PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM, ENVIRONMENT, HERITAGE, FISHERIES, AGRICULTURE AND GAMING
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, Minister of Tourism and Environment, continued his series of field visits today in Grand Turk, where he met with local vendors and beach wardens. The day’s activities began with a tour of Governor’s Beach and a visit to the Local Village, where the Minister expressed his appreciation for the vendors’ invaluable contributions to the tourism sector and gathered insights into their daily operations.
Governor’s Beach and the Local Village serve as vital tourism hubs, providing sustainable livelihoods for entrepreneurs—particularly young Turks and Caicos Islanders. These engagements underscored how local businesses influence policy-making and enhance tourism offerings, reinforcing their importance to the community’s ongoing success.
During his visit, Hon. Jolly emphasized the need for beach vendors to have appropriate insurance coverage to safeguard their enterprises and visiting guests. He proposed establishing a cooperative group insurance plan to expand access to affordable insurance and promote the long-term sustainability of these beachside ventures.
“I am passionately committed to empowering young business owners, especially Turks and Caicos Islanders, to fully harness the immense opportunities within our thriving tourism industry. Safety and protection are paramount for both vendors and visitors. To address this, I will explore and seek to implement a robust cooperative insurance plan to safeguard our local businesses and allow them to operate confidently. During my tenure, I will work to establish strong support systems to ensure our businesses thrive and excel. I must also emphasize that the beach belongs to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, who value it for its natural beauty, cultural significance, and recreational opportunities,” said Hon. Jolly.
Deputy Premier and Minister with Responsibility for the Grand Turk Enhancement and Sustainability Agency (GTESA), Hon. Jamell Robinson, who was also present, echoed the Minister’s sentiments and pledged his full support:
“We are committed to collaborating so that local businesses have the essential infrastructure and support to flourish. By doing so, we will collectively strengthen Grand Turk’s economy.”
Through continued collaboration, innovation, and backing from the Ministry, Hon. Jolly and Deputy Premier Robinson intend to establish a solid foundation for local vendors in Grand Turk—ensuring both the community and tourism sector continue to prosper.