#TurksandCaicosIslands – January 15, 2020 — On January 8th, 2020 the Turks and Caicos Hotel & Tourism Association (TCHTA) hosted their Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the award-winning resort, The Shore Club, on Long Bay Beach in Providenciales.
The gathering saw in attendance Association
members, special guests and speakers, including Her Excellency Anya Williams,
Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Honourable Ralph Higgs,
Minister of Tourism and the reigning Caribbean Junior Minister of Tourism, Miss
Danae Dennie.
The exciting evening co-chaired by TCHTA
President, Todd Foss, and CEO, Stacy Cox, opened with an impressive year-end
report for 2019 which detailed the work and successes of the TCHTA for that
year.
“We always look forward to having our AGM
because it gives us a platform to showcase our annual report to members and
stakeholders, as well as the Association’s plans for the coming year,”
said Cox. “2019 was another marvelous showing of what we can do for the
tourism industry when we all work collaboratively, and I have no doubt that
2020 will be anything short of exceptional.”
She continued by saying, “Since its
inception, the TCHTA has been pivotal in the development of the tourism product
here in Turks and Caicos, and our efforts to promote our product has grown year
after year. In 2019, we saw our partnerships in the community strengthen, our
educational initiatives thrive, and our marketing campaigns expand our
international reach farther than ever before.”
The subject of Crime was a topic of discussion
at this year’s AGM, and both the Deputy Governor and the Minister of Tourism
spoke on the subject, giving their commitment to working with the TCHTA and
industry stakeholders to help mitigate the issue. Numerous proposals regarding
safety have been submitted, with some already being put into action.
“The big conversation at our AGM this
year is crime and what we are doing to tackle the rising challenges. We were
privileged to have Her Excellency Anya Williams and Honourable Higgs as our
guests, who were able to speak on the ongoing efforts against this scourge and putting
into place the necessary measures to ensure that we are all safe from criminal
threats” said TCHTA President, Todd Foss.
The Association is looking forward to continuing
its strong relationships with local law enforcement, security agencies and the
Government to address this problem.
The highlight of the evening was the TCHTA’s
recognition of Miss Danae Dennie, who delivered her award-winning speech from
the 2019 Youth Congress Competition to the AGM attendees.
Dennie was awarded with gifts from the TCHTA members
in recognition of her accomplishments as the Caribbean Junior Minister of
Tourism. Miss Dennie is the recipient of a full hospitality scholarship to the Turks
and Caicos Community College (TCICC), a round trip ticket on Caicos Express
Airways, a round trip ticket on interCaribbean Airways to any destination they
service, a gift certificate for dining at Mr. Grouper’s Restaurant and a gift
certificate for dining at Mango Reef Restaurant, sponsored by the Association
members.
Ms. Blythe Clare, Training Manager for the TCI
Tourist Board, was also recognized at the AGM.
Clare, who served as a chaperone for Miss Dennie, was presented with a
bouquet from the Board and members in honour of being named TC Weekly News’ Person of the Year 2019.
The TCHTA looks forward to what 2020 will
bring for the industry. “We have an exciting year planned with lots of
proactive initiatives to promote the destination in partnership with the Turks
and Caicos Tourist Board. Our goal is to continue cultivating and maintaining
partnerships, ensuring that destination TCI flourishes,” Cox concluded.
The Association currently has approximately 200 members. Persons and businesses interested in joining should call the TCHTA at 339-5787 or complete the digital application on their website at www.turksandcaicoshta.com.
Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.
May 6th, 2024 – As co-chairs of the National Security Council, Her Excellency the Governor and the Honourable Premier condemn strongly recent threats made against Turks and Caicos Islands airports and schools.
We have zero tolerance for these disruptions and the alarm that they cause. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) continues to work closely with partner agencies and will keep the public updated as we manage the situation.
The National Security Council wishes to reassure residents, travellers and parents that the safety and security of our Islands is its highest priority.
All appropriate measures are being taken to address these threats and all required security protocols are being followed.
The Airports Authority and the Ministry of Education, with school principals are collaborating with the RTCIPF investigations.
We encourage the public to be extra vigilant against phishing and malicious emails and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
We appreciate the understanding of the public as we work to ensure the safety and well-being of our airports, schools and communities.
“Our daughter is on the plane and they took them off the plane and we don’t know where the people are—she called— and we haven’t been able to get a hold of her since” the words of a panicked parent and one example of the chaos that criminals making malicious bomb threats on the Turks and Caicos’ airports are causing.
That parent was one of many residents waiting anxiously outside the Providenciales International Airport on Sunday, May 5th after Bomb threats were yet again filed against it; simultaneously threats were also made against the JAGS McCartney Airport in Grand Turk.
The couple, speaking to Wilkie Arthur, Magnetic Media Court Correspondent, were sitting in their car, the mother in tears, watching as travelers were made to disembark and leave the airport for their own safety.
The TCIAA confirms that it quickly evacuated travellers who were on board the aircraft on the runway at the time, via gates in airport fencing.
Arthur spoke to pilots who were frustrated at the delay.
”From our perspective, this flight is canceled.“ One of them told Arthur.
They expressed the same concern that other residents had shared with Magnetic Media, that it was time for the police to find the culprits behind the repeated threats which have turned out in all cases so far to be hoaxes.
Magnetic Media observed dozens of resident travelers mowing about on the tarmac and outside of the airport just waiting for police to finish their bomb threat protocol for the sixth time in 10 days.
The other threats came on Friday, April 26, Saturday, April 27, and Monday, April 29 (2) all via email.
Eventually, passengers were observed going back through security to reboard their flights.
It’s the first time in six encounters that no word has come from the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority about the bomb threat, and when Arthur tried to approach the airport to film, he was told not to.
Based on eyewitness reports, several flights were delayed, including at least one international flight to Texas.
RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Limited (“RBC”) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Kerryl-Lyn King-Henry as Country Manager and Area Vice President (“AVP”), Personal and Commercial Banking, Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI).
In her new role as Country Manager and AVP, King-Henry will take on full responsibility for the bank’s operations, strategy, and development in the TCI market, with a strong focus on solidifying partnerships with the Government, regulatory bodies, and the local community.
King-Henry brings to the role a dynamism influenced by nearly 25 years of industry experience. Prior to her new appointment, she served as AVP of Business Banking in Trinidad and Tobago. She has held progressively senior roles within both personal and commercial banking, as well as various functional units.
King-Henry holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, with a specialization in Leadership, FinTech and Big Data Analysis, in addition to a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Further enriching her professional profile, Kerryl-Lyn is a certified John C. Maxwell Coach, Trainer, Teacher, and Speaker. Her passion for leadership and development is matched by her commitment to community service, as she actively volunteers her time and leverages her professional expertise to mentor and support others. “
Kerryl-Lyn’s extensive experience and proven leadership capabilities make her the perfect choice to lead our operations in the Turks & Caicos Islands,” said Ericka Rolle, RBC’s Managing Director and Vice President, Personal Banking, The Bahamas and TCI.
“Her commitment to excellence, combined with a genuine passion for community engagement, aligns perfectly with our Bank’s purpose of helping clients thrive and communities prosper. We are excited to see the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to her new role,” she added.