TCI News
Letter To The Editor: Protecting Generational Wealth!
#TurksandCaicos, September 9, 2021 – Despite the significant impact caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic, real estate reports show the market in TCI is at an all-time high, and continues to make remarkable gains.
With that being said, this should give us pause for thought; why in a global economic downturn, does TCI real estate continue to be such a hot commodity?
Could it be because we have such relaxed tax regulations, or is it a consortium of foreign investors with large sums of cash who are seeing this as a lucrative opportunity to acquire prime real estate?
In some cases, these properties are used to build lavish homes which are later utilized as short term vacation rentals, or better yet, just left for their next generation.
With this being a real possibility, are we forward thinking enough to undertake sharply focused policies to revise the existing laws and regulations in order to maximize revenue in this area?
We realize drafting legislation to enact policy changes is not an easy task, but the window of opportunity in this arena may be limited.
While the market is red hot and TCI is still listed as one of the top destination choices, the time to capitalize on the opportunity is now. At this given time, do we really need to relax the laws even more and give investors bigger tax breaks?
Albeit, over the years foreign investors have played an extremely important role in the growth and development of our country and we should be appreciative of that.
Nevertheless, we are at a stage in our development where it’s imperative that we take a closer look at the true overall impact it’s having on the betterment of both the country and communities at large.
When is enough, enough when it comes to selling off government land and generational properties to foreign investors? What our country needs is a more diverse portfolio other then selling off real estate.
Let’s face it, there are alternative foreign investment opportunities that could and should be explored. Areas such as light manufacturing or production like recycling on a larger scale, co-op sustainable fishing partnerships, restoration of our conch farm, call-centers, etc.
Generational property is the primary way for our millennials to build and accumulate wealth over time. So why continue to sell it off for pennies on the dollar without looking at the big picture?
With the changes in demographics and the high number of unskilled laborers in our country, these other types of investment opportunities could offer more employment prospects and social benefits. This will also help to raise the standard of living and allow us to become less reliant on low paying service jobs.
The underlying concern is, with the native population continuing to decline, Baby Boomers are pretty much the only ones remaining with generational properties.
Unlike many wealthy families in other developed countries, most of them will not inherit trust funds.
Therefore, we must preserve our only real asset which is generational land, and educate our children on the true value of our forefathers inheritance.
The reality is, most Turks Islanders are not in a financial position to hang onto undeveloped properties as long as they would like too, especially if they are cash strapped. They are then left in a precarious position when attractive offers are presented to them by realtors.
There is also a rising cost and huge demand for housing, especially in the high tourist areas that are the epicenter of jobs and businesses.
To help mitigate this, in my opinion, what is needed are more government affordable land and housing for the locals with the option to buy.
In addition, without having adequate banking systems in place to offer low cost property loans with affordable mortgage payments, it creates a disadvantage and more opportunities for foreign investors.
As places like Providenciales become over populated or have a shortage of inventory, the migration will move to South, North and eventually to Middle Caicos, creating a higher supply and demand market.
In the very near future, the business landscape as we know it in these Caicos islands will continue to evolve exponentially. Deserted land being sold right now, might not be what locals consider prime real estate, but it will be.
It is my belief, rising property value in these areas will be largely driven because of the recent proposed developments such as, a newly constructed marina, a welcome center and a reopening of the airport in North Caicos.
Over time, properties that were quite cheap to buy, suddenly becomes costly and the resale value will double or triple. Once again, leaving the locals with limited options and very little transfer of wealth.
In essence, the real estate boom may not be a win, win for all in the long run. So the question remains, are we making sound real estate decisions in the best interest of the next generation?
Ed Forbes
POETRY :
Summer In Turks And Caicos Islands.
Summer by the sea and
It’s so beautiful to stop
And see watching the
Children smiling so bright
Having fun in the warm
Summer sunlight feeling the warmth
On my face and Turks And Caicos Islands is just
A beautiful sunny warm place and the
Taste the sweetest fruits and I’m
Watching the butterflies flow
Oh how I love the summer days
Smiling so bright kissing my beautiful wife
And all of the songs we sung where so
Beautiful and bright in the warm
Summer sunlight and it’s truly
Beautiful to see the little birds singing
To me it’s summer time and I’ll remember this summer’s day and all of my memories will never fade away Oh how I love summer time in Turks And Caicos Islands every day.
David P Carroll.
Turks and Caicos, October 28, 2025 – We are closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, and our thoughts and prayers are with our regional neighbours for their safety and well-being
We are now entering a critical period as Hurricane Melissa advances towards the Turks and Caicos Islands. Current projections indicate that Hurricane Melissa will begin to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands around midday tomorrow, Wednesday, 29th October.
This morning, Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier chaired a State of Preparedness Meeting. All Government agencies and critical services are mobilised. The safety and protection of every person across our Islands remains our highest priority. Our emergency response teams are prepared and the TCI Regiment is deployed across each of our Islands to support community readiness and immediate response. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are on active duty, with additional officers in North Caicos, Salt Cay, South Caicos and Grand Turk.
At this time, the hurricane is moving north-northeast. The country is expected to experience tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall and
significant storm surge. The storm surge poses a serious concern for low-lying coastal areas especially along our western and southern coastlines, which may result in coastal flooding. Based on the most current weather projections and anticipated impacts for the Turks and Caicos Islands, the National Executive have agreed the following actions:
1. Evacuation Advisories
Residents in specific low-lying and flood-prone coastal areas are likely to experience significant storm surge of 2-4 feet with accompanying rainfall. Strong advice is now place for residents in these areas to relocate to designated shelters which will be open from 4pm this afternoon. These areas include:
Middle Caicos
- Conch Bar Nearest Shelter: The Community Centre
North Caicos
- Sandy Point Nearest Shelter : Sandy Point Community Centre
- Whitby Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
- Bottle Creek Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
Providenciales
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- Chalk Sound Nearest Shelter Enid Capron Primary School
- Five Cays Nearest Shelter: Enid Capron Primary School
- Discovery Bay Nearest Shelter: All Saints Church, Leeward Highway
- Juba Sound Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
- Long Bay Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
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South Caicos
- Cockburn Harbour Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
- Old Airport Road Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
Should an evacuation order become necessary, it will be issued following the 6:00 PM Advisory this evening from the TCI National Weather Service.
2. Activation of Emergency Operations Centre
The National Emergency Operations Centre in Providenciales and all Islands Emergency Operations Centres will be activated at 4:00 PM today.
3. Shelters Access
Shelters across all Islands will open today at 4:00 PM to receive members of the public.
4. Shelter-in-Place
A Strong Shelter-in-Place Advisory is in place for all islands, commencing at 10:00 PM tonight. This will be in place until the all clear has been issued.
This means that from 10:00 PM tonight, all residents should be off the road, in a safe location, either at home or a designated shelter.
Please note that this position may be revised following the 6:00 PM Advisory from the TCI National Weather Service, depending on updated storm projections.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has confirmed that all airports remain fully operational for today. They will advise the public about ongoing operations dependent on the weather impacts.
In times such as this, the role of commercial entities extends beyond business – it becomes a vital part of the community’s resilience. All retailers and service providers are urged to uphold their humanitarian responsibilities by maintaining fair pricing and ensuring essential goods and services remain accessible to all.
Residents and visitors are reminded to adhere strictly to all official advisories and evacuation orders as they are issued. Avoid unnecessary movement, secure your property, and ensure that you and your family are prepared with essential supplies. Stay prepared and stay safe.
Turks and Caicos, October 24, 2025 – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey delivered an impassioned address to male students at Clement Howell High School, calling on them to recognize their power, seize their potential, and “awaken the sleeping giants” within.
In a message that blended humility, faith, and personal experience, the Commissioner reminded the boys that the decisions they make today will shape their future.“The choices you make today determine who you become tomorrow,” he said.
Bailey, who revealed he was the first in his family to attend high school, urged the students to embrace education and discipline as tools of
transformation.“Knowledge is power. If you want to be a real man, you need to read,” he told them. “Remember your potential — if others can do it, so can you. Some of you are sleeping giants waiting to be awakened.”
He emphasized that circumstances of birth do not dictate destiny, challenging the young men to carry self-respect, faith, and moral conviction wherever they go. “Self-respect is key; respect yourself, respect others, and respect God,” he said. “The circumstances you were born into do not define who you are.”
The Commissioner also spoke about resilience, advising that true strength often lies in restraint.
“There will be challenges, and people may try to impede your development — but rise above negativity. Sometimes, strength means walking away,” he said. “Some of you are sleeping lions; it’s time to awaken that instinct and rediscover your true potential.”
In closing, Commissioner Bailey delivered a stirring challenge:
“Each morning, look in the mirror and remind yourself that you were created by God and are capable of great exploits. You are a possibility with potential. Step forward with confidence — this is your country, your islands. Be the best version of yourself.”
Following his speech, the Commissioner engaged the students in open dialogue, answering questions and listening to their perspectives on issues affecting young men in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.
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