TCI News
TCI: Essential Five Cays access road needs permanent solution; unacceptable condition for the important gateway
#Providenciales, June 1, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Residents were yesterday informed that there is relief coming for the now decimated strip of roadway linking the southern communities of Five Cays, South Dock and Chalk Sound to the rest of Providenciales.
Incessant rains and localized flooding have bogged the area down in murky, mucky water which has eroded most of the road and created soggy sidewalks. Crater sized potholes are like death traps for motor vehicles, some remain crippled on the sides of the road as hundreds of vehicles try to navigate the messy stretch of street every day.
The extreme flooding has made the commute into and out of the community frustrating, impossible for some vehicles and down right dangerous for all motorists.
There have also been reports of road rage.
One half of the road; the south bound lane is now completely eroded in some portions due to the water which has been allowed to sit for at least two weeks now.
Minister of Infrastructure, Deputy Premier Sean Astwood said the rain hampered pumping efforts but today, work will begin.
Many residents to whom we spoke are disappointed in the delay in addressing the issue, but welcome the news of relief.
This main vein is the only way in or out by vehicle and it leads to many critically and commercially important areas.
South Dock is the country’s gateway for everything. All imported goods, to the tune of over 2.2 billion in the past five years, arrive at the port. Our groceries, our vehicles, precious commodities like fuel, cement and other consumer goods arrive by sea at South Dock’s port before they are distributed to Provo and the other islands of the Turks and Caicos.
One can also find industrial and mechanical businesses on South Dock Road; and as of 2014 a private luxury airport which welcomes millionaires who chose to vacation in the Turks and Caicos is also in the area.
Chalk Sound is a destination within Providenciales as home to some of the country’s most elite political, civic, church and business leaders. It is also a real estate, recreational and environmental gold mine. It is where you can find the $45 million, award winning Emerald Cay villa; multi-million-dollar homes, luxury villa rentals, the welcome mat of turquoise waters over which all airline flights fly and it is home to two of the most popular beaches in the country – Taylor Bay and Sapodilla.
Chalk Sound is a national park and a safe haven for thousands of endemic rock iguanas.
Five Cays is one of the oldest and most historic and most populated residential communities in the country and the access road is also the only way one can get there in a motor vehicle.
At least two government-run schools, restaurants, tourist attractions, the coastal radar, churches and the fisheries hub of Providenciales sit within Five Cays.
Five Cays is the home of the Minister responsible for fixing the road, Deputy Premier Sean Astwod and ironically, South Dock, Chalk Sound and Five Cays all make up the constituency which Hon Sean Astwood represents in parliament.
The problem of flooding at the Five Cays access road is not new; it is very, very old. An old enough problem and an essential enough roadway to command the proper engineering expertise and an immediate works project to change what happens at the access road every time there is heavy rain.
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News
The Department of Trade, Industry & Fair Competition to Host Export Readiness Workshop Under the theme “Empowering TCI Businesses for Local Growth and Global Markets.”
TCI News
Experience Turks and Caicos and Aquila Host Product Development Workshops to Strengthen Sister Islands Tourism
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – Experience Turks and Caicos, in collaboration with the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, successfully hosted a Product Development Workshop for tourism stakeholders from North Caicos, Middle Caicos, and South Caicos on Wednesday, January 14 and Thursday, January 15, 2026.
The workshop was designed to support tour operators, entrepreneurs, and tourism-related businesses as they adapt to the evolving demands of the global tourism industry. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises and structured sessions aimed at reimagining existing tourism products and developing new, innovative, and sustainable experiences that are market-ready and aligned with current visitor expectations.
Throughout the workshop, attendees were equipped with practical tools and strategies to develop high-impact tourism offerings, strengthen
product packaging and pricing, assess market readiness, and enhance value creation. Emphasis was also placed on collaboration, partnership development, and the promotion of sustainable practices to ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islands remain a fresh, competitive, and appealing destination. More than 20 participants representing tourism businesses across the islands took part in the training sessions.
“Experience Turks and Caicos has a responsibility to ensure that all communities across the Turks and Caicos Islands benefit from tourism. These workshops are designed to equip local businesses with the essential tools and knowledge needed to maximise the opportunities within the industry, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth,” said Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Candesha Mills the Product Development Manager at Experience Turks and Caicos said: “We are actively working on destination development by supporting our stakeholders as they reimagine their products and experiences. Workshops like this are critical to helping businesses identify opportunities for collaboration, create bundled offerings, and develop cohesive tourism experiences that align with emerging trends and evolving visitor expectations.”
The workshops were facilitated by Ms. Ambra Attus, who guided participants through strategies for designing distinctive and engaging tourism experiences that resonate with today’s travellers.
She said: “Product development is where destinations truly define their identity, and these trainings are designed to help operators in North, Middle and South Caicos create experiences that are not only market-ready, but meaningful, high-quality, and rooted in what makes these islands truly special. These sessions reflect a forward-thinking commitment by Experience Turks and Caicos to invest in their people and in the long-term quality of the destination’s tourism product. Aquila is proud to be your training partner.”
The workshop also featured the Invest TCI MSME Team, who were on site with an information station available throughout both sessions. Stakeholders had the opportunity to engage directly with the team, gain insights into the MSME Programme, and learn more about the range of support services, incentives, and resources available to assist business growth and development.
Experience Turks and Caicos commended participants for their commitment to investing in their businesses and contributing to the continued enhancement of the destination’s tourism product. The organisation expressed appreciation for the active participation and innovative ideas shared during the session, which are expected to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable growth of tourism in North and Middle Caicos and South Caicos.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 5 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with
partner agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Silverado Wells in Five Cays. The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by Immigration and Border Services, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified an illegal concrete structure on the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, a Section 22 Notice of Illegal Occupation was posted on the structure. Following the failure of the responsible party or parties to comply within the prescribed timeframe, enforcement action was authorised.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
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News20 hours agoThe Department of Trade, Industry & Fair Competition to Host Export Readiness Workshop Under the theme “Empowering TCI Businesses for Local Growth and Global Markets.”
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TCI News3 days agoExperience Turks and Caicos and Aquila Host Product Development Workshops to Strengthen Sister Islands Tourism
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TCI News1 week agoIllegal Structure Removed During Crown Land Enforcement Exercise in Five Cays