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EXCLUSIVE: “Affordable Homes for Locals from $197K–$239K” — Minister Musgrove Details Housing Push, Gov’t to Intervene in Mortgage Market

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Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

Turks and Caicos, June 20, 2025 – Turks and Caicos Islanders could soon be able to purchase new homes priced between $197,000 and $239,000 as part of an aggressive government push to address the nation’s housing crisis.

The figure — revealed exclusively by Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Arlington Musgrove — represents the target price range for 350 new homes currently in planning.

Speaking at the TCI Business Outlook on June 13, 2025, Minister Musgrove outlined bold steps the government is taking to deliver affordable, climate-resilient housing — and to help local buyers access financing.

“We will actively engage with our banking partners,” Musgrove said. “I will be coming to you [the banks] to develop a product that offers low mortgage rates for persons with low to moderate incomes.”

Musgrove confirmed that government intervention in the mortgage market will be key: “We recognise the need for low-interest loans, grants, and subsidies, tailored to different income groups — and we are committed to making this happen.”

The National Housing Policy, launched in 2023, provides the framework. It focuses on affordability, environmental sustainability, and innovation — with public-private partnerships at its core.

Among actions now underway:

  • A Mortgage Corporation is being established to streamline financing and eventually offer innovative mortgage products.
  • Parcels of land are being prepared for affordable housing developments.
  • Builders will be required to meet climate-smart standards.
  • The government is calling on banks, developers, and civil society to join in delivering sustainable solutions.

Musgrove stressed the government’s determination to deliver on its promise under Citizens’ Contract 2.0: “Affordable housing is both a social imperative and an economic necessity. Rising land prices, climate risks, and high demand mean we must act — and we are acting.”

Community voices and private sector partnerships will shape the outcomes: “Our citizens’ voices must guide our planning,” the Minister said. “We must foster a culture of transparency, responsibility, and shared benefit.”

Looking ahead, the government’s vision is clear: “A Turks and Caicos where every family has access to safe, affordable, and environmentally responsible housing,” Musgrove said. “Communities that are resilient to climate impacts and where economic growth is inclusive and sustainable.”

The Minister ended with a call to action: “We must harness resources, leverage partnerships, and stay committed. I urge banks, developers, agencies, and our citizens to join us in this vital national effort.”

Details on the housing rollout — including locations and financing options — will be shared with the public as soon as the current RFP (Request for Proposal) phase clears procurement.

UPDATED: June 21, 2025 (6:39pm)

Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

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The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.

The individuals and charges are as follows:

An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:

Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving

The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.

The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.

The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.

The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.

The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.

A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:

  • Murder

The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.

A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:

  • Murder
  • Attempted Murder

These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.

 

RBPF, PACD

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Saunders Tells Caribbean Media: Be Seen, Be Heard – But What About TCI

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by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”

Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”

Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.

The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.

Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.

Saunders believes AI can help.

He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.

He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.

His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”

For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.

That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us

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Bahamas News

Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday

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Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.

Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.

According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.

The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.

Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.

However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.

The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.

PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band

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