TCI News
TCI: Opposition chides PDM Government for $4.3 million ‘underspend’ and ‘rush’ to buy technical school building
#Providenciales, March 31, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Millions of dollars went unspent this fiscal year and it affected the fulfillment of significant capital projects including repairs to public buildings and modernization in government services; the Opposition PNP lambasted the PDM Government for this gross underspending and accused the administration of playing politics with the people’s money.
“The real problem here, the crux of the matter is that the government was not able to draw down on the 2018-2019 budget allocation and in a last ditch effort to save face, they have come with this supplementary appropriation with the sole purpose of placating the people of these islands as it relates to the technical vocation school and I doubt very much that all the necessary processes and research was done to ensure that it is the best location and the best facility.”
During debate on Friday to re-arrange monies to the tune of $4.3 million dollars, the Opposition side had three members who lent strongly to the debate; Washington Misick, PNP Leader; Royal Robinson, Opposition Appointed Member and Josephine Connolly, all island member who recently went from an independent member to the PNP side, after resigning the PDM party.
Reasons cited in an Appropriations Committee Report included that some projects never made it to tender, while others were under-funded and were unable to proceed leaving millions of dollars unspent and millions in projects undone.
Former Finance Minister, Washington Misick read periodically from the report during his contribution on the supplementary to the Budget; he labelled some explanations in the document deceptive and the inability to complete some school projects, disappointing.
“It is assumed these projects will be in 2019-2020 because it’ll be a travesty to those communities, particularly at the secondary school level if their capital budgets are being reduced or removed, just to be able to make a statement, a political one.” He added, “Mr. Speaker, if you are phasing a project, it’s not that it is being decreased, the cost is being deferred by the very nature of the word phasing means that instead of coming this month, it may come three months later so some of the language that is used in here, that comes across as being somewhat deceptive.”
Hon. Misick was critical of the leap of the PDM Government to buy a building for a Technical and Vocational school; revealing that the new purchase was never a part of the roster for the original 2018-2019 Budget and that more research should be done before the government spent the public’s money on a site which could prove unfit for long term development.
Three million dollars was announced as the cost for TCIG to acquire the current site of the Oseta Jolly Primary school; the school just behind Abundant Life Ministries church.
Hon Royal Robinson asked the government about its promise for change.
“Something has to be done by now with the procurement process. Mr. Speaker we cannot continue down this path and one of the complaints we have been having from a number of our indigenous contractors is that they have not been getting some of the work because of the onerous requirement that has been placed on the process.” Robinson added, “Mr. Speaker you have a new sheriff in town who said she is the agent for change… the Premier has a duty and a responsibility to come to the House with the legislation that’s needed to change this thing, it could only be changed here and if the powers that be don’t sign on then we go to the streets Mr. Speaker!
Hon Connolly agrees that the procurement ordinance is not delivering for the people, and that the technical and vocational school is a brand-new project. The Member expressed her surprise that changes to the Development Budget were coming just two days before the end of the fiscal year, which ends on Sunday, March 31, 2019.
“It’s lack of planning, all of this has been left for last minute or in this case, the last day. This is not the first rushed bill we have had but I am going to suggest Mr. Speaker that our Government needs to consider a legislative time table, it is very good tool, and it will stop some of these last-minute dramas.”
Hon Connolly said she supports the idea of a trade school and asked for details of the policy.
Cuts included half a million dollars in furniture for schools, no refurbishment construction at some schools and other public buildings because bids came in above what was budgeted, and cuts in technological advances to help both the real estate and tourism industry, among others.
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The Department of Trade, Industry & Fair Competition to Host Export Readiness Workshop Under the theme “Empowering TCI Businesses for Local Growth and Global Markets.”
TCI News
Experience Turks and Caicos and Aquila Host Product Development Workshops to Strengthen Sister Islands Tourism
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – Experience Turks and Caicos, in collaboration with the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, successfully hosted a Product Development Workshop for tourism stakeholders from North Caicos, Middle Caicos, and South Caicos on Wednesday, January 14 and Thursday, January 15, 2026.
The workshop was designed to support tour operators, entrepreneurs, and tourism-related businesses as they adapt to the evolving demands of the global tourism industry. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises and structured sessions aimed at reimagining existing tourism products and developing new, innovative, and sustainable experiences that are market-ready and aligned with current visitor expectations.
Throughout the workshop, attendees were equipped with practical tools and strategies to develop high-impact tourism offerings, strengthen
product packaging and pricing, assess market readiness, and enhance value creation. Emphasis was also placed on collaboration, partnership development, and the promotion of sustainable practices to ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islands remain a fresh, competitive, and appealing destination. More than 20 participants representing tourism businesses across the islands took part in the training sessions.
“Experience Turks and Caicos has a responsibility to ensure that all communities across the Turks and Caicos Islands benefit from tourism. These workshops are designed to equip local businesses with the essential tools and knowledge needed to maximise the opportunities within the industry, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth,” said Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Candesha Mills the Product Development Manager at Experience Turks and Caicos said: “We are actively working on destination development by supporting our stakeholders as they reimagine their products and experiences. Workshops like this are critical to helping businesses identify opportunities for collaboration, create bundled offerings, and develop cohesive tourism experiences that align with emerging trends and evolving visitor expectations.”
The workshops were facilitated by Ms. Ambra Attus, who guided participants through strategies for designing distinctive and engaging tourism experiences that resonate with today’s travellers.
She said: “Product development is where destinations truly define their identity, and these trainings are designed to help operators in North, Middle and South Caicos create experiences that are not only market-ready, but meaningful, high-quality, and rooted in what makes these islands truly special. These sessions reflect a forward-thinking commitment by Experience Turks and Caicos to invest in their people and in the long-term quality of the destination’s tourism product. Aquila is proud to be your training partner.”
The workshop also featured the Invest TCI MSME Team, who were on site with an information station available throughout both sessions. Stakeholders had the opportunity to engage directly with the team, gain insights into the MSME Programme, and learn more about the range of support services, incentives, and resources available to assist business growth and development.
Experience Turks and Caicos commended participants for their commitment to investing in their businesses and contributing to the continued enhancement of the destination’s tourism product. The organisation expressed appreciation for the active participation and innovative ideas shared during the session, which are expected to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable growth of tourism in North and Middle Caicos and South Caicos.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 5 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with
partner agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Silverado Wells in Five Cays. 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 Immigration and Border Services, 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 an illegal concrete structure on the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, a Section 22 Notice of Illegal Occupation was posted on the structure. Following the failure of the responsible party or parties to comply within the prescribed timeframe, enforcement action was authorised.
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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TCI News1 week agoIllegal Structure Removed During Crown Land Enforcement Exercise in Five Cays
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