News
Primary Healthcare at the Heart of National Growth, Says Dr. Daren Hall at TCIBO 2025
Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
Turks and Caicos, June 29, 2025 – At the Turks and Caicos Islands Business Outlook 2025, Dr. Daren Hall, CEO and partner at Family Care Medical Centre and president of the TCI Medical Association, delivered a powerful address underscoring the urgent need for preventative healthcare investment. His message was clear: TCI must act decisively now, or face spiraling costs and diminishing national resilience.
Sound Economics of Preventative Care
Dr. Hall opened with a compelling economic rationale: every $1 invested in health yields up to $4 in economic return, according to WHO metrics. Healthy populations not only reduce dependency burdens but also enhance productivity—making healthcare investment not a choice, but a requisite for sustainable economic development.
Despite this, TCI’s health ecosystem remains reactive rather than proactive. In 2023–24, the Health Budget stood at $87 million, representing 24% of total national spending. However, access remains fragmented, workforce shortages persist, and over-reliance on overseas medical referrals drains foreign exchange and undermines fiscal stability.
Dr. Hall drove his point home: “The time has come for firm investment in Primary Healthcare,” and he urged the crowd to see healthcare not as a drain, but as an investment in human capital and economic resilience.
Current Gaps and Future Fixes
According to Dr. Hall’s presentation, TCI’s health system faces three critical gaps:
- Limited mental health services and chronic care programs
- Underdeveloped data systems for tracking health outcomes
- Patchy integration of community health in national policy
To bridge these divides, he advocated for measurable reforms: digital healthcare platforms for remote islands, tax incentives for community clinics, mandatory health impact assessments for major projects, and robust workforce development subsidies.
Vision for Impact
With over $400 
million in cash reserves, TCI has the fiscal means to act. Dr. Hall outlined three ambitious benchmarks to measure success:
- 90% Primary Health Care (PHC) coverage across all islands
- 50% reduction in overseas medical referrals, by bringing care home
- A fully digitized health record system, underpinning evidence-based policymaking
Such outcomes, he argued, would pay for themselves—and more—through reduced treatment costs, improved workforce health, and less budget leakage abroad.
Accountability in Practice
Dr. Hall emphasized that promises must translate into action. Accountability mechanisms should include:
- Regular national reporting on PHC expansion
- Independent audits of digital health systems and workforce training
- Transparent benchmarks to track referral reductions and health outcomes
Community clinics should step forward as first responders in prevention—with tax incentives and grants aligned to performance. Meanwhile, digital data would not only inform policy but empower local providers to identify trends, prevent chronic disease, and direct resources efficiently.
Health as National Foundation
“Health is the foundation of sustainable growth,” Dr. Hall proclaimed. He called on government, private sector, and civil society to join in building “a resilient, healthy future—together.” He painted a picture of TCI as a model small island state: one that treats health as integral to development, not marginal to it.
Why Now Matters
Without timely transformation, TCI risks becoming reliant on overseas treatment at increasing costs: every referral abroad accounts for not just treatment fees, but travel expenses, time lost from work, and emotional stress on families. Under a preventative model, those resources remain invested locally—into clinics, nurses, doctors, and infrastructure.
Successful implementation could not only buffer the health system against shocks—like pandemics or natural disasters—it would also strengthen TCI’s case as an economic and investment destination. Investors and families are more confident in countries where public services are robust and people can access care.
Call to Action
Dr. Hall closed with a call to action:
“We must lead with courage, equity, and innovation.”
He urged the rollout of PHC infrastructure, comprehensive digital records, and workforce supports; he emphasized prevention as the pathway to prosperity. TCI stands at a crossroads. By committing now to preventative healthcare, the country can safeguard futures—turning health spending into economic opportunity.
Conclusion
Dr. Daren Hall’s presentation at TCIBO 2025 was more than a diagnostic—it was a plea matched to evidence and anchored in possibility. With dedicated resources, digital systems, and primary healthcare expansion, TCI could reduce dependency, cut overseas treatment, and leap toward a healthier, more prosperous tomorrow. The question now: will policymakers and stakeholders rise to make health the cornerstone of national strategy—or wait until costs make the choice moot?
News
The Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (February 25th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands began 2026 on a positive note, with stayover arrivals in January surpassing the same period in 2025.
Preliminary figures indicate that 56,830 stayover visitors arrived in January 2026, representing a two percent increase year-on-year. The steady growth continues the positive momentum experienced at the close of 2025.
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, attributed the encouraging performance to new collaboration with tour operator partners as well as increased airlift from key source markets.
“We anticipated a strong January performance following the growth recorded in November and December. The winter season has traditionally been a robust period for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this year that strength has been further supported by enhanced collaboration with partners and expanded airlift from Canada and the United States We are cautiously optimistic about maintaining this upward trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.
Cruise Sector
In cruise, preliminary figures show 122,935 cruise passenger arrivals in January, reflecting a 15 percent decrease compared to January 2025.
The decline is attributed to a reduction in cruise calls during the month. A total of 33 vessels called on Grand Turk in January, seven fewer than during the corresponding period last year.
Marketing Shows
As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier luxury destination, Experience Turks and Caicos has been actively participating in the Travel & Adventure Shows across several major cities in the United States.
The destination has already been showcased in Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago, with Fort Lauderdale and Denver scheduled in the coming weeks.
Public Relations Manager Laura Dowrich represented the Turks and Caicos Islands alongside the destination’s U.S. marketing agency, ABA Global.
Beaches Turks & Caicos – Stone Creek Travels
“One of the most encouraging takeaways from these shows is that the Turks and Caicos Islands is indeed on travellers’ radar. We met many visitors who shared fond memories of their time here, others who already have trips booked and were seeking recommendations on activities and dining, and many more who aspire to visit. It was a pleasure highlighting our multi-island destination and sharing the many experiences that make the Turks and Caicos Islands truly special,” said Ms. Dowrich.
Awards & Recognition
Building on a stellar year of accolades in 2025, the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun 2026 with additional international recognition.
The destination earned a Gold Badge in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing #5 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean and #5 in Best Beaches in the World. In the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Grand Turk was ranked #10 among the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit.
About Experience Turks and Caicos
Middle Caicos Dragon Cay Resort
Experience Turks and Caicos is the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is committed to positioning the destination as a premier, sustainable luxury tourism hub. By leveraging smart tools, data-driven strategies, and stakeholder collaboration, Experience Turks and Caicos focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and fostering long-term industry success.
About the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the destination is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Each island and cay offer a unique experience:
- Providenciales boasts world-class resorts, fine dining, and high-end tourism offerings.
- Grand Turk serves as the vibrant hub for cruise tourism and historical exploration.
- The sister islands provide a gateway to nature, adventure, and authentic local culture.
Recognised as the world’s best-kept secret, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer effortless luxury, with seamless connectivity via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Photo Captions:
Grand Turk – slow travel with us
North Caicos – Correy Forbes
South Caicos Sail Rock
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
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Caribbean News
Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.
The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.
“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital
policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.
“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”
Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.
Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.
Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.
Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.
Photo Caption:
TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain
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News7 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
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Caribbean News1 week agoLiberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
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News7 days agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals