News
Enough is Enough: Fix Banking NOW!
By: Zhavargo Jolly, All Island Candidate, Progressive National Party
Turks and Caicos, December 25, 2024 – For far too long, the people of Turks and Caicos Islands have endured an outdated, inequitable, and often demeaning banking system. From broken ABMs to endless lines in the scorching heat, it is abundantly clear that our financial institutions have failed us. What’s worse, when homegrown solutions emerge to fill these glaring gaps, they are met with government resistance rather than support. This cannot continue—our people deserve better.
The Failure of Traditional Banks
Let’s start with the facts: the traditional banking system in Turks and Caicos is broken. It does not serve our needs.
- Non-functioning ABMs:Across Providenciales, Grand Turk, and the less populated islands, ATMs routinely fail to dispense cash or accept deposits. Imagine working hard for your money only to be denied access to it when you need it most.
- Unreliable Digital Platforms:While banks encourage us to “go digital,” their systems often crash. For our elderly, navigating this digital maze is not even an option. Why should they suffer? Are our parents, grandparents, and senior citizens to be left stranded just because the system doesn’t work?
- Endless Lines:Long lines outside branches, under the blazing sun, are now a norm. Elderly customers are left to endure these indignities just to withdraw a few dollars. This is a disgrace. Where is the humanity?
- Neglect of Less Populated Islands:Places like North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos, Salt Cay, and even Grand Turk are left with limited or no banking services. Business owners are forced to travel with large sums of cash—at their own risk—simply to make deposits.
This system has not only failed us, but it also shows blatant disregard for our dignity and basic needs.
Local Solutions Deserve Support
It is no surprise that local financial institutions like Turks and Caicos Islands Capital have stepped up to fill the void left by these banks. They offer hope to civil servants, small business owners, and working families—ordinary Turks and Caicos Islanders who have been ignored for far too long.
These institutions are not here to replace banks but to complement them. They offer tailored financial solutions that serve our people, with fairness and accessibility at the core. Yet instead of support, they face roadblocks from the very government departments that should champion their efforts.
Take, for example, the direct salary withdrawal system—a simple, effective proposal that would make financing for civil servants easier. Major banks and private lenders already benefit from this system. Yet when local financial institutions seek the same opportunity, the Accountant General cites “resource constraints.” Why? What makes local solutions less worthy?
This favoritism raises troubling questions. Why are foreign-owned banks prioritized over local initiatives? Why are Turks and Caicos Islanders denied the opportunity to lead, innovate, and succeed in their own country?
The Human Cost of Inaction
This is not just a financial issue—it is a human one. I recently witnessed an elderly woman struggling in the sun outside one of the major banks. Security refused to let her inside. I had to intervene to get her shelter, but the question lingers: how many others suffer silently every day?
Our parents, grandparents, and community members are treated as afterthoughts by a system that no longer respects them. Decisions about loans, accounts, and even banking policies are made overseas by executives who know nothing about our struggles or aspirations. Local bankers—who know our families, businesses, and dreams—are sidelined. This cannot stand.
Time for Fairness and Accountability
The Ministry of Finance must act decisively. Turks and Caicos Islanders deserve:
- Accountability from Banks:Banks must be held responsible for fixing their ABMs, improving online platforms, and treating customers with dignity.
- Equal Opportunity for Local Institutions:Local financial institutions must be given the same opportunities as foreign-owned banks to serve our people. Fairness is not negotiable.
- Better Infrastructure for Less Populated Islands:Banking services must be expanded to North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos, Salt Cay, and Grand Turk. No one should have to risk their safety to access basic financial services.
Supporting local financial institutions strengthens our economy. It keeps money circulating locally, creates jobs, and builds a future where Turks and Caicos Islanders are at the forefront of progress.
A Call to Action
The time for talk is over. The failures of the banking system are clear. The impact on our people is undeniable. We need a system that respects us, works for us, and includes us.
- To the Civil Service:We have to do our part. Fix the gaps. Support local solutions in order to give Turks and Caicos Islanders the dignity and fairness they deserve.
- To the banks:Serve us better! We helped build your institutions. It is time to show us the respect and service we have earned.
- To my fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders:Demand better! Together, we can fix this broken system and build a future where fairness, equity, and dignity are no longer luxuries but rights.
The time for action is now. Enough is Enough, Fix Banking NOW!
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.
Photo Captions:
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
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key
government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.
The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department 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 followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and
posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
