TCI News

Governor’s Remarks: March 25 National Address – Response to COVID-19

Published

6 years ago

March 25, 2020

File Photo, TCI Governor, His Excellency, Nigel Dakin

FULL STATEMENT — By now I suspect that, if you are listening, you have stopped doing what you were doing and you will have paused. You will understand the importance of what you’ve just heard. What the Premier announced isn’t an announcement to listen to as you do something else. This isn’t the background noise to your normal day. What was just said was important.

In my own words I’m now going to amplify what was just said, reinforce what was just said, associate myself completely with what was just said. Amplification and repetition at this point is probably helpful

Whoever you are on the Island: old or young; citizen, resident or visitor; whichever Island you live on; whatever your ethnicity; however, you make your living; whether you are rich or poor you are now one. We are now using emergency powers that came into effect last night, on your behalf, for the good of the community. This is going to impact you in very significant ways, for at least the next three weeks and perhaps beyond.

We are about to go through one shared unifying experience. How we come out of it at the other end will almost entirely depend on your sense of civic duty; your sense of community spirit while not being connected to your wider community. Your integrity as a person in doing the right thing not just with self interest in mind but the overall good of your country. No one can get through this without all others acting responsibly.

What we are about to announce is driven by one motivation; to protect you and to protect the overall population of these Islands.

We have – for some days – been working on the assumption that CORVID19 had to be present on the Islands – the identification of our first confirmed case came only on Monday. We first heard of this news at 3 am on Monday morning. The Premier told the public at 9:30 am the same day. We are determined to be straight and clear with you – we have to be one informed team – announcements today follows that desire for clarity and also for pre-emptive action.

We are in unprecedented times, that in itself is perhaps an under-statement. The Islands are used to being significantly disrupted through disaster. Indeed, the resilience of our people is one of these Islands great strengths and will need to be so again.

What we are not used to is facing that disaster alongside the rest of humanity at a moment when the international system is itself facing the greatest challenge of our lifetimes akin – I think – to at least that suffered during the great depression of the 1930’s. The world will change in the next decade in a way that it wouldn’t had this not occurred. It’s a moment in time that will be studied long into the future.

For the moment we cannot predict, nor can we change, the future of what is occurring outside our borders. For the next months we have to take our destiny in our own hands and make the very best decisions we can for these Islands. Being clear we need now – as a people – to entirely change our way of life, if we are to get through this next month as safely as we can.

There are many challenges but for the purpose of this month let’s be clear on the two that are most pressing and absolutely have to be dealt with now; no question.

First is our health. We are a small Island state. We have as a result limited capacity but also a limited ability to flex capacity. Large countries with highly developed health care systems – such as the UK and Italy – have had their health systems overwhelmed very quickly. If the virus grips this country, if it grows exponentially, our medical provision will to be overwhelmed and overwhelmed quickly.

The second is our economy. Macro certainly but also micro – how this impacts on individuals and on families. We have – or until the end of last week we had – an economy that was built on one pillar – tourism – or put another way international travel. As international travel stops, and it was stopping before the closure of our borders, so too does the economy stop.

As a result, today’s announcement should be seen as one, of two. The announcement today just deals with how we are going to suppress the threat posed to our public health by the virus. These measures – remarkable measures – were agreed in Cabinet late yesterday. They do not come into full force until Friday evening – although there will be a night-time curfew on Thursday – which will give time for the public to prepare. Our aim throughout has been not to surprise you. We need to balance moving now as quickly as we can, set against ensuring the country can go into this next period balanced and stable.

Before they come into force, and following a further Cabinet tomorrow, the Premier will announce a set of economic support and stimulus measures for the country. So by the end of the week you will understand how – in the immediate future – Government intends to tackle these two great challenges of our public health and our overall economic well-being. In both cases we are moving at a pace Government – no Government – has ever worked at before with the most limited of ever changing data. We can’t deliver you perfection, or anything close to perfection, we can though take some big decisions now that buy us some time.

While it is straightforward to call out the two great challenges we face, it’s also worth pausing for a moment to reflect that we start with a set of advantages. Much of what we announce today is driven by the determination that we do not lose the advantage we presently enjoy compared to most. There is a window here where if we are bold we might just come through this far less impacted than others; we don’t intend to shy away from that opportunity or responsibility. If we fail it won’t be because of indecision. So what are those advantages:

First, we still only have one confirmed case of CORVID19. Almost all other countries have taken the actions we are about to take long after this point. Globally, everyone who is now gripped by the virus tells us to move early, not late.

As of midnight, last night, we have Emergency Powers in place. We are the only Overseas Territory who has done this. In doing so the Government continues to work as one. Myself and the Premier are in the same place, able if you like to finish each other’s sentences. Cabinet Government and consensus is the order of the day. We have the powers bestowed on the Governor which are going to allow us to act at pace and rigour, but we also have the legitimacy, in this time of crisis, that democracy can deliver.

We start this crisis with the Government finances in good shape. It has well over 100 million in reserves. It finished the year with a financial surplus. It carries very little debt. This year was the first year its financial plan didn’t need to be cleared with the UK. It has a BBB+ credit rating. The UK has immediately agreed for the Premier to run, if she needs, a deficit budget. Money is cheap to borrow in the international markets. The Governments past prudence has bought itself some time, space and International credibility to support its people. Again many countries would wish to start from this position.

We also have the UK. She too is going through her own version of this – indeed she is deeper into this pandemic crisis than we want TCI ever to get. But the UK in the end holds the contingent financial liabilities for these Islands and remains one of the largest economies in the world; a back-stop most other Caribbean states would welcome at this time. She is sourcing health materials for us. She has been providing advice to our clinicians. I have military aid to call on to support us, as I need. Indeed, I spoke to the UK’s Chief of Defence Staff – General Nick Carter – who commands all the UK’s land, air and naval forces this morning. HMS Medway is in the region.

We also have not taken our eye off our priority of sloop interdiction. The waters between us and Haiti are being patrolled and our maritime police, our radar and immigration assets, remain vigilant and ready and will remain so throughout this period; indeed, they will be reinforced.

Crucially we have you – the public of TCI. You understand adversity and you understand hardship. You have been through three hurricanes in twelve years. Compared to most other countries in the world you know we can do this, and we know we can get through this, if we stick together and behave responsibly.

We know that we have to act for the good of the community at moments like this. Selfishness at this time is a social taboo. The actions we will need to take in a pandemic are different from those taken in a hurricane but the underlying human instinct – being steady, knowing it will pass, knowing that short term hardship will be replaced by a future normality, is the most powerful thought and many populations around the world have not got your experience. They can’t imagine it will end; they can’t imagine things will be better; you can because you know it does happen.

Because these Islands understand disaster we are well prepared for them. I have said in the past we have weeks of supply of food on the Island. The truth is, it’s months. There’s no indication our food supply chain will be impacted. And Government – in preparation for hurricane – has its own supply of food as a contingency. In the coming days be as responsible in our super-markets and stores as you have been to date. How we behave there will tell us a lot about how we will behave elsewhere.

We produce our water from the sea. So long as we have fuel (and again our fuel supply line is in great shape) to run our desalination plants we have fresh drinking water. We have a world class power provider and – unlike in a hurricane – we will have excellent and guaranteed communications. Our health service is small – it can’t cope with a pandemic – but our health service professionals are amazing. It’s not an accident that we are in good shape at present; their advice has been exemplary.

Which brings me to the most important advantage we have, the advantage I said we were not going to squander. Unlike many we are ahead of the curve in terms of what we already have in place compared to how the virus has spread elsewhere.

We have seen other countries react, we have seen what has worked and what has not. You, yourselves, will have been tracking this through the international media. Through the UK’s global network, we have been in very close touch with multiple foreign governments and been able to track their reactions – not from the press – but from talking to their officials, Heads of Government and medical professional. As I say, all their advice (and many are saying this in hindsight rather than foresight) is when you move, move quickly and move with great purpose.

That overall thought framed our discussion in Cabinet. How do we use the fact that we are slightly ahead to our advantage. The complete consensus in Cabinet, supported by expert medical advice that has guided us throughout, was to use our Emergency Powers to lock down the country. To do everything in our power to prevent the spread of the disease. To do what’s called ‘flatten the curve’. So while there will undoubtedly be cases, and there will be fatalities, we prevent the dramatic exponential rises we have seen elsewhere. It’s that ‘out of control spread’ we have to stop. We can only stop it through a complete national effort.

Put simply we intend – with your support – because this now has to be a single national effort – to place the country in lock down with families quarantined together. That will, overnight, significantly reduce the infection rate. It will also allow us to understand who is and who is not infected. It will allow us to prioritise treatment. Night-time curfews (8pm to 5am) will start on Thursday evening. From Saturday morning (5am) a curfew, except by exceptions captured in regulations, will be enforced until midnight on 15th April.

Once the period is over, it gives us the best possible chance of restarting a local economy – to get money moving through the Islands – before the point we can open our borders – or indeed other countries and their nationals start travelling again. Short term pain for long term gain.

The Premier and myself will be on RTC this evening at 6pm to go over (and if necessary go over again, the detail). The regulations will also be posted on Government websites. Let me now explain the broad thrust of what is now going to happen.

Even as of today rules are in place that prevent a gathering of 25 or more. Do not be foolish tonight; this isn’t like a hurricane where a ‘lock down party is in order’. It’s potentially fatal. You are endangering yourself and you are endangering others if you break this law. It’s best you use the time this evening to prepare.

So once again, to conform how we roll this out, from 8pm on Thursday until 5am on Friday a full curfew will be in place; enforced by law. Curfew will lift at 5am on Friday. The curfew will be re-imposed at 8pm on Friday.

Friday therefore will be the last working day in the office, and the last normal day in terms of social interaction. In giving you Thursday and Friday as normal working days we want to give you the best chance to prepare for the next three weeks as we can.

From Saturday morning we will settle into a rhythm of strictly enforced night-time curfews running from 8pm to 5am. During the period between 5am and 8pm you will be expected to remain in your homes, with your family or those living under the same roof as you. Think of it as a day-time curfew with named exceptions.

Of those there will be exceptions for essential workers (detailed in the regulations) when they are travelling to and from their place of work but only when they are engaged in that specific travel or work related activity.

Families living under one roof will be able to exercise together for 1.5 hours. Aside from those you directly live with, there will be no gathering of more than two. The beaches will be closed.

Understand what we are trying to do and use your own good judgement. We are doing all we can to stop the spread and if a case is identified rapidly control the numbers impacted.

The supermarkets, banks and gas stations will function; their use will be limited and controlled. We will ensure people have access to food and visits to the supermarket will be permitted but limited.

We have considered banning inter-island travel but will not do so until we are certain that food stocks on relevant islands are well prepared. But we strongly discourage anything but the most vital inter-island travel. We mean vital. We do not rule out regulation to prevent inter-island travel and you should use the next two days to position yourself with your family members that you intend to see this period out with.

Only those aspects of Government and public service that have to function, will function. Working from home will be the order of the day. Much can be done and we expect the public service to continue to work from home, as required.

There will now be provisions in law that allow us to enforce self quarantine or for people to be ordered to a place of quarantine, where there are suspected cases. Breaking these requirements, now breaks the law, and those foolish enough to do so will not only be placed in Government supervised quarantine they will also face criminal penalty.

Another change. As of today all residents of the Islands will prohibited from entering the Islands for a period of 21 days from 26th March. This will allow us to control the introduction of any new cases into the Island and allow a time to contain any suspected cases. We urge residents overseas to self-quarantine – this is for your safety.

Also – and please listen carefully to this – for those who defy the curfew or quarantine through the use of their vehicles, those vehicles are subject to confiscation at the point of arrest and, subject to a court order, to further forfeiture of their vehicle.

Those designated as essential workers – in the public and private sector – will I know step up; we know you will – your country needs you. Some immigration officers will be assigned as Special Constables and support the Police.

At the top, Government will split in terms of Cabinet operating as two groups, half meeting as a group – because unity of Government is essential in these times – and decisions we need to make are hard – and half connecting remotely. The Deputy Governor will be on Grand Turk and will be able to stand up an alternative Government, if that is needed.

The House of Assembly will continue to function; it must to allow budgets to be passed and even in times of crisis democratic engagement is essential. Saving the islands and her population will be the overriding aim for every politician during this remarkable period but that doesn’t stop debate or democratic accountability.

To remind you, even before we imposed these measures, as you woke up this morning, there is to be no gathering of over 25 people. There are provisions now in place to stop the spreading of misinformation linked to this emergency, and I will be looking to make examples where I see misinformation designed to cause alarm or spread hate or fear. Our schools are of course closed. With exceptions to cargo, food and the like, our borders did shut at midnight.

With due humility I say that Government – anywhere in the world – at the best of times – is not perfect. There was no plan here – there was no plan anywhere – as to how any country let alone this small Island chain would manage with a pandemic that has shut down the globe. The regulations we pass – that much thought has gone into – may very well need to be adjusted. We can think through how this will impact the many, but not all. We will be opening up an email address where we can look at individual cases where serious and unintended consequences need to be addressed. I said at my inauguration that I would care, serve be clear and listen. This is the best moment to hold me to that.

All my instincts and experiences of dealing with comparatively minor crisis and emergencies, up until this point, tell me that good decisions made early are far better than perfect decisions made late. Cabinet is in complete agreement on this. I hope the public agrees.

It just may be that these Islands – because of the inherent advantages I described at the start – are going to show the world that it is possible to deal with this crisis, calmly, intelligently and purposefully.

Whether we collectively succeed, or not, the one thing I know above all others is that our behaviours here – to one another – putting our future and our society before the immediacy of the moment – is going to be remembered.

Those living through this will tell a future generation how you, your friends, your neighbours, and those you never knew but came to respect, behaved and how through that behaviour the Islands rapidly returned to their previous prosperity. Because that will come. You know it, in different circumstances you’ve been here before. And in the end it will come not because of rules and regulations and because people were told what to do, but because this population knew what it had to do – and it did it.

And may God Bless these Turks and Caicos Islands.

Related Topics:#coronavirus #covid-19 #covid19 #magneticmedianews #nigeldakin #tcinews

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News

Liberty Business launches in Turks and Caicos Islands

Published

2 days ago

September 17, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

enabling digital transformation across key sectors and supporting enterprise customers

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (September 17, 2026) – Liberty Business has officially launched in the Turks and Caicos Islands, signalling the company’s continued transformation and strengthening its commitment to helping businesses navigate digital change, drive growth and build greater resilience.

The announcement was made during a special stakeholder event attended by government representatives, business leaders, industry partners, customers and members of the media, marking the next chapter in the company’s long-standing relationship with the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“Today represents far more than the introduction of a new name. It reflects our continued evolution as a business and our commitment to being a trusted technology partner for organisations navigating an increasingly digital economy,” said Susanna O’Sullivan, Vice President General Manager, Flow North Caribbean, Liberty Caribbean.

“Through Liberty Business, we are bringing together the strength and capabilities of Liberty Caribbean with local expertise to help businesses across the Turks and Caicos Islands connect, protect, innovate and grow. We want to be a partner that understands the ambitions of our customers and works alongside them to create meaningful business value.”

Liberty Caribbean is the operator of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, serving customers across more than twenty markets in the region.

The launch of Liberty Business builds on the company’s long-standing presence in the Turks and Caicos Islands and its continued investment in communications infrastructure, technology and digital capabilities across the Caribbean.

Today, Liberty Caribbean operates one of the region’s most extensive communications networks, supported by approximately 50,000 kilometres of subsea and terrestrial fibre infrastructure, helping enable resilient, secure and high-performance connectivity across the region.

For businesses, the evolution comes at a time when technology is playing an increasingly important role in productivity, customer experience, cybersecurity, business continuity and growth.

“Businesses today need more than connectivity. They need technology solutions that can help them operate efficiently, protect their information, support their people and respond to change. We are excited to begin this next chapter with businesses in the Turks and Caicos Islands and to work together to build a smarter, stronger, more resilient and more connected digital future,” said O’Sullivan.

Liberty Business brings together an integrated portfolio of enterprise solutions, including advanced connectivity, cybersecurity, cloud services, data centre solutions, managed services, enterprise mobility and unified communications under a single brand dedicated to supporting the evolving needs of business customers.

Also speaking at the launch, Joanne Missick, Country Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands, said the introduction of Liberty Business demonstrates the company’s commitment to evolving alongside the local business community.

“The Turks and Caicos Islands is a dynamic market with tremendous potential, and our businesses are increasingly embracing technology as an enabler of growth,” said Missick.

“From tourism and hospitality to financial services, real estate, construction, professional services and entrepreneurship, organisations are looking for ways to become more efficient, secure and resilient. Liberty Business gives us the opportunity to engage our customers differently – understanding their individual needs and helping them identify technology solutions that can support their ambitions.”

Missick added that the company’s approach is centred on building lasting relationships with businesses and providing solutions that address real-world challenges.

Education

TCI Schools Invited to Participate in 2026 National Student Council Election

Published

2 days ago

September 17, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 17 September 2026: The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture has partnered with the Turks and Caicos Islands Elections Department to bring an exciting national election experience directly to high school students across the country with the launch of the 2026 National Student Council (NSC) Election.

Held under the theme “Your Voice. Your Country. Your Future.”, the initiative will give students from all 14 public and private high schools the chance to campaign, vote and compete for national student leadership positions, while gaining first-hand experience of the electoral process.

Minister of Education, Hon. Rachel Taylor, said the initiative gives young people a national platform to share their ideas and develop their leadership skills.

“Our young people have ideas, opinions and perspectives that deserve to be heard, and this election gives them a national platform to use their voices in a meaningful way. We want our students to step forward with confidence, share the issues that matter to them and experience what it means to lead and represent others.” She continued, “I am particularly excited to see students from schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands getting involved, supporting their candidates and participating in the voting process. I encourage every school to embrace this opportunity and help us create an experience that our students will learn from and enjoy.”

Each high school will nominate one student candidate to represent their school at the national level. Candidates will campaign for the positions of President and Vice President, sharing their ideas, priorities and plans with student voters across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Both positions will be decided by electronic vote among high school students across the country.

The remaining four positions on the six-member National Student Council: Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer and Public Relations Officer. will be determined through an internal vote among the top candidates following the national election.

The election will mirror several elements of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ electoral process. Candidates will choose a party name, colour and symbol, develop a manifesto and campaign slogan, and make their case to student voters. Their names, party information and symbols will appear on an electronic ballot, giving students the opportunity to experience the process as both candidates and voters.

Acting Elections Supervisor Willette Pratt stated that the timing of the initiative is particularly significant as the country continues its focus on civic awareness and youth participation.

“Coming on the heels of Constitution Day and as we prepare to celebrate National Youth Week this September, this is a timely opportunity to put civic education into practice. We want young people to understand that democracy is not only about casting a vote; it is about being informed, participating and understanding that their voice matters. We are excited to see our schools and students embrace the experience.”

Once students are selected and endorsed by their school, candidates must submit a completed Candidate Information Form, a Student Manifesto of no more than 250 words, and a 45- to 60-second Campaign Video PSA introducing themselves and outlining the issues and priorities they hope to champion.

Candidates are expected to campaign fairly and respectfully, focusing on ideas, student issues and their plans as aspiring student leaders. Personal attacks, bullying, false or misleading information, and offering gifts or incentives in exchange for votes are prohibited. Breaches of the campaign code of conduct may result in the loss of campaign privileges or disqualification.

For candidates, it is a chance to share their ideas and test their leadership skills on a national platform. For student voters, it is an opportunity to have a say in who represents them and experience the electoral process first-hand.

With candidate selection underway, the Elections Department and Ministry of Education are looking forward to seeing students step forward, bring their ideas to the campaign and, ultimately, seeing young voters across the country make their choice at the ballot.

The 2026 National Student Council Election is an opportunity for young people to do more than learn about leadership and democracy — it gives them the chance to take part. Your Voice. Your Country. Your Future.

Independent writer

Fifty Years of Ministerial Government: Honouring Our Past, Embracing Our Present and Preparing for Our Destiny

Published

5 days ago

September 14, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

An Editorial by Dr. Alicia Swann

In the days following our most recent national celebration, I have observed conversations filled with strong opinions and emotions. Some have expressed pride and gratitude, while others have questioned our flag, Constitution, identity, political system and future.

After listening, I feel compelled to share my thoughts—not to dismiss anyone’s feelings or deepen division, but to offer historical clarity and, most importantly, hope.

The concerns of Turks and Caicos Islanders are valid. Many are worried about the protection of our land and identity, opportunities for our children and whether our people will continue to have a meaningful place in the country our ancestors built. These concerns deserve honest discussion, factual information, prayerful reflection and responsible planning.

However, as the Turks and Caicos Islands commemorates fifty years of Ministerial Government and celebrates National Flag Day, we must remember that this occasion is not about the current administration, one political party or any individual leader.

Governments come and go, but the story of a people remains.

This celebration belongs to our ancestors—the true visionaries, pioneers and nation-builders who paved the way for us. It belongs to the salt rakers who laboured beneath the blazing sun, the fishermen who braved dangerous seas, the farmers, teachers, mothers, pastors and citizens who built communities and demanded a voice in their homeland.

Many never lived to enjoy the progress their sacrifices helped to create. Yet because they endured, we inherited a country filled with possibilities.

A Political Journey That Began Long Before 1976

Long before European colonisation, these islands were inhabited by the Lucayan-Taíno people. Following European arrival, Indigenous communities suffered enslavement, forced removal and disease.

From the seventeenth century, Bermudian salt rakers developed our natural salt ponds. Enslaved Africans provided much of the labour sustaining the salt and plantation economies, and their descendants became central to the formation of the Turks and Caicos Islander people.

Britain’s influence developed through colonial expansion and competition with Spain and France. At different stages, the islands were administered through The Bahamas and Jamaica.

Dissatisfaction with decisions made under Bahamian administration contributed to our separation from The Bahamas in 1848 and the establishment of a local Legislative Board. In 1873, TCI became a dependency of the British colony of Jamaica. Local elections were abolished and were not restored until the 1959 Constitution—approximately eighty-six years later.

When Jamaica gained independence in 1962, TCI remained under Britain. From 1965 until Bahamian independence in 1973, the Governor of The Bahamas also served as Governor of TCI. We then received our own resident Governor and continued our constitutional journey.

Haiti never governed the Turks and Caicos Islands, but it holds an important place in our regional history. Following its independence in 1804, Haiti became a powerful symbol of freedom from slavery. Historical records indicate that enslaved people escaped from these islands to freedom in Haiti during the 1820s. In later generations, Haitians, Jamaicans, Bahamians and other Caribbean people contributed to our churches, public service, construction, education, hospitality and economy.

Our history is connected to the wider Caribbean, but our identity remains distinctly Turks and Caicos Islander.

The Significance of 1976

The 1976 Constitution provided for a Chief Minister and other Ministers with responsibility for important areas of government. The Honourable James Alexander George Smith “JAGS” McCartney became our first Chief Minister.

JAGS represented more than a political party. He represented a national awakening—the belief that Turks and Caicos Islanders deserved dignity, representation and a meaningful voice in the management of their homeland.

Ministerial Government was not the achievement of one person alone. It was made possible by generations of representatives, civil servants, community organisers, clergy, educators, workers and citizens who believed our people were capable of shaping their destiny.

The fifty years that followed were not without difficulty. We experienced controversy, constitutional change and interruptions to elected government. Yet representative government returned, our institutions developed and our people continued moving forward.

This anniversary does not suggest that everything has been perfect. It demonstrates that our democracy and our people have endured.

Never Forget Our Resilience

Our ancestors survived slavery, colonial administration, poverty, migration, isolation, political interruption and devastating hurricanes. From an economy once dependent upon salt, sisal and fishing, we built one of the world’s most recognised tourism destinations.

Generations of Turks and Caicos Islanders travelled to neighbouring countries seeking opportunities unavailable at home. Some were not always welcomed or treated as equals. Today, people from many of those same countries come to our shores hoping to work, live and create better futures.

This should not inspire hatred or prejudice. Those who come lawfully and contribute positively deserve dignity and respect. However, it should remind us how far we have come and why we must never surrender our identity or rightful place within our country.

Hospitality and patriotism are not opposites. We can welcome others without losing ourselves.

Scripture reminds us:

“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith.”
—1 Timothy 5:8

Caring for our own does not mean mistreating others. It means ensuring that Turks and Caicos Islanders are educated, protected and empowered to participate meaningfully in the development of their homeland.

Government has an important responsibility, but nation-building requires more than government. Parents must teach our values, businesses must create opportunities, citizens must respect the law and young people must prepare themselves to lead.

Pride in Where We Are

Until such time as we become an independent and sovereign nation, we must thank God for where we are today.

There is nothing wrong with celebrating our constitutional progress, embracing our present flag or respecting our existing institutions. Doing so does not prevent us from desiring further advancement.

We cannot know where we are going unless we understand where we are now and how we arrived here. Our present flag represents our identity, history and constitutional relationship with Britain. It should be treated with dignity and respect.

Embracing the present is not abandoning the future; it is the pathway towards building it. We celebrate not because the journey is complete, but because God has brought us a mighty long way.

Passports, Citizenship and Our Future

Today, we remain a British Overseas Territory. Although the passport associated with our territory may identify the Turks and Caicos Islands, it is not a sovereign TCI passport issued under the authority of an independent Turks and Caicos nation. It exists within the British nationality system and derives its legal authority from the United Kingdom.

British Overseas Territories citizenship, British citizenship and Turks and Caicos Islander status are connected but legally distinct. None presently represents citizenship issued by a sovereign TCI nation.

This should not cause us to disrespect the passport or constitutional position we hold. Instead, it should encourage us to think responsibly about our future.

If we envision sovereignty, we must eventually determine who would become a citizen of an independent TCI, whether dual citizenship would be permitted and what rights and responsibilities citizenship would carry. We must also consider how to protect our limited land, create pathways to ownership and help Islanders build generational wealth.

Our immigration system must welcome lawful contribution and respect human dignity while protecting the country’s long-term interests and enforcing its laws fairly.

These complex questions must not be decided through hostility, secrecy, political favour or temporary emotion. They require public education, research and consultation involving every inhabited island, our diaspora, elders, young people, churches, businesses, experts, Parliament, relevant institutions and the United Kingdom Government.

After proper preparation and national consultation, the people—not merely a government—should ultimately determine our political future through a clear and credible referendum.

Preparing for Our Destiny

I envision a future in which the Turks and Caicos Islands advances beyond its present constitutional position, governs its own destiny and may one day raise the sovereign flag of an independent nation.

Is it possible? Yes.

Would it require sacrifice, disciplined planning and strong institutions? Absolutely.

Would it require God-fearing leaders with integrity who place the country above personal and political interests? Without question.

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”
—Proverbs 29:2

Independence without integrity would merely replace one form of dependency with another. Sovereignty must be supported by ethical leadership, economic stability, an independent judiciary, effective border protection, disaster preparedness and an educated population.

Preparation does not mean declaring independence tomorrow. It means beginning the research, civic education, institution-building and national consultation today.

“Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.”
—Habakkuk 2:2

Preparing the Next Generation

We must ensure that our children know the history of the Turks and Caicos Islands and understand the sacrifices that paved the way for them.

A generation that does not know its history may inherit a country without understanding its value.

Our history must be taught in our homes, schools, churches and communities. Our children should never have to depend entirely upon outsiders to explain who they are or where they came from.

We must also stop gatekeeping knowledge. Whatever wisdom, education, experience or influence God has given us was not given for our benefit alone. It was entrusted to us so that we may mentor and guide those coming behind us.

True leadership does not conceal knowledge to protect a position. It shares knowledge to prepare a successor.

Let us give our children more than possessions. Let us give them identity, history, wisdom, confidence and a country they are prepared to protect and lead.

We Have What It Takes

We are a small country, but smallness does not mean incapability. Our ancestors created communities with almost nothing and survived circumstances far more difficult than those we face today.

We can honour our present flag without surrendering our future. We can welcome others without losing ourselves. We can celebrate how far we have come while preparing responsibly for where we wish to go.

This is the true meaning of the anniversary: a celebration of our ancestors, constitutional progress, national resilience and continuing right to determine our destiny.

Our ancestors paved the way. We must now possess the courage, discipline, unity and faith to continue the journey.

Dr. Alicia Swann
Proud Turks and Caicos Islander, Civic Leader and Advocate