TCI News

TCI: Landfill Fires and Human Rights

Published

7 years ago

February 6, 2019

#Providenciales, February 6, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – For several years there have been complaints made about the conditions in Blue Hills, particularly in the Wheeland area due to regular fires at the landfill site. Over the last couple of days there have been many comments on social media about a new fire causing dense smoke in the settlement.

Although it’s not unusual to have an occasional problem at a landfill site, it is unusual that the landfill on Providenciales experiences fires so frequently. In the United Kingdom, home to approximately 70 million people, there are around 280 to 300 landfill fires every year. Providenciales, however, is a significantly smaller country with a population only 0.057% of the UK and having significantly less waste you would anticipate that a landfill fire would be unusual. Unfortunately, for the residents impacted, this is not the case.

There have been many allegations for these fires, such as poor management, illegal immigrants burning coal kilns, to malicious sabotage, but ultimately, whatever the cause, it is Government’s responsibility to resolve this matter expeditiously. This is exactly the purpose governments are meant to fulfil, to maintain the basic infrastructure of a country enabling them to protect the economy, environment, health and life of its residents., these are fundamental human rights.

Landfill fires occur when waste disposed of in a landfill ignites and spreads. Two types of landfill fires are generally recognised. Surface Fires and Deep-Seated Fires. Surface fires typically occur in underdeveloped countries that lack the capacity to properly cover waste with inert daily and intermediate covering, in developed countries they are often caused by arson. If unchecked, spontaneous combustion fires in particular, tend to burn deeper into the waste mass, resulting in deep seated fires.

Deep-Seated landfill fires, unlike a typical fire, are difficult to put out with water unless an overhaul operation is undertaken. In human terms, the emissions arising from these fires, which can continue for years, are potentially lethal with well-proven acute and chronic health impacts. Particularly concerning are the tire fires on landfills. Burning tires are known to emit dioxins and benzene derivatives which have been linked with reproductive impairment and cancer in humans.

The International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights confers the responsibility upon States to ensure that residents have an adequate standard of living, this means that our Government is responsible for putting in place, and monitoring compliance with, legislation that protects our living standards.

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Article 11

The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate food, clothing and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living conditions. The States Parties will take appropriate steps to ensure the realization of this right, recognizing to this effect the essential importance of international co-operation based on free consent.

The International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights also confers the responsibility upon States to ensure that residents enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. This is normally associated with promotional campaigns on health matters, free healthcare and adequate mental health services but it is also associated with the quality of the environment that we all live in. In this respect this current administration is making a huge environmental stride with the move towards banning all single use plastics, an initiative that the Turks and Caicos Human Rights Commission fully endorses, but what of the devastating environmental conditions threatening the health of the residents of Blue Hills, Wheeland area?

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Article 12

The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

The steps to be taken by the States Parties to the present Covenant to achieve the full realization of this right shall include those necessary for:

The provision for the reduction of the stillbirth-rate and of infant mortality and for the healthy development of the child;
The improvement of all aspects of environmental and industrial hygiene;
The prevention, treatment and control of epidemic, endemic, occupational and other diseases;
The creation of conditions which would assure to all medical service and medical attention in the event of sickness.

Due to the regular fires at the site many residents have reported difficulty in sleeping, problems with breathing and, especially of concern, the deteriorating health of children with asthma. One post on social media commented that a local school had closed due to concerns for the health of the children.

When a school is forced to close due to environmental contamination the government must act swiftly and must act decisively. Among the health impacts of landfill fires are both cancer and higher mortality rates for pregnant mothers and babies. It’s not just the smoke that’s the problem but what that smoke contains, there is the potential here for residents of the area to experience long term health issues as a consequence of these potential pollutants. These fires are not just an inconvenience they are a well-established threat to life. The government must move swiftly in meeting their responsibilities under Article 12, subsection 2 (a) and (b) of the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

The steps to be taken by the States Parties to the present Covenant to achieve the full realization of this right shall include those necessary for:

(a) The provision for the reduction of the stillbirth-rate and of infant mortality and for the healthy development of the child;

Human Rights are indivisible, this means that if one human right is impacted all human rights are impacted. If you improve the access to one right, you improve the access to all rights and, conversely, if you restrict the access to one right this has a negative impact on all other rights.

These landfill site fires in Providenciales has a direct impact upon the health and quality of life of all the residents in the area and this impacts upon other rights. People who get sick cannot go to work, children who are ill cannot make the most of their education, people who cannot open their windows have to rely on air conditioning further impacting upon their personal finances.

Although the government must act quickly to address the current fire at the landfill site it is far more important that they act decisively to prevent a reoccurrence of this in the future. Whatever the real issues that lead to the repeated fires at the landfill site the government has a responsibility under international and domestic law to identify and put in place a permanent solution and to protect the lives and livelihoods of the residents and their children.

Convention on the Rights of the Child

Article 6

States Parties recognize that every child has the inherent right to life.
States Parties shall ensure to the maximum extent possible the survival and development of the child.

Release: TCI Human Rights Commission

Finance

TCI Financial Services Opens Debate on Cryptocurrency Rules

Published

1 day ago

May 12, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, May 12, 2026 – A new era of digital finance regulation could be on the horizon for the Turks and Caicos Islands, as the Financial Services Commission moves to establish a legal framework for virtual assets and cryptocurrency-related businesses.

The TCI Financial Services Commission on Friday launched a public consultation on its proposed Virtual Assets Business Bill, 2026, legislation designed to regulate virtual asset service providers, stablecoin issuers and other digital asset activities operating in or from the territory.

Globally, governments and regulators have been racing to catch up with the rapid growth of digital currencies, blockchain technology and online financial platforms. Concerns over money laundering, cybercrime, fraud and the collapse of poorly regulated crypto exchanges have pushed jurisdictions to tighten oversight while still trying to attract financial innovation and investment.

The proposed TCI bill appears aimed at positioning the territory within that evolving international framework.

According to the FSC, the legislation is aligned with international standards and guidance from bodies including the Financial Action Task Force, International Organization of Securities Commissions and the Financial Stability Board.

The Commission said the bill would introduce a “comprehensive licensing, supervisory, prudential and enforcement framework” for the sector. The proposed law includes anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing obligations, cyber resilience requirements, enforcement measures and even a regulatory sandbox intended to support innovation.

Among the notable features are proposed reserve and governance rules for stablecoins, which are digital currencies typically tied to traditional assets like the US dollar. The draft legislation also outlines exemptions for certain technology providers and closed-loop token systems.

The FSC said the consultation period is intended to gather public and industry feedback before the bill is submitted to Cabinet next month. Written submissions must be received by June 8, 2026.

The consultation paper and draft bill have been published on the FSC website for public review.

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

News

Conch Farm Site to become New Home for Watersports Operators

Published

1 day ago

May 12, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

$12 million acquisition signals marina plan, not return of commercial conch farming

Turks and Caicos, May 12, 2026 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government’s acquisition of the former Conch Farm property is not shaping up as a revival of the once world-famous aquaculture operation in Long Bay.

Instead, the $12 million purchase appears headed in a very different direction — transforming the sprawling waterfront site into what could become the new operational home for scores of marine and watersports operators who have long struggled for space along the eastern shores of Providenciales.

And for many observers familiar with the growing tensions in those areas, the move may actually make more sense than first believed.

Over the years, the rapid expansion of jet ski operators, charter boats, parasailing businesses and excursion companies along eastern beach and marina areas has increasingly created disputes over access, launching rights, docking space and territorial use of waterfront locations.

At times, those disagreements have reportedly escalated into confrontations serious enough to require police intervention.

Now, according to comments delivered by Premier and Finance Minister Charles Washington Misick during debate on the 2026/27 Budget, government intends to use the former Conch Farm property to bring greater order and infrastructure to the rapidly expanding marine sector.

“The acquisition and redevelopment of the Conch Farm property at Long Bay, Providenciales, is a strategic Government investment to strengthen the rapidly growing marine and water sports sector,” the Premier said.

He explained that the project is envisioned as:

“a safe, clean, and well-managed public marina dedicated to local operators.”

The Premier also pointed directly to the growing number of young Turks and Caicos Islanders entering the marine tourism industry since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“So many of these operators are young Turks and Caicos Islanders who have turned to self-employment since COVID-19,” he stated during the Budget presentation.

Government says the marina would provide affordable and regulated launching facilities while creating space for docking, boat services, small vendors, maintenance operations and other marine-related businesses.

The proposal also aims to formalize portions of an industry which has expanded rapidly alongside the country’s booming tourism economy.

“Best of all it ensures that the benefits of our booming tourism industry are retained right here in Turks and Caicos communities,” the Premier added.

The clarification significantly changes early public assumptions that government was preparing to revive the commercial conch farming operation once associated with the property.

The original Caicos Conch Farm was widely regarded as the world’s first and only commercial conch farm before hurricane damage, operational struggles, policy disputes and legal battles eventually led to its closure.

Now, while the historic name and marine legacy remain attached to the site, the government’s immediate vision appears centered far more on marine infrastructure and economic activity than on aquaculture.

And in a tourism economy increasingly dependent on marine excursions and water-based experiences, the move could ultimately reshape one of the most contentious and overcrowded corners of Providenciales’ tourism landscape.

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

News

Anantara Targets North Caicos for Latest Luxury Development

Published

1 day ago

May 12, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

International resort brand launches sales for residences and resort project on Sandy Point

Turks and Caicos, May 12, 2026 – Sales have started on what could become another multi-million-dollar luxury residential resort development for the Turks and Caicos Islands — but this time, North Caicos is poised to become home to the investment by international luxury brand Anantara.

The project, now being marketed globally through developer platforms and international promotional campaigns, is planned for the Sandy Point coastline and is being pitched as a collection of luxury residences paired with high-end resort amenities on one of the country’s least developed major islands.

What may distinguish this proposal from several ambitious North Caicos projects that never fully materialized, however, is the reputation and global footprint behind the Anantara brand itself.

Anantara Hotels & Resorts operates luxury properties across Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe under parent company Minor Hotels, an international hospitality group with more than 500 hotels in operation worldwide. The North Caicos project is being promoted as Anantara’s first-ever Caribbean development — a detail likely to draw heightened international attention and investor confidence.

Developers are positioning the investment as an opportunity to experience a quieter, less discovered side of the Turks and Caicos Islands, one they argue rivals the beauty and exclusivity long associated with Providenciales.

And North Caicos, one of the largest islands in the archipelago and widely regarded as its most lush and green, offers a dramatically different landscape from the tourism-heavy pace of Providenciales — with expansive wetlands, undeveloped beaches, dense vegetation and a slower, nature-focused atmosphere increasingly attractive to luxury travelers seeking privacy and wellness-oriented experiences.

According to promotional material, the development is located approximately 25 minutes from Providenciales by combined ferry and air connections and will include 78 branded residences, beachfront villas and resort-style amenities focused on low-density luxury living.

The project team includes several recognized figures in luxury hospitality and development, among them Rob Ayer, associated with Wymara Resort developments, and Caroline Domange, co-founder of Cheval Blanc, the ultra-luxury hospitality brand linked to LVMH.

Premier Charles Washington Misick is also featured prominently in the global announcement, describing the project as:

“the beginning of a new chapter for luxury lifestyles in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

The investment aligns closely with government’s increasing emphasis on shifting development beyond Providenciales and driving greater economic activity into the Family Islands.

Still, the proposal is also expected to reignite wider national discussions about infrastructure readiness, housing pressures and the long-term pace of development throughout the territory — particularly as government recently approved the formation of a Public Private Partnership Working Group on Hotel Employee Accommodations.

Promotional material circulating internationally suggests residences at the North Caicos development could start at just under US$1 million — underscoring the ultra-luxury market the project intends to attract.

The project is currently targeting a 2029 opening.

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