Welcome to this week's Sunday Edition. It is brought to you by mango.tc. Your one-stop shop for everything TCI!
In regional news, Caribbean leaders are calling for stronger US intervention to combat gun- and narcotics-fuelled violence. Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the Prime Minister, is applying commonsense statecraft to address the issue, recognizing that pressure is producing results in the fight against narco-violence. Meanwhile, the narcotics trade has slowed due to increased pressure, with major narcotics busts becoming more common.
Turning to local developments, Hilton has signed AMARIS Grace Bay to its LXR Hotels & Resorts portfolio, a $240 million luxury resort debuting in 2028 on Grace Bay Beach. The resort will feature 170 guest rooms and suites, offering curated luxury and personalized service. In other news, Beaches Turks and Caicos resort is offering eco-conscious experiences, including snorkelling and diving adventures, to showcase the islands' turquoise waters and fragile marine ecosystem, promoting sustainable tourism.
In community news, the Salt Rakers Aquatic Club will host its annual open water swimming competition in March at Grace Bay Beach, promoting ocean safety and healthy lifestyles. Jasmine Thomas, a Turks and Caicos Islands national, was awarded the Commonwealth Youth Worker Award in Malaysia, recognizing her outstanding contribution to youth development and empowerment.
In sports, April Thirumalaiyandi impressed on the international stage at the Little Mo Internationals, competing against 650 elite junior players from 68 countries. Marlon Samuels, a former Jamaican and West Indies batting star, visited the Sports Commission in Providenciales, discussing cricket developments.
The Turks and Caicos Islands have surpassed one million cruise passenger arrivals in 2025, driven by strong growth in the tourism sector. Minister of Tourism Zhavargo Jolly welcomed the milestone, citing its significance for the country's economy. In healthcare news, the Government has approved a 50% minimum salary increase for frontline health care workers, effective immediately and retroactive to April 1, 2025.
As the year comes to a close, Premier Hon. Washington Misick, Police Commissioner Fitz Bailey, and Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel Selvaratnam have extended Christmas greetings to the Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasizing hope, community, and compassion. The community is encouraged to look out for one another, especially the elderly and those in distress, and to choose patience and understanding in every interaction, making the Islands a stronger and more loving society.