Public Service Times Spotlight

Turks and Caicos – Meet Garvin Thomas, the Director of the Public Works Department. He is originally from South Caicos and was inspired by his parents, Wilfred and Naomi, to value hard work and community service. He began his career in Architecture and Construction Management, apprenticing with Simon Wood & Associates, before joining the Civil Service in 2001.

Over the years, Garvin progressed within the Public Works Programme Management Department, managing the TCI National Stadium project as Project Coordinator and later serving as Director since April 2020.

The Public Service Times interviewed Mr. Thomas about his recent educational pursuits.

Could you share a bit about yourself, your career journey with the Public Service, and some of your hobbies?

My name is Garvin Thomas, and I was born and raised in South Caicos by my dedicated parents, Wilfred and Naomi Thomas, who instilled in me a strong work ethic and a deep sense of community involvement and responsibility. My professional journey began in Architecture and Construction Management, where I developed foundational skills as an apprentice architect with Simon Wood & Associates for four years. In 2001, I joined the Civil Service and embarked on a career with the Public Works Programme Management Department (PWPMD), advancing through various roles. Initially, I served as an Assistant Architect from 2001 to 2010 before being promoted to Project Coordinator from 2011 to 2014. In this role, I managed one of the country’s largest and most groundbreaking projects, the TCI National Stadium, now renamed the “Corena Capron-Walkin” National Stadium, marking a significant milestone in my career.

In late 2014, I was promoted to Assistant Deputy Director, where I supported the Director in overseeing departmental management. My career progressed further in 2018 with a promotion to Deputy Director, and in April 2020, I assumed the role of Director of PWPMD, overseeing strategic and operational responsibilities. I hold an Associate Degree in Architecture from the University of the Bahamas, Nassau, a Bachelor’s Degree in Design Architecture from Florida International University, and a recent Master’s Degree (Distinction) in Quantity Surveying from the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom. Throughout my tenure, I have also pursued various certifications and specialized training in project management and FIDIC contract administration to further support my professional development. Beyond my career, I am committed to community service, mainly supporting vulnerable elderly residents in my hometown through the civic group South Caicos Hope. I also find joy in arts and crafts, creating keepsakes from conch shells, and I find fulfilment in spending quality time with friends and family.

How has your Master’s Degree in Quantity Surveying influenced your approach to managing public works projects within the department?

My Master’s degree in Quantity Surveying has profoundly enhanced my approach to managing Public Works Programme Management Projects by equipping me with advanced technical, financial, and strategic competencies critical to effective project management. Through specialized coursework and practical application, I gained a deeper understanding of cost estimation, budget control, and contract administration, all essential to optimizing project outcomes and ensuring that public resources are managed responsibly and transparently. This expertise allows me to approach projects with a sharper focus on cost-efficiency and risk mitigation, making informed financial decisions to maximize value without compromising quality all of these experiences I have gain while studying in the UK.

Furthermore, my studies exposed me to contemporary best practices in construction law, procurement strategies, and sustainable construction methods, of which I will integrated into the department’s project workflows. This knowledge will improved our approach to selecting contractors, negotiating contracts, and implementing monitoring processes, thereby reducing the likelihood of costly delays or disputes. Ultimately, my Master’s degree will transformed my approach by enhancing our department’s capability to deliver complex projects on time and within budget, improving accountability and transparency, and elevating our commitment to sustainable, high-quality public infrastructure.

What specific skills or knowledge have you acquired through your professional development that you find most advantageous in your current role?

Through my professional development, I have acquired several key skills and areas of knowledge that have proven invaluable in my current role. Project management expertise, particularly in planning, scheduling, and resource allocation, has been fundamental to successfully managing complex public works projects. My training in FIDIC contract administration and Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) contracts (training I recently obtained in the UK) has also provided me with an in-depth understanding of contract terms, risk allocation, and dispute resolution procedures, allowing me to navigate contracts effectively and minimize potential legal or financial risks.

Additionally, my professional development in cost control and budget management, particularly through Quantity Surveying principles, has refined my ability to estimate accurately, track expenses, and manage budgets effectively to ensure that projects are both cost-efficient and financially accountable. My continuous learning in sustainable construction practices has further equipped me to integrate environmentally responsible approaches into project planning and execution, aligning our department’s work with modern sustainability standards. Finally, my leadership training has enhanced my skills in team management and stakeholder communication, enabling me to build strong, collaborative teams and maintain transparent communication with stakeholders, both of which are essential for the success and integrity of our projects.

In what ways do you plan disseminate your new knowledge among your team and foster collaboration across different areas within your Department?

To effectively share my new knowledge with the team and foster collaboration within the department, I plan to implement a multi-faceted approach centred around structured training, collaborative workshops, and open communication channels. First, I intend to organize regular training sessions and knowledge-sharing workshops where team members can learn specific skills, such as advanced construction risk management (my favourite), cost management, contract administration, and sustainable construction practices. These sessions will provide targeted learning and encourage team members to ask questions, share insights, and discuss how they might apply these skills in their roles.

Additionally, I aim to establish cross-functional project teams that bring together professionals from various areas within the department—such as project management, maintenance, and mechanical- all of which operate within the confines of procurement. By working on joint projects, team members can leverage each other’s expertise and develop a more holistic understanding of our projects. To support this, I will implement an open communication platform where updates, challenges, and best practices can be shared freely among team members. This setup will facilitate real-time problem-solving and foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that new knowledge is disseminated and actively applied to strengthen collaboration and innovation across the department.

Considering your advanced education, what future trends in quantity surveying do you anticipate will impact public works initiatives, and how should the department brace for these changes?

With advancements in the field of quantity surveying, I anticipate several key trends that will significantly impact Public Works Programme Management initiatives. The integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and digital construction tools is one such trend, transforming how we manage project data, estimate costs, and collaborate across departments. BIM allows for enhanced visualization and real-time data sharing, making cost estimation and project adjustments more accurate and efficient. To prepare, the department should invest in BIM software, train staff in its use, and encourage early adoption to ensure we’re well-positioned to manage complex projects with increased precision and coordination.

Another emerging trend is the growing emphasis on sustainable construction and green building practices, driven by regulatory requirements and societal expectations for environmentally responsible development. This shift will require quantity surveyors to evaluate projects in terms of cost and their environmental impact, life-cycle costs, and resource efficiency. To align with these demands, the department should adopt sustainable procurement practices, ensure project materials meet green standards, and invest in professional development so that staff stay updated on sustainable methodologies. Lastly, as data-driven decision-making becomes central to project management, it will be essential for the department to build analytics capabilities, allowing us to gather and analyze data for more informed project decisions and better risk management. Preparing for these trends by embracing digital tools, sustainable practices, and data analytics will enable the department to deliver high-quality, cost-effective public infrastructure aligned with future industry standards.

How has this educational experience shaped your career aspirations and your vision for the future of the Public Works Department?

This educational experience has significantly sharpened my career aspirations and my vision for the future of the Public Works Programme Management Department. Through advanced study in Quantity Surveying, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of strategic project management, cost control, and sustainable construction—all essential components in building efficient and impactful public infrastructure. This knowledge has not only reinforced my commitment to delivering high-quality and cost-effective projects but has also broadened my vision for the department to one that embraces innovation, transparency, and sustainability.

My vision for the Public Works Programme Management Department (PWPMD) is to establish a robust health and safety framework that ensures the well-being of our staff across all government construction sites and workplaces, rooted in a firm commitment to Occupational Health and Safety. I am dedicated to positioning PWPMD as a regional leader in sustainable, data-driven project delivery by fostering a culture of continuous learning, digital innovation, and environmental stewardship. Key initiatives will include the integration of digital construction technologies, green building standards, and advanced project analytics, allowing us to optimize resources, enhance accountability, and set a high standard for public infrastructure that serves both community and environmental priorities. Additionally, I aim to establish a PWPMD Ordinance to clarify departmental roles and responsibilities in the construction and maintenance of roads, government buildings, and other infrastructure assets while also defining regulations for utility companies regarding their use of all TCIG’s infrastructure assets.

As a leader, how do you intend to mentor younger professionals in quantity surveying and promote their ongoing professional development?

As a leader, I am committed to mentoring younger professionals in quantity surveying by creating a supportive and structured environment that prioritizes hands-on learning, continuous feedback, and professional growth opportunities. I intend to implement mentorship programs that pair junior staff with experienced Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) professionals, providing them with direct guidance on technical skills, project management, and industry best practices. Through regular workshops and training sessions, I will encourage them to deepen their knowledge in areas like cost estimation, contract management, and sustainable construction, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet modern industry demands.

To promote ongoing professional development, I plan to advocate for access to relevant certifications, professional memberships, and advanced training courses, allowing them to build expertise and stay current with industry trends. Additionally, I believe in fostering a culture of open communication and knowledge-sharing, where young professionals feel encouraged to ask questions, take initiative, and contribute ideas. By creating clear pathways for growth within the department, I aim to inspire and empower these emerging professionals to pursue excellence and advance in their careers within quantity surveying.