TCI News
TCI: PNP’s Response to FAC’s Recommendations – April 2019
#Providenciales, April 20, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Global Britain and the British Overseas Territories: Resetting the relationship – The Progressive National Party’s Position – Global Britain – is the term coined to capture the UK’s post-Brexit foreign policy. The fact that a review of its relationship with its’ territories in the Caribbean is being considered within the context of its foreign policy is indicative of its historic thinking regarding the Caribbean Overseas Territories: they have always been used as pawns in the UK geopolitical chess game. This latest recommendation is no different and is driven by the UK post Brexit strategy regarding its future on the world stage.
In the case of the Turks and Caicos Islands the UK has always played constitutional “fast and loose” while in many cases refusing to take responsibility for its reserved powers beyond the imposition of sanctions. These include the suspension of the Country’s constitution on two occasions. The results in each case has always pivoted away from the best interest of the people of these Islands. The most recent resulting in the resetting of the economic hegemony in favour of foreign interest; and an ongoing legal price tag that is significantly disproportionate to the GDP of the islands thereby impacting its’ ability to adequately fund much needed social programs.
Given the history of the relationship between the UK and her Caribbean Overseas Territories; and the current preoccupation by British Politicians with Brexit and its consequences, the FAC report and most of its recommendations appear to have as its intention the appeasement of Caribbean Overseas Territory Governments as a pretext to persuade them to legalise same sex marriage and expand the franchise in the various territories. This view is supported by the myriad of other issues raised in the report requiring institutional and other fundamental changes in the relationship before any of them could be attained, assuming the UK were inclined to oblige. In contrast, the same sex marriage and expansion of the franchise issues merely require their passage into law by the House of Assembly, or imposition by order in council by the UK Parliament. However, on these two issues the Progressive National Party is resolute in its opposition. We reproduce these two recommendations verbatim and set out below our reasons for our objections.
Recommendation 13
The Government should set a date by which it expects all OTs to have legalised same-sex marriage. If that deadline is not met, the Government should intervene through legislation or an Order in Council.
A review of the FAC report leads one to conclude that UK politicians are engaged in a strategy of attrition to neutralise the authority of elected politicians and marginalise the voice of the indigenous people of the Caribbean Overseas Territories instead of resetting their thinking to accommodate and recognise the cultural diversity of places and people for whom they have responsibility in the international community.
It is insensitive and imperialistic to threaten through whatever means the imposition of standardise cultural values of the UK and Europe on UK Caribbean Overseas Territories by persons unelected by them, and who cannot identify with their past or understand their aspiration. After all, one of the main arguments of the Brexiteers are that the UK membership in the EU undermines British Sovereignty because of Europe’s ability to legislate and make policy decisions binding on the UK. The view by the FAC for the Caribbean Overseas Territories is in direct contrast to what Britain wants for itself.
The recommendations of the FAC to legalise same sex marriage in the Caribbean Overseas Territories is also hypocritical and is inconsistent with what obtains in the UK. This is demonstrated by way of two examples. Chris Bryant a member of the committee and an openly gay member of the commons left the ordained ministry because his conscience dictated that a gay lifestyle was incompatible with the priesthood. The people of the Overseas Territories also have the God given right to exercise their collective conscience to choose for themselves on which side of this issue they should stand. The hyperbolic metaphor of Matthew 7:5 “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” is also appropriate here given the continuing ban on same-sex marriage in the British Territory of Northern Ireland.
Duplicitous standards is now common practice by the UK Parliament in how Caribbean Overseas Territories are treated compared with for example European Crown Dependencies as evidenced in the push for Public Registries of Interest in the Caribbean Overseas Territories.
Same sex relationship has been decriminalised in the TCI since 2001, and no one had been charged with a related offences decade before that. What people do in the privacy of their own space should be of no concern to anyone else. But to require a country to legislate behaviour contrary to their belief system is a violation of their rights and must be resisted to its fullest. Many of us have family members and friends with same sex preferences. This does not interfere with our empathy or love for them but when same sex marriage is regarded by the majority of Turks and Caicos Islanders as being anathema to the direct admonition of God to whom we believe we owe our greatest loyalty, any attempt to force it into law is contrary to the will of the people and will be resisted by the PNP. Turks and Caicos Islands must now take a stand even if it means ending the relationship as we now know it.
Recommendation 14
The UK Government should initiate a consultation with the elected governments of the OTs and work with them to agree a plan to ensure that there is a pathway for all resident UK and British Overseas Territory citizens to be able to vote and hold elected office in territory. In its response to this report the FCO should lay out a timetable for this consultation process and set a deadline for phasing out discriminatory elements of belongership, or its territory-specific equivalents.
The FAC recommendations that the franchise be expanded to include UK citizen and BOTC citizens resident in the islands again betrays the hypocrisy of their intent. The the premise on which it is based is a non-sequitur and in direct contrast to Britain’s xenophobic vote to leave the European Union. The difference is that Britain’s population is somewhere north of 67 million people compared with 35 thousand in the Turks and Caicos of which an estimated 55% are non-Turks and Caicos Islanders. This gap will widen as the economy of the islands grow and the demand for labour grows with it. Organic growth in the number of persons qualifying for status will mean that the franchise will automatically be broaden. Turks and Caicos Islanders with heritage rights will therefore become a very minor fraction of the population in the future. The Progressive National Party will not accede to the FAC agenda of political and cultural marginalisation by accelerating the dilution of the franchise.
Gender neutral policies and legislation favouring individuals belonging to vulnerable groups are evident everywhere including the many affirmative action laws in the US in favour of African Americans and Native Americans. Legislation and policies in Canada favour First Nation People. This practice is referred to as positive discrimination and is important for social and economic justice. This right is preserved in the Constitution of the Turks & Caicos Islands and must not be tampered with.
The TCI have several pathways to citizenship including through investment, marriage, and residency. – attainment of citizenship status in some cases is as short as five years. Relaxing the rules on who may vote and hold office in the Turks and Caicos Islands is a recipe for wholesale takeover of the Islands and the relegation of the indigenous people to the margins of society – especially given the current lack of access to capital and other resources for positive growth within the Territory.
As part of resetting the relationship between its Caribbean Overseas Territories UK politicians need to reset their own thinking and Global Britain should respect the rights of Caribbean Overseas Territories to disagree on fundamental questions of value pathway to citizenship, and population policy. The benefit derived by the Turks and Caicos through its relationship with the UK after Brexit is mostly intangible. Failure to respect the rights of the Turks and Caicos people is therefore an invitation to self-determination; one that the Progressive National Party takes seriously and on which it will act with the support of the people.
Press Statement from the Leader of the Opposition
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 2nd October 2026: Invest Turks and Caicos officially opened Caya
Hico Collective, the Grand Turk MSME Storefront, on Friday, September 18, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the Agency’s ongoing efforts to support local entrepreneurs, expand access to market opportunities, and strengthen the small business ecosystem.
Caya Hico Collective has been established as a dedicated retail space to showcase and sell locally made products, initially featuring entrepreneurs participating in the MSME Programme. As the initiative develops, there are plans to expand participation to include other small businesses producing locally made goods, including those not directly supported under the Programme. The storefront will provide local businesses with greater exposure and direct access to both residents and the thousands of visitors who arrive in Grand Turk each year creating stronger linkages between local entrepreneurs and the tourism economy. The store currently features fourteen (14) inaugural vendors, representing a diverse selection of local businesses and products from across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Ms. Alexa Cooper, Chief Domestic Investment Officer, said:
“This storefront represents a practical and meaningful step in supporting our MSMEs by providing access to market, one of the most
critical components of business growth. It is a space where local talent, creativity and entrepreneurship can be showcased, supported and connected with new customers.”
A Name Chosen by Grand Turk’s Youth
The name Caya Hico Collective was selected through the Grand Turk MSME Storefront Naming Competition, an initiative conducted in partnership with H.J. Robinson High School. Students were invited to propose an original name that reflected Grand Turk’s identity, culture and heritage while also being suitable for a storefront showcasing locally made products.
Following an independent judging process, Mauvarii Selver was selected as the competition winner for the submission Caya Hico Collective.
The name was recognised for its cultural and historical significance, distinctiveness and strong storytelling potential. “Caya Hico” is derived from the Lucayan term meaning “string of islands,” reflecting the archipelagic identity and heritage of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The use of “Collective” further reflects the purpose of the storefront: bringing together products from multiple local entrepreneurs under one shared retail platform. Together, the name Caya Hico Collective connects the Islands’ heritage with the initiative’s vision of bringing local businesses, products and creativity together in one space.
The naming competition provided students with an opportunity to participate directly in a real-world branding exercise and contribute to an initiative that will form part of Grand Turk’s commercial and tourism landscape.
Mauvarii was formally recognised during the opening ceremony, alongside the other students who participated in the naming competition, the inaugural MSME vendors, and key stakeholders whose contributions supported the successful development and opening of the storefront.
Angela Musgrove, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Turks and Caicos, added:
“Caya Hico Collective is more than a retail space. It reflects our continued focus on strengthening linkages between local businesses and
the tourism sector, creating more opportunities for MSMEs to reach visitors, increasing sales and participate more fully in the tourism economy. At the same time, it gives visitors greater access to authentic products that reflect the creativity and culture of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Supporting Local Enterprise and Tourism Linkages
Caya Hico Collective is expected to serve as an important platform for local entrepreneurs by increasing the visibility of locally produced goods, creating additional sales opportunities and providing visitors with greater access to authentic products from the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Through the storefront, Invest Turks and Caicos aims to encourage residents and visitors alike to discover, purchase and support locally made products, while creating a stronger connection between entrepreneurship, culture and the visitor experience in Grand Turk. The initiative is intended to increase opportunities for local businesses to benefit from tourism activity by connecting visitors directly with locally made products that showcase the creativity and talent of entrepreneurs across the Turks and Caicos Islands. This forms part of Invest Turks and Caicos’ broader commitment to promoting economic diversification, sustainable business development and stronger linkages between local enterprises and the tourism sector.
Health
TCI Hospital Marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026 with “Know. Check. Act. Support.” Campaign
Ten-Year Cancer Register Profile reinforces the importance of breast awareness, appropriate screening, timely diagnosis and continuing cancer care
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – 1st October 2026 – Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital (TCI Hospital) is marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026 with a month-long public awareness campaign under the theme “Know. Check. Act. Support. – Early Detection Saves Lives.”
This year’s campaign is being informed by TCI Hospital’s Ten-Year Cancer Register Profile, 2016–2025, which demonstrates that breast
cancer remains an important and continuing healthcare issue for patients, families and the wider Turks and Caicos Islands community.
Throughout the ten-year period, TCI Hospital continued to record new cases of malignant neoplasms of the breast each year. Annual new registrations fluctuated, reinforcing an important message: breast cancer is not an occasional concern confined to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it requires sustained awareness, appropriate screening, timely investigation and diagnosis, access to treatment, follow-up and support throughout the year.
What Our Cancer Register Tells Us
The TCI Hospital Cancer Register recorded 21 new breast cancer cases in 2016, the highest annual figure reported during the ten-year profile. In subsequent years, the overall annual new-case count ranged from 8 to 18 cases, with 18 new cases recorded in 2024 and 10 in 2025.
The register also demonstrates the continuing accumulation of breast cancer cases within the hospital’s cancer records. The total registered breast cancer caseload increased from 79 in 2016 to 192 by 2025. More recently, the register increased from 160 cases in 2023 to 181 in 2024 and 192 in 2025. These figures represent the hospital’s registered caseload and should not be interpreted as population incidence, prevalence or the number of people currently living with breast cancer.
Behind every registration is more than a statistic. Each represents a person whose diagnosis has implications for their family and for the healthcare professionals and services involved in cancer investigation, treatment, coordination, follow-up and support.
The ten-year profile therefore reinforces the importance not only of identifying breast cancer, but of ensuring that people affected by the disease are supported throughout their cancer journey.
Know the Signs and Act on Changes
Breast cancer can present in different ways. Changes that should prompt assessment by a healthcare professional may include a new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm; a change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast; dimpling, puckering or other unusual changes to the breast skin; nipple changes or unusual discharge; or another new or persistent breast change.
Finding a change does not necessarily mean that a person has cancer. However, an unexplained or persistent change should not be ignored.
TCI Hospital encourages members of the community to become familiar with what is normal for their breasts and to seek medical advice if they notice something different.
Know Your Risk. Know Your Family History.
Breast cancer risk is influenced by several factors. Understanding personal and family medical history can help individuals have more informed conversations with their healthcare providers about their individual risk.
Having no known family history of breast cancer does not mean that breast health can be ignored. Equally, people with a significant family history or other factors that may increase their risk should discuss this with an appropriate healthcare professional.
The TCI Hospital Cancer Register also records male breast cancer, reminding the community that although breast cancer predominantly affects women, it can also occur in men.
Screening and Early Diagnosis Matter
Breast awareness and screening have different but complementary purposes. Screening is intended to identify possible breast abnormalities in people who may not have symptoms, while a new or concerning breast change requires appropriate clinical assessment.
There is no single screening approach that is appropriate for every individual. TCI Hospital therefore encourages people to discuss their age, personal risk factors, family history and appropriate breast screening with their healthcare provider.
Similarly, people experiencing a concerning breast change should not wait for their next routine screening appointment before seeking medical advice.
The campaign’s message “Early Detection Saves Lives” emphasizes the importance of timely action. It does not mean that every breast change is cancer. Rather, seeking medical attention allows appropriate investigation to take place and, where cancer is diagnosed, enables the healthcare team to determine the most appropriate next steps.
From Cancer Registration to Better Cancer Care
TCI Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant said the Cancer Register has an important role beyond recording the number of cancer cases seen by the hospital.
“Our Cancer Register is not simply about counting cases. It helps us understand the cancer burden presenting to our hospital, identify patterns over time and inform how we plan and strengthen cancer services. Behind every number is a patient, a family and a cancer journey. The continued recording of new breast cancer cases reminds us why awareness must lead to action and why our health system must continue to strengthen the pathway from appropriate screening and timely diagnosis through treatment, follow-up and survivorship support.”
“During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want our community to understand that fear should not become a reason to delay seeking care. Know what is normal for you, understand your risk, participate in screening that is appropriate for you and seek medical advice when something changes. Just as importantly, we must continue to support those undergoing cancer treatment and those living beyond a cancer diagnosis.”
Know. Check. Act. Support.
Throughout October, TCI Hospital will deliver a programme of activities designed to turn breast cancer awareness into practical action.
Activities will include an educational breast cancer awareness video addressing signs and symptoms, screening, early detection and support;
publication of findings from the TCI Hospital Ten-Year Cancer Register Profile, 2016–2025; breast cancer facts and educational messages; a special House Call – Pink Round Table addressing breast cancer risk, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship; and Pink Fridays, during which TCI Hospital team members will wear pink to promote awareness, early detection, survivorship and support.
The campaign will also highlight the important role of families, friends, caregivers, healthcare professionals and the wider community. Support can take many forms; from listening and accompanying someone to an appointment to assisting with transportation, meals, childcare or other practical needs during treatment.
TCI Hospital’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month message to the Turks and Caicos Islands community is:
KNOW – Know your body, your family history and your individual risk.
CHECK – Participate in appropriate screening and pay attention to changes.
ACT – Do not ignore a new or concerning breast change. Seek medical advice.
SUPPORT – Stand with patients, survivors, families and others affected by breast cancer.
Know. Check. Act. Support.
Early Detection Saves Lives.
Turks and Caicos Islands, September 29, 2026 – Beaches Turks and Caicos, the Sandals Foundation, and Great Shape Inc.’s iCare
programme have completed a record-breaking one-week humanitarian eye care mission in Providenciales, delivering free optical services to more than 4,800 individuals. The 2026 venture brought together 52 volunteer eye care professionals from the United and Canada who provided comprehensive screenings, advanced laser treatments, and thousands of pairs of glasses to residents across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The mission’s services covered multiple areas of eye health as medical volunteers conducted over 1,000 health screenings paired with educational sessions on eye care and the risks associated with prolonged screen use. Among the most significant clinical achievements were 122 Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) procedures, a treatment for open-angle glaucoma, and 13 panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) procedures, an outpatient laser therapy used to halt the growth of abnormal, fragile blood vessels on the retina that can cause bleeding and vision loss.
In addition to clinical interventions, the team distributed over 150 pre-made prescription glasses, more than 2,500 sunglasses, and over 1,400 reading glasses during the mission week. A further 700 custom prescription glasses are being completed and will be delivered to patients in the coming weeks. In addition to adults, students from 16 government and non-government schools throughout Providenciales also received vision testing and care.
Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services for the Turks and Caicos Islands, praised the collaboration as “timely” and highlighted the unmatched visual support provided to the community. “We are grateful for this continued collaboration with the TCI government and the Sandals Foundation,” Knowles said. “We have seen where these eye care professionals come here and share their
expertise with our schools and our communities, free of charge. This is what teamwork looks like here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Deryk Meany, General Manager of Beaches Turks and Caicos, noted the historic scale of the mission. “We have witnessed a record number of optical services being offered this year which augurs well for the people and children of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Meany said. “The support that the Sandals Foundation and Great Shape Inc.! has received from the government of the TCI is phenomenal. As an organization, we are conscious of the support that is needed and the opportunities that we have to share in this mission.”
Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture emphasized the value of early screening for students in an era of increasing digital device use. “To be able to provide early screening for our students is priceless,” Taylor said. “With the consistent use of gadgets by our children, the health screening and education is timely for us within the education ministry. We are grateful for this support from the Sandals Foundation and the Great Shape team. If there are challenges identified by the team, parents will be able to provide the necessary care for the children.”
For Nadienne Crossman, vice principal of the BEST Institute, the competence and warmth of the volunteer team was a highlight. “The services provided by these professionals was unmatched,” Crossman noted. “The team who visited our school allowed every student to feel comfortable while they were being tested. As teachers, when we got to the community site, we were treated with respect by everyone. To be
able to see multiple specialists free of charge was outstanding. Sandals Foundation and the Great Shape team provided a safe space for us to care for our eyes.”
Steven Stern, Founder of iCare, credited the enthusiasm of volunteers and the seamless support from local partners. “The team for this project was enthusiastic with every client that we saw,” Stern said. “They were creative in using technology to assist with translation while they also learned so much about the TCI culture. The support from the Sandals Foundation and the government of the TCI was simply magical. We are looking forward to returning already.”
The Sandals Foundation coordinates logistics and covers costs for transportation, food, and beverages for the iCare clinic and its teams, while Beaches Resorts provides accommodation free of charge. The close of the 2026 mission stands as a testament to the power of cross-sector collaboration — uniting government, hospitality, and nonprofit expertise to safeguard vision and opportunity for an entire community.
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