TCI News
TCI: Premier Delivers Remarks at the Caribbean Federation of Welfare Associations
#TurksandCaicos, May 22, 2018 – Providenciales – Opening with light humor and reflecting on their Theme “Fusing Ideas to Promote Standards and Unity in Regional Law Enforcement,” Premier Robinson shared a story of Caribbean nationals living in the UK and how fusing ideas, agreeing standards and sticking together achieve the outcome they all wanted.
See Highlights of Her Remarks Below:
I wish at the outset to welcome you to the Turks and Caicos Islands and trust that these days together be truly productive ones as you no doubt review your last year against your Organisations Vision and Objectives and that you are enthused and excited to take on a near year.
Until I received this Invitation, admittedly I was unaware of the Organisation. I researched your Website and saw where you were formed some years ago in the Bahamas by 9 countries. Your vision statement and objectives are noble but it must be more than that: it must be live and active.
Policing is a noble profession and you may be right up there with politicians who are needed but are more abused by those they are charged to take care of than any one else. Feelings of under-appreciation, in a too often thankless job, frustrated sometimes by the same Organisation we are a part of but expected to solve problems without the people the greatest partners we can both have. Too many are silent when things go right and whilst you do not work for praises, you think it would be good every now and then to hear “thank you”, thank you for the sacrifices you make, what you expose your family to. Job well done. Did I capture that right?
But what ought to keep you motivated? Love of job yes, but love of the same people…what a conundrum! Why? Because nothing is as satisfying as helping people, protecting people and doing your job well. Trust me, you are specially called to this field. Not any and everyone can be a Police. But just as important as the love of job and love of people, you, the Welfare Association ought to keep your Organisationmotivated. You must have your hand on the pulse of the Organisation: the members. They need your voice at the Table you sit. You must make it your business to know the collective as well as individual challenges and struggles. You must be allowed to do your job and you must meet with your members but also you must meet with your Governments. No Government wants or needs a Policing Body that is unhappy.
I note your mission:
Pillar 1: “To Collaboration and co-operation in the development of representation on behalf of its members”.
You here have taken on a more nobler role, that of helping your fellowmen by representing their cause. You must be bold in your role and carry out your duties without fear and favour. The welfare of persons who are charged with keeping the peace is not a slight thing. We need healthy (not just physically but mentally healthy) and happy Officers and that is in your hands.
But while the Welfare Association is responsible for the Police, it is equally important that each member realise that he/she is responsible for each other for whatever one of you do, reflects on all of you. Be honest, be fair and do your job.
I also charge those in higher ranks to do not be stumbling blocks or to be a reason why the local Associations are unable to represent effectively. It can only help the Organisation: boost morale and involvement with a greater flow of ideas from quarters who otherwise could not be heard. You must represent on issues even when they do not affect you.
Secondly I note that the second Pillar of your Mission is “To communicate with the ACCP, CARICOM and any other stake holders on matters brought to the attention of its executive and make recommendations”.
I challenge you to ensure that National Security – the threat to our region be a staple item on Caricom’s Agenda. You are in this respect the caretakers of our tourism product. The infiltration of weapons and unsavory characters is an issue for us all. Whilst we seem to all be moving towards APIS and AFIS, we as a region must continue to pool our best resources: our minds.
And whilst we speak of enforcement even in our local context as a region, we must see the best strategy will and must always be to rehabilitate and prevent. Let this also be at the forefront of your minds in your local representation and regional representation at the highest level of Caricom. A region moving together focused on the right things can be a powerful change.
We must feel you in our individual countries and region. You are vital whether you accept it, feel it or not.
I wish for you a fresh zeal as you work to strengthen your Organisation and each other and as you seek to strengthen each other and consequently your Organisation.
Hon Sharlene L Cartwright Robinson
Premier & Minister of Finance
The Turks and Caicos Islands
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks & Caicos continues to lead the way in sustainability by cultivating a
culture of environmental stewardship across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through the introduction of biodegradable alternatives, agricultural education and community partnerships, the resort is setting a new standard for eco-conscious hospitality. As part of its ongoing sustainability mission, the resort has replaced single-use plastics and certain chemicals with compostable, biodegradable products derived from natural sources, to reduce pollution and minimize the resort’s carbon footprint.
“At Beaches Turks & Caicos, sustainability is woven into every part of the guest experience,” said Managing Director, James McAnally. “From the products we use to the relationships we nurture, our goal is to make responsible environmental choices that benefit our guests, team members and the wider Turks and Caicos community.”
The resort also practices on-site composting, recycling fruit and vegetable waste from its kitchens to enrich soil and sustain its lush
landscaping. This closed-loop system reduces waste and promotes biodiversity across the property.
Beyond the resort, Beaches collaborates with local partners including schools, government agencies and NGOs to extend green education into the wider community. Through the Sandals Foundation, the resort supports projects such as the installation of water filtration systems, tree-planting activities and biodegradable workshops. Schools like Enid Capron Primary have expanded their farming projects and integrated agricultural science into their curriculum thanks to this partnership. Beaches also leads regular coastal cleanups and reforestation drives which inspires residents and students to play an active role in protecting their environment. “The Earth Guardian volunteers take pride in giving back to our schools and the communities we serve,” noted Public Relations Manager, Orville Morgan. “These initiatives create a sense of shared responsibility that strengthens both our communities and our natural resources.”
With its commitment to biodegradable innovation, sustainable education and environmental action, Beaches Turks & Caicos continues to set the benchmark for biodiversity and sustainability in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Photo Captions
1st insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos and the Sandals Foundation celebrate with students at the Enid Capron Primary School in a Reading Road Trip experience where guests and students get to experience a cultural melting pot of activity.
2nd insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort Simone Woodfine from the Bar Department prepares to plant a tree at one of our schools to celebrate the mission of providing a healthier environment for the Turks and Caicos Islands
TCI News
Turks and Caicos Corporate Community Join Beaches Resort to Raise Funds for Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief
Turks and Caicos Islands, December 17, 2025 – Corporate partners in and around Providenciales recently joined Beaches Turks and
Caicos Resort raising over US $54,000 to support Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief effort. The fundraising dinner, aptly titled, ‘One Caribbean, One Family, One Love’ saw over eighteen companies gather on Friday, December 12 to support the recovery of families and the rebuilding of communities affected by the category 5 storm.
“When our Caribbean family calls, we will respond with love,” said Deryk Meany, General Manager of the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort. “Today it is Jamaica that is affected, but tomorrow, it could be the Turks and Caicos or another neighbouring island. We are committed to serving our brothers and sisters and are deeply grateful to everyone who have donated to the cause.”
Since the passage of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica on October 28, the Sandals Foundation has been working around the clock with local
agencies and international partners to provide shelter essentials, food, and clean water, restore schools, and provide medical support to hospitals. Funds raised at the recent benefit dinner will help bolster the next phase of the philanthropic organisation’s support to rebuild schools and livelihoods in affected communities.
“As we continue to provide essential first-relief support, we have already begun our long-term recovery response,” says Patrice Gilpin, Public Relations Manager at Sandals Foundation. “Many schools, which are the cornerstone of stability, learning, and emotional support for our young ones, require urgent attention. This donation will go a far way in restoring a sense of normalcy in the lives of our youngest and most vulnerable.”
The One Caribbean, One Family, One Love fundraising dinner featured, amongst other things a silent auction of Sandals and Beaches
Resort stays, airline tickets, spa services, catamaran cruise, and private chef dinner. The night’s four course meal was also spearheaded by the TCI’s 2025 Taste of the Caribbean silver medalist culinary team- all of whom volunteered for the event.
Managing Director of the Northern Caribbean and Curaçao, James McAnally expressed delight at the outcome noting, “The success of this event is indicative of the power of partnerships to effect real change. We are grateful to the TCI business community, resort guests and our resort team for coming together and making this moment count.”
Photo Captions
1st insert: Sandals Foundation Public Relations Manager Patrice Gilpin (centre) accepts the cheque from Beaches Turks and Caicos resort General Manager Deryk Meany (left) and Managing Director of the Northern Caribbean and Curacao James McAnally
2nd insert: Members of the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort’s entertainment team were on hand to provide scintillating performances at the event
3rd insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort General Manager Deryk Meany (5th left) poses for the cameras with representatives of the Graceway Communities as he personally thanked those who were in attendance
TCI News
Experience Turks and Caicos Projects Month-on-Month Growth of Stayover Arrivals for Winter Season
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (December 17th, 2025) – As the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes visitors for the 2025/2026 winter season, forward bookings for the peak travel period from December to March are projected to surpass those of the same period last year. Experience Turks and Caicos is also forecasting steady month-on-month growth throughout the first half of 2026, with forward bookings already tracking ahead of 2025 levels.
“This is welcome news for our tourism sector, which experienced modest declines over the last two quarters,” said Mr. Paul Pennicook,
Interim CEO Consultant of Experience Turks and Caicos. “One of the key drivers of this positive outlook is increased airlift, including a 19 percent increase in capacity from Canada for the winter season and a six percent increase from the United States.” Mr. Pennicook also attributed the improved projections to targeted marketing and trade engagement efforts led by Experience Turks and Caicos, particularly ongoing training and education for travel advisors and tour operator call-centre agents across all key source markets.
“We have maintained a strong presence through product launches and travel trade events such as Delta Vacations University, while significantly increasing the destination’s visibility through co-op advertising with major tour operators in our three primary markets,” he added.
Public relations activity has also played a critical role, with several hosted media visits from journalists in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Latin America, alongside proactive pitching efforts that resulted in more than 100 placements in travel trade and consumer publications in 2025.
Analysis of current booking patterns also indicates a notable shift toward shorter booking windows. “One major U.S. tour operator reports
that over the past several weeks, approximately 90 percent of bookings have been for travel within the next 60 days,” Mr. Pennicook noted. “Hoteliers are reporting similar trends, suggesting the potential for further growth as we move into 2026.”
Despite the positive outlook, October and November recorded declines in stayover arrivals. Preliminary data shows 30,508 air arrivals in October, representing a seven percent decrease compared to October 2024, largely due to reduced airlift from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom as well as the impact of Hurricane Melissa on travel to the region. November recorded 52,547 stayover arrivals by air, a marginal one percent decrease year-on-year.
As the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes visitors back to its shores this winter season, Experience Turks and Caicos would like to reassure that the island remains safe and welcoming. Statistics from the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force show that overall crime is down, with a 40 percent reduction in murders. Experience Turks and Caicos is working closely with the police force to ensure tourism areas are well monitored and patrolled to enhance visitor security.
