TCI News
Ban in effect from today; do not bring toxic single use plastic bags to TCI
#Providenciales, April 16, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Now officially outlawed at the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands are single use plastic bags; the government ban on imports took effect today April 15, 2019 and residents are largely thrilled at the initiative.
“Amazing. We’ve been on board with this idea since we brought in reusable bags at Kishco in 2009. Great job to the government in enforcing this. We’re excited to keep this going.”
This was one of dozens of supportive comments posted at the Facebook page of the Office of the Premier where the press release was publiscised on April 5, 2019.
“Love this, well needed Beautiful by Nature and it’s clean by our choices.”
Claps and kisses and requests for more bans on more pollutants as the information was shared over 600 times, and attracted over 60 comments.
The government obviously agrees, citing as the reasons for the ban on the troublesome single use plastic bags that, “Plastic bags are one of the most visible signs of the pollution problem that extends across our islands. Plastic does not dissolve; it breaks into tiny pieces and stays there for up to 1,000 years… Marine organisms ingest toxins from the trash and these toxins make their way into the food chain, affecting multiple organisms… Trash in the streets promotes disease and pestilence and plastics have a huge environmental cost, and this ban is one simple step we can take towards fixing it.”
People are now calling for Styrofoam, straws, garbage bags and plastic bottles to be banned too. Government is however, for now, focused on getting the single use bags gone for good and listed the businesses expected to be impacted by the measure.
“…affects grocery and convenience stores, retailers, pharmacies, restaurants, liquor stores, seasonal and temporary businesses, jewelry and household goods stores. All businesses that provide a checkout bag to customers at the point of sale, must be compliant with this Policy.”
The full ban will take effect on Wednesday May 1, 2019 and to help stores make the transition seamlessly, there is a tax break.
“The Government has reduced the customs import duties to 10% on select tariff codes to reflect the alternative.”
Another post on Facebook said, “Wonderful news on reducing duty on the alternatives- will the same be offered to fish fry vendors and coffee vendors for reduced paper alternatives instead of Styrofoam? many still use it because Styrofoam is the cheapest but if we consider the overall cost to our country it’s the worst. Thank you Madam Premier and all ministers for listening to the public..”
The advice to the consumer: Please, remember to bring your reusable bags.
#magneticmedianews
#tciplasticbagban
Turks and Caicos, October 28, 2025 – We are closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, and our thoughts and prayers are with our regional neighbours for their safety and well-being
We are now entering a critical period as Hurricane Melissa advances towards the Turks and Caicos Islands. Current projections indicate that Hurricane Melissa will begin to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands around midday tomorrow, Wednesday, 29th October.
This morning, Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier chaired a State of Preparedness Meeting. All Government agencies and critical services are mobilised. The safety and protection of every person across our Islands remains our highest priority. Our emergency response teams are prepared and the TCI Regiment is deployed across each of our Islands to support community readiness and immediate response. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are on active duty, with additional officers in North Caicos, Salt Cay, South Caicos and Grand Turk.
At this time, the hurricane is moving north-northeast. The country is expected to experience tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall and
significant storm surge. The storm surge poses a serious concern for low-lying coastal areas especially along our western and southern coastlines, which may result in coastal flooding. Based on the most current weather projections and anticipated impacts for the Turks and Caicos Islands, the National Executive have agreed the following actions:
1. Evacuation Advisories
Residents in specific low-lying and flood-prone coastal areas are likely to experience significant storm surge of 2-4 feet with accompanying rainfall. Strong advice is now place for residents in these areas to relocate to designated shelters which will be open from 4pm this afternoon. These areas include:
Middle Caicos
- Conch Bar Nearest Shelter: The Community Centre
North Caicos
- Sandy Point Nearest Shelter : Sandy Point Community Centre
- Whitby Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
- Bottle Creek Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
Providenciales
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- Chalk Sound Nearest Shelter Enid Capron Primary School
- Five Cays Nearest Shelter: Enid Capron Primary School
- Discovery Bay Nearest Shelter: All Saints Church, Leeward Highway
- Juba Sound Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
- Long Bay Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
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South Caicos
- Cockburn Harbour Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
- Old Airport Road Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
Should an evacuation order become necessary, it will be issued following the 6:00 PM Advisory this evening from the TCI National Weather Service.
2. Activation of Emergency Operations Centre
The National Emergency Operations Centre in Providenciales and all Islands Emergency Operations Centres will be activated at 4:00 PM today.
3. Shelters Access
Shelters across all Islands will open today at 4:00 PM to receive members of the public.
4. Shelter-in-Place
A Strong Shelter-in-Place Advisory is in place for all islands, commencing at 10:00 PM tonight. This will be in place until the all clear has been issued.
This means that from 10:00 PM tonight, all residents should be off the road, in a safe location, either at home or a designated shelter.
Please note that this position may be revised following the 6:00 PM Advisory from the TCI National Weather Service, depending on updated storm projections.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has confirmed that all airports remain fully operational for today. They will advise the public about ongoing operations dependent on the weather impacts.
In times such as this, the role of commercial entities extends beyond business – it becomes a vital part of the community’s resilience. All retailers and service providers are urged to uphold their humanitarian responsibilities by maintaining fair pricing and ensuring essential goods and services remain accessible to all.
Residents and visitors are reminded to adhere strictly to all official advisories and evacuation orders as they are issued. Avoid unnecessary movement, secure your property, and ensure that you and your family are prepared with essential supplies. Stay prepared and stay safe.
Turks and Caicos, October 24, 2025 – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey delivered an impassioned address to male students at Clement Howell High School, calling on them to recognize their power, seize their potential, and “awaken the sleeping giants” within.
In a message that blended humility, faith, and personal experience, the Commissioner reminded the boys that the decisions they make today will shape their future.“The choices you make today determine who you become tomorrow,” he said.
Bailey, who revealed he was the first in his family to attend high school, urged the students to embrace education and discipline as tools of
transformation.“Knowledge is power. If you want to be a real man, you need to read,” he told them. “Remember your potential — if others can do it, so can you. Some of you are sleeping giants waiting to be awakened.”
He emphasized that circumstances of birth do not dictate destiny, challenging the young men to carry self-respect, faith, and moral conviction wherever they go. “Self-respect is key; respect yourself, respect others, and respect God,” he said. “The circumstances you were born into do not define who you are.”
The Commissioner also spoke about resilience, advising that true strength often lies in restraint.
“There will be challenges, and people may try to impede your development — but rise above negativity. Sometimes, strength means walking away,” he said. “Some of you are sleeping lions; it’s time to awaken that instinct and rediscover your true potential.”
In closing, Commissioner Bailey delivered a stirring challenge:
“Each morning, look in the mirror and remind yourself that you were created by God and are capable of great exploits. You are a possibility with potential. Step forward with confidence — this is your country, your islands. Be the best version of yourself.”
Following his speech, the Commissioner engaged the students in open dialogue, answering questions and listening to their perspectives on issues affecting young men in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.
