News
Work Progresses on TCI Public Service Pension and Gratuity Program
#TurksandCaicos, May 24, 2021 – Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands the Honourable Charles Washington Misick and Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Her Excellency Anya Williams recently met to progress work on the Reinstatement of a Turks and Caicos Public Service Pension and Gratuity Program.
The meeting was also attended by the former Director of the Deputy Governor’s Office, now Permanent Secretary of National Security Mr. Tito Lightbourne, along with the Permanent Secretary of Finance, Mrs. Athenee Basden, Budget Director, Ms. Nordia Campbell, Accountant General, Hemant Sinanan and lead consultant on the program Mr. Derek Osborne of Morneau Shepell Consultancy who all attended virtually.
The Turks and Caicos Pension and Gratuity Program was discontinued in 2012 due to financial hardship at the time.
Previously, the TCI provided a public service pension to all employees that joined the public service prior to 1992. This pension program also allowed for 25% of a person’s pension to be converted to a lump sum gratuity payment.
Persons that joined the service post 1992 (the introduction of the National Insurance Scheme) were not entitled to a TCIG Pension, but upon leaving the civil service were paid a gratuity for their years of service. Under the current arrangements, persons that joined the service pre 1992 are still entitled to receive a TCIG Pension, but no gratuity. Whereas, persons that joined the service post 1992 are not entitled to a public service gratuity or a pension.
In 2019/2020 a consultancy was funded to review and provide options on the reinstatement of a TCIG Pension/Gratuity Program. The report was presented to the Civil Service Association and Cabinet for consideration.
Commenting on his government’s commitment to this program, Premier Misick said: “My Finance team and I were grateful for the opportunity to meet with the Deputy Governor and consultant Mr. Derek Osborne to review and discuss the contents of the consultancy previously carried out on the reinstatement of a TCIG Pension and Gratuity Program.
I was pleased with the options provided that would seek to provide a sustainable long term retirement plan for not only public servants, but also persons that serve in statutory bodies and other capacities.
As my Government prior to coming to office, committed to swiftly progressing the work and necessary funding to deliver on this important initiative, I am pleased to advise that $2 million in seed funding has already been approved in the new FSPS for this initiative, which will subsequently be included in the upcoming budget.
I look forward to Cabinet’s consideration of this proposal and to working to bring this program to fruition.”
Deputy Governor, Anya Williams in commenting said: “On behalf of the public service of the Turks and Caicos Islands my office is pleased to progress the work on the reinstatement of a Public Service Pension and Gratuity Program.
The discontinuation of a pension/gratuity program for civil servants post 1992 has caused significant concerns as persons that remain in the service are not only not entitled to the same benefits as some of their previous and current colleagues, but even pre 1992 employees that remain in service have expressed difficulty in being able to transition into retirement at the age of 60 as there is no longer the option to receive a lump sum gratuity payment to assist as was previously the case.
Our public servants carry out very important roles on behalf of the government and people of these islands and deserve to be adequately compensated for the roles that they do.
As it stands, the Turks and Caicos Government is the only territory that does not offer a pension or gratuity program for its staff which needs to be addressed.
As we work to progress the work on this initiative, following formal approval by the Cabinet we will undertake necessary consultations with the civil service on the design of the program so that we can progress the necessary legislation and funding request to the House of Assembly to facilitate the implementation of this vital program.”
Turks and Caicos, May 23, 2026 – Invest Turks and Caicos Islands took center stage at one of the region’s most influential hospitality
investment gatherings this spring, serving as a Platinum Sponsor at ALIS CALA 2026 in Coral Gables, Florida.
Held April 28 to 30 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, the conference brought together more than 600 tourism, hotel and investment leaders from over 35 countries focused on the future of hospitality investment in the Caribbean and Latin America.
ALIS CALA — short for the Americas Lodging Investment Summit Caribbean and Latin America — is widely regarded as the region’s premier deal-driven hospitality investment conference. The platform emerged from the merger of the long-running Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) and Hotel Opportunities Latin America (HOLA), creating what organizers describe as a high-level space where investors, developers, lenders, hotel brands and government leaders connect around major regional projects and opportunities.
The event is known for attracting senior decision-makers, with roughly one in three delegates holding titles such as Chairman, CEO, President, Owner or Principal.
Invest Turks and Caicos said its participation focused heavily on showcasing investment opportunities across the territory, particularly in the Family Islands.
CEO Angela Musgrove delivered a presentation highlighting development opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands to what the agency
described as a full room of attendees and strong stakeholder interest.
In a statement following the conference, Invest Turks and Caicos said discussions centered on tourism expansion, sustainable development and long-term investment partnerships designed to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a leading investment destination in the region.
The agency added that it looks forward to continuing conversations started at ALIS CALA and building new partnerships with investors, developers and strategic stakeholders interested in growth opportunities throughout the islands.
The conference itself focused heavily on capital access, hotel development pipelines, mixed-use tourism projects and investment confidence throughout the Caribbean basin — sectors where Turks and Caicos continues to attract increasing international attention.
The Rick Fox Political Timeline
“Are You Thinking About Politics?”
Fox publicly acknowledged growing calls for him to enter Bahamian politics, saying he had been hearing from women, youth, business owners and everyday Bahamians who were “ready for something different.”
October 19, 2025
“Then Jump, Man.”
Fox revealed a conversation with NBA legend Michael Jordan, who encouraged him to enter politics after asking whether he believed he could help young Bahamians.
November 24, 2025
“The Bahamas Must Be First”
Fox officially announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election, promising transparency, affordability, opportunity and a modern Bahamian economy.
February 4, 2026
“Officially Picked”
The Free National Movement formally ratified Fox as its candidate for Garden Hills, instantly making him one of the most talked-about figures in the election cycle.
March 20, 2026
“From Courtside to Campaign Stage”
Fox mounted the national campaign stage for the first time at the FNM’s major campaign launch at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau.
March 30, 2026
“I’m Giving The Salary Back”
Fox announced he would not take a parliamentary salary if elected, saying the funds should instead go back into helping the people of
Garden Hills.
April 14, 2026
“Nomination Eve Goes Viral”
A heated confrontation involving Fox and PLP supporters outside the Parliamentary Registration Department exploded across social media after video captured the tense exchange.
April 16, 2026
“Pick Rick” Officially Launches
Nomination Day cemented Fox’s candidacy and formally launched the now-famous “Pick Rick” campaign branding.
April 19, 2026
“Vote and Win”
Jamiah Burrows won a vehicle through Fox’s civic participation challenge, part of a campaign effort encouraging voter engagement and turnout.
April 20, 2026
“The Wealthiest Candidate”
Financial disclosures revealed Fox as the wealthiest candidate in the 2026 election cycle, with reported assets exceeding $469 million, ending speculation about his financial standing.
April 25, 2026
“The Garden Hills Blueprint”
Fox unveiled detailed policy graphics outlining plans for:
- youth development,
- healthcare access,
- infrastructure upgrades,
- environmental restoration,
- entrepreneurship,
- and a proposed $10 million investment fund for Garden Hills.
May 4, 2026
“The Numbers Don’t Lie”
Fox’s campaign highlighted more than:
- 20 community clean-ups,
- 16 streets and locations served,
- and 13 solar lights installed across Garden Hills during the campaign.
May 6, 2026
“Shaq Steps In”
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal publicly endorsed Fox, helping elevate international attention surrounding the campaign.
May 8, 2026
“Buju Backs Rick”
Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton threw his support behind Fox ahead of Election Day.
May 10, 2026
“Vanessa Williams Endorses”
Fox’s former wife, actress and singer Vanessa Williams publicly endorsed his campaign.
May 11, 2026
“Magic Joins the Campaign”
NBA icon Magic Johnson became the latest major celebrity to endorse Fox just one day before Bahamians went to the polls.
May 12, 2026
“Election Day”
Fox contested the Garden Hills constituency seat against PLP incumbent Mario Bowleg in one of the country’s most closely watched races.
May 13, 2026
“Grace in Defeat”
Fox publicly conceded the race and congratulated Bowleg on his victory in Garden Hills.
May 18, 2026
“We Pick Rick”
Despite losing at the polls, Fox officially entered Parliament after being appointed to the Senate by the FNM — with the party itself declaring:
“We Pick Rick.”
The appointment made Fox one of the most internationally recognized figures ever to serve in the Bahamian Senate.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in coordination with the Planning Department and key partner agencies, conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the Lower Bight area in Providenciales. The exercise resulted in the complete removal of a total of eight (8) unauthorized structures and all associated debris from a
privately-owned parcel of land.
The operation was led by the Planning Department, with coordination by the ISU and support from the TCI Border Force, the Crown Land Unit, and Pelican Energy. Security for the exercise was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. All agencies worked collaboratively to ensure the exercise was carried out in a safe, orderly, and controlled manner.
The enforcement action followed a structured and lawful process in accordance with the Physical Planning regulatory framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Section 45 Enforcement Notices were first issued on the affected parcel in December 2024, identifying unauthorized structures erected without the requisite approvals. This was followed by the issuance of Warning Notices on April 16, 2026, which advised occupants that they were in breach of planning and land use regulations and provided notice that demolition activities would proceed following the prescribed compliance period. Despite these notices and the time afforded for compliance, the unauthorized structures remained in place.
This exercise represents part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring that development within the Turks and Caicos Islands is lawful, safe, and aligned with national standards.
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