A Government for the People, or a Nation Running Out of Options? 

Cheers,

Ed Forbes

Turks and Caicos, December 11, 2024 – As Turks and Caicos enjoys record economic growth, citizens are asking why prosperity hasn’t reached their wallets.

The Turks and Caicos Islands are thriving—or so it seems. With a record-high government budget and a $48 million surplus, one might expect citizens to feel financially secure. Yet many Turks Islanders are struggling, with tighter wallets and dwindling disposable incomes. The paradox is clear: How can an economy prosper while so many feel left behind? Albeit, TCI is not alone in this struggle, but you be the judge.

Economic Progress or Temporary Relief?

First and foremost, let’s give credit where credit is due, the government’s achievements over the past four years are quite impressive on paper. Policies like free community college tuition, a 20-25% increase in civil servant wages, and tens of millions in multiple stimulus payments, suggest an administration eager to invest in its people.

This is in addition to initiatives to write off over $10.5 million in TC Invest/Tolco homeowner loans and reduced stamp duties for homebuyers, also point to a focus on economic relief.

But are these measures laying the foundation for sustainable growth, or merely offering temporary fixes? While citizens welcome short-term aid, many wonder why they aren’t seeing lasting improvements in their day-to-day lives.

The Lingering Questions

Even as funds flow from sources like Carnival Cruise Line’s to the country’s sinking fund and the 12% tourism taxes, key concerns remain:

-Why haven’t the upgrade of basic infrastructure materialized at a faster pace, such as better roads, properly functioning boat ramps and sanitation services?

-Are investments in education sufficient to meet the demands of legal and illegal immigration?

-Have youth programs been funded adequately to combat rising delinquency?

What about prison reform to address the growing incarceration rates?

-Do we have adequate border security and maritime assets to address illegal immigration and smuggling of contraband?

-Has there been a real push for TCI to become a full member of CARICOM, strengthening partnerships to reduce the cost of goods for consumers?

-Are we building on the current MSME program to create loan opportunities in addition to grants to propel small businesses?

-Why haven’t we expanded the trade school opportunities in critical areas to meet the growing demand and offer diverse career paths for students?

-These questions and more cut to the heart of the issue: Where is the money going, and why isn’t it creating meaningful change for the average resident?

The Cost of Inaction

For Turks Islanders, the frustration is palpable. Without systemic reforms, the government risks fostering dependency rather than empowering its people. Stimulus packages and wage increases are helpful but cannot substitute for long-term investments in infrastructure, education, and economic resilience.

The stakes are high. If Turks and Caicos continues to focus on short-term relief rather than transformative policies, it risks widening the gap between its economic promise and the lived reality of its citizens.

A Vision for Change

The path forward lies in accountability. Turks Islanders need leadership that not only listens but acts transparently and effectively. It is OK to consider possibilities that challenges the core of our democracy and we must open up ourselves to genuine and hard questions. Economic policies must promote fairness, ensuring that the benefits of growth reach everyone—not just a privileged few.

As the saying goes, “Give a man a fish, and he will eat for a day. Teach him to fish, and he will eat for a lifetime.” The time has come to prioritize investments that empower communities, build resilience, and foster equality.

Turks and Caicos has the resources to transform its economy for the better. The question is: Will its leaders rise to the challenge?