News
Where does TCI stand with Future jobs of interest vs Demand?
Ed Forbes,
Concerned citizen of Grand Turk
In an emerging market and a rapid changing environment like the Turks and Caicos Islands, selecting and preparing our students for future jobs is a critical step in nation building.
As the country grows and develops, some jobs will be threatened by redundancy, whilst others will grow rapidly. We have seen it with the outsourcing of our tourism sector. If the right investments were made in our people within that department, despite the changes, it may have resulted in less turnovers.
What have we learned from this?
Whilst the rapid growth holds great promises, it will pose some major challenges requiring proactive adaptation by corporations, governments and individuals if not prepared.
With that being said, preparing and anticipating for current and future transition is therefore critical. The education department and the approving scholarship board will have to stimulate deeper thinking about how government and high level management can navigate these unforeseen changes.
It was refreshing to see the diversity in curriculum with the recent prestigious scholarships awards in TCI. Furthermore, hats off to this administration for moving forward with advancing the TCICC with the NCCER’s seal of approval.
This in itself was an amazing achievement not only for the country, but especially for families with limited disposable income to further their children’s education abroad.
It would also be advantageous for the government, key stakeholders and the education department to work in concert on these programs. This will help to identify some of the greatest needs, desires and qualifications of current jobseekers, versus the demands of up and coming jobs and business opportunities.
As we navigate the challenges of our time in such a changing society, it is crucial to remember that although the government has a responsibility to provide available resources to their citizens, parents also have a role to play.
Government support does not negate parental responsibilities of helping to nurture and plan their children’s future.
Finding effective ways to help bridge the skills gap will also be crucial in charting the country’s future.
Has there ever been a labour market survey or a skill gap analysis conducted? This will help to better link the types of scholarships being awarded for jobs of the future.
Many developed countries are using empirical data in the form of charts and graphs to help determine skills gaps and future needs. These charts can also be used to demonstrate current job placements versus future job growth and opportunities.
As the economy continues to grow and diversify, greater emphasis will also need to be placed on the scholarship approval process. This is in regards to not only catering to the students own areas of interest but what the country really needs in terms of supply and demand.
In order to map a future view of skill demand versus supply, what I believe needs to be done, is a comprehensive analysis to get a more accurate picture of the training and opportunity areas. Using empirical data from the number of outsourced consultancy jobs and medical specialty areas is a good start.
Once this is completed, resources will need to be put in place to up-skill those who are out of work to fill high priority employment gaps through certification programs.
With TCIG E-government on the horizon, there will be a need for positions such as Data protection analysts, Cybersecurity etc. Furthermore, with FortisTCI plans to embark on solar energy in the twin islands and Salt Cay, this is a huge potential growth area where new jobs are anticipated across the skills spectrum.
Recently, there was a Facebook posting from the TCI RESEMBID Sustainable Energy Project, offering a free Solar class for anyone interested in this field. Albeit, the spaces were limited and advertisement short lived, these are the types of programs that need more exposure and encouragement, along with commitment from potential employers on job security.
As the country continues to move forward, Government annually awarded scholarships is an area that will need to be very selective and closely examined to help eliminate any unconscious biases.
This will enable many bright students from all walks of life to obtain education they may have never had access to otherwise. It’s also a way to attract and retain the best talent for the country.
Despite the fact that the country is steadily progressing, the national economy appears to be lagging in human capital development. This emphasizes the critical importance of developing the economy in tandem with education and human capital development to reap greater benefits.
Therefore, awarding scholarships in the right areas plays a very important role in developing local talent. It will contribute to the improvement of systems, practices, and policies within the work space and supports the wider socio-economic changes.
I’m finding that in certain critical positions, locals haven’t received the same level of investment opportunities impacting their ability to grow and scale the organizations they are helping to lead.
Strengthening the soft skill base of the national labour force will do just that, and will need to be placed on the front burner. This will help to prepare the next generation of leaders, who can bring innovative approaches that will help to transform some outdated systems and practices that currently exist as we know it.
Unfortunately, with the limited job market, it’s often a challenge for returning students to apply their skills and knowledge. It’s a complex situation, but this is where succession planning becomes vital to minimize gaps in leadership positions like we are seeing in our prison and policing departments.
Failure of our leaders to plan strategically, as technology advances and new jobs are created, we will continue to face recruitment challenges and talent shortages. Ultimately, it could lead to an increased reliance on work-permit holders.
We have a dynamic economy but we are training our folks to participate in it?
After demolition
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 17 July 2026: The Planning Department, with support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), and the Crown Land Unit conducted a coordinated enforcement operation on Thursday, 2 July 2026, resulting in the demolition of six unauthorised structures on private property at Block and Parcel 60502/48. Security for the operation was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
The enforcement action followed the issuance of an Enforcement Notice by the Planning Department on 29 January 2026, advising the persons responsible for the structures that they had been erected without the necessary planning approval and were required to be removed. Following the expiration of the compliance period, a multi-agency operation was organised to carry out the demolition.
Before demolition activities commenced, personnel conducted a comprehensive inspection of the site to confirm that all structures were unoccupied and free of gas cylinders or other hazardous materials. These precautionary measures were undertaken to safeguard the welfare
of both the enforcement teams and the public while ensuring the operation was carried out safely and efficiently.
Upon completion of the exercise, participating agencies returned to Police Tactical Headquarters for a debrief, marking the successful conclusion of another coordinated enforcement effort.
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds members of the public that all construction activities must receive the appropriate planning approvals before work begins. The Planning Department will continue to work alongside its partner agencies to enforce the Planning Ordinance, promote orderly development and ensure that construction throughout the Islands complies with the applicable laws and regulations.
Members of the public are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the planning approval process and to seek guidance from the Planning Department before undertaking any development to avoid enforcement action and loss of money invested.
News
DDME’s Hurricane Hunt Scavenger Hunt Sparks Community Spirit and Storm Preparedness in Providenciales
Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — Fifteen teams raced across Providenciales on Saturday July 4th for the inaugural DDME Hurricane Hunt, a community scavenger hunt designed to combine friendly competition with hurricane preparedness education.
Teams were given a bag of supplies and 15 cryptic clues, participants had less than two hours to pinpoint locations and collect hurricane must-haves; including water jugs, shovels, flashlights and other supplies that every household should have on hand ahead of a storm.
The challenge tested not only participants’ local knowledge and navigation skills, but also their teamwork under time pressure; all while reinforcing practical lessons about what it takes to stay ready when a storm approaches.
Beyond the hunt itself, the event drew a lively crowd of families and supporters who turned out to enjoy a full day of festivities. Attendees took part in games, received free gifts, face painting, canvas painting, bounce houses and visited vendor booths; while enjoying fresh food off the grill throughout the afternoon.
“This event brought together the best of both worlds; a fun, high-energy competition and a meaningful reminder of how important it is for our community to be prepared,” Mr. Aaron Ballantyne, Community Preparedness Officer for Providenciales. “Seeing 15 teams fully engaged, racing to landmarks across the island while learning what belongs in a hurricane kit, was exactly the outcome we hoped for.”
DDME extends their sincere gratitude to the stakeholders that partnered with the event and generously donated their time, resources and
efforts to make it a success: The Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross, The Oseta Jolly Primary School, The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Do It Center (Building Materials), KB Homes, Digicel TCI, Frost Cay and Clint Grilling and Catering Services, along with all other vendors who were solicited.
The event’s success was also made possible by the private organizations and government departments that opened their locations to serve as scavenger hunt sites, allowing the hunt to unfold across the island; from Chalk Sound to Long Bay.
The quick thinking first place team consisted of; Neekimo King, Keturah Miller-Brown, Lashaunda Dickenson and Kebba Thomas who all walked away with exciting prizes.
Ms. Bernadya Smith, Public Information and Media Manager stated; “With hurricane season underway, this event, along with our recent Hurricane Expo held in Grand Turk and community pop-ups throughout the country, is a testament to DDME’s commitment to blending community engagement with year-round storm readiness. We look forward to making this event an annual staple that brings families together while keeping preparedness at the forefront of every community we serve.
Follow DDME social media pages to stay up to date with upcoming events and to join their weekly quizzes for a chance to win exciting prizes all hurricane season long.
News
Invest TCI Supports Certification of Local Flats Fishing Guides Through MSME Technical Assistance Under Historic TCFFA–TCICC Partnership
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — June 11th 2026 — Invest Turks and Caicos Islands has confirmed a financial commitment of $26,750 through the MSME Programme’s Technical Assistance support to assist 35 participants undertaking STCW and Fly-Fishing Guide Certifications under the Turks and Caicos Fly Fishing Association (TCFFA) and the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) partnership. The support is intended to strengthen the capacity of existing and emerging local operators within the flats-fishing and marine–based tourism sector, helping participants formalize their skills, improve service standards, and access higher-value economic opportunities.
The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between TCFFA and TCICC on 12th May 2026, establishing the
country’s first endorsed and regionally recognized Sustainable Fly-Fishing curriculum. That partnership, funded in part by the UK Government through the Darwin Plus Local initiative, aims to certify twenty or more Turks and Caicos Islanders as Flats-Fishing Guides and Train-The-Trainers — drawn from Providenciales, North Caicos, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, and Grand Turk.
Invest TCI’s contribution ensures that the financial barrier to certification does not prevent qualified candidates from accessing this sector-building opportunity. The support is being provided as technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of existing and emerging MSMEs within the flats-fishing and marine-based tourism sector, enabling participants to formalize, improve service standards, and access higher-value market opportunities.
“We are indeed happy to be a part of this initiative and to provide financial support towards the certification of the 35 participants. Invest TCI is committed to empowering small and medium enterprises and the individuals who drive them – and this programme is a direct example of that commitment in action.” — Alexa Cooper, Vice President – SME Development, Invest Turks and Caicos
Regional studies, including research on The Bahamas’ flats-fishing sector, show that the industry can generate significant economic value through lodging, meals, transport, retail, and guided services. This demonstrates the potential for Turks and Caicos to strengthen its own flats-fishing value chain through professional training, certification, and local enterprise development.
Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos, highlighted the strategic alignment between the investment and Invest TCI’s broader
mission:
“Invest TCI’s mandate is to support a stronger, more diversified economy with Turks and Caicos Islanders positioned to benefit from the industries that shape our future. This initiative directly aligns with that mandate. By supporting certification for local flats-fishing guides, we are helping to convert local knowledge into recognized credentials, strengthen small business capacity, and retain more value within our communities. It is a practical investment in people, enterprise, and sector development.” — Angela Musgrove, CEO, Invest Turks and Caicos
TCFFA President Levardo Talbot, whose association initiated the candidacy process and identified the funded participants, welcomed Invest TCI’s commitment as pivotal to the programme’s reach:
“For the first time, Turks and Caicos Islander fly fishing guides have an endorsed and regionally-recognized, locally delivered pathway into a profession that has long been built on their knowledge but not always on their terms. Invest TCI’s support ensures the people who should be in this room are in this room.” — Levardo Talbot, President, Turks and Caicos Fly Fishing Association
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