#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – October 9, 2020 – Beaches TCI regrets to announce that it has been forced to postpone the reopening of the hotel which was planned for October 14, 2020 until November 18, 2020.
Since 1995, Beaches has faithfully paid taxes in
accordance with our Development Agreement(s) and other written governmental
commitments. Beaches does not owe any taxes to the TCIG. In fact it is the TCIG
which owe Beaches tax refunds on several items on which we have overpaid. To be clear, Beaches is not asking for any
favours nor any forgiveness from the payment of taxes as there is nothing to
forgive. Indeed, we have never found ourselves in such a situation in any other
jurisdiction in which we operate.
Breaches of our Development Agreement(s) and other
legally binding commitments have yet to be resolved for nearly 4 years, despite
tireless efforts by Beaches. The Board
of Directors has therefore mandated that the re-opening of Beaches be postponed.
Negotiations with the TCIG are ongoing and Beaches
will continue to make every effort to have these matters fairly resolved. There
is absolutely no reason why this matter cannot be resolved before the end of
October as the issues are not new and have been discussed time and time again
for 4 years. Beaches is deeply concerned about the impact on its team and the
wider community in the delayed re-opening particularly since this year has
presented horrendous difficulties for so many. Beaches is ready, willing and
able to start negotiations immediately.
TCIG’s inaction for nearly 4 years has forced
Beaches to delay its re-opening. To
date, the TCIG has not demonstrated the same care and deep concern for the
citizens and communities of the TCI, by allowing this matter to remain
unresolved for so long. We hope and
trust that the TCIG will treat this matter with the speed, sincerity and good
faith that it demands.
We wish to emphasize that our commitment to the
people of the Turks and Caicos Islands since Beaches opened its doors in 1995
has never waivered. Neither has our profound sense of responsibility as we
fully recognize that Beaches is the most significant economic engine, ranging
from being the largest employer, foreign exchange earner, taxpayer as well as
generating 70% of the airlift to the Island.
Beaches fully recognizes that it
is the people who are the lifeblood of any country and Beaches is first and
foremost a partnership with the people of the TCI.
In the meantime, our team
members have been fully trained over the last several months in the Covid-19 Beaches
Platinum protocols which we have adopted to ensure that the entire hotel
environment is safe for our team and guests.
The Covid-19 pandemic has been the greatest
challenge which the travel and hospitality industry has faced in our lifetime.
We are mindful of the tremendous effect it has had on all stakeholders,
including airlines, tour operators and travel agents. Our tour operators,
travel agents and airline partners will be kept abreast of our reopening plans.
We are as anxious as our team members to get back to
the job that we do so well. We recognize, as we have always done, that we are
partners with the Government in the economic recovery of the TCI and we will do
our part.
We are optimistic about the future. Together we have
emerged from 911, devastating hurricanes, and other crises, better and more resilient.
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.