TCI News
Local Government Finally Arrives in TCI Family Islands — Residents Hopeful After Years of Talks
By Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
SOUTH CAICOS — “We’re bringing government closer to your doorstep,” declared Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Arlington Musgrove, during the official launch of Phase 1 of the Turks and Caicos Islands Local Government structure. Held on July 22 in South Caicos, the ceremony marked a historic shift in governance, establishing District Boards not only for South Caicos, but also for North Caicos, Middle Caicos and Salt Cay.
“The local government system will eventually operate through elected representatives; a local council who will serve as a direct link between the people and central government. With clearly defined responsibilities; they will work in tandem with the central government’s ministries creating a coordinated approach to governance that leverages the strengths of both levels of authority,” said the Minister on Tuesday.
This milestone reflects the central government’s commitment to greater inclusivity and responsiveness, particularly in the islands outside of Providenciales and Grand Turk. Minister Musgrove said the initiative will enable communities to manage their own affairs more efficiently through local representation.
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter—a chapter where the voices of our communities are heard more directly,” said Musgrove in
his speech. “Where decision-making is closer to the people, and where we can work together to shape the future of our islands with greater transparency and accountability.”
The local government structure, he explained, will eventually include elected district councils to serve as direct links between residents and central government ministries. These councils will handle matters such as planning, budgeting, and service delivery, tailoring government response to each island’s unique needs. “Nothing should be too far from your reach—especially good service and listening ears,” Musgrove said to applause.
The launch represents the culmination of efforts dating back to 2023, when the Ministry of Home Affairs launched a public questionnaire to gauge support for local governance. Prior to that, in early 2023, TCI officials engaged in regional collaboration with The Bahamas to study its long-standing local government system.
“Your active participation, your voices, and your ideas are what will truly make this effort successful. Your active involvement will be essential in shaping policies that impact your lives daily.”
Musgrove acknowledged the delay in implementation, referencing Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary in doing good…” and affirmed the government’s commitment to empowering Family Island residents. “This initiative strengthens administrative convenience through collaborative efforts with the District Commissioners and all Government agencies,” he added.
With the foundation now laid for district-level governance in four islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands take a bold step toward more localized, accountable, and community-centered development.
“I encourage all of us to embrace this new chapter with optimism. Join us in building a future that reflects the best of what our islands have to offer; and maybe, just maybe, make the government a little closer, a little friendlier, and a lot more effective.”
As rollout continues, national attention now turns to how these boards will function—and who will offer to serve.
Turks and Caicos, October 28, 2025 – We are closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, and our thoughts and prayers are with our regional neighbours for their safety and well-being
We are now entering a critical period as Hurricane Melissa advances towards the Turks and Caicos Islands. Current projections indicate that Hurricane Melissa will begin to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands around midday tomorrow, Wednesday, 29th October.
This morning, Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier chaired a State of Preparedness Meeting. All Government agencies and critical services are mobilised. The safety and protection of every person across our Islands remains our highest priority. Our emergency response teams are prepared and the TCI Regiment is deployed across each of our Islands to support community readiness and immediate response. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are on active duty, with additional officers in North Caicos, Salt Cay, South Caicos and Grand Turk.
At this time, the hurricane is moving north-northeast. The country is expected to experience tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall and
significant storm surge. The storm surge poses a serious concern for low-lying coastal areas especially along our western and southern coastlines, which may result in coastal flooding. Based on the most current weather projections and anticipated impacts for the Turks and Caicos Islands, the National Executive have agreed the following actions:
1. Evacuation Advisories
Residents in specific low-lying and flood-prone coastal areas are likely to experience significant storm surge of 2-4 feet with accompanying rainfall. Strong advice is now place for residents in these areas to relocate to designated shelters which will be open from 4pm this afternoon. These areas include:
Middle Caicos
- Conch Bar Nearest Shelter: The Community Centre
North Caicos
- Sandy Point Nearest Shelter : Sandy Point Community Centre
- Whitby Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
- Bottle Creek Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
Providenciales
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- Chalk Sound Nearest Shelter Enid Capron Primary School
- Five Cays Nearest Shelter: Enid Capron Primary School
- Discovery Bay Nearest Shelter: All Saints Church, Leeward Highway
- Juba Sound Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
- Long Bay Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
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South Caicos
- Cockburn Harbour Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
- Old Airport Road Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
Should an evacuation order become necessary, it will be issued following the 6:00 PM Advisory this evening from the TCI National Weather Service.
2. Activation of Emergency Operations Centre
The National Emergency Operations Centre in Providenciales and all Islands Emergency Operations Centres will be activated at 4:00 PM today.
3. Shelters Access
Shelters across all Islands will open today at 4:00 PM to receive members of the public.
4. Shelter-in-Place
A Strong Shelter-in-Place Advisory is in place for all islands, commencing at 10:00 PM tonight. This will be in place until the all clear has been issued.
This means that from 10:00 PM tonight, all residents should be off the road, in a safe location, either at home or a designated shelter.
Please note that this position may be revised following the 6:00 PM Advisory from the TCI National Weather Service, depending on updated storm projections.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has confirmed that all airports remain fully operational for today. They will advise the public about ongoing operations dependent on the weather impacts.
In times such as this, the role of commercial entities extends beyond business – it becomes a vital part of the community’s resilience. All retailers and service providers are urged to uphold their humanitarian responsibilities by maintaining fair pricing and ensuring essential goods and services remain accessible to all.
Residents and visitors are reminded to adhere strictly to all official advisories and evacuation orders as they are issued. Avoid unnecessary movement, secure your property, and ensure that you and your family are prepared with essential supplies. Stay prepared and stay safe.
Turks and Caicos, October 24, 2025 – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey delivered an impassioned address to male students at Clement Howell High School, calling on them to recognize their power, seize their potential, and “awaken the sleeping giants” within.
In a message that blended humility, faith, and personal experience, the Commissioner reminded the boys that the decisions they make today will shape their future.“The choices you make today determine who you become tomorrow,” he said.
Bailey, who revealed he was the first in his family to attend high school, urged the students to embrace education and discipline as tools of
transformation.“Knowledge is power. If you want to be a real man, you need to read,” he told them. “Remember your potential — if others can do it, so can you. Some of you are sleeping giants waiting to be awakened.”
He emphasized that circumstances of birth do not dictate destiny, challenging the young men to carry self-respect, faith, and moral conviction wherever they go. “Self-respect is key; respect yourself, respect others, and respect God,” he said. “The circumstances you were born into do not define who you are.”
The Commissioner also spoke about resilience, advising that true strength often lies in restraint.
“There will be challenges, and people may try to impede your development — but rise above negativity. Sometimes, strength means walking away,” he said. “Some of you are sleeping lions; it’s time to awaken that instinct and rediscover your true potential.”
In closing, Commissioner Bailey delivered a stirring challenge:
“Each morning, look in the mirror and remind yourself that you were created by God and are capable of great exploits. You are a possibility with potential. Step forward with confidence — this is your country, your islands. Be the best version of yourself.”
Following his speech, the Commissioner engaged the students in open dialogue, answering questions and listening to their perspectives on issues affecting young men in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.
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