Southwest Airlines to begin Providenciales flights
Southwest Airlines and the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority on Thursday announced that the airline plans to begin flights to Providenciales International Airport (PLS) in the last quarter of 2017.
Pending regulatory approval, Southwest Airlines will serve Providenciales from its new five-gate international concourse at Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). With the flights to the Turks and Caicos Islands anticipated to come on stream, it will become the airline’s 16th international destination.
Southwest Airlines broke the news simultaneously with the announcement of the airline’s first quarter financial performance.
Gary C. Kelly, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer reported strong first quarter profits and margins, especially considering the passenger revenue yield environment and higher fuel prices. He said that the airline’s balance sheet, liquidity, and cash flows also remained strong.
In the airline’s press statement, Keller stated, “As we continue to seek opportunities to take Southwest Customers to exciting new international destinations, we are thrilled to announce that we have filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation for authority to serve Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, from FLL beginning in fourth quarter 2017, subject to requisite governmental approvals.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Airports Authority John Smith said, “As we welcome the 11th international scheduled carrier to the shores of Turks and Caicos, the Airports Authority remains resolute in increasing capacity at Providenciales International Airport, while providing world-class facilities and service. Among other key indicators, safe operations remain a top priority for the Airports Authority.”
Smith added that Southwest Airlines’ decision to operate in Providenciales came after four years of collaboration with the TCI Tourist Board and the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) to win the airline’s commitment.
Southwest Airlines operates a fleet of over 700 Boeing 737 aircraft and is the world's largest low-cost carrier.
NAGICO Insurances opens TCI office
TOP ranking regional insurance provider NAGICO officially opened its newest office during a cocktail reception last Friday, April 21, at Le Vele Plaza in Grace Bay.
The elegant opening ceremony included warm welcomes from invited guests and local government officials Delroy Williams, Minister of Home Affairs, and Portia Stubbs-Smith, Member of Parliament.
Both Williams and Stubbs-Smith welcomed the company, with Stubbs-Smith further extending thanks to the group for choosing the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Local manager Carla Blake, excited and proud to join the prestigious group, expressed that until sometime last year she had never heard of the company.
But, "it took very little time for me to realise NAGICO was where I ought to be and I'm certain that after you leave here tonight you too will be convinced that you should be connected to NAGICO," she said.
The introduction of the office in the TCI marks the insurance group's presence in 21 territories across the Caribbean region during their 35 years in business.
Established in St Maarten in 1982, the history of NAGICO is a remarkable story of dedication and perseverance, which has resulted in a trusted, reliable and strong company, executive members echoed.
Chairman Imran McScood Amjad, an original founder of the group, assured that: "The company thrives with great enterprise, belief and trust - and you are going to get that from NAGICO here in the TCI."
Centre of excellence director Vibert Williams, also urged consumers to place their trust in the firm, stating: "NAGICO sits at the head of most markets that we operate in and we would not have been there and remain there had it not been for our dedication to ensuring that when you need us most we are there.
"That's something we commit to wholeheartedly."
Boasting a highly qualified, knowledgeable team, CEO Dwayne Elgin pledges that the group brings fairness to claim settlements but most of all it will be efficient in settling claims, a record the company already holds.
He also assured that the company is strong and secure, and will provide products and services that are innovative and fairly priced.
Celebrating its 35th year in business, and displaying dedication and commitment to contributing to the community and its people, the group donated $3,500 to the Soroptimist Club of TCI and further committed to an annual donation. They also offered a 35 percent discount to their first local customer.
The ceremony concluded with a ribbon cutting and jubilant Junkanoo music which officially opened the company's door for business.
GOVERNOR VISITS MINISTRY OF BORDER CONTROL AND EMPLOYMENT
His Excellency the Governor visited the offices of the Ministry of Border Control and Employment in Grand Turk on 1 May.
Commenting on his visit, the Governor said: "I welcomed the opportunity to meet all the staff in the Ministry's offices.
I learned much about their work and was pleased to have the opportunity to underline the vital role the Ministry plays in helping secure TCI's borders.
I also took the opportunity to emphasise the importance of having an immigration control service that conducts itself with integrity, with transparency and with due regard to the many different employment needs of the country."
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR, DDME HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS MONTH 2017
“Are You Prepared For the Unexpected?” As we approach another Hurricane Season in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), the DDME takes advantage of this opportunity to once more urge everyone to put in place necessary preparations to reduce the impact of hurricanes. Review the location of your nearest shelter and determine the safest route to reach that shelter. Write a hurricane emergency plan and discuss this plan with your family and employees. Work out a strategy with your family on how you will keep in touch in the event of separation during a hurricane emergency. Engage your family in the preparation of an emergency kit. Make sure that your children are a part of this exercise as it will provide an opportunity for them to learn useful lessons in emergency preparedness. If you are uncertain of the contents of the kit, please visit the DDME website at www.gov.tc/ddme. The Hurricane Season extends from June 1 to November 30 and over that period and particularly when the TCI is threatened, the DDME will issue bulletins to apprise our nation of potential dangers and response measures. Treat these bulletins with utmost seriousness because they are intended to provide you with information on which you can make decisions regarding the safety of lives and livelihoods.
In its ongoing efforts to enhance the resiliency capacity of our nation, the DDME maintains a constant state of preparedness for all hazards, but at this time the state of our preparedness for hurricanes goes into high gear. Expert predications for this year’s Hurricane Season are currently mixed but as we draw closer to the start of the Hurricane Season greater alignment of predictions is anticipated. The current debate is that an anticipated active El Nino will reduce the available thermal energy for hurricane formation, thereby reducing the frequency and intensity of storms. Let us remember though, that it takes a single hurricane to wreak havoc on our social, economic and environmental landscape, so irrespective of these predictions, let us do our utmost as a nation and as individuals, to be prepared. Let us strive not to be complacent and let our reflections on past events such as Tropical Storm Hanna and Hurricane Ike in 2008 and other events in neighboring nations such as the Bahamas and Haiti, inform our call to action for this Hurricane Season
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) has continued commitment in fulfilling the obligations of the Disaster Management Ordinance 2015. In addition to monthly National Sub-Committee meetings, chaired by His Excellency the Governor, Dr. John Freeman along with the Deputy Governor, Honourable Anya Williams and Minister with responsibility for Disaster Management Honourable Vaden Delroy Williams, to monitor levels of preparedness of all key stakeholders, critical initiatives such as exercises and training programmes have been conducted over the past four months. In fact, there has been a recent partnership with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency to embark on a Safer Schools Building Programme, not only to inform the continuity of the business of education in the aftermath of hazard impacts, but also to facilitate the safety of evacuees in cases when our schools are used as shelters.. Initiatives of such nature will promote a culture of readiness island-wide. As natural resources such as, mangroves, strengthen our resistance to natural hazards, the Government’s drive to prepare a National Physical Development Plan that is hazard-sensitive is also significant. This Development Plan will ultimately aim at reducing vulnerability through appropriate land use practices and by extension, promotes sustainable development across the nation. As the challenges of climate change become more indelible on our development thinking the national Physical Development Plan will endeavor to preempt adverse effects in the interest of the sustainability of our developments.
Consistent with the ‘bottom up’ approach, led by the TCIG, the DDME has designated May 2017 as ‘Hurricane Preparedness Month.’ Subsequent to the launch of this initiative on May 1, 2017 in North Caicos, a series of engaging events and activities have been planned involving individuals and specific target groups within local communities. It is the aim of the DDME to successfully host an Art & Poetry Competition, Inter High-School Debate and a Family Plan Preparation Training Seminar, in collaboration with the Education and Community Development Sectors.
The DDME wishes to reemphasize some basic safety tips. If you are living in areas which are vulnerable to coastal or other types of flooding, strong winds or other kinds of hurricane impacts endeavor to be better prepared by predetermining your evacuation route, testing your emergency plans and keeping informed. Rest assured the DDME will continue to execute its mandate and communicate pertinent and accurate information throughout the season on all media platforms, including social media. Let us remember that lives and property are saved through awareness and preparedness.
The Turks & Caicos Benefits from OCTA Innovation Exchange
TCI Innovation Manager and Vice President of the MSME Programme at Invest Turks & Caicos, Alexa Cooper, recently returned from attending the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) ‘International Innovation Conference’, held in The Azores, Portugal; where she exchanged strategies to enhance sustainable development through innovative solutions.
The five-day conference brought together Innovation Managers from 20 OCT countries. It gave participants the opportunity to meet and discuss with their counterparts from other territories and innovation experts from the European Union.
Ms. Cooper said that: “My attendance at the OCTA Innovation Conference was very fruitful, as it gave me a fantastic opportunity to dialogue face to face with colleagues from other countries. The exchange of information and ideas were very rich. Discussions centered around several goals, including steps for implementation of systemic innovation in OCTs; strategies and their implementation, implementation of different pilot projects, and exchange of information on the best available practice in innovation in the EU and the opportunities of different EU funding.”
Ms. Cooper went on to say, “I think the exchange will help me greatly as I move forward in my role. Entrepreneurs in the TCI are not short on great ideas, but any way wherein we can help them enhance those ideas and make them more innovative and creative is definitely a move in the right direction. Proof of this is the BIC Award won by our nominee SafetyNet, founded by Mr. E. Jay Saunders. Presentation of the BIC Award, to Mr. Saunders is currently being planned”.
The BIC (Business, Innovation, Creativity) Award ceremony took place in the Igreja do Colégio dos Jesuítas (Church of the Jesuit College) in Ponta Delgada. The BIC Awards promote innovation, gives recognition to good examples, and stimulates multiplication of good initiatives. The Award is given to organizations and persons from the OCTs that excel in business, innovation, art and creativity. The nominations, selection process and the awards ensures a prestige for businesses originating in the OCTs by giving the winners an EU-wide visibility and recognition of the OCT.
Invest Turks & Caicos Launches New Brand and Fosters Investment Networking
Invest Turks & Caicos, the country’s investment promotion agency, recently launched a new agency brand through the hosting of two stakeholder networking receptions. The ‘Brand Launch & Networking Reception’ events were held in Providenciales and Grand Turk, on March 22nd and April 24th respectively.
Now into its second year of operations, the Board and senior management felt it needed a brand which would distinguish it, and the TCI, in the minds of clients, potential investors and the general public alike. In September 2016, the Agency began a recruitment exercise which resulted in the hiring of Jamaican brand specialists, The UnAgency, and the results of their work are now in place.
John Rutherford, CEO, said “Invest Turks and Caicos is very proud of the results of its rebranding exercise, which has not only produced an attractive and relevant new logo, but also ensured the Agency’s values and personality are strengthened. We will incorporate these values into our day to day activities to ensure a positive and consistent approach to our customers and stakeholders. We were delighted to launch the brand at our receptions and very happy with the feedback received. We now look forward to promoting the Turks and Caicos Islands internationally and to local business with a powerful logo and positive communications.”
Premier of the Turks & Caicos Islands and Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade, the Hon. Sherlene Cartwright-Robinson, expressed at the Grand Turk reception that she was “proud of the work of the Agency and that it was an important part of the growth and development of the country, especially through its work with the MSME programme”.
The receptions hosted Minsters, Parliamentarians, Government officials, business persons and the Agency's partner and stakeholders. It gave attendees an opportunity to network and discuss matter related to investment and continued economic growth for the islands.
The new brand logo and colours incorporate the “Beautiful by Nature” theme of the islands by using Navy Blue to represent the beautiful sky and seas; Orange for the golden sun and sand; and Green to represent our beautiful islands. The Agency’s values are based on three E’s - to always be Energetic, Evolving and Engaging.
TCI Footballer First Female Finalist in Flow Ultimate Football Experience
Twenty-nine (29) up and coming youth footballers between the ages of 13 and 16 had their skills put to the test over the weekend at the Flow Ultimate Football Experience, a competition put together by Flow and Manchester United Football Club and supported by the Caribbean Football Union (CFU). The girls and boys vied for the chance to participate in a talent development football camp in Trinidad and possibly win a VIP trip that includes touring Old Trafford and viewing a Manchester United home game. In the end, it was Dylan Ayer, 13 and Sydnee Campbell, 15 – the only girl to make it through to the finals – who best demonstrated the abilities needed to compete with 28 other ballers from the 14 Flow markets around the Caribbean.
Local coaches Olivia Graveley, Dane Ritchie, Fraser Park, Gillian Vernice, Mark Parish and Daz Meehan put the kids through their paces at the National Academy Field in a series of challenges that tested their dribbling, short passing and control capabilities. The programme was specially designed for the Flow Ultimate Football Experience by coaches at the Manchester United Soccer School, and the 29 talented footballers were chosen by their clubs and/or school coaches.
Dylan and Sydnee, along with their coaches, will now advance to a two-day skills session in Trinidad and Tobago to experience one-on-one training with CFU and Manchester United Soccer School coaches (MUSS). Both the coaches and athletes will participate in a series of drills designed by MUSS and compete for the trip to the world-famous football stadium.
“I am exceptionally proud of the turnout and performance put on by the young footballers this past weekend. I must also commend the parents that stayed for the duration of the event to show support to the athletes. A big congratulations to Dylan and Sydnee who were evidently superb throughout each of the drills and no doubt deserve this accomplishment,” shared Flow Marketing & Communications Executive, Darron Hilaire.
“To have the only female selected out of fourteen Caribbean countries says a lot about our Women’s programme on the island. Sydnee is a very dedicated and special talent and I believe she will be the future captain for our nation team.”
“Dylan, one of the youngest players at the event at only 13 year olds, scored the highest points out of all the players from across the region, excels at all sports. He has a huge future in football. Having personally coached both players, I believe we have a very good chance that if not both, one should go through to the finals in Manchester,” shared Technical Director for the TCIFA, Daz Meehan.
Certificates were presented to each participant and the two winners each received a trophy. 
The Flow Ultimate Football Experience is one of several Manchester United and Flow partnership initiatives. In January, Flow hosted the FA Cup Caribbean Tour which gave football fans up-close and unprecedented access to football’s most coveted trophy. The final leg of the tour culminated in the Cayman Islands, where Manchester United ambassador Dwight Yorke made an appearance.
Flow Ultimate Football Experiences are taking place in Curacao, Cayman Islands, Montserrat, Trinidad, Jamaica, BVI, Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, St. Vincent, St. Lucia, Anguilla, St. Kitts and Dominica.
Cable and Wireless is Manchester United’s telecommunications partner in the Caribbean.
Premier Robinson Calls Bight MP's Move A Cheap Shot
Disappointed not surprised is how Premier Robinson who approves capital projects in the country's Budget says was her first reaction to what she termed as nothing short of a cheap political stunt taken by Bight MP Porsha Smith.
Premier Robinson stated Hon Ralph Higgs' family project did not influence her to give the green light for the Promenade along the area known as The Creek in Bottle Creek North Caicos. This is a Project that we promised in our Change Document and we will deliver as we hold this Project to be an opportunity to improve on the Tourism offerings in North Caicos. North Caicos has seen many tourists over the years and we must pay attention to both North and Middle Caicos so as to support the growing tourism sector and enhance the visitors' experience.
I sincerely believe that this area is unique and offers a beautiful tourist experience as it offers a beautiful stretch of natural beauty and is a source of pride for those on the Creek.
It is so that Hon Higgs along with his family announced a development along that strip and this was done publicly. In fact this Project was criticized and held to be unlikely to happen by a former PNP candidate. It is therefore no secret. Hon Higgs and his family like any other Turks and Caicos Islanders have a right to engage in businesses in this country.
We do not think this Promenade is too good for the people of North Caicos. The vision of those years ago who first conceived this idea and this continued vision under its current representative Hon Higgs and this Government will bring much needed economic activity to the Twin Islands with the realization of this Promenade.
The Integrity Commission is the place to lodge concerns about persons in public life and would usually go about its business quietly. Had the MP for the Bight felt her complaint had merit, the wise approach would be to allow the investigation to take its normal start and course. I find her approach to be deliberate and intentional in two respects and that is to try Hon Higgs in a Court of public opinion with her vexatious and frivolous claim that is ill conceived.
Her grandstanding in front of the Commission's Office was also an ill-fated effort to defame the character of an individual whom the MP for the Bight worked closely with as former Minister of Tourism while in his role as Director of Tourist Board and whom she publicly stated in the previous Session of the House of Assembly that she had confidence in him. This has of course only changed since his decision to align himself with the PDM.
We stand by the Cabinet's decision to deliver this vital project for North Caicos and will not be distracted by the misguided actions of the Bight MP. We have confidence in the Minister of Tourism and MP for North and Middle Caicos and wish to assure the people of the Twin Islands that there is no cause for the MP that they elected to resign.
Integrity Commission announces electons of Director
The TCI Integrity Commission, is proud to announce the election of its Director, Eugene Otuonye, e.C. as the Chairman of the Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies (CCAICACB). The election of Mr. Otuonye and other Executive Cornmittee Members of the Association, climaxed the 5-day Conference of the Association held in and hosted by Jamaica from April 24-28 2017 in collaboration with the Association and the Commonwealth Secretariat, London. Other members of the Executive Committee elected were, Mr. Dirk Harrison, the Contractor General of Jamaica as the Vice Chairman, Mr. David Grey of Commission for the Prevention of Comrption, Jamaica as the Treasurer of the Association. The Country Members of the Executive Committee are: Dominica" Trinidad and Tobago and Cayrnan lslands. The immediate past chairman, Lady Anande Trotman-Joseph of Grenada and Dr. Koranteng of the Commonwealth Secretariat are also members of the Executive Committee. In addition to Mr. Otuonye's election, Turks and Caicos Islands was voted to host the 4'h Conference of the Association scheduled to be held next year.
Other TCI delegates to the Conference were Rev Julia Williams and Canon Mark Kendall. They played very key roles at the Conference and were excited with the good news for TCL Rev. Williams said: "the election of Mr. Otuonye as Chairman of this Caribbean Anti-Corruption Association and the nomination of TCI to host its next Conference, are milestones for the TCI and a recognition of the immense strides the TCI Integrity Commission and other stakeholders in TCI have made in the fight against corruption and in the protection of good governance"
On his part, Mr. Eugene Otuonye, Q.C. commented: "it is such a privilege and honour to be elected by my Caribbean colleagues to head this important regional anti-corruption body, and for TCI to be voted to host the Association's next conference. I think, these developments are a recognition of the great strides made and lhe leading role being played by Turks and Caicos Islands in anti-corruption and good governance efforts in TCI and the impact regionally. Only late last year, the TCI Attorney General, Hon. Rhondalee Knowles assumed the chairmanship of the Caribbean Financial Action Task-Force. As a country, we should be thankful and proudly celebrate these developments as they send significant positive message about TCI to the regional and international communities"
HON RALPH HIGGS CALLS ON INTEGRITY COMMISSION TO ACT QUICKLY
"The Press Conference held by Hon. Porsha Stubbs last week to publicly launch a blistering attack on my character can only be described as unfortunate and reckless and I wish to advise the public especially the people of Middle and North Caicos that I will not resign my post as Minister as there is no basis for this.
As Hon. Stubbs has asked the Integrity Commission to carry out an investigation into the proposed construction of the Craft market and Promenade for Middle and North Caicos and my efforts to help my constituents, I am requesting that the Commission move expeditiously to carry out its work to get to the bottom of the false assertions made by Hon. Stubbs so that clear and unambiguous closure can be brought to this matter.
I have worked hard, played by the rules and I have been careful to ensure that all of my actions, both in my public and private life are grounded in the policies and laws of our country.
I will not be discouraged. I will work without fear or favor for the people of the TCI and especially for my people of North and Middle Caicos. I will also take every measure to defend my character when it is falsely being attacked and I await the conclusion of this matter.
Again I urge the Integrity Commission to move quickly so that this cloud which is being maliciously cast over the Government's important work can be removed and that the actions of those that knowingly seek to retard progress for selfish and political reasons are exposed."