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CTO’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference Opens in Turks and Caicos on Wednesday

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos (October 10, 2023) – After a hiatus of five years, the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) flagship event, the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) is set to kick off tomorrow at The Shore Club in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Bringing together government and private sector tourism leaders from its member nations under the theme “Invest. Innovate. Inspire – A New Model for Caribbean Tourism Growth”, SOTIC provides stakeholders a unique opportunity to collaboratively examine tourism investment and financing in the Caribbean.

Presiding over the conference for the first time, Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General and CEO of the intergovernmental body, invited delegates to share their perspectives on how best to invigorate the Caribbean tourism industry and establish efficient frameworks for prosperous public-private partnerships during the two-day conference, which follows two days of destination briefings for members of the media and business meetings.

“Tourism Investment and Financing in the Caribbean” is the focus for the presentations and panels taking place on Wednesday, October 11, while delegates will explore “Drivers for Caribbean Tourism Growth” as an overarching topic on Thursday, October 12.

Welcoming travel- and tourism-focused journalists from the Caribbean, Latin America, the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom as well as local media yesterday, Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism for the Turks and Caicos Islands, presented a comprehensive overview of the archipelago’s tourism product, its culture and history, and plans for sustainable development of its lifeblood industry.

Following the Turks and Caicos presentation, invited media received destination briefings and updates from tourism representatives of other CTO member countries and territories in attendance, including Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts, St. Martin, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Tobago.

Monday’s program also included a meeting of the CTO Executive Committee, while meetings of the CTO Board of Directors and the Council of Tourism Ministers and Commissioners took place on Tuesday.

Presentations and panel discussions at SOTIC will address topics such as Sustainable Financing for Caribbean Tourism; Perspectives on Investment Trends, Partnerships and Maximizing Tourism Growth; Strategies for Positioning Caribbean Tourism for New Investment Opportunities; Sustainability: The New Tool in the Destination Marketing Mix; Aviation Competitiveness in the Caribbean; Digital Transformation in Tourism – a Roadmap for the Caribbean; Engaging the filmed entertainment industry to advance Caribbean tourism: Opportunities and Challenges; and Stakeholders Speak Out on the Path Towards Tourism Growth in the context of the TCI Experience.

The conference agenda also includes a recorded video message from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and a keynote address, which will be delivered by Franz Rojas-Ortuste, Director of Water and Sanitation Analysis Division at CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean.

In addition to ministers and commissioners of tourism and other related ministries; directors and chief executives of tourism authorities, boards and destination marketing organizations; and members of the media, SOTIC facilitates the participation of regional and international representatives from investment entities, funding institutions, airlines, cruise lines, accommodations providers, property developers, and academia in meaningful discussions around major issues impacting the development of the region’s tourism sector.

The CTO’s popular Caribbean Tourism Youth Congress, which invites students between the ages of 14 and 17 from CTO member countries and territories to research various facets of the tourism sector and share their ideas and vision about future directions for Caribbean tourism, takes place on Friday, October 13, at Beaches Turks and Caicos. Following the student presentations, one youngster will be named Regional Junior Minister of Tourism for 2023-2024, which includes service as a youth ambassador for his or her destination and the region for one year.

SOTIC 2023 concludes with a press conference and wrap-up immediately following the Youth Congress proceedings.

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Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders, executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.

Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.

In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.

The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.

This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.

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New Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission

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Darius E. Ferguson, Member of the Integrity Commission Board

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.

Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.

A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.

Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:

“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”

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Multi-Agency Planning Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, 5 February 2026, at Block and Parcel 60503/17 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Planning Department, pursuant to its statutory authority under the Physical Planning Act to address unauthorised development. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Crown Land Unit and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.

The enforcement action formed part of a Public Private Partnership initiative between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and private landowners. The registered owners of the land would have sought the state’s assistance to issue copies of Section 58 Enforcement Notices on unlawful structures identified on the parcel. The subject parcel comprises approximately 25 acres extending across Millennium Highway.

During the exercise, a total of fifty-four (54) copies of the Enforcement Notice were issued on structures located on the parcel. Notices were affixed to structures and served on persons found to be occupying illegal developments.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold planning regulations, protect property rights, and promote orderly and lawful development. Persons undertaking construction are reminded that development without the requisite planning approvals is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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