TCI News
BAHAMAS: Government Pushing Agenda that Embraces Technology and Innovation
#Nassau, March 7, 2019 – Bahamas – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest said the government is committed to pushing an agenda that embraces technology and innovation as a response to the dynamic times.
“This is one of the rationales for the Government’s focus on entrepreneurship. Specifically, we are interested in fostering a culture of entrepreneurship to unleash the full creativity and genius of Bahamian innovators,” the Deputy Prime Minister said at the Deltec Annual Conference at Baha Mar, Monday, March 4.
He said creating a shift cannot be done by the government alone, so he highlighted that the participation of the private sector is necessary.
“We were very encouraged by the fact that commercial banks, including Scotia and the Royal Bank of Canada, joined the Government, the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), the Bahamas Development Bank and The Bahamas Venture Capital Entrepreneurial Fund to provide a targeted package of capital options for entrepreneurs, including those who are underprivileged.”
He said through this partnership the government leveraged a $5 million commitment from itself to secure up to $9 million in government-guaranteed small business loans, grants and equity for participants enrolled in the SBDC’s training and advisory programmes.
“We are building a strong ecosystem and it is being supported by the independent initiatives or companies like Deltec. The Deltec Initiative for Young Entrepreneurs (DIYE) is a charitable programme that falls under Deltec’s Foundation.
“For too long our young people have been discouraged from pursuing self-employment as the status quo. Instead, we have bred a culture where school leavers automatically look for government jobs or jobs in traditional sectors.
The DPM said the participants in DIYE are proof that the culture is changing. The youngest entrepreneur in this cohort is only 10 years old: Karis Knowles, otherwise known as The Balloon Princess. He said her progressive balloon company creates arrangements for all occasions, including themed events like baby showers and gender reveal parties.
The DPM also commended Deltec on their business mentorship and charitable work. He also noted that The Bahamas is at a nascent stage when it comes to harnessing the power of disruptive technologies, but he noted that the country is making strides nonetheless.
“For us, this is not a choice; this is an imperative. We are an international financial services centre and Fintech is one of the fastest growing and innovating industries.”
DPM Turnquest explained that the opportunities being currently taken advantage of include Digital Currency Initiative, Potential of blockchain for government modernization and Other Fintech Areas of Interest.
He stated that in Grand Bahama, the government set out a vision for its second city to be the tech hub for The Bahamas. Through the preliminary success of the Commercial Enterprises Act, 2018, this vision has already started to take shape.
The DPM said the success in Grand Bahama includes the GIBC Digital global training headquarters; Dev Digital, a leading software and web development company from Tennessee, office opening and Carnival Cruise Lines’ Ocean Medallion Project: wearable devices that enable a personal digital concierge.
By: Llonella Gilbert
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest speaks with another guest at the Deltec Annual Conference at Baha Mar, Monday, March 4. The DPM brought remarks at the event.
Insert: Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Hon. Lanisha Rolle (left) speaks with another guest at the Deltec Annual Conference at Baha Mar, Monday, March 4.
(BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna)
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.
Photo Captions:
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key
government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.
The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department 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 followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and
posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
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News7 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
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News7 days agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals