TCI News
Opposition Leader responds to Throne Speech 11 days later; says PDM Govt plan puts TCI in ‘deep doo doo’
#GrandTurk, Turks and Caicos Islands – July 3, 2018 – The Leader of the Opposition business in the Turks and Caicos House of Assembly, nearly two weeks after the official Opening of Parliament, has finally delivered his response to the Speech from the Throne which was since Monday June 18 delivered by the Governor on behalf of the PDM Administration. 
Hon. Washington Misick on Friday June 29 fired back with an over one hour long response encompassing a number of charges against the government administration, including an agenda change on June 18 which broke tradition and delayed his response to the Throne Speech.
“I believe it is incumbent upon us as honourable people to follow tradition to the extent that it doesn’t usurp the rights of anyone. And so, Mr. Speaker In most parliament the State Opening features the Speech from the Throne in the morning, and in the afternoon the House resumes and responds with the address in reply debate. In the Turks and Caicos, it has been the tradition for the Leader of the Opposition to reply immediately and I was prepared to do so – prepared or not. While the Constitution Mr. Speaker, gives the Premier the authority as the Leader of Government business the right to alter the Order Paper it is against the spirit of the Constitution or the Standing Order to lightly dispense with long established parliamentary practice for no apparent good reason.”
Just before the comment, there was a verbal wrangle over what was said and what was meant in a jab given by Premier Sharlene Robinson on House Opening day, which the Opposition Leader said gave an impression that she was treated similarly when Rufus Ewing was country leader. Misick denied that ever being the case.
Opposition Leader Washington Misick believes there was no legitimate reason for him being denied his response to the Throne Speech on the same day as it was given. The PNP Leader also surmised that the PDM Government has not presented a recovery budget, as touted and has no legislative agenda.
The fifth All Island Member announced that the PNP Opposition would support a change, which makes it permanently mandatory for the response from the Opposition Leader to the Speech from the Throne be made on the same day.
“Mr. Speaker it is your duty to protect the right of the minority and history will judge your speakership largely based on society perception of fairness in doing this… it would be acceptable to this side of the House, going forward, and I suggest Mr. Speaker, that the House establish the practice that the reply to the Throne Speech be made in the afternoon of the day that the Speech is delivered.”
Misick said his suggested agenda gives any Opposition Leader the time required to prepare a fact-based rebuttal to the Speech from the Throne.
“Having read the Throne Speech and having glanced quickly over the estimates of expenditure and revenue, the Budget; I would contend that contrary to pronouncements in the Throne Speech and also the pronouncements in the Budget Booklet itself… I contend that this is not a recovery budget whatsoever…”
Hon Washington Misick, in the midst of a humourous analogy, called the plans of the sitting Government, empty.
“This budget is quite vacuous, the Speech from the Throne is vacuous…” the LOO ended his opening remarks with the punchline of the joke, “Mr. Speaker the future, if this (Budget and Throne Speech) is what we have to depend on, is in deep do-do.”
Specifically, the Opposition Leader cited that the Throne Speech and the Budget Estimates show inconsistencies and makes ‘bogus claims’.
“Regrettably there is little that is specific, measurable or time bound but worst of all Mr. Speaker, a review of the Estimates quickly reveal the lack of financial provisions for most of the vague promises spoken to in the Speech from the Throne.”
Contributions on the Throne Speech continued into Friday.
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.
-
News6 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
-
Caribbean News7 days agoLiberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
-
News6 days agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals