Government
PDM Press Statement: Robert Been Jr.
Turks and Caicos, July 14, 2023
Good afternoon to the beautiful citizens of the Turks & Caicos Islands,
First and foremost, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the families who have recently lost their loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Today, I stand before you with a few questions before proceeding with my press address.
Are the voices of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands going unheard? Where are we heading as a country? where do we see ourselves in the next 30 years if real change doesn’t come? Are we far better off as a country than we were before?
Today crime has reached alarming levels in our nation. We are witnessing the highest crime rates in our countries history, with an increase in gang-related activity leading to tragic incidents of violence, including murders. Last year, we were compelled to seek assistance from the Royal Bahamas Police Force to regain control of our streets. However,
upon their departure, we regrettably witnessed a rebirth in gun violence.
The recent beheading of an individual in Five Cays serves as a shocking reminder of the gruesome crimes plaguing our beloved Turks and Caicos Islands. That murder marks the eighth (8th) for 2023, and we hope it doesn’t contribute to the growing list of unsolved cases.
These unsolved cases can be seen as a clear indication that either our Premier is not allocating sufficient resources to combat crime, or our Commissioner of Police lacks the answers or solutions to address this escalating issue.
The emotional toll on our citizens cannot be underestimated. Every Turk and Caicos Islander has the right to feel safe and secure within their homes and communities. Our children, the future of our nation, deserve to live and thrive without the threat of violence hanging over their lives.
It is the responsibility of any government to ensure the safety of our streets and neighborhoods. Unfortunately, the current administration has failed to effectively address the crime and violence that plagues our beloved TCI.
The People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) recognizes that crime and violence demand a holistic solution. We are committed to confronting these criminal elements head-on and utilizing all available resources, both legal and material, to reclaim our communities from these detrimental forces. Strategic operations, proper manpower, and necessary equipment must be employed to restore peace, tranquility, and security to our neighborhoods.
However, addressing crime and violence requires a multi-faceted approach. We must look deeper into the root causes of criminal behavior and juvenile delinquency in our communities. We must examine family structures, the impact of fatherlessness, the challenges faced by single mothers, and the importance of providing support through extracurricular activities, youth clubs, church groups, and other community services. These measures act as barriers, preventing our youth from embracing lives of crime.
Furthermore, we need policies in place that foster economic growth and job creation. By cultivating a robust economy, we enable our people to find employment and become productive members of society. This holistic approach should have been a priority for this government
We must engage in genuine and comprehensive consultations with community stakeholders to understand the underlying issues and build trust between residents and the police force. Crimes should no longer go unreported, and we must ensure that our justice system functions effectively to keep criminals, particularly repeat offenders, off our streets. Implementing rehabilitation programs for those willing to turn their lives around is also crucial. We must offer them a second chance.
It is evident that the current government is overwhelmed and in dire need of assistance, not only in addressing crime but also in tackling the growing challenges our country faces. This is not a partisan issue; it affects every citizen of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The PDM has previously proposed solutions, and now it is time to put some of those solutions into action
Moving on to the issue of immigration, it is disheartening to witness the continuous influx of illegal ships making landfall on our shores. These incidents not only threaten our national security but also underscore our lack of knowledge regarding the individuals residing within our country
Additionally, there is a need for more firmer oversight in managing the approval of work permits. We must ensure that locals who are qualified for certain positions are not overlooked in favor of foreign workers.
The emotional toll this situation takes on our people is depressing. Turks and Caicos Islanders are feeling the pain, and we must assure them that the sacrifices of our forefathers were not in vain. As a small country with a small population, every citizen deserves a fair chance at a decent and happy life.
Regrettably, the PNP administration has shown a lack of leadership and direction when it comes to addressing the issue of illegal immigration. It has spiraled out of control, and the consequences of their inaction are evident. We must understand that illegal immigration is not solely a political issue; it affects our entire nation and community.
The minister of immigration in his budget address stated that “For the year 2022/2023 their teams processed, detained, and repatriated over 2882 persons from 31 boats”, can you imagine where those funds could have been invested if our boarders were better protected?
The facts are this, in order to get real control of who is entering our country, we must get a firm grip of our boarders to ensure our people are safe and secure. This is not an easy task, but we must invest heavily in this area.
By effectively managing the influx of illegal immigrants, we can ease the burden on our taxpayers and social services. We must advocate at regional and international levels, ensuring that our unique circumstances are taken into account and that we are not disadvantaged by international laws.
Secondly, we must engage in open and honest conversations with our people regarding the fair and balanced issuance of work permits. We need to develop policies that ensure our citizens have access to the resources of our country, and these resources are distributed fairly. This approach requires the input of all stakeholders to foster consensus on this contentious issue.
Finally, the lack of access to capital and affordable housing has led to a significant exodus of our people from the Turks and Caicos Islands. Many are living paycheck to paycheck without seeing a path to financial freedom. The cost of accommodation and land purchases continues to rise, making it increasingly difficult for locals to maintain their daily lives.
We are witnessing a wave of brain drain, where our brightest minds are leaving our shores due to the lack of opportunities. It is truly disheartening to see such talent forced to seek careers elsewhere, hindered by limited financial support and inadequate access to capital.
The current government’s approach seems to encourage dependency, rather than empowerment.
Advancing the lives of our citizens appears to be absent from their priority list. Their delegation of important responsibilities to private entities, such as the Tourist Board to the DMO and the airport, indicates a lack of commitment to their 14-1 elected duties.
The PDM pledges to implement economic policies that empower our people and allow them to achieve happiness within the TCI.
We the PDM will develop a robust economic agenda that provides access to capital, better opportunities, and credit facilities. Our goal is to enable our citizens to own properties, live comfortably, and not worry about their next meal or falling behind on bills.
We must create a legislative framework that facilitates economic activity, entrepreneurship, and business growth. We must maximize our potential by treating our people as individuals with immense capabilities rather than beggars reliant on handouts. The PDM believes in providing our people with a hand up, offering opportunities driven by economic growth.
Education and skills training will play a vital role in expanding earning potential. Our young people must be prepared to seize opportunities arising from technological advancements.
In closing, I want to assure my fellow citizens that your voices will be heard once again. When the time comes for the next election, the PDM government-in-waiting will provide you with the government you truly deserve. For far too long, we have accepted the UK and others telling us what we can and can’t do.
It’s time for us to stand up and stop accepting “no” as the final answer. We must take control of our own destiny and demand real representation.
There is only one message we the PDM have and that is to make Turks and Caicos Islanders first. Our goal and vision for this country is to navigate it onto the right path, ultimately leading us to achieving self-determination.
Turks and Caicos, September 6, 2025 – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Tamica Prospere as the Director of the Department of Learning and Development within the Office of the Deputy Governor.
Mrs. Prospere holds a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development (RQF Level 5), a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of the West Indies (UWI) and an Associate Degree in Education, also from UWI. She has further enhanced her credentials with certifications and coursework in content delivery, human resource management, talent management, and training and development from esteemed institutions, including Mico University College and CIPD.
With a strong foundation in public service and education in St. Lucia, Mrs. Prospere dedicated over a decade to classroom teaching at the secondary school level, beginning in 2002. During her tenure, she educated a diverse student body across various subjects, including Mathematics, Information Technology, and Life Skills, all aimed at fostering students’ personal and social well-being. She also facilitated community adult learning programs, showcasing her enduring commitment to promoting inclusive and varied educational opportunities.
Her career in public service in the Turks and Caicos Islands began in 2014 as a teacher at Marjorie Basden High School. From 2019, she served as the Learning and Development Manager for the legacy Customs Department and later for the TCI Border Force. In this role, she made significant contributions to improvements and championed a culture of professional growth.
Mrs. Prospere has been a strong advocate for leadership development through several key programmes. She conceptualised and introduced
the Leading Effectively through Accountability and Development (LEAD) programme for the management team, which has successfully run for three consecutive years, with its most recent leadership reinforcement event held in 2025. Additionally, she implemented several programmes in partnership with educational institutions, resulting in 27 Border Force officers earning continuing professional development (CPD) certifications in supervisory management from UWI and 10 managers completing the Dynamic Leadership course with the Caribbean Maritime University.
She played a pivotal role in developing operational strategic plans and frameworks for both the Customs Department and the TCI Border Force. Mrs. Prospere spearheaded the creation and delivery of professional programmes, such as the Customs Broker Certification Programme. She introduced a Learning Management System (LMS) to facilitate scalable learning for aspiring Customs Brokers.
Moreover, she led the implementation of several significant projects, most notably the Regional Clearance System in the TCI and a comprehensive revamp of customs procedures at Howard Hamilton International Airport, which greatly enhanced operational efficiency. She also facilitated key engagements that strengthened partnerships with leading regional bodies, including the Caribbean Customs Legislation and Enforcement Council (CCLEC), the border security team within CARICOM IMPACS, and the customs advisory arm of CARTAC. These collaborations were instrumental in securing vital technical assistance for training.
Speaking on the appointment, Mrs. Prospere said, “I am honoured to step into this role and lead the Learning and Development Directorate. I believe that a world-class public service is built together. I’m dedicated to partnering with civil servants at all levels to foster a dynamic learning environment where we can collectively develop the skills needed to be adaptable, exceed standards, and deliver truly exceptional service to the public.”
In congratulating Mrs. Prospere, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams stated, “We are pleased to extend congratulations to Mrs. Tamica Prospere on her appointment as the new Director of the Department of Learning and Development within the Office of the Deputy Governor.
With over a decade of dedicated service in the field of training and development, Mrs. Prospere has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to building capacity and strengthening the public service workforce in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Her innovative and strategic approach to learning has transformed teams and empowered individuals, ensuring the public service is well-equipped to meet the demands of a constantly evolving landscape.
As the government continues its efforts to enhance service delivery through robust and comprehensive training initiatives, we are confident that Mrs. Prospere’s leadership will be instrumental in advancing a culture of excellence, collaboration and continuous growth across the public sector.
Congratulations Mrs. Prospere, on your well-deserved promotion. We look forward to working with you to shape the future of learning and development in the Public Service in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Turks and Caicos, September 6, 2025 – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is proud to announce the appointment of Ms. Melissa Holland as the new Public Service Information Officer within the Office of the Deputy Governor.
Ms. Holland holds an Associate Degree in Business from Turks and Caicos Community College, a Creative Suite Certificate in Website Development from StackSkills, and an Administrative Professional Certification from the College of Administrative Professionals. She has also engaged in continuous learning through Coursera.
Over the course of her career, Ms. Holland has accumulated valuable experience in various roles. She began her journey as a Clerical Officer
at the Ministry of Education from June 2007 to May 2009 and was promoted to Secretary to the CEO from December 2009 to April 2010. Subsequently, she served as the Assistant to the Director of Sales, Marketing & Rentals at Apes Hill Club in Barbados from May 2011 to July 2014. Ms. Holland then took on the role of Office Assistant at Growing Soul Records in Miami, FL, from August 2014 to October 2015, followed by another position as an Office Assistant at Arrow Electronics in Denver, CO, from November 2015 to June 2018.
In June 2018, she became a Multimedia Specialist at Shop Genesis and later transitioned to the role of Creative Director at Black Sage Analytics from September 2020 to 2022. More recently, she served as an Administrative Officer at the Ministry of Health and Human Services from December 2022 to March 2023, before moving to the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services as an Administrative Officer from March 2023 to August 2025. She acted as the Communications Officer for Border Force in September 2023.
Upon her appointment, Ms. Holland shared her enthusiasm, stating, “My journey from capturing moments through lifestyle photography to creating designs that honor the vibrance of Caribbean culture has been shaped by both creativity and faith. Stepping into the role of Public Service Information Officer is a privilege and an exciting opportunity to unite my love for storytelling with service. Guided by Proverbs 3:5-6, I trust God to continue directing my path and using my gifts for a greater purpose”.
Her Excellency Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, congratulated Ms. Holland, stating, “We are delighted to congratulate Ms. Melissa Holland on her appointment as Public Service Information Officer and to welcome her to our team in the Office of the Deputy Governor.
In this important role, Ms. Holland will be responsible for the accurate and timely dissemination of both internal and external communications related to the operations of the public service, including circulars, notices, appointment announcements and other official updates.
We are confident that Ms. Holland’s diverse background and professional expertise will be invaluable in fulfilling these responsibilities and we look forward to the meaningful contributions she will undoubtedly bring to the team.
Congratulations, Ms. Holland, on your new appointment!”
Turks and Caicos, September 6, 2025 – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Andy Missick as the Juvenile Manager within the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Services in the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities.
Mr. Missick holds a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours in Social Work from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.
His professional experience includes serving as a Registration Officer at the Financial Services Commission for three years, a Social Worker for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government for one year and as a Probation Officer in the Department of Rehabilitation & Community Supervision from 2023 until his recent promotion.
Sharpening his skills in the area of rehabilitation, Mr. Missick has completed professional training in the following areas: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Case Management, Risk Assessment, Intake and Interviewing Techniques, Counseling, Report Writing, Conflict Resolution and Mediation, Reentry and Reintegration Planning, Community Resource Networking, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Behavior Modification, and Social Skills Training.
Known for his contributions to Youth Leadership and Representation in the Turks and Caicos Islands and elsewhere, Mr. Missick currently serves as the Male CARICOM Youth Ambassador since 2023 and is a currently a Youth Parliamentarian having representing the Turks and Caicos Islands at the 12th Annual Commonwealth Youth Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand; the 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting in London, United Kingdom and the Caribbean Youth Summit 2023 in Kingston, Jamaica.
In addition to his professional roles, Mr. Missick is involved in community service and volunteerism through the Rotaract Club of Providenciales, where he has been an active member for seven years. He has held various leadership positions, including Sergeant-at-Arms, Foundation Chair, Youth Service Director, Wellness Chair, Fundraising Director, Vice President and currently serves as the President.
Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Missick stated, “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity. Growing up in the Turks and Caicos, I have
seen far too many young lives cut short. Some lost to violence, some to poor choices and some to the weight of circumstances they never asked for. Those experiences are etched into me and they are the reason I feel such deep gratitude and responsibility in being appointed Juvenile Manager. This is more than a role; it is a calling to stand in the gap for our youth, to remind them that they are not defined by their mistakes but by the greatness still inside of them. I believe in second chances, I believe in opportunity, and I believe that with guidance, accountability and hope, our young people can rise above their struggles and become the leaders of tomorrow.
I anchor myself in the words of Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” True leadership is service, and in serving our youth, I serve the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This appointment is not just about today. It is about building a legacy of hope, discipline and purpose for tomorrow”.
In congratulatory remarks, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, said, “It gives me great pleasure to officially congratulate Mr. Andy Missick on his appointment as Juvenile Manager with the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Services, within the Ministry of Public Safety.
The post of Juvenile Manager is a critical role, focused on shaping the future of our islands by supporting, guiding and rehabilitating at-risk youth. The Juvenile Manager plays a key part in ensuring that young individuals are given every opportunity to grow into productive, empowered citizens who contribute meaningfully to society.
Mr. Missick brings to this position a wealth of experience, a deep passion for youth empowerment and a proven track record of service and leadership. His longstanding commitment to the development of young people in the Turks and Caicos Islands is well known, having served with distinction as a CARICOM Youth Ambassador, Youth Parliamentarian and a dedicated member of the Rotaract. Through these platforms, he has consistently advocated for youth engagement, policy development and community service, earning the respect of peers and stakeholders alike.
We are confident that Mr. Missick will continue to inspire and implement innovative initiatives that uplift our youth and strengthen our communities.
Congratulations, Mr. Missick, on your well-deserved promotion. We look forward to the positive impact you will undoubtedly make in this vital role.”
