Rashaed Esson

Staff Writer 

May 2, 2024 – The Latin America and Caribbean region is projected to see slower economic growth for 2024, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in a report published on April 19.

Growth, the organization says, is expected to slow to 2 percent down from 2.3 percent compared to 2023 and this is due to weaker external environments, specifically the trade side, as well as the effects of strict policies put in place to tame inflation, which are still in the process of solidifying.

This may come across as bad news but Rodrigo Valdes, Director Western Hemisphere Department IMF Moderator, in a video press briefing assured that it isn’t.

“We see risk around this baseline projection as broadly balanced. This is not, as we saw this in the past, this is good news, and this reflects basically more balanced global risks,” he maintained.

Considering all of this, Valdes expressed that the region has shown great resilience over the past few years since the pandemic rebound, which he says has been “stronger than expected.”

Valdes spoke to labor markets being in good standing as well as unemployment which remains at historical Lows.

In continuation, he says  inflation is receding throughout the region and is expected to contour to fall for the rest of the year. Rodrigo Valdes further expressed this is thanks to timely action by regional central banks and of the global disinflation trends.

“Risks to inflation have also become more balanced than in the past although it’s still [tilde] to be more persistent or higher than these expectations that it’s going down,” he added.

Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands – The Board of Directors and Members of the Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association today mourn the loss of TCHTA and industry stalwart, Ian McLeod.

McLeod, a former Director at the Ocean Club Resorts from 2003 – 2019, was a champion for Turks & Caicos tourism and a fundamental figure in the association. He was a dedicated Board Member of the TCHTA and served as the association’s President for four years. He remained active and was an integral part of the TCHTA’s Sustainable Tourism Committee until he retired in 2019. His commitment extended to the entire region, serving on Boards with the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.

“Ian was meticulous in his research and was keen on information-sharing for the benefit of the industry,” said Stacy Cox, TCHTA CEO. “He was passionate about the work, the people, and the country.”  His commitment to legislative changes that would benefit the hospitality industry was admirable, and Ian was called upon often to assist with the preparation of white papers to propose beneficial policies.

Hailing from Montreal, McLeod was an accomplished hotelier having managed hotels in locations such as Dubai and Auckland. He made Turks and Caicos his home and ran the Erebus Inn before taking a position with Ocean Club Resorts. In 2020, the TCHTA awarded McLeod the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his dedication to the industry and the organization.  After his tenure with Ocean Club Resorts he started McLeod Consulting, lending his expertise to investors and stakeholders in the tourism space.

Beyond his professional contributions, Ian was committed to community safety and welfare, serving as President of Crime Stoppers Turks and Caicos. In this role, he championed innovative approaches to encourage confidential information-sharing, enhancing local efforts to assist police in maintaining peace and security in the islands.

TCHTA President James McAnally reflected, “Ian’s dedication to the country and his genuine love for the community cannot be understated. He was relentless in his efforts to shape policies that would ensure the sustainability of the industry and the environment. His work and influence have been instrumental in advancing the work of the association.”

Ian’s impact on Turks & Caicos tourism and community safety will be remembered as a cornerstone of his legacy. The TCHTA extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Ian McLeod during this difficult time.

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, May 2, 2024 – It’s confirmed, threats were made against Turks and Caicos public officials as emails announced that there were bombs placed at both the JAGS McCartney International Airport and the Providenciales International Airport; four different threats between April 26 and 29; now the lead police official is decrying the actions.

“I unequivocally condemn the actions of those who delight in creating chaos through cyberspace,” said Edvin Martin, Commissioner of Police, on Wednesday as he described the acts as reprehensible.

Flights were delayed hours and passengers were stranded as airlines moved aircraft out of harm’s way and paused flights due to the threats.  Each time, the airports were evacuated of passengers and personnel.  While many believed the calls were a silly “prank”, standard precautions were taken to ensure public safety; it meant a significant inconvenience for travellers.

The police commissioner, in his Wednesday statement, revealed that the country’s public officials had also been targeted in bogus, but serious claims.  Martin stopped short however of informing how those public figures and who specifically was targeted.

“A dedicated team of officers searched the premises and surroundings, but nothing was ever found.  Threats have also been issued to public officials.  The Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force, view bomb hoaxes and threats as wholly reprehensible and aimed at disrupting our community.”

These words did offer some comfort and context for an anxious public, though it took days for this branch of law enforcement to officially speak on the issue.  The threats were yet another smear on the country’s safety record which captured international media attention, as well.

Also coming on Wednesday, about an hour before the public heard from the police chief, a statement from Edwin Astwood, Opposition Leader, who expressed his disappointment with what he described as the air of quiet from the government.

“The individual/ individuals/ organization behind these current threats appear to know well that the Airports are critical hubs of transportation and commerce, hence making them attractive targets to cause harm, sow chaos, or disrupt societal order. This is especially amplified in an archipelago nation and one that the economy is based on Tourism. As such, action is needed by the government, not silence,” he continued, “But the Premier and his team are saying nothing and doing nothing.”

Astwood’s suggestions for a more secure TCI against these threats include, increased cybersecurity measures; Email Threat Intelligence; Enhance Emergency Response Training; Explosive Detection Systems; and Email Authentication Protocols.

Despite this it was  Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Border Services, who was the first and only legislative official to comment. His words, shared in an update from the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) on Monday after the third and fourth emails included:

“We take each of these threats received to our airports very seriously. They are indeed criminal activity carried out through malicious emails, and the Airports Authority is doing everything within its power to ensure that there is increased security surveillance at its airports. They are also working with the police to crack down on these threats.”

The police are credited with taking action right away after threats were issued, clearing airports and doing safety sweeps. Royal TCI Police also provided the all clear notices in each case.

“If you have any information about the identities of those behind these hoaxes, I urge you to come forward and report it,” appealed the Commissioner, he continued, “We are collaborating with our regional and external partners to tackle this issue, our agency will also do everything possible to protect TCI.”