New TCHTA Board Deepens Strategic Partnerships Across Sectors

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, May 20 ^th 2025 – In the early weeks of its new term, the Board of Directors of the Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) has maintained strong momentum, continuing the Association’s focus on stakeholder engagement and sector-wide collaboration. Building on existing priorities set out in its strategic plan, the Board has engaged key national stakeholders in high-level conversations focused on safety, public health, and financial accessibility, all critical to maintaining the strength and reputation of the destination’s leading industry.

In a meeting with the country’s new Commissioner of Police, Fitz Bailey and Acting Assistant Commissioner Kendall Grant, the group engaged in meaningful dialogue around enhancing public safety and preserving Turks and Caicos’ standing as a secure destination. The Commissioner shared encouraging news of a 27% reduction in serious crime year-to-date and outlined several strategic focus areas being explored to build on this momentum, including broader collaboration with the private sector as the Force continues to expand and evolve.

The Commissioner spoke of improved intelligence-led policing efforts, greater emphasis on public education and officer wellness, enhanced traffic and tourism-related enforcement, and emphasized that “Sun, Sand, Sea…and Security” must remain central to the Turks and Caicos Islands for the benefit of both residents and visitors.                                                                                                                                                      The TCHTA reiterated its support of national efforts, and the parties agreed on the value of reinvigorating quarterly engagements and exploring avenues for information sharing, accountability, and collaborative problem-solving.

In a separate session spearheaded by the association’s People Development Committee, Human Resource managers from TCHTA member properties met with the Minister of Health, Kyle Knowles, to explore ways to streamline the health certification process for migrant workers – a key step in onboarding staff within the hospitality industry. The conversation highlighted delays and bottlenecks in the current certification process, communication challenges, and opportunities for policy and procedural improvements.

The Minister committed to quarterly check-in meetings with the HR working group to track progress, share updates on system implementations, and collaborate on sustainable solutions. This will help ensure industry compliance with the Ministry’s requirements and make the system more responsive to the realities of the tourism workforce.

This month, the TCHTA also held a follow-up engagement with members of the Bankers Association, continuing the dialogue on how best to support both businesses and their employees through more responsive financial services. Updates were shared on previous action items, and both parties agreed to continue identifying ways to improve financial literacy and education initiatives, access to timely banking solutions, and relationship-building between hospitality employers and the financial community.

“Our focus as a Board is to stay engaged, stay aligned, and stay proactive,” said James McAnally, President of the TCHTA. “By leveraging relationships, elevating member concerns, and driving collaborative results, we’re continuing the important work of ensuring this industry and our people are supported at every level.”

These cross-sector engagements are part of the TCHTA’s ongoing commitment to collaboration, accountability, and the shared advancement of the Turks and Caicos Islands as a world-class destination.