News
TCI Crown Land Amnesty Program Extended with Enhanced Eligibility Criteria
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI, November 13, 2024: The Turks and Caicos Islands Crown Land Unit (CLU) announced the extension of the Crown Land Amnesty Program with an expansion of the eligibility criteria effective as of October 4, 2024.
The Crown Land Amnesty Program aims to offer opportunities for individuals to regularize their land ownership status, contributing to the sustainable development of the islands. The extended program now allows Turks & Caicos Islanders who have received an offer for a Residential Conditional Purchase Lease (CPL) over Crown land and have made substantial property improvements or have made a payment towards the lease to apply for regularization, thereby providing a pathway to secure legal title and promoting security, investment, and development.
In addition, the amendment also permits those whose residential lease may have been cancelled while their application for renewal or freehold title was being processed an opportunity to obtain formal title to the land.
In a statement, Keisha Holder-Lopez, Director of the Crown Land Unit, said, “The extension of the Crown Land Amnesty Amendment Ordinance 2024, effective October 15, 2024, signals a commitment to providing further opportunities for individuals regarding Crown land matters, and it further allows a broader range of individuals to benefit from the initiative, promoting fairness and inclusivity in land ownership processes.”
She continued, “The amendment also extends the amnesty period until May 31, 2026, this amendment enhances the inclusivity of the initiative. Now, individuals with offer letters for a Residential Conditional Purchase Lease (CPL) or a Freehold Title (FHT) have access to terminal amnesty options, even if their lease was terminated before expiration. This allows for lease renewal or conversion to FHT under specific conditions, including land development initiation before 2023 or financial commitments toward acquiring formal land title.”
Under the current Crown Land Amnesty program, applicants have the opportunity to acquire the freehold title with a 50% discount on the
property’s market value through various options.
Option 1: Enables the conversion of a Residential CPL to a FHT without the obligation to settle any outstanding arrears owed to the Crown. This initiative aims to streamline the process of transitioning from leasehold to freehold ownership, providing a pathway for individuals to secure their property rights under favorable terms.
Option 2: Allows applicants to acquire an FHT through installment payments, contingent upon meeting specific conditions. To be eligible for this option, applicants must be residents of the Islands and use the property as their primary residence during the application process.
Additionally, the freehold purchase price must exceed $75,000, and applicants must demonstrate their inability to secure a mortgage or loan to purchase the freehold title. This provision aims to facilitate property ownership for individuals facing financial constraints, ensuring that residency and genuine need are prioritized in the acquisition process.
Option 3: Allows for the conversion of a Residential CPL to a long lease, subject to specific criteria. Applicants must reside in the Islands and use the property as their primary residence during the application process. They must also demonstrate an inability to secure a mortgage or loan for freehold purchase.
Furthermore, applicants must be either over 60 years old or incapacitated due to illness, preventing them from working. Compliance with property boundaries is essential, ensuring that no buildings encroach on adjacent parcels.
Option 4: Allows for parcel adjustment, reconfiguration, or exchange to facilitate the acquisition of an FHT. This option provides flexibility for applicants who may benefit from modifying the layout of their land parcels to meet the requirements for freehold ownership. Generally, the larger the size of the parcel, the higher the value provided that all other variables remain constant. By accommodating adjustments, it allows persons to reduce the size of the lot to make it more affordable. It also permits the government to settle a number of long-standing matters where persons have either encroached on or built on the wrong parcel.
These options extend to executors or administrators of an estate if the property was the deceased’s primary residence and expand accessibility to property rights within the framework of the program.
The extension of the Crown Land Amnesty Program not only underscores the government’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and equitable land distribution but also represents a significant step toward resolving land tenure issues and promoting sustainable development in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Director Lopez said, “By offering a pathway for individuals to secure legal title to their occupied land and broadening eligibility criteria, the program aims to facilitate a more comprehensive and accessible process, fostering security, investment, and development.”
She continued, “We encourage all eligible individuals to take advantage of this opportunity to formalize their land tenure status. By participating in the Crown Land Amnesty Program, residents can secure their rights, contribute to the economic growth of the islands, and build a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.”
To learn more about the Crown Land Amnesty Program and initiate the application process, interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to the TCI Crown Land Unit or visit its website at www.gov.tc/crownland/rcplamnesty, along with its social media pages @tcicrownlandunit.
News
The Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (February 25th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands began 2026 on a positive note, with stayover arrivals in January surpassing the same period in 2025.
Preliminary figures indicate that 56,830 stayover visitors arrived in January 2026, representing a two percent increase year-on-year. The steady growth continues the positive momentum experienced at the close of 2025.
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, attributed the encouraging performance to new collaboration with tour operator partners as well as increased airlift from key source markets.
“We anticipated a strong January performance following the growth recorded in November and December. The winter season has traditionally been a robust period for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this year that strength has been further supported by enhanced collaboration with partners and expanded airlift from Canada and the United States We are cautiously optimistic about maintaining this upward trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.
Cruise Sector
In cruise, preliminary figures show 122,935 cruise passenger arrivals in January, reflecting a 15 percent decrease compared to January 2025.
The decline is attributed to a reduction in cruise calls during the month. A total of 33 vessels called on Grand Turk in January, seven fewer than during the corresponding period last year.
Marketing Shows
As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier luxury destination, Experience Turks and Caicos has been actively participating in the Travel & Adventure Shows across several major cities in the United States.
The destination has already been showcased in Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago, with Fort Lauderdale and Denver scheduled in the coming weeks.
Public Relations Manager Laura Dowrich represented the Turks and Caicos Islands alongside the destination’s U.S. marketing agency, ABA Global.
Beaches Turks & Caicos – Stone Creek Travels
“One of the most encouraging takeaways from these shows is that the Turks and Caicos Islands is indeed on travellers’ radar. We met many visitors who shared fond memories of their time here, others who already have trips booked and were seeking recommendations on activities and dining, and many more who aspire to visit. It was a pleasure highlighting our multi-island destination and sharing the many experiences that make the Turks and Caicos Islands truly special,” said Ms. Dowrich.
Awards & Recognition
Building on a stellar year of accolades in 2025, the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun 2026 with additional international recognition.
The destination earned a Gold Badge in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing #5 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean and #5 in Best Beaches in the World. In the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Grand Turk was ranked #10 among the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit.
About Experience Turks and Caicos
Middle Caicos Dragon Cay Resort
Experience Turks and Caicos is the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is committed to positioning the destination as a premier, sustainable luxury tourism hub. By leveraging smart tools, data-driven strategies, and stakeholder collaboration, Experience Turks and Caicos focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and fostering long-term industry success.
About the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the destination is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Each island and cay offer a unique experience:
- Providenciales boasts world-class resorts, fine dining, and high-end tourism offerings.
- Grand Turk serves as the vibrant hub for cruise tourism and historical exploration.
- The sister islands provide a gateway to nature, adventure, and authentic local culture.
Recognised as the world’s best-kept secret, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer effortless luxury, with seamless connectivity via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Photo Captions:
Grand Turk – slow travel with us
North Caicos – Correy Forbes
South Caicos Sail Rock
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
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Caribbean News
Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.
The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.
“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital
policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.
“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”
Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.
Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.
Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.
Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.
Photo Caption:
TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain
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News6 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
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Caribbean News7 days agoLiberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
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News6 days agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals