Connect with us

TCI News

TCI: ‘Futile changes’, PNP ex-Chairman questions PDMs Cabinet shuffle

Published

on

#Providenciales, April 11, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The former Chairman of the Progressive National Party, PNP is today criticizing the Cabinet Shuffle of Premier Hon Sharlene Robinson; challenging capability in two cases, questioning non-promotions in another even suggesting that one minister strong-armed her party leader.

Hon Royal Robinson issued a video message on social media, and said in part: “Two things that I am particularly interested in.  One is that the Minister for Infrastructure, the Deputy Premier; what is he gonna do with respect to these changes in projects to make sure that they can come through the cut and be of benefit to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.  Is he up to the task?”

Hon Sean Astwood, as announced by Premier Robinson will say farewell to the Ministry of Border Control and Employment and move into the office of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning on May 8, 2019 when the Cabinet changes take effect.

The PNP’s Appointed Member to the House of Assembly is also quizzical about the new Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Labour & Employment, (formerly the Ministry of Border Control & Employment) Hon Delroy Williams and whether he has a plan to competently cope with the plight of illegal migration.

“Is he going to put in place some new policies, plans and programs to stop the sloops from coming into the Turks and Caicos Islands.  Is he prepared to make sure our borders are safe?  We will see; they say the proof of the pudding is in the eating.”

Hon Robinson said he was disappointed the Member for Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill, Hon Doug Parnell was not elevated.  There was attention brought too, to the PDM Appointed Member.

“I suppose he has been told that he is not up to prime time.” Hon Royal Robinson said of Parnell and offered a guess about Maxovanno Thomas; “But I believe he has been told to sit small and wait your turn.”

In his comments, there was a bold statement about the Education Minister, Hon Karen Malcolm who will remain unchanged in the shuffle.

“One would look at the Minister for Education and some would say she was going to be on the chopping block, but my understanding is that she and her people read the riot act to the Premier and in so doing the Premier backed down and so she continues to perform as the Minister of Education.”

Magnetic Media asked the Chairman of the People’s Democratic Movement, Hon Doug Parnell about the strong statement from Hon Royal Robinson. 

He said it is nothing more than an attempt by Robinson to sow discord when he should be concerned about his own party.  

Hon Royal Robinson wrapped up his two-and-a-half-minute message with, “But in the end ladies and gentlemen, we will see we will see if this change has been for the benefit of the Turks and Caicos Islands or just window dressing and show.”

#magneticmedianews

#pdmcabinetshuffle

#royalrobinson

TCI News

Frontier Airlines’ Arrival to Turks & Caicos Marks a Game-Changing Connection

Published

on

Turks and Caicos, October 25, 2025 – Budget-friendly skies are opening over the Turks and Caicos Islands as Frontier Airlines prepares to launch its first-ever nonstop flights between Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) — the world’s busiest air hub.

Starting December 20, 2025, the twice-weekly service will offer residents and tourists a direct, affordable gateway to and from the U.S. mainland. The new route marks Frontier’s debut in the Turks and Caicos, part of a major regional expansion that includes 22 new routes across Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.

“We couldn’t be more excited to begin operations in Providenciales,” said Josh Flyr, Frontier’s Vice President of Network and Operations Design. “With our nonstop service to Atlanta, we’re making travel easier, more affordable, and unlocking connections to countless destinations across the U.S. and beyond. It’s not just about tourism — it’s about opportunity.”

Big Win for Providenciales and the Region

The move positions Howard Hamilton International Airport as a growing Caribbean hub. Frontier’s low-fare model is expected to stimulate visitor arrivals, particularly from Atlanta — a key U.S. tourism feeder city — while giving Turks and Caicos residents new, cost-effective travel options for business, education, and leisure.

Industry observers note that the timing couldn’t be better. Turks and Caicos tourism remains on an upward trajectory in 2025, with hotel occupancy and airlift both climbing following the pandemic rebound. Frontier’s entry adds competitive pricing to an air market long dominated by legacy carriers, expanding the reach of the destination to more budget-minded travelers.

A Wider Growth Strategy

The Atlanta–Providenciales launch is part of Frontier’s aggressive Caribbean push this winter, which also includes new flights to NassauSt. MaartenPuerto Vallarta, and San José del Cabo. Introductory fares to select destinations are as low as US $69 one-way.

For Turks and Caicos, the connection to Atlanta — one of Frontier’s strategic bases — means instant access to hundreds of onward destinations in North America and beyond.

As Frontier joins the expanding roster of carriers serving the islands, tourism officials are calling it a “win-win for accessibility and affordability.” And for travelers? It’s a golden ticket to paradise — at a fraction of the cost.

Continue Reading

TCI News

Turks & Caicos Police Commissioner Urges Students to “Awaken Their Sleeping Giants”

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

TCI News

ISU SUPPORTS SUCCESSFUL MULTIAGENCY ENFORCEMENT EXERCISE IN FIVE CAYS AND BLUE HILLS

Published

on

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 23 October 2025 — The Crown Land Unit, supported by the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU) and the Immigration and Border Services, led the successful execution of a reclamation exercise in Five Cays and Blue Hills on Tuesday August 26, 2025. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force provided security for the operation which formed part of the Government’s mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown Land.

During routine inspections, the Crown Land Unit identified three unoccupied, illegally constructed steel and concrete block structures on parcels 60610/226, 60610/228, and 60610/239, located in the area commonly referred to as Sand Bar Street, Five Cays. Notices of Illegal Occupation were issued in accordance with the Crown Land Ordinance, however the owners of the structures failed to comply with the instructions contained in the Notices. As a result, enforcement action was taken to remove the structures and reclaim the land.

The exercise resulted in the full reclamation of 1.18 acres of Crown Land, with the removal of three unauthorized structures which were all block and concrete structures from foundation to belt beam stages of development.

Following the reclamation in Five Cays, the team proceeded to Blue Hills where ten Letters of Illegal Occupation were served across two parcels, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to land protection and management.

The ISU reaffirms its commitment to supporting partner agencies in the coordinated management of Crown Land, ensuring that all enforcement actions are conducted lawfully, efficiently, and in the public interest.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING