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Repeal and Replace amendment removes TCI elected representative, more power to British Governor

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, December 14, 2017 – A proposal to change a pivotal law governing Statutory Bodies will diminish the role of the democratically elected administration when it comes to the fiscal management of these entities and will increase the power of the British appointed Governor, including giving the Governor the authority to appoint a one person review team, when these bodies step out of line.

The Public Financial Management Ordinance Amendment Bill 2017 has already been tabled and has passed through its first reading in the House of Assembly; inching closer to becoming a concrete part of the country’s legislative framework. In the amendment to repeal and replace, there is complete removal of the Minister of Finance.

The Gazette reveals that only Section 40 is being repealed and replaced and when compared to what is currently contained in that portion of the 2012 legislation, we see that the Finance Minister who then had consultative control, now has none.

The role reduced to ‘zero’ when it comes to participating in how Statutory Bodies are handled when they fall below measured expectations.  The 2017 amendment bill gives the Governor the power to appoint an examiner when necessary, it gives that examiner – full responsibility for the operation and records of the boards, it gives the Governor the power to dismantle and re-assign people to the statutory boards and there is a penal element.

Any resistance or obstruction to the work of the Governor or Examiner is criminalized and anyone found guilty will be fined $5,000.

At least one islander is taking exception to the proposed change, officially.  Mark Fulford, attorney who is becoming increasingly vocal on national issues said emphatically in a media statement:

“Why is it that the overseas Colonial powers want this power and authority removed from the hands of the elected officials and put in the Governor’s Hands?  Is it because the country is broke and cannot afford to pay the measly sums to Board members monthly? No! because the Premier indicated we have $101 Million in surplus. Is it because the Board members are incompetent? No, it is not, as many of these Board members have degrees, life or work experience in the industry related to the Boards upon which they sit. Then what is it? From the pattern of the British’s’ behavior over the last 9 years, one can only conclude it is because they are of the view that the Board Members and the Country as whole cannot self-govern and this view though it pains me to say in this day and age may be directly due to certain historical, abhorrent racial ideologies. It is because the Board Members are Turks and Caicos Islanders.”

The amendment is due for debate in the next sitting of the House of Assembly and although not yet passed, already the Examiner has been hired by the Governor.  Stephen Turnbull, who since 2013 has been the Chief Financial Officer of the Turks and Caicos, and who was a Financial Advisor was reportedly asked to apply for the job, which he got.

Cabinet has approved the amendment to the Public Financial Management Ordinance since October 2017.

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The Turks and Caicos Islands Featured in Top Canadian Publications  

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PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (March 25th, 2026) The Turks and Caicos Islands has been enjoying increased visibility across Canadian media, as Experience Turks and Caicos continues to strengthen the destination’s presence in that key market.

In recent months, Experience Turks and Caicos hosted several Canadian travel writers who have since been highlighting the beauty and diversity of the destination across a range of key publications.

“Inviting and hosting writers from both travel trade and consumer publications is a key part of our public relations strategy to boost the visibility of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said Interim CEO Consultant, Mr. Paul Pennicook. “As a result of this exposure, combined with our efforts to train travel advisors and increased airlift out of Canada, we have seen an uptick in arrivals from what is one of our top source markets. I would like to thank those journalists who continue to showcase the beauty of our multi-island destination.”

Among the most recent coverage are articles by Patricia Lee and Jennifer Bain, who visited the islands in early March.  Bain journeyed to Little Water Cay alongside Jasmine Thomas, Executive Director of the Turks and Caicos National Trust, and Senior Visitor Experience Officer Luis Serpas.  Her feature, published in National Parks Traveller, explores the Trust’s work to protect the endangered rock iguana in an article titled “Protecting Endangered Rock Iguanas in the Turks and Caicos Islands”.

Both writers also visited South Caicos, with Bain highlighting the destination’s charm in her piece “South Caicos: Away from the Crowds in Turks and Caicos”, published in A Taste for Travel, where she outlined eleven experiences in what is affectionately known as the Big South.

Lee, who also explored North Caicos and Middle Caicos, captured the essence of the country’s lesser-visited islands in her Vancouver Sun feature, “Beyond the Beach: Discover the slower, gentler beauty and charm of Turks and Caicos’ less-visited islands”.

Last November, Experience Turks and Caicos hosted a group of five Canadian travel writers on a familiarization trip. The group visited Providenciales and South Caicos, and experienced the luxury of Ambergris Cay Private Island Resort.

That visit resulted in a four-page spread in the March issue of Châtelaine Magazine, a leading French-Canadian women’s publication popular in Quebec. In the feature, “L’archipel du lâcher-prise (The Archipelago of Letting Go)”, writer Philippe Lépine explores the beauty, luxury, and spirit of the islands. From indulgent dining experiences to the discovery of a candle at Island Organics that transforms into massage oil, the article paints a vivid picture of relaxation and discovery.  Reflecting on the Island Fish Fry, Lépine writes, “People eat, talk loudly, dance, and leave satisfied, with light hearts and, no doubt, a lovely creation found at one of the kiosks run by a local artisan.”

Writer Tim Johnson, also part of that group, chronicled his experience in South Caicos in the Toronto Star, Canada’s largest-circulation daily. In his article title “A Sleepy Caribbean Dream”, he highlighted the flourishing wildlife, excellent diving and pristine waters.

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Flow TCI supports ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ at Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships  

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Turks and Caicos Islands (March 25, 2026) — Fresh off an impressive high school track and field season, the Turks and Caicos Islands celebrated another outstanding showcase of young talent at the 2026 Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, held March 18 to 20 at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium.

The three-day event brought together enthusiastic students, coaches, parents, and supporters from across the islands, all eager to cheer on the next generation of athletes as they demonstrated their skills on the national stage.

As the Official Media Sponsor, leading telecoms provider Flow proudly built on the momentum of February’s Inter-High Championships, ensuring the accomplishments of the nation’s youngest athletes were streamed live via social media and broadcast on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This comprehensive coverage allowed family members, alumni, and sports fans near and far to follow the action in real time, giving the athletes added visibility and recognition for their hard work.

Despite challenging weather conditions, the junior athletes delivered three days of grit, sportsmanship, and record-breaking performances – strong indicators of a bright future for the country’s athletic development.

Flow further supported the event by keeping the stadium connected through the provision of broadband services and by participating in trivia intermissions, where several lucky attendees won Flow gift cards.

Carlencia Lightbourne, Senior Marketing Specialist, Flow Turks and Caicos, presented silverware and awards, along with Flow-branded merchandise bags to the winners of Flow’s headlined 200-meter races.

“Our partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is built on a shared vision for the advancement of our youth, and witnessing the determination and resilience these primary school athletes displayed has been truly inspiring,” said Joanne Missick, Country Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos.

“We are proud to provide the infrastructure and platforms that showcase their hard work and encourage the next generation to chase excellence.”

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ISU Community Caravan Delivers Essential Services to Granny Hill North

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 25 March 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU) successfully hosted its Community Outreach Caravan on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Messenger Baptist Church in Five Cays, delivering a range of essential services to residents of the Granny Hill North informal settlement and surrounding communities.

This latest engagement marks the fifth Community Caravan executed by the ISU, and the fourth held in Providenciales, with one Caravan being conducted in Grand Turk. The initiative forms part of the Unit’s ongoing commitment to strengthening community relationships while improving access to vital support services within informal settlements.

Residents who attended the event benefited from a range of services provided through a collaborative effort with key partners, including the Health Promotions and Advocacy Unit, the Primary Healthcare Department and the Dental Unit, all of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, the Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross, Menzies Optometry, the Rotary Club of Providenciales, and the TCI Diabetic Association. Services delivered included health screenings and checks, oral health education and products, and the distribution of essential home supplies such as bedding and fabric blinds. In addition, residents received vital eye health and diet and exercise education to help improve health outcomes.

The ISU extends sincere appreciation to the clergy and congregants of Messenger Baptist Church for their exceptional hospitality and unwavering support in facilitating the event. Their contributions, both prior to and during the exercise, played a critical role in ensuring its success.

Gratitude is also extended to the residents of Granny Hill North and all participating partners whose collaboration and engagement contributed to a meaningful and impactful outreach effort.

The Community Caravan initiative is closely aligned with the ISU’s broader Social Needs Assessment Survey, which continues to serve as a key mechanism for understanding the realities faced by residents in informal communities. The survey is designed to capture detailed information on living conditions, access to essential services, public health concerns, and infrastructure needs, ensuring that future interventions are data-driven and responsive to community priorities. 

Trained social surveyors have been deployed within the Granny Hill North community to conduct household-level assessments as part of this ongoing initiative. Residents are encouraged to participate, as their input will directly inform future planning, policy development, and targeted support programmes aimed at building safer and more sustainable communities.

The ISU remains committed to working alongside communities and partners to deliver impactful initiatives that improve quality of life and support long-term development across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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