MARCH 6TH, 2020 – MARCH 13TH, 2020
Website: www.suntci.com
VOLUME 16 - NO. 10
Email: sun@suntci.com
Tel: (649) 348-6838
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Fax: (649) 941-3281
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CORONAVIRUS HITS HOTEL BOOKINGS
by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
A
lthough there are no confirmed or suspected cases of coronavirus in the Turks and Caicos Islands, hotels and properties here are reporting booking cancellations. In an exclusive interview with The SUN, Stacy Cox, Chief Executive Officer of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA), said: “Our members are receiving cancellations and are fielding lots of calls from travel partners and guest alike on the precautionary measures of the islands. Cancellations numbers are rapidly changing from 2 to 3 bookings per property on Monday to approximately 10 per property. We will not be able to determine the fall out on this until much later.” Cox said the TCHTA has supplied members with some best practices in three language and recommendations for their staff and travel partners to assist in keeping Turks and Caicos Islands COVID-19 free.
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Stacy Cox
Pictured are tourism officials with the overall winners
Industry stars shine at 11th Annual TCHTA Star Awards
The 11th annual Turks and numbers to celebrate the achievements Caicos Hotel & Tourism Association’s of these special individuals. Notably, Star Awards took place on February 27th HE the Governor Nigel Dakin, Premier, in the vibrant surroundings of Treasure Honourable Sharlene CartwrightBeach, Beaches Resort Villages & Spa. Robinson, HE Deputy Governor Anya In true form, scores turned out in vast Williams, Hon Akierra Missick on behalf numbers to celebrate the stars of the of Hon Washington Misick and Deputy hospitality industry being honoured for Leader of the Progressive National Party, their remarkable achievements in 2019. E Jay Saunders. TCHTA CEO Stacy Cox said, Nothing was spared to deliver an unrivaled evening of fine dining, “It is clear that Turks and Caicos at pomp and circumstance. Award winners large understands and appreciates the and attendees alike were treated to a hard work of these individuals who robust and tantalizing dinner spread are the heart and soul of the industry. with entertainment by Prime DJs and There’s no doubt that it is indeed the the Beaches Entertainment Team. people who make brand TCI what it The country’s dignitaries were out in has become. What Turks and Caicos
continues to achieve in this industry is due to these men and women who meet and surpass challenges every day and push the boundaries of excellence each time they step into their roles.” A highlight of the evening was the keynote address delivered by the Premier, Honourable Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, who reminded event goers and awardees that they are the key to the sustainability of the island’s primary industry and are valued beyond measure. She heralded the achievements of the sector and the dedication of those who assure its success.
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Attorney Mark Fulford running for leadership of PNP Mark Fulford, attorney-at-law, has announced his candidacy for leadership of the Progressive National Party (PNP). The following is his press statement. *The PNP Constitution mandates that leadership elections are due in March of this year. Our country is at a crossroad, people are living in fear with crime at
an all time high, the illegal immigrants continue to come by the boatloads, people are choosing whether to pay the power bill or buy groceries, - minimum wage does not match cost of living - our people are having to work 2 hours to choose between buying chicken or rice – our healthcare system is in disarray, single mothers cant get their children in Government schools as they are over populated, our people have no access
to their own land other than to play the trash bag lottery, our people have no access to capital or credit to start their business or buy a home, I’m deeply concerned about the future of this country, I hear the cries and feel the pain of our people! This may be the last election to save our people from complete and total marginalization – that is why I am answering the call of leadership.
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Mark Fulford
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