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Education Launches Consultation on $700,000 Victoria Public Library Re-Opening

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By Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer 

 

 

#TurksandCaicos, July 7, 2023 – The Government has a reported budget of $700,000 to redevelop the Victoria Public Library and needs you to tell them how to use it according to a recent press release.

Grand Turk Residents are being called to consult on the library following an executive order from the Ministry of Education, that halted the upgrade process to make sure the opinions of the people were heard.

“The Government’s key objective for convening this public consultation is to ensure that the feedback of the citizenry of Grand Turk is garnered and thoroughly considered, to inform and finalise the infrastructural development plans for the Victoria Public Library,” TCIG said in the press release.

Residents will be able to make their decisions and share opinions via survey at an in person meeting on July 10th at the Library.

The survey, which is a simple one page document, requires very little demographic data; only age ranges, employment status, and gender before laying out the options for locals to choose on how the money should be spent.

Residents will be able to vote on whether the location is convenient and if it should be moved, maintained as a library, or turned into a historical site.

History records, about the library that “In 1887, this public library was dedicated to Victoria, the Queen of the United Kingdom, to celebrate her golden jubilee.  It officially opened two years later.  Nearby is a plaque from 2002 honoring the 50th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II.  Both monarchs reigned for over 60 years.”

Following the survey, the Ministry of Education informed it will rate a suite of amenities on a scale of ‘not important’ to ‘mandatory,’ so the Government can tally what the age groups desire most.  On the table for addition to the existing structure are: study areas; a large play area for children; a section for teens; computer room; meeting room; adult areas; space for crafts and story time; Government archive and more.

In addition to that, residents are asked to list areas outside of the programmes and services currently offered that could make an impact on the community.

The survey will close on July 10th and you can access it here: https://forms.office.com/r/eqk7XiSe3M

The Victoria Public Library was destroyed by fire from suspected arsonists in a shocking March 2017 blaze which led to the destruction of many of  the valued artifacts, donations and inventory of books at the over 136-year-old building.

The reconstruction was completed in 2022.

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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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