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TCI: Overtime and Holiday Pay for Immigration Officers

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#Providenciales, May 28, 2019 – Turks and CaicosOThe Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services refer to a cartoon rendition “Under the Tree” by Benneth Williams on 7 page of the May 18 – 24, 2019 edition of the Turks and Caicos Weekly Newspaper.

The cartoon depicts several assumptions and more notably the references to the questions surrounding the payment of “nightly, holidays and weekends pay”.

It is necessary for the Ministry responsible to clarify and correct the article for the benefit of the general public.

In March 2017, an Audit was undertaken of the overtime paid by the Immigration Department. Recommendations from the report included:

  • Adherence to the overtime rates stipulated in the Public Service Handbook
  • A Shift system should be implemented at the Providenciales Airport, Blue Heron and other units where it may be feasible.

On April 12, 2018, a shift system was implemented to ensure officers are not overworked, assist in reducing the need for overtime and provide adequate Immigration overage at the Ports.

This was done in accordance with Section 3.1 of the Public Service Handbook 2016 which outlines the following terms and conditions of the Shift or Roster Systems

Some officers are required to work on a shift or roster system.  This will be noted on the job description.  The Delegated Manager will determine the shift pattern or roster.   The shift pattern or roster will be given to officers in writing at least 7 working days before its operation.

The following rules apply to any such systems: 1. The total hours of work will be on average no more than 40 hours per week and no less than 34.5 hours per week over the period of a month (pro rata for part-time officers). 2. In any one week, the working hours will not exceed 48 hours. 3. In any one day, the working hours will not exceed 12 hours. 4. In any one day, at least 11 consecutive hours are not scheduled for work. 5. Lunch time is not counted as working hours. 6. Lunch time will be a minimum of 30 minutes. 7. A lunch break must be taken if the work day is more than 6 hours. 8. At least one day each week will be free of working hours.

Overtime and Holiday will be paid as per Handbook after 40 hours per week are exhausted.

Prior to the introduction of the new system, all staff were paid a flat overtime rate of US$8.00 per hour and US$10 .00 per hour for weekends and holidays.

Please see below table of comparatives of Old Rates and Current Rates of Overtime. Note that current rates in some cases have increased more than 270%:

Rates Prior to April 2018 and Current Rates
Old Rate Current Rates
Category Previous Rates Assistant Immigration Officer Immigration Officer Senior Immigration Officer Overtime/Holiday  Percent Increase Range
Overtime $8.00 $18.63 $22.22 $27.86 132.87 % to 248.25 %
Holiday $10.00 $24.39 $29.63 $37.15 143.9  % to 271.5 %

In addition, staff were paid retroactively (back pay) in accordance with the Public Service Handbook 2016 one year difference between the old rate and current rates. The average pay out for twenty one (21) staff was US$10,895.45.

The actions taken by the Government was to ensure full compliance with the laws and rules that govern the Public Sector and the entitlement therein.

The performance outturns articulated during the recent Budget Address by the Deputy Premier now former Minister responsible is a clear indication that the Department is taking the required initiatives to meet its broad objective which is, to better protect the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Ministry and Department appreciate the hard work that takes place on a daily basis by staff to achieve these outcomes.

Release: TCIG

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GOVERNMENT REVIEWING TENDER AFTER GRAND TURK–SOUTH CAICOS FLIGHTS STOP

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Turks and Caicos Islands – March 10, 2026 – Commercial flights between Grand Turk and South Caicos have been temporarily discontinued, leaving residents without a direct air link between the two islands since March 1.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government confirmed the suspension in a statement Tuesday, explaining that the route — which operates under a government subsidy — is currently under review as officials reassess the tender process used to award the service.

The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Investment and Trade said the government is “working diligently to assess available options” to restore reliable air service between the islands as quickly as possible.

While the statement did not identify which airline had been operating the route, historically Caicos Express Airways and interCaribbean Airways have provided flights between South Caicos and Grand Turk using small twin-engine aircraft.

Officials acknowledged the disruption has caused concern among residents, noting that inter-island air travel is critical for access to essential services, business activity and government operations.

The government emphasized that the suspension does not affect flights between Grand Turk and Salt Cay, which continue to operate normally.

The review now underway will determine the next provider for the subsidized route. Authorities say the process must be conducted in a “fair, transparent and efficient manner” before service can resume.

For residents of the two islands, however, the immediate issue remains transportation — with many now forced to reroute through Providenciales or rely on limited sea travel until the air connection is restored.

Further updates are expected once the government completes its review and awards a new operating arrangement.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Treasure Beach Village Opens at Beaches; Tourism Leaders Expect Surge in Bookings  

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — A major new chapter in Caribbean tourism has begun in the Turks and Caicos Islands with the opening of Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos, a $150 million expansion expected to drive increased bookings, air arrivals and tourism earnings for the country.

The new oceanfront development, officially opened on February 28, adds 101 luxury multi-bedroom suites to the resort and introduces new dining, entertainment and family experiences designed to strengthen the destination’s position in the global luxury family vacation market.

Tourism officials and resort executives say the expansion is expected to generate greater demand for the destination, which in turn translates to more flights, more visitor spending and increased government revenue from hotel and tourism taxes.

The development is part of an ongoing investment strategy by Sandals Resorts International, which continues to expand the Beaches brand across the Caribbean.

Executive Chairman Adam Stewart described the opening as a powerful signal of confidence in the Turks and Caicos tourism product.

“This moment reflects a partnership between Sandals and the Turks and Caicos Islands that has been built over decades,” Stewart said during the opening celebrations. The new village, he added, builds on the brand’s reputation for creating multi-generational travel experiences where families reconnect and spend meaningful time together.

The resort expansion reinforces Beaches’ reputation as the world’s leading luxury all-inclusive resort brand for families, and Beaches Turks and Caicos continues to stand as one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious properties.

Government officials attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including Tourism Minister Zhavargo Jolly, said the investment strengthens the destination’s international standing and highlights continued confidence in the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier tourism market.

The new village significantly expands the resort’s accommodation offerings with spacious ocean-view suites and high-end villas designed to host larger families and groups. The property now includes luxury options such as the CrystalSky four-bedroom beachfront villas and a multi-level Chairman’s Penthouse suite capable of accommodating up to ten guests.

Treasure Beach Village also introduces six new dining concepts, including the Pinta Food Hall with multiple global cuisine stations and Butch’s Island Chop House, a signature steakhouse previously exclusive to the Sandals brand.

Additional amenities include a 15,000-square-foot lagoon pool, waterslides and splash zones for children, a swim-up bar, and the brand’s first Starfish Cinema, a theatre designed for family movie nights.

Guests staying in the new village will also have access to the full Beaches Turks and Caicos experience, including 28 restaurants, the 45,000-square-foot Pirates Island Water Park, unlimited water sports and supervised children’s programmes.

Industry observers say the investment not only enhances the visitor experience but also strengthens Turks and Caicos’ reputation as one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after luxury destinations.

 

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Education

Message from Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 6 March 2026: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”  Today, as we observe National Teachers’ Day, we pause to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of our teachers and the dedicated leaders of our schools. Your commitment to shaping young minds, guiding character, and nurturing potential is a calling that reaches far beyond the classroom. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”  Your daily efforts reflect the truth and wisdom of these words.

We also extend sincere appreciation to the leaders of our schools whose vision, guidance, and steady leadership create environments where both teachers and students can flourish. Your role in supporting educators and maintaining strong, positive learning communities is invaluable to the continued progress of our education system.

Teaching is not without its challenges. Yet, even in moments of stress and difficulty, our teachers continue to demonstrate genuine love, patience, and concern for their students. For this, we are deeply grateful. Your compassion, encouragement, and dedication help our children feel seen, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential. Truly, to teach is indeed to touch lives forever.

Education is strongest when it is supported by partnership. We must also recognize the important role of parents and families in the success of our children. When schools and homes work together, the results are powerful. As we often say, when parents lead, children succeed. This shared commitment creates a strong foundation for learning and growth.

As a Department and Ministry of Education, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting our teachers and school leaders. We will continue to invest in meaningful professional development, provide the resources necessary for effective teaching and learning, and strengthen the systems that empower educators to thrive in their profession. Your work matters deeply, and we remain dedicated to ensuring you have the support needed to continue making a lasting difference.

On behalf of the Ministry of Education, I thank you. Thank you for your dedication, your resilience, your leadership, and for the love and care you show to our children each and every day. Today we celebrate you and the incredible impact you have on our nation’s future.

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