News
World Food Day 2023: “Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind”
October 23, 2023 – Access to food and water are fundamental human rights[1]. Water in its finite nature is the driving force for people, economies, nature and the foundation of our food. Agriculture accounts for a significant proportion of total freshwater withdrawal, and water availability is inextricably linked to food production and food security in the Caribbean region.
World Food Day, observed annually on October 16th, aims to promote global awareness of hunger and promote action for the future of food, people and the planet. The theme for 2023 “Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind,” highlights the collective responsibility to sustain and protect the quality and quantity of water resources, to ensure the region’s food security and support livelihoods.
Water security has become increasingly important and is recognized as one of the top security concerns facing the global community[2]. The effects of climate change such as rising sea levels, temperature increases and changes in precipitation, and land-based sources of marine pollution further threaten the sustainable use of the resource and increase the risk of water stress2.
Caribbean Small Developing States are among the most susceptible countries to the effects of climate change. Coupled with the growing demand on water supplies due to regional development, urbanisation, and heavily reliant sectors such as tourism, agriculture and industry, the need for identification and prioritization of alternative freshwater sources including but not limited to rainwater harvesting and wastewater reuse have become more critical than ever.
CARPHA remains committed to aiding its Member States in promoting food safety and preventing the incidence of foodborne diseases among local communities and visitors through the provision of the advanced food safety and certification train the trainer course for health and hospitality sectors. This initiative builds on countries’ capacities and competencies in advanced food safety, illness causation and prevention, outbreak investigation, and environmental sanitation.
The Global Environmental Fund Integrating Water, Land and Ecosystems Management in Caribbean Small Island Developing States (GEF-IWEco) Project, co-executed by CARPHA and other regional and international partners, builds upon the work previously done in-country to address water, land and biodiversity resource management and climate change in ten Caribbean countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago.
It is imperative that water resources are used and managed more mindfully, to mitigate and control non-revenue water, over-extraction, and pollution of these valuable resources. Caribbean governments are urged to safeguard existing water sources by strengthening and exploring innovative alternatives and best practices, adopting climate resilient interventions, and revamping national legislations and policies.
On World Food Day 2023, we are reminded of the crucial role that water plays in how we eat, grow, and live. Through cross-sectoral and whole-of-society action, the Caribbean can join the global commitment in ensuring more equitable water access and implement more integrated solutions to effectively use and conserve our precious Caribbean water resources.
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.
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.”
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.
-
News1 week agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
-
Caribbean News1 week agoLiberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
-
News1 week agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals
-
News6 days agoMulti-Agency Planning Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays
-
News6 days agoNew Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission
-
News23 hours agoPolice Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards