Connect with us

TCI News

TCI: Nearly $10 million in public projects announced by Infrastructure, Housing and Planning

Published

on

#Providenciales, May 11, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Eleven new undertakings to the tune of $9.78 million were announced during Budget Debate by the now former Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning, Hon Goldray Ewing.

Minister Ewing, who on May 8 took over the Home Affairs ministerial portfolio told the Speaker of the House of Assembly that the new $309 million budget of the PDM Administration included funding for a Central Storage for Government Departments; $3 million in repairs to the NJS Francis Building in Grand Turk which is home to the House of Assembly and Office of the Premier; Phase Five of road development which includes monies for boat ramps; reconstruction of the Regatta Village and the wharf in South Caicos at a combined cost of $650,000;  repairs to the Salt Shed in Salt Cay and works at the Treasury building. 

There is money allotted to an Environmental Impact Assessment for drainage infrastructure in Blue Hills and three vehicles will be replaced and new equipment will be purchased for the Public Works Department, according to Ewing’s report.

There is also $1 million earmarked for the consultancy on the construction on the anticipated Government Office Complex in Providenciales.

“As Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning, one of my foremost aims was to make viable decisions that would inevitably lead to better economic prospects for the people in the Turks & Caicos Islands. Mr. Speaker, one of the best ways to accomplish this, is through urban revitalization, which in turn leads to economic revitalization, which has been what both my Government and I have strived to achieve through the last budget cycle.”

In addition to physical work, there will be a focus on modernizing policies and enforcing current regulations.

“Mr. Speaker, In this financial year, PWD is hoping to achieve the following initiatives;

The successful creation of a Public Works Ordinance, as well as finalizing the approved Maintenance Ordinance. Going forward measures are being instituted to ensure that the TCIG vehicle policy document, will be enforced. PWD will also review and update all their current operational manuals for the various divisions, which will improve on the delivery of projects, maintenance of assets and ultimate support to all other reliant Ministries and Departments.”

The Minister explained that security enhancement at government offices is a significant priority for the PWD team.  Perimeter lighting is coming for public buildings with special attention being given to the government-run schools around the country.

“Work has begun on both the draft Estate Policy/Strategy, as well as the Draft Security and Health Policy to better protect TCIG properties and enhance the working environment, improving their safety for staff and visitors alike. Burglar alarms have been installed in a number of Government Departments and plans are underway to continue the installation of burglar systems in the rest of TCIG Departments in this Financial Year.”

While spending this fiscal year on capital projects is around $5 million less at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning; the Minister explained that is chiefly due to the progresses made in works at his ministry and the continuation of efforts to reconstruction, refurbish and repair in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

Hon Goldray Ewing moves over to the Ministry of Home Affairs following a cabinet shuffle by Premier Sharlene Robinson; he had these departing words for his team in his final ministerial presentation from the Infrastructure, Housing and Planning desk: “To my Team, I say a special thank you for all your hard work and dedication, none of this would be possible without you. Committed to the vision without excuse!”

The historic budget was passed on May 3, 2019.

The new Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Planning is Hon Sean Astwood, the TCI’s Deputy Premier.

#magneticmedianews

#10millioninpublicprojects

#morepublicprojectscoming

Continue Reading

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