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TCI: Years of news reports show PNP Govt lacked conviction about post office construction

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#Providenciales, May 10, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The records show that the PDM got a new post office built in under two years despite back to back, Category 5 hurricanes and the PNP didn’t get the job done despite having three years with bigger fiscal surpluses. 

News coverage of the chain of events which led to the new post office having to be constructed is extensive as media houses throughout the TCI have been on the story since it broke, when workers first complained and refused to function at the dilapidated site.

Since that time, news articles and broadcast reports highlight that the building ended up being condemned due to termite and rodent infestation, structural problems and the presence of mold, among other things.

The staff was moved and stuffed, with all of the country’s mail into a space at the Town Centre Mall.

In February 2014, the former Home Affairs Minister, George Lightbourne told media there were plans to include the construction of a new post office in the 2014/2015 Budget.

But construction did not happen.

In December 2015, the Permanent Secretary of Public Works in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ian Astwood explained that the building should have come in 2015, but due to other projects which took precedence the new post office was put on hold.

A promise was made for construction of the new post office site for the 2015-2016 fiscal year. 

But that also did not happen.On Wednesday, the Leader of the PNP illustrates in a media statement that the 2016-2017 Budget of the Rufus Ewing Administration made $1.15 million available for the post office construction.

However, the PNP Government led by Rufus Ewing up to December 2016 or eight months into the fiscal year made no visible moves to construct the post office which they had on the books.

The general elections of December 2016 resulted in the Ewing Administration being voted out of office.

It meant, among other things, the PNP Government had lost the opportunity to lead on the plan to build a new post office for Providenciales.

The issue of a workplace environment which proved uncomfortable and unconducive for high productivity and efficiency had been a long-time complaint for the Post Office staff.  The matter was so severe, that Deputy Governor Anya Williams and former Deputy Premier Akiera Missick held at least one meeting with the demoralized workers to reassure them of their importance and improvements.

Five years since the industrial action taken by the post office staff and the PNP Opposition criticizes the PDM Government for taking the credit for their plans for the post office construction. 

Evidence is there to show, that while the plan to build was in black and white, there appeared to be a lack of conviction to actually get the job done when Washington Misick was the Minister of Finance.

The new George Brown Post Office ends at least six years of woeful working conditions and while the funds were set aside, the PNP Government was stalled on the project for three years. 

Comparatively, the PDM administration also with the funds set aside, got the new post office built within 18 months of being elected to office.

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

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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.

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

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

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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.

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