News
Derek Been says he will slay the giant of the two-party system to give ED2 the best Representation
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, February 4, 2025 – The story is well known and at this point in history, undisputed; David slayed Goliath. Derek Been is running independently and without that traditionally beneficial political party endorsement Been’s goal is to emerge the next elected representative of Electoral District two.
It is a grand gesture which boldly stands up to the popular two party system to give the 956 voters of the district a different choice for parliamentary representation. For Been, the focus for Grand Turk South which also includes the island of Salt Cay must be on socio-economic development, providing greater safety and security, regular community engagement, improving healthcare and social welfare, protecting the environment, ensuring sustainable development of the historic islands and repackaging the entire Turks and Caicos.
With a background in news, marketing and as a decades long tenure as a civil servant who served as Director of the Immigration Department, Been is seen as a community supporter and builder. Despite a less than glorious end to his life as a public servant, Been is well known and deeply admired for capturing community moments on film and sharing them with the wider world and for his commitment to Church, historic society and for work he has put in to see through infrastructural projects and policy changes while in government.
“It is a battle that is David-like. I recognise the challenges that an independent candidate would encounter, and I am doing what is necessary to overcome such. I run on my background, competencies and decades of community activism and involvement,” explained Been when Magnetic Media asked him what inspired his bid.
As to his plans, well there is a manifesto for expounding on those. Its a 16-page document you can read online at his Facebook page.
He wants to advocate for an end to talk on finally getting Cooperatives off the ground and bring back in person banking to Grand Turk, but for Been, there is lots more. He thinks Grand Turk is ideal for development in the transhipment industry.
“Grand Turk has the sole deep-water harbour in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Its natural attributes, strategic location, and available infrastructure enable it to be promoted as a viable transshipment point.”
This requires better quality internet speeds and a stronger local business environment.
“The re-establishment of ground-based institutions such as the Turks Islands Chamber of Commerce is necessary to retain and grow the
Turks Islands’ economic landscape. This body will lead the coordination of economic growth, advocate for business and community interests particular to Grand Turk and Salt Cay as a priority, and serve as a catalyst for progress in the Turks Islands.”
He said the Chamber drives business growth and is essential to a revival and expansion of the Grand Turk economy.
Also key, improving connections for Grand Turk.
“Direct airlift from the Turks Islands to the United States is directly linked to the expansion of the tourism offering on Grand Turk and Salt Cay. The commencement of airlift remains a priority for the residents and business. We demand and will advocate that this matter be given priority attention and that the airlift matches the demand levels.”
The Government has revealed a Cabinet note where an airline has been approved for travel to the capital.
A November 26 Cabinet report said this: “Approved the subsidized entry of Western Air into Grand Turk with direct service to and from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.”
When it comes to security and safety, Derek Been will advocate for streets to be named, for there to be a greater marine presence in the capital and for additional police staff, he says.
He believes the island needs an official social calendar, more effective waste management and improved health care and social services and lists five points of focus for his campaign:
- Protecting elderly and youth & creating dementia-friendly communities.
- A sustainable National Health System.
- Sports programmes through international partnerships.
- Adaptive reuse of infrastructure for sporting activities.
- Improving local college campus experience.
Been is using a national symbol as his election symbol: the Turks Head Cactus will be next to his name on the race for the constituency.
His challengers are Edwin Astwood, PDM Party Leader and three time member of parliament for ED2 and Walter Gardiner of the PNP, who is not new to election races, also a Grand Turk community leader and runs on the ticket of the party which last election secured 14 of 15 seats in the House.
David (of the Bible) believed the God in him was big enough to give him the power to slay the giant which threatened a good life for his people; similarly Derek Rohan Been believes his faith coupled with his commitment to dedication, transparency and strong representation will leave him as the one standing victorious once the votes are counted.
It all remains to be seen.
The General Elections of the TCI are this Friday, February 7. ED 2 voters will gather at HJ Robinson High in Grand Turk and Mary Robinson Primary in Salt Cay to cast their ballots. Election polls will be open for 12 hours, starting at 7a.m.
News
The Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (February 25th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands began 2026 on a positive note, with stayover arrivals in January surpassing the same period in 2025.
Preliminary figures indicate that 56,830 stayover visitors arrived in January 2026, representing a two percent increase year-on-year. The steady growth continues the positive momentum experienced at the close of 2025.
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, attributed the encouraging performance to new collaboration with tour operator partners as well as increased airlift from key source markets.
“We anticipated a strong January performance following the growth recorded in November and December. The winter season has traditionally been a robust period for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this year that strength has been further supported by enhanced collaboration with partners and expanded airlift from Canada and the United States We are cautiously optimistic about maintaining this upward trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.
Cruise Sector
In cruise, preliminary figures show 122,935 cruise passenger arrivals in January, reflecting a 15 percent decrease compared to January 2025.
The decline is attributed to a reduction in cruise calls during the month. A total of 33 vessels called on Grand Turk in January, seven fewer than during the corresponding period last year.
Marketing Shows
As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier luxury destination, Experience Turks and Caicos has been actively participating in the Travel & Adventure Shows across several major cities in the United States.
The destination has already been showcased in Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago, with Fort Lauderdale and Denver scheduled in the coming weeks.
Public Relations Manager Laura Dowrich represented the Turks and Caicos Islands alongside the destination’s U.S. marketing agency, ABA Global.
Beaches Turks & Caicos – Stone Creek Travels
“One of the most encouraging takeaways from these shows is that the Turks and Caicos Islands is indeed on travellers’ radar. We met many visitors who shared fond memories of their time here, others who already have trips booked and were seeking recommendations on activities and dining, and many more who aspire to visit. It was a pleasure highlighting our multi-island destination and sharing the many experiences that make the Turks and Caicos Islands truly special,” said Ms. Dowrich.
Awards & Recognition
Building on a stellar year of accolades in 2025, the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun 2026 with additional international recognition.
The destination earned a Gold Badge in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing #5 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean and #5 in Best Beaches in the World. In the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Grand Turk was ranked #10 among the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit.
About Experience Turks and Caicos
Middle Caicos Dragon Cay Resort
Experience Turks and Caicos is the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is committed to positioning the destination as a premier, sustainable luxury tourism hub. By leveraging smart tools, data-driven strategies, and stakeholder collaboration, Experience Turks and Caicos focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and fostering long-term industry success.
About the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the destination is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Each island and cay offer a unique experience:
- Providenciales boasts world-class resorts, fine dining, and high-end tourism offerings.
- Grand Turk serves as the vibrant hub for cruise tourism and historical exploration.
- The sister islands provide a gateway to nature, adventure, and authentic local culture.
Recognised as the world’s best-kept secret, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer effortless luxury, with seamless connectivity via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Photo Captions:
Grand Turk – slow travel with us
North Caicos – Correy Forbes
South Caicos Sail Rock
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
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Caribbean News
Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.
The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.
“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital
policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.
“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”
Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.
Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.
Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.
Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.
Photo Caption:
TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain
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News4 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
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