News
Letter to the Editor
Calling Hon Rachel Taylor Elected Representor for Five Cays, along with your PNP Government, The Commissioner of Police, and The Superintendent of Police.
#TurksandCaicos, July 7, 2023 – You were Elected, and now we feel Neglected! DID YOU REALLY COME FOR THIS “WOK”?
I hope this letter finds you well. We are writing to address the urgent matters that affect the residents of the Five Cays community, sometimes it’s good to sit and be silent, allowing the happenings of today to pass and the action of tomorrow to be realized. It is time to break the silence and take meaningful action to address the challenges we face. We can no longer wait idly for the elected Government and the Police Department to fulfill their responsibilities. We need concrete steps and real progress, not merely symbolic gestures.
First and foremost, we are seeking answers. The faith we once had in our leaders has been eroded by recent events. With four deaths in a single week during June alone, coupled with the escalating violence over the past two years and a lack of effective communication on prevention and deterrence, our faith is diminishing each day. We must now question the methods employed and demand transparency. How are the CCTV cameras being utilized? Has data collection been conducted to ensure the cameras are adequately positioned in the Five Cays area, particularly in
high-crime zones? How has this substantial investment contributed to crime-solving efforts in one of the most challenging areas?
Furthermore, communication is of utmost importance. Currently, there is a severe lack of updates provided to families and communities regarding ongoing investigations. It feels as though we are left in the dark, only receiving updates when arrests are made. However, what about the families eagerly awaiting news while investigations are ongoing? Why is there so much radio silence? A system for regular updates and information dissemination needs to be established to address this issue effectively.
We, the residents of Five Cays, deserve more than last-minute road repairs and empty promises. We yearn for a time when our community is viewed with respect and admiration, rather than being perceived as a haven for violence and unanswered questions. We long for the day when we can traverse the roads you so eagerly repair and feel acknowledged and understood.
It is disheartening to realize that Five Cays does not appear to be the focus of your work. We implore our elected officials to roll up their sleeves and genuinely commit to the tasks they vowed to undertake. You must provide answers, make meaningful efforts, and implement necessary changes to transform Five Cays into a place of decency and respectability.
The good news is that we genuinely want you to succeed in your endeavors. We desire a better Turks and Caicos culture and reject the path of violence and diminished quality of life. We want to afford the elected Government a fair opportunity to guide us toward a prosperous future for the next generation—one where the Turks and Caicos Islands boast a thriving, vibrant culture. Therefore, we kindly request a face-to-face meeting, inviting you to join us in our backyard. It is time to get your hands dirty and visit the areas where none of you reside, where the fear of safety does not haunt your every step. We seek a chance to sit down with you, and the elected officials, and discuss how we can collaboratively find workable solutions and foster better relations for the benefit of Five Cays. It is crucial to remember that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and presently, our chain is in pieces.
We eagerly anticipate your positive response and willingness to engage in dialogue that will lead to the transformation we so desperately need. Together, let us strive towards building a stronger, safer, and more united community.
Sincerely, The Concern Residents of Five Cays Please don’t take this letter lightly.
Enough is Enough
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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