News
Passions flare over new Immigration rules, labelled a ‘deterrent’ to illegal hiring & harbouring
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, February 16, 2022 – “We have on a daily basis Turks and Caicos islanders who live in the United States being deported back home here, after spending their entire life in America. I have nothing against Haitians, Bahamians, Dominicans but I have to protect this country. And when the premier thinks I’m being too overprotective he can fire me. But until that day I will protect this country.”
That was Arlington ‘New Sheriff’ Musgrove’s passionate address in the House of Assembly on Tuesday following pushback on his Ministry’s new Immigration ill.
The Immigration Bill has officially passed, but not without its share of controversy. In an audacious move, one of the Governor’s Appointed Members, Harold Charles stood against the bill in the House of Assembly on Monday February 7.
Charles, who is originally from Haiti, said he was not against supporting a bill that prevented illegal migration, but could not support the bill in its present format. 
That form was a doubling of penalties and fines under the Immigration Ordinance for anyone found hiring or harbouring illegal migrants from anywhere.
Hon Charles explained that he had made several efforts to meet with the Minister of Immigration, Arlington Musgrove, to discuss possibilities for amendments to the bill, but was unsuccessful. Charles believes the bill is still laden with loopholes and changes seem to threaten only one, albeit common group of illegals: Haitians.
The candid thoughts expressed in the Turks and Caicos parliament ignited a firestorm of comments, most expressing outrage at Charles’ position and condemning the Governor for placing Mr. Charles, who is now a Turks and Caicos Islander to the appointed post.
Governor Nigel Dakin agreed that Charles “generated a conversation in the House that was a good debate to have.” and said he “respected the courage of a man or woman to speak against the consensus when their conscience tells them to.” But Dakin maintained that he firmly disagreed with Charles as the new bill was necessary as part of the border security strategy.
Premier, Washington Misick assured Harold Charles that the bill aimed for breaches of immigration laws at all levels is not meant to target any nationality.
“This bill does not deal with persons who’ve been living here for a long time, particularly those who are here legally. There is nothing in this legislation that speaks to Haitians,” defended the Premier when he ended the first leg of the session last week.
Despite those differences of opinion the bill received enthusiastic support from the Leader of Opposition, Edwin Astwood, who also recommended that expat workers or business owners who harbor these workers should also be treated as illegal migrants and deported. Their business licenses, he said, should be revoked, he said.
The amendments to the Immigration Ordinance – which included fines up to $20,0000 and prison terms up to 14 years – were accepted by Members of the House. It was said there was no dissension when the vote was put to the floor; only “ayes” or agreement was expressed.
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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