News
Honourary Doctorate for TCI Premier; high level delegation visits Jamaica
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, August 20, 2022 – Premier Washington Misick recently visited with Jamaica’s top leadership including the Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Mark Golding. The visit lasted from August 14th to 17th.
With the Prime Minister, Hon Misick discussed diaspora initiatives currently underway in the Turks and Caicos Islands. In addition, the potential for trade between Jamaica and the TCI to potentially reduce the massive food costs in the Turks and Caicos, especially on fresh produce.
The Premier’s office shared photos of the meeting with opposition leader Mark Golding and other Members of Parliament including Lisa Hanna and spokesperson on education Mrs. Angela Brown Burke.
The meeting was set as Jamaica commemorates its 60th anniversary of independence. Interestingly, sixty years ago, Turks and Caicos was annexed as part of Jamaica, but the small cluster of islands opted out of the independence move and remains a British overseas territory.
Additionally, Premier Washington Misick is now the holder of a Honourary Doctor of Commerce degree from Northern Caribbean University in Jamaica.
Misick, a twice democratically elected leader is himself a former student of NCU back when it was called West Indies College; that was over five decades ago. On Sunday, during the University’s graduation ceremony, Premier Misick was presented with the degree, which was a key reason for his whirlwind visit to Jamaica.
Washington Misick gave the commencement address for the Class of 2022 at his alma mater, expressing that even though he had lost contact with Northern Caribbean University for decades he was “glad to be home.”
There was insight to his early life and time on campus. The Premier, in reflection found himself describing himself as a late starter and due to his socioeconomic background he had to work while others started school.
The graduates heard about his days as a member of the Police Force, where he used his time on the job to study and with the help of relatives he eventually arrived in Jamaica for university.
“I managed to finish high school at 20. I was embarrassed — but my hunger to learn and to make something of myself was far greater than any embarrassment.”
And so after one year at NCU, Misick had a high school diploma and moved on to UTECH (then College of Arts Science and Technology CAST)
He graduated with a business degree in 1974 and started on his journey in business, becoming a hotel developer and politician. Misick became the Chief Minister of the TCI in 1991 and twenty years later, back at the helm of his Progressive National Party (PNP) became the Turks and Caicos Islands Premier.
He has also served as a Minister of Finance, in a previous administration.
Education and Immigration matters on an official level were also on the agenda. The premier was accompanied on the trip by Ministers Rachel Taylor and Arlington Musgrove, several permanent secretaries and the Labour Commissioner.
Meetings were reportedly held with Jamaica’s Passport and Citizenship Agency; Ministry of Labour; the University of the West Indies as well as the University of Technology.
The aim of the extensive discussions during the meetings were a potential education partnership to:
- Strengthen and improve tertiary programmes offered in the TCI.
- Increase the attractiveness of degree offerings and
- Make graduates more marketable.”
Potential partnerships were also discussed with UTECH
Premier Misick explained, “As the growth and development of the islands continue, it is important that our people are equipped to be employed in the best jobs available and make a meaningful contribution to the Turks and Caicos Islands”.
The Premier also made time to visit Turks and Caicos islanders receiving treatment in Jamaica at the University Hospital of the West Indies. He returned to the Turks and Caicos on Wednesday after having paid courtesy calls on Governor General, His Excellency Sir Patrick Allen and Andrew Holness, Rt Hon Prime Minister of Jamaica.
Turks and Caicos, May 23, 2026 – Invest Turks and Caicos Islands took center stage at one of the region’s most influential hospitality
investment gatherings this spring, serving as a Platinum Sponsor at ALIS CALA 2026 in Coral Gables, Florida.
Held April 28 to 30 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, the conference brought together more than 600 tourism, hotel and investment leaders from over 35 countries focused on the future of hospitality investment in the Caribbean and Latin America.
ALIS CALA — short for the Americas Lodging Investment Summit Caribbean and Latin America — is widely regarded as the region’s premier deal-driven hospitality investment conference. The platform emerged from the merger of the long-running Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) and Hotel Opportunities Latin America (HOLA), creating what organizers describe as a high-level space where investors, developers, lenders, hotel brands and government leaders connect around major regional projects and opportunities.
The event is known for attracting senior decision-makers, with roughly one in three delegates holding titles such as Chairman, CEO, President, Owner or Principal.
Invest Turks and Caicos said its participation focused heavily on showcasing investment opportunities across the territory, particularly in the Family Islands.
CEO Angela Musgrove delivered a presentation highlighting development opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands to what the agency
described as a full room of attendees and strong stakeholder interest.
In a statement following the conference, Invest Turks and Caicos said discussions centered on tourism expansion, sustainable development and long-term investment partnerships designed to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a leading investment destination in the region.
The agency added that it looks forward to continuing conversations started at ALIS CALA and building new partnerships with investors, developers and strategic stakeholders interested in growth opportunities throughout the islands.
The conference itself focused heavily on capital access, hotel development pipelines, mixed-use tourism projects and investment confidence throughout the Caribbean basin — sectors where Turks and Caicos continues to attract increasing international attention.
The Rick Fox Political Timeline
“Are You Thinking About Politics?”
Fox publicly acknowledged growing calls for him to enter Bahamian politics, saying he had been hearing from women, youth, business owners and everyday Bahamians who were “ready for something different.”
October 19, 2025
“Then Jump, Man.”
Fox revealed a conversation with NBA legend Michael Jordan, who encouraged him to enter politics after asking whether he believed he could help young Bahamians.
November 24, 2025
“The Bahamas Must Be First”
Fox officially announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election, promising transparency, affordability, opportunity and a modern Bahamian economy.
February 4, 2026
“Officially Picked”
The Free National Movement formally ratified Fox as its candidate for Garden Hills, instantly making him one of the most talked-about figures in the election cycle.
March 20, 2026
“From Courtside to Campaign Stage”
Fox mounted the national campaign stage for the first time at the FNM’s major campaign launch at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau.
March 30, 2026
“I’m Giving The Salary Back”
Fox announced he would not take a parliamentary salary if elected, saying the funds should instead go back into helping the people of
Garden Hills.
April 14, 2026
“Nomination Eve Goes Viral”
A heated confrontation involving Fox and PLP supporters outside the Parliamentary Registration Department exploded across social media after video captured the tense exchange.
April 16, 2026
“Pick Rick” Officially Launches
Nomination Day cemented Fox’s candidacy and formally launched the now-famous “Pick Rick” campaign branding.
April 19, 2026
“Vote and Win”
Jamiah Burrows won a vehicle through Fox’s civic participation challenge, part of a campaign effort encouraging voter engagement and turnout.
April 20, 2026
“The Wealthiest Candidate”
Financial disclosures revealed Fox as the wealthiest candidate in the 2026 election cycle, with reported assets exceeding $469 million, ending speculation about his financial standing.
April 25, 2026
“The Garden Hills Blueprint”
Fox unveiled detailed policy graphics outlining plans for:
- youth development,
- healthcare access,
- infrastructure upgrades,
- environmental restoration,
- entrepreneurship,
- and a proposed $10 million investment fund for Garden Hills.
May 4, 2026
“The Numbers Don’t Lie”
Fox’s campaign highlighted more than:
- 20 community clean-ups,
- 16 streets and locations served,
- and 13 solar lights installed across Garden Hills during the campaign.
May 6, 2026
“Shaq Steps In”
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal publicly endorsed Fox, helping elevate international attention surrounding the campaign.
May 8, 2026
“Buju Backs Rick”
Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton threw his support behind Fox ahead of Election Day.
May 10, 2026
“Vanessa Williams Endorses”
Fox’s former wife, actress and singer Vanessa Williams publicly endorsed his campaign.
May 11, 2026
“Magic Joins the Campaign”
NBA icon Magic Johnson became the latest major celebrity to endorse Fox just one day before Bahamians went to the polls.
May 12, 2026
“Election Day”
Fox contested the Garden Hills constituency seat against PLP incumbent Mario Bowleg in one of the country’s most closely watched races.
May 13, 2026
“Grace in Defeat”
Fox publicly conceded the race and congratulated Bowleg on his victory in Garden Hills.
May 18, 2026
“We Pick Rick”
Despite losing at the polls, Fox officially entered Parliament after being appointed to the Senate by the FNM — with the party itself declaring:
“We Pick Rick.”
The appointment made Fox one of the most internationally recognized figures ever to serve in the Bahamian Senate.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in coordination with the Planning Department and key partner agencies, conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the Lower Bight area in Providenciales. The exercise resulted in the complete removal of a total of eight (8) unauthorized structures and all associated debris from a
privately-owned parcel of land.
The operation was led by the Planning Department, with coordination by the ISU and support from the TCI Border Force, the Crown Land Unit, and Pelican Energy. Security for the exercise was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. All agencies worked collaboratively to ensure the exercise was carried out in a safe, orderly, and controlled manner.
The enforcement action followed a structured and lawful process in accordance with the Physical Planning regulatory framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Section 45 Enforcement Notices were first issued on the affected parcel in December 2024, identifying unauthorized structures erected without the requisite approvals. This was followed by the issuance of Warning Notices on April 16, 2026, which advised occupants that they were in breach of planning and land use regulations and provided notice that demolition activities would proceed following the prescribed compliance period. Despite these notices and the time afforded for compliance, the unauthorized structures remained in place.
This exercise represents part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring that development within the Turks and Caicos Islands is lawful, safe, and aligned with national standards.
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