National Trust Reopens Grace Bay Store as Hub for Culture, Education and Local Enterprise

In a renewed effort to strengthen the visibility of local heritage and culture, the Turks and Caicos National Trust has officially reopened its retail store at the Grace Bay Market Place, positioning the space as both a cultural showcase and an economic opportunity for local artisans.

Hon. Zhavargo Jolly (left), Minister of Tourism, with responsibility for the National Trust, cuts the ribbon to officially reopens the National Stores at the Grace Bay Market in Providenciales. Sharing in the moment are Claudia Munnings (centre), Chair of the National Trust and Jasmine Thomas, Managing Director of the National Trust.

The reopening ceremony brought together government officials, National Trust leadership, educators, students and community stakeholders, all united around a shared goal of ensuring that Turks and Caicos culture is not only preserved, but actively lived, shared and economically sustained.

Executive Director Jasmine Parker-Thomas described the reopening as far more than the return of a retail outlet, calling it a recommitment to the Trust’s role at the center of the community.

The singing of the National Anthem and Song

“Today is more than a refreshed space,” Parker-Thomas said. “It is a renewed commitment to being present, visible, and active in the heart of our community.”

She explained that the store is intended to function as a welcoming hub where both residents and visitors can explore the stories, crafts and traditions that define the Turks and Caicos Islands. As part of its expanded vision, the Trust plans to host regular events, pop-up markets and educational programming that spotlight local artists, historians and cultural practitioners.

National Trust Staff at the event

Parker-Thomas also emphasized the importance of membership in sustaining the Trust’s work, noting that members support conservation efforts, receive exclusive benefits and help shape programs that protect heritage for future generations.

A major highlight of the reopening is the introduction of new opportunities for local entrepreneurs. The Trust will offer designated vendor spaces and flexible co-assignment options, particularly aimed at artisans from the community. Training and mentorship opportunities are also planned, creating pathways for small entrepreneurs to grow.

“This initiative is designed to create fair economic opportunity, lift local craftsmanship, and ensure that people who carry our traditions can earn from them,” she said.

Minister of Tourism, Zhavargo Jolly, whose portfolio includes responsibility for the National Trust, congratulated the board and staff, praising their innovation and execution.

He said the reopening reinforces the Trust’s broader responsibility, not only protecting heritage sites, but educating people about the nation’s culture, history and identity.

“By reopening the store, you’ve created a central nucleus where people can actually go and engage with our history and our culture,” Jolly said.

Students from the A Louise Garland Thomas High School pitch their interactive book at the event

The minister stressed that while the country continues to develop its tourism product, heritage must remain central to national growth.

“We are nation-building right now,” he said. “It’s important that our local community understands there is a place for them to engage in our heritage and our culture. We cannot allow it to be drowned out as we develop products for visitors.”

Jolly added that initiatives like the store ensure that heritage, environment and history remain integrated into everything the country represents to the world.

Claudia Munnings, Chair of the National Trust addresses the audience

Chair of the National Trust, Claudia Munnings, reflected on the challenges faced in reopening the store, calling the launch a proud moment for the organization.

“It has not been an easy road with this store,” Munnings said. “But it is a challenge that today we have overcome.”

She highlighted that the store creates opportunities for artisans and entrepreneurs who may not have the financial means to operate a standalone storefront, while also helping the Trust expand its reach beyond its most commonly known sites.

Minister of Tourism Hon. Zhavargo Jolly (centre), Claudia Munnings (left) and Jasmine Thomas discuss a book inside the store, which caught their interest

“We are bigger than that. We are bolder than that,” Munnings said, referencing the perception that the Trust’s work is limited to a few historic landmarks. “We are taking very big, bold steps.”

Munnings also underscored the importance of youth engagement, noting that cultural pride begins in early education. She expressed pleasure at seeing students in attendance and reaffirmed the Trust’s commitment to supporting schools and community outreach.

“Our team is small, but our team is mighty,” she said, thanking staff, partners and the Ministry of Tourism for their continued support.

Adding a youth-driven perspective to the event, students from A. Louise Garland Thomas High School presented Turks and Tails Collectives, an educational activity book they have been developing.

A visitor snaps photos of some of the items on display in the National Trust Store in Grace Bay

The book combines illustrations, cultural facts, “Did You Know” sections and interactive puzzles designed to teach youth, tourists and locals about the history, culture and heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Students said their goal is not only to educate, but to raise awareness of national identity and encourage pride in local culture.