Government
Kenva Williams Urges Bold, Inclusive Infrastructure Leadership for Caribbean’s Future
Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
Turks and Caicos, July 4, 2025 – Sustainable infrastructure is not just about development—it is about survival, resilience, and national dignity. That was the resounding message from Kenva Williams, Director General of the Turks and Caicos Islands Telecommunications Commission, as he called on Caribbean governments to lead with vision and courage in building future-ready infrastructure systems across the region.
Delivering a powerful address under the theme “Fixing and Delivering Sustainable Infrastructure,” Williams emphasized that in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), infrastructure gaps are not abstract policy concerns—they are barriers to opportunity and threats to national security.
“These are not luxuries; they are lifelines,” Williams stated. “A paved road meant access to school, a telephone line kept us connected with loved ones abroad, and reliable electricity brought dignity to daily living.”
His remarks were delivered as part of the Turks and Caicos Islands Business Outlook, held on June 13, 2025, at the Messel Ballroom of The Palms Resort in Providenciales. The forum brought together key business and policy leaders to examine the territory’s development trajectory.
Confronting SIDS Realities with Strategic Action
Williams pointed to the escalating costs and vulnerabilities faced by SIDS: outdated infrastructure, the growing toll of climate change, and market disinterest in smaller, less-populated islands. But within these challenges, he argued, lies the potential for transformational leadership—one that redefines how governments think about investment, equity, and national resilience.
“We must invest with purpose,” he said. “The model must change—governments must lead, partner with the private sector, and ensure that sustainability is measured not just in profits, but in people.”
He lauded several Caribbean countries already embracing this approach:
- The Bahamas, which connected 14 islands via subsea fiber as early as 2006.
- Antigua and Barbuda, where the state utility spearheaded a nationwide fiber-to-the-home network and initiated a subsea cable.
- The Cayman Islands, pursuing a second undersea link not based on market demand, but for resilience and national security.
“These aren’t isolated acts of ambition—they’re signs of a quiet but crucial shift,” Williams said. “Governments are not just regulators—they’re becoming co-builders of national infrastructure.”
TCI: Rebuilding Smarter After Crisis
Williams drew on the painful lessons of 2017, when Hurricanes Irma and Maria crippled the Turks and Caicos Islands’
communications and power systems, cutting off entire communities. The storm exposed the fragility of the nation’s infrastructure—and catalyzed change.
Since then, both major telecommunications providers have rebuilt their networks using modern fiber-optic systems, with much of their core infrastructure now placed underground to withstand extreme weather. Looking forward, TCI is now investing in a national fiber ring to connect all six inhabited islands and planning a second international fiber cable to ensure redundancy and uninterrupted global connectivity.
These efforts are framed within the government’s National Physical Sustainable Development Plan, which promotes infrastructure as an integrated, cross-sector tool—touching transport, tourism, utilities, and community services.
Digital is the New Critical Infrastructure
Williams highlighted a critical evolution: infrastructure is no longer just physical—it is digital. In today’s world, a single outage can grind governments to a halt, disrupt healthcare delivery, or prevent children from attending school. Digital resilience, he asserted, is now a national imperative.
“Connectivity is not a convenience—it is essential,” Williams warned. He called on governments to treat digital infrastructure with the same urgency and permanence as roads, ports, and electricity.
Governments Must Build Where Markets Won’t
A core message of Williams’ speech was the need for governments to become strategic investors, especially on islands and communities that commercial developers often overlook.
He proposed direct public investment in:
- Small-scale eco-hotel projects to stimulate remote island economies.
- Core infrastructure like water plants, energy and telecom towers, and multi-utility ducts.
- Policies that prioritize national interest over short-term returns.
“An investor profits from a single service,” he said, “but governments gain from the entire economy—jobs, tax revenues, and broad prosperity. If we build the foundation, the market will follow.”
A Regional Vision, Rooted in Purpose
In closing, Williams broadened his remarks to the entire Caribbean, calling on regional governments to act boldly, think inclusively, and plan for future generations.
“We may be small in size, but we are not lacking in vision. We are vulnerable to storms, yet anchored in resilience,” he declared. “Infrastructure is not just the foundation of our economies—it is the foundation of our confidence as a region.”
With rising climate threats and technological demands, Williams challenged leaders to reframe infrastructure as a moral and strategic priority—a bridge not just to connectivity, but to greatness.
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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