TCI News
Deputy Premier statement on TCI Border Control, more officers and radar repairs
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – March 16, 2018 – Over the past week there have been numerous sloops making landfall on the Island of Providenciales. The most recent landing was early Thursday morning 15th March 2018 in the vicinity of North West Point, Providenciales. There has been no confirmation of the number of persons that were on board. The Ministry is currently working with Law Enforcement agencies to identify individuals who may have come ashore. 
The Ministry of Border Control and Employment recognizes that the protection of borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands remains our top priority and in response to the illegal migrant problem faced by the government, a multi-agency operational response was established in January of this year, called Operation Guardian. The main objective of Operation Guardian is to carry out enforcement and compliance activities across the Turks and Caicos Islands by identifying those persons who are illegal migrants or who may be working without the necessary permits and authorization. Through this medium, operations have been successful thus far by visiting job sites, bars, construction areas, restaurants and business places. Since January 2018 there have been 290 illegal migrants repatriated to their homeland. This is an ongoing exercise as the department continues their compliance and enforcement activities with joint agencies. 
The Department of Immigration have recently promoted seven Immigration Officers, recruited three new additional staff members and employed temporary staff to ensure that critical areas are fully staffed.
The Ministry of Border and Employment is presently reviewing the current work permit policies and wish to remind persons that a band is still in effect on all first time work permits for specific countries.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government have secured funding through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to facilitate the repair, upgrade and maintenance work that must be conducted on the Radar System. This work begun earlier this week and will continue over the next few days. Radar Station staff along with the Police are also receiving additional training in the use of the upgraded equipment.
The Honourable Deputy Premier and Minister of Border Control and Employment, wishes again to remind persons of his Government’s commitment to improving the protection of our borders and tighter controls on immigration processes. Additionally, he stated that “illegal migration threatens the lives and livelihood of our people and that persons found to be engaged in the smuggling of humans would be prosecuted under the law. He advises all persons to observe the immigration laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands as anyone found in breach of the same will be dealt with accordingly.” 
The Ministry of Border Control reiterates its caution issued to those in Turks and Caicos Islands that might be inclined to harbor illegal migrants, that as a result of the new Immigration Ordinance which came into effect on April 1, 2016, penalties for harboring illegal migrants were increased, and such persons now face a fine of $20,000 on summary conviction or to a term of imprisonment of four years or both. In addition, persons convicted of such offence, face the possibility of having their status in the Islands revoked, making them liable to deportation.
Press Release: TCIG
TCI News
Experience Turks and Caicos and Aquila Host Product Development Workshops to Strengthen Sister Islands Tourism
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – Experience Turks and Caicos, in collaboration with the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, successfully hosted a Product Development Workshop for tourism stakeholders from North Caicos, Middle Caicos, and South Caicos on Wednesday, January 14 and Thursday, January 15, 2026.
The workshop was designed to support tour operators, entrepreneurs, and tourism-related businesses as they adapt to the evolving demands of the global tourism industry. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises and structured sessions aimed at reimagining existing tourism products and developing new, innovative, and sustainable experiences that are market-ready and aligned with current visitor expectations.
Throughout the workshop, attendees were equipped with practical tools and strategies to develop high-impact tourism offerings, strengthen
product packaging and pricing, assess market readiness, and enhance value creation. Emphasis was also placed on collaboration, partnership development, and the promotion of sustainable practices to ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islands remain a fresh, competitive, and appealing destination. More than 20 participants representing tourism businesses across the islands took part in the training sessions.
“Experience Turks and Caicos has a responsibility to ensure that all communities across the Turks and Caicos Islands benefit from tourism. These workshops are designed to equip local businesses with the essential tools and knowledge needed to maximise the opportunities within the industry, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth,” said Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Candesha Mills the Product Development Manager at Experience Turks and Caicos said: “We are actively working on destination development by supporting our stakeholders as they reimagine their products and experiences. Workshops like this are critical to helping businesses identify opportunities for collaboration, create bundled offerings, and develop cohesive tourism experiences that align with emerging trends and evolving visitor expectations.”
The workshops were facilitated by Ms. Ambra Attus, who guided participants through strategies for designing distinctive and engaging tourism experiences that resonate with today’s travellers.
She said: “Product development is where destinations truly define their identity, and these trainings are designed to help operators in North, Middle and South Caicos create experiences that are not only market-ready, but meaningful, high-quality, and rooted in what makes these islands truly special. These sessions reflect a forward-thinking commitment by Experience Turks and Caicos to invest in their people and in the long-term quality of the destination’s tourism product. Aquila is proud to be your training partner.”
The workshop also featured the Invest TCI MSME Team, who were on site with an information station available throughout both sessions. Stakeholders had the opportunity to engage directly with the team, gain insights into the MSME Programme, and learn more about the range of support services, incentives, and resources available to assist business growth and development.
Experience Turks and Caicos commended participants for their commitment to investing in their businesses and contributing to the continued enhancement of the destination’s tourism product. The organisation expressed appreciation for the active participation and innovative ideas shared during the session, which are expected to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable growth of tourism in North and Middle Caicos and South Caicos.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 5 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with
partner agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Silverado Wells in Five Cays. The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by Immigration and Border Services, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified an illegal concrete structure on the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, a Section 22 Notice of Illegal Occupation was posted on the structure. Following the failure of the responsible party or parties to comply within the prescribed timeframe, enforcement action was authorised.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
Education
Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Launches Inaugural E-Magazine “Beyond the School Bell”
