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Informal Settlements Unit Lead Promises Prosecution & Demolition

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By Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

#TurksandCaicos, September 2, 2023 – Leaders of the newly etched Informal Settlements Unit (ISU) sat with members of the media on Tuesday August 22 in an opportunity to expound on the goals and mission of the ISU.  Although somberly stated, there was no mistaking the dogged resolve of Justice Carlos Simons, KC to see an end to the multi-pronged problems created by permitting unplanned communities in the TCI to go unchecked.

“We have a national motto, it says beautiful by Nature and this type of development undercuts (this),” said Simons who a month earlier, launched the ISU with the support of the Premier and the Governor of the territory.

The ISU is a Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) agency responsible for mitigating the proliferation of informal settlement activity in the Islands and the principal aim of the ISU is to build safer, more sustainable communities in the Turks and Caicos Islands and to improve the standard of living and quality of life of the affected occupants by undertaking this work.

The ISU is charged with the work of stopping this illegal practice and regularizing the long-established informal settlements to bring them in line with planning and other applicable laws.

“So don’t do it!” said the justice; a message to the crafters of these illegal constructions.  In far too many cases, they have proven to be manipulative; brazenly flouting country constructions codes in order to fatten their pockets by selling small parcels of land to impoverished or vulnerable groups; this fate has fallen largely to the Haitian community which either holds lower-salaried jobs as part of the expatriate workforce, or have migrated to the TCI illegally.

The Turks and Caicos, said Simons, is the only British overseas territory with this problem.

“In cases where there is evidence of fraud persons will be prosecuted. There is no way the Unit is going to stand by and see hard-working, law-abiding residents fleeced of their hard-earned cash on the basis of land ownership that never could exist,” Simons added, “The ISU will simply refer cases of this nature to the Attorney General’s Chambers who will take it up with the Director of Public Prosecutions and the evidence will be laid out for the judge to do with.”

It is estimated that in one informal settlement community alone, known as Dock Yard, there are at least 3,000 residents pressed into 20 acres of land.

Simons promised that his Unit, with its partners aside, will authorize the demolition of any expansions to these illegal communities which number 45 country-wide.

The goal, to reclaim some 500 acres of illegally developed land and see the thousands of residents re-situated to better quality and planning approved housing.

Joining that interview, Tito Lightbourne, Permanent Secretary of the National security secretariat who concurred that these developments pose a national security and public health threat.

When Justice Carlos Simons and PS Tito Lightbourne on Tuesday held a press conference on the gamut of work put to the Informal Settlements Unit, they very clearly stated that there were hundreds of acres to be reclaimed – both public and private.  Lightbourne said as many as 20 individuals would be make up the team at the ISU, mainly on a consultancy basis with a deputy to manage the day to day operations hired in support of  Mr. Simons who heads the unit hired.  He called the budget for the ISU, robust.  The ISU is located at the Laporte Plaza in Down Town Provo.

Dock Yard Residents feel forsaken they say… unable to get city or government services into the area… customs, they told Bishop Coletta Williams and Wilkie Arthur doesn’t come in to inspect their shipments for the stores legally licensed to operate, they have to work another arrangement so their goods are cleared …they believe Govt wants no part of the community, but head of the newly established ISU, Justice Carlos Simons KC says that is not true.

During a media meeting Tuesday PS of NSS Tito Lightbourne said  a survey which they commissioned for the Dock Yard report revealed there are at least 3000 people living in densely populated Dock Yard, 3000 people on 20 acres.  The ISU, with its new office No 20 and 22 Laporte’s Plaza, downtown Provo, said the time has come for an end to illegal settlements in the TCI and the unit is committed to getting that job done.

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RT & CIPF welcomes 30 Officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force

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Turks and Caicos, May 20, 2025 –   The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) officially welcomed the deployment of thirty officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) today, 20th May 2025.

The officers took their oaths of office during a formal swearing-in ceremony, marking the beginning of their service in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The deployment is part of a strategic initiative to enhance the RT&CIPF’s operational and tactical capabilities as the Force continues its mission to protect and serve the citizens and visitors of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fitz Bailey, addressed the new officers, emphasizing the importance of unity, professionalism, respect for human rights, and upholding human dignity.

The Commissioner pointed out that the officers are now part of a diverse Force comprising officers from over 21 nationalities, including those with Spanish and Creole-speaking backgrounds.

“You are joining a dynamic team with a shared commitment to community safety,” Commissioner Bailey said. “You will work alongside your RT&CIPF counterparts, integrating quickly, transferring your knowledge and experience, and gaining vital local insights. It is essential that you work harmoniously and reassure the communities you serve.”

He further emphasized that the rule of law must be upheld by everyone and reminded the officers to be firm in the execution of their duty, while in the same breath to uphold human rights while executing their duties: “Respect for human rights must be at the forefront of your service. The safety and dignity of people are paramount.”

Commissioner Bailey also acknowledged the challenges ahead: “There are individuals who seek to instil fear and disrupt our society through criminal activities. But you are here with a mandate—to serve and protect. Your primary objective is to preserve life. In the face of adversity, we must not become victims; we must prevail as victors. Self-preservation, vigilance, and teamwork will be critical as we move forward.”

Deputy Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams also addressed the new officers, emphasizing the importance of collaboration: “This is about teamwork—working together to bring stability and safety back to the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Commissioner of Police Warren Clarke, who oversees the Strategic Operations Portfolio within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF); Acting Deputy Commissioner Kendall Grant; Acting Assistant Commissioner Dwight Gardiner; Superintendent Jason James; and Acting Superintendent Kemron Lowhar.

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Caribbean News

13 Guadeloupean Students Visit Dominica to Deepen Understanding of Kalinago History and Culture

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Roseau, Dominica – Thirteen second-year high school students from Maison Familiale Rurale Education Orientation Lamentin (MFR Lamentin) in Guadeloupe have arrived in Dominica for a five-day educational exchange focused on the Kalinago people—Dominica’s Indigenous community. The initiative forms part of their Caribbean history curriculum and aims to foster deeper understanding and appreciation of the region’s rich and often overlooked Indigenous heritage.

This immersive experience, coordinated by Black Island Girl Multimedia, is designed to educate students on the Kalinago people’s contributions, traditions, and resilience, both past and present. By bringing students directly into contact with the Kalinago Territory, this program seeks to reshape the way Caribbean history is taught, centering authentic narratives and challenging historically inaccurate portrayals.

During their stay, students will engage with several cultural leaders including:

  • Anette Sanford, Dominica’s first female Kalinago Chief
  • Cozier Frederick, Minister for Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment, and Constituency Empowerment
  • Earlson Matthew, Chief Cultural Officer of Dominica

The itinerary also includes serval heritage sites and cultural experiences. They will participate in a traditional Kalinago naming ceremony, culinary experiences with locally made cassava and other traditional foods, and visits to historical and natural landmarks such as the Indian River, Fort Shirley, and Titou Gorge.

Educators from MFR Lamentin have extended a heartfelt invitation to members of the Kalinago community and cultural experts to meet with the visiting students. “We would be honoured if you could spare some time to engage with our students and share your perspectives on the significance of the Kalinago civilization in both historical and contemporary contexts,” said Mahailiah Mellow, teacher and development officer from the delegation. “Your expertise and leadership would greatly enrich the students’ understanding and appreciation of this vibrant and enduring culture.”

This exchange not only represents a powerful educational moment but also contributes to the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Kalinago heritage across the Caribbean.

Black Island Girl Multimedia is a media and communications company founded by Jael Joseph, a Dominican-Canadian journalist, media producer, and cultural storyteller. The company is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented Caribbean voices, reshaping narratives around Caribbean identity, and telling stories that center Black and Indigenous perspectives particularly those often excluded from mainstream historical accounts.

Black Island Girl Multimedia focuses on:

  • Documentary production and multimedia storytelling; “Territory”, a documentary on the Kalinago people won Best Short Doc in 2023 at The Caribbean Tales International Film Festival in Canada.
  • Cultural preservation through digital media, podcasting, and live events
  • Education and advocacy, especially around Caribbean history, heritage, and the experiences of women, migrants, and Indigenous peoples
  • Event partnerships that align with social justice, cultural upliftment, and regional empowerment

The name “Black Island Girl” is both a declaration of identity and a mission: to represent the richness, resilience, and reality of Caribbean life through creative media rooted in truth and lived experience.

For Interviews, media contact:
ACEM By Jael Inc.
Email: jael.joseph@gmail.com
Phone: 767 277-3699 / 614 1770

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Caribbean News

Cabinet Approves Unemployment Insurance Benefit for NIS Contributors

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Kingston, Jamaica, May 17, 2025 – Cabinet has approved the introduction of the unemployment insurance benefit, which will be added to the suite of provisions under the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

The new benefit will serve as a guaranteed safety net for all employees who contribute to the NIS, except for self-employed persons.

Additionally, work is under way to establish the requisite legal and institutional frameworks to implement this important national support system.

“One of the key lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic is the urgent need for a system that supports workers who lose their jobs, helping them to remain financially stable while seeking re-employment,” Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., said during his 2025/26 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (May 13).

Meanwhile, the Government has taken a decisive step to strengthen the nation’s social security framework by implementing the Social Protection for Increased Resilience and Opportunity (SPIRO), a US$20-million initiative supported by the World Bank.

Mr. Charles Jr. noted that SPIRO, which was launched last year, represents a transformative shift in social governance, with three strategic pillars – the creation of a unified Social Protection Information System (SPIS), supporting the introduction of unemployment insurance, and modernising of the Labour Market Information System (LMIS).

“The project is already generating impact through comprehensive assessments led by expert consultants, aimed at overhauling labour market services,” he stated.

The Minister further indicated that there will be upgrades to the Electronic Labour Exchange (ELE) and LMIS, which will enhance the digital infrastructure for employment services.

 

CONTACT: LATONYA LINTON

Release: JIS

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