News
CARICOM – A Regional Club With Benefits; Turks & Caicos Wants In
Turks and Caicos, March 18, 2026 – Public reaction across the Turks and Caicos Islands was immediate and, in some cases, heated after the Government confirmed in the House of Assembly on Friday, March 13, that it is exploring a move from Associate Member to full member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The announcement, delivered by Acting Premier and Minister of Immigration and Border Services Jamell Robinson, sparked strong concern among residents, particularly over fears that full membership could require the territory to accept free movement of labour or weaken its immigration controls.
Social media commentary over the weekend questioned why there had been no public consultation and whether the move signaled a shift in
the country’s political direction.
However, a review of the official statement and follow-up remarks made by Robinson this week shows the proposal is not sudden, is not final, and would require approval from all fifteen CARICOM member states before the Turks and Caicos Islands could become a full member.
NOT A NEW IDEA
In his ministerial statement to Parliament, Robinson confirmed that discussions about full membership have been taking place within regional forums for some time.
“As an Associate Member of CARICOM, the Turks and Caicos Islands also participated in caucus meetings and discussions among Overseas Territories and Associate Members regarding regional cooperation and the continued advancement toward full membership within the CARICOM Community,” he told the House.
He added that full membership would allow the territory to engage more directly in decisions affecting the region.
“Full membership in CARICOM would present meaningful opportunities for the Turks and Caicos Islands. It would strengthen our ability to engage more fully in regional decision-making… and ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islands is better positioned to benefit from collective advocacy and coordinated action on issues of common concern.”
The idea of deeper integration is not new. Since the return of elected government in 2012, successive administrations have promoted stronger ties with CARICOM.
Former Premier Dr. Rufus Ewing regularly attended Heads of Government meetings and spoke openly about the importance of regional cooperation, even suggesting that long-term political development for the territory would likely place it closer to the Caribbean than to Britain.
Premier Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson also maintained active participation in CARICOM during her term, focusing on security cooperation, economic recovery, and regional partnerships, though her administration did not pursue full membership.
Under the current administration, Premier Charles Washington Misick has repeatedly said stronger regional integration is necessary for economic stability, security cooperation, and food supply resilience.
FREE MOVEMENT FEARS ADDRESSED
Much of the public backlash centered on the belief that full membership would force the Turks and Caicos Islands to accept the CARICOM free movement of labour provisions.
Speaking Monday to Cheryl Forman, host of First Edition on Radio Turks and Caicos, Robinson said that is not the position being taken by the Government.
“We’re looking for full membership, and just to be clear right off the bat, the Turks and Caicos is not looking to sign on to the free movement
of labour portion of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas,” he said.
He noted that other British Overseas Territories and even some CARICOM members have negotiated exemptions.
“Just like Bermuda, just like the BVI… The Bahamas did not sign off on that portion. Free movement across the region does not even exist in the way people think. It applies only to certain skills and professions.”
Robinson stressed that any agreement would be negotiated and would not remove the territory’s ability to control immigration.
“The full membership process isn’t going to be a case where we lose our ability to determine our immigration and labour policies. Those are things that will form part of our negotiated position.”
WHY GOVERNMENT WANTS FULL MEMBERSHIP
Robinson outlined several reasons the administration believes deeper integration could benefit the territory.
One argument is that Associate Members can participate in discussions but do not have voting power.
“You can think of it as being part of a club. As an associate member, you don’t get all the benefits. You can sit in the room, but you don’t always have a final say in decisions that may impact you.”
He also said regional partnerships have already proven critical in national security.
“If it were not for the ability of our Premier to pick up the phone and speak to Prime Minister Davis in The Bahamas and Prime Minister Holness in Jamaica, our crime situation would be completely different,” Robinson said, referring to the deployment of tactical officers from both countries to assist local police operations.
He added that closer ties could also help reduce the cost of living through regional trade.
“In some cases, the very same products we import from the United States originate in the Caribbean, go to the US to be repackaged, and
then come back to us. If we can trade more directly within the region, that could help bring down prices.”
Robinson also pointed to discussions within CARICOM about improving regional shipping, food production, and transportation links, including plans for Guyana to become a major agricultural supplier for the region.
NOT A GUARANTEE
Despite the public debate, Robinson emphasized that full membership is not automatic.
Any application must be negotiated and approved by all CARICOM member states, meaning the Turks and Caicos Islands cannot simply decide to join on its own terms.
That reality, he said, is why the Government is still developing its negotiating position, including work on population policy, immigration strategy, and labour planning before any final step is taken.
The debate now unfolding across the territory reflects more than a policy proposal.
It highlights a deeper question that has existed for more than a decade — whether the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands lies primarily with the United Kingdom, or increasingly with the Caribbean region to which it is geographically, economically, and culturally connected.
For now, full CARICOM membership remains only a possibility — but one that has clearly stirred strong emotions in a country still deciding how far regional integration should go.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
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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