News
Over 2000 skipped 2021 Elections; Can new campaigns end Voter Apathy?
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, January 10, 2025 – There are 772 more people who have the power to help determine the next government of the Turks and Caicos Islands; which means there are 9,353 voters who can participate in the February 7, 2025 General Elections.
A nine percent increase which is commendable, but it still misses that long-standing, elusive target of getting to at least 10,000 registered electors.
There is considered debate around the level of apathy amongst voters in the TCI.
This unenthusiastic posture toward the political landscape of the Turks and Caicos became a significant topic of discussion and ultimately a
deciding factor in the General Elections of 2021 where voter turnout sunk to under 77%.
It meant 2,121 people did not cast a vote or 25% of voters stayed away from the polls.
In the upcoming race, which has not only expanded the list of candidates from 15 to 19, giving each elector the power to decide upon ten members of the House of Assembly, there is a longer term for governance, now extended to five years.
In statistics published by the TCIG Elections Department, the figures from the previous election can be analysed and the Elector’s List for the upcoming poll can be accessed. The information is interesting and exposes that key in the February 7 run off, is voter turnout. The looming question being, can parties get people out to the polls?
We sized up each district for you.
For Electoral District 1 or Grand Turk North, voters dropped by four to 750.
For Electoral District 2 or Grand Turk South, voters dropped by 32, with 956 now on the register.
For Electoral District 3 or South Caicos, there has also been a dip with seven less voters; a total of 359.
For Electoral District 4 or North and Middle Caicos there has been a boost of 11 electors to 609.
For Electoral District 5 or Leeward and Long Bay, there are 50 more voters at 941 registered.
For Electoral District 6 or The Bight, a hefty 122 more voters took the list to 1,043 people.
For Electoral District 7 or Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill, voters are up to 1,430 which is a hike of 125.
For Electoral District 8 or Blue Hills, the register has 81 more electors or 1,081 voters to decide the seat.
For Electoral District 9 or Five Cays & Chalk Sound, the boom in voters is biggest at 206 more for 1,345.
For Electoral District 10 or Wheeland, another spike with 142 added; 839 people eligible to cast a ballot.
As notices from the Elections Department, Integrity Commission and political parties begin to populate advertising and social media spaces, it is clear that the country’s main political rivals are in a fierce fight in the countdown to February 7.
Nomination Day is next Tuesday January 14. On that day, candidates will become official, political party endorsements secure and perhaps independents will step forward in an offer to serve in the nation’s parliament.
In February 2021, the Progressive National Party led by Washington Misick decimated the competition, taking all but one electoral district, capturing all five All Island seats.
Four years earlier, the Peoples’ Democratic Movement also enjoyed a landslide victory when voters rejected the team in yellow in order to elect the country’s first woman premier.
Analysts of the statistics and trends of Turks and Caicos general elections through the years can often surmise one thing; there is a high chance for voters to swing, sit out or slay the party of their choosing in the ballot booth.
If the last general election results are any indicator, the turnout exposed an electorate which was unenthusiastic about the vote. In all but two constituencies, the number of electors opting not to vote had the power to shift the popularity and possibly alter the election outcome.
Otis Morris, the winner for the PNP in ED1 had 123 more votes than his PDM contender but 153 people sat out of the vote. Overall voter participation, according to the Elections Department, was 79.71%.
Edwin Astwood, the lone PDM winner in ED2 had 117 more votes than his PNP challenger, but 213 people were a no-show at the polls. Voter participation was 76.95%.
South Caicos gave 81 more votes to John Malcolm of the PNP, one of the only races where even if all of the absent voters were to decide on his competition, the PNP would have still emerged victorious. The official results reflected that fifty-three electors did not vote for a turn out of 84.94%, one of the highest that day.
North and Middle Caicos gave 73 more votes to the incumbent, Arlington Musgrove. Eighty-five voters did not cast any ballot according to the final results. It was the constituency with the highest voter turnout at 85.79%.
Another victory which would have remained unchanged, even if all of the voters went with the PDM was in Leeward and Long Bay where three-time MP, Akierra Missick got 211 more votes and 182 did not show up at the polls in that district. Turn out in ED5 was 79.57%.
Electoral District 6, The Bight chose Matthew Stubbs, who secured 68 more votes than his PDM challenger. But a whopping 255 people did not show up to cast votes. One of the lower voter turnouts for the Turks and Caicos on February 19, 2021 at 72.31%.
ED7 is Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill, the largest constituency by voter count. It was also a close race with very low voter turnout. Only 68.81% of voters came out which means 407 voters stayed away from the polls. The PNP’s Samuel Been won the district over the incumbent by 76 votes.
Blue Hills was also a loss for the PDM party, but there were only 15 votes that separated the candidates when Randy Howell was declared the winner. Still, when you consider voter turnout was dismal, 65.1% and the lowest in the islands, you begin to see how 349 voters missing the election could have made a difference in this race.
A big battle was for Five Cays and Chalk Sound. It was also a significant upset with the PNP’s Rachel Taylor securing 151 more votes when 76.29% of the electors turned out. A staggering 270 people decided not to participate in the ED9 run off.
The TCI’s tenth constituency is Wheeland, where counting went into the wee hours of the morning. Three votes separated the winner from the incumbent. The PNP pulled off an upset by getting three more votes than the PDM’s candidate. Voter turnout was at 77.91% and 154 people opted not to cast a ballot.
The General Election of 2021 bears a striking contrast to years previous in the Turks and Caicos, as elections before enjoyed far more robust participation of the Electorate, which is crucial in a nation where the people able to cast a vote make up only 20% of the population. It is true, these 9,353 registered voters make the choice with which some 37,000 others have to live.
When British Direct Rule ended and elections were called in November 2012, voters came out in strong numbers with nearly 88% voter turnout recorded for a Rufus Ewing-led PNP victory by one seat.
In 2016, when the PDM led by Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson celebrated a landslide victory with 10 seats of 15, there was a drop in voters, however the 80% participation remained impressive to many.
It is hoped that political parties can energize their bases or perhaps attract new support as they have already begun political rallies around the islands. While on many fronts it appears voter apathy is higher than ever, there is a possibility for a strong pitch which presents a compelling vision for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Everyone we’ve spoken to, says somebody’s gotta bring it. So we return to the question, with which we started, can either of these parties or an independent candidate, inspire, ignite or rekindle a fire so hot that it gets voters from the sidelines to the poll lines come next month.
News
Beaches Turks & Caicos resort hosts high school tourism clubs from Providenciales and North Caicos
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort recently welcomed students from Clement Howell High School in Providenciales and Raymond Gardiner High School in North Caicos for an immersive educational tour designed to expose young learners to the dynamic world of hospitality and tourism.
The visit formed part of the resort’s ongoing commitment to youth development and community engagement, providing students with
insight into the operations of the Caribbean’s leading hospitality brand. During the tour, students were introduced to various departments across the resort, gaining a deeper understanding of the wide range of career opportunities available within the industry.
General Manager Deryk Meany addressed the visiting students, encouraging them to think creatively about their future career paths and to remain open to exploring non-traditional roles within the hospitality sector.
“The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and there is space for innovation, creativity and leadership at every level,” Meany shared. “At Beaches Turks and Caicos, we are proud to provide opportunities for young people to jumpstart their careers, while also developing the skills needed to grow into future leaders.”
The local youth engaged with team members across multiple disciplines, including guest services, food and beverage, entertainment and operations.
Kawanza Morley, Tourism Club leader at Raymond Gardiner High School, expressed appreciation for the experience, noting its value in reinforcing students’ academic learning.
“This visit allowed our students to see firsthand how what they learn in the classroom translates into the operation,” Morley said. “We are
grateful to Beaches Turks and Caicos for their hospitality and for creating such a meaningful and engaging experience.”
Educators accompanying the students also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between schools and industry leaders. Raphael Delpeche of Clement Howell High School commended the resort for its ongoing support of youth development initiatives.
“We are very pleased with the level of exposure our students received,” Delpeche stated. “This relationship continues to create valuable opportunities for our students to better understand the industry and envision their future within it.”
For many students, the tour provided inspiration and a renewed sense of possibility. Tamani Gardiner, a fourth form student from Raymond Gardiner High School, remarked on the professionalism and efficiency observed throughout the resort. “I was really impressed by how smoothly everything operates,” Gardiner said. “The level of professionalism from the staff shows what it takes to succeed in this industry.”
Similarly, Clement Howell High School student Tanika Lightbourne shared her enthusiasm for continued involvement with the resort through its internship programme.
“I’m looking forward to returning to Beaches Turks and Caicos for another year of internship,” Lightbourne said. “This experience has helped me grow and I’m excited to keep learning and developing as a young professional.”
Through initiatives like these, the resort continues to play a vital role in empowering youth across the Turks and Caicos Islands and preparing them for meaningful careers in one of the country’s most important industries.
Photo Caption (insert): Students from the Raymond Gardiner High School pause to capture a photo moment at the Treasure Beach Village overlooking the infinity pool during their recent resort tour and educational experience
Caribbean News
Sandals® and Beaches® Resorts Launch Rebranded Loyalty Program, ‘Island Insiders Club’
~All-inclusive resort company elevates rewards program, offering expanded benefits and member-only events & experiences, rooted in the spirit of the islands~
MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA, July 2, 2026 — Sandals and Beaches Resorts unveiled today the introduction of its new Island Insiders Club, the next chapter of its refreshed loyalty program. Replacing the long-running Sandals Select Rewards program (established in 2008), the new program is designed to elevate the guest experience with a more immersive approach to awards and recognition. Effective July 1, 2026, the transition will preserve members’ current status and existing benefits, while expanding access to enhanced rewards, exclusive events and enriched experiences that bring members closer to the Caribbean.
“We are expanding how loyalty shows up across every stay to encapsulate what our loyal members already are — an inside part of the
Sandals and Beaches family,” stated # SVP of Loyalty at Unique Vacations, Inc., worldwide representative of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. “We developed this program side-by-side with the guests who know the resorts, the islands, and the people best, drawing on extensive focus groups, surveys, and direct feedback. The result is a loyalty experience that goes far beyond points, and is felt in every welcome home.”
Guests can enroll in Island Insiders Club before their very first visit, and begin earning status after their first stay. The program features seven levels of loyalty, the highest being Ambassador, followed by Pearl, Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Coral and Shell (which replaces the former Select tier).
More Access. More Recognition. More Caribbean.
Sandals Select Rewards members will roll over to the Island Insiders Club on July 1, 2026, maintaining their status and benefits with no reset.
Island Insiders Club highlights include:
- Choice of Insider Reward: A flexible credit that lets Insiders choose the experiences that best match their vacation style, from relaxing at the Red Lane Spa to embarking on an adventure with Island Routes.
- The Insiders Shop: A private online merchandise store featuring premium collections and limited-edition drops, including handcrafted artisanal pieces, available exclusively for Island Insiders.
- Room Upgrade Hotline: Now available exclusively for members, Insiders can request a room upgrade 30 days prior to travel and receive up to 50% off their upgrade when they call a dedicated number.
- Dedicated VIP Concierge Line: A one-stop, full-service customer care team supporting Diamond, Pearl, and Ambassador members throughout their vacation journey, helping to book their flights, tours, special requests and more.
- Expanded Insider Experiences, On and Off Resort: Exclusive Insider events including specialty weeks focused on diving, autism inclusion, and culinary experiences on resort. Plus, access to a series of experiential events across the globe.
- 20% off Managers Wine List Discount: Returning members receive 20% off the Manager’s Wine List, offering another elevated touch for dinners, celebrations, and special moments on resort.
- $200 Laundry Service Credit: Ambassador members will receive a $200 laundry service credit, adding an extra layer of ease and convenience to longer stays.
- Complimentary Week Stay: A complimentary 7-night stay at any resort of choice is awarded to members after every 70 paid nights.
- New Member Incentive: Those “newly inside” who book and travel will receive 5,000 bonus points after their first stay.
As always, Insiders enjoy special access to cabanas, a complimentary photo on every trip, member discounts on everything from retail and
watersports to candlelight dinners, and added savings on future stays at the loyalty lounge.
New Name, New Look and a Nod to Nostalgia
The Island Insiders Club’s refreshed visual identity is built around a simple pair of sandals, now the signature symbol of Island Insiders Club and a throwback to an Insider tradition that’s been worn for decades, from vintage gold and silver pendants in the early days to the leather necklaces shared at member events today.
The new brand look will roll out across consumer touchpoints in the months ahead, from dedicated Island Insiders Club lounges to on resort signage, marketing and sales channels, digital and more, bringing Island Insiders Club to life through a modern design and multiplatform approach.
An Exclusive Inside Scoop
In true Insider fashion, Island Insiders Club was first unveiled to the brand’s most loyal members during a special “Step Inside Our Sandals” video conference. Designed as an Insider-first briefing, the call gives top members an early look at brand news and upcoming developments. Hosted by Peter Menges, the event walked members through the highlights of the new program, what to expect, and the refreshed look and feel of Island Insiders Club, before Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ Executive Chairman Adam Stewart gave an exclusive look at what’s next and the reimagining of three iconic Sandals Resorts in Jamaica.
For more information about Island Insiders Club or to become a member, visit: www.sandals.com/islandinsidersclub.
Go behind-the-scenes of the Island Insiders Club with Peter Menges on the Sandals Palmcast and read the latest on the Sandals blog.
GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands – A young man who learned to play hockey on Cayman Islands’ only roller hockey rink has achieved
what once seemed impossible—becoming the first Caymanian ever selected in the National Hockey League Draft.
Eighteen-year-old Jaxon Cover was chosen 32nd overall by the Ottawa Senators, making him the final first-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft and the first player from the Cayman Islands to hear his name called by an NHL franchise.
The achievement is remarkable not only because of where Cover comes from, but because of how recently he began playing on ice.
Growing up in Grand Cayman, Cover developed his skills playing roller and ball hockey, as the islands have no permanent ice rink. He did not lace up ice skates until he was 13 years old, yet within just five years had developed into one of the world’s top junior prospects.
Last season, the talented right winger starred for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, recording 52 points on 20 goals
and 32 assists in 67 games, performances that caught the attention of NHL scouts.
His mother, Nanalie Cover, described the family’s emotions as “very thankful, grateful and humbled,” adding that she hopes her son’s journey becomes “a symbol of what we can do, and what is possible for all, irrespective of where they originate.”
The Cayman Islands Government also hailed the milestone, saying Cover had “redefined the boundaries” of Caymanian sport and demonstrated the limitless potential of the nation’s young people.
Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage Isaac Rankine called the draft selection “a proud and historic moment for the Cayman Islands,” saying Cover’s success will inspire a new generation of athletes to pursue their dreams, no matter how unconventional the path.
For a country better known for beaches than ice rinks, Jaxon Cover’s remarkable rise proves that talent, determination and opportunity can overcome even the most unlikely beginnings.
From a roller rink in the Caribbean to the bright lights of the NHL, Cayman has produced its first hockey trailblazer—and perhaps not its last.
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