News
Anti-fronting legislation and its importance in the Turks and Caicos Islands
#TurksandCaicos, April 4, 2022 – The question all concerned citizens should be asking our government is, are they willing to work feverishly to push through anti-fronting legislation as hard as they did to push through the Beach and Coastal Vending Ordinance?
This article in part, is a reverberation of a previous one I wrote, addressing this said issue. To my knowledge, as of this date, nothing has been done to tighten the loopholes.
Whilst I’m not totally against the Beach and Coastal Vending Ordinance and its entirety, there are a few line items in the bill that needs to be repealed and amended.
The expediency in which the bill was passed without proper consultation from the general public and relevant stakeholders, it appeared to be for the appeasement of a select few.
Similarly, “fronting” is not in the best interest of our people, which prompted me to bring to light the issue again.
Currently, in TCI fronting is technically not a crime, but in some cases it is certainly a corrupt practice. Over the
years, I have discovered that the easiest way for foreign investors to open a business of any kind, is by “fronting”.
For those who are not familiar with the use of this word, fronting usually refers to a term used to describe the practice of interposing a third party in a transaction or a misrepresentation of facts so as to circumvent the illusory of compliance with the laws of a country.
It’s usually a twofold benefit, it gives the locals an opportunity to become a business partner without having to come up with any sizable out of pocket funds or minimal amounts at best, depending on the scale of the business.
On the other hand, it enables the foreign investors to acquire lucrative business opportunities without having to go through the normal red tape, and eventually making it easier for them to acquire legal immigration status in the long term.
In addition, a foreign partnership company would be in a better position to expand rapidly due to greater access to capital, which could put them at an advantage because of the accessibility to unmatched resources they may have.
At the end of the day, it only superficially benefits historically disadvantaged individuals.
Fronting practices are an all-too-common occurrence in TCI, and usually rely on the misrepresentation of facts regarding the extent of a company’s compliance with its economic empowerment obligations.
In some cases, the local is only involved with the Holding company, but has nothing to do with the day to day operational or financial side of the business. This allows a shady investor to manipulate the books to their advantage.
Fronting can take many forms. For example:
- A company may appoint a local to a prestigious position but prevent them from participating in the management or core activities of the company.
- In some cases, they are paid considerably less than their counterparts.
- They may also sign up as fictitious shareholders in essentially Expats owned and managed companies.
Such practices create the impression that the company has complied with the government’s obligations, but in essence it’s not. 
This also allows the company to take advantage of incentives such as tax breaks or other fringe benefits that come along with being compliant.
We welcome foreign investors’ partnerships, however, if the business practices do not result in real transformation of the company or the flow of benefits to the locals, the appearance of compliance is illusory.
Fronting therefore undermines the purpose of the investment opportunity policies and prevents benefits from reaching those locals it is meant to reach.
It also perpetuates the systemic exclusion of local owned businesses from economic empowerment.
Imperfect though it may be, it would be beneficial for the FSC to draft legislation to introduce a comprehensive definition of “fronting” into our laws. In addition, they should create a new oversight body to investigate allegations of unscrupulous business deals.
The reality is, we know due to the privacy laws and the fear of reprisals, it’s a slippery slope when it comes to the public’s right to know about what is perceived to be shady deals and our duty to report it.
Nevertheless, if it was required by the FSC for these foreign companies with local joint venture partnerships to divulge financial records showing the bank transactions of the 51/49 split or who have the controlling shares, it would be a game changer.
As a people, we must also be brave enough to speak up when we see corruption or things that undermine
the basic principles of our core values.
Until legislation is enacted to address the social and economic imbalances in this country, this sort of shady practices will continue to prevail, leaving underrepresented local business partners with the short end of the stick.
Ed Forbes,
Concerned citizen of Grand Turk
Story by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
Published: June 12, 2025
AHMEDABAD, INDIA – A London-bound Air India flight carrying 242 people crashed moments after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport in western India early Wednesday morning. The crash killed 241 people and left behind a single, severely injured survivor — a British national. The aircraft reportedly experienced a catastrophic failure less than a minute into its ascent, plunging into a populated area just outside the city.
The scale of the devastation has been described by BBC reporters on the scene as “apocalyptic,” with both passengers and residents on the ground among the dead. The cause of the crash is under investigation, but Indian aviation officials confirmed that rescue operations have concluded, and one of two flight data recorders had been recovered.
As the world reels from the scale of the disaster, governments across the globe are responding with condolences and offers of support.
Among them, The Bahamas has joined the international chorus of grief and solidarity.
Fred Mitchell, The Bahamas’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement Wednesday afternoon: “The Government and people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas extend deepest condolences to the Government of the Republic of India, the families of those aboard the Air India flight that crashed near Ahmedabad on 12th June, and all affected communities. We are saddened by the tragic loss of life, including both passengers and residents on the ground, as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
We stand in solidarity with India and join voices worldwide in offering support during this time of grief.”
He added:
“The Bahamas commends the swift and coordinated efforts of Indian emergency services and international responders. May those who perished rest in peace, and may those who survive recover fully.”
The lone survivor of the crash has been identified by BBC News as Vishwashkumar Ramesh, a British national of Indian descent. He is currently being treated in hospital after being pulled from the wreckage.
Speaking with BBC reporters from his hospital bed, Ramesh shared a chilling description of the moment disaster struck:
“Thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud noise… it all happened so quickly,” he said.
“I don’t know how I survived. Everything went dark.”
Ramesh has since been visited by India’s Minister of Home Affairs. His family in Leicester, UK, is being supported by British consular staff.
Air India has confirmed that it is cooperating fully with the investigation. In a statement, the airline said:
“Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones.”
The passengers included 169 Indian nationals, 53 Britons, seven Portuguese citizens, and one Canadian. Dozens of victims have been identified, and grief-stricken relatives have begun arriving in Ahmedabad.
The Bahamas’ expression of sympathy marks the Caribbean nation’s formal recognition of the tragedy and its global significance. As the lone survivor begins to recover, the world looks to investigators for answers on what went so horribly wrong just seconds after takeoff.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: Beaches Turks & Caicos (BTC) recently welcomed 35 students from Clement Howell High
School’s Social and Environmental Arts Club for an immersive educational tour showcasing the resort’s sustainable waste management and composting systems, including grey water recycling.
The visit was part of BTC’s ongoing commitment to environmental education and sustainability. Students explored the resort’s eco-friendly initiatives, including how kitchen waste is transformed into nutrient-rich compost to support the property’s vibrant gardens.
Gerry Harris, 15, said the experience was eye-opening. “It showed me how simple but effective waste disposal can be—even at home. Seeing it first-hand made a big difference.”
17-year-old Onerce Oriol, who aspires to be a construction engineer, was especially drawn to the composting demonstration. “It was exciting to learn how common kitchen scraps can enrich the soil. I never realized how waste could be reused in such a beneficial way.”
The interactive, hour-long tour gave students a chance to engage in the process directly, enhancing their understanding through hands-on learning.
“This was a very informative experience,” said Robert Toby Grant, creative environmentalist and teacher at Clement Howell High. “Our
students gained practical knowledge of BTC’s sustainability efforts and how they can apply these practices in their own lives.”
Jamie McAnally, managing director at Beaches Turks & Caicos, emphasized the value of community partnerships, “engaging students is key. One inspired student can influence an entire household, creating a ripple effect that benefits communities and ultimately, the island.”
BTC continues to champion environmental stewardship across Turks & Caicos, partnering with schools, government agencies and NGOs to promote sustainable practices. One standout collaboration is with the Edward Garland Youth Centre, which transforms plastic bottle waste from the resort into eco-art and garden installations.
Beaches Turks & Caicos is proud to support initiatives that build a greener future for the “Beautiful by Nature” Turks & Caicos Islands.
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