Business View Caribbean - June 2024

to leveraging local labor and engaging with key community partners. “One of the key things that we recognize is that indigenous islanders represent a small portion of the population,” she explains. “Unfortunately, we represent less than half, under 50% of our total population.” This demographic reality makes the islands heavily reliant on expatriate labor to sustain various industries. Despite this reliance, the agency is committed to protecting the culture, history, and people of Turks and Caicos. “We have labor protocols to ensure that the local population participates actively in the economy,” Musgrove asserts. These protocols mandate that investors and organizations prioritize local employment, ensuring that islanders are not marginalized in the job market. “We feel very passionately about ensuring that our local population is protected in terms of employment within the industry.” POST-PANDEMIC GROWTH As the world emerges from the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic, Invest Turks and Caicos has leveraged the lessons learned to foster a resilient and burgeoning tourism industry. Musgrove reflects on the agency’s growth trajectory and strategic plans for the future. “Oh, definitely. I do think that we have experienced significant growth in both pre-COVID and post-COVID environments,” she states confidently.The pandemic’s challenges have provided valuable insights, enabling the agency to fortify the industry and enhance its resilience. “We continue to see positive projections for tourism growth,” she adds, emphasizing the agency’s optimistic outlook. A critical component of this growth is improving infrastructure. “We have concrete plans to ensure that we are improving our infrastructure,”Musgrove reveals.This includes developing a brand-new airport and expanding efforts not just in Providenciales but also across the Family Islands. “My vision right now is very clear and very encouraging,” Musgrove shares, highlighting her environmentally conscious, the agency aims to safeguard the islands’ future. “People come here because of the environmental features we have and the tranquility of the island,” Musgrove says. “So, we have to protect it.” EMPHASIZING LOCAL LABOR AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS Invest Turks and Caicos places a significant emphasis on integrating local talent into its economic framework while fostering vital partnerships. Musgrove illuminates the agency’s commitment 60 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 11, ISSUE 06