TCI News

TCI: The time I hated my country

Published

7 years ago

June 28, 2019

#Providenciales, June 28, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – I was born in the 1970’s in the capital island of Grand Turk, a time when my country was the third world of the third world. Those born before me and around that time would understand what I mean. There was no running water. Drums and water cisterns held our water, and we accessed this water using buckets. Our baths occurred in small tubs and if you were fortunate, you were the first or the second person who took a bath in that same water.

We had limited electricity in our homes, 3 TV channels (and 2 which didn’t work) and an antenna on the roof that had to be positioned at the right angle to make it work. Our food was cooked some days on a cold stove by my grandfather who’s intentions were really good but didn’t rescue us from the fact that he never learned to cook until much later in his life. We walked barefooted as we only had a single pair of what was called our “GOOD SHOES”.

I can also recall some days attending primary school without shoes. For fun, we played marbles, went fishing, ran behind horses, donkeys, goats and chickens, played with a bicycle tyre or wheel and pulled a klim can.

With all that said it was surprisingly a good life. No worries or concerns and we were at our happiest with what little we had. Then my mom decided to study in New York in the mid-80’s. As an only child, she took me with her. A new place in the big city!

At first I asked, how could she take me from my good life in my third world home and force upon me a strange life in the concrete jungle? But wait, the concrete jungle was actually better than my home! We had running water and good food. I mean who would turn down New York style pizza and Burger King? Chinese food to die for? We had access to the latest toys, video games and fashion and my TV had all 12 analog channels. I was living my best life.

This is the point at which I started to hate my home. How could I have been born in such a place? A place so harsh, so dissolute and so backward? I asked God why did He do that to us? Why would you place my ancestors in such a place and made life so hard for us? Why couldn’t I be born and raised in the US and not know about such a place called the Turks and Caicos, which none of my classmates in New York knew about and wasn’t even on the world map to show to them during geography lessons?

Imagine trying to explain something that does not exist according to the latest world map at that time? I was the laughing stock of the class.

My mother finished her degree in 2 years and my time in New York came to an end and it was time to return to my home. But home to what? As far as I knew, nothing had changed. I knew that the conditions were the same. “Home sweet home,” as it is so gloriously stated.

I returned home and could not wait for the day I could escape again return to New York to live for good. But something interesting happened. My presence on these isles made me fall in love with my home all over again. The saying that one must be “in the room” in order to appreciate the experience sounds true when it comes to the TCI. I did not want to live in any other place on this earth.

I was indeed fortunate enough to return to New York for college and I would captivate audiences with my stories of a place no one in the room knew about. A place so geographically close to the US but it seemed so far in the minds of my audience. I returned home knowing that I had a contribution to make to a developing country. A country that gave me a scholarship, which helped me achieved my goals. A country that I thought could be the best country in the world.

Fast forward to today, I have watched my country develop tremendously in my life-time and become my concept of New York to so many people. However, my recent concerns lie with the answer to the question, for whose benefit has this country become so developed? Who is currently out there reaping the benefits of the best country in the world? Certainly not its home-grown people! Certainly, not the descendants of those whose backs were broken by whips and wounds treated by labouring further in salt! Certainly, not the people who remained and called this place home before the world even had a glimmer of its possible existence!

The question which arises is, why? Why haven’t and why shouldn’t the people and their descendants who first loved and cared for this place when there was nothing to gain be the first to benefit from their country’s development?

In Jamaica, the Jamaicans benefit from their country’s growth. In the Dominican Republic, it is the Dominicans who benefit before anyone else. In Cuba, the theory is that the Cubans benefit alone. Even in Haiti, with all its turmoil, it is still the Haitian who benefits where there are benefits available. In America, the American benefits. In Canada, the Canadians benefit.

Why is it that in Turks and Caicos the Turks and Caicos Islander has no benefit to look forward to? Why is it that the first harvest of benefits are seemingly distributed amongst everyone else other that the native person with the native person left to graze the field with the hope of collecting any fallen residue?

My fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders, when will we wake up and take back the control and enjoyment of our country? When will we work together and do the things that we need to do to put our people first? When will we put our differences aside and focus on us, our children and our children’s children?

It appears that we are the only group to be falling behind as the country moves forward. We are very close to becoming 4^th Class citizens any day now in a country which is rightfully our own! Those foreign to our shores already look upon us with disdain and many of us can relate to stares and frowns, within our own home, which question our very right to exist, let alone our right to benefit first.

A colleague suggested to me that writing this article would amount to a waste of time because all Turks and Caicos Islanders are aware of the problems I write about, yet no one will seize the opportunity to take action. What will we do, at this point? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! And this absolutely nothing will lead to our further demise. I am not oblivious to the fact that taking action will create discomfort.

However, history teaches us that sometimes we need to become a little uncomfortable and seriously restless in order to recognize and aggressively pursue the opportunities and benefits wrongfully withheld from us and routinely exploited for personal gain by those entrusted with the power to govern on our behalf.

I write with the hope that my colleague would be proven wrong. I write this as a call to action. A cry for justice. A summons to every Turks and Caicos Islander to join hands and to fight for our country. What’s at stake is bigger than your party affiliation! Let us do what we need to do to secure a future for our children. Let’s put our differences aside for a time and fight for the greater good. A cause much bigger than self. Are you ready? I know I am.

Today, I will ask my people to sign a petition as one united front to have our Constitution restored as per the recommendations in 2015. To restore the constitutional power to the people we elect to represent us. This is the start that we need for a brighter future. This is not a PDM or a PNP issue or problem. The problem affects all of us who live in the country. Let’s show the world that we can unite and operate at a level bigger than politics and set our country on the right foot to prosperity.

Our goal is to get enough signatures from the voting population of the country that the powers that be will give the people of this country a referendum to decide if they want their constitution restored or not. LET’S RESTORE THE POWER BACK TO THE PEOPLE ONE SIGNATURE AT A TIME!!!

Anyone interested in helping or volunteering with this cause, please contact me on (649) 232-3382 or email me at Malcolm_Deveraux@Hotmail.com.

Release: Malcolm Deveraux

News

Multi-Agency Enforcement Exercise Targets Illegal Occupation of Crown Land in Five Cays

Published

3 days ago

October 25, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Crown Land Unit, with coordination and support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise in the Five Cays area on Thursday, September 17, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to address the illegal occupation and unauthorised use of Crown land.

The exercise brought together representatives from the Crown Land Unit, ISU and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force. Security for the exercise was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Inspections were conducted across several parcels of Crown land throughout Five Cays, where instances of illegal occupation and unauthorised use had been identified.

During the exercise, a total of forty (40) Section 22 Notices of Unauthorised Occupation were served in accordance with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance. The notices related to various forms of unauthorised occupation and use of Crown land, including incomplete structures, shipping containers, derelict vehicles, trailer chassis, building materials and other items.

Where persons were not present, notices were affixed to the relevant structures or items. The exercise forms part of the Crown Land Unit’s continuing efforts to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land and to ensure that identified instances of unauthorised occupation are appropriately addressed.

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds the public that Crown land must not be occupied, developed or otherwise used without lawful authority.

The Crown Land Unit, supported by the ISU and its other partner agencies, will continue to identify and address instances of illegal occupation of Crown land across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Persons affected by notices issued during enforcement exercises are encouraged to comply with the requirements outlined and to seek guidance from the relevant authorities where necessary.

News

BermudAir Launches Service to the Turks and Caicos Islands on October 26th, Expanding Air Connectivity Ahead of Winter Season

Published

6 days ago

October 22, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 22nd, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes BermudAir as the airline begins its service to the destination on Monday, October 26th, marking the start of a wider expansion that will connect us with additional cities across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.

BermudAir’s service will begin with a new nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Providenciales. The flight will depart from the Howard Hamilton International Airport at 8 am on Monday morning and arrives at 7.40 pm. Aboard the inaugural flight will be a delegation from the Turks and Caicos Islands led by Experience Turks and Caicos and the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA), and will include Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, as well s representatives of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA), the board of the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority, Invest TC and local media.

BermudAir will operate the Fort Lauderdale–Providenciales route three times weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, through May 3rd, 2027. making it easier for business travellers with the schedule offering the potential for same-day return trips. The airline is also launching nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale and Belize City, Belize, on the same schedule, offering travellers in South Florida direct access to both destinations.

The new service introduces BermudAir’s premium leisure inflight experience to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Flights will operate on Embraer E190 aircraft configured without middle seats, giving every passenger a window or aisle seat, alongside complimentary snacks and beverages.

Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Zhavargo Jolly, welcomed the airline’s arrival, noting the importance of expanding airlift to support the continued development of the destination’s tourism industry.

“Air connectivity remains one of the most important factors in the continued development of our tourism industry. BermudAir’s expansion represents an opportunity to strengthen our connections with key international markets while opening new doors for our sister islands. I am particularly encouraged by the planned direct service between Newark and South Caicos, which speaks directly to our vision of expanding tourism opportunities across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our objective is to ensure that improved connectivity translates into greater economic activity, stronger local businesses and more opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders to participate in and benefit from tourism.” said Minister Jolly.

Commenting on the significance of the new route for the country’s development, the Honourable Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development (PPID), stated: “The introduction of BermudAir’s new service is a testament to the continued growth and development of our aviation sector. The Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, alongside the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority, remains dedicated to enhancing our airport infrastructure to accommodate increased airlift. We are committed to working to ensure that our facilities provide a seamless, world-class experience for all incoming passengers and we warmly welcome BermudAir to our shores.”

The Fort Lauderdale launch is the first of several new services BermudAir plans to introduce to the Turks and Caicos Islands for the 2026–2027 winter season. Additional connections to Providenciales are scheduled from:

Bermuda to TCI and Grand Cayman: Beginning December 18th, 2026
Anguilla: Beginning December 19th, 2026
Boston, Massachusetts: Beginning December 19th, 2026
Toronto, Canada: Beginning December 19th, 2026
Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina: Beginning December 20th, 2026
Newark, New Jersey to South Caicos: Beginning December 20th, 2026
St. Petersburg/Tampa, Florida: Beginning December 21st, 2026
Baltimore-Washington: Beginning December 24th, 2026

The expansion will give travellers more options for reaching the destination during the winter travel season, while broadening access from established and developing source markets. The additional routes also create opportunities for tourism stakeholders to reach new audiences and encourage visitors to explore more of the islands.

For flight schedules and bookings, visit www.flybermudair.com.

News

DDME Celebrates International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction

Published

6 days ago

October 22, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Emcee and members of the panel (L-R): Ms. Arnisiqua Selver, Mistress of Ceremony; Mr. Andrew Gardiner, TCI Red Cross; Mr. Garry McLean, Department of Planning and Ms. Kevaun Lucas, Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 22 October 2026: The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) joined the global observance of International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) on October 13th. Various initiatives were held throughout the islands to bring awareness to the public, including panel discussions, community engagement activities, school visits, essay writing and an original video submission from the Eliza Simons School in Grand Turk.

Disaster Risk Reduction is a people-centred endeavour; it emphasises that policies, systems and investments must be designed around the needs and capabilities of individuals and communities, according to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. Each year, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), as the implementing agency for the Sendai Framework, issues a call to action encouraging individuals, communities, and countries to become resilient.

The 2026 IDDRR theme, ‘Resilience Starts at Home’ seeks to bring global and national awareness of the core role of households in disaster risk reduction, advocating for stronger governance and investment in resilient housing, reducing housing-related risk and empowering households to take risk-informed actions to protect themselves and strengthen community resilience.

The Turks and Caicos Islands, in an effort to reduce disaster risk, seeks to observe the concepts and core principles of the Sendai Framework 2015-2030. Throughout the years, many initiatives have been taken through the various stages of the disaster cycle from preparedness to recovery in an effort to strengthen the resilience of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Initiatives such as the creation and consistent updating of building codes, the Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Housing Project following major hurricanes such as Ike in 2008, the creation of an early recovery framework, as well as strengthening CCRIFF insurance were all implemented to ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islands were on the path to build back stronger and better.

This year’s theme underscores the roles governments, the private sector, and individuals play in ensuring communities and homes are safe and more resilient. The Turks and Caicos Islands Government has made significant strides in ensuring that homes are constructed through the use of risk-informed planning, land use planning and construction practices. The Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Housing Project, which facilitated the construction of twenty-four (24) completely rebuilt homes and repaired thirty-four (34) homes, provided a baseline for future housing initiatives such as Programme 3. This programme includes community renewal and infilling under the National Housing Policy and seeks to repair property that has sustained physical damage for vulnerable people.

Residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands are reminded of the individual role that they can play in ensuring that their homes are resilient.

Ensure that you obtain the proper approvals from the Planning Department before building.
Ensure that you utilise the standards and building codes of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Include proper drainage systems and other methods to reduce flooding and water pooling near your home.
Update your family emergency plans and ensure that everyone in your household is aware of its contents.

Let us all do our part in ensuring that all homes across the Turks and Caicos Islands are resilient.

Highlights from IDDRR can be seen on the Official DDME Social media accounts: Facebook @ddme.tci_official and Instagram @ddm.tci