TCI News
TCI: Press Statement from the Office of the Leader of the Opposition
#Providenciales, June 8, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – It came as a shock to me in the late morning early afternoon of today (Thursday June 7th) when I was contacted by the Premier to participate in a meeting (by telephone) that was in progress with her and members of her team 
together with a senior management delegation from Scotia Bank’s local office as well as head of compliance for the Northern Caribbean. The purpose of the meeting as communicated by the bank’s representatives was to inform the government of a decision handed down from the bank’s head office as part of a global strategy to consolidate the banks operation. – the process we were told had already taken place in the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas and is ongoing in the BVI and other regional jurisdictions.
While it had been rumoured for several years that the bank was retrenching, during my term as Minister of Finance when the bank’s representatives were confronted with the issue they always denied it to be the case. I have in the past also personally made representation to the bank (not in writing) about the issue of de-risking certain categories of business to no avail – These global institutions operate on a one size fits all platform with the major emphasis on risk aversion and shareholder value, where despite the fact that a jurisdiction might be profitable if any business unit is not, it is regularly eliminated.
I empathize with the anxiety of the Bank of Nova Scotia Customers in our nation’s capital, and categorically deny any knowledge of the bank’s decision until today; out of respect for the banks staff, it was the proper thing to wait until the bank management met with staff before issuing a statement. Nevertheless, our people in the nation’s capital is faced with a problem not of their making and it behoves us as leaders to act with alacrity and cool headedness to address their anxiety and the inconvenience this sudden and disruptive decision will have on the public. All indications are that the decision of the bank is a fait accompli. This therefore require us not to waste time on matters outside of our sphere of influence but to act with courage to effectuate a system that addresses the problem – which is simply a risk-reward number for the bank, but disruption and inconvenience to the people of the nation’s capital as it has been for some time for the people of South Caicos, Middle and North Caicos. So, a solution has to be two pronged-intermediate and then long term and must take into consideration the plight of all who have either become unbanked or grossly inconvenienced.
In the first place, there are some low technology actions that should be encouraged and facilitated by the government – the first being cheque cashing business opportunities supported by legislation to regulate service standards and rates for cashing payroll and other cheques for the unbanked; the second is the standing up and operationalization of credit unions, the legislation for which already exist – waiting for the cabinet to introduce regulations before the ordinance could be accented to. The bank representatives have indicated possible favorable consideration for providing banking services for credit unions subject to an agreeable compliance protocol – the benefit of this would be formation of corporate vehicles to begin to build domestic capital and reduce the number of unbanked persons. Both of these could be done within the next 90 days while a longer-term solution is considered.
Ultimately though the world is not waiting for us. We can behave like victims or organize to control our own destiny God willing. In the ongoing innovation revolution, we must build a smart tech savvy country familiar with the power of digital technologies and advanced analytics to improve convenience, simplify everyday life, and help us make better decisions. Today we have one of the most powerful digital devices at our finger tips – the smart phone. We must use it for good and not as a thief of our time or a instrument of ridicule or divisiveness. Many developing countries have leaped frog over old technology in use in developed countries to the advantage of their people and improvement in productivity and competitiveness. I see this temporary setback be a teachable moment – a clarion call first to leadership to create an enabling environment including improvement in ICT that will allow the citizenry to engage in more self-help initiatives, and to the citizenry to combine their collective abilities and resources together so that everybody win.
Contrary to accepted intuition and despite past practices, I see the government as a competitor for the hearts and mind of the people not an adversary and where collaboration with it is in the interest of the people of these islands I have made it clear that I will pursue that path. – for me this is not a sign of weakness but one of self-confidence, courage of conviction, and strength of character. I trust the people of this country to judge the capacity, integrity and commitment of individual politicians and political parties at the polls, and when they get it wrong an opportunity presents itself to correct it every four years. In the meantime, in my capacity as leader of the opposition my vision for the country has never been bounded by election timetable but by my compass of what is right. That will continue long after I would have exited politics.
Release: Leader of The Opposition
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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