News
Finbar Grant gets nod from PDM to contest ED7 in next General Election
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, November 22, 2024 – The People’s Democratic Movement this week announced a new candidate as the country near’s a General Election; Finbar Grant is the party’s pick for the Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill constituency, which is electoral district seven (ED7).
“So Ladies and Gentlemen, without further adieu, I would like to announce to the Turks and Caicos our candidate … none other than Dr. Finbar Grant,” exclaimed Ezra Taylor, National Chairman, PDM.
Grant was ratified by the party’s Candidates Committee which recommended him to the National General Council which has approved his offer for the constituency which has some 1,430 registered voters on the current elector’s list.
“Beyond his legal expertise, Dr. Grant is a dedicated social and political activist and gives back to the community. He has been actively involved in community outreach, advocating for the rights and wellbeing of our citizens. I particularly want to highlight the time and care that Mr. Grant has taken to educate Turks and Caicos Islanders about their rights and pieces of legislation that has come through the House of Assembly,” said Robert Been, PDM Deputy Leader and All Island candidate.
Grant was described as a valuable addition to the PDM team.
“This is Turks and Caicos Islands and it is built and we were granted with resources for Turks and Caicos Islanders. No way we should be struggling, this is a rich country we just need to put measures in place so that we are the major benefactors of what we have been given to
survive by,” were early words as Finbar Grant addressed a press conference held on Wednesday November 20.
Grant itemised areas of concern.
“Our beautiful islands face challenges that cannot be solved by empty political rhetoric. We need real solutions, real practical, well-meaning solutions and you need a government and a party that will engage to bring those solutions,” said Grant, who added, “Our current reality is that we face economic uncertainties, limited opportunities for our youth, infrastructure that struggles to meet our growing needs, complex immigration challenges, rising cost of living, concern about public safety.”
Grant said he stood to offer hope and vocal representation.
“I’m going to give you a pledge that if you put me in parliament, the first thing that we will deal with is traffic congestion on Leeward Highway.
Something as simple as putting in a traffic light may increase the flow or a bypass road to run parallel with the Leeward Highway, that runs through Cheshire Hall that goes all the way through Venetian, all the way to Juba Sound.”
The new candidate, who picks up the district following the withdrawal of Rose Higgs from the race, earlier this year for personal reasons, said he is not in it for political gain, instead he said he has been burdened with the desires of his people.
“When you have been burdened with something, you feel that. This journey is not about me, it is about a community that refuses to be defined by its challenges. About a people who understands that our strength lies in our unity. About an island nation ready to write its next great chapter.”
Finbar Grant, as the newest PDM Candidate said his party is the one best positioned to write the country’s next great chapter.
“Let me be your voice. I stand here as an alternative. I will not disappear. You will hear my voice on every issue that affects you,” vowed Grant in a direct message to the district, which he also calls home.
No date has been announced for the next Turks and Caicos Islands General Election; but it is expected to take place early in 2025.
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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