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Wind Direction saves thousands from toxic plumes created by BEASTLY fire at the Dump

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By Deandrea Hamilton & Dana Malcolm

Editorial Staff

 

#TurksandCaicos, July 15, 2022 – Years of calling on various government administrations to “fix” the haunting situation at the Wheeland Dump culminated in a massive blaze on Monday, June 11th. It took firefighters three days to get the smoldering fire under control but by Thursday night, the PNP Administration’s lead on Solid Waste Management in the country reported the beast was dead.

Kyle Knowles, is also the Member of Parliament for Wheeland where the Providenciales Landfill is located.  Knowles reported regularly to a worrying public about the fire, which seemed to spontaneously combust in the sweltering weather conditions charted of late.  He said water trucks, The Turks and Caicos Regiment, the Department of Environmental Health and Jamell Robinson, Minister of Health were all on site Monday night to show support for the firefighters, which came from both the domestic and airport units.

Knowles once again said they would be “brainstorming ways of ensuring stringent security measures are in place, protocols are enforced to avoid another fire.”

The member of parliament, who fielded concerns from thousands of nervous residents was also grateful that the winds which had been brisk over the period of the fire, did not shift; remaining southeast and south which kept every major residential community out of the path of the smoke.

The huge plumes of menacing looking smoke dwarfed the single fire truck initially sent to extinguish the fire. Thankfully, that domestic truck was joined by airport firefighters which are larger, better resourced and more ideally designed to fight a blaze of the height and scale of the one now put to rest.

Knowles was quick to respond saying he was “In discussions with [officials]to ascertain the cause of the fire.”

The billowing smoke could be seen from as far away as Grace Bay Beach.  Several photographers on site informed, their drones were capturing the fire from as high up as fifty feet, the smoke was well above that height.  Interested residents flooded the area from all around, reporting they were drawn to the scene due to the rare and frightening size of the fire which thankfully, and despite its size never raged out of control.

After the first night, the fire was 90 percent contained, reported the Department of Environmental Health.

Residents were warned to stay away from the blaze but truth be told, residents just wanted the fire to stay far away from them.  Thousands of homes, a major resort, vacation villas, businesses, schools, eco-sites and apartment complexes were under threat.

It was a “tire fire” originally but drone video revealed that it spread rapidly to the other mounds of garbage and debris congregated at the landfill.

While the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority was criticised by some for assigning the airport trucks to help with putting out the Wheeland Landfill fire, others called it a necessary move and the TCIAA issued a statement of commendation.

“Our ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting) team is comprised of first responders of the highest caliber.  Each day they report to work dedicated to giving the best of themselves to keep air travellers safe.  Yesterday’s display proves that such dedication is not confined to those spaces under the remit of the TCIAA.  Their dedication certainly is to country,” said Godfrey Smith, CEO of the TCIAA on Tuesday.

The ARFF continued its service beyond Monday; using slower intervals at the Providenciales International Airport to race out to the fire at the landfill, offering some hours of assistance which eventually helped to tame the beast.

While there was tremendous anxiety; no properties were damaged, no lives lost and no injuries were reported as a result of Monday’s fire.  An investigation into the cause is ongoing.

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

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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.

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New Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission

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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.”

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Multi-Agency Planning Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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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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