News
$16 Million Stimulus Announced by PNP Gov’t, coming in August
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, July 15, 2022 – A new $16 Million Price Inflation Stimulus (PIS) is on the way for Turks and Caicos Islanders. The announcement was made by Premier Washington Misick in a press conference on Thursday.
“Rising prices of fuel, supply chain issues, increasing commodity prices, and rising food costs have negatively impacted the purchasing power of every household. Bills are increasing at such a fast pace that salaries can’t keep up,” he said.
Misick explained that the stimulus package was created in order to combat this and the 9.1per cent inflation rate. The package has three parts. The first is a $1,000 payout for Turks and Caicos Islanders and British Overseas Territory Citizens.
From the bulk stimulus approved for relief amidst soaring oil, food and fuel prices, $12 million dollars have been allocated for cash in the pockets of roughly 12,000 people.
“The stimulus is intended to provide relief for homeowners who require assistance with rent— for homeowners who require assistance with electricity bills— with loan payments and utilities to provide relief for transportation expenses and groceries.”
Misick explained that those who had applied and were approved for the $500 Inflation stimulus, which was issued earlier this year would not have to reapply as their payments would be processed automatically and money would start to be dispersed by next month.
The stimulus in February this year was intended to serve up to 13 thousand people, however, a report informed that of the 13,094 applications, 11,481 were approved.
The individuals who were unsuccessful in the first quarter stimulus can now re-apply, however those who were registered and received the cheques which were being issued up to March, are guaranteed this new financial help funded by the public purse.
Information issued several weeks ago explained, an additional $ 600,000 was allocated to pay the deferred individuals who were approved after the payment period of the early 2022 Inflation stimulus.
Based on the explanation of the qualifiers by Premier Misick, 519 Islanders who were not immediately approved for the stimulus in February will be able to apply for this new one. The premier did not address whether the requirements that blocked younger applicants from the last financial relief, due to a lack of requisite identification would be waived.
The second part of the PIS package engineered to combat the massive thirty-eight percent food increase, is a waiver on customs duties and Customs Processing Fees on nearly two dozen breadbasket items.
This measure is set to begin on August 1st and will apply to breadbasket items on a list to be published by the Ministry of Finance. It is an across the board break; goods brought in by grocers or individuals will all be temporarily duty free and Customs Processing Fee free.
The third part of the stimulus package is a $2 million injection into the works program to provide more jobs.
As an addition, the customs duty exemption for returning residents has been raised by $200 to $600 dollars. This increase applies to items acquired on non-business travel. Completion of the sometimes cumbersome but formerly requisite declaration forms will be waived on the goods below $600.
“We will keep the situation under review.—The stimulus that we will give you in August is just the first supplementary for the financial year. We do have a supplementary appropriations bill that we will bring to the house in September,” said the Premier, hinting at supplemental relief which may come in the future for TCI residents.
Misick maintained that the government had been paying attention to inflation and had the statistics to prove it. However he acknowledged the breakdown in communications that had caused people to feel underrepresented in the financial tsunami over the past few months, explaining that his government is still constructing the Communications Secretariat to improve public relations.
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, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.
Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership
experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.
A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.
Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.
Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:
“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, 5 February 2026, at Block and Parcel 60503/17 in the Five Cays area.
The exercise was led by the Planning Department, pursuant to its statutory authority under the Physical Planning Act to address
unauthorised development. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Crown Land Unit and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action formed part of a Public Private Partnership initiative between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and private landowners. The registered owners of the land would have sought the state’s assistance to issue copies of Section 58 Enforcement Notices on unlawful structures identified on the parcel. The subject parcel comprises approximately 25 acres extending across Millennium Highway.
During the exercise, a total of fifty-four (54) copies of the Enforcement Notice were issued on structures located on the parcel. Notices were affixed to structures and served on persons found to be occupying illegal developments.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold planning regulations, protect property rights, and promote orderly and lawful development. Persons undertaking construction are reminded that development without the requisite planning approvals is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
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