JUNE 12TH, 2020 – JUNE 19TH, 2020
Website: www.suntci.com
VOLUME 16 - NO. 24
Email: sun@suntci.com
Tel: (649) 348-6838
$1.00
Fax: (649) 941-3281
www.facebook.com/tcisun
HOTELS GETTING READY TO REOPEN by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
H
otels in the Turks and Caicos Islands are pleased that the country’s borders are reopening on July 22nd and they are now getting ready to open their doors on July 6th. Stacy Cox, Chief Executive Officer of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA), told The SUN: “We are pleased to have a date to which we can work with in an effort to salvage our tourism industry through intense marketing initiatives, individually and with our Tourist Board. The date also provides hope of normalcy for our industry team and potential visitors to the Turks and Caicos Islands, in a COVID19 environment, while we all continue to adhere to the health protocols established by our Ministry of Health. Management, Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa, said: “The Premier’s announcement of the July 22 reopening of borders is noted as it signals a likely return of tourism for the Turk and Caicos Islands. Our company recently introduced its Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness to guarantee cleanliness standards and heightened health and safety measures. All Beaches team members are currently undergoing mandatory training sessions to ensure that everyone is compliant with the new operational and hygiene procedures. This will ensure all our stakeholders - team members, suppliers and guests - visiting our resort will do so with the utmost confidence.” Karen Whitt, of The Hartling Group, which owns and operates The Shore Club, The Palms and The Sands, told The SUN that although they remain “cautiously optimistic” about the opening in July, it is difficult to predict occupancies at this stage. “There are still so many variables that can impact those results such as travel restrictions, airlift to the island; and knowing the time of year we need to keep our expectations realistic. Generally, we are seeing good interest and communications from our travel partners and consumers. Our sales and marketing teams are busy reaching out to our travel partners and we have seen a good
Some of the protesters in Downtown, Providenciales.
Locals protest for stimulus package and end to gun violence Several persons staged a peaceful protest in Downtown, Providenciales, on Friday June 12th against gun violence and demanding their stimulus package funds. One of the persons, Hynetta Forbes told The SUN, “We are protesting here for two reasons and two reasons only. It’s not political and it has nothing to do with politics. It is about the stimulus. For those who are qualified, we feel that we need urgent payouts. People are hurting
response of positive international media messaging through our public relations efforts,” Whitt said. She added: “Our properties were created to bring people together in a relaxed, luxury environment and the human desire to connect is very real. We are most excited that our employees will once again have an opportunity to reengage with guests and owners, and do what they do best. We will continue to provide those bespoke experiences that our guests expect from us and we will focus on the magical moments associated with traveling to a beach destination. However, consumer expectations have changed, and we must do this safely. While we are awaiting final directions from the government on what entry requirements and other protocols will be, we have created
and they are in desperate need of their funds and we think that it’s no more than right that we push on this for people who are qualified for the stimulus. We’re also protesting about crime and gun violence. Enough is enough.” Forbes revealed that two letters were prepared for both the Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson and Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting addressing their concerns and what solutions should be put in place.
a comprehensive internal “Hartling Resorts” health and safety guideline intended to put safety first, for both employees and visitors alike.” Whitt said all staff are being trained on the new standards and protocols and must pass a Covid-19 standards certification prior to reopening. She said the extensive new guidelines include training in each department on health and safety standards in all areas, and some examples include hospital-grade disinfectants for housekeeping; UV-LED lighting for inspection; common venues and public areas will be cleaned and sanitized every 30-minutes; no human contact rather a warm hand-over-heart greeting. She added that staff will
“When the young men come out of prison there is nothing for them to do, so the only other option they have is to go back to crime again. So we are asking for a program to be put in place for these young men, so that when they come out of prison they can have a second chance at life,” she explained. Forbes said if there are no replies to their letters, protesting will continue.
wear masks and in some cases other PPE such as gloves; sanitizing stations will be located throughout the property and anyone entering the property will be subject to a temperature check. Dining venues will follow international protocols for social distancing and there will be no back-to-back arrivals to give adequate time for cleaning and sanitizing each room, and many other new protocols. “Our training document is 46 pages and follows a comprehensive guideline of all touch points from the guest arrival to the fond farewell. All team members are currently undergoing health screenings, and will always be required to undergo temperature checks before the start of each shift and upon departure of the resorts,” she added.
Hurricane Preparedness Trim trees and shrubbery near your building and remove any weakened sections of trees that could break and cause damage. Further information and hurricane safety tips are available on our website: www.fortistci.com/hurricane-preparedness-tips
www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313