TCI News
Turks and Caicos Post Cabinet Meeting Statement
#Providenciales, 24 December, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – THis Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 31st meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday 18th December, at the Hilly Ewing Building, Providenciales.
All Ministers were in attendance.
At this meeting Cabinet:
· Approved a development agreement between BELB East Development Ltd and the TCI Government for the construction of beach cottages and a boutique resort on Beach Enclave, Providenciales;
· Approved a development agreement between Windward Long Bay Ltd and the TCI Government for the construction of a mixture of ocean homes, lagoon villas, boat houses and condominiums on Long Bay, Providenciales and further action for TCI Government;
· Approved the appointment of Mrs Mary Doreen Quelch-Missick as President of the Labour Tribunal for a period three years with effect from 1 January 2020 and further action to handle outstanding applications;
· Welcomed and discussed a Criminal Justice Stakeholder’s Group Strategic Plan and Actin Plan 2020-2023;
· Approved a paper setting out pre-emptive visa conditions for Venezuelan nationals and discussed the need for the Minister of Immigration to review the Ministry’s 2018 policy on Venezuelans in response to the recent update to the UNHRC Guidance Note on the Outflow of Venezuelans;
· Approved a 99 year lease to Desarrollos Hotelsco Turks and Caicos Ltd. for Crown Land Parcels 60905/214, 215 and 60906/227 on Leeward Going Through, Providenciales;
· Approved for Crown Land parcel 60003/231 at Northwest and North Central Providenciales to go out to tender for the development of a public cemetery;
· Approved for Crown Land Parcel 61113/341, Providenciales to go out to tender;
· Approved a request from the Airports Authority to reallocate existing funds ($250,000) from within its FY 2019/20 Capital Budget;
· Approved a variation to the terms of a lease of Crown Land Parcels 20313/22, 23 and 24 on South Caicos offered to Fortis TCI Ltd. in accordance with the 1986 Take Over Agreement;
· Approved a three year lease for accommodation on Providenciales for HE the Governor with effect from 1 January 2020;
· Welcomed an Information Paper on the stony coral disease and discussed in-depth the need for urgent decision on recommended treatments to the disease;
· Informed of waivers granted for the quarter July to September 2019 under the Public Procurement ordinance, Section 21;
· Agreed on amendments required to the proposed Notary Public Bill for consideration by Cabinet early in the New Year;
· Discussed in-depth a paper on the FortisTCI Rate Variation Application and agreed on next steps early in the New Year;
· Noted a draft Population Policy report dated December 2019;
· Approved an application from Jamal Williams for a license to use the parking lot at the Lighthouse on Grand Turk to host an annual Christmas event;
· Approved planning application PR 12606 by Emerald Point Ltd. to remove and replace three existing T-head groynes with a single terminal groyne in Leeward Marina, Providenciales;
· Approved a request from the Integrity Commission to reallocate existing funds ($170,000) from within its FY 2019/20 budget;
· Approved a lease agreement of the Franklyn Missick Buildings on Grand Turk for a period of two years for use by the Ministry of Education;
· Were informed of issues affecting the ferry service between Providenciales and Parrot Cay and agreed urgent action required;
· Discussed the issue of fires at the municipal waste facility on Providenciales and urgent action required;
Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.
Release: TCIG
Turks and Caicos, October 28, 2025 – We are closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, and our thoughts and prayers are with our regional neighbours for their safety and well-being
We are now entering a critical period as Hurricane Melissa advances towards the Turks and Caicos Islands. Current projections indicate that Hurricane Melissa will begin to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands around midday tomorrow, Wednesday, 29th October.
This morning, Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier chaired a State of Preparedness Meeting. All Government agencies and critical services are mobilised. The safety and protection of every person across our Islands remains our highest priority. Our emergency response teams are prepared and the TCI Regiment is deployed across each of our Islands to support community readiness and immediate response. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are on active duty, with additional officers in North Caicos, Salt Cay, South Caicos and Grand Turk.
At this time, the hurricane is moving north-northeast. The country is expected to experience tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall and
significant storm surge. The storm surge poses a serious concern for low-lying coastal areas especially along our western and southern coastlines, which may result in coastal flooding. Based on the most current weather projections and anticipated impacts for the Turks and Caicos Islands, the National Executive have agreed the following actions:
1. Evacuation Advisories
Residents in specific low-lying and flood-prone coastal areas are likely to experience significant storm surge of 2-4 feet with accompanying rainfall. Strong advice is now place for residents in these areas to relocate to designated shelters which will be open from 4pm this afternoon. These areas include:
Middle Caicos
- Conch Bar Nearest Shelter: The Community Centre
North Caicos
- Sandy Point Nearest Shelter : Sandy Point Community Centre
- Whitby Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
- Bottle Creek Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
Providenciales
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- Chalk Sound Nearest Shelter Enid Capron Primary School
- Five Cays Nearest Shelter: Enid Capron Primary School
- Discovery Bay Nearest Shelter: All Saints Church, Leeward Highway
- Juba Sound Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
- Long Bay Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
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South Caicos
- Cockburn Harbour Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
- Old Airport Road Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
Should an evacuation order become necessary, it will be issued following the 6:00 PM Advisory this evening from the TCI National Weather Service.
2. Activation of Emergency Operations Centre
The National Emergency Operations Centre in Providenciales and all Islands Emergency Operations Centres will be activated at 4:00 PM today.
3. Shelters Access
Shelters across all Islands will open today at 4:00 PM to receive members of the public.
4. Shelter-in-Place
A Strong Shelter-in-Place Advisory is in place for all islands, commencing at 10:00 PM tonight. This will be in place until the all clear has been issued.
This means that from 10:00 PM tonight, all residents should be off the road, in a safe location, either at home or a designated shelter.
Please note that this position may be revised following the 6:00 PM Advisory from the TCI National Weather Service, depending on updated storm projections.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has confirmed that all airports remain fully operational for today. They will advise the public about ongoing operations dependent on the weather impacts.
In times such as this, the role of commercial entities extends beyond business – it becomes a vital part of the community’s resilience. All retailers and service providers are urged to uphold their humanitarian responsibilities by maintaining fair pricing and ensuring essential goods and services remain accessible to all.
Residents and visitors are reminded to adhere strictly to all official advisories and evacuation orders as they are issued. Avoid unnecessary movement, secure your property, and ensure that you and your family are prepared with essential supplies. Stay prepared and stay safe.
Turks and Caicos, October 24, 2025 – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey delivered an impassioned address to male students at Clement Howell High School, calling on them to recognize their power, seize their potential, and “awaken the sleeping giants” within.
In a message that blended humility, faith, and personal experience, the Commissioner reminded the boys that the decisions they make today will shape their future.“The choices you make today determine who you become tomorrow,” he said.
Bailey, who revealed he was the first in his family to attend high school, urged the students to embrace education and discipline as tools of
transformation.“Knowledge is power. If you want to be a real man, you need to read,” he told them. “Remember your potential — if others can do it, so can you. Some of you are sleeping giants waiting to be awakened.”
He emphasized that circumstances of birth do not dictate destiny, challenging the young men to carry self-respect, faith, and moral conviction wherever they go. “Self-respect is key; respect yourself, respect others, and respect God,” he said. “The circumstances you were born into do not define who you are.”
The Commissioner also spoke about resilience, advising that true strength often lies in restraint.
“There will be challenges, and people may try to impede your development — but rise above negativity. Sometimes, strength means walking away,” he said. “Some of you are sleeping lions; it’s time to awaken that instinct and rediscover your true potential.”
In closing, Commissioner Bailey delivered a stirring challenge:
“Each morning, look in the mirror and remind yourself that you were created by God and are capable of great exploits. You are a possibility with potential. Step forward with confidence — this is your country, your islands. Be the best version of yourself.”
Following his speech, the Commissioner engaged the students in open dialogue, answering questions and listening to their perspectives on issues affecting young men in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.
