Ministry of Physical Planning Concludes Fact-finding Mission

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 9 April 2025: The Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development of the Turks and Caicos Islands has successfully concluded its fact-finding mission in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, from 26 – 29 March 2025. This mission aimed to enhance collaboration and share best practices in housing and infrastructure development.

Led by the Honourable Arlington Musgrove, the Minister, the delegation included Permanent Secretary Bridgette Newman, the Director of Housing and Community Renewal, and other key officials, along with representatives from the Turks and Caicos Mortgage Corporation.

The delegation engaged in constructive discussions with the Honourable Keith Bell, Minister of Housing, and his team, focusing on critical housing policies and ongoing projects. The Bahamas has implemented a comprehensive housing policy designed to increase the availability of affordable housing. Bahamian officials highlighted challenges such as land availability, regulatory hurdles, and funding constraints, which mirror those faced in the Turks and Caicos Islands, suggesting potential avenues for collaboration.

The team also met with the Managing Director of the Mortgage Corporation to explore sustainable housing solutions and public-private partnerships. These interactions provided valuable insights into community engagement and the advantages of collaborative development initiatives. Additionally, the Minister and his team met with representatives from the Ministry of Works, where discussions emphasized the importance of integrating disaster resilience into infrastructure planning; an essential consideration for the Turks and Caicos Islands given its vulnerability to natural disasters.

Throughout the mission, the delegation visited various sites to observe construction methods and the impact of ongoing projects. Site visits to affordable housing initiatives showcased innovative construction techniques that could be adopted in the Turks and Caicos Islands to improve sustainability and reduce costs. The team also noted the use of advanced materials and technologies in ongoing infrastructure projects, which could enhance the durability and efficiency of initiatives in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Networking with local stakeholders further strengthened relationships, promoting collaboration between the two governments. Engaging local communities in infrastructure projects emerged as a best practice that could lead to improved project outcomes and community support, as well as opportunities for public-private partnerships in housing and infrastructure projects to leverage additional funding and expertise.

In a formal statement, Minister Musgrove remarked, “This mission has been essential in identifying effective strategies that can be tailored to our unique context. By fostering collaboration with our Bahamian counterparts, we are taking significant steps toward enhancing housing for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. We remain resolute in our commitment to sustainable development, and we look forward to putting these insights into action.”

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands remains committed to enhancing housing and infrastructure for its residents and looks forward to implementing the insights gained from this successful mission.

For more information, please contact the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

1st insert:  TCI Delegation Inspects Housing Methods & Techniques in the Bahamas

2nd insert: TCI Delegation with Bahamian Mortgage Corporation