TCI News
Report to the Nation: TCI NHIP underfunded as lifestyle diseases costs soar, overdue report to reveal if contributions will increase
#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – April 24, 2018 – In a report due to be completed by the end of May is where the nation will find out if the cost of contributions to the National Health Insurance Board should or will be increased to help stymie the year on year shortfalls of the social health care plan.
The Premier and Finance Minister, Hon Sharlene Robinson on Monday led a delegation of officials from the Ministry of Health and the National Health Insurance Board in a nationally aired press conference which exposed progresses at the beleaguered entity.
Premier Sharlene Robinson, in opening said: “I have started the overdue actuarial review of the National Health Insurance Board, the results of which will form and inform key government decisions. Our Government has ensured financial support of the National Health Insurance Board to the tune of $12m. Ten million of which has already been dispersed in the recently passed supplementary budget.”
The NHIP has been running a deficit budget for the past three years and it is costing TCI tax payers $12m to bail out the health care plan.
“These funds have been used to significantly reduce the organization’s liabilities to its local and overseas providers. At this point the National Health Insurance Board is 70 to 80% of clearing all outstanding liabilities for the financial year 2017-2018. The remaining 20% should be completed by the end of April 2018.”
The reason for the overrun at the NHIB, which in the Statutory Board Review was recommended to be dismantled, is – among other things – the surging cost to the Plan of medical treatment overseas for thousands of patients; 70 to 80% of which are Turks and Caicos Islanders.
“The average total expenditure for the National Health Insurance Board over the last three years is $61 million. Hospital related payments accounted for about 51% of the average NHIP expenditure, followed by Treatment Abroad with 35%, pharmaceutical and local provider costs averaged about six percent and two percent respectively,” said Delton Jones, Chairman of the NHIP Board, who added later that, “This is indicative of the persistent under funding of the NHIP at a time when there has been increasing health care costs.”
The National Health Insurance Plan is reviewed in the Stephen Turnbull report as unsustainable, that it should be absorbed into the Ministry of Health. However, Cabinet Ministers rejected the idea and voted ‘no’ to the recommendation. The Premier tried to quell the fears of the 30 staffers at the NHIP.
“Let us not for one minute think that nothing is happening at the National Health Insurance Board. Our government has been working alongside the Board to fix the issues and turn the organization around, we are fixing it and we are committed to fixing the National Health Insurance Board. Premier Robinson said to the staff, with whom she plans to meet soon that “I personally wish to thank them for their dedication and assure them that the National Health Insurance Board is here and that my government is committed to their well being. We recognize that they have a pivotal role in turning the organization around and will be a part of all key decisions…”
The long overdue Actuarial Report is but one of the advancements currently underway to reveal the truest state of the NHIP; it was also announced that the Health Regulatory Agency (HRA) is nearing launch and Desiree Lewis, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health shared that there is a roll out plan.
“We have in place the CEO, as the Minister mentioned… it (the HRA) should have been in place prior to the opening of the Hospitals, unfortunately that did not progress in the manner in which it should have but we are now closer – closer meaning we have established an implementation plan which we should be rolling out within the next four to six months, before December.”
P.S. Lewis explained that the HRA is currently seeking a location, will bring on staff and will eventually manage and monitor all health facilities within the Turks and Caicos Islands. The HRA will also have auditing power over the National Health Insurance Plan.
The National Health Insurance Plan, as explained by Chairman of the Board, Delton Jones started collecting contributions in 2009 with a current enrolment of 33,218 members, which includes dependents.
News
The Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (February 25th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands began 2026 on a positive note, with stayover arrivals in January surpassing the same period in 2025.
Preliminary figures indicate that 56,830 stayover visitors arrived in January 2026, representing a two percent increase year-on-year. The steady growth continues the positive momentum experienced at the close of 2025.
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, attributed the encouraging performance to new collaboration with tour operator partners as well as increased airlift from key source markets.
“We anticipated a strong January performance following the growth recorded in November and December. The winter season has traditionally been a robust period for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this year that strength has been further supported by enhanced collaboration with partners and expanded airlift from Canada and the United States We are cautiously optimistic about maintaining this upward trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.
Cruise Sector
In cruise, preliminary figures show 122,935 cruise passenger arrivals in January, reflecting a 15 percent decrease compared to January 2025.
The decline is attributed to a reduction in cruise calls during the month. A total of 33 vessels called on Grand Turk in January, seven fewer than during the corresponding period last year.
Marketing Shows
As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier luxury destination, Experience Turks and Caicos has been actively participating in the Travel & Adventure Shows across several major cities in the United States.
The destination has already been showcased in Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago, with Fort Lauderdale and Denver scheduled in the coming weeks.
Public Relations Manager Laura Dowrich represented the Turks and Caicos Islands alongside the destination’s U.S. marketing agency, ABA Global.
Beaches Turks & Caicos – Stone Creek Travels
“One of the most encouraging takeaways from these shows is that the Turks and Caicos Islands is indeed on travellers’ radar. We met many visitors who shared fond memories of their time here, others who already have trips booked and were seeking recommendations on activities and dining, and many more who aspire to visit. It was a pleasure highlighting our multi-island destination and sharing the many experiences that make the Turks and Caicos Islands truly special,” said Ms. Dowrich.
Awards & Recognition
Building on a stellar year of accolades in 2025, the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun 2026 with additional international recognition.
The destination earned a Gold Badge in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing #5 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean and #5 in Best Beaches in the World. In the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Grand Turk was ranked #10 among the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit.
About Experience Turks and Caicos
Middle Caicos Dragon Cay Resort
Experience Turks and Caicos is the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is committed to positioning the destination as a premier, sustainable luxury tourism hub. By leveraging smart tools, data-driven strategies, and stakeholder collaboration, Experience Turks and Caicos focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and fostering long-term industry success.
About the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the destination is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Each island and cay offer a unique experience:
- Providenciales boasts world-class resorts, fine dining, and high-end tourism offerings.
- Grand Turk serves as the vibrant hub for cruise tourism and historical exploration.
- The sister islands provide a gateway to nature, adventure, and authentic local culture.
Recognised as the world’s best-kept secret, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer effortless luxury, with seamless connectivity via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Photo Captions:
Grand Turk – slow travel with us
North Caicos – Correy Forbes
South Caicos Sail Rock
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
Photo Captions:
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key
government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.
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 the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, 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 several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and
posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.
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.
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