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Bi-lateral talks with Bahamas to resume, UK gives green light to high-level TCI delegation

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#Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday July 26, 2018 – A serious bi-lateral discussion between the Turks and Caicos and The Bahamas is on the horizon according to Premier, Hon Sharlene Robinson who today told media that the Governor has approved an official visit.

“On the matter of illegal migration, discussions with The Bahamas; the Governor this past week has issued the diplomatic note that would allow the high level TCI delegation to travel to The Bahamas to further this dialogue.  Persons would recall that The Bahamas had agreed to assist with the patrolling of our waters and a letter of entrustment was requested by myself and the UK Minister who has graciously agreed to allow for the exploratory talks.”

The idea of a stronger alliance between the Turks and Caicos and The Bahamas has been touted for years, including by the former Rufus Ewing Administration.

On Thursday, notes from the most recent Turks and Caicos Cabinet meeting reflected that the conversation is imminent between the two countries which share borders, waters, geography, history, family relations and more woefully, troubles brought by illegal fishing and illegal migration.

From the Cabinet report of July 25, 2018:  “The Hon. Premier reported that the TCI Government would commence talks soon with the Government of the Bahamas on possible co-operation to tackle the problem of illegal sloops from Haiti. The Hon. Premier also reported that she had received the report of the UK Border Force delegation who had been in TCI recently to carry out an assessment of TCI’s needs to combat illegal migration. The recommendations in the report were currently under consideration but were broadly in line with existing TCIG’s thinking and several were already being implemented.”

Peter Beckingham, former Governor TCI

In 2014, former governor Peter Beckingham travelled to The Bahamas where he met with the former Deputy Prime Minister, Philip Davis – acting Foreign Affairs Minister at the time.

The two leaders explained to media in July 2014 that policies were being formed to curb the issues with illegal migration from Haiti.

Philip Davis, former Deputy Prime Minister Bahamas

Mr. Beckingham, on behalf of the Turks and Caicos Islands, shared that:  “We have put in a number of measures to try and get a tighter grip on the problem of illegal migration,” he said. “It is costing human lives and it is costing our government money. So for those reasons and others we want to do more about it.  I can’t help feeling that if we can match up those two areas rather more there is an area for development. We believe that by meeting jointly with the government of Haiti there may be areas where we can exert some persuasion to encourage them to do more about the problem that they face and we face jointly. By showing that we are united in this enterprise and in this discussion we will underline the seriousness of this problem and the hope that we can do something about it.”

Soon the meeting of two nations became a tri-lateral caucus when it welcomed Haiti to the table.  The session was expected to stem the flow of illegal boats loaded with migrants fleeing Haiti.

Whatever ideas were discussed have never been publicized or implemented.  The meeting seems to have been a dud and the inundation of Haitians illegally to both the Turks and Caicos and The Bahamas in subsequent years has not waned.

During his Budget presentation in July 2018, Deputy Premier and Border Control Minister, Sean Astwood announced that illegal migration activity surged by nearly 300% in the past fiscal period for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

L-R: Jovenel Moise, Haitian President; Darren Henfield, Bahamas Foreign Affairs Minister and Hubert Minnis, Bahamas Prime Minister

“Mr. Speaker, the battles we faced as a ministry, as a government and as a country, in my mind, were unprecedented.  As a people, we endured the wrath of two major hurricanes and untold damages and displacements, and it appeared that our borders came under relentless attacks from the start of 2017.A total of 22 sloops and 1,335 persons were repatriated throughout the year. Mr. Speaker, this represents a 160% increase in sloops arrivals and a 270% increase in repatriations over the same period for 2016.Mr. Speaker, this was truly unprecedented.”

No date was given by Premier Robinson for the high-level, bi-lateral meeting in The Bahamas.

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Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Highlights Investment Growth and Workforce Opportunity at 5th Annual General Meeting

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 28th September 2026:Invest Turks and Caicos Islands (Invest TCI) hosted its 5th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos, under the theme “Investment and Opportunity: Building a Stronger Workforce.”

The event brought together government officials, investors, developers, industry leaders, small business owners and key stakeholders for an evening of reflection on the Agency’s performance and the continued growth of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The meeting was called to order by Invest TCI Chairperson Ms. Cindy Ewing, who greeted the guests, outlined the purpose of the AGM, including the Agency’s statutory mandate and commitment to public accountability.

Building on the evening’s focus, Premier and Minister of Finance, Trade and Investment, Hon. Charles Washington Misick, reflected on the strength of the tourism industry, continued development and the transformation experienced by the Islands over the past five decades. He emphasized that economic progress cannot be measured solely by the number of buildings constructed or the amount of capital reaching the country’s shores, but by whether the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands are advancing alongside that growth.

The Premier also called for greater attention to the social cost of economic expansion and the extent to which the benefits of growth are shared. As Invest TCI continues to play a central role in facilitating development, he stressed the importance of responsible corporate citizenship and of ensuring that those benefiting from the economy contribute meaningfully to the society in which they operate.

Following the Premier’s remarks, Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam highlighted the opportunity to convert strong investor confidence into lasting economic capability, productivity and prosperity. She underscored the importance of viewing investment as a catalyst for innovation, skills development, enterprise and institutional strength, while building the domestic capacity required to support continued growth.

Bringing the discussion back to Invest TCI’s role in advancing that objective, Chairperson Ms. Ewing presented the Board’s report, reflecting on governance, Board oversight, key achievements and the strategic direction of the Agency, while underscoring the responsibility that accompanies a growing investment environment.

“The true value of investment is not only what is built on our shores, but also what is built within our people,” Ms. Ewing said. She further emphasized the Board’s responsibility to understand the investment landscape, question it and, where necessary, improve upon it.

The focus then shifted from strategic oversight to the Agency’s performance, as Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Angela Musgrove presented on the performance of the organization for the 2025/26 financial year. She highlighted an active investment pipeline of 53 projects valued at approximately $6.335 billion and reported that the Agency received 140 applications to its Micro Small and Medium Enterprise programme, the highest number of applications in the programme’s history. Importantly, she emphasized that the Agency’s focus extends beyond the size of the investment pipeline to the impact these investments are expected to generate across the economy, including employment, construction activity, business opportunities, linkages with local enterprises and broader economic participation.

Further demonstrating the breadth of activity across the Agency’s portfolio, Mrs. Musgrove reported progress under the Heritage Turks and Caicos Islander Investment Policy, with two Development Agreements executed and five projects currently progressing through the Heritage pipeline. She highlighted the Agency’s focus on moving these projects forward and converting investment activity into tangible outcomes, including construction and employment opportunities. This impact-focused approach reflects the Agency’s emphasis on not only attracting and facilitating investment, but on tracking how investment translates into measurable benefits for the Turks and Caicos Islands and its people.

Providing a financial and operational overview, Mrs. Musgrove emphasized that performance should not be assessed only by budget utilization, but by what the Agency delivers through its resources, including investments advanced, businesses supported and opportunities created across the Islands. This , she noted, reinforces the Agency’s focus on accountability, results and  measurable economic impact.

A central feature of the evening was the special panel discussion, “Beyond Employment: Turning Investment into Opportunity for Our People.” Moderated by Damian Wilson, Deputy Director of Radio Turks and Caicos, the panel brought together James McAnally, Regional Managing Director, Sandals Resorts International; Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Minister of Immigration and Border Services; Claudia Been Munnings, Director of Organizational Learning and Development, Pelican Energy; Melanie Smith, Founder and Owner, Talent Recruitment Group; and Dr. Candice Williams, President, TCI Community College.

The discussion explored five interconnected priorities: workforce quality, meaningful local participation, skills and workforce readiness, career progression, and stronger partnership and planning. Panelists considered how education and training can be better aligned with industry demand and higher-value, specialized and future-focused roles, while creating clearer pathways for advancement and leadership. The discussion also reinforced the importance of collaboration among government, investors, employers and training institutions in preparing the workforce for the next decade of development.

Other highlights of the evening included an investment and economic development video and a prize giveaway, with prizes including a spa experience for two at South Bank and four day or night passes sponsored by Beaches Turks and Caicos. Invest TCI also recognized staff members who reached five and ten years of service, acknowledging their dedication and contribution to the Agency’s continued growth and development.

The 5th AGM reinforced Invest TCI’s continued focus on attracting and facilitating investment while ensuring that economic growth creates meaningful opportunities for the people and businesses of the Turks and Caicos Islands. With a significant investment pipeline, record demand for MSME support and continued progress under the Heritage Policy, the Agency remains focused on advancing projects, supporting enterprise and strengthening the connection between investment, workforce development and long-term economic opportunity.

The evening concluded with closing remarks and appreciation to attendees, speakers, panelists, partners and the organizing team for their contribution to a successful AGM.

For more information on upcoming events and Invest TCI initiatives, follow Invest TCI on social media @InvestTCI.

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DDME Conducts Hurricane Preparedness Presentation to Digicel Staff

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands— Thursday, 24 September 2026:  The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) was invited by Digicel to deliver a hurricane preparedness presentation to members of their staff.

The engaging 90-minute presentation formed part of DDME’s ongoing public education and awareness efforts aimed at strengthening preparedness across the Turks and Caicos Islands. During the session, Digicel employees were provided with important information on the potential impacts of hurricanes and other emergencies, as well as the actions that individuals and organisations can take to reduce risks and protect lives, property and essential operations.

The presentation emphasised that preparedness is a shared responsibility and should begin well before a storm or other emergency threatens the country. Staff were encouraged to understand the risks associated with hurricanes, remain informed through official sources and develop personal and workplace preparedness plans.

DDME recognises the important role that businesses play in national disaster preparedness and resilience. Corporate organisations are encouraged to establish and regularly review emergency plans that clearly outline responsibilities, communication procedures, evacuation arrangements, business continuity measures and recovery actions.

“Preparedness is most effective when it is planned and practised before an emergency occurs,” Jason Hills, DDME Director. “Organisations that invest in preparedness today are better positioned to protect their people, maintain essential services and support the wider community during times of crisis.”

Corporate organisations, schools and government departments interested in DDME’s assistance with hurricane preparedness training, emergency drills support or assistance with developing a business contingency plan are encouraged to contact the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies via email at ddme.tci@gmail.com.

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Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands Empowers Local Students Through Back-to-School Backpack & Supplies Drive

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PROVIDENCIALE, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS — The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI) is proud to announce the successful completion of its 2026 Back-to-School Supplies Initiative, distributing essential backpacks and educational materials to local students and families across the community.

With the new academic year underway, this annual drive was designed to alleviate the financial burden on families while equipping local youth with the necessary tools for academic success.

Education is an investment in a better generation and a brighter future. We are grateful to all our generous donors and supporters whose contributions helped make this initiative possible.

The initiative’s success was made possible through the collaboration and contributions of local corporate partners and community members. IATCI extends its sincere appreciation to the following sponsors for their support and commitment:

• Mayaa Ltd, Ayavue Enterprises, Provo Café, Sunny Foods, Gold Smith, Charlie’s, Kishco / Kostco, Citrusbuy Ltd.

Through partnerships like these, IATCI continues its commitment to fostering community growth, supporting educational development, and making a lasting positive impact across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

About the Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)

The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands is a non-profit community organization dedicated to cultural enrichment, community service, and supporting educational and social initiatives throughout the islands.

Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)

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