TCI News
ISU Resumes Nationwide Containment Exercises
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI MAY 8, 2024: The Informal Settlement Unit (ISU) has actively resumed containment activities across the Turks and Caicos Islands after a brief suspension was put in place during November of 2023.
As it resumes its activities, the ISU is also displaying its commitment to ensuring that all due process is followed, by providing extensions to those that have provided ample documentation to warrant further validation. The ISU remains dedicated to addressing the nuances of ownership documentation, ensuring a fair and sustainable approach to containment efforts.
In mid-November 2023, the organization announced that it would be suspending all containment activities in the Dock Yard area in light of the number of affected individuals who came forward with papers showing receipts for payment of the lands they occupy. This suspension was also extended to private lands where containment activities would have resulted in displacement given the then-approaching Christmas season.
While the suspension has now ended and containment activities have resumed across the country, persons who have provided supporting paperwork will see the suspension remain in effect while the issues of validating said paperwork and proof of ownership continue to be resolved.
Speaking on the issues stemming from the Dock Yard situation, Justice Carlos Simons, Strategic Lead of the ISU, issued a statement saying, “Though many of the structures found in the Dock Yard informal settlement are illegal, at least to the extent that they infringe on the planning code in one way or another, it is important that we do our due diligence in ensuring that we properly validate all claims of ownership”.
He continued in his statement, saying, “The mission of the ISU is to contain, manage, and eliminate informal settlements throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this also includes formalizing where possible. It is this organization’s goal to achieve its mission in such a way that we are able to eventually build safer, more sustainable communities”.
Since reclamation exercises have resumed, the ISU is on track to clear approximately 47 unoccupied structures across four parcels of Crown Land by the end of May. This work also includes removing concrete foundations and perimeter walls, as well as domestic and construction garbage and debris, abandoned vehicles, and shipping containers.
With regards to private lands, the Planning Department will be assisting the owners of at least three parcels in clearing their lands of informal structures before the end of May.
The ISU continues its public education work to ensure that people are aware that building on any land, Crown Land or private, that is not registered to you and building without planning permission is unlawful and constitutes an offence against various ordinances for which persons may be prosecuted.
The ISU cautions private landowners to regularly monitor their lands and to refrain from encouraging or becoming complicit in the establishment of informal settlement communities on their properties. Both are offences that will be addressed by the ISU in carrying out its work.
For more information on the Informal Settlement Unit, residents are encouraged to visit their office on the 2nd floor of Laporte’s Plaza, Downtown, Providenciales, and subscribe to their multilingual website at www.isutci.tc on the web.
Residents are also encouraged to follow the organization on their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram: @isutci.
TCI News
Turks and Caicos Islands Reaffirms Status as Premier Beach and Romance Destination at World Travel Awards
Turks and Caicos, September 21, 2025 – On Sunday, September 21st, 2025, the United States Coast Guard Southeast (USCG), working
in coordination with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) Marine Branch, the TCI Regiment, and the TCI Border Force, intercepted a vessel carrying 103 migrants bound for Providenciales.
The suspicious vessel, first tracked by the USCG, was stopped at sea and later secured by the Sea Guardian vessel, which towed it safely to South Dock Marina. Upon arrival, the migrants were disembarked and handed over to the TCI Border Force for processing.
A breakdown of those on board confirmed:
- 75 males (including two minors)
- 28 females (including two minors)
This interception marks the 18th such operation in 2025, bringing the total number of migrants detained this year to 1,510. The RT&CIPF thanks the USCG and local agencies for their close cooperation, noting that this successful outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of layered security measures protecting the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Force reminds the public that illegal migration is dangerous and life-threatening, and violations of the law will not be tolerated.
Anyone with information on illegal migration is urged to contact the nearest police station, call 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or via the P3 app.
Photos Courtesy: Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force
TCI News
Invest Turks and Caicos Celebrates a Decade of Innovation and Impact at 4th Annual General Meeting
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – September 19, 2025 – Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency (Invest TCI) proudly hosted its 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the Ritz Carlton, Turks and Caicos, marking a historic milestone, under the theme ‘ Celebrating a Decade of Innovation and Impact’.
The celebratory event brought together government officials, investors, developers, business leaders, and community stakeholders as the
agency reflected on ten years of strategic growth and outlined its vision for the next decade.
The meeting was called to order by Chairlady, Ms. Cindy Ewing, who welcomed the full house with energy and gratitude. She acknowledged the partnerships which have fuelled Invest TCI’s success over its first ten years. In her remarks, she stated, ‘This agency was created with a clear purpose, to attract sustainable investment that would strengthen our economy and open new doors for our people’.
The evening continued with a powerful address from Honourable Premier Charles Washington Misick, emphasizing the role of innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development as cornerstones of the country’s future. He reaffirmed government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment, community-driven infrastructure, and balanced growth. Building on that vision, Her Excellency, Acting Governor Anya Williams reflected on how the landscape has shifted from TCI once seeking foreign investors to now being actively pursued. She emphasized that with this new dynamic, growth must remain sustainable, protect the environment, and deliver lasting benefits for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Delivering the agency’s annual performance report, CEO Mrs. Angela Musgrove outlined achievements during the 2024–2025 financial year. These included the first Youth Business Summit, the opening of a new office in Grand Turk, the launch of the Community Pop-Up Series, the approval of the Heritage Turks and Caicos Islander Investment Policy, and advancement of the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Policy. She also reflected on a decade of accomplishments, noting how Invest TCI has expanded its reach, strengthened its impact, and positioned the islands for greater opportunity.
A Ten Years in Review video presentation followed, sparking applause and pride as it highlighted milestones in national development. The film set the stage for an invigorating panel discussion under the theme “The Next Horizon: Catalyzing Economic Development through Investment,” moderated by financial expert Mr. Drexwell Seymour.
The panel featured an extraordinary lineup: Premier Hon. Charles Washington Misick, former Premiers Hon. Galmo Williams and Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing, CEO Mrs. Angela Musgrove, and youth leader Ms. Arielle Neely. The discussion highlighted not only the perspectives of national leaders but also the entrepreneurial achievements of the former Premiers, both of whom have successfully built businesses that continue to contribute to the Turks and Caicos economy. The presence of three seasoned leaders alongside Invest TCI’s chief executive and a dynamic youth voice captivated the audience, underscoring both the depth of experience and the promise of the next generation.
The discussion was focused on how investment can power sustainable growth and resilience in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Key themes included sustainable development, innovation and technology, local business competitiveness, youth integration, and public-private collaboration. Panelists emphasized the need for robust legislative frameworks and compliance, while highlighting human capital development as the cornerstone of future progress. Ms. Neely added a compelling youth perspective, calling for measurable inclusion through Youth Impact data and innovative financing models to ensure young people are active stakeholders in shaping the economy.
As part of the anniversary celebration, Invest TCI also launched the Inaugural Developer Awards, created to recognize developers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to inclusive, responsible, and impactful development. The awards spotlighted projects that extended beyond commercial success to deliver meaningful community value.
Two award categories were introduced:
- Sustainability Trailblazer: Recognizing developers who lead in building sustainable legacies through infrastructure, cultural preservation, and enduring community partnerships.
- Community Impact Award: Honouring developers who have made the most visible social contributions through job creation, training, community programs, and philanthropy.
Submissions showcased initiatives such as recycling and composting programs, eliminating single-use plastics, landscaping with indigenous vegetation, and investments in renewable energy. Many also reflected consistent support for local charities, reinforcing the vision of development that uplifts both the economy and the community.
Nominees included The Hartling Group, Sandals Group (Beaches Turks and Caicos), Grace Bay Resorts, Waterloo Investments Holdings Ltd., and JEM TCI Holdings Ltd. (Salterra Resort & Spa). Grace Bay Resorts received the Sustainability Trailblazer Award, while Sandals Group (Beaches Turks and Caicos) was honoured with the Community Impact Award.
Other memorable moments of the evening included two luxury raffle draws and a special recognition presented to Ms. Sheryl McLaughlin for five years of dedicated service to the agency.
The evening concluded with closing remarks from Deputy Chair Mr. Walter Gardiner, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants and extended appreciation to the organizers for delivering a successful and memorable celebration.
