Connect with us

TCI News

TCI: Seats needed in Parliament to reflect the will of the people; and to address economic issues, crime, family islands exodus & illegals

Published

on

#Providenciales, August 15, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Turks and Caicos unique geographical make up requires sustained economic activity on each island to ensure that our people can cultivate a life and thrive on the island they chose to live. Regrettably, the lack of focus, policy and investment resulting in limited economic activity on the family islands of North, Middle and South Caicos is causing the population to flee these islands for a better more prosperous way of life. Grand Turk has been fortunate not to experience the depopulation at the rate of the family islands largely because of the Government employment and in a surprisingly limited way, the cruise port; however, the Capital population numbers are dwindling fast and if action is not taken soon, Grand Turk too will begin to experience a brain drain. 

There are many policy tools to stem the flow of brain drain, but for now, I will focus on one: representation!  The first and most important undertaking to hear the concerns of our island nation is to change representation in parliament; especially where one member is a minister. Long standing issues in Grand Turk and simple ones – like its beautification, and shutting down of Expressions Radio Talk show – cannot be left to the whims of the party in power. Grand Turk & Salt Cay needs to be represented by another Electoral Seat.

As a people, we cannot go on, pretending day by day, that somehow change will soon be here. Eyes have not seen nor ears have not heard of a plan nor public policy to attract economic activity for anywhere other than Providenciales; and even that is not driven by any policy: the investor shows up and decides where to invest. There are no policies applied to incentivize the current employers on the family islands to grow the economic activities. Let’s look at the leading source of economic activities on each of the family islands and examine what is being done by Elected Members of Parliament to ensure our people can sustain themselves on these islands.

South Caicos – the main economic activity is fishing. though there are two fishing plants there. Neither can boast of government incentives to help spur on their expansion and growth. Their incremental growth is because of their own doing. Three hotels – the only all local hotel in South Caicos, East Bay Resort and Sailrock Resort – their growth are hamstrung because of the lack of Airport upgrades; The lack of which have in a number of cases agreement with Government that are subject of court proceedings for failure to honour development agreements. South Caicos needs to be represented by another Electoral Seat.

Middle & North Caicos – Sandy Point channel and the Bellfield landing Port is the gateway to spurring or blocking economic activities for North & Middle Caicos. We see that boats have to travel at high speed and do karate like manoeuvres just to get passengers into North Caicos daily. There are numerous proposals on the table to rectify this by dredging the Sandy Point Port and completion of Bellfield landing into a modern-day port. None of this has been acted upon by either Governments. These big islands need to be represented by another Electoral Seat to ensure at the minimum, there are competing visions being aired in their favour!

As a preliminary conclusion, one can begin to see how the lack of action to remedy the short list of major economic blockers for these islands is because of inadequate political representation. Parliament needs enlarging and just maybe at the expense of the Governor’s appointed members. These islands need their own representatives who will be held accountable for economic growth or the lack thereof. Its alarming and concerning to see the mass exodus of locals taking place from these islands whilst the PFA, some illegals are putting down a solid footing in these islands. In order words, as we flee, they flock!

Finally, Providenciales is not without its share of problems. The largest electoral districts are ridden with its share of problems which is increasingly urgent but manifested as a different dynamic; that of crime, smoking dump, illegals and the rapid construction of non-belonger buildings together with the shocking expansion of shanty towns. 

Let’s look at Five Cays – its being taken over by illegal Shanty Towns. Look at Chalk Sound – Residents are being smoked out nightly by toxic dump fumes. Cheshire Hall – the area is predominantly known for the illegal shanties of Dook yard and the likes. Wheeland is plagued with the smoking dumps and becoming crime infested where a man can be gunned down in his own home at three am, together with a host of crimes that are not reported because of loss of faith in the police establishment. 

In my view, the lack of action to adequately address these District’s and constituency problems is because these constituencies are so big, that the MP quickly points to other areas of the constituencies that are apparently flourishing – from mostly non-Belonger activity, since they can’t get funding – whilst turning a blind eye to these troubled areas; as if they don’t exist!  We can attribute these factors to the lack of adequate political representation for these oversized districts, which means their issues are not presented in the frequency and detail that is necessary. 

In order to avoid Providenciales – which some seem to think should be renamed to Turks and Caicos Islands – so it does not suffer from these family-island-like-problems, I call for the Electoral Boundaries Commission 2019 to create six seats for new areas in Parliament: Split Middle & North Caicos into North Caicos East & Middle Caicos for its own Seat. Create a new seat named North Caicos West and Parrot Cay. Split Five Cays and Chalk Sound into two seats to be named – Five Cays Electoral District and Chalk Sound Electoral District. Split Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hill into Two Seats to be called – Cheshire Hall Electoral District and Kew Town Electoral District. Finally, split Wheeland into Two Seats – Wheeland East and Wheeland West Electoral Districts. Add another Seat in the Nations Capital & another one in South Caicos.

This solution will compel those who are elected for these areas to keep the pressure on the powers that be to address these bread and butter issues, which are quickly becoming matters of life and death in our beloved Turks and Caicos Islands. We don’t skimp on the taxation, therefore let’s not limit representation.

Mark A Fulford

Continue Reading

News

Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Highlights Investment Growth and Workforce Opportunity at 5th Annual General Meeting

Published

on

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 28th September 2026:Invest Turks and Caicos Islands (Invest TCI) hosted its 5th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos, under the theme “Investment and Opportunity: Building a Stronger Workforce.”

The event brought together government officials, investors, developers, industry leaders, small business owners and key stakeholders for an evening of reflection on the Agency’s performance and the continued growth of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The meeting was called to order by Invest TCI Chairperson Ms. Cindy Ewing, who greeted the guests, outlined the purpose of the AGM, including the Agency’s statutory mandate and commitment to public accountability.

Building on the evening’s focus, Premier and Minister of Finance, Trade and Investment, Hon. Charles Washington Misick, reflected on the strength of the tourism industry, continued development and the transformation experienced by the Islands over the past five decades. He emphasized that economic progress cannot be measured solely by the number of buildings constructed or the amount of capital reaching the country’s shores, but by whether the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands are advancing alongside that growth.

The Premier also called for greater attention to the social cost of economic expansion and the extent to which the benefits of growth are shared. As Invest TCI continues to play a central role in facilitating development, he stressed the importance of responsible corporate citizenship and of ensuring that those benefiting from the economy contribute meaningfully to the society in which they operate.

Following the Premier’s remarks, Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam highlighted the opportunity to convert strong investor confidence into lasting economic capability, productivity and prosperity. She underscored the importance of viewing investment as a catalyst for innovation, skills development, enterprise and institutional strength, while building the domestic capacity required to support continued growth.

Bringing the discussion back to Invest TCI’s role in advancing that objective, Chairperson Ms. Ewing presented the Board’s report, reflecting on governance, Board oversight, key achievements and the strategic direction of the Agency, while underscoring the responsibility that accompanies a growing investment environment.

“The true value of investment is not only what is built on our shores, but also what is built within our people,” Ms. Ewing said. She further emphasized the Board’s responsibility to understand the investment landscape, question it and, where necessary, improve upon it.

The focus then shifted from strategic oversight to the Agency’s performance, as Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Angela Musgrove presented on the performance of the organization for the 2025/26 financial year. She highlighted an active investment pipeline of 53 projects valued at approximately $6.335 billion and reported that the Agency received 140 applications to its Micro Small and Medium Enterprise programme, the highest number of applications in the programme’s history. Importantly, she emphasized that the Agency’s focus extends beyond the size of the investment pipeline to the impact these investments are expected to generate across the economy, including employment, construction activity, business opportunities, linkages with local enterprises and broader economic participation.

Further demonstrating the breadth of activity across the Agency’s portfolio, Mrs. Musgrove reported progress under the Heritage Turks and Caicos Islander Investment Policy, with two Development Agreements executed and five projects currently progressing through the Heritage pipeline. She highlighted the Agency’s focus on moving these projects forward and converting investment activity into tangible outcomes, including construction and employment opportunities. This impact-focused approach reflects the Agency’s emphasis on not only attracting and facilitating investment, but on tracking how investment translates into measurable benefits for the Turks and Caicos Islands and its people.

Providing a financial and operational overview, Mrs. Musgrove emphasized that performance should not be assessed only by budget utilization, but by what the Agency delivers through its resources, including investments advanced, businesses supported and opportunities created across the Islands. This , she noted, reinforces the Agency’s focus on accountability, results and  measurable economic impact.

A central feature of the evening was the special panel discussion, “Beyond Employment: Turning Investment into Opportunity for Our People.” Moderated by Damian Wilson, Deputy Director of Radio Turks and Caicos, the panel brought together James McAnally, Regional Managing Director, Sandals Resorts International; Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Minister of Immigration and Border Services; Claudia Been Munnings, Director of Organizational Learning and Development, Pelican Energy; Melanie Smith, Founder and Owner, Talent Recruitment Group; and Dr. Candice Williams, President, TCI Community College.

The discussion explored five interconnected priorities: workforce quality, meaningful local participation, skills and workforce readiness, career progression, and stronger partnership and planning. Panelists considered how education and training can be better aligned with industry demand and higher-value, specialized and future-focused roles, while creating clearer pathways for advancement and leadership. The discussion also reinforced the importance of collaboration among government, investors, employers and training institutions in preparing the workforce for the next decade of development.

Other highlights of the evening included an investment and economic development video and a prize giveaway, with prizes including a spa experience for two at South Bank and four day or night passes sponsored by Beaches Turks and Caicos. Invest TCI also recognized staff members who reached five and ten years of service, acknowledging their dedication and contribution to the Agency’s continued growth and development.

The 5th AGM reinforced Invest TCI’s continued focus on attracting and facilitating investment while ensuring that economic growth creates meaningful opportunities for the people and businesses of the Turks and Caicos Islands. With a significant investment pipeline, record demand for MSME support and continued progress under the Heritage Policy, the Agency remains focused on advancing projects, supporting enterprise and strengthening the connection between investment, workforce development and long-term economic opportunity.

The evening concluded with closing remarks and appreciation to attendees, speakers, panelists, partners and the organizing team for their contribution to a successful AGM.

For more information on upcoming events and Invest TCI initiatives, follow Invest TCI on social media @InvestTCI.

Continue Reading

News

DDME Conducts Hurricane Preparedness Presentation to Digicel Staff

Published

on

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands— Thursday, 24 September 2026:  The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) was invited by Digicel to deliver a hurricane preparedness presentation to members of their staff.

The engaging 90-minute presentation formed part of DDME’s ongoing public education and awareness efforts aimed at strengthening preparedness across the Turks and Caicos Islands. During the session, Digicel employees were provided with important information on the potential impacts of hurricanes and other emergencies, as well as the actions that individuals and organisations can take to reduce risks and protect lives, property and essential operations.

The presentation emphasised that preparedness is a shared responsibility and should begin well before a storm or other emergency threatens the country. Staff were encouraged to understand the risks associated with hurricanes, remain informed through official sources and develop personal and workplace preparedness plans.

DDME recognises the important role that businesses play in national disaster preparedness and resilience. Corporate organisations are encouraged to establish and regularly review emergency plans that clearly outline responsibilities, communication procedures, evacuation arrangements, business continuity measures and recovery actions.

“Preparedness is most effective when it is planned and practised before an emergency occurs,” Jason Hills, DDME Director. “Organisations that invest in preparedness today are better positioned to protect their people, maintain essential services and support the wider community during times of crisis.”

Corporate organisations, schools and government departments interested in DDME’s assistance with hurricane preparedness training, emergency drills support or assistance with developing a business contingency plan are encouraged to contact the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies via email at ddme.tci@gmail.com.

Continue Reading

News

Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands Empowers Local Students Through Back-to-School Backpack & Supplies Drive

Published

on

PROVIDENCIALE, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS — The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI) is proud to announce the successful completion of its 2026 Back-to-School Supplies Initiative, distributing essential backpacks and educational materials to local students and families across the community.

With the new academic year underway, this annual drive was designed to alleviate the financial burden on families while equipping local youth with the necessary tools for academic success.

Education is an investment in a better generation and a brighter future. We are grateful to all our generous donors and supporters whose contributions helped make this initiative possible.

The initiative’s success was made possible through the collaboration and contributions of local corporate partners and community members. IATCI extends its sincere appreciation to the following sponsors for their support and commitment:

• Mayaa Ltd, Ayavue Enterprises, Provo Café, Sunny Foods, Gold Smith, Charlie’s, Kishco / Kostco, Citrusbuy Ltd.

Through partnerships like these, IATCI continues its commitment to fostering community growth, supporting educational development, and making a lasting positive impact across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

About the Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)

The Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands is a non-profit community organization dedicated to cultural enrichment, community service, and supporting educational and social initiatives throughout the islands.

Indian Association of Turks and Caicos Islands (IATCI)

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING