TCI News
Sidewalks for Millennium Highway announced by Wheeland MP
Dana Malcolm
Staff writer
Two long awaited projects are ongoing in Providenciales; cooldown activities for the Provo Dump and sidewalks for Millennium Highway are finally being installed. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, made the announcements sharing photos of the ongoing progress.
Regarding the dump Knowles said: “Based on the information received from the Caribbean Development Bank Consultant (CDB), the exercise, while challenging, has made progress. This is due to adequate heavy machinery operations and a continuous water supply, which combined helps in the suppression and mitigation of the hotspots, which have been a nuisance to the neighboring communities.”
Days before that he updated residents on sidewalks for the highway.
“A part of maintaining and enhancing a community includes having basic infrastructure. I’m happy to announce that construction of the sidewalks in the Millennium Heights (Phase 2) area has commenced. Works are beginning from the Grants gas station,” he revealed.
The sidewalks project is particularly helpful for residents. It comes after years of walking directly alongside cars and trucks on the winding roadway which connects Wheeland to other major communities.
Millennium Highway has gone through several upgrades over the years, from resurfacing to proposed widening but no administration had tackled the lack of safe pedestrian spaces that separate them from drivers.
With a significant number of businesses and civil organizations and schools spread across the length of the highway or branching directly off the main road, pedestrians use it on a regular basis. The residents that commented on the work were jubilant sharing responses including:
“Way to go Min. Knowles” and “Awesome!!”
Not only is the sidewalk project expected to elevate pedestrian safety by providing people with a safe path, it could also inspire more residents to get out.
In an AARP livability study they said “ As public spaces, sidewalks are the front steps to a community, activating streets both socially and economically,” AARP says people who live in an area with sidewalks are almost 50 percent more likely move their body for almost 40 minutes on a daily basis.
The presence of sidewalks can also allow for walking and cycling to school and work which could have been a danger previously. Another benefit? It hikes up retail value for properties according to AARP.
A similar statement comes from the National Association of City Transportation Officials, in their urban street design guide where sidewalks are described as ‘fundamental and necessary investment for cities, that have been found to enhance general public health.’
The cooldown project is expected to contribute to public health as well, removing the smoke nuisance which has plagued residents for years caused by constant fires at the landfill.
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.
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