Connect with us

News

IFES Statement on TCI Elections: ‘Successfully Conducted During Challenging COVID-19 Pandemic’

Published

on

FULL STATEMENT:  An independent team of elections experts from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) conducted an in-person technical observation and assessment of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ (TCI) February 19, 2021, general elections. This included a range of in-person and virtual consultations, and individual visits to all polling stations throughout TCI with the exception of South Caicos Island. This represented 30 of the 33 polling stations set up in Providenciales, North Caicos, Middle Caicos and Grand Turk. IFES also monitored traditional and social media around the election and its aftermath.

The House of Assembly consists of 19 members, 15 of whom are elected and four appointed. Of the 15 elected members, 10 are elected to represent geographic districts in 10 single-member constituencies, while five members are elected in a single “All Islands” district. In 2021, 47 candidates (nine female and 38 male) contested these 15 seats.

The 2021 elections were conducted following recent legislative reforms in December 2020, and in the midst of a COVID-19 spike on TCI. Despite these challenges, the election administration authorities developed and implemented successful protocols to reduce potential exposure and/or transmission of the virus, and to improve the efficiency of the polling process (for example, by breaking voters into separate stations based on the first letter of their last name, and by dedicating two hours at the start of Election Day to “vulnerable and other priority electors” who could be assisted as needed). Election authorities also conducted extensive poll worker training, including around health protocols, which contributed to the safe and smooth running of the elections.

An Elections Oversight Committee chaired by TCI Governor Nigel Dakin brought together different parts of the government, including health authorities, to discuss and resolve challenges around election preparations during the pandemic. This is viewed as a best practice for these elections generally and should be continued. Consideration could also be given to establishing additional consultations and resolution mechanisms with political stakeholders.

Polling stations were adequately staffed throughout the long polling hours, and election workers carefully implemented COVID-19 mitigation measures. Some minor inconsistencies and variations in application of procedures were observed in some polling stations, but party agents were present in all polling stations visited and generally reported satisfaction with the polling process and the officials administering it. Some polling stations opened slightly late but stayed open late to compensate. Some polling stations included accessibility measures such as adjustable polling booths and ramps, but voters who have low vision or are blind, deaf or hard-of-hearing may have required assistance. Election administrators went to significant lengths to enfranchise prisoners who were eligible to vote.

The distribution of polling sites across TCI, including in areas with very small numbers of voters, was a positive reflection of the election administration authorities’ commitment to ensuring all registered voters had an opportunity to cast a ballot.

These elections saw widespread use of social media by both political parties and independent candidates to campaign, given restrictions on gatherings and curfews. This resulted in more direct appeals that may have been more effective and efficient at reaching more voters. Undecided voters could attend virtual rallies at will. Both political parties maintained active social media campaigns and hosted virtual campaign events. However, disinformation was prevalent throughout the campaign, including via fake WhatsApp messages that spread quickly.

The right to vote is set in the Constitution and is dependent upon reaching the age of 18, being resident in TCI, and being a Turks and Caicos Islander. This latter qualification means that out of an estimated population of approximately 43,000 people, only 8,581 are eligible to select members of the House of Assembly. This is a challenge that will be further elaborated in IFES’ final election assessment report.

While health concerns dampened the usual festive mood around Election Day, there was an atmosphere of quiet confidence and respect for the electoral process throughout the day. Stakeholders had earlier reported confidence in the process established to address any tensions or disputes that might arise during or after Election Day. This confidence was reflected in the relatively strong voter turnout of just over 75 percent. There were a few requests for recounts in constituencies; however the general air of cordiality that characterized the process throughout the day continued. Final results were announced on February 20.

This statement is preliminary and not conclusive. The electoral process will be followed through until conclusion of any potential recounts and/or legal appeals. A final report with recommendations for electoral stakeholders will be submitted to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office by March 31, 2021. IFES wishes to thank all officials and stakeholders who assisted with the mission and took time to engage with us.

News

Crown Land Unit Leads Multi-Agency Enforcement Exercise in Five Cays

Published

on

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 21st October 2026: The Crown Land Unit, with coordination and support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise in the Five Cays area of Providenciales on October 8, 2026, as part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to address the illegal occupation and unauthorized use of Crown land.

The exercise brought together representatives from the Crown Land Unit, ISU, TCI Border Force and Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Inspections were conducted across several parcels of Crown land in Five Cays, where instances of illegal occupation and unauthorized use had been identified.

During the exercise, a total of seven (7) Section 22 Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued in accordance with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance. The notices related to the unauthorized placement of shipping containers and derelict vehicles, as well as the construction of an incomplete concrete structure on Crown land. Where occupants or other responsible persons were not present, notices were affixed to the relevant structures or items.

The exercise forms part of the Crown Land Unit’s continuing efforts to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land and to ensure that instances of unauthorized occupation are identified and appropriately addressed.

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds the public that occupying, developing or otherwise using Crown land without lawful authority is an offence under the Crown Land Ordinance. These inspections and enforcement activities form part of a sustained program aimed at safeguarding public lands, discouraging unlawful development and ensuring that Crown land is managed in the best interests of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Crown Land Unit will continue to work closely with the ISU and other partner agencies to identify and address instances of illegal occupation across the Islands. Persons occupying Crown land without authorization are encouraged to comply with all notices issued and to seek guidance from the relevant authorities where necessary.

Continue Reading

News

Invest TCI Strengthens Regional Investment Connections at Caribbean Investment Forum 2026 in Barbados

Published

on

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 19th October 2026: Invest Turks and Caicos Agency (Invest TCI) strengthened its regional presence at the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) 2026, held October 5 – 7, 2026, in Bridgetown, Barbados, participating as both a sponsor of the Forum and representative of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ investment landscape.

The Caribbean Investment Forum brought together regional and international investors, government representatives, business leaders, entrepreneurs, investment promotion agencies, and development partners to explore investment opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and advance sustainable economic development throughout the Caribbean.

The Agency’s sponsorship of CIF 2026 formed part of its continued commitment to strengthening the visibility of the Turks and Caicos Islands within the regional investment community and building relationships with investors, development partners, investment promotion agencies, and businesses across the Caribbean.

The opening of the Forum was attended by the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, who emphasised the importance of scaling regional investment, strengthening economic cooperation, and transforming innovative ideas into commercially viable opportunities. Invest TCI was represented by Ms. Alexa Cooper, Domestic Investment Officer, and Mr. Hezron Henry, Marketing Support Officer. Throughout the Forum, the delegation engaged with stakeholders and promoted the Turks and Caicos Islands as a competitive investment destination while exploring opportunities for greater regional collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Speaking on her experience at the Forum, Ms. Alexa Cooper, Chief Domestic Investment Officer, said:

“CIF 2026 provided another valuable opportunity to engage with donor organisations, investors and Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) from across the Caribbean. A highlight for me was the introduction of an exclusive masterclass for fund managers, investors and support organisations, which offered practical insights into unlocking capital, strengthening investment ecosystems and supporting investment-ready businesses. I was equally impressed with the quality of projects pitched, which showcased the region’s innovation and investment potential. It was encouraging to see projects presented with a clearer understanding of investor expectations, reinforcing the importance of not simply developing projects, but ensuring they are well-structured, investment-ready and positioned to attract the right investment partners.”

Accompanying the Invest TCI delegation was Mr. Sean Penn, Chief Executive Officer of Sky Poultry Farm Ltd., the first commercial egg and poultry production facility in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Mr. Penn’s participation provided an opportunity to showcase the development of domestic enterprise within the Turks and Caicos Islands while highlighting the potential of agriculture and food production as part of the country’s broader economic diversification efforts.

Through his participation at CIF 2026, Mr. Penn had the opportunity to engage with regional stakeholders, gain exposure to developments within the Caribbean agricultural sector, and explore potential partnerships and opportunities related to agricultural investment, innovation, and enterprise development.

For Invest TCI, the combination of sponsorship, investment promotion and local business representation provided a multifaceted platform to advance the Agency’s mandate. It allowed Invest TCI not only to promote the Turks and Caicos Islands to prospective investors but also to facilitate greater exposure for a local enterprise operating within an emerging sector of the economy. The Forum also provided opportunities for the Invest TCI delegation to exchange knowledge with regional counterparts, strengthen institutional relationships, and gain insight into investment trends and opportunities affecting Caribbean economies.

As the Caribbean Investment Forum continues to expand its regional reach, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was announced as the destination for the next edition of the Forum, providing another opportunity to bring together investors, policymakers, investment promotion agencies and businesses from across the Caribbean and beyond.

Invest TCI looks forward to the continued growth of the Caribbean Investment Forum and the opportunities it creates to deepen regional partnerships, promote investment, and connect Caribbean businesses with new markets and sources of capital. The Agency remains committed to attracting sustainable investment, supporting domestic enterprise, encouraging economic diversification, and developing partnerships that contribute to the long-term economic development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Energy Minister Delivers Electrifying Keynote Opening Address at CAREC 2026  

Published

on

NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas’ Minister of Energy, Utilities and Aviation, The Honourable JoBeth Coleby-Davis, delivered an electrifying address during the opening ceremony of the 2026 CARILEC Resilient/Renewable Energy Community (CAREC) Conference and Exhibition, being held October 18–22, 2026, at the British Colonial Hotel in Nassau, The Bahamas.

Under the theme “Empowering Progress: Strategic Policy and Planning for the Energy Transition,” the event draws more than 200 industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, and energy professionals committed to advancing practical strategies for sustainable and reliable Caribbean power systems through renewable energy and emerging technologies.

During her address, titled “The New Energy Era: Transforming Policy into Progress,” Minister Coleby-Davis reminded attendees that The Bahamas’ national motto, “Forward, Upward, Onward, Together,” aptly describes what the region’s energy transition demands.

“Empowering Progress speaks directly to our national motto. Not waiting for progress, but creating the conditions that allow progress to happen. Meaningful progress, however, does not occur by accident. It requires vision, sound policy, strategic planning, strong institutions, and the determination to turn decisions into results,” said Minister Coleby-Davis.

Participants acknowledged that small island developing states share similar pressures, compounded by geographical challenges, small electricity markets, ageing infrastructure, geopolitical influences, and the growing threat of severe weather.

Tasked with ushering in a new energy era across the islands while addressing the challenges posed by The Bahamas’ unique archipelagic composition, Minister Coleby-Davis said, “Every island needs a different answer, but the same logic. As an archipelagic nation, we must provide electricity across many islands, each with its own demand and infrastructure needs. Our strategy, therefore, must be national in direction, but responsive to individual communities.”

Restating her Ministry’s three core messages—that energy is an economic and security priority, technology must be viewed as a tool to support strong institutional leadership, and natural gas should be considered a bridge, not a destination—Minister Coleby-Davis reiterated that “progress must now be reflected in functioning infrastructure, effective institutions, and better electricity services: from policy commitments to coordinated implementation, and from fragmented investment decisions to long-term planning.”

Organised by CARILEC and co-hosted by Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC), the annual Conference and Exhibition brings together the Caribbean energy community to advance practical solutions to the region’s most pressing energy challenges and accelerate progress towards more resilient, reliable, and sustainable power systems.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING