Government
Two Realities, One Country: Opposition Leader Slams Government’s ‘Disconnected’ $540M Budget
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands — While the Government heralds its record-breaking $540 million budget as a bold investment in Turks and Caicos’ future, Opposition Leader Hon. Edwin Astwood says the reality on the ground tells a different story — one of rising costs, stagnant wages, unfulfilled promises, and an economy that “leaves our people behind.”
“I see many of our people struggle; the Premier sees people living their best lives,” Astwood declared during his response to the 2025/26 Budget Communication.
From the floor of the House of Assembly, the Opposition Leader drew a powerful contrast between what the government claims is happening and what citizens actually experience.
“I see an underfunded healthcare sector; the Premier sees optimal access to state-of-the-art care.”
“I see crime out of control; the Premier sees a government that has a grip on crime.”
“I see people losing their homes; the Premier sees more properties to sell to foreign investors.”
With each comparison, Astwood drove home a central message: the country may be progressing on paper, but not in the lives of ordinary Turks and Caicos Islanders.
“Promises Without Strategies”
Astwood’s criticism of the budget was scathing. He accused the government of being long on ambitions but short on delivery and political will.
“This is a budget filled with bells and whistles,” he said, “but without the strategic muscle to bring transformation to fruition.”
He pointed to last year’s announced 15 projects and 20 growth measures — many of which, he claimed, have been delayed, discarded, or re-tendered.
“We see the results. No plan for crime. No plan for health. No plan for education. No urgency in getting our people into homes or onto crown land.”
He described the budget as a missed opportunity to address the island’s most pressing issues — from illegal immigration to youth
development, from family island investment to healthcare sustainability.
Tourism Booms, But Who Benefits? The government has proudly shared that tourism numbers are soaring:
- 192,297 stayover visitors in Q1 of 2025 — a 2.3% year-over-year increase.
- 410,107 cruise visitors in the same period — a massive 54% jump.
- Hotel occupancy averaged 71% with ADR at $1,544.
Yet, Astwood questioned whether this tourism boom is translating into better living conditions for locals.
“Mr. Speaker, is the economy really booming for Turks and Caicos Islanders?” he asked. “Or are we just watching others get rich off our shores while we struggle to keep up with soaring prices?”
Headlines vs. Homes, Projects vs. People
The Opposition Leader accused the Government of governing through headlines and political gimmicks, while the real work of transforming lives remains undone.
He listed ongoing crises and systemic failures:
- Airport overcrowding, even as tourists vow never to return.
- NHIP on the brink, forcing patients to seek care abroad.
- Youth athletes unsupported, and scholarship funding insufficient.
- Family Islands overlooked, with all focus on Providenciales.
“The Premier sees a nation on the rise. I see people packing up for the UK because they can’t make it here at home.”
Call to Action: “We Must Demand More”
Astwood ended with a plea for unity and renewed purpose.
Quoting JFK, he reminded the House:
“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”
He urged MPs across party lines — PDM, PNP, PDA, and Independents — to demand a budget that truly serves the people:
“Let’s envision a Turks and Caicos where quality education, responsive healthcare, and homegrown innovation are realities for all. Our people deserve more than economic growth that only benefits the few.”
In his closing, Astwood emphasized collaboration, engagement, and accountability.
“Let’s ensure that the needs of our people are not just acknowledged but prioritized. Our best days are still ahead — let’s make them happen.”
The Turks & Caicos 2025-2026 National Budget was passed on Thursday May 22, 2025.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 10th July 2025 – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Odessa Forbes as the Director of Culture within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture.
Mrs. Forbes holds a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the American Intercontinental University, FL, a certificate in Business from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and a certificate in Project Management through the University of the West Indies.
Bringing over 20 years of diverse leadership experience to her new role, Mrs. Forbes most recently served as Training Manager for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, where she led organisation-wide professional development and compliance training for over 400 officers and recruits. Her extensive experience also includes culture development through the leading initiatives that promote local heritage and community engagement, ensuring that cultural values are integrated into organisational practices and community programs within the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
Before assuming the Training Manager position, Mrs. Forbes served in the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force for over a decade,
rising through the ranks to become a Police Sergeant. Earlier in her career, she also gained valuable experience in the hospitality sector, working as a restaurant manager, where she developed strong operational, people management and customer engagement skills.
Speaking on her new role, Mrs Forbes said, “I am deeply honoured and excited to serve as the Director of Culture. This role offers a powerful opportunity to preserve, celebrate and share the rich cultural identity of the Turks and Caicos Islands, both at home and with the world. As our society continues to grow and diversify, it is more important than ever that our national values, traditions and stories remain visible, accessible and deeply rooted in our collective identity. I look forward to working with communities across the islands to ensure our culture continues to inspire pride, unity and innovation for future generations. I remain grateful for the encouragement of my family and mentors and I embrace this role with humility, vision and purpose.
In congratulatory remarks, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service H.E. Anya Williams said, “It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Mrs. Odessa Forbes on her appointment as our new Director of Culture.
The promotion and preservation of culture is extremely important to our islands, as it not only honours our rich heritage but also shapes the identity and values of our future generations.
We wish Mrs. Forbes well on her appointment as she works to chart a new path in advancing cultural development, fostering creative expression and in ensuring that the diverse traditions of our people continue to thrive and inspire.
Congratulations on your new appointment, Mrs. Forbes!”
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR AND HEAD OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 8th July 2025 – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Alexandria Missick as the Permanent Secretary of the National Lands Secretariat.
Ms. Missick holds a Certificate in Regulation: Theory, Strategy, and Practice from the London School of Economics in London, England, as well as a Master of Business Administration and a Diploma from Imperial College London. She also possesses a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Law in London and a Bachelor of Laws with Honours from Nottingham Trent University.
With her extensive experience, Ms. Missick has served as the Director of Legal Services, Compliance, and Assistant Company Secretary at FortisTCI. In this capacity, she managed the organisation’s legal, corporate governance, insurance, and compliance functions. She provided strategic legal counsel, skillfully addressing complex legal issues. Her responsibilities included managing and negotiating complex commercial agreements, evaluating legislative developments and their potential impact on the organisation, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws. Additionally, she played a vital role in corporate governance, developing and enforcing governance policies, securing insurance for the company’s assets, effectively managing insurance claims, and supporting the regulatory team.
During her tenure at Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos) Limited, Ms. Missick served in dual capacities as both the Manager of Human Resources and the Manager of Compliance and Legal Services. As Manager of Human Resources, she provided comprehensive guidance and support to ensure alignment with the bank’s strategic objectives. In her role as Manager of Compliance and Legal Services, she oversaw a robust compliance program that promoted good governance and adherence to the bank’s policies and procedures. This involved conducting thorough compliance assessments, designing tailored training programs, and evaluating legislative updates to understand their impact on operations.
Before her time at Scotiabank, she worked at TCI Bank Limited as the Company Secretary and Legal Officer. During her tenure, she
established an internal corporate secretariat office, developed relevant policies and procedures, and ensured compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, during the bank’s provisional liquidation, she supported the Provisional Liquidators by assisting with operational matters, including human resources.
Speaking on her appointment, Ms. Missick said, “I am deeply honoured to commence this important journey in public service as the Permanent Secretary of the National Land Secretariat. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact within our community by implementing innovative solutions and providing exemplary service. I look forward to collaborating with the talented professionals on our team and my esteemed colleagues throughout the public service, supporting their efforts and advancing our shared goals”.
In congratulatory remarks, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams said, “It gives me great pleasure to officially congratulate Ms. Alexandria Missick on her appointment as the Permanent Secretary of the newly established National Lands Secretariat and to warmly welcome her to the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service.
The Crown Land Division, which previously operated as a division under the Attorney General’s Chambers, now stands as a separate ministry with direct reporting responsibilities to Her Excellency the Governor and the Honourable Premier. This important restructuring reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to improving the delivery and efficiency of services within the Crown Lands Division.
We are pleased to welcome Ms. Missick to this critical role and are confident that her legal qualifications, extensive experience and strong leadership will be invaluable assets as she undertakes this responsibility.
As Permanent Secretary, Ms. Missick will have direct oversight of the following divisions:
Crown Land
Survey and Mapping
Valuation
Land Registry
We look forward to working closely with her as we continue to strengthen and modernise the land administration framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Congratulations once again, Ms. Missick, on your new appointment and welcome to the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service”.
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