Turks and Caicos, October 14, 2025 – Overcrowding at Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) Grand Turk has reached crisis levels, taking center stage at the most recent meeting of the National Security Council (NSC).

The session, co-chaired by Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and Premier Charles Washington Misick, heard a sobering report from the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities on the worsening conditions at the country’s only correctional facility.

Officials revealed that HMP Grand Turk currently houses around 131 inmates in a facility built to accommodate just 104, representing an estimated 30 percent overcapacity. Structural damage from previous hurricanes and years of wear have further reduced usable space, compounding safety and management challenges.

The Chief Magistrate’s Court and the Director of Public Prosecutions’ Office have repeatedly warned that the prison’s overcrowding could undermine rehabilitation and security efforts — and now, the NSC has declared modernization of correctional infrastructure a national priority.

The Council approved immediate-term relief measures and agreed to a comprehensive review of the prison estate, aimed at identifying targeted infrastructure investments to meet the demands of a growing inmate population.

The NSC meeting, held on September 25, 2025, brought together the highest-level officials in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ security apparatus, including the Deputy Premier, Attorney General, Commissioner of Police, National Security Advisor, Commanding Officer of the Regiment, Director General of Border Force, and NSS Threat Lead.                                                                                                                          Also in attendance were the Hon. Minister and Permanent Secretary of Public Safety and Utilities, alongside the Superintendent of the Department of Correctional Services, who presented the update on the prison’s capacity challenges and operational concerns.

Multi-Agency Coordination and Maritime Security

Beyond the correctional system, members were also briefed by the Unified Command on ongoing multi-agency security operations, including efforts to strengthen cooperation among law enforcement and border protection entities.

Discussions also turned to the legal framework underpinning joint operations, with members emphasizing the need for coherent inter-agency coordination in tackling transnational threats, particularly those related to illicit migration and maritime crime.

The Commanding Officer of the Turks and Caicos Regiment presented plans for a new maritime operational base and docking facility, envisioned as a command-and-control center that would bolster the country’s ability to respond to maritime incidents, search-and-rescue operations, and natural disasters.

Liquor Licensing Reforms and Regional Summit

The Permanent Secretary for National Security briefed the Council on the review of the current liquor licensing regime, with recommendations for a full restructuring and digital redesign of the licensing process to enhance oversight and efficiency. The Council supported continued reform work on the system.

In a forward-looking development, the NSC also endorsed plans for the Northern Caribbean Security Summit, to be hosted in Turks and Caicos under the theme “Dismantling Illicit Maritime Activities Through Enhanced Cooperation.” The summit aims to convene regional and international partners to deepen collaboration in addressing shared maritime security challenges, from smuggling to illegal migration and environmental crimes.

Security at a Crossroads

Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam and Premier Misick jointly reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the country’s national security infrastructure and coordination mechanisms, describing the discussions as “critical to maintaining the safety, stability, and sovereignty of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

With the prison operating well beyond its intended capacity, and a surge in complex maritime and border challenges, the NSC’s focus on modernization and reform signals an urgent recalibration of priorities.

As the Turks and Caicos Islands position themselves as a leader in regional cooperation on security, one message from the Council was clear: the nation must invest now — in its institutions, its infrastructure, and its resilience — to sustain safety and justice in the years ahead.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

PROVIDENCIALES: The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCIG), through the National Land Secretariat (NLS), has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) inviting qualified developers to design and construct new affordable housing communities on Crown Land in Providenciales as part of their Turnkey Housing Development. This initiative supports the Government’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to affordable housing and fostering sustainable, community-oriented development across the islands.

The RFP, titled “Provision of Affordable Housing Development on Crown Land in Providenciales,” seeks proposals for the design, financing, and construction of residential subdivisions on approximately 40.1 acres of Crown Land located in the Northwest and Central area of Providenciales. The project encompasses Parcel Numbers 60000/247, 277, 278 and 279, providing opportunities for developers to submit proposals for one or multiple parcels. Developments are expected to include well-planned subdivisions, road networks, and two- and three-bedroom housing units that align with the TCI Development Manual and Building Code.

The TCIG encourages participation from experienced developers with demonstrated financial capacity and expertise in large-scale housing or community development. Proposals will be evaluated based on technical merit, compliance with planning and environmental standards, and alignment with national housing objectives.

TIMELINE AND IMPORTANT DATES

• Pre-proposal Conference: Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. via Microsoft Teams
• Deadline for questions and clarifications: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
• Deadline to submit your proposal: Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

This Affordable Housing Project is a flagship component of TCIG’s broader strategy to provide equitable housing access, promote homeownership, and support community development for Turks and Caicos Islanders. Developers are invited to bring forward innovative, sustainable, and climate-resilient housing solutions that contribute to the long-term growth of the islands.

To review the RFP in its entirety and to register for the pre-proposal meeting please visit https://gov.tc/publicservice/government-tenders. All questions and requests for clarification must be submitted to the Procurement Board using their online forms which can be found at https://forms.office.com/r/UF0psAscgt.

By Deandrea Hamilton | Magnetic Media

Turks and Caicos, October 14, 2025 – The sizzle of prime cuts and the sound of waves are about to meet at Beaches Turks & Caicos. The resort has announced the debut of Butch’s Island Chophouse — the first-ever steakhouse on any Beaches property — as part of its sweeping new Treasure Beach Village development.

Set to open March 1, 2026, the $150 million expansion cements the all-inclusive resort’s position as one of the Caribbean’s most ambitious hospitality investments and a lasting tribute to its late founder, Gordon “Butch” Stewart.

A Legacy Served Medium Rare

Butch’s Island Chophouse pays homage to the legendary hotelier whose vision reshaped Caribbean luxury. The new fine-dining restaurant will feature an elevated, contemporary steakhouse menu — premium aged beef, seafood, and wine pairings — wrapped in the signature warmth that defined Stewart’s Sandals and Beaches brands.

The restaurant will stand as the culinary centerpiece of the soon-to-open Treasure Beach Village, offering guests a sleek, modern dining environment that embodies Stewart’s passion for quality, service, and storytelling through food.

“This new addition isn’t just about expansion — it’s about legacy,” said an internal statement from Beaches Resorts, referencing Stewart’s enduring imprint on Caribbean tourism. “Butch’s Island Chophouse represents everything he believed in: family, excellence, and the joy of shared experiences.”

Treasure Beach — A Village Inspired by the Sea

Located on the world-famous Grace Bay Beach, Treasure Beach Village will be the resort’s sixth village, adding 101 multi-bedroom suites — ranging from two-bedroom family suites to four-bedroom oceanfront villas that can sleep up to ten guests. The addition will bring Beaches Turks & Caicos’ total inventory to 858 rooms and suites spread across more than 100 acres.

Designed with a “sea treasure” theme, the new village draws inspiration from the islands’ underwater wonder. The architecture features coral motifs, ocean blues, and natural textures that blend luxury with island authenticity.

Inside the main lobby, guests will find a show-stopping “sea-garden” ceiling installation — luminescent jellyfish sculptures suspended above a carved coral display — alongside custom conch-shell art created by local artist Stanford Handfield.

From there, the experience flows outdoors into a 15,000-square-foot lagoon-style infinity pool, lined with private cabanas, a swim-up bar, and family water slides.

Children can enjoy the Starfish Cinema, a 32-seat theater for movies and storytelling, while adults unwind in quiet pool zones or at one of the new specialty dining concepts.

Seven New Dining Concepts, One Destination for Every Appetite

In addition to Butch’s Island Chophouse, Treasure Beach introduces seven new dining venues that reflect modern, multi-generational travel tastes:

• The Pinta Food Hall, a global casual-dining marketplace
• BRÜ Coffee Bar, a chic day-to-night café serving espresso and evening cocktails
• A new ice cream parlor, beach grill, and snack hut
• A family swim-up bar and juice station for the wellness-minded

Together, these venues aim to expand Beaches Turks & Caicos’ already impressive collection of 20 restaurants and 15 bars across its sprawling campus.

Economic and Cultural Impact

The expansion is expected to generate hundreds of local construction jobs and, upon opening, new permanent roles in hospitality, culinary arts, and entertainment. Beaches Resorts has long been one of the country’s largest private employers, and this project further anchors the Turks and Caicos Islands as a flagship destination for luxury family travel.

Beyond the economic impact, the design team’s decision to spotlight local artists like Handfield and to incorporate elements of conch, sea life, and Bahamian-Lucayan motifs reflects a growing movement within the Caribbean hospitality sector — luxury that respects locality.

“This is where the global meets the authentic,” said a source familiar with the project’s creative direction. “Beaches isn’t just expanding rooms; they’re expanding the story of Turks and Caicos.”

A Decade of Dominance

The Treasure Beach announcement follows a string of accolades for the destination and its hospitality partners. Turks and Caicos was recently named Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination and Most Romantic Destination at the 2025 World Travel Awards — honors it has held for nearly a decade.

Several island properties, including Beaches Turks & Caicos, also collected top regional awards for excellence in family travel and all-inclusive experiences.

Opening March 1, 2026

Reservations for Treasure Beach Village are already open, with stays beginning March 1, 2026.

From its shimmering new suites to its sea-inspired design and landmark steakhouse, Beaches Turks & Caicos is once again setting the standard for island hospitality — where every detail, every meal, and every moment reflects the enduring legacy of Butch Stewart and the unmatched beauty of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.