Turks and Caicos, October 14, 2025 – Overcrowding at Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) Grand Turk has reached crisis levels, taking center stage at the most recent meeting of the National Security Council (NSC).

The session, co-chaired by Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and Premier Charles Washington Misick, heard a sobering report from the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities on the worsening conditions at the country’s only correctional facility.

Officials revealed that HMP Grand Turk currently houses around 131 inmates in a facility built to accommodate just 104, representing an estimated 30 percent overcapacity. Structural damage from previous hurricanes and years of wear have further reduced usable space, compounding safety and management challenges.

The Chief Magistrate’s Court and the Director of Public Prosecutions’ Office have repeatedly warned that the prison’s overcrowding could undermine rehabilitation and security efforts — and now, the NSC has declared modernization of correctional infrastructure a national priority.

The Council approved immediate-term relief measures and agreed to a comprehensive review of the prison estate, aimed at identifying targeted infrastructure investments to meet the demands of a growing inmate population.

The NSC meeting, held on September 25, 2025, brought together the highest-level officials in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ security apparatus, including the Deputy Premier, Attorney General, Commissioner of Police, National Security Advisor, Commanding Officer of the Regiment, Director General of Border Force, and NSS Threat Lead.                                                                                                                          Also in attendance were the Hon. Minister and Permanent Secretary of Public Safety and Utilities, alongside the Superintendent of the Department of Correctional Services, who presented the update on the prison’s capacity challenges and operational concerns.

Multi-Agency Coordination and Maritime Security

Beyond the correctional system, members were also briefed by the Unified Command on ongoing multi-agency security operations, including efforts to strengthen cooperation among law enforcement and border protection entities.

Discussions also turned to the legal framework underpinning joint operations, with members emphasizing the need for coherent inter-agency coordination in tackling transnational threats, particularly those related to illicit migration and maritime crime.

The Commanding Officer of the Turks and Caicos Regiment presented plans for a new maritime operational base and docking facility, envisioned as a command-and-control center that would bolster the country’s ability to respond to maritime incidents, search-and-rescue operations, and natural disasters.

Liquor Licensing Reforms and Regional Summit

The Permanent Secretary for National Security briefed the Council on the review of the current liquor licensing regime, with recommendations for a full restructuring and digital redesign of the licensing process to enhance oversight and efficiency. The Council supported continued reform work on the system.

In a forward-looking development, the NSC also endorsed plans for the Northern Caribbean Security Summit, to be hosted in Turks and Caicos under the theme “Dismantling Illicit Maritime Activities Through Enhanced Cooperation.” The summit aims to convene regional and international partners to deepen collaboration in addressing shared maritime security challenges, from smuggling to illegal migration and environmental crimes.

Security at a Crossroads

Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam and Premier Misick jointly reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the country’s national security infrastructure and coordination mechanisms, describing the discussions as “critical to maintaining the safety, stability, and sovereignty of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

With the prison operating well beyond its intended capacity, and a surge in complex maritime and border challenges, the NSC’s focus on modernization and reform signals an urgent recalibration of priorities.

As the Turks and Caicos Islands position themselves as a leader in regional cooperation on security, one message from the Council was clear: the nation must invest now — in its institutions, its infrastructure, and its resilience — to sustain safety and justice in the years ahead.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

PROVIDENCIALES: The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCIG), through the National Land Secretariat (NLS), has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting qualified developers to design and construct new affordable housing communities on Crown Land in Providenciales as part of their Turnkey Housing Development. This initiative supports the Government’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to affordable housing and fostering sustainable, community-oriented development across the islands.

The RFP, titled “Provision of Affordable Housing Development on Crown Land in Providenciales,” seeks proposals for the design, financing, and construction of residential subdivisions on approximately 40.1 acres of Crown Land located in the Northwest and Central area of Providenciales. The project encompasses Parcel Numbers 60000/247, 277, 278 and 279, providing opportunities for developers to submit proposals for one or multiple parcels. Developments are expected to include well-planned subdivisions, road networks, and two- and three-bedroom housing units that align with the TCI Development Manual and Building Code.

The TCIG encourages participation from experienced developers with demonstrated financial capacity and expertise in large-scale housing or community development. Proposals will be evaluated based on technical merit, compliance with planning and environmental standards, and alignment with national housing objectives.

TIMELINE AND IMPORTANT DATES

• Pre-proposal Conference: Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. via Microsoft Teams
• Deadline for questions and clarifications: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
• Deadline to submit your proposal: Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

This Affordable Housing Project is a flagship component of TCIG’s broader strategy to provide equitable housing access, promote homeownership, and support community development for Turks and Caicos Islanders. Developers are invited to bring forward innovative, sustainable, and climate-resilient housing solutions that contribute to the long-term growth of the islands.

To review the RFP in its entirety and to register for the pre-proposal meeting please visit https://gov.tc/publicservice/government-tenders. All questions and requests for clarification must be submitted to the Procurement Board using their online forms which can be found at https://forms.office.com/r/UF0psAscgt.

By Deandrea Hamilton | Magnetic Media

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands —  Teachers across the Turks and Caicos Islands were showered with praise and gratitude on World Teachers’ Day, as the Minister of Education issued a stirring message recognizing educators as “builders of character, instillers of resilience, and cultivators of hope.”

While there was no official global theme this year, the Minister noted that the international conversation centered on teacher shortages, investment in education, and empowering educators to build a sustainable future — concerns she said “resonate deeply” with the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“Across the globe, education systems face an urgent challenge: classrooms without enough teachers,” the Minister said. “But this challenge reminds us that the world cannot move forward without teachers.”

The statement outlined several local initiatives to strengthen the teaching profession, including ongoing professional training, technology integration, and inclusive education strategies aimed at ensuring that teachers are equipped to meet the diverse needs of students.

She said her Ministry is also focused on reducing class sizes, providing better resources, and creating “conditions that reflect the value of the work teachers do.” The message emphasized the government’s intention to make teaching a career of pride and distinction, with enhanced systems of recognition to celebrate excellence and reward those who “go above and beyond.”

“We are encouraging more young people in our islands to enter the teaching profession,” she said. “We want our brightest minds to see teaching as the noble and rewarding calling it truly is.”

In one of the most moving sections, the Minister described teachers as the “architects of our sustainable future,” reminding them that their influence extends far beyond the classroom.

“Each lesson you teach, each child you inspire, is an investment in the strength, resilience, and prosperity of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” she said.

The message concluded with a personal note of gratitude:

“You deserve our support. You have our gratitude. And you will always have our commitment to stand beside you as you do this vital work.”

The Ministry’s message framed education as the foundation of national progress and teachers as its indispensable builders.

Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.