TCI News
PDM downplays leadership challenge; Parnell tells Premier “thank you”
#Providenciales, September 11, 2020 — The People’s Democratic Movement has toned down the glaring truth about this weekend and a party leadership challenge announced as the highlight of the PDM’s 2020 National Convention; that a faction of the party believes it is time for a new captain at the helm of the PDM ship.
In mere hours, the individual who will lead the People’s Democratic Movement into the next Turks and Caicos general election will have been decided by delegates in this weekend’s caucus.
On Monday, the PDM announced a National Convention was slated for September 11-12; however little else was said about what is now shaping up to be a momentous meeting due partly to the coronavirus pandemic and largely to the fact that party leader and sitting premier, Sharlene Robinson is being challenged for that party post by Douglas Parnell.
Robinson is the first female leader of the Opposition, of the PDM party and of the Turks and Caicos Islands. In both the 2012 and 2016 general elections she enjoyed enormous popularity among voters; ranking at the top of the all-island candidates at the polls.
This fact has not fazed Doug Parnell, the PDM National Chairman who unseated the PNP in the Richmond and Cheshire Hall constituency in 2016. Parnell has served as leader of the party before, during the constitutional suspension and UK interim administration of the TCI from 2009 to 2012.
In a six-minute video presentation shared on social media , Parnell gently speaks about a 15-year career where he has faced off with a giant-sized government administration; led the PDM through a global recession; speaks to his service in parliament over the past four years and gives thanks to Sharlene Robinson, “for leading us at this time…”.
“It goes without saying, that I believe I have a fresh perspective in which to offer, a fresh perspective on the challenges we face which if accepted will aide our party in challenging successfully the next general election and winning and I do believe that going forward with the challenges we face, that I am better able to lead this party as well as lead the country through very difficult, difficult times ahead,” said Parnell in the statement which debuted September 10.
Parnell concludes the video by saying the pandemic requires a greater sense of urgency and action. The national chairman told viewers, he can offer that.
Other media comments have strangely uncharacteristic of the feisty, charismatic politician which usually is Doug Parnell. A conspicuous fact given the gravity of the maneuver which happens within striking distance of a general election being called and while his incumbent challenger holds the country’s top elected office.
Even the Premier seems atypically mellow in speaking to the TCI Sun Newspaper; her usual sizzle is missing in her statements to the newspaper. Instead the Premier offers that she was respectfully informed of the challenge, welcomed it as a sign that democracy is alive within the PDM and essentially expressed the contest is not a big deal.
There has been no response to a string of questions directed at the national chairman by Magnetic Media about how the convention will unravel.
COVID-19 protocols have capped gatherings to between 10 and 25 people; require physical distancing measures are applied and restrict evening activity in Providenciales to within an 8pm public health curfew.
How will the nominations be made? How will the votes be cast and tallied? How will the delegates who represent 10 districts from different islands in the chain participate when inter-island travel is restricted? And if there is a virtual session forced by the coronavirus stringencies; will it meet the thresholds of fairness, transparency and constitutionality?
We spoke to some delegates who informed that the convention was a surprise and that many party branches are caught off guard and are therefore disorganized.
The PDM is holding the weekend conclave under the theme: “Victory Ahead.”
UPDATED
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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