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EXPERIENCE TURKS AND CAICOS ROLLS OUT COMMUNITY CONNECT MEETINGS IN NORTH AND MIDDLE CAICOS

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PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS (April 26th, 2024) – Experience Turks and Caicos rolled out the first two sessions of the Community Connect meetings in Middle and North Caicos on April 24th and 25th, 2024. These meetings took place at the Conch Bar Community Centre and Horse Stable Beach Community Centre, respectively.

The primary aim of these community meetings is to raise awareness among residents across the Turks and Caicos Islands about Experience Turks and Caicos, our forthcoming plans, and how these endeavors will benefit everyone across the islands.

The sessions featured a panel of speakers — Mr. Alvin Hegner, co-chair of Experience Turks and Caicos, Ms. Trina Adams, Chief Marketing Officer, Ms. Helycann Selver, the Local Representative for North and Middle Caicos, and Ms. Sasha Arthur, Regulatory Specialist for the Department of Tourism Regulations.

During both meetings, Mr. Hegner emphasised that it is open season for creativity, urging attendees to develop new products and businesses to attract funding from Experience Turks and Caicos and Invest TCI, as he stressed Experience Turks and Caicos’ commitment to ensuring mutual benefits from the tourism industry. Mr. Hegner also emphasised the significance of having a local representative on the islands, offering residents a valuable resource for developing and enhancing their businesses.

Ms. Selver, the Local Representative, presented plans for the islands under the Destination Development Unit such as enhancement works for Bambarra Beach, voted the second best beach in the Caribbean by USA Today10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Wifi installations at the Bellfield Landing Terminal, hashtag and landing signage at Bambarra Beach and Bellfield Landing Terminal as well as the enhancement of the Cottage Pond in North Caicos and the Crossing Place Trail and Juniper Hole in Middle Caicos.

She also spoke about the recently launched Exquisite Turks and Caicos initiative designed to encourage immersive tourism. The program will offer up to $5000 to assist businesses in developing their product or service to offer visitors a more enhanced experience.

Ms. Adams discussed marketing strategies aimed at increasing visitors from source markets and emphasised the importance of collaboration with local communities. She introduced the “Rooted in Community, Growing Together” campaign, which underscores shared ownership of the tourism future and the preservation of cultural and environmental heritage, among other aims.

Ms. Arthur from the DTR provided insights into the department’s initiatives, including the TIDES program and new initiatives such as Rate Your Ride and a Do’s and Don’ts video to assist the accommodation sector in preparing for site inspections.

Feedback from both communities was positive, with attendees expressing appreciation for the focus on the sister islands and the presence of a local representative to address their needs. They also provided suggestions for further marketing of the islands’ unique aspects, cultural recognition, and improvements in infrastructure and services.

Mr. Osbourne Delancey, District Commissioner for Middle and North Caicos, spoke about the opportunities for eco-tourism in the islands and his willingness to partner with Experience Turks and Caicos to make them a reality.

Apart from hosting the meetings, the Experience Turks and Caicos team took some time to visit Isaac Farms to learn about Mr. Courtney Missick’s plans to develop agro-tourism on his farm and Keith “Spot” Missick’s Spot On E-Bikes to enjoy the experience of riding the eco-friendly electronic bikes that are very popular with tourists.

Dates and venues for upcoming Community Connect Meetings will be announced in the coming weeks.

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Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

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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.

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New Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission

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Darius E. Ferguson, Member of the Integrity Commission Board

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.”

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Multi-Agency Planning Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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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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