Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 16th November 2024 – As part of its ongoing commitment to developing community tourism throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands, Experience Turks and Caicos proudly supports the launch of Simply MC, a new organisation aimed at celebrating the rich history and traditions of Middle Caicos.
The brainchild of Ms. Ethlyn Gibbs, Simply MC officially launched on Saturday, November 9th at the Bambarra Community Centre. The event was attended by the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Josephine Connolly, along with a team from Experience Turks and Caicos led by Product Development Manager, Mrs. Candesha Mills.
In her remarks, Minister Connolly expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasising the government’s dedication to promoting all islands within the Turks and Caicos Islands. “We are actively working to showcase our entire destination. For the first time, we have established offices on every island. An office here in Middle Caicos will be opening soon, along with one in South Caicos,” she shared.
The Minister also highlighted the growing recognition of Middle Caicos, noting that Bambarra Beach was named the second-best beach in the Caribbean in USA Today’s 10 Best Beaches 2024 list. This recognition is a testament to the island’s natural beauty and potential as a tourism hotspot.
Mrs. Mills, in her address, commended Simply MC for its focus on preserving local culture.
“Simply MC embodies so much of what makes our islands unique. By bringing together local talent, tradition, and creativity, this initiative shines a spotlight on the remarkable skills and stories that our people carry. It gives locals and visitors a taste of our heritage,
not just in a literal sense, but through an authentic, community-driven experience. We at Experience Turks and Caicos are proud to support this effort, as it aligns perfectly with our mission to foster sustainable growth, preserve our culture, and provide visitors with memorable, meaningful experiences,” she said.
Ms. Gibbs expressed her gratitude for the support from the Ministry of Tourism and Experience Turks and Caicos. She said she was elated to learn of the plans to promote immersive tourism, as discussed during Experience Turks and Caicos’ Community Connect Meeting in Middle Caicos in April.
She said Simply MC was formed to celebrate everything that makes Middle Caicos special and for visitors to enjoy activities showcasing the culture and landscapes of the island.
“We felt we were being overlooked for a long time…we observed that we were gradually being hidden and we didn’t like that so we said we have to do something. We have plenty to offer and with the right polishing and tweaking we could make our amber gem shine bright like a diamond. This brought on Simply MC and this launch today,” she said.
The launch event featured a vibrant display of Middle Caicos’ culinary delights, with local vendors offering traditional dishes such as tamarind preserves, conch and grits, potato bread, okra and rice, stew conch, and johnny cakes. Attendees also enjoyed a mini exhibition showcasing artifacts that reflect the island’s rich history.
Following the launch, Hon. Josephine Connolly, accompanied by District Commissioner for Middle Caicos, Mr. Osbourne Delancy, and District Commissioner for North Caicos, Mr. Jasmin Walkin, unveiled two signs at the nearby ruins of the former Thomas Brown cotton Plantation.
Experience Turks and Caicos remains dedicated to ensuring the benefits of tourism are felt across all islands. Through our partnership with Simply MC, we are committed to identifying new tourism products, enhancing the visitor experience at key sites and trails, and marketing Middle Caicos to boost visitation and economic impact.
As part of our broader mission, we continue to foster collaboration between tourism and non-tourism stakeholders, ensuring that tourism growth aligns with sustainable practices and community empowerment.
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