News
“The rising cost of inflation and its impact on healthy living in TCI”
#TurksandCaicos, January 19, 2022 – The cost of living in TCI has grown exponentially over the years and continues to rise. For some, the impact can be measured by some of the challenges faced with trying to live a healthy lifestyle.
Although healthy living for some may have different interpretations, the reality is, it goes beyond just physical exercises. It starts with eating healthy..but for many in TCI, constraints with time, money, transportation, etc. make good nutrition seem out of reach. 
Like many other countries, economic factors like income level and high cost of goods, are also a major factor for us.
While great progress has been made as it pertains to the bounce back of the economy from Covid-19 impact, there are some uncertainties around the rising cost of inflation particularly as it relates to food prices.
With inflation at this level, eating healthy on a budget could be extremely hard for some, especially when you’re faced with constrained resources.
Grocery stores prices are normally one of the tell-tale signs for rising inflation. Although price increases are usually “transitory” in nature, this wave of increases appears to sticking around for far too long.
In some cases, you may find the cost of certain goods more reasonable at select stores, however, who has the time to shop around at 2-3 stores looking for the best deal on every single item?
To prove a point, I decided to analyze consumer food prices on five of some of the most basic produce items that are essential for everyday healthy eating. Items such as lettuce, tomatoes, oranges, apples and avocados.
My findings revealed a shocking differences in the fluctuation of prices between just two locations in Grand Turk and two in Provo.
Excluding sale promotion days, in Provo, a 3lb bag of Apples can range anywhere from $5.99 to $8.50, tomatoes could range anywhere from $3.69 to $3.99 per pound, a pack of romaine lettuce could range anywhere from $6.55 to $7.50, a bag of 6-10 oranges could range anywhere from $5.99 to 7.99. A single avocado can range anywhere from $3.59 to $3.95.
In Grand Turk, a 3lb bag of Apples can range anywhere from $6.99 to $8.99, tomatoes could range anywhere from $3.69 to $4.50 per pound, a pack of romaine lettuce could range anywhere from $8.50 to $9.50, a bag of 6-10 oranges could range anywhere from $6.99 to $8.99. A single avocado can range anywhere from $3.73 to $4.25.
I have also found that the unhealthy snacks and drinks were relatively cheap compared to the healthy snacks which are placed front and center upon entering the stores.
With prices at this level which has been for quite some time now, some families are finding it incredibly difficult to manage their food budget. Consumers with limited disposable income are forced to make difficult choices in order to stretch their dollars.
Such as, do I spend the money on healthy foods or do I purchase a package of hotdogs and sugar cookies which will be more affordable especially for large families.
According to the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Poor diets are the number one risk factor in the global burden of disease: they account for one in five deaths globally.
Although on a much smaller scale, our mortality rate relative to poor diet is now a greater contributor to these global statistics and should be part of a broader debate.
So the million dollar question is, how do we in the Turks and Caicos Islands, alter relative prices on healthy foods to achieve better dietary and nutrition outcomes for the masses?
It won’t be easy, but it can be done.
The USA, which is one of our main trading partners, is currently experiencing supply chain shortages on select products. This is driven in part due to a myriad of labor challenges. As a result, we are starting to experience the trickle down effects.
Sadly, until this goes away, consumer prices in TCI will probably remain high and will only be further precipitated by this ongoing pandemic. So what are some real solutions to this growing problem? 
In my opinion, it’s high time the Caribbean countries forge an alliance and build stronger regional trading partnerships with each other.
At the end of the day, it all boils down to purchasing power along with supply and demand. Major economic countries like the US and China thrives on this.
Case in point; the Dominican Republic which is approximately 200 miles away from TCI, and is currently a large producer of bananas and other fruits and vegetables. Many of their suppliers would rather deal with the USA or other large countries because of their purchasing power.
So in essence, the same products that are being produced in the DR, is now being shipped another 800 miles away to the USA, before making its way back to us. Because of the logistics, this helps to drive up our cost of goods.
The quote on quote “petro dollar”, which the US dollar is referred as when oil subsidies are traded on the market, gives them stronger buying powers.
Likewise, TCI will also be in a unique position to negotiate lower prices with the Caribbean alliances because of our use of the US currency.
Rather than having locally grown products from these Caribbean countries shipped to the USA or other countries and then to us, logistically, it would make good economic sense to forge these regional partnerships.
Also, notwithstanding the Consumer Protection Ordinance that came into force in TCI since 2019, it does not address the issue of price control or price gouging in our country.
As noted in my analysis, on any given day, you will find the cost of certain products could vary significantly between different grocery stores on the islands.
With the limited number of grocery stores and the population size on Grand Turk, Salt Cay and the lower Caicos Islands, these residents will always be at a disadvantage.
The long and short of my article is, in order to combat what appears to be a never ending battle with inflation, we have got to get serious about the development and production of local agriculture.
Furthermore, let’s put in place proper government controlled checks and balance program for better price control and to prevent price gouging.
This may require hiring additional auditors to police over-priced or missed priced consumer goods and to ensure businesses are passing along the discounts and duty free savings to consumers.
Ed Forbes
A Concerned Citizen of Grand Turk
By Deandrea Hamilton
June 9, 2026 – The world has just four years left to deliver on one of its most ambitious environmental commitments: protecting 30 percent of the planet’s oceans by 2030.
On World Oceans Day 2026, environmental organizations, governments and international leaders are shifting the conversation away from
awareness and toward action, urging countries to turn decades of promises into measurable protection for marine ecosystems.
The theme for this year’s observance — “Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet” — is a direct challenge to governments to move beyond declarations and establish meaningful protections for ocean habitats, fisheries and biodiversity.
The urgency is especially relevant in the Caribbean, where economies, jobs and entire communities depend on healthy oceans.
From tourism and fishing to transportation and climate resilience, the sea is the region’s most valuable natural resource.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned that humanity can no longer treat the ocean as limitless.
“In these turbulent times, the ocean reminds us that we are bound together,” Guterres said. “But the ocean is in deep trouble.”
The global push follows the recent ratification of the High Seas Treaty, designed to protect marine biodiversity beyond national waters. Together with the international 30×30 target, the agreement represents one of the largest conservation efforts ever attempted.
Closer to home, Caribbean nations are also advancing ocean protection initiatives.
CARICOM says it is developing a regional Ocean Policy aimed at strengthening marine governance and supporting sustainable blue economies.
In the Turks and Caicos Islands, World Oceans Day coincides with the tenth anniversary of the Blue Belt Programme, which has focused on
protecting marine resources while supporting sustainable use of the Territory’s waters.
In The Bahamas, conservation advocates are encouraging citizens to reconnect with the ocean and recognize its value not only as a source of recreation, but as the foundation of national prosperity.
Yet conservationists say government action alone will not be enough.
Protecting the ocean begins with everyday decisions: reducing pollution, respecting marine habitats, supporting sustainable fishing practices, participating in clean-up efforts and holding leaders accountable for environmental commitments.
The message of World Oceans Day 2026 is straightforward.
The promises have been made.
The treaties have been signed.
The targets have been announced.
Now comes the hard part: protecting the ocean before time runs out.
Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.
By Deandrea Hamilton
For more than five decades, Peabo Bryson’s unmistakable voice provided the soundtrack to love stories around the world.
The two-time Grammy Award winner, affectionately regarded by many as R&B’s “Duet King,” died on June 2 at the age of 75, days after
suffering a stroke. Family members said he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
While younger audiences may remember him as the voice behind Disney classics Beauty and the Beast and A Whole New World, Bryson’s legacy was built long before Hollywood came calling.
Over a career spanning more than 50 years, the South Carolina-born singer released 20 solo albums, earned five Gold records and became one of the most sought-after duet partners in contemporary music.
Few artists mastered the art of collaboration as effortlessly as Bryson.
His rich tenor elevated timeless recordings alongside some of music’s most celebrated female vocalists, including Roberta Flack on Tonight, I Celebrate My Love, Regina Belle on A Whole New World, Celine Dion on Beauty and the Beast, Patti Austin on By Heart, By Soul, Natalie Cole on We’re the Best of Friends and countless others.
Yet he was equally successful as a solo performer.
Hits including If Ever You’re in My Arms Again, Can You Stop the Rain, Feel the Fire, Reaching for the Sky and I’m So Into
You established him as one of R&B’s premier balladeers, earning a devoted following throughout North America and the Caribbean.
Bryson’s greatest commercial success came in the 1990s when Disney selected him to perform two animated-film love songs that became global sensations. Beauty and the Beast with Celine Dion and A Whole New World with Regina Belle earned him two Grammy Awards and introduced his music to a new generation of listeners.
But for many longtime fans, it was the romance, warmth and sincerity of his earlier recordings that defined his greatness.
In an era crowded with powerful voices, Peabo Bryson stood apart by making every duet feel personal and every love song believable.
His voice may be gone, but the music remains — a catalogue filled with timeless ballads, unforgettable partnerships and memories that continue to resonate across generations.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
This angle is stronger than a standard obituary because it focuses on what made Peabo unique. There have been great singers, great balladeers and great hitmakers. There was really only one “Duet King.”
Government Advances Policy Aimed at Consumer Protection and Higher Business Standards
By Deandrea Hamilton
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — Efforts to improve product quality, strengthen consumer protections and raise business standards across the Turks and Caicos Islands are moving into a new phase as government advances implementation of its National Quality Policy.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Fair Competition announced that a team of consultants spent a week in the Turks and Caicos
Islands meeting with key public and private sector stakeholders as part of the policy’s implementation process.
Approved by Cabinet in October 2024, the National Quality Policy is designed to establish a national quality infrastructure that supports trade, protects consumers and improves the competitiveness of local businesses.
For consumers, the long-term goal is straightforward: greater confidence that products and services meet accepted standards for quality, safety and reliability.
For businesses, the initiative aims to encourage stronger quality management systems that can improve efficiency, build customer trust and create opportunities for expansion into regional and international markets.
During the May 25 to 29 mission, consultants met with representatives from the National Quality Council, Pelican Energy TCI, the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority, the TCI Government Laboratory, the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association and Turks Head Brewery.
According to the Department, the consultations were intended to assess existing quality-related systems, identify gaps and gather recommendations that will help shape the Territory’s national quality infrastructure.
“The policy serves as a strategic framework for establishing a national quality infrastructure in the Turks and Caicos Islands, aimed at improving quality standards, supporting trade, protecting consumers, and enhancing economic competitiveness,” the Department said in a
statement.
Officials explained that stakeholder feedback will help determine what systems, standards and programmes are needed to strengthen quality assurance across various sectors of the economy.
The Department said the information gathered will guide the next stage of implementation and help ensure the policy delivers meaningful benefits throughout the Islands.
Among the initiatives expected to emerge from the process are a Quality Certification Programme and a series of educational workshops designed to help businesses understand and adopt quality standards.
A second round of stakeholder consultations is scheduled for June, allowing government and industry representatives to continue discussions and further assess priority areas identified during the initial mission.
Officials say the ultimate objective is to build a culture of quality that benefits consumers, businesses and the wider economy by encouraging higher standards, greater accountability and improved competitiveness.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
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