TCI News
“Beyond The Rubble: What TCI’s Crackdown on Illegal Homes Means for the Future”
Ed Forbes
Turks and Caicos, August 21, 2025 – In a bold move to deny criminals refuge, local law enforcement recently carried out an operation targeting illegally constructed homes. The scale was unprecedented — 200 plus structures demolished in just 72 hours. Their efforts must be commended.
While the action was framed as a necessary step in the fight against crime, it left many families suddenly displaced. This raises pressing questions about accountability and social responsibility of the government.
For tenants, the legality of a building’s structure should not be their responsibility to verify. Most people rent or occupy in good faith, trusting that landlords and authorities have met legal requirements. If illegals were occupying such structures, then they should be dealt with accordingly.
I’m of the opinion, when such large-scale demolitions occur, it is imperative for government agencies to have a contingency plan — namely, temporary shelters or emergency housing — to protect innocent families from homelessness.
But the most urgent concern lies in the sheer number of demolitions. How did so many illegal structures arise without intervention? This is
not the first operation of its kind. In 2023, over 27 acres were demolished in the Bight and Five Cays.
Were officials or private owners unaware, or did they turn a blind eye? Was there negligence, lack of oversight, which can give way to unchecked corruption. These are not just speculative questions, they are necessary ones. The planning department, and the broader regulatory framework, must be scrutinized. Are staffing levels adequate for inspections and enforcement? Does the system of checks and balances need a full overhaul? History shows that such problems rarely appear overnight. Illegal housing often grows incrementally — “one building at a time” — until the issue becomes unmanageable. The fact that the situation escalated to hundreds of unlawful structures suggests a systemic failure.
Ownership is another matter demanding attention. Were these homes on Crown land? Who are the landlords or landholders responsible for these properties? At what point will the law hold them accountable for enabling — or if they are directly profiting from illegal development
The broader context cannot be ignored: rapid legal and illegal immigration is putting immense strain on housing supply. Without adequate, affordable options, the risk is twofold — skyrocketing rents and the spread of informal, unsafe settlements.
This combination could quickly spiral into a socioeconomic crisis, undermining both public safety and community stability.
While dismantling illegal housing may remove havens for criminal activity, it does not address the underlying housing shortage. In order to minimize similar situations in the sister islands or elsewhere, this will require decisive government action, not just enforcement.
The housing proposals discussed during the last election must move from paper to reality in a timely manner. At this critical juncture, priority must be given to building single-family homes and affordable apartments over luxury villas and resort developments.
Turks and Caicos stands at a crossroads. Choices made now will determine whether it remains not only a beautiful place to visit, but a secure, vibrant, and equitable place to live and work.
Eradicating crime is vital, but so is safeguarding the rights, dignity, and housing needs of law-abiding residents. Enforcement without sustainable housing policy is not a long-term solution — it’s a temporary fix to a growing crisis. Therefore, government must prioritize resources and put them where they’re most needed.
Turks and Caicos, April 06, 2026 – Technical excellence early in their jumps became the defining factor for two Turks and Caicos
athletes, as David Hall soared to gold in a nail-biting Under-20 high jump final at the 53rd CARIFTA Games in Grenada. Herwens Guerrier added to the country’s success with a 1.90 metre clearance to secure silver in the Under-17 division, finishing in a tightly contested field where all three medalists cleared the same height.
Both events were decided on countback — meaning the medals were determined not just by height cleared, but by which athlete did so with fewer failed attempts, highlighting the importance of precision and composure under pressure.
A wave of national pride followed the results, with congratulatory messages pouring in for the athletes who delivered under pressure on the regional stage. In a statement, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam praised both competitors, saying their “hard work, discipline and determination have made the entire nation proud,” while encouraging the wider team to continue striving as competition unfolded at the Kirani James National Stadium in Grenada.
Team Turks and Caicos finished just outside of the top ten among 28 competing nations, and anticipation is already building for what is expected to be a spirited homecoming for the standout athletes, whose performances have ignited pride across the islands.
The 53rd staging of the CARIFTA Games, held at the Kirani James National Stadium in Grenada, unfolded under warm, at times testing
conditions, with intermittent showers and shifting winds challenging athletes across disciplines.
Jamaica once again asserted its dominance, capturing its 40th consecutive CARIFTA title, continuing an unmatched run in regional athletics. Among the standout performers was Shanoya Douglas, whose electrifying run in the Under-20 200 metres earned her the prestigious Austin Sealy Award — the Games’ highest individual honour — after she shattered the long-standing record of Bahamian Shaunae Miller-Uibo, who went on to become an Olympic gold medalist in the 400 metres. Douglas clocked an impressive 22.11 seconds to rewrite the CARIFTA record books.
For Turks and Caicos, however, the spotlight remained firmly on the field, where two high jumpers delivered performances defined by discipline and growth. Hall’s gold medal-winning clearance of 2.00 metres marked a significant step forward in his development, improving on his 1.89 metre silver medal performance at the 2025 Inter-High Championships. Guerrier’s 1.90 metre effort in the Under-17 division similarly places him among the country’s top emerging talents, signalling a strong future for the event locally.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — It’s that time again — a period of compliance, accountability and transparency for those entrusted with public office and captured under the category of “Specified Persons in Public Life.”
The Integrity Commission is reminding all individuals who fall within this category that they are legally required to file their Declarations of Income, Assets and Liabilities, in accordance with Section 39 of the Integrity Commission Ordinance.
The declaration window is now officially open, running from April 1 to June 30, 2026, and applies to a wide cross-section of senior
public officials, statutory board members and others operating within the machinery of government.
This is not a routine administrative exercise. It is a cornerstone of good governance — designed to ensure that those in positions of power are transparent about their financial interests, and to guard against corruption, conflicts of interest and illicit enrichment.
Who Must File
The Commission outlines several categories of individuals required to submit declarations this cycle.
They include:
- Persons who last filed on or before June 30, 2024
- Individuals newly appointed to statutory boards or government positions from April 1, 2026 onward
- Those who have demitted office, resigned or whose contracts have ended — who must file within 90 days of leaving their post
- Individuals who may not have previously realized they fall under the legal requirement
The net is wide — and intentionally so.
“Specified Persons in Public Life” includes elected officials, senior civil servants, financial officers, law enforcement leadership, members of statutory bodies, and other key decision-makers whose roles carry influence over public resources and policy.
Among them are Members of the House of Assembly, Cabinet Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Department, senior police officers, and individuals serving on public boards and commissions.
The Commission notes that the full schedule of designated roles is extensive, and persons are encouraged to consult the official list available through its office or website to confirm whether they are captured under the law.
How to File
Unlike many modern reporting systems, this process remains deliberately controlled.
All declarations must be:
- Submitted in person
- Delivered by appointment only
- Accompanied by supporting documentation
Declarants will be contacted directly with their assigned appointment details, including date, time and location. The Commission has made it clear — submissions through third parties, email or mail will not be accepted.
This approach reinforces the seriousness of the process and ensures the integrity of submissions.
Declaration forms are available via the Commission’s website, and assistance is accessible through its Providenciales office for those needing clarification.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The warning from the Commission is unambiguous.
Failure to file a declaration without reasonable cause is a criminal offence.
Penalties include:
- Up to one year imprisonment
- A fine of up to $15,000
- Or both
Additionally, the Commission is mandated to publish the names of non-compliant individuals in the official Gazette — a move that carries both legal and reputational consequences.
Confidential but Critical
While the process is strict, the Commission emphasizes that all declarations are confidential documents, handled with discretion.
Still, the purpose is clear: transparency does not always mean public disclosure — but it does mean accountability to an independent oversight body.
In a region where public trust can be fragile, these filings serve as a quiet but powerful mechanism to reinforce confidence in governance.
For Turks and Caicos, this annual exercise is more than paperwork — it is a test of integrity at the highest levels.
And for those required to file, the message is simple: comply, disclose, and do it on time.
For more information or to confirm filing obligations, individuals are encouraged to contact the Integrity Commission directly.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
News
CALL 649-338-4008 OR 649-338-2684 IF A CHILD IS AT RISK: TCI Confronts Alarming Reality During Child Abuse Prevention Month
06PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands, a small British Overseas Territory though it is, is grappling with an unsettling truth: levels of physical and psychological violence against children remain alarmingly high.
Recent regional findings place the country among the most concerning in the Caribbean, with data showing that eight to nine out of
every ten children experience some form of violent discipline — whether physical punishment or emotional harm.
It is a reality the Department of Family and Children Services is not taking lightly.
As the country marks Child Abuse Prevention Month 2026 under the theme “Positive Childhoods Start with Us,” officials are pushing beyond awareness and into action.
Director of DFCS, Ashley Adams Forbes, said changing that reality requires action from the entire community.
“Positive childhoods are not guaranteed—they are built when communities choose to show up for families and protect their children. When we listen, when we care, and when we speak up for a child in need, we may be changing the course of a life.”
Minister with responsibility for DFCS, Shaun D. Malcolm, warned that the consequences of inaction extend beyond individual families.
“Protecting our children is the most urgent duty we share as a nation. When any child is unsafe, our entire society is at risk.”
But beyond the messaging and observances, the Department is making it clear: residents have a role to play — and the tools to act.
Contact lines are open for those who suspect abuse, neglect or risk:
- Providenciales: 649-338-4008
- Grand Turk: 649-338-2684
Officials say even uncertainty should not silence action — reporting concerns can be the first step in protecting a child.
Across the islands, the call is for stronger families, more attentive communities and a willingness to intervene when something is not right. Because while policies and programmes matter, it is often the decisions made in homes, schools and neighbourhoods that determine whether a child feels safe — or suffers in silence.
The message this April is clear.
Positive childhoods do not happen by chance.
They are built — or broken — by the choices adults make every day.
And in Turks and Caicos, the moment to choose differently is now.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
-
News6 days agoGOLD & SILVER – Hall & Guerrier Fly High for Turks and Caicos at CARIFTA 2026
-
News6 days agoCALL 649-338-4008 OR 649-338-2684 IF A CHILD IS AT RISK: TCI Confronts Alarming Reality During Child Abuse Prevention Month
-
Independent writer5 days agoThe Rise of Right-Wing Populism and What It Could Mean for the Turks and Caicos Islands
-
News7 days agoBeaches Turks & Caicos, FIU train next generation of hospitality leaders in Providenciales
-
Bahamas News6 days agoFNM’S $200 CHILD SUPPORT PLAN SPARKS DEBATE AS PLP QUESTIONS FUNDING AND SCOPE
-
Bahamas News6 days agoFuel Pain at The Pump: Global Tensions Drive Prices Up as Bahamians Feel the Squeeze
-
News6 days agoBirthright Citizenship Unchanged as U.S. Supreme Court Weighs Case, Majority of Americans Oppose Ending Policy
-
Bahamas News6 days agoCOI UNVEILS FIRST 100 DAYS PLAN, PROMISING SWEEPING CHANGE AND BREAK FROM MAINSTREAM POLITICS