By Olivia Rose From T&C weekly News

CHEERFUL holidaymakers streamed into the TCI on Wednesday (July 22) for the first time since borders closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic four months ago. 

The territory officially reopened to international travellers just days after a raft of lockdown measures put in place to quell the spread of the virus were drastically relaxed.

Hotels, pubs, restaurants and casinos in Providenciales were allowed to open for business again on Monday, while the evening curfew from 8pm to 5am ended.   

The reopening of the borders came despite the territory recording 62 active Covid-19 cases – increasing by four people since the day before.
American Airlines was the first carrier to land a commercial plane at Providenciales International Airport, with a second following shortly afterwards.

American Airlines Flight 1279 touched down just after noon with 77 passengers aboard.

The inaugural flight from Miami, Florida, was given a rousing water cannon salute by the TCI Airport Authority’s fire crew which added to the exciting atmosphere.

Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, Minister of Tourism Hon. Ralph Higgs, government ministers greeted guests while members of the clergy blessed the day’s proceedings.

Some of the tourists told gathered media they were looking forward to heading to the beach after being greeted by blue skies and warm temperatures.

Diana, one of the first visitors to arrive on the American Airlines flight, said she was elated to visit the Islands again.

“We were here in January and I’m so excited to be back. I didn’t realise we were the very first ones here and it’s so amazing.

“I’m so glad to be a part of this. I like Turks and Caicos, it’s so beautiful.”

When asked about her experience with the new systems implemented at the airport to curb the spread of the virus, Diana said it was a little tedious, but all worth it.

“Everyone was trying to go slow and you have to show a lot of paperwork and ensure everything was safe which is perfect because you don’t want anybody to get sick here.”

She added: “It just takes a little time and patience. Everyone wore their masks on the flight, nobody caused any drama.”

Another visitor Courtney Talo said she could not wait to head to the beach.

“I was so happy when that plane landed, I couldn’t believe I was in Turks and Caicos already.

“It’s so wonderful, the air is fresh and clean and I just want to soak up that lovely sunshine at the beach tomorrow.”

Eighteen private jets also landed on Wednesday through the Government’s fixed based operations, with the help of Provo Air Centre and Blue Heron.

Following the four-month lockdown, the Government crafted a phased reopening strategy which applied differently to each island depending on their status of the epidemic.

As such, the other islands reopened weeks before Providenciales.

Although the main airport is now open, the Grand Turk Cruise Centre will remain closed until at least September 30.

‘Absolutely confident’

Minister of Tourism Hon. Ralph Higgs spoke to the Weekly News on Wednesday about the reopening of the territory’s borders.

He said it was a necessary decision, made with great consideration for the livelihood of the TCI’s citizens.
“We’re absolutely confident,” he said, “if we weren’t we wouldn’t open.

“People’s health is number one and everything that we did, every decision, every protocol that we implemented was taken with our peoples’ best interest in mind – obviously, their health.”

He underscored that the Government is constantly monitoring the new systems that the Ministry of Health has put in place to ensure optimal success.

“I think opening up this time, on this particular day is a good thing,” the health minister said.

“It gives us a chance to dissect the system to see where there are potential bottlenecks and to see how we will handle them

.
“As we continue to open we appreciate that every day, more and more people will come in and the system will be more challenged so it’s important that we see where the potential hiccups are and address them.

“That is why you see my ministerial colleagues here today and other government officials, Tourist Board officials all taking a look from a distance at the system at work.

“We feel assured that as much as humanly possible our systems are strong,” he said, adding, “we’re constantly tweaking and overlooking the situation.”

Higgs assured that his Government will not hesitate to reconsider lockdown restrictions if cases rise.

“If there comes a time for us to revisit or pull back we will do so.

“Obviously, the country’s health is our number one interest but a healthy economy also helps to support a healthy mind and a healthy living.

“The whole thing revolves around a good economy.”
The minister, who was seen greeting guests in the arrival lounge of the airport, said everyone was in high spirits.

“I personally went to the line and asked passengers what their experience has been like so far and everybody spoke positively about their experience and their spirits.

“They said that getting on the TCI’s portal was simple and once they downloaded the forms, the approval process was easy.”

Higgs said the Government made it mandatory that every visitor and returning resident must secure a Covid-19 negative test before they are allowed to enter the TCI.

“You must have insurance if you’re a visitor and if you’re a resident you have to show your NHIP number which will cover you in the event you come down with the virus or have symptoms.”

He stressed that these are among some of the best measures any Government could put in place to help mitigate against fall out during what is described as a new normal.

Higgs reminded residents and guests not to become complacent as the reopening of the borders does not signal the end of Covid-19.
And he urged people to continue practicing established Covid-19 health and safety measures. 

As we’re opening up today we want to encourage our people to adhere to all of the protocols that are enforced – social distancing etc.

“I know we’re people who like to party and we want to encourage particularly our young people to do so in a responsible way.

“Make sure they’re wearing masks to mitigate the spread of the virus, we want to encourage them to wash their hands and I believe if we do those things that will help to mitigate.”