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Enough is Enough: Fix Banking NOW!

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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Turks and Caicos, December 25, 2024  – For far too long, the people of Turks and Caicos Islands have endured an outdated, inequitable, and often demeaning banking system.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!

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TCI Border Force Hosts Border Security Training for Overseas Territories

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Turks and Caicos, February 12, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Border Force recently concluded a series of critical training exercises focused on container targeting, search procedures, and firearms awareness. This initiative, a vital investment in regional security, saw TCI Border Force officers joined by colleagues from the Anguilla Customs Department, BVI Customs Department, and Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control.

The training, conducted from 21st to 31st January, was facilitated by a team from Home Office International Operations through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Border Security Programme and organised via the Integrated Security Funding Overseas Territories Border Security Programme. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of the UK government and participating agencies to combat transnational crime and the flow of illicit goods within the Overseas Territories.

The curriculum encompassed three courses. The first, Fundamentals of Container Targeting (21st-24th January), focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of current priorities and container targeting capabilities, risk analysis within container traffic, and practical exercises utilising intelligence flows. The second, Search of Containers, saw participants receive specialised training on current threats facing the shipping industry and best practices for container search procedures. Finally, a crucial course on Firearms Awareness provided instruction on various types of firearms and the identification of firearm parts, equipping officers with the knowledge necessary to interdict illegal weapons.

These training exercises represent a significant step forward in strengthening the TCI Border Force’s ability to facilitate trade while protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Enhanced targeting and search capabilities will lead to more effective screening of cargo and potentially shorter processing times for legitimate shipments. Greater security will also be evident as the increased focus on firearms awareness will contribute to a safer environment.

“This training is a crucial investment in the safety and security of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” stated Emilio Seymour; Director General of TCI Border Force. “By working collaboratively with our regional partners and leveraging the expertise of the Home Office, we are significantly improving our ability to detect and deter criminal activity. The enhanced skills acquired by our officers will have a direct and positive impact on our community, protecting our economy and ensuring a safer environment for all.”

The TCI Border Force remains committed to protecting the borders of the Turks and Caicos Islands and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. This training initiative represents a significant investment in that commitment.

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Solar PV Projects Completed at Critical Turks and Caicos Islands Healthcare Facilities

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Grand Turk Wellness Center

PRESS RELEASE

 

FROM THE Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities

South Caicos

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 11th February 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) have taken a significant step toward a more sustainable energy future with the installation of five (5) solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at key healthcare facilities across the archipelago.

This initiative, funded by the European Union through the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity Programme (RESEMBID) and implemented by Expertise France, aims to enhance sustainability, reduce operational costs for the TCI Government, and contribute to long-term economic viability.

North Caicos

The solar PV systems have been strategically installed at critical medical facilities, including the Blue Hills Clinic in Providenciales, the Bottle Creek Clinic in North Caicos, the Alsada Hall-Malcolm Primary Healthcare Clinic in Middle Caicos, the South Caicos Primary Health Clinic, and the Wellness Centre in Grand Turk. These healthcare centers provide essential services to local communities, and the integration of solar energy demonstrates TCI’s commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency within vital public sectors.

Leading this transformative initiative is the Energy and Utilities Department (EUD) under the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities (MPSU). The EUD has overseen the installation and integration of these solar PV systems within the local energy landscape, leveraging the islands’ abundant sunshine which averages approximately 350 sunny days per year — an ideal setting for solar energy generation. These systems, equipped with advanced battery storage solutions, will significantly reduce electricity costs for healthcare facilities while ensuring uninterrupted power supply during grid outages or energy supply challenges.

Middle Caicos

EUD Commissioner Delano R. Arthur emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The solar PV systems will greatly reduce electricity costs and symbolize our shift toward a sustainable energy future. This investment not only strengthens energy security, but reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions and environmental impact.”

The collaboration between the European Union, Expertise France, and local government agencies ensures that the project aligns with international renewable energy standards, benefiting both the environment and the community. Installation was successfully carried out by Green Revolution Ltd., a local company committed to advancing sustainable development in TCI. Their involvement highlights the importance of local expertise and community engagement in executing renewable energy initiatives.

Blue Hills

For further information, please contact:

Energy and Utilities Department (EUD)
Email: eud@gov.tc

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SHARK INCIDENT, BLUE HILLS

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12 February 2025, Providenciales – On Friday 7 February a tourist was injured by a shark in the waters adjacent to Blue Hills, Providenciales.

The individual was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where she was stabilized and later flown off island for further medical care.

Upon confirmation of the incident the Department of Environment & Coastal Resources (DECR) issued a beach closure notification from Thompson’s Cove Beach to Froggies ATV, Blue Hills in an abundance of caution. The beach was reopened on Sunday, February 9th at 1pm after it was determined that the shark had moved to deeper water.

The shark was estimated to be approximately 6ft in length, however the species is yet to be confirmed.

Further to the investigation, it has been determined that the tourist had attempted to engage with the animal from the shallows in an attempt to take photographs.

The DECR would like to urge the public to always  be aware of your surroundings, follow local advisories, and respect marine life. Swim in designated areas, avoid murky waters, never swim alone, and do not attempt to feed marine wildlife under any circumstances

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