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People Power; Turks and Caicos Throne Speech acknowledges Public apathy

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Photo from Governor's Office

#GrandTurk, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, June 22, 2018 – When the PDM Administration’s plans for this new legislative season was rolled out in a comprehensive Throne Speech delivered on Monday at the Opening of the House of Assembly, there was repeated acknowledgement of public weariness in waiting for a personal boom and the promised changes.

It was expected that His Excellency Dr. John Freeman would, on behalf of the Government, make many references to the impact of the 2017 hurricane season in that Speech from the Throne; still those references took second place.  The PDM’s plans in the Speech boldly recognised that people are long past ready to feel some direct prosperity.

“Mr Speaker, the Government now has the awesome task of rebuilding and doing so responsibly and resiliently while delivering on other priorities that cannot enjoy the luxury of waiting a second longer and in the face of an anxious and expectant public. This, Mr Speaker, in the Government’s view requires a delicate balance.”

The excerpt came early in the Throne Speech, under the heading of ‘recovery’ and reflected a recurring theme within the exhaustive presentation.  Promises made to and desires expressed by the public were obviously the inspiration for the ideas announced as coming within the new legislative session of Parliament.  

In fact, the PDM via HE Dr. Freeman stated that Parliamentarians are under pressure to overcome the challenges by taking on a ‘must-do’ attitude.

“The Government is committed to ensuring as much as possible that the mandate given by the people is fulfilled even amidst the many competing challenges for the limited resources; the Government does not take lightly the trust of the people and the mandate given in respect of governance of this great nation.

There was talk in the Speech about the marked spike in construction in 2018, the expectation of more jobs both short and long term and legislative changes to ensure local business development.  The Government’s Investment Policy Statement will have seven key focuses, including:  encouragement of domestic investment and a focus on Grand Turk.

“Employment opportunities are also expected to increase steadily over the years, mainly due to an increased demand for services provided in, among others, the tourism, construction, fisheries, and other sectors.”

Accusations that there is not enough public input and sorely needed transparency drew two pivotal pronouncements within the Throne Speech.

“Mr Speaker, the Government recognizes the need for constructive dialogue amongst all sectors of society and especially among its elected leaders. The Government is therefore grateful to those who have responded positively to think-tank sessions that have helped to form critical policies, to those who have attended the several rounds of town hall meetings, to those who participated in the recent national priority poll and to those members of this Honourable House who continue to see the value in being good stewards of our people’s future.”

So far, House of Assembly members have already crafted a mission statement linked to what the Speech called: Vision 2040 and Medium Term Development Strategy.

Further along, when ‘border control’ was the heading, the Governor in delivering the Throne Speech presented the plan of the People’s Democratic Movement to be more open with the general public.

“The Government will utilize traditional and emerging methods of engagement especially media releases, press conference, aired talk shows and social media to increase visibility and improve the transparency in the work that it does, where it is safe and not of national risk to do so.”

The people and their need for support in first time home ownership; the lingering need for more duty free concessions as islanders continue with post-hurricane rebuilding; a need for policies to further protect consumers and establish credit unions; acknowledgement that the ports on islands like Salt Cay are in need of desperate attention and the PDM Administration within the Speech heralds the coming of better service to customers by TCIG.

“The Government will continue its efforts to streamline processes in order to make marked improvements in the delivery of products and services to the people of these islands. It will establish, implement and publish Service Level Agreements (SLAs) in commitment to improved service at all customer touch points; shorter waiting times from the time of submission of applications to the delivery of products; and, the eradication of application backlogs for all products and services. The Government has allocated additional manpower in the upcoming Budget to support this enhanced service.”

The Speech included other tasty-sounding morsels like financial support for private schools, new campus for the Providenciales campus of the Community College and a fire truck for Grand Turk, which has been beset with losses from blazes ignited both intentionally and accidentally.

Through and through, it was clear that expressed frustrations of the general public were strongly considered and setting out the new agenda within the newly opened session of Parliament.  One statement was profoundly notable as the Speech was delivered to the nation from the House of Assembly in Grand Turk, the capital…

“Mr Speaker, the Government understands that whether it be short, medium or long-term, people are looking for tangible improvements in their lives.  Turks and Caicos Islanders are looking for plans that seek to transform their economic and social standing first and foremost; and then that of every person intending to meaningfully contribute to the growth and development of this country.”

 

 

 

 

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Turks and Caicos Islands Community College Vacancy Announcements

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The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC), the premier institution for higher education and training in the Turks and Caicos Islands, invites suitably qualified individuals to apply for the following positions.

Join a dynamic team committed to educational excellence, innovation, and national development.

  • Student Support Officer – SSO/25

 Job Summary

The Student Support Officer is responsible for delivering comprehensive assistance to students throughout their academic journey. This role includes providing guidance on academic and personal development matters, coordinating support services, and ensuring that students have timely access to the resources, interventions, and referrals necessary for their success. The officer plays a key role in fostering a supportive, student-centered environment that promotes engagement, wellbeing, and academic achievement.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, Public Administration or a related discipline from a recognised and accredited institution.

Experience

3-5 years relevant work experience interacting with clients/students from diverse backgrounds.

Location:                   –           Providenciales

Annual Salary:        –           USD45,992.00 – USD53,336.00

Annual Allowances:  –            Telephone USD1,200.00 and Transport USD1,200.00

 

  • Information Technology Manager  -ITMgnr/25

Job Summary

The IT Manager is responsible for the effective operation of the total Management Information System of the College, maintains an effective and up-to-date system by reviewing the technological environment, giving advice and making appropriate recommendations to leadership to facilitate optimum maintenance of the equipment and further development of the system.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred

Experience

Minimum of 5 years of experience in progressively responsible IT leadership roles, preferably within the higher education or tertiary institution sector.

Location:                   –           Grand Turk

Annual Salary:         –          USD75,363.00 – USD87,395.00

Annual Allowance:      –        Telephone Allowance USD1,200.00

 

  • Lecturer IIB 

Job Summary

This role involves preparing and delivering engaging face-to-face and online lectures, developing course materials in alignment with curriculum guidelines, assessing student performance, and providing academic support. The Lecturer contributes to a dynamic learning environment by fostering critical thinking, enhancing student understanding, and supporting their academic and professional development..

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in law, politics or equivalent subject area from an accredited and recognised institution Teacher’s certification

Experience

3-5 years post qualification experience

Location:                   –           Grand Turk

Annual Salary:        –           USD58,873.00 – USD63,400.00

 

  • Admissions and Records Officer – ADMRO/25.3

Job Summary

The Records and Admissions Officer is responsible for overseeing the student admissions process and maintaining accurate academic records. This role enhances the overall efficiency of the Registrar’s Office by organizing, retrieving, and managing both physical and digital student records.

Minimum qualification

  • Bachelor’s degree in Education, Business Administration, Information Technology, Public Administration, or a related field from an accredited and recognised institution

EXPERIENCE

  1. Minimum of 3 years experience in academic records or admissions administration.
  2. Familiarity with student information systems.

Location:                  –           Grand Turk

Annual Salary:        –           USD45,992.00 – USD53,336.00

______________________________________________________________________________

THE APPLICATION PROCESS:

Resumes with current contact information must be accompanied by:

  • a Cover Letter
  • two reference letters (one preferably from the most recent employer)
  • copies of educational certificates, and
  • a copy of the applicant’s passport photo page and Turks and Caicos Islands Status Card (where applicable).

Shortlisted applicants will be required to provide a police record.

Overseas recruits are eligible for a Housing Allowance of USD7,800.00 per annum, Grand Turk and USD10,200.00 per annum, Providenciales. A settling-in loan and 10% gratuity upon successful completion of the contract of engagement.

Applications should be addressed to:

THE HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER

TCI COMMUNITY COLLEGE

41 PRINCESS DRIVE, GRACE BAY

PROVIDENCIALES

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

 

WE MAY ALSO APPLY BY SCANNING THE QR CODE BELOW:

Hand delivered applications must be marked with the Job Title including the reference number.

Applications submitted without supporting documents will not be processed.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only persons shortlisted for an interview will be contacted.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:         19 December 2025

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TCI Hosts Strategic Defence Summit as Overseas Territories Regiments Strengthen Security Partnerships

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Turks and Caicos, December 4, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands this week became the centre of regional security cooperation as senior defence leaders from across the British Overseas Territories gathered in Providenciales for the 4th Annual Overseas Territories Commanding Officers Conference — a three-day summit focused on strengthening capability, maritime readiness, and inter-territorial partnerships.

Acting Governor Anya Williams and Premier Charles Washington Misick, OBE, on December 1, welcomed Lord Lancaster, a key figure in the establishment of the TCI Regiment and the current Honorary Colonel of the Cayman Islands Regiment, for a courtesy call and high-level briefing session. Lord Lancaster joined Permanent Secretary for National Security Tito Lightbourne, TCI Regiment Commanding Officer Colonel Ennis Grant, and Commanding Officers from Bermuda, Cayman, Montserrat, the Falkland Islands, and UK defence representatives.

The visit, along with the wider conference agenda, signals a meaningful step forward for the rapidly evolving TCI Regiment, which has grown into a crucial national asset for disaster response, coastal security, joint operations, and resilience planning. Lord Lancaster’s presence carries additional significance: he was instrumental in shaping the Regiment’s formation in 2020 and remains a vocal advocate for expanding the capabilities of small-territory defence units within the UK network.

At the conference’s opening ceremony, Acting Governor Williams emphasised the importance of “collaboration and strategic leadership across the Overseas Territories,” noting that shared challenges — from climate shocks to transnational crime — demand a unified approach. The Permanent Secretary echoed this, highlighting increased maritime coordination and training pathways as areas where the TCI is seeking deeper integration with its regional counterparts.

Throughout the week, Commanding Officers participated in strategic discussions, intelligence and security briefings, resilience planning sessions, and on-site engagements showcasing the TCI’s developing operational infrastructure. The agenda also focused on improving interoperability — ensuring that Overseas Territories regiments can operate seamlessly together during disaster deployments, search and rescue missions, and joint maritime operations.

For the TCI Regiment, hosting the conference marks a milestone: it positions the young force as an active contributor in shaping the region’s security future rather than merely a participant. Leaders left no doubt that the momentum is intentional — and that the Turks and Caicos Islands are strengthening their role within a broader, coordinated defence framework designed to safeguard shared interests.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Michael Misick Rejects Government’s 60/40 Shift as Business Licensing Debate Reignites

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Turks and Caicos, December 4, 2025 – For the first time in his long political career, former Premier Michael Misick appeared on Drexwell Seymour’s “Financially Speaking” radio programme this week — and he used the platform to forcefully reject the Government’s new 60/40 business-ownership model, arguing that Turks and Caicos Islanders are once again being positioned to lose ground in their own country.

The interview came at a pivotal moment: the Washington Misick Administration has just issued a detailed press statement confirming that the controversial 100% Islander-only ownership requirement — praised by some as overdue protectionism and criticised by others as unconstitutional and discriminatory — was never Cabinet’s intended position. A “drafting error,” the Government now says, caused the blanket 100% clause to appear in the Business Licensing (Amendment) Bill, prompting a pause in Parliament and a full review.

This week, Cabinet reaffirmed its balanced 60/40 framework, arguing that meaningful majority control for Turks and Caicos Islanders must coexist with access to external capital, expertise, and investment partnerships. The Government cited international models, financing constraints for local entrepreneurs, and the need to avoid “harsh outcomes” that could unintentionally weaken local businesses or violate constitutional safeguards. It further pledged strengthened anti-fronting mechanisms, tighter oversight, and mandatory protections for local shareholders.

But Michael Misick isn’t convinced.

During the wide-ranging RTC interview, the former Premier dismissed the 60/40 model as inadequate and accused successive governments of diluting the rights and economic standing of heritage Turks and Caicos Islanders. He argued that fronting has flourished under the existing 51% rule, and that only full, uncompromised Islander ownership in certain industries can prevent locals from being reduced to symbolic partners with no real power. Misick described the Business Licensing Board’s disappearance, the rise of unchecked approvals, and the growing dominance of expatriate capital as evidence that the country is “losing itself, bit by bit, every sunrise.”

Seymour, a CPA and economic commentator, echoed concerns about fronting and asked whether the territory’s leaders were “afraid” to implement robust protections. Misick went further, accusing modern politicians of lacking political courage and failing to defend the long-term interests of heritage Turks and Caicos Islanders.

“Every time legislation comes to empower our people, there is resistance,” Misick said.
“When it’s something that penalises our people, no one objects.”

The Government’s clarification attempts to neutralize that narrative, insisting Cabinet did not “retreat” under pressure but merely corrected an error to restore policy integrity. Still, the timing — after months of public debate, stakeholder pushback, and ongoing reference to the Grant Thornton economic impact report — has only deepened suspicion among critics who say the Administration is wavering.

What is clear is this:
The Business Licensing reform has cracked open the deepest unresolved question in the Turks and Caicos Islands — how to protect a small population from economic displacement while maintaining an investment climate that supports national development.

With Parliament scheduled to revisit the Bill this month, the clash between political philosophy and economic pragmatism is now on full display. And as Misick made clear on RTC, this debate will define not just policy, but identity.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.  

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