to millions of people around the world and creates meaningful relationships that last with our guests. Our partnership with
Sandals and Beaches Resorts is an important next step on that journey – bringing together two iconic leading vacation companies to further strengthen and grow one of the most admired resort portfolios in the world. The Stewart family has created powerful and beloved brands, and we are honored to build on that legacy. Together, we see tremendous opportunity to expand the reach of Sandals and Beaches Resorts and continue turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.”
“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality. Today is proof of how far that vision can go,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. “This partnership is the natural next step in building on that conviction. It gives us the ability to grow faster with a partner that shares our values of exceptional hospitality, long-term investment, and the power of enduring brands. Together, we will introduce more guests to Sandals and Beaches Resorts while creating even more extraordinary experiences for those who have made our resorts part of their lives for decades.” Stewart added, “As we continue to grow, we will remain true to what has always defined us: delivering authentic vacations that exceed expectations while creating opportunities for our team members, travel advisor partners and the communities we call home. The future has never been brighter, and I know this moment would make my father incredibly proud.”
The joint venture will be governed by a board under the shared leadership of Stewart and Liberty. Stewart will maintain a leadership role in
guiding the company’s long-term strategic growth as Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. Existing reservations, loyalty programs, resort operations and cruise operations will continue as usual, with the partnership bringing additional resources to support future opportunities.
Under the terms of the agreement, Royal Caribbean Group will acquire a 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion, representing a forward EBITDA multiple of approximately 10x. Royal Caribbean Group has secured committed debt financing from Morgan Stanley to fund the investment. The transaction is expected to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions, and is expected to be accretive to earnings next year.
BofA Securities and PJT Partners acted as financial advisors, and Latham & Watkins and Jones Day acted as legal advisors to the Sandals Group. Perella Weinberg Partners and Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisors and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to Royal Caribbean Group.
PHOTO CAPTION: Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, and Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, mark the signing of an agreement to form a landmark partnership that expands Royal Caribbean Group into the all-inclusive resort space and supports the future growth of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. The signing took place at Royal Caribbean Group’s new headquarters in Miami, with the city’s skyline in the background.
The Caribbean tourism deal first reported as a possibility on Tuesday is now a signed agreement. Royal Caribbean Group plans to pay
approximately US$3 billion for a 50% stake in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, putting the value of the business at about US$6 billion. The purchase is expected to close in early 2027, subject to approvals.
Founded in Jamaica by the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart in 1981, the resort business has a presence across nine Caribbean destinations, including Jamaica, The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Sandals has described its workforce as nearly 20,000 people, most of them Caribbean nationals.
“My father, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founded Sandals Resorts with the belief that a company built in the Caribbean could stand on the world stage alongside the most respected names in hospitality,” said Adam Stewart in the announcement carried by PR Newswire. He will remain executive chairman, while the Stewart family retains a stake. The companies say existing reservations and resort operations will continue as usual.
News
Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands Empowers Local Students Through Back-to-School Backpack & Supplies Drive
PROVIDENCIALE, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS — The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI) is proud to
announce the successful completion of its 2026 Back-to-School Supplies Initiative, distributing essential backpacks and educational materials to local students and families across the community.
With the new academic year underway, this annual drive was designed to alleviate the financial burden on families while equipping local youth with the necessary tools for academic success.
Education is an investment in a better generation and a brighter future. We are grateful to all our generous donors and supporters whose contributions helped make this initiative possible.
The initiative’s success was made possible through the collaboration and contributions of local corporate partners and community members. IATCI extends its sincere appreciation to the following sponsors for their support and commitment:
• Mayaa Ltd, Ayavue Enterprises, Provo Café, Sunny Foods, Gold Smith, Charlie’s, Kishco / Kostco, Citrusbuy Ltd.
Through partnerships like these, IATCI continues its commitment to fostering community growth, supporting educational development, and making a lasting positive impact across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
About the Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)
The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands is a non-profit community organization dedicated to cultural enrichment, community service, and supporting educational and social initiatives throughout the islands.
Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)
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