TCI News
TCI: Governor’s message to former Premier: facts don’t lie
#Providenciales, October 9, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Governor Nigel Dakin is adamant that the facts about the establishment, composition and functioning of the new Turks and Caicos Islands Status Commission cumulatively demonstrate that he has very little to do with the nearly 200 applicants being considered for TCI citizenship.
In a statement to defend a brutal assault published by former Premier Mike Misick which criticized the the audacity of the new governor to plan to grant Turks and Caicos citizenship to so many people at one time, His Excellency Dakin took some jabs of his own.
“The facts stand in sharp contrast to the commentary Michael Misick has suggested but his comments do sit entirely consistently with the narrative he wishes to portray. As for the rest of Michael Misick’s comments on my motives and my nature I trust the public to make their own informed decisions. My intention is to be hugely transparent so they can be,” said Governor Dakin.
Michael Misick wrote: “This is an outrage of mass proportion that is about to happen. Every Turks and Caicos Islander from all walks of life, religion and political persuasions has to get involve speak out and if need to be have a peaceful demonstration to prevent what is about to happen,” Misick added, “Let’s be reminded of who the Governor really is. He is the British Government Representative. He represents the colonial power of the UK.”
Misick is clearly outraged at the alarming number of people, at some of the people who are named on the list and expressed in his commentary that it is the Governor himself who is marshalling the move for mostly British applicants to have full rights as citizens of the TCI.
Governor Dakin rejected the assertions and informed that the Commission is entirely set up by the Government PDM and the Opposition PNP; including the post of Chairperson, which legally he could have assigned.
“As a new Governor, recognizing the sensitivity of this issue to Turks and Caicos Islanders, and believing that it’s for the Islanders alone to make these decisions, I actively chose to waive my right to appoint a Chair if the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition could agree on a Chair, which they have and who I was delighted to appoint.”
Magnetic Media’s own report on the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Commission reveals the ordinance was passed since 2015 and a revision of the law happened last year, 2018. Governor Dakin in his statement on October 2, 2019 explained the lengthy list.
“The reason so many people now have applications for Islander status, as allowed through the Ordinance, is because the Commission has not been appointed. Had the Commission been set up there would have been only a small number of applications each year; instead there is a significant number who not only deserve to be considered but have a lawful right to be considered.”
The list was leaked, said the Governor.
“It is worth saying that I had no sight of the list of names of those seeking Islander status until today; when a leaked list was circulated. The Governor only knows of those who have secured a recommendation for Islander status once the Commission has made their determination; a Commission staffed exclusively by Islanders.”
The Progressive National Party, despite partnering to name the TCI Status Commission, has since issued its own statement, also condemning the length of the list in the absence of a report on the 2018 consultation on the law.
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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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News1 day 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