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What the Premier said as PNP Administration Marked One Year in Office

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By Dana Malcolm & Deandrea  Hamilton

 

#TurksandCaicos, February 23, 2022 – A year has passed since the PNP Administration took office in a landslide victory. Led by Washington Misick, the administration has been faced with several challenges including an ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and rising inflation.

On Thursday Premier Washington Misick sought to assuage the fears of islanders regarding the transparency of his administration and provide insight into the 2022/2023 financial year.

Misick addressed several areas including security, education, social support, e-government, housing and finance.

 

UNLIMITED SAVINGS ON LAND TAX FOR NATIVES

The Premier started out with an announcement of an up to $50,000 duty concession on building materials for construction and home improvement. This received applause from the audience at the Brayton Hall where the national statement was being televised live.

Tax on land purchases by TCIs and British Overseas Territory Citizens, (BOTCs) are to receive a major discount.

“We are reducing stamp duties on land purchase by Turks and Caicos Island status holders and British overseas citizens by between 40 and 50 per cent.”

For Turks and Caicos status holders the purchase of multiple properties will be covered by the reduction and BOTCs can purchase one property under this reduction.

 

STIMULUS TO STUDENTS, EDUCATION SECTOR EXPANDING

Misick touched on education revealing that the Pan American Health Organization, (PAHO) has approved the Turks and Caicos to begin nursing practice by June.

The 10 nurses who had received their Associates Degrees but could not move on because they did not have provisions for nursing practice will now be able to continue their journey, and will start internships at the InterHealth Canada run hospitals by April.

This is only one of several other upgrades across all levels for the education sector and Premier Misick revealed programs to target special needs programs, an increase in scholarships, and in line with what youth in the country expressed in the national youth policy, more TVET courses will be offered.

A construction and hospitality institute are coming, said the Premier in the State of the State Address.

Stimulus for students is also budgeted in the new fiscal plan for 2022-2023; $212,000 is earmarked for students who are out of school and there is a $150,000 allocation for Special Needs students in that same category.

 

WAGE COMMISSION ACTIVATED, CONSUMER COURT COMING

The Premier acknowledged the growing agitation and revealed a re-assessment of the minimum wage; that a Minimum Wage Committee has been staffed and is ready to go.

The Committee will comprise government workers including  the Permanent Secretary of Labor, who will chair the committee; the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Finance; a representative from the Statistics Department, one from the Premier’s office and one from the Department of Labor.

Members of the Attorney General’s chambers and two private sector members will also be a part of the committee which will meet to advise the government on what constitutes a “socially just wage.”

The government though says that ‘just wage’ figure will be arrived at when combined with social support programs. The committee officially started their duties on Monday (February 21) and will run for three months.

Turks and Caicos Islanders are also set to benefit from a Consumer Protection Tribunal.

“The initiative is part of the government’s push to build infrastructure to begin to monitor business and trade practices and for unfair behavior,” Misick said.

The new Consumer Protection Tribunal will be a space where individuals can report unfair practices and get the issues addressed.

Misick did not say exactly when the Tribunal would be ready to receive consumer complaint reports.

 

NATIONAL SECURITY’S RUNNING TAB

In terms of border and citizen security, millions of dollars have been allocated, totaling 12 per cent of the budget, said the nation’s chief during the presentation made just days ahead of his one year in office anniversary, which was February 19.

In the works a new remand centre, the shocking news is that it is set to be established in Providenciales.

Premier Misick said land had been purchased to build the remand center.  Construction is also planned for the TCI Regiment’s barracks and a training academy at a cost of $1.8 million with $2 million respectively.

A cumulative spend of $15 million was announced for Border Security.  Benefiting from the multi-million dollar security package will be the TCI Regiment, the Royal TCI Police and the Radar system.

The premier seems ready to launch a partnership, which he hopes will work in curbing crime.  There was an appeal to the Church, youth groups, schools and parents.

“We believe the solutions begin in our homes. It starts with parents keeping their children out of harm’s way. We must keep more of our young people out of trouble with prevention strategies developed in conjunction with our communities,” he said.

 

BEAUTIFUL BY NATURE, EVERYWHERE

The Premier also committed financial assistance to repairing roads and electrification so that the Police could better access areas across the islands.

Add to this security solution, there is a move to clean up areas beyond award-winning Grace Bay.

“No more slum landlords please” was in a final string of appeals from Premier Washington Misick who said trash, indiscriminate dumping and poorly maintained private properties will soon no longer be off limits.

Under the National Physical Development Plan, (NPDP) which came to force this past October, the PNP Administration is now prepare to exercise its muscle to eradicate the high level of filth in communities which lie outside of the tourism district.

It was also apparent, that TCIG wants to ensure buildings are more resilient.  The increase and severity of storm systems around the world place an onus on Government’s to shore up construction to reduce losses and destruction.

The NPDP is aimed at enforcing sturdier construction.

“This plan supports effective and efficient development and supports sustainable land use. We are applying strict protocols for large scale projects. Settlements which ignore planning laws and litter the landscape with dwellings that are unsafe will be stopped. And I speak to TCI Islanders who are acting as slum landlords asking you not to engage in that practice.”

 

OWNING A HOME, AT HOME

Young professionals, single mothers, multigenerational families and the elderly can look forward to accessing new housing options from the government in the future.

The Premier announced that housing solutions have been earmarked for these specific groups, adding: “The new housing policy will ensure equitable distribution of purpose-built and sustainable housing solutions in the Turks and Caicos.”

The news signals the return of a dedicated housing department for the Turks and Caicos within the ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development.  A survey is currently being conducted to qualify and quantify the needs and expectations of the general public.

 

FUNDING TRIPLED FOR E-GOVERNMENT

It was also announced that the financial allocation for E-government has tripled this upcoming budget year from $2 million to $6 million.

The mammoth task of going fully digital is set to cost the government around $60 million dollars in the long run and will take years to be fully completed.  However, the Washington Misick-led government administration will accelerate the transition to e-government this year and explained some completed e-governance upgrades which Turks and Caicos residents can now access.

“Business license applications can be done online… now you have a business license in 48 to 72 hours and 80 per cent of services offered by the Immigration department can be accessed online.”

Throughout the speech, which lasted just over an hour, Premier Washington Misick insisted that Turks and Caicos Islanders would get their money back; a phrase he used to assure the nation that it will begin to tangibly experience the benefits of successively stellar economic seasons for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Crown Land Unit Leads Multi-Agency Enforcement Exercise in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 21st October 2026: The Crown Land Unit, with coordination and support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise in the Five Cays area of Providenciales on October 8, 2026, as part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to address the illegal occupation and unauthorized use of Crown land.

The exercise brought together representatives from the Crown Land Unit, ISU, TCI Border Force and Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. Inspections were conducted across several parcels of Crown land in Five Cays, where instances of illegal occupation and unauthorized use had been identified.

During the exercise, a total of seven (7) Section 22 Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued in accordance with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance. The notices related to the unauthorized placement of shipping containers and derelict vehicles, as well as the construction of an incomplete concrete structure on Crown land. Where occupants or other responsible persons were not present, notices were affixed to the relevant structures or items.

The exercise forms part of the Crown Land Unit’s continuing efforts to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land and to ensure that instances of unauthorized occupation are identified and appropriately addressed.

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds the public that occupying, developing or otherwise using Crown land without lawful authority is an offence under the Crown Land Ordinance. These inspections and enforcement activities form part of a sustained program aimed at safeguarding public lands, discouraging unlawful development and ensuring that Crown land is managed in the best interests of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Crown Land Unit will continue to work closely with the ISU and other partner agencies to identify and address instances of illegal occupation across the Islands. Persons occupying Crown land without authorization are encouraged to comply with all notices issued and to seek guidance from the relevant authorities where necessary.

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Invest TCI Strengthens Regional Investment Connections at Caribbean Investment Forum 2026 in Barbados

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 19th October 2026: Invest Turks and Caicos Agency (Invest TCI) strengthened its regional presence at the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) 2026, held October 5 – 7, 2026, in Bridgetown, Barbados, participating as both a sponsor of the Forum and representative of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ investment landscape.

The Caribbean Investment Forum brought together regional and international investors, government representatives, business leaders, entrepreneurs, investment promotion agencies, and development partners to explore investment opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and advance sustainable economic development throughout the Caribbean.

The Agency’s sponsorship of CIF 2026 formed part of its continued commitment to strengthening the visibility of the Turks and Caicos Islands within the regional investment community and building relationships with investors, development partners, investment promotion agencies, and businesses across the Caribbean.

The opening of the Forum was attended by the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, who emphasised the importance of scaling regional investment, strengthening economic cooperation, and transforming innovative ideas into commercially viable opportunities. Invest TCI was represented by Ms. Alexa Cooper, Domestic Investment Officer, and Mr. Hezron Henry, Marketing Support Officer. Throughout the Forum, the delegation engaged with stakeholders and promoted the Turks and Caicos Islands as a competitive investment destination while exploring opportunities for greater regional collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Speaking on her experience at the Forum, Ms. Alexa Cooper, Chief Domestic Investment Officer, said:

“CIF 2026 provided another valuable opportunity to engage with donor organisations, investors and Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) from across the Caribbean. A highlight for me was the introduction of an exclusive masterclass for fund managers, investors and support organisations, which offered practical insights into unlocking capital, strengthening investment ecosystems and supporting investment-ready businesses. I was equally impressed with the quality of projects pitched, which showcased the region’s innovation and investment potential. It was encouraging to see projects presented with a clearer understanding of investor expectations, reinforcing the importance of not simply developing projects, but ensuring they are well-structured, investment-ready and positioned to attract the right investment partners.”

Accompanying the Invest TCI delegation was Mr. Sean Penn, Chief Executive Officer of Sky Poultry Farm Ltd., the first commercial egg and poultry production facility in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Mr. Penn’s participation provided an opportunity to showcase the development of domestic enterprise within the Turks and Caicos Islands while highlighting the potential of agriculture and food production as part of the country’s broader economic diversification efforts.

Through his participation at CIF 2026, Mr. Penn had the opportunity to engage with regional stakeholders, gain exposure to developments within the Caribbean agricultural sector, and explore potential partnerships and opportunities related to agricultural investment, innovation, and enterprise development.

For Invest TCI, the combination of sponsorship, investment promotion and local business representation provided a multifaceted platform to advance the Agency’s mandate. It allowed Invest TCI not only to promote the Turks and Caicos Islands to prospective investors but also to facilitate greater exposure for a local enterprise operating within an emerging sector of the economy. The Forum also provided opportunities for the Invest TCI delegation to exchange knowledge with regional counterparts, strengthen institutional relationships, and gain insight into investment trends and opportunities affecting Caribbean economies.

As the Caribbean Investment Forum continues to expand its regional reach, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was announced as the destination for the next edition of the Forum, providing another opportunity to bring together investors, policymakers, investment promotion agencies and businesses from across the Caribbean and beyond.

Invest TCI looks forward to the continued growth of the Caribbean Investment Forum and the opportunities it creates to deepen regional partnerships, promote investment, and connect Caribbean businesses with new markets and sources of capital. The Agency remains committed to attracting sustainable investment, supporting domestic enterprise, encouraging economic diversification, and developing partnerships that contribute to the long-term economic development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Energy Minister Delivers Electrifying Keynote Opening Address at CAREC 2026  

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NASSAU, The Bahamas – The Bahamas’ Minister of Energy, Utilities and Aviation, The Honourable JoBeth Coleby-Davis, delivered an electrifying address during the opening ceremony of the 2026 CARILEC Resilient/Renewable Energy Community (CAREC) Conference and Exhibition, being held October 18–22, 2026, at the British Colonial Hotel in Nassau, The Bahamas.

Under the theme “Empowering Progress: Strategic Policy and Planning for the Energy Transition,” the event draws more than 200 industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, and energy professionals committed to advancing practical strategies for sustainable and reliable Caribbean power systems through renewable energy and emerging technologies.

During her address, titled “The New Energy Era: Transforming Policy into Progress,” Minister Coleby-Davis reminded attendees that The Bahamas’ national motto, “Forward, Upward, Onward, Together,” aptly describes what the region’s energy transition demands.

“Empowering Progress speaks directly to our national motto. Not waiting for progress, but creating the conditions that allow progress to happen. Meaningful progress, however, does not occur by accident. It requires vision, sound policy, strategic planning, strong institutions, and the determination to turn decisions into results,” said Minister Coleby-Davis.

Participants acknowledged that small island developing states share similar pressures, compounded by geographical challenges, small electricity markets, ageing infrastructure, geopolitical influences, and the growing threat of severe weather.

Tasked with ushering in a new energy era across the islands while addressing the challenges posed by The Bahamas’ unique archipelagic composition, Minister Coleby-Davis said, “Every island needs a different answer, but the same logic. As an archipelagic nation, we must provide electricity across many islands, each with its own demand and infrastructure needs. Our strategy, therefore, must be national in direction, but responsive to individual communities.”

Restating her Ministry’s three core messages—that energy is an economic and security priority, technology must be viewed as a tool to support strong institutional leadership, and natural gas should be considered a bridge, not a destination—Minister Coleby-Davis reiterated that “progress must now be reflected in functioning infrastructure, effective institutions, and better electricity services: from policy commitments to coordinated implementation, and from fragmented investment decisions to long-term planning.”

Organised by CARILEC and co-hosted by Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) and Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC), the annual Conference and Exhibition brings together the Caribbean energy community to advance practical solutions to the region’s most pressing energy challenges and accelerate progress towards more resilient, reliable, and sustainable power systems.

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