TCI News
TCI: Airports projects were grounded in 2018/19; TCIAA plans for take-off this year
#Providenciales, April 25, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Nineteen months following the hurricanes of 2017 and the reconstruction work at the JAGS McCartney International Airport remains incomplete, however there is a promise that it will get done this fiscal year.
The airport in Grand Turk was badly bruised in Hurricanes Irma and Maria of September 2017. Magnetic Media is informed that arrivals passengers are still unable to be accommodated within the terminal building. Instead, passengers arriving to Grand Turk are exiting the runway via a side gate. The departure lounge, security check-point, the restaurant and the area at the entrance of the departure lounge are the only operational public spaces of the JAGS McCartney International Airport. Check-in for flights has been moved to this section of the terminal building.
Mr. John Smith, CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority, TCIAA explained: “The rehabilitation of the Grand Turk terminal building is in progress as well and that is scheduled to be completed within a month or two. We had a slight setback on that with the shipping of materials.”
The TCIAA was among the statutory bodies and departments appearing at the Appropriations Committee Meeting held in Grand Turk on Tuesday April 23, 2019.
“What we are looking at is a series of capital projects…” said John Smith, CEO of the TCIAA who also updated on other roll-over work. “… but that (South Caicos) is being carried forward because we were unable to get that one moving, however there is traction on that one and we should have that moving very shortly. The resurfacing of the Salt Cay aerodrome that is moving forward from the previous financial year’s budget and we have the completion of the repair element of the Grand Turk fence, the other capital element that is being carried forward.”
Another contentious ‘fix’ for the TCIAA is the fire crew work space in Grand Turk. Mr. Smith told the Committee on Tuesday that work for the fire hall and acquisition of a new fire trucks will support the fire crew, including with equipment at the JAGS McCartney International.
South Caicos Airport will get a new fence, and Appropriations Committee member from South Caicos, Hon Ruth Blackman was informed that the delay was linked to no company bidding for the job.
Governor’s Appointed member, Hon Temard Butterfield queried expected completion dates for the millions of dollars in capital works assigned to the
“The Grand Turk terminal rehabilitation that is work in progress. The Grand Turk fire hall, is gone to tender, it has gone through the procurement process we are in the process now of trying to get the contract ready for commencement. South Caicos tower repairs has gone through the tender process already so we are able to move that. Same for the six by six fire truck; that has gone through the tender process and we are ready to move. The Salt Cay aerodrome is in a similar position; it has gone through the tender process and a preferred bidder has been identified and, we are going to move with that as well.”
The TCIAA is expected to complete over $13 million in capital projects for the new fiscal year, which ends in March 2020.
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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.
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