TCI News
TCI: From the desk of Honorable George Lightbourne
Grand Turk, March 23, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – A UK parliamentary bipartisan committee has called on the Theresa May-led administration to set a date for all British Overseas Territories to legalize same sex marriages. It has also recommended the removing of belongership and its equivalents.
It says that these provisions are wrong and they are calling for UK residents to have voting rights and for them to be allowed to run for office in the Overseas Territories. The report also says that, if it’s not adhered to, it should be imposed by Order in Council.
These recommendations by the FAC are something that ought not be taken lightly. The proposed recommendations if implemented, have the potential to negatively impact the landscape of our country, morally, culturally, socially and politically, this includes the people of Grand Turk North. It is because of my love of my constituency and my love of my country I am compelled to speak about this matter.
Each country in the world is defined by its uniqueness and their core values which set them apart from other countries. In the Turks and Caicos we are no different. We are regarded as a beautiful, friendly, upright, law abiding, Christian country; a country where most persons fear god and subscribe to the teachings in the holy bible.
The Turks and Caicos islands is one of the most sought after destinations in the world by both those who seek to do good and sadly, those who seek to do us wrong.
We must be able to recognize and acknowledge one from the other and address them accordingly.
The FAC report is proposing among other things the allowance of man marrying man and woman marrying woman. This goes directly against our beliefs and it cuts us deep and should be wholeheartedly rejected without hesitation. The report also recommends that U.K. Citizens be allowed the right to vote in our elections and also run as candidates and Premier of this country. Again, we must send a strong message as this is not acceptable. We must stand strong and protect ourselves from any invasion into our political structure by persons who do not share our concerns and do not have any appreciation for our plight as a people.
The British regards us as a dependent territory and for many years I’ve asked the question what is it that we depend on the U.K for? needless to say, I have been unsuccessful in receiving a sensible answer. I am not surprised by the boldness of the U.K. After all they’ve gotten away with doing us so much wrong already. They have been allowed to take advantage of us without any meaningful resistance; further, I am not surprised by the fact that these are bi-partisan recommendations. What I am surprised by is the unilateral response to the report by our Premier. I am also surprised by the non response by the Leader of the Opposition.
I am of the view that a bi partisan report of such magnitude with the potential to negatively disrupt our way our life; interfering with those core principles that guide our day to day runnings should at the very least be given a bipartisan response. A response that would have captured the wishes of our total populace.
Such a damning report requires a response that would have clearly outlined and reflect in no uncertain terms the true wishes of our people. The response would have and should have been a country’s response that we could have all been proud of and contented with. Furthermore, it should have stated our country’s position. It should have been signed off by both the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition, after all, it is a national crisis.
Additionally, it should have established a red line and it should have said to the U.K. If you cross this line, this is what we will do; so there would be no surprises when they proceed with their anti TCI agenda. They would know exactly what the expected consequences would be.
I read the Premier’s response to the report and I was disappointed because it was a very weak response and it gave the impression that she either didn’t take the recommendations seriously or she doesn’t understand what is being proposed and the reason why I’m saying this is because in her response she said to the U.K.: ” no thank you”. Madam Premier the FAC is not asking for your permission to implement their plans but rather they are telling us what they are about to do and quite frankly they do not need your permission; they can and will do it by order in council whether we like it or not, the question becomes, what will we do? Tell the people of the Turks and Caicos islands, what are your intentions once the U.K. Implements their plans by order in council.
The U.K. has been taking over complete control of the TCI for a very long time but they were doing it incrementally; first they got rid of our constitution then they replaced it one that is equivalent to toilet paper where they have all the powers whilst at the same time allowing you to have elections providing you with a locally elected powerless government. We turned a blind eye to it and carried on as though we had powers to make decisions to advance our people’s agenda and because we went along with the saga and made believe like we had power, the U.K. Is now embolden and have decided to engage in what I would like to refer to as a “hostile take over” caring less about who you are, what you want and more about what they want. This latest attempt by the British presents a defining moment for us in the Turks and Caicos islands because it provides us a serious opportunity for some much needed self introspection. We now have a clear look into the minds of our adversaries and the ball is in our court, we can stick our head in the sand and act like ostriches and allow ourselves to be overthrown or we can arise and do what God wants us to do.
God has given us a beautiful country with smart able people, we have always managed our own affairs and there is nothing stopping us from continuing to do so. We ought not have a spirit of fear but one of soundness and optimism, however in our quest to pursue freedom we must understand that every Turks Islander has a contribution to make regardless his or her political affiliation. They must be respected and given the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of our country. This means working with, promoting and creating opportunities for all our citizens whether we like them or not. This is the only way we will be able to transition from a country to a nation. Our Sovereignty awaits us but it requires political maturity and sound leadership.
My fellow citizens, we are at a crossroad. We have an opportunity to make a choice; a simple choice, a choice between good or evil. We can allow the U.K. to have their way and impose their belief and cultures on us or we can object it and chart a new course, a true path to real Turks and Caicos citizenship. Should we allow the the will of the U.K. to prevail we will find ourselves in an unfortunate predicament and we must not allow ourselves to be continually disrespected, and dominated into submission.
Our culture, values and biblical principles are worthy of retention and deserving of protection. My people wake up, speak up and fight back, do not accept it.
Hon. George Lightbourne
After demolition
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 17 July 2026: The Planning Department, with support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), and the Crown Land Unit conducted a coordinated enforcement operation on Thursday, 2 July 2026, resulting in the demolition of six unauthorised structures on private property at Block and Parcel 60502/48. Security for the operation was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
The enforcement action followed the issuance of an Enforcement Notice by the Planning Department on 29 January 2026, advising the persons responsible for the structures that they had been erected without the necessary planning approval and were required to be removed. Following the expiration of the compliance period, a multi-agency operation was organised to carry out the demolition.
Before demolition activities commenced, personnel conducted a comprehensive inspection of the site to confirm that all structures were unoccupied and free of gas cylinders or other hazardous materials. These precautionary measures were undertaken to safeguard the welfare
of both the enforcement teams and the public while ensuring the operation was carried out safely and efficiently.
Upon completion of the exercise, participating agencies returned to Police Tactical Headquarters for a debrief, marking the successful conclusion of another coordinated enforcement effort.
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds members of the public that all construction activities must receive the appropriate planning approvals before work begins. The Planning Department will continue to work alongside its partner agencies to enforce the Planning Ordinance, promote orderly development and ensure that construction throughout the Islands complies with the applicable laws and regulations.
Members of the public are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the planning approval process and to seek guidance from the Planning Department before undertaking any development to avoid enforcement action and loss of money invested.
News
DDME’s Hurricane Hunt Scavenger Hunt Sparks Community Spirit and Storm Preparedness in Providenciales
Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — Fifteen teams raced across Providenciales on Saturday July 4th for the inaugural DDME Hurricane Hunt, a community scavenger hunt designed to combine friendly competition with hurricane preparedness education.
Teams were given a bag of supplies and 15 cryptic clues, participants had less than two hours to pinpoint locations and collect hurricane must-haves; including water jugs, shovels, flashlights and other supplies that every household should have on hand ahead of a storm.
The challenge tested not only participants’ local knowledge and navigation skills, but also their teamwork under time pressure; all while reinforcing practical lessons about what it takes to stay ready when a storm approaches.
Beyond the hunt itself, the event drew a lively crowd of families and supporters who turned out to enjoy a full day of festivities. Attendees took part in games, received free gifts, face painting, canvas painting, bounce houses and visited vendor booths; while enjoying fresh food off the grill throughout the afternoon.
“This event brought together the best of both worlds; a fun, high-energy competition and a meaningful reminder of how important it is for our community to be prepared,” Mr. Aaron Ballantyne, Community Preparedness Officer for Providenciales. “Seeing 15 teams fully engaged, racing to landmarks across the island while learning what belongs in a hurricane kit, was exactly the outcome we hoped for.”
DDME extends their sincere gratitude to the stakeholders that partnered with the event and generously donated their time, resources and
efforts to make it a success: The Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross, The Oseta Jolly Primary School, The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Do It Center (Building Materials), KB Homes, Digicel TCI, Frost Cay and Clint Grilling and Catering Services, along with all other vendors who were solicited.
The event’s success was also made possible by the private organizations and government departments that opened their locations to serve as scavenger hunt sites, allowing the hunt to unfold across the island; from Chalk Sound to Long Bay.
The quick thinking first place team consisted of; Neekimo King, Keturah Miller-Brown, Lashaunda Dickenson and Kebba Thomas who all walked away with exciting prizes.
Ms. Bernadya Smith, Public Information and Media Manager stated; “With hurricane season underway, this event, along with our recent Hurricane Expo held in Grand Turk and community pop-ups throughout the country, is a testament to DDME’s commitment to blending community engagement with year-round storm readiness. We look forward to making this event an annual staple that brings families together while keeping preparedness at the forefront of every community we serve.
Follow DDME social media pages to stay up to date with upcoming events and to join their weekly quizzes for a chance to win exciting prizes all hurricane season long.
News
Invest TCI Supports Certification of Local Flats Fishing Guides Through MSME Technical Assistance Under Historic TCFFA–TCICC Partnership
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — June 11th 2026 — Invest Turks and Caicos Islands has confirmed a financial commitment of $26,750 through the MSME Programme’s Technical Assistance support to assist 35 participants undertaking STCW and Fly-Fishing Guide Certifications under the Turks and Caicos Fly Fishing Association (TCFFA) and the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) partnership. The support is intended to strengthen the capacity of existing and emerging local operators within the flats-fishing and marine–based tourism sector, helping participants formalize their skills, improve service standards, and access higher-value economic opportunities.
The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between TCFFA and TCICC on 12th May 2026, establishing the
country’s first endorsed and regionally recognized Sustainable Fly-Fishing curriculum. That partnership, funded in part by the UK Government through the Darwin Plus Local initiative, aims to certify twenty or more Turks and Caicos Islanders as Flats-Fishing Guides and Train-The-Trainers — drawn from Providenciales, North Caicos, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, and Grand Turk.
Invest TCI’s contribution ensures that the financial barrier to certification does not prevent qualified candidates from accessing this sector-building opportunity. The support is being provided as technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of existing and emerging MSMEs within the flats-fishing and marine-based tourism sector, enabling participants to formalize, improve service standards, and access higher-value market opportunities.
“We are indeed happy to be a part of this initiative and to provide financial support towards the certification of the 35 participants. Invest TCI is committed to empowering small and medium enterprises and the individuals who drive them – and this programme is a direct example of that commitment in action.” — Alexa Cooper, Vice President – SME Development, Invest Turks and Caicos
Regional studies, including research on The Bahamas’ flats-fishing sector, show that the industry can generate significant economic value through lodging, meals, transport, retail, and guided services. This demonstrates the potential for Turks and Caicos to strengthen its own flats-fishing value chain through professional training, certification, and local enterprise development.
Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos, highlighted the strategic alignment between the investment and Invest TCI’s broader
mission:
“Invest TCI’s mandate is to support a stronger, more diversified economy with Turks and Caicos Islanders positioned to benefit from the industries that shape our future. This initiative directly aligns with that mandate. By supporting certification for local flats-fishing guides, we are helping to convert local knowledge into recognized credentials, strengthen small business capacity, and retain more value within our communities. It is a practical investment in people, enterprise, and sector development.” — Angela Musgrove, CEO, Invest Turks and Caicos
TCFFA President Levardo Talbot, whose association initiated the candidacy process and identified the funded participants, welcomed Invest TCI’s commitment as pivotal to the programme’s reach:
“For the first time, Turks and Caicos Islander fly fishing guides have an endorsed and regionally-recognized, locally delivered pathway into a profession that has long been built on their knowledge but not always on their terms. Invest TCI’s support ensures the people who should be in this room are in this room.” — Levardo Talbot, President, Turks and Caicos Fly Fishing Association
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