Connect with us

News

How the Solid Waste Management and other Projects will get done

Published

on

By Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

#TurksandCaicos, July 21, 2022 – The Turks and Caicos Premier is optimistic that the days are numbered now to the islands having a more robust Procurement Ordinance; he announced as much last Thursday July 14 when hosting a national press conference from his office in Providenciales.

“Let me say that part of the issue that we do have is the slow rate at which procurement is made and we are making significant steps now working with the United Kingdom in updating the Procurement Ordinance…,” said Washington Misick, TCI Premier.

If this new administration successfully negotiates the changes, it would simplify what is now a protracted procedure which precedes all government funded projects.  Selections, costing and agreements are among the fine details guided by the Procurement Ordinance which has for years been fingered for slowing progress on major and minor TCIG projects.

“…to ensure there is more flexibility and methodologies that we are not able to use now because they are not part of the bill or ordinance rather can be put into the ordinance and that will help us to speed up the delivery of these major projects,” said Misick in explaining how the amendments will benefit the islands.

It was a PNP Administration, under Dr. Rufus Ewing, which first exposed that the procurement procedure was unnecessarily cumbersome.  That administration was voted out of office before it could further its desire to modernize the statute.  The Ewing Administration ‘christened’ the current ordinance as it was the first government elected following British direct rule from 2009-2012.

The Sharlene Robinson-led PDM administration also ‘boo-hooed’ the Ordinance; however, the ordinance remained antiquated and regressive during her tenure.

Now, the team elected in February 2021 may be turning a pivotal page as the combination of a more modern law and a newly launched TCI Delivery Unit will work in tandem to ensure projects and promises are delivered to the masses.  It could also see the backlog of enhancement initiatives cleared, finally.

“Turks and Caicos has brought together a core team to lead projects and we ask for your patience as the technical preliminaries are completed,” said the premier.

Cited as one of the first projects he hopes to see benefit is solid waste management.

“Works continue in the onboarding of the consultants t lead the program to find the best solution for solid waste management in the Turks and Caicos. The recent fires at the landfill in Providenciales, highlighted the need to expedite these works.”

In announcing that finally a dedicated team has been selected, appointed and assigned to manage the ballooning quantities of refuse across the rapidly developing chain of islands, Washington Misick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands said amendments to the Procurement Ordinance, in consultation with the British are in the advanced stages now.

“We can assure that a workable and sustainable solution will be found.”

News

Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

News

New Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission

Published

on

Darius E. Ferguson, Member of the Integrity Commission Board

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.”

Continue Reading

News

Multi-Agency Planning Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING