Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 23 October 2025 — The Crown Land Unit, supported by the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU) and the Immigration and Border Services, led the successful execution of a reclamation exercise in Five Cays and Blue Hills on Tuesday August 26, 2025. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force provided security for the operation which formed part of the Government’s mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown Land.

During routine inspections, the Crown Land Unit identified three unoccupied, illegally constructed steel and concrete block structures on parcels 60610/226, 60610/228, and 60610/239, located in the area commonly referred to as Sand Bar Street, Five Cays. Notices of Illegal Occupation were issued in accordance with the Crown Land Ordinance, however the owners of the structures failed to comply with the instructions contained in the Notices. As a result, enforcement action was taken to remove the structures and reclaim the land.

The exercise resulted in the full reclamation of 1.18 acres of Crown Land, with the removal of three unauthorized structures which were all block and concrete structures from foundation to belt beam stages of development.

Following the reclamation in Five Cays, the team proceeded to Blue Hills where ten Letters of Illegal Occupation were served across two parcels, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to land protection and management.

The ISU reaffirms its commitment to supporting partner agencies in the coordinated management of Crown Land, ensuring that all enforcement actions are conducted lawfully, efficiently, and in the public interest.

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — As the country celebrated National Heritage Day 2025, Beaches Turks & Caicos resort joined with the Turks & Caicos Islands National Heritage Trust, Department of Tourism Regulations, Enid Capron Primary and Shining Stars Primary schools to showcase the history and rich legacy of the region.

Through partnerships with the local team from the TCI Beautiful by Nature Island Books, Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Fisheries, Marine Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Religious Affairs and Gaming, TCI Historian David Bowen, along with the resort’s dedicated staff had the area decorated with displays of traditional artifacts and illustrations depicting the islands’ history. Included in the day’s events were team member heritage quizzes, live entertainment, heritage oratorical presentation, mixology competition and culinary delights, all organised by the human resources and learning and development departments, that took the team members on a cultural journey down memory lane.

Human Resources Manager, Owenta Coleby was ecstatic as she led a group of students through offices and the resort, performing cultural items. “The primary objective of this initiative is to share often-forgotten or overlooked information about the TCI’s national heritage. We are made in the Caribbean. While we enjoy a dynamic cultural blend of team members, with more than 25 different nationalities, we support and enjoy diversity and inclusion.”

“The TCI’s culture continues to be the dominant theme on the resort especially during our heritage celebrations. As we planned and executed the full day of activities, we ensured that the country’s heritage remained at the forefront of the minds of our team – shared in fun ways of historical talks, gastronomic treats and traditional entertainment. The activities were well received and supported by all in attendance,” Coleby added.

Managing Director James McAnally noted, “as a loving family, our core values are built on being one team by tapping into our collective knowledge. We thrive on helping to build the best foundation for growth especially within the hospitality industry. It is always great for us to celebrate the TCI heritage among our team members and this year we partnered with students from schools to share the heritage with our international guests.”

“Each year our management team goes all out to make the day a memorable one and these activities create memories and moments that inspire us all. We are always pleased to make it even more special through partnerships with the local government agencies. Our unique culture is on display each week for our guests with our cultural night of entertainment and the involvement of our local vendors on resort,” McAnally shared.

Resort Nurse Eleanor Clare, veteran administrator and South Caicos native, who was eager to share her knowledge of the islands, remarked that this was not just a regular celebration for her, but a teaching and learning moment. Said Clare: “As a nation, my fellow TCI nationals, we were able to celebrate this milestone with the entire resort team including those who may not have grown up experiencing these past events, including our students from nearby schools.”

Clare added, “to see the different nationalities at our resort learning more about our history, was truly rewarding, engaging and fun. With this kind of celebration, we were able to share even with our own team members and guests, the country’s historical values and accomplishments, and what each of us can contribute going forward.”                                                                                                                                                                                                Cultural icon and local historian, David Bowen was filled with excitement as he shared musical and oratorical heritage of the TCI. “Being able to see our heritage on display at the resort means a lot and brought back a lot of nostalgia. Also, we have a melting pot of nationalities amongst us, who were able to learn even more about the TCI as the day unfolded,” shared Bowen.

Led by the resort’s entertainment team, entertainment for the day featured music by the renowned local performer Renise Peters and the vibrant and energetic rhythms of the traditional rake and scrape music.

Photo Captions: 

Header: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort was active with entertainment as the staff and students traveled throughout the resort as they share the cultural experience with staff and guests in the Heritage Day celebration

1st Insert: Enid Capron Primary School band share the entertainment and cultural stage with the Bowen’s at the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort Heritage Day celebrations

2nd Insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort celebrates TCI’s Heritage Day 2025 with local historian David Bowen (left) with his son Ishan Bowen share with staff, guests and students in a educational oratorical presentation on the culture and history of the Turks and Caicos Islands