TCI News
Labour Tribunal Back in Action in Turks and Caicos
#TurksandCaicosIslands – February 18, 2020 — The Labour Tribunal was established under the Employment Ordinance Section 93 and was given jurisdiction to hear and determine any Labour disputes or complaints; and is expected to discharge its statutory functions in accordance with the Employment Ordinance. The Labour Tribunal welcomed the new President, Mrs. M. Doreen Quelch Missick, Attorney at Law on 2nd January 2020. The Tribunal was without a legally constituted body since the law was amended in March 2018.
The in-coming President, in an effort to get the Tribunal back on track and fully functioning, immediately put plans in action for the review of the existing backlog of cases, and undertook critical steps in assessing the backlog and put plans in place to move forward for new and pending cases at the various stages of deliberations. Introductory meetings were held and expectations outlined, an orientation meeting was later held for all newly appointed members who received their appointments in August 2019. It was an honour to have the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Anya Williams present to give brief congratulatory remarks during the orientation.
On February 4th a full day of Training for all members were conducted with a focus on the Employment Ordinance, discussing their individual role, duties, responsibilities and expectations of Members.
The Labour Tribunal is grateful for those who continue to offer their services to the Tribunal and by extension to the Turks and Caicos Islands and welcome all members and am indeed proud of the caliber, experience and strengths all members bring. We are happy to introduce the following Members of the Tribunal whose appointment is for a period of two (2) years: –
Mr. Vernon Alco Williams of Providenciales has served in the public and private sector as Superintendent of Police of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
Mr. Edward Hall of North Caicos has served as Commissioner of Police, Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
Bishop Samuel Williams of Providenciales has 30 years of service in the public and private sectors in various fields, particularly in Electronics and Communications.
Mr. Michael Pereira of Providenciales, a Justice of the Peace, Notary Public and retired Clerk of Courts and Bailiff of the Supreme Court.
Dr. Beatrice Fulford of Grand Turk, an Educator has served in various positions in the public sector – Chairman of the Public Service Commission, and former Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Education.
Mrs. Noreane Williams-McKoy, of South Caicos is an Educator and a Justice of the Peace. She is a Champion for persons with special needs and is a member of the District Board, South Caicos and the Parole Board.
Ms. Rosa Maria Clare, of South Caicos is an Educator who has served over forty years in the public service. She presently serves on various Boards and is active in community service.
Mrs. Irene Glinton of Providenciales has experience in the private sector, serving in various Administrative roles. She presently serves as Secretary to the Turks and Caicos Islands Electricity Board.
Mrs. Judy Missick of Providenciales has worked over 30 years in the private sector in administrative fields and Human Resource Management. She is an ordained Minister of the Gospel and is a part of various social and community groups.
The Labour Tribunal staff members include Mrs. Winifred Stubbs, Administrative Officer, Mrs. Lucille Campbell, Labour Tribunal Secretary, Ms. Alice Williams, Tribunal Officer and Ms. Adriana Handfield, Clerical Assistant.
Recognizing that the Labour Tribunal has been without a President since August 2017, however, the staff under the leadership of the then Vice President, Mr. Vernon Alco Williams continued to perform the statutory functions of the Tribunal. President Missick commended the former Vice President and staff for their work and reminded the team of the important role of the Labour Tribunal and its functions. The Labour Tribunal, in seeking redress for employment disputes will endeavor to dispense its rulings in a fair, just and timely manner in accordance with the law.
The President, staff and members look forward to serving the people throughout the country and is pleased to let the public know that all inhabited islands now have member representation on the Labour Tribunal. We look forward to the return of the weekly radio program via RTC in our efforts to reach out and inform the public, employees and employers of their rights under the Employment Ordinance, their rights under other International Workers Rights Instruments to include the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other International Human Rights Conventions. We look forward to visiting North, Middle and South Caicos and to re-establish its presence in Grand Turk and for the re-opening of the Labour Tribunal Office by March 1st.
The Tribunal looks forward to working internally with the Commissioner of Labour and his staff and Labour Inspectors, Immigration and externally with the Clients and Attorneys in an effort to fulfil the statutory functions of the Labour tribunal. We express thanks to the general public for their unwavering support and to the clients for their patience and look forward to working to serve you.
The office hours remain Monday to Thursday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Friday. The Office in Grand Turk is located at 3 Degrees Building and in Providenciales in Butterfield Square, Downtown, Providenciales.
After demolition
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 17 July 2026: The Planning Department, with support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), and the Crown Land Unit conducted a coordinated enforcement operation on Thursday, 2 July 2026, resulting in the demolition of six unauthorised structures on private property at Block and Parcel 60502/48. Security for the operation was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
The enforcement action followed the issuance of an Enforcement Notice by the Planning Department on 29 January 2026, advising the persons responsible for the structures that they had been erected without the necessary planning approval and were required to be removed. Following the expiration of the compliance period, a multi-agency operation was organised to carry out the demolition.
Before demolition activities commenced, personnel conducted a comprehensive inspection of the site to confirm that all structures were unoccupied and free of gas cylinders or other hazardous materials. These precautionary measures were undertaken to safeguard the welfare
of both the enforcement teams and the public while ensuring the operation was carried out safely and efficiently.
Upon completion of the exercise, participating agencies returned to Police Tactical Headquarters for a debrief, marking the successful conclusion of another coordinated enforcement effort.
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds members of the public that all construction activities must receive the appropriate planning approvals before work begins. The Planning Department will continue to work alongside its partner agencies to enforce the Planning Ordinance, promote orderly development and ensure that construction throughout the Islands complies with the applicable laws and regulations.
Members of the public are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the planning approval process and to seek guidance from the Planning Department before undertaking any development to avoid enforcement action and loss of money invested.
News
DDME’s Hurricane Hunt Scavenger Hunt Sparks Community Spirit and Storm Preparedness in Providenciales
Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — Fifteen teams raced across Providenciales on Saturday July 4th for the inaugural DDME Hurricane Hunt, a community scavenger hunt designed to combine friendly competition with hurricane preparedness education.
Teams were given a bag of supplies and 15 cryptic clues, participants had less than two hours to pinpoint locations and collect hurricane must-haves; including water jugs, shovels, flashlights and other supplies that every household should have on hand ahead of a storm.
The challenge tested not only participants’ local knowledge and navigation skills, but also their teamwork under time pressure; all while reinforcing practical lessons about what it takes to stay ready when a storm approaches.
Beyond the hunt itself, the event drew a lively crowd of families and supporters who turned out to enjoy a full day of festivities. Attendees took part in games, received free gifts, face painting, canvas painting, bounce houses and visited vendor booths; while enjoying fresh food off the grill throughout the afternoon.
“This event brought together the best of both worlds; a fun, high-energy competition and a meaningful reminder of how important it is for our community to be prepared,” Mr. Aaron Ballantyne, Community Preparedness Officer for Providenciales. “Seeing 15 teams fully engaged, racing to landmarks across the island while learning what belongs in a hurricane kit, was exactly the outcome we hoped for.”
DDME extends their sincere gratitude to the stakeholders that partnered with the event and generously donated their time, resources and
efforts to make it a success: The Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross, The Oseta Jolly Primary School, The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Do It Center (Building Materials), KB Homes, Digicel TCI, Frost Cay and Clint Grilling and Catering Services, along with all other vendors who were solicited.
The event’s success was also made possible by the private organizations and government departments that opened their locations to serve as scavenger hunt sites, allowing the hunt to unfold across the island; from Chalk Sound to Long Bay.
The quick thinking first place team consisted of; Neekimo King, Keturah Miller-Brown, Lashaunda Dickenson and Kebba Thomas who all walked away with exciting prizes.
Ms. Bernadya Smith, Public Information and Media Manager stated; “With hurricane season underway, this event, along with our recent Hurricane Expo held in Grand Turk and community pop-ups throughout the country, is a testament to DDME’s commitment to blending community engagement with year-round storm readiness. We look forward to making this event an annual staple that brings families together while keeping preparedness at the forefront of every community we serve.
Follow DDME social media pages to stay up to date with upcoming events and to join their weekly quizzes for a chance to win exciting prizes all hurricane season long.
News
Invest TCI Supports Certification of Local Flats Fishing Guides Through MSME Technical Assistance Under Historic TCFFA–TCICC Partnership
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — June 11th 2026 — Invest Turks and Caicos Islands has confirmed a financial commitment of $26,750 through the MSME Programme’s Technical Assistance support to assist 35 participants undertaking STCW and Fly-Fishing Guide Certifications under the Turks and Caicos Fly Fishing Association (TCFFA) and the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) partnership. The support is intended to strengthen the capacity of existing and emerging local operators within the flats-fishing and marine–based tourism sector, helping participants formalize their skills, improve service standards, and access higher-value economic opportunities.
The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between TCFFA and TCICC on 12th May 2026, establishing the
country’s first endorsed and regionally recognized Sustainable Fly-Fishing curriculum. That partnership, funded in part by the UK Government through the Darwin Plus Local initiative, aims to certify twenty or more Turks and Caicos Islanders as Flats-Fishing Guides and Train-The-Trainers — drawn from Providenciales, North Caicos, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, and Grand Turk.
Invest TCI’s contribution ensures that the financial barrier to certification does not prevent qualified candidates from accessing this sector-building opportunity. The support is being provided as technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of existing and emerging MSMEs within the flats-fishing and marine-based tourism sector, enabling participants to formalize, improve service standards, and access higher-value market opportunities.
“We are indeed happy to be a part of this initiative and to provide financial support towards the certification of the 35 participants. Invest TCI is committed to empowering small and medium enterprises and the individuals who drive them – and this programme is a direct example of that commitment in action.” — Alexa Cooper, Vice President – SME Development, Invest Turks and Caicos
Regional studies, including research on The Bahamas’ flats-fishing sector, show that the industry can generate significant economic value through lodging, meals, transport, retail, and guided services. This demonstrates the potential for Turks and Caicos to strengthen its own flats-fishing value chain through professional training, certification, and local enterprise development.
Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos, highlighted the strategic alignment between the investment and Invest TCI’s broader
mission:
“Invest TCI’s mandate is to support a stronger, more diversified economy with Turks and Caicos Islanders positioned to benefit from the industries that shape our future. This initiative directly aligns with that mandate. By supporting certification for local flats-fishing guides, we are helping to convert local knowledge into recognized credentials, strengthen small business capacity, and retain more value within our communities. It is a practical investment in people, enterprise, and sector development.” — Angela Musgrove, CEO, Invest Turks and Caicos
TCFFA President Levardo Talbot, whose association initiated the candidacy process and identified the funded participants, welcomed Invest TCI’s commitment as pivotal to the programme’s reach:
“For the first time, Turks and Caicos Islander fly fishing guides have an endorsed and regionally-recognized, locally delivered pathway into a profession that has long been built on their knowledge but not always on their terms. Invest TCI’s support ensures the people who should be in this room are in this room.” — Levardo Talbot, President, Turks and Caicos Fly Fishing Association
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