News
It is FREEZING in the Turks and Caicos Islands
By Dana Malcolm & Deandrea Hamilton
#TurksandCaicos, February 23, 2022 – There have been three significant blizzards ever since the Progressive National Party took office on February 19, 2021; and it is not haphazard, the freezes are a part of a strategy.
“The government notes the need to enhance the migrant worker program to meet the demands of the market however, there must be a priority placed on the development of its people.”
The PNP Administration defends the moratoriums which have been placed on specific work permits, temporary work permits and more recently, there is a freeze on new applications for Turks and Caicos Islands status.”
The PNP Administration has continuously created legislation to ensure that indigenous islanders benefit from the lucrative job and commercial market being forge amidst a banner year for tourism, investment and real estate sales.
This includes a moratorium implemented last April, which placed a stop on all first time work permits for one year. The moratorium which should have ended in April was waived in December of last year.
Still several announcements in line with this effort to employ indigenous residents were made in the last few weeks
including a new moratorium which has been placed on temporary work permits.
Cabinet in its most recent meeting approved the moratorium on the categories of domestic workers, barmaids, laborers, barbers and cosmetologists which includes nail techs and beauticians.
These are usually sourced from regional countries; workers come in droves and attract smaller wages and often demonstrate more willingness to get to work.
The PNP Government is obviously working to change that trend and to get islanders in vacant positions across the board.
It is however leading to tremendous frustration for those trying to fill positions as we rapidly return to pre-pandemic activity in the commercial sector. To meet the demand, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government announced the moratorium coincides with the development of a National Workforce Development Strategy and Employment policy.
The moratorium also coincides with the temporary work program headed by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development. About that program Minister of PPID Akeirra Misick said “The purpose of the program Will be to provide a means of assessing and engaging meaningful employment for all of those who are interested in such…This Program is another avenue to provide opportunity to those who are seeking employment during this time.”
Noble initiatives, however, will they be able to keep up with this fast growing economy. Government processes like securing police records and birth certificates are lengthy and have led to extreme back logs.
Still, the PNP Government is going to try.
In a release on Tuesday regarding the newest work permit moratorium the government said, “The government is confident that this moratorium will allow for a proper assessment of the market needs, which will, in turn, lead to the development, implementation, and sustainability of a sound National Development Plan and Employment Policy.”
On Monday it was announced that the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Commission will not be accepting any new applications for Islander status for the remainder of 2022.
In a statement the TCIG reminded potential status seekers that because of the backlog of applications currently being dealt with, “no person but the spouses of islanders will be able to apply for Islander status.”
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of
youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.
As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.
“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country
Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.
“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”
The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.
Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.
Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders,
executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.
Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.
In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.
The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.
This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.
(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.
Key Activities Included:
Educational Training Sessions
Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.
House Call Talk Show Feature
A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.
Red Fridays Awareness Campaign
Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.
Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run
In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of
heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.
Digital Health Education Campaign
To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.
Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment
While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:
- Community-based education initiatives
- Preventative screening and early detection programs
- Lifestyle and wellness promotion
- Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes
“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”
For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc
About TCI Hospital
TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.
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