News
Revival, Rejuvenation, Reflection – the Kimcha Village Bird Sanctuary, a natural experience in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
By Shanieka Smith
Features Writer
#TurksandCaicos, March 24, 2022 – The Wetlands of Wheeland in Providenciales used to have a more dubious reputation; known for what was not beautiful, healthy or attractive. It was once an illegal site for coal kilns, and a criminal hide-out. But that all changed about nine and a half years ago. Two nature loving individuals explored the area and found a dying natural flora; they resolved to revive it and now the Wheeland Wetlands is an eco-friendly, hiking, educational, adventure trail, boasting natural beauties and rejuvenating power.
At least that is what Charmaine Elliot tells us. The stunning 53-year-old woman, who is a picture of rejuvenation herself, hails from the Fishing Capital, the islands of South Caicos. Her partner, Kimmit Harvey, 47, is from Providenciales and together they have put in the kind of sweat equity, which has brought new life to the area.
It is fair to say that the Wetlands of Wheeland have been massively transformed and today, it is called Kimcha Village Bird Sanctuary.
The lush site, hugging the northwestern shoreline of Providenciales has been cleaned up about 65 per cent. Birds like ducks and flamingos have returned in large quantities, and now it’s like a little island on an island and a home for senior citizens.
“You arrive as visitors, you leave as family,” said Elliot, in speaking to us about her earth-friendly retreat. She said Kimcha’s long-term goal is to cultivate an official bird sanctuary for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
She added, “…there will be bird walks for you to walk and bird watch.” While explaining this vision, she made mention of Central Park in New York, where there is a bird-watching area. Her dream is similar to that.
“In the Wetlands of Wheeland, there are so many birds, and we have to preserve that. The fact is, this is the only area
right now within Providenciales that is actually a virgin wetland; untouched and unspoiled by the booming development in other pockets of the island and the country,” she added.
Elliot says now all the birds are coming in and the goal is to preserve this habitat. Besides the birds, Kimcha Village is also a haven for seniors.
Elliot reflects fondly on her mother, Roslin Louise Higgs-King, who died in 2018.
Her mother inspired the idea to do something for the seniors. As such, Kimcha Village has a Recreational Center, the Roslin’s Seniors Recreational Center, and it provides a wonderful escape.
“Life is not about settling, it’s about living,” she said, quoting the village’s motto as she highlighted that seniors are not old people who are done and to be discarded. She said the Roslin’s Seniors Recreation Center is proof that seniors who can take care of themselves and want to enjoy every moment of the life they still have left.
Charmaine smiled as she explained, “once you want to get active, and you want to walk and you want to get into eco-friendly and all those things, you come to Kimcha Village through the senior’s Center and you will be able to do knitting, and sewing, and plant trees and all these different things to keep you going.”
Elliot’s mother is certainly at peace given the effort being put into this noble and thoughtful retreat.
Elliot advises that on every fourth Saturday since April 2021, they host a seniors’ day. April 2022 will mark one year since starting this adventure for older residents. Motivation is found on the faces of the Seniors and their anticipation every time they visit Kimcha Village on their special day out.
“What we do is do a free day for them, they come down, we cook healthy food. We do everything off the grill, we
smoke all our meats for hours with cedar wood and we take all the preservatives out of it, we cook with only Cayenne pepper, sea salt, limes, coconut oil, olive oil, all our vegetables are fresh, all our peas are fresh.”
At Kimcha Village, it is all-natural, fresh, and healthy.
These are principals Charmaine have added to her own life and has seen unwanted pounds melt away due her peaceful environment and lifestyle change in diet.
In addition to the monthly seniors day held at Kimcha Village, Elliot shared that they will now be having a fun day for toddlers every third Sunday of each month. There is no doubt this initiative will take off and be a positive, fun, healthy, and educational space for our children.
Despite all of these clear-cut objectives, there are still misconceptions about the wetlands and the Village.
Elliot highlighted that people think Kimcha Village is a restaurant and bar but said she wants people to know that is not the case. She said they are far from a restaurant and bar. The food prepared is for her nature explorers, who she said, “arrive as visitors, but leave as family.”
When asked who or what Elliot and her partner is trying to help, Elliot said the environment, the birds, and people.
Simple.
“We want to help the environment because it’s necessary to protect the environment. Climate change and all the destruction that has happened in that area; we are trying to preserve the area and try to reconstruct that and resort our wetlands to a coastal wonderland where anyone visiting can feel safe,” she expressed.
As it relates to the birds, she said, “we want to bring them back (too) because, with the birds, it’s just more beautiful. It’s the most beautiful thing you want to see or hear in the morning when you wake up… the sound of the birds and the sound of the ocean and the waves and the wind.”
For people, and more specifically, the seniors, are one of the most important aspects of this project, not only because of Elliot’s mother’s dream when she was alive, but Elliot is passionate about changing the fact that there is nowhere for seniors to go. It’s as if because they are older, they are forgotten. Kimcha Village remedies that, she believes.
“This area and this project will give them a place to actually go and socialize and be safe and be healthy. And we want to be able to use this as an educational program for the schools, the island forest, for the Turks and Caicos to learn,” she said.
This passion was not birthed in the traditional classroom setting or college lecture hall. Now, like Kimcha Village Bird Sanctuary, this zeal is all natural.
Elliot reveals, when quizzed about whether formal training inspired her drive, that neither she nor Kimmit had gone through a formal system or training. The passion and education were passed down, it is a legacy of love for the natural heritage and incomparable beauties of every part of the Turks and Caicos Islands… and sharing that with everyone; young or old.
Kimcha Village Bird Sanctuary is located at 618 Quarry Road, Wheeland Wetlands, Wheeland, Providenciales.
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.
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Caribbean News
Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.
The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.
“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital
policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.
“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”
Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.
Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.
Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.
Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.
Photo Caption:
TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain
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News5 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
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Caribbean News6 days agoLiberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
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News5 days agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals