News
What the Premier said as PNP Administration Marked One Year in Office
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.
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
News
BermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights Begin December 20 with Fares from $347 One Way, Creating Direct Access to Salterra Resort & Spa
– New Route Expands BermudAir’s Winter Turks & Caicos Network –
[New York, NY – August 20, 2026] – BermudAir, the leading premium leisure carrier to Bermuda and the Caribbean, today announced it will introduce nonstop flights to South Caicos from Newark this winter. The route places one of the Caribbean’s most secluded island destinations just 3.5 hours from the New York area for the first time.
The new service starts on December 20, 2026, operating on Sundays and Thursdays, and will be the only nonstop service to the destination
from the New York area. This seasonal service will operate through April 25, 2027. Fares start at $347 one way ($773 roundtrip) and go on sale today.
The new South Caicos route creates gives travelers two distinct luxury resort options, with direct access to Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, recently named the No. 1 resort in Turks and Caicos by Condé Nast Traveler.
Set across 85 beachfront acres with a 3,000-foot private white-sand beach, Salterra brings a full luxury resort experience to an island still defined by its historic salinas, pristine waters, bonefishing flats and uninhabited cays. Upon landing at South Caicos International Airport (XSC), guests are approximately 10 minutes from the resort.
While flights go on sale today, the airline’s BermudAir Holidays vacation-packaging division will offer curated travel to South Caicos from next month, featuring flights, hotels and authentic island experiences, with bundled discounts and value-added perks, making it even easier to explore the destination.
Previously BermudAir announced seven new routes to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Toronto (YYZ) which will all start in December except for Fort Lauderdale which begins October 26.
Expanded Winter Season
- To South Caicos:
- Twice-weekly nonstop from Newark (Sundays and Thursdays) from December 20 through April 25, 2027.
- To Turks and Caicos:
- Weekly nonstop from Newark (Saturdays) and one weekly direct service (Thursdays) from December 19 through April 29, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Boston (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Baltimore-Washington (Thursdays), from December 24 through April 29, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (Thursdays and Sundays), from December 20 through May 2, 2027;
- Thrice-weekly service from Fort Lauderdale (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), from October 26 through May 3, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from St Petersburg/Tampa (Mondays and Thursdays), from December 21 through May 3, 2027; and
- Weekly nonstop service from Toronto (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027.
“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Now New Yorkers can fly nonstop to two distinct sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands — Providenciales and the secluded island of South Caicos, home to the exquisite Salterra and Sailrock South Caicos resorts.”
The airline consistently earns Net Promoter Scores of 70+, one of the highest ratings in the airline industry. All flights will be operated on comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality.
“South Caicos has always felt worlds away, and that is part of its magic,” said Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO of Salterra. “Beginning this winter, guests can fly nonstop from Newark in 3.5 hours, land at one of the newest international airports in the region and be at Salterra minutes later. This route makes a long weekend escape and an extended stay to one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands remarkably easy, without changing the sense of discovery that makes South Caicos so special.”
For more information or to book flights, visit www.flybermudair.com. Salterra will offer dedicated stay packages timed to BermudAir’s Thursday and Sunday nonstop service. To book a stay at Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, visit www.salterra.com
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Dasani products, proudly sponsored the fifth annual, Caribbean Hoopfest.
The tournament brings together Bahamian high school basketball teams and visiting teams from the United States for a competitive
showcase at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium. Following its inaugural year at the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym and last year’s event at Loyola Hall, the tournament returned to the Kendal G. L. Isaacs gym this year.
During the weekend tournament, CBC kept athletes well hydrated with in-kind donations of Dasani Water, Powerade and Minute Maid Juices.
During the tournament’s final day, CBC provided additional support by offering Sprite No Sugar samples and inviting attendees to participate in its Spin the Wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes.
CBC was proud to support this incredible event, which provides young Bahamian athletes with valuable exposure to U.S. basketball scouts and coaches. This opportunity gives them the chance to earn scholarships, continue their education, and pursue their basketball careers in the United States.
Event organizer, Donald Francois shared his appreciation for CBC’s support.
“I want to express our sincere appreciation for Caribbean Bottling Company, who has been a tremendous supporter and an important part of the success of our program. Without CBC’s support, Caribbean Hoop Fest would not be able to function at the level it does today. And without Caribbean Hoop Fest, we would not have been able to provide the opportunities that have helped young Bahamian athletes gain exposure and pursue educational opportunities in the United States,” he expressed.
Since the program’s inception, several Bahamian student-athletes have been selected for scholarship opportunities, highlighting the
tournament’s growing impact on the development and advancement of young basketball talent in The Bahamas.
They are: Kelvin McDowells – Guard, Wodson Antoine – Power Forward, Justin Lafleur – Guard and Sean John – Guard.
After another successful edition of the tournament, Francois shared what he hopes he and Caribbean Bottling Company can achieve in the future.
“Our vision is bigger than basketball. We want to use the platform of Caribbean Hoop Fest to educate, develop, and create opportunities for young people and their families throughout the Bahamas. With individuals and organizations committed to our mission, we believe we can continue to grow the program and make an even greater impact,” Francois said.
For more details on community support, events and new products visit Caribbean Bottling Company at www.cbcbahamas.com today.
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