News
PDM All Island Men: Return of Raids, New Roads, Traffic Lights and Bigger budget for Scholarships & Grants for Youth
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, January 26, 2024 – When men of the People’s Democratic Movement sat down to speak to the party’s national chairman in a live streamed show on January 20, there were several solutions put forth, with the early part of the two hour production focused on illegal migration, traffic congestion, development of the education system and allotting millions more for youth development through scholarships and grants.
Ezra Taylor, PDM National Chairman led the discussion which featured: Edwin Astwood, PDM Party Leader and incumbent for ED2; Robert Been, PDM Deputy Party Leader and All Island Candidate; Sean Astwood, All Island Candidate; Dwayne Taylor, All Islands Candidate; Ralph Higgs, All Island Candidate; Temard Butterfield, All Island Candidate and Alvin Garland, All Island Candidate.
ILLEGAL MIGRATION
“Our borders are weak, our resources are overwhelmed and we are stretched thin.”
Alvin Garland, who served as a PDM appointed member to the House of Assembly is now running at large. He believes a modernised system will improve detection.
“This is a very serious topic for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and we have seen illegal sloops continue to frequent our borders without being able to be detected. Illegal migration is not just an immigration issue, it is a national security issue, it is an economic issue and it is a community issue.”
The PDM wants “a biometric system, whereby we can detect or have a record of every individual that comes into the Turks and Caicos Islands. We will also be introducing what we will need to stop the illegal trafficking.”
A former immigration minister, Sean Astwood, who will run for one of nine at large or all island seats had some insightful comments.
“We’re taking a serious approach. We’re no longer waiting on the British Government to protect our borders for us, while we will continue to liaise with them and get assistance from them, the Turks and Caicos Islands for the first time is going to be taking a progressive approach where we own the situation and we put the resources behind it.”
Astwood said the posture of the PDM will move away from dependency to autonomy on the issue, with resources firmly committed.
“It is time we as a country, we say we want to be a nation, we want to determine where we go as a country, it’s time that we take responsibility and protect our borders. We will spare no expense. We are going to be putting in a full marine base, like we say, with the new technology, we want to increase the radar coverage, we’re going to make sure everyone in this country, we know who they are through fingerprinting.”
Mass raids are also coming with the help of a dedicated team of officers. Under the PDM, there will be a return of SPICE or a squad with that function.
“We are gonna conduct mass raids. We are gonna make sure that we comb this country, that everybody who is here, is supposed to be here and is here legally,” said Sean Astwood.
While Mr. Garland pointed to areas like construction sites, where unskilled illegal migrants are benefitting from the jobs created due to the current boom in the industry, he was tasked with talking about the action the PDM plans to take about jobs being doled out “illegally” in the corporate space.
“We will reform the current policy to better the interest of our people. When you are renewing a work permit, particularly for skilled workers in the corporate sector or applying for a new work permit, you will first have to submit it to the Labour department six weeks prior, that will give the Labour Department some time to identify a qualified applicant.”
The PDM plans to phase out the policy which only required proof that the position had been advertised.
Garland, who is an attorney, said Islanders no longer have faith in the current process and therefore no longer apply for the advertised jobs, suspecting that the position has already been assigned to someone else who is often an expat worker.
Ralph Higgs, another former member of parliament and former tourism minister for the Turks and Caicos Islands, also wants to introduce the technology which will flag individuals who overstay in the islands.
TRAFFIC CONGESTION
Alternative roads, traffic lights and traffic cops all factor into the PDM’s plan to end the gridlock motorists face in their morning and afternoon commutes on the main island of Providenciales.
Sean Astwood is an all-island candidate in the upcoming General Elections and he said the party will also focus on public transportation.
“We are going to tackle the illegal jitney problem. To make sure we put in place public transportation where our citizens are going to be carried back and forth – from home to work, school – through safe transportation methods that will decrease the amount of vehicles on the street and help to reduce traffic congestion.”
The PDM’s men participating in the fireside chat expressed deep concern about the danger of the illegal jitney system, with reports of sexual assaults escalating last year which resulted in the launch of two safety campaigns aimed at ensuring residents of and guests to the islands avoid the use of the unlicensed cars.
“We will tackle this seriously, it will not only create businesses for our people but we have already looked at alternative roads especially out of Blue Hills and Wheeland that can get straight down town, straight to the airport,” said Edwin Astwood, the party’s leader and ED 2 incumbent.
The plans, he said, also extend to the eastern end of Providenciales.
EDUCATION & YOUTH
When it comes to Education, the PDM wants to assess the current systems.
“First of all we need to review our curricula, to ensure that we are meeting the national needs of our countries dn providing our students with the best education there is. We want to prepare them to be national leaders in our country and in doing so, we want to ensure that we add elements of financial literacy and other skills based training that will promote them and propel them into being model citizens in our country,” said Temard Butterfield, All Island Candidate.
Butterfield, an educator himself, pointed to qualified certifications at a Technical and Vocational school, and reminded that “special needs
is at the core and the heart of our manifesto and our agenda”.
Sports is important to the PDM Agenda, offered Mr. Butterfield, with a focus on upgrading and expanding sporting facilities. Scholarships was another area the PDM believes needs attention.
“Expand scholarship opportunities. We cannot forget that. If you have a dream, if our Turks and Caicos Islands Community College is not offering it – and yes we want to ensure that we upgrade our college so that we can have our first Turks and Caicos Islands National University – but we want to ensure that we provide our young men and our young women with all the opportunities to qualify themselves and to be model citizens of this country.”
Youth development is also central to the PDM, explained Robert Been, an all-island contender and the PDM’s Deputy Party Leader.
“We intend to initiate a youth development fund geared toward those young entrepreneurs that want to get that exposure to get those business start ups off the ground. For Youths that want to invest in careers that’s outside the curriculum. So that fund will be a different fund from the current scholarship fund…” said Been.
Piggy-backing on his deputy’s comments about the increase in scholarship funding to $12 million, Edwin Astwood agreed there is a need to double the allotment.
“That is four times the current level. Within that $12 million, as the deputy pointed out for those of you who do not want to follow the scholar’s way, you want to leave high school and go straight into a business, so you can get a grant right out of high school.”
The grant will support training for those school leavers for the best possible outcomes, said the leader.
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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News4 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
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Caribbean News5 days agoLiberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
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News4 days agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals