#TurksandCaicosIslands – December 10, 2020 – Approved and widely supported in the House of Assembly is the historic establishment of a Turks and Caicos Islands regiment.
The Defence Bill made a whirlwind trek through House of
Assembly proceedings with first, second and third readings of the Bill
completed and the measure passed into law within one day; that day was Tuesday
December 8, 2020.
“Thank you very much honourable Attorney General, QC, for
yet another piece of landmark legislation; a Defence Bill, for your preamble in
committing it to the floor for debate,” said Hon Dwayne Taylor, Speaker of the
House.
Premier Sharlene Robinson informed that a compelling report turned
over the British outlined the serious national security concerns of the Turks
and Caicos, including details on the surge in illegal migration and possible
people, drug and gun trafficking happening in and around the islands via the
illegal sloops. The UK Foreign and
Commonwealth Office responded with a Security Needs Assessment and several key
visits from a Border Team and the UK Ministry of Defence.
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“I want to thank the Governor who in the last year or so,
with his national security background, would have helped to push a lot of these
initiatives that were slowing moving along with a little more speed. We stand with a strengthened arm, another
initiative in the protection of our borders,” said the premier in her
contribution to the Defence Bill, which was laid by the Attorney General.
It is the first time modern Turks and Caicos will have its
own military branch of law enforcement which as the Governor’s appointed
member, John Phillips pointed out gives opportunity for elevation.
“I think it is a
great thing for the islands. I think it
is wonderful that we’ve matured to this stage where we will have our own border
security force and we will have somewhere for the cadets to look forward to
going,” said Phillips in his comments.
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The TCI Cadet Corps will come under the command of the new
unit where all recruits will have to undergo military training before joining
and that training continues annually.
The TCI Regiment is charged with marine border security and
its first staff members have already been hired including its commanding
officer, Lt Col. Ennis Grant.
The bill also enjoys the support of the Opposition PNP, with
one glaring caution expressed as a need to ensure there is equity in the
recruitment or hiring of who staffs the regiment.
Opposition member and shadow minister for Youth, Akierra
Misick said: “I have one little concern
there; the ‘and British citizen’. So the
reason why I have that concern there Mr. Speaker is not that I dod not
appreciate the support we get from England and Wales and the United Kingdom,
what I hope does not happen is that when we are recruiting these 40, as the
attorney general has indicated, that a big old plane come from somewhere up the
road lands at the Providenciales International Airport with 39 people on it
from a certain place. I want to see a lot more people that look like you and I
Mr. Speaker,” aid the Member for Leeward and Long Bay, Hon Akierra Missick.
The regiment will
allow individuals currently employed to join, between the ages of 18 and 50
years old.
“I think it is also important that we as a community provide the regiment with support and respect. As employers, we should encourage those employees who wish to join. I look forward to the time when membership on the regiment is seen as a positive on any job application and I hope that in the future the regiment can attract some of our young men and perhaps provide an alternative to the gang activities that some get caught up in,” shared Josephine Connolly in her comments on the bill.
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Turks and Caicos, March 18, 2026 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Statistics Authority is highlighting the importance of reliable economic data following the release of its latest Trade Statistics Bulletin, which shows the country recorded approximately $227 million in imports during the fourth quarter of 2025.
The detailed report provides a clear breakdown of where goods entering the Turks and Caicos Islands are coming from, the types of products being imported, and the revenue generated from trade-related activity. The figures offer valuable insight into the level of economic activity across the country and the continued demand driven by tourism, construction, and consumer spending.
According to the bulletin, the United States remained by far the largest supplier of goods, accounting for more than $200 million in imports during the quarter. This represents the majority of all goods entering the Turks and Caicos Islands and reflects the territory’s long-standing dependence on U.S. markets for food, fuel, machinery, building materials, and consumer products.
The Dominican Republic was the second largest source of imports, supplying just over $4.1 million in goods, while The Bahamas ranked third, with approximately $1.8 million in imports recorded for the period. The report also noted increasing trade with countries such as China, Panama, Switzerland, Poland, and India, showing that businesses continue to expand their supply networks beyond traditional partners.
In terms of the types of goods being imported, the bulletin shows strong activity in categories such as food and live animals, mineral fuels, manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, and chemicals, all of which are essential to supporting the tourism industry, infrastructure development, and everyday life in the islands.
The report also tracks revenue collected from international trade, including fuel tax, customs processing fees, and motor vehicle licensing, providing another measure of economic performance during the quarter.
Officials say the quarterly Trade Statistics Bulletin is an important tool for government, businesses, and the public, offering accurate information presented through clear tables, charts, and graphics that make complex data easier to understand.
For a small, import-dependent economy like the Turks and Caicos Islands, access to reliable statistics remains critical. By continuing to publish detailed trade reports, the Statistics Authority helps ensure that decisions about growth, investment, and development are based on sound information.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 18 March 2026: With enforcement initiatives ongoing for 2026, the Department of Tourism Regulations is proud to report that 90% of tourism accommodation properties were registered in 2025. Using data from AirDNA, approximately 1,300 properties were identified across Turks and Caicos, with over 1,200 now accounted for in the Department’s licensing system.
The initiative was led by Quality Assurance Officer Donessia Skippings and Regulations Specialist Sasha Arthur, who coordinated the preparation and distribution of enforcement letters nationwide and managed the inspection schedule for Accommodation Controllers Kevin Lightbourne, Claudenise Jean, and Patral Handfield. The team carried out the enforcement drive while maintaining their regular responsibilities for licensing tourism accommodation properties.
The Department first notified the public of the Enforcement Letter Initiative in July 2025, as part of its mandate to uphold tourism standards and enforce a zero-tolerance approach to non-compliance with the Tourism Regulations Ordinance 2023. The initiative has resulted in a significant increase in registered properties, rising from 50% compliance the previous year to 90% in 2025.
Tourism Accommodation Inspectors and Controllers are trained to assess factors that enhance the guest experience in line with international tourism quality standards. The inspection process ensures that properties meet key safety and service criteria, helping to prevent situations where a visitor’s experience could be compromised due to missing or inadequate amenities. For example, proper pool safety signage helps reduce the risk of guest injuries. Compliance also contributes to the broader development of Turks and Caicos, as fees collected support infrastructure development and the maintenance of government assets.
By partnering with the Department of Tourism Regulations, property owners help strengthen the tourism product and reinforce the reputation of Turks and Caicos as a trusted destination, giving stakeholders confidence when welcoming visitors and assuring them that their properties meet the standards approved by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government.
Director Avi Adams, commenting on the success of the initiative, stated: “I commend the responsiveness of those who have received letters and taken the necessary steps to become licensed. Your cooperation is vital in safeguarding our tourism industry and preserving it for future generations. Enforcement continues in 2026; we encourage property owners and managers to renew their licenses promptly to avoid fines or legal action. We look forward to seeing even stronger compliance numbers in the year ahead.”
“Achieving 90% compliance in accommodation registration is a significant milestone for the Turks and Caicos Islands and is a clear indication that our enforcement efforts are working and that accountability is strengthening across the sector. We will continue to take a firm but fair approach to enforcement, as maintaining standards is essential to protecting the integrity and global reputation of the Turks and Caicos tourism industry.”
Turks and Caicos, March 18, 2026 – A recent call for applications for Ad Hoc Judges by the Judicial Service Commission of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court comes as the Turks and Caicos Islands Supreme Court prepares to hear a busy slate of criminal, civil and constitutional matters, according to the latest court list published for the week of March 16–20, 2026.
The vacancy notice, published March 4, invites suitably qualified attorneys to apply to be placed on a roster of Ad Hoc Judges who may be appointed to perform the duties of a Supreme Court Judge for specific cases or limited periods. The appointments are made under section 77(5) of the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution, which allows for temporary judicial appointments when required.
While the notice does not state the reason for the recruitment, the current court schedule reflects a demanding caseload, including a multi-day criminal trial, several sentencing hearings, and a constitutional motion involving the Attorney General.
Among the matters listed for hearing this week is a trial involving three defendants, John Smith, Kenneth Abrams and Robert Koenig, scheduled to run over several days before Justice Selochan. Multi-day trials are typically reserved for complex matters involving multiple charges or extensive evidence.
The court list also includes a constitutional motion filed by Turks and Caicos Realty Limited and others against the Attorney General. The case is scheduled for a status hearing later in the week. Constitutional motions are generally used to challenge the legality of government actions or laws, although details of the claim were not disclosed in the court listing.
Additional matters before the court include several criminal sentencing hearings, civil proceedings, and the admission of a new attorney to practice before the Supreme Court.
Ad Hoc Judges are appointed when necessary to ensure the efficient functioning of the court, particularly in cases where additional judicial capacity is required, or where a judge must be recused due to a conflict of interest.
The weekly court list is subject to change, but the current schedule suggests an active period for the Supreme Court as a range of significant matters move forward.
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