AGP Executive Report

Tax Haven Shake-Up: Spain says it will remove Gibraltar from its tax haven blacklist after 35 years, citing new rules on fiscal transparency and fairness—an update that should smooth Spain–Gibraltar business and finance ties. UN Decolonization Watch: The UN’s Special Committee on Decolonization is running a Caribbean regional seminar in Managua (25–27 May), with Turks and Caicos listed among the territories under review. TCI Tourism Push: Beaches Turks and Caicos has officially opened its $150m Treasure Beach Village (“Beaches 2.0”), adding 101 suites, new dining, and a lagoon-style pool—while the government continues to market the islands abroad. Health & Preparedness: TCI is monitoring global hantavirus concerns with public education and hygiene guidance, as officials stress vigilance over panic. Corrections Under Scrutiny: A review highlights staffing shortages and policy gaps at Westgate prisons, with recruitment and infrastructure flagged as urgent issues.

Space Race Watch: SpaceX is preparing to relaunch its redesigned Starship after a scrub tied to a tower arm pin that wouldn’t retract, with liftoff now slated for Thursday evening—an all-or-nothing test for a rocket meant to carry NASA astronauts to the moon, while investors and experts question whether it’ll be ready in time amid pressure from Blue Origin’s competing plans and China-focused U.S. ambitions. UN Decolonization: The UN’s C-24 Caribbean Regional Seminar gets underway in Managua (25–27 May), with Turks and Caicos listed among the territories under review and a main meeting in New York set for 15–26 June. Local Governance & Prisons: A detention standards review flags staffing shortages and policy gaps, especially at Westgate, with 75 recommendations and a push to align roles with operational needs. Tourism & Economy: Beaches unveiled its $150m Treasure Beach Village in Turks and Caicos as “Beaches 2.0,” while the government continues monitoring international hantavirus concerns with public education and preparedness.

Beaches Expansion Buzz: Beaches Turks and Caicos just unveiled its US$150m Treasure Beach Village—101 new suites, fresh dining, a 15,000 sq ft lagoon-style pool, and a “Beaches 2.0” push toward more modern, multi-generational luxury—while executives mapped the next openings across the region, including Exuma, Barbados, Jamaica and St Vincent. Public Health Vigilance: The TCI government says it’s monitoring international hantavirus reports linked to a cruise ship, stressing preparedness and public education rather than panic. Corrections Under Scrutiny: An independent review highlights staffing and infrastructure problems at Bermuda’s Westgate prison, with recruitment weaknesses hitting morale—an issue that keeps resurfacing across the region’s justice systems. Community Safety & Youth: TCI officials are also leaning into neighbourhood watch and community policing, while football development grows with the opening of a second FIFA Arena Mini Pitch in Kew Town. Space & Security Diplomacy: UK Overseas Territories leaders met online to prep for the November Joint Ministerial Council, with TCI represented.

Prison Overhaul: An independent review of Bermuda’s prisons—especially Westgate—found “notable inconsistency” in policy and practice, with weak staff recruitment, poor infrastructure investment, and staffing shortages hitting morale hard; the Attorney-General tabled the 41-page Detention Standards Review with 75 recommendations, while some sections appear redacted and a staff profile team is now aligning roles with capacity. TCI Health Watch: Turks and Caicos says it’s monitoring international hantavirus reports with preparedness and public education, not panic, as officials urge basic hygiene and surface cleaning. Tourism Push: Beaches unveiled its US$150m Treasure Beach Village (“Beaches 2.0”) with 101 suites and a major Caribbean expansion plan, while the Premier’s U.S. tourism roadshow returns after a decade to court investors and travel partners. Community & Safety: Police and MPs discussed neighbourhood watches and community policing, and disaster-management drills plus school safety training keep rolling.

Tourism & Local Economy: Beaches Resorts just unveiled its US$150m Treasure Beach Village in Turks and Caicos—101 new suites, six dining spots, a 15,000 sq ft lagoon pool, and “Beaches 2.0” expansion plans across the region. Public Health Watch: The Health Ministry says it’s monitoring global hantavirus concerns with preparedness and public education, not panic. Corrections Under Pressure: An independent prison review (from Bermuda coverage) flags staffing shortages and weak recruitment as major morale and infrastructure problems—an uncomfortable reminder for the wider region. Cost of Living Angle: A fresh push argues Turks and Caicos should reinvest in agriculture to cut import dependence that drives up prices when global conditions wobble. Community & Safety: Disaster management training and neighbourhood-watch discussions keep spotlighting emergency readiness and community policing as practical, day-to-day governance. Sports & Youth: FIFA Arena mini pitches keep rolling out, with new facilities in Kew Town and youth Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition momentum. Finance & Infrastructure: Government borrowing and marine-sector planning remain in focus, including a major capital markets move and a Long Bay Conch Farm acquisition aimed at reorganizing watersports space.

Treasure Beach Village launch: Beaches Turks and Caicos has officially opened its new US$150m “Beaches 2.0” expansion on Providenciales, with fireworks, celebrities and a full Caribbean street-festival vibe—plus 101 new accommodations, a 15,000 sq ft pool and bigger family suites. Tourism diplomacy: The Premier’s U.S. roadshow is back after a 10-year gap, aiming to deepen ties with travel advisors, airlines and investors. Local governance pressure: A debate is growing over whether development approvals are being paused only for “choice deals” in Provo—while critics argue the real issue is over-concentration, not development itself. Community & safety: MPs and the Police Commissioner discussed neighbourhood watches and community policing, while DDME ran Safe School training with an earthquake/fire simulation. Sports & culture: Youth Brazilian Jiu Jitsu held TCI’s first youth tournament; and Hilary Duff’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit spotlight keeps South Caicos in the global frame.

Tourism Spotlight: Beaches Turks and Caicos just unveiled its new $150 million Treasure Beach Village with fireworks, celebrities, and a full-scale Caribbean street festival—part of Sandals Resorts’ bigger $1 billion expansion plan across the region. Local Governance: The Premier’s wider push for tourism growth is colliding with community pressure, as debate continues over whether development approvals are being managed fairly across the archipelago—not just Providenciales. Public Safety & Resilience: Turks and Caicos is also working on disaster readiness and coordination, including training and early-warning communication efforts. Health Tech (Region): Saint Lucia completed a rapid PCR system that can detect multiple diseases in under two hours, boosting outbreak response. Community & Culture: Sports and youth programming kept momentum going—from a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu youth tournament to the lead-up to the Jags McCartney Road Relay.

Beaches Turks & Caicos Launch: Treasure Beach Village just opened at the resort on Providenciales, a $150 million expansion with 101 new suites, a 15,000-square-foot pool, and a full Caribbean street-festival debut—fireworks, celebrities, and a massive beach bash. Tourism Diplomacy: The Premier’s U.S. tourism roadshow is back after a 10-year gap, aiming to deepen ties with U.S. travel and investment players. Local Governance & Safety: MPs and the Police Commissioner discussed neighbourhood watches, traffic problems, and a push for stronger community policing in Wheeland and Blue Hills. Disaster Readiness: TCI is running an early-warning communication exercise to tighten coordination between meteorology, disaster management, and government communications. Sports & Youth: The first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu youth tournament in TCI and the new FIFA Arena mini pitch in North Caicos both signal growing grassroots momentum. Finance Watch: The government’s $360m borrowing plan and a separate development-approval halt debate keep the spotlight on how growth is managed.

Tourism Spotlight: Dominica’s Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort just landed at #7 on Caribbean Journal’s “25 Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Summer Vacations,” with Turks and Caicos’ Beaches Resort also ranking high—another reminder that the region’s luxury race is heating up. TCI Politics & Governance: In Turks and Caicos, the Premier’s office is pushing a major borrowing plan—about US$360m—while also tightening development approvals in Providenciales, a move critics say risks treating the whole archipelago like one island. Public Safety: MPs and the Police Commissioner met to press neighbourhood watches, more community policing, and practical fixes for traffic and congestion. Disaster Readiness: The territory is running an early-warning communication exercise to improve coordination between weather, disaster management, and government communications. Local Development: The Informal Settlements Unit says it has demolished 830+ illegal structures since 2023, reclaiming land and expanding its social needs surveys. Regional Context: Saint Lucia completed a rapid PCR system meant to return results in under two hours, boosting outbreak response.

Maritime Rescue: Carnival’s Mardi Gras rushed to help nine stranded adults after spotting distress signals off Sebastian Inlet, Florida—rescued them onboard, then handed them over to Bahamian authorities in Nassau the next morning. TCI Politics & Governance: MPs and the Police Commissioner met to push neighbourhood watches, more community policing, and practical fixes for traffic and safety in Wheeland and Blue Hills. Disaster Readiness: The Turks and Caicos government is running an early-warning coordination exercise to tighten how agencies communicate during emergencies. Tourism & Development: Premier Charles Misick unveiled a $360m borrowing plan in London, while government also moved to modernize Radio Turks and Caicos into “visual radio.” Local Growth: The ISU says it has demolished 830+ illegal structures since 2023, including 495 in 2025.

Tourism Spotlight: Turks and Caicos is getting a fresh global glow-up as Beaches Turks and Caicos officially launches the $50-million “Treasure Beach Village,” with 500+ guests and a Saturday night bash featuring Jamaica PM Andrew Holness—another sign the archipelago’s brand is expanding beyond Providenciales. Public Safety & Preparedness: In the background, the country keeps tightening its systems: DDME ran Safe School training in Providenciales, while agencies are also running exercises to improve early-warning coordination and disaster communications. Governance & Development Pressure: The debate over growth is heating up too—government is moving to halt certain Providenciales “choice deals,” and the ISU says it has demolished 830+ illegal structures since 2023. Regional Policy Watch: Across the Caribbean, a new push is underway to regulate short-term rentals instead of fighting them outright, as demand keeps climbing.

Government Travel & Continuity: Prime Minister Andrew Holness has left Jamaica for Turks and Caicos for the official opening of Sandals Resorts International’s Treasure Beach Village, with Deputy PM Horace Chang set to run the government while he’s away. Public Safety & Policing: MPs and the Police Commissioner met to push neighbourhood watch expansion, more community policing, and practical fixes for traffic and safety in Wheeland and Blue Hills. Disaster Readiness: The TCI is running an early-warning communication exercise with the National Weather Service, disaster officials and the Government Communications Directorate to tighten how warnings are coordinated and shared. Tourism Policy Shift: Across the Caribbean, the hotel industry is moving from resisting short-term rentals to regulating them—aiming to capture tax and oversight while keeping competition fair. Local Development Pressure: Government is also preparing a major borrowing plan in London and has been using enforcement actions to clear illegal structures, including 830+ demolitions since 2023.

TCI in the spotlight: Prime Minister Andrew Holness has left Jamaica for Turks and Caicos to attend the official opening of Sandals Resorts International’s Treasure Beach Village, with Deputy PM Horace Chang running government while he’s away. Public safety & resilience: MPs and the Police Commissioner met to push neighbourhood watches, stronger community policing, and practical fixes for traffic and safety in Wheeland and Blue Hills. Disaster readiness: The DDME wrapped a four-day Safe School training in Providenciales, ending with a full-scale earthquake-and-fire simulation at a local high school. Health tech region-wide: Saint Lucia completed a rapid PCR testing system rollout capable of detecting multiple infectious diseases in under two hours. Tourism policy shift: The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association released a comprehensive short-term rental framework, urging balanced regulation instead of blanket opposition. Media upgrade: Radio Turks and Caicos is moving toward “visual radio,” planning new high-definition broadcasting and editing gear.

Jamaica–TCI Official Visit: Prime Minister Andrew Holness has left Jamaica for Turks and Caicos to take part in the official opening of Sandals Resorts International’s Treasure Beach Village, with Deputy PM Horace Chang covering government duties while he’s away. Public Health Upgrade: Saint Lucia has completed a rapid PCR testing system that can detect multiple infectious diseases in under two hours, supported through CARPHA and the Pandemic Fund. TCI Community Safety: MPs and the Police Commissioner met to push neighbourhood watches, more community policing, and practical fixes for traffic and safety in Wheeland and Blue Hills. Disaster Readiness: Turks and Caicos is also strengthening early-warning communication coordination through a workshop linking the weather service, disaster management, and government communications. Tourism Policy Shift: Across the Caribbean, the hotel industry is moving from resisting short-term rentals to regulating them—aiming to capture benefits while improving oversight and tax collection. TCI Development Watch: Government is preparing a major borrowing plan of about US$360m to fund infrastructure, housing, healthcare, education, and digitisation.

Grassroots Football Push: Bermuda Football Association leaders Mark Wade, Maurice Lowe and David Sabir joined the inaugural Concacaf Grassroots Football Conference in Sint Maarten, launching a regional charter aimed at making grassroots football more structured, sustainable, and safer—especially for women and girls, with Turks & Caicos panelists focusing on inclusion and long-term development. Tourism Policy Shift: Across the Caribbean, the hotel industry is moving from resisting short-term rentals to trying to regulate them—CHTA’s new framework is built to help governments capture tax and economic gains while tightening oversight. Local Governance & Media: Turks and Caicos is also running an early-warning communications exercise to improve how agencies coordinate during emergencies, while Radio Turks and Caicos is modernizing into “visual radio” with new gear and plans for more community programming. Sports Calendar: Jags McCartney Road Relay is set for May 23 in Providenciales, and the Women’s Golf Day tees off May 31 at Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club.

Short-Term Rental Policy Shift: The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association has released a Comprehensive Short-Term Rental Framework, signaling the region is done treating Airbnb-style stays as a side hustle and is moving toward “balanced regulation” to capture tax and oversight while keeping the market growing. Local Governance & Planning: Turks and Caicos is also wrestling with how tourism growth is distributed—government says it’s halting “choice deals” for Providenciales development approvals, but critics argue it’s a Provo-only fix without a national plan. Disaster Readiness: A new in-country drill is bringing together the National Weather Service, disaster management, and government communications to tighten early warning roles and coordination. Culture & Community: The Jags McCartney Road Relay is set for May 23 in Providenciales, with teams invited to register and rally under a “Be Patriotic” banner. Tourism Spotlight: South Caicos is getting global attention after Hilary Duff’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover shoot.