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TCI: Project Announced to Enhance Environmental Protection

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#Providenciales, March 20, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – A collaborative project to develop an evidence base of environmental data, for policy formation and evaluation, on the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) and the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has been announced. Funded by UK Darwin Plus it focuses on the mapping and modelling of environmental risk, monitoring the islands’ recovery following recent hurricanes, and aims to provide information to help the islands to maintain their environmental resilience.

This is a collaborative project between Environment Systems Ltd, the Government of TCI, the National Parks Trust of BVI and Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). It will help to develop skills in government staff which will enable them to use data from earth observation satellites providing the evidence to determine risks, focus recovery and select any opportunities to enhance the environment. When staff are able to generate the mapping and modelling themselves, the islands can really start to benefit from these new techniques and sources of data. This will also improve the capability of officials by enabling them to present evidence in their day-to-day work and to help keep the islands “beautiful by nature.”

“We are grateful to have persons receive training in this important area, which will help strengthen our competencies in identifying and reducing the risks and impacts of a natural disaster”, expressed the Honourable Minister Ralph Higgs, Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Heritage, Maritime & Gaming, Turks & Caicos Islands Government.

A workshop taking place on TCI, run by Environment Systems Ltd, involves staff from BVI and TCI and is running from Monday 11th – Friday 15th March.  Delegates will be studying techniques which can uncover the hidden value that our environment is providing in terms of essential services, such as water, food and flood resilience. It will also explore how environmental indicators can be developed to monitor any changes that impact long-term environmental sustainability. There are huge benefits that come from shared experience across delegates from BVI, TCI and the UK that such workshops facilitate.

ES Darwin_Spatial Mapping Training

The success of the project will be measured by the ability of staff to use new types of data to analyse, monitor and assess environmental risks. This will enable them to identify opportunities that both safeguard and enhance the islands’ environments and ensure their resilience in the future. New IT equipment has also been delivered as part of the project ensuring long-term impact. Island staff will benefit from continuous and up-to-date stream of satellite data delivered direct to their computers.

The project builds on previous work which mapped the vulnerability of five Overseas Territories (including TCI) from 2017 onwards. It will also support future projects, such as the monitoring of sargassum seaweed as an environmental indicator. It will also support the work of the Conflict, Stability & Security Fund (CSSF) on Natural Capital and Environmental Indicators.

Press Release: TCIG

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Overcrowding at Grand Turk Prison Now 30% Above Capacity, NSC Warns

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Turks and Caicos, October 14, 2025 – Overcrowding at Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) Grand Turk has reached crisis levels, taking center stage at the most recent meeting of the National Security Council (NSC).

The session, co-chaired by Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and Premier Charles Washington Misick, heard a sobering report from the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities on the worsening conditions at the country’s only correctional facility.

Officials revealed that HMP Grand Turk currently houses around 131 inmates in a facility built to accommodate just 104, representing an estimated 30 percent overcapacity. Structural damage from previous hurricanes and years of wear have further reduced usable space, compounding safety and management challenges.

The Chief Magistrate’s Court and the Director of Public Prosecutions’ Office have repeatedly warned that the prison’s overcrowding could undermine rehabilitation and security efforts — and now, the NSC has declared modernization of correctional infrastructure a national priority.

The Council approved immediate-term relief measures and agreed to a comprehensive review of the prison estate, aimed at identifying targeted infrastructure investments to meet the demands of a growing inmate population.

The NSC meeting, held on September 25, 2025, brought together the highest-level officials in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ security apparatus, including the Deputy PremierAttorney GeneralCommissioner of PoliceNational Security AdvisorCommanding Officer of the RegimentDirector General of Border Force, and NSS Threat Lead.                                                                                                                          Also in attendance were the Hon. Minister and Permanent Secretary of Public Safety and Utilities, alongside the Superintendent of the Department of Correctional Services, who presented the update on the prison’s capacity challenges and operational concerns.

Multi-Agency Coordination and Maritime Security

Beyond the correctional system, members were also briefed by the Unified Command on ongoing multi-agency security operations, including efforts to strengthen cooperation among law enforcement and border protection entities.

Discussions also turned to the legal framework underpinning joint operations, with members emphasizing the need for coherent inter-agency coordination in tackling transnational threats, particularly those related to illicit migration and maritime crime.

The Commanding Officer of the Turks and Caicos Regiment presented plans for a new maritime operational base and docking facility, envisioned as a command-and-control center that would bolster the country’s ability to respond to maritime incidents, search-and-rescue operations, and natural disasters.

Liquor Licensing Reforms and Regional Summit

The Permanent Secretary for National Security briefed the Council on the review of the current liquor licensing regime, with recommendations for a full restructuring and digital redesign of the licensing process to enhance oversight and efficiency. The Council supported continued reform work on the system.

In a forward-looking development, the NSC also endorsed plans for the Northern Caribbean Security Summit, to be hosted in Turks and Caicos under the theme “Dismantling Illicit Maritime Activities Through Enhanced Cooperation.” The summit aims to convene regional and international partners to deepen collaboration in addressing shared maritime security challenges, from smuggling to illegal migration and environmental crimes.

Security at a Crossroads

Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam and Premier Misick jointly reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the country’s national security infrastructure and coordination mechanisms, describing the discussions as “critical to maintaining the safety, stability, and sovereignty of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

With the prison operating well beyond its intended capacity, and a surge in complex maritime and border challenges, the NSC’s focus on modernization and reform signals an urgent recalibration of priorities.

As the Turks and Caicos Islands position themselves as a leader in regional cooperation on security, one message from the Council was clear: the nation must invest now — in its institutions, its infrastructure, and its resilience — to sustain safety and justice in the years ahead.

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

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Turks and Caicos Islands Government Invites Proposals for Affordable Housing Development

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PROVIDENCIALES: The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCIG), through the National Land Secretariat (NLS), has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting qualified developers to design and construct new affordable housing communities on Crown Land in Providenciales as part of their Turnkey Housing Development. This initiative supports the Government’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to affordable housing and fostering sustainable, community-oriented development across the islands.

The RFP, titled “Provision of Affordable Housing Development on Crown Land in Providenciales,” seeks proposals for the design, financing, and construction of residential subdivisions on approximately 40.1 acres of Crown Land located in the Northwest and Central area of Providenciales. The project encompasses Parcel Numbers 60000/247, 277, 278 and 279, providing opportunities for developers to submit proposals for one or multiple parcels. Developments are expected to include well-planned subdivisions, road networks, and two- and three-bedroom housing units that align with the TCI Development Manual and Building Code.

The TCIG encourages participation from experienced developers with demonstrated financial capacity and expertise in large-scale housing or community development. Proposals will be evaluated based on technical merit, compliance with planning and environmental standards, and alignment with national housing objectives.

TIMELINE AND IMPORTANT DATES

  • Pre-proposal Conference: Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. via Microsoft Teams
  • Deadline for questions and clarifications: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
  • Deadline to submit your proposal: Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

This Affordable Housing Project is a flagship component of TCIG’s broader strategy to provide equitable housing access, promote homeownership, and support community development for Turks and Caicos Islanders. Developers are invited to bring forward innovative, sustainable, and climate-resilient housing solutions that contribute to the long-term growth of the islands.

To review the RFP in its entirety and to register for the pre-proposal meeting please visit https://gov.tc/publicservice/government-tenders. All questions and requests for clarification must be submitted to the Procurement Board using their online forms which can be found at https://forms.office.com/r/UF0psAscgt.

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Minister Praises Educators as “Architects of the Future” on World Teachers’ Day

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By Deandrea Hamilton | Magnetic Media

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands —  Teachers across the Turks and Caicos Islands were showered with praise and gratitude on World Teachers’ Day, as the Minister of Education issued a stirring message recognizing educators as “builders of character, instillers of resilience, and cultivators of hope.”

While there was no official global theme this year, the Minister noted that the international conversation centered on teacher shortages, investment in education, and empowering educators to build a sustainable future — concerns she said “resonate deeply” with the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“Across the globe, education systems face an urgent challenge: classrooms without enough teachers,” the Minister said. “But this challenge reminds us that the world cannot move forward without teachers.”

The statement outlined several local initiatives to strengthen the teaching profession, including ongoing professional trainingtechnology integration, and inclusive education strategies aimed at ensuring that teachers are equipped to meet the diverse needs of students.

She said her Ministry is also focused on reducing class sizesproviding better resources, and creating “conditions that reflect the value of the work teachers do.” The message emphasized the government’s intention to make teaching a career of pride and distinction, with enhanced systems of recognition to celebrate excellence and reward those who “go above and beyond.”

“We are encouraging more young people in our islands to enter the teaching profession,” she said. “We want our brightest minds to see teaching as the noble and rewarding calling it truly is.”

In one of the most moving sections, the Minister described teachers as the “architects of our sustainable future,” reminding them that their influence extends far beyond the classroom.

“Each lesson you teach, each child you inspire, is an investment in the strength, resilience, and prosperity of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” she said.

The message concluded with a personal note of gratitude:

“You deserve our support. You have our gratitude. And you will always have our commitment to stand beside you as you do this vital work.”

The Ministry’s message framed education as the foundation of national progress and teachers as its indispensable builders.

Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.

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