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
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.