News

General Elections will go ahead, says Turks and Caicos Governor

Published

5 years ago

February 19, 2021

PRESS RELEASE: On Friday, 19^th February, the electorate of the Turks and Caicos Islands go to the polls to select a Government to lead the Territory through the next four years.

I have been advised by the Supervisor of Elections that everything is in place for the election to go ahead. I’ve been advised by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) that there is nothing to stop the election taking place, and I’ve been advised by the Commissioner that the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force can police the election. Much preparatory and contingency work has gone into this election and their confidence in making their reports to me give me confidence that the election will be free, fair and secure.

This will be an election like none have so far been. It’s taking place at a time of pandemic when there is community spread and when the COVID numbers are high. To prevent those voting, who are either COVID positive or in quarantine, would have undoubtedly significantly impacted the election result, hence the political, health and good governance consensus that their right to vote must be protected and honoured.

To do that you will see changes. The election workers will be in full PPE and working behind Plexiglas screens. You, the electorate will be asked to strictly adhere to all the protocols in place, to socially distance and to ensure you spend the minimum amount of time in the vicinity of the polling booth. The election count will take longer than in the past and so the result will likely be known later than usual. Polls close three hours later in Providenciales than is normal and there are precautions that have to be taken in terms of protecting those involved in the count that will add time.

Elections are quite rightly moments of excitement and expectation but we ask all those participating in the election to be mature, considered and considerate to your fellow citizens. I’d ask the candidates, those actively supporting the candidates and of course their supporters to remember that the population are voting, amongst other things, on who will manage the next phase of the COVID pandemic, so please do not only be responsible, but be seen to be responsible.

The candidates have their agents able to observe the process and I have asked for two different teams of on-the ground election observers to be present in the Islands: CARICOM and the . Washington DC based ‘International Foundation for Electoral Systems’ are already here and you will see them throughout the Islands tomorrow. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is also conducting a virtual observation of the election. All three will produce reports. I, myself, intend to visit every Island on election day so I can witness the election first hand.

Two final points. The first in regard to ‘treating’. As the Supervisor of Elections has already made clear, this is an illegal act. If a candidate has offered you a financial or material inducement to vote, for them, at the very least you have been given wonderful evidence of why you should neither trust them, nor vote for them. If a candidate has attempted to buy your vote you now know that this person: someone who wants to sit in the legislature; someone who the Territory will rely on to pass laws; to scrutinise legislation; to oversee government spending; someone the Territory will rely on to enforce the rules and fund those that do; are quite prepared themselves to break the law. In the privacy of the polling station don’t vote for someone you know by their actions, rather than their words, are corrupted and corruptible before the next government is even formed.

Finally the overwhelming message is – if you have the vote, then use it. Those who are Turks and Caicos Islanders are rightly proud of their heritage and a defining part of Turks and Caicos Islanders status is the right to vote. Don’t be deterred from voting. Many people have worked hard to ensure the right you have, is a right you should be able to exercise and enjoy on 19^th February. Every single vote here matters, and if it is cast we will ensure that every single vote is both counted and therefore counts.

I end by offering my very best wishes to every candidate, be they independent or hold a party affiliation while offering thanks for the amazing amount of work done by those who organised, those who will oversee, administer and assure the election.

Related Topics:#magneticmedianews #nigeldakin #tcigeneralelections21

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Six Unauthorised Structures Demolished During Multi-Agency Planning Enforcement Operation

Published

4 days ago

July 17, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Before demolition

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

Published

5 days ago

July 16, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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.

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Invest TCI Supports Certification of Local Flats Fishing Guides Through MSME Technical Assistance Under Historic TCFFA–TCICC Partnership

Published

5 days ago

July 16, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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