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Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture – Minister’s Statement

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Turks and Caicos, July 27, 2017 – Providenciales – Good morning Mr. Speaker, colleagues, strangers in the gallery and, persons listening via radio or other means; I trust your day is off to a great start. Let me also give a shout out to my people of North and Middle Caicos. I am always thinking about you.

Today I rise to provide you with a brief update on several notable policies and, amendments to various ordinances that have been passed or will be passed in the near future. These recent changes or proposed amendments are designed to improve governance in our country and to positively affect the lives of our people throughout the length and breadth of this country.

VRBO and Air BnB Policy
One such Policy which initiative my Ministry has advanced is the VRBO and Air BnB Policy. Mr. Speaker, the Ministry has made significant progress in this area through a number of productive fact finding meetings with key stakeholder including, Air B&B as an organization and through the findings of a consultation carried out in the TCI by a VROB specialists from Europe, who has helped with the implementation of VRBO policies in a number of Caribbean jurisdictions.

As you are probably aware Mr. Speaker, there is an urgent need to regulate VRBO, AIR B&B, Flip Cay and similar organizations conducting business across our islands. The proposed policies and regulations are intended to level the playing field for all accommodation providers, secure entry opportunities for local businesses which may seek to enter into this segment of the hospitality sector. The Policy and regulation are also designed to protect Government revenue and establish enforceable Quality Assurance Standards across all spectrums of available accommodations in the islands
Mr. Speaker, the Ministry is pursuing these new policies and, making the necessary legislative and regulatory amendments in concert with the Ministry of Finance and the Tourist Board.

National Parks Amendments
Mr. Speaker I would like to draw your attention to the proposed National Parks Amendments. The public consultation on the national parks order has been concluded. The Ministry and the DECR are currently compiling and reviewing the data received. The findings from this public consultation process will help to guide the decision making as it relates to the proposed Parks Amendments. Following which, the prerequisite paper will be drafted and submitted for cabinet’s review and endorsement.

It is envisaged that the proposed amendments will see the expansion of existing protected areas; place new areas under protection and re designate some current protected areas.
Mr. Speaker, the Ministry would like to assure this Honorable House, that in every circumstance, due consideration would be given to establish balance between the environment and commerce.

Fisheries Protection Regulation
Mr. Speaker, subsequent to the successful apprehension of M/V Captain Blaze, we were able to make several amendments to the Fisheries Protection Regulations to allow for seized products caught by spear guns (which is illegal in the TCI) to be sold to help mitigate the costs associated with the capture of poachers. Before this, these products would have been dumped. I am also pleased to advise that a revision to the said regulation was made to allow the DECR to donate illegally caught marine product to charitable organizations and senior citizens throughout the length and breadth of our country.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to assure this Honorable House that we will continue to review and update our Fishing Regulations, for the protection of our reefs and oceans.

Gaming policy and legislation
Mr. Speaker, the Ministry and the Gaming Inspectorate are working with the AG’s chambers to finalize the gaming bill in short order. The new Bill will see a complete overhaul of the gaming sector. One of the key amendments in the draft bill is the establishment of a gaming commission. This body will serve as a regulatory and enforcement agency.

Mr. Speaker, the Ministry has had broad consultation with stakeholders new Bill and have sought input from international gaming agencies to ensure that the TCI is in full compliance with all its international obligations as it relates to Gaming. The required processes to get the bill to the House for passage will commence shortly

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Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders, executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.

Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.

In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.

The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.

This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.

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Health

TCI Hospital Celebrates Successful “Heart Strong TCI” Initiative During Heart Month

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(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.

Key Activities Included:

Educational Training Sessions

Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.

House Call Talk Show Feature

A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.

Red Fridays Awareness Campaign

Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.

Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run

In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.

Digital Health Education Campaign

To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.

Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment

While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:

  • Community-based education initiatives
  • Preventative screening and early detection programs
  • Lifestyle and wellness promotion
  • Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes

“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant.  “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”

For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc

About TCI Hospital

TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.

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New Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission

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Darius E. Ferguson, Member of the Integrity Commission Board

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.

Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.

A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.

Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:

“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”

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