News
PLANNING DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES WORLD TOWN PLANNING DAY
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PREMIER AND MINISTRY OF PHYSICAL PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 14th November 2024 – On Friday, November 8, 2024, the Planning Department within the Office of the Deputy Premier and Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development celebrated World Town Planning Day under the theme, “Homes Start with Planning: Housing that Meets the Needs of Our Communities – Equitable, Inclusive, and Sustainable for All.” This year’s observance highlighted the pivotal role of urban planning in creating accessible, livable, and resilient communities that
cater to the needs of our people.
World Town Planning Day, celebrated annually on November 8, underscores the impact of thoughtful urban and rural planning on communities’ quality of life, environmental sustainability, and social equity. This year’s theme reflects a commitment to fostering town planning solutions that are inclusive, adaptable, and prepared for future challenges.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Jamell Robinson addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning in creating sustainable housing solutions within the Turks and Caicos Islands stating:
“The theme for this year’s World Town Planning Day 2024, underscores that sustainable, resilient housing begins with thoughtful, evidence-based planning. The Sustainable National Physical Development Plan 2020 of the TCI embodies the vision and promotes the development in an orderly fashion. The Plan, however is not static, it is dynamic- a living breathing document which may be modified to reflect new, progressive spatial realities. This current modification shows that planning is about envisioning a better future and laying
the groundwork to make it a reality. As we modify our spatial plans, we’re not only adapting to new challenges but also seizing the opportunity to shape healthier, more resilient, and sustainable communities.”
The event featured various activities designed to engage both professionals and the public in understanding and contributing to the future of town planning here in Turks & Caicos Islands, including:
- Panel Discussions: Panelists discussed strategies to address sustainable development. Topics included inclusive design principles, community-driven planning, and building codes both locally and regionally.
- Community Workshops: Local residents participated in interactive sessions, sharing their vision for more inclusive and sustainable neighborhoods. Attendees contributed insights on accessibility, community facilities, and building codes modification. Attendees were taught the history of the Planning Department and how the processes inclusive of the building codes have evolved over the years.
- Youth Engagement: The Turks & Caicos Islands Community College joined the activities focused on introducing students to town planning, including presentations about sustainable urban development.
- Open House: Models were designed and displayed by the Planning Department depicting where we are headed as a country, towards modern, sustainable, futuristic housing
Director of the Planning Deparatment, Mr. Dainer Lightbourne expressed enthusiasm for community participation in shaping future housing initiatives stating: “World Town Planning Day provides a platform for the public to actively participate in the planning process. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, we can ensure that our approach to housing remains responsive, equitable, and sustainable, meeting the unique needs of our growing and diverse population here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
The Planning Department is dedicated to addressing the urgent need for housing solutions that are both adaptable and environmentally responsible. Housing is a challenge that requires multi-level, collaborative, and holistic approaches bringing together communities, private and public sector actors, and all levels of government. Planners and planning professionals stand ready to play their part in harnessing transformative changes for a better, fairer, more sustainable future. This commitment includes integrating principles of social equity, accessibility, and climate resilience into all planning processes.
The observance of World Town Planning Day reflects the Ministry’s and the Department’s mission to creating a housing landscape where every individual has the opportunity to live in a community that supports their well-being and quality of life. Initiatives as such, reaffirms our commitment to creating vibrant, resilient, and inclusive communities in these Turks and Caicos Islands.
Turks and Caicos, December 7, 2024 – “Homicide detectives of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are actively investigating a homicide in Five Cays, Providenciales.
Initial reports indicate that shortly after 10 pm yesterday (December 06th), the Police Control Room received several calls stating that
gunshots were being heard in the area of Sandy Land.
RT&CIPF officers responded to the given location and found the lifeless body of a male with what appeared to be gunshot wounds about the body. The victim was later identified as NEIL RIGBY, 52, of Five Cays.
The RT&CIPF offers condolences to Mr. Rigby’s relatives and friends.
The RT&CIPF is asking anyone with information that may help in this investigation to contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide any information anonymously.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app.
Statement from the Minister of Immigration
Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands
Turks and Caicos, December 5, 2024 – The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands categorically states that we will not, under any circumstances, accept deportees from the United States or any other nation who are not citizens of Turks and Caicos. Our country’s immigration policies are clear and firmly rooted in the principles of sovereignty, the protection of our borders, and the welfare of our people.
Turks and Caicos, like all nations, has the sovereign right to determine who may reside within its borders. The unilateral imposition of third-country deportation policies, such as those reportedly under consideration by the incoming Trump administration, is fundamentally at odds
with international norms and legal standards.
We are deeply concerned about any suggestion of displacing individuals to countries with which they have no connection. Such policies disregard the cultural, social, and economic implications for receiving countries and the humanitarian impact on the individuals affected.
We remind all stakeholders that Turks and Caicos is already facing significant challenges managing irregular migration and the accompanying strain on our resources. We will not permit external policies to exacerbate these challenges, nor undermine or dictate our national security.
Our Government remains committed to maintaining strong diplomatic relations with the United States and our other international partners. However, we are steadfast in our commitment to protecting the interests of the Turks and Caicos Islands and upholding the integrity of our immigration system.
To be clear: The Turks and Caicos Islands will not participate in any program that seeks to forcibly relocate individuals here against their will, or ours.
Turks and Caicos, December 03rd, 2024 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is actively investigating incidents involving an attempted robbery and a reported armed robbery in Providenciales on November 30 and December 02, 2024.
Incident 1: Attempted Robbery at Service Station
Shortly after midnight on November 30, 2024, officers responded to a report of an attempted robbery at a Service Station on Leeward Highway. Based on preliminary reports, a lone male approached the premises from a black Honda Fit vehicle. The suspect, armed with a firearm,
struck an employee, causing a wound. The suspect fled in the car. At the same time, the employee was transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, where he received treatment for his injuries.
Incident 2: Armed Robbery at Eatery
On November 30, 2024, at approximately 6:57 p.m., the police received a report of an armed robbery at an eating establishment in Blue Hills. Two masked individuals, one armed with a firearm, entered the premises and robbed patrons. No injuries were reported, and the suspects fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction.
Incident 3: Robbery/Malicious Injuries to Property
On the evening of Monday, December 2, 2024, a male driver was proceeding along Walter Cox Drive when he stopped to drop off a passenger. While reversing, an unidentified male armed with a cinder block demanded the driver exit his vehicle. The driver complied and was robbed of personal belongings. The suspect proceeded to use the cinder block to shatter the rear passenger side window before fleeing the scene.
We urge anyone with information about these incidents to come forward.
Individuals can contact the Serious Crime Unit at (649)-232-6696 or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477.
Additionally, persons are asked to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app and provide information.
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