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
After demolition
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 17 July 2026: The Planning Department, with support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), and the Crown Land Unit conducted a coordinated enforcement operation on Thursday, 2 July 2026, resulting in the demolition of six unauthorised structures on private property at Block and Parcel 60502/48. Security for the operation was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
The enforcement action followed the issuance of an Enforcement Notice by the Planning Department on 29 January 2026, advising the persons responsible for the structures that they had been erected without the necessary planning approval and were required to be removed. Following the expiration of the compliance period, a multi-agency operation was organised to carry out the demolition.
Before demolition activities commenced, personnel conducted a comprehensive inspection of the site to confirm that all structures were unoccupied and free of gas cylinders or other hazardous materials. These precautionary measures were undertaken to safeguard the welfare
of both the enforcement teams and the public while ensuring the operation was carried out safely and efficiently.
Upon completion of the exercise, participating agencies returned to Police Tactical Headquarters for a debrief, marking the successful conclusion of another coordinated enforcement effort.
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds members of the public that all construction activities must receive the appropriate planning approvals before work begins. The Planning Department will continue to work alongside its partner agencies to enforce the Planning Ordinance, promote orderly development and ensure that construction throughout the Islands complies with the applicable laws and regulations.
Members of the public are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the planning approval process and to seek guidance from the Planning Department before undertaking any development to avoid enforcement action and loss of money invested.
News
DDME’s Hurricane Hunt Scavenger Hunt Sparks Community Spirit and Storm Preparedness in Providenciales
Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — Fifteen teams raced across Providenciales on Saturday July 4th for the inaugural DDME Hurricane Hunt, a community scavenger hunt designed to combine friendly competition with hurricane preparedness education.
Teams were given a bag of supplies and 15 cryptic clues, participants had less than two hours to pinpoint locations and collect hurricane must-haves; including water jugs, shovels, flashlights and other supplies that every household should have on hand ahead of a storm.
The challenge tested not only participants’ local knowledge and navigation skills, but also their teamwork under time pressure; all while reinforcing practical lessons about what it takes to stay ready when a storm approaches.
Beyond the hunt itself, the event drew a lively crowd of families and supporters who turned out to enjoy a full day of festivities. Attendees took part in games, received free gifts, face painting, canvas painting, bounce houses and visited vendor booths; while enjoying fresh food off the grill throughout the afternoon.
“This event brought together the best of both worlds; a fun, high-energy competition and a meaningful reminder of how important it is for our community to be prepared,” Mr. Aaron Ballantyne, Community Preparedness Officer for Providenciales. “Seeing 15 teams fully engaged, racing to landmarks across the island while learning what belongs in a hurricane kit, was exactly the outcome we hoped for.”
DDME extends their sincere gratitude to the stakeholders that partnered with the event and generously donated their time, resources and
efforts to make it a success: The Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross, The Oseta Jolly Primary School, The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Do It Center (Building Materials), KB Homes, Digicel TCI, Frost Cay and Clint Grilling and Catering Services, along with all other vendors who were solicited.
The event’s success was also made possible by the private organizations and government departments that opened their locations to serve as scavenger hunt sites, allowing the hunt to unfold across the island; from Chalk Sound to Long Bay.
The quick thinking first place team consisted of; Neekimo King, Keturah Miller-Brown, Lashaunda Dickenson and Kebba Thomas who all walked away with exciting prizes.
Ms. Bernadya Smith, Public Information and Media Manager stated; “With hurricane season underway, this event, along with our recent Hurricane Expo held in Grand Turk and community pop-ups throughout the country, is a testament to DDME’s commitment to blending community engagement with year-round storm readiness. We look forward to making this event an annual staple that brings families together while keeping preparedness at the forefront of every community we serve.
Follow DDME social media pages to stay up to date with upcoming events and to join their weekly quizzes for a chance to win exciting prizes all hurricane season long.
News
Invest TCI Supports Certification of Local Flats Fishing Guides Through MSME Technical Assistance Under Historic TCFFA–TCICC Partnership
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — June 11th 2026 — Invest Turks and Caicos Islands has confirmed a financial commitment of $26,750 through the MSME Programme’s Technical Assistance support to assist 35 participants undertaking STCW and Fly-Fishing Guide Certifications under the Turks and Caicos Fly Fishing Association (TCFFA) and the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) partnership. The support is intended to strengthen the capacity of existing and emerging local operators within the flats-fishing and marine–based tourism sector, helping participants formalize their skills, improve service standards, and access higher-value economic opportunities.
The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between TCFFA and TCICC on 12th May 2026, establishing the
country’s first endorsed and regionally recognized Sustainable Fly-Fishing curriculum. That partnership, funded in part by the UK Government through the Darwin Plus Local initiative, aims to certify twenty or more Turks and Caicos Islanders as Flats-Fishing Guides and Train-The-Trainers — drawn from Providenciales, North Caicos, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, and Grand Turk.
Invest TCI’s contribution ensures that the financial barrier to certification does not prevent qualified candidates from accessing this sector-building opportunity. The support is being provided as technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of existing and emerging MSMEs within the flats-fishing and marine-based tourism sector, enabling participants to formalize, improve service standards, and access higher-value market opportunities.
“We are indeed happy to be a part of this initiative and to provide financial support towards the certification of the 35 participants. Invest TCI is committed to empowering small and medium enterprises and the individuals who drive them – and this programme is a direct example of that commitment in action.” — Alexa Cooper, Vice President – SME Development, Invest Turks and Caicos
Regional studies, including research on The Bahamas’ flats-fishing sector, show that the industry can generate significant economic value through lodging, meals, transport, retail, and guided services. This demonstrates the potential for Turks and Caicos to strengthen its own flats-fishing value chain through professional training, certification, and local enterprise development.
Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos, highlighted the strategic alignment between the investment and Invest TCI’s broader
mission:
“Invest TCI’s mandate is to support a stronger, more diversified economy with Turks and Caicos Islanders positioned to benefit from the industries that shape our future. This initiative directly aligns with that mandate. By supporting certification for local flats-fishing guides, we are helping to convert local knowledge into recognized credentials, strengthen small business capacity, and retain more value within our communities. It is a practical investment in people, enterprise, and sector development.” — Angela Musgrove, CEO, Invest Turks and Caicos
TCFFA President Levardo Talbot, whose association initiated the candidacy process and identified the funded participants, welcomed Invest TCI’s commitment as pivotal to the programme’s reach:
“For the first time, Turks and Caicos Islander fly fishing guides have an endorsed and regionally-recognized, locally delivered pathway into a profession that has long been built on their knowledge but not always on their terms. Invest TCI’s support ensures the people who should be in this room are in this room.” — Levardo Talbot, President, Turks and Caicos Fly Fishing Association
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