News
South Caicos residents condemn tearing down historic buildings, work stopped for now
#TurksandCaicos, October 8, 2021 – South Caicos residents are counting it a big win and a respectful response to their outcry about demolition of historic buildings, when government on Tuesday pressed at least the pause button on plans to tear down the relics. Of particular concern to the people of south – for both historical and sentimental reasons – is the Old School building.
It has been rotting for decades now but the islanders want to see it restored as its treasured significance though dating back to the 1890s remains relevant, even visible in every South Caicos native. Every child received their formative education there up until the 1970s and those linked to the island are appalled at the idea that it was nearly torn down.
Gutting of the structure had already started but now it is saved, due to the intervention of the Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Akierra Missick. Informed of the concerns of residents, she worked quickly to stop the demolition.
A town meeting was on Monday night held between the residents of South Caicos and the Government as the island is poised for significant take off with the coming of its new airport and increased tourism activity due to continuing resort developments.
On July 30, the TCI Government including Governor Nigel Dakin, Premier Washington Misick and DP E Jay Saunders signed a development agreement with JEM TCI Holdings Ltd for the expansion of the East Bay Resort on South Caicos.
The Office of the Premier in early August informed the expansion would include: outfitting the addition of forty-seven (47) room units, two (2) additional pools, a restaurant and bar, wedding facilities and brand enhancement. The government said of the investment, “This development is expected to increase stay-overs on the island of South Caicos and will enhance current offerings for visitors interested in dive and watersports activities.”
However, for some descendants of South Caicos looking on, there is concern that in an effort to modernise the tourism offering of the fishing capital, historic buildings are under threat.
Concern was expressed for the old library which was once a salt shed and the old school building, which dates back to the 1890s. The now derelict school was where children of South Caicos were educated right into the 1970s.
Comments from those who hail from the country’s ‘fishing capital’ revealed a readiness to challenge any idea of knocking these treasured relics down.
But the buildings will have to come down, explained the Minister of PPID in her own statement on Thursday.
“We have to acknowledge that whilst emotions may run high, the amenities in South Caicos should not remain stagnant. This Government is now guided by the National Physical Development Plan and part of the Plan requires the development of sites that are usable and beneficial to all users. The Old School in its present state was a building that was closed and unsafe for anyone to enter into or use. It was not serving the needs of the Community,” said Minister Missick.
There is hope the zealous residents will agree after a plan for the structure is presented. The Minister explaining the building is beyond salvaging.
“Based upon a structural assessment and visits by the Public Works Department, as well as independent contractors; all agree that the present state of the building cannot be rehabilitated or renovated. Further, the Ministry of PPID will work with the Ministry of Heritage to honor the history of the building to the Community of South Caicos in the new design, which will be a Youth and Heritage Centre,” she added, “This pause in the demolition will allow the Ministry of PPID to present the new design to the South Caicos Community and fence off the area properly to allow for the demolition to be done in a safe and secured manner.”
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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