TCI News
No Lives Lost in TCI as Leaders Assess Erin’s Aftermath
Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
Turks and Caicos, August 29, 2025 – Hurricane Erin — which never made direct landfall in the Caribbean — has nonetheless left a mark: 12 confirmed deaths, 3 missing, and over US$1 million in damage, according to the latest figures.
Erin’s earliest impact was felt in the Cape Verde Islands, where torrential floods claimed nine lives, displaced some 1,500 people, and prompted a disaster declaration, according to Convoy of Hope.
It also accounted for one fatality in the Dominican Republic, and triggered dangerous rip currents along the U.S. East Coast, where two swimmers drowned and one boater remains missing.
Yet within the Turks and Caicos Islands, the storm passed on Monday August 18 without loss of life — a fact noted with relief by local
officials. Coastal erosion, however, remains a critical concern. Across low-lying areas, especially on Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and South Caicos, rough surf and weakened shorelines have shaken infrastructure and island defenses.
This morning, Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Premier Charles Washington Misick, and Permanent Secretary for National Security Tito Lightbourne surveyed the damage via RCIPS helicopter. On the ground, they conferred with District Commissioners, TCI Regiment personnel, DDME officials, community leaders, and volunteers — all part of a coordinated recovery underway.
The leadership praised first responders, community leads, and volunteers for their tireless efforts — emphasizing the effectiveness of preparedness, collaboration, and rapid response in protecting the Islands. Of particular note: the successful containment of loss of life, even as vulnerable coastal areas took serious hits.
Despite the lack of casualties within TCI, the current evidence suggests infrastructure — particularly in erosion-prone zones — will require sustained investment and coastal resilience planning.
As the TCI continues its recovery, all agencies are focused on strengthening emergency response systems across the hurricane season. While Erin’s global toll was tragic, its passing over the Caribbean has become a reminder not of the storm’s fury, but of the resilience of island communities when leadership, preparation, and solidarity unite.
The All-clear was given by the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) on Wednesday August 19, 2025.
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 and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 23rd October 2025: Invest Turks and Caicos has announced the official
award categories for the upcoming MSMEs, returning on Friday, November 21st, 2025, under the theme “A Celebration of Excellence.”
Held biennially, the MSMEs stands as the premier celebratory event for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The black-tie, invite-only affair will once again shine a spotlight on the visionaries and innovators driving national growth through enterprise, creativity, and purpose.
This year’s awards will feature ten categories, each designed to celebrate a unique facet of entrepreneurial excellence:
- Entrepreneur of the Year – Honouring exceptional leadership, vision, and impact.
- WonderWoman Award – Celebrating the power and influence of women in business.
- NextGen Icon – Spotlighting young innovators shaping the future of entrepreneurship.
- Digital Transformer – Recognising excellence in digital innovation and modernization.
- Champion of Cause – Honouring purpose-driven businesses uplifting community and culture.
- Family Islands Award – Celebrating innovation and resilience beyond Providenciales.
- Marine Enterprise Award – Recognising excellence in water-based and marine industries.
- Beyond Borders Award – Honouring MSMEs expanding TCI’s reach to the world.
- Innovative Business Idea Award – Celebrating creativity that redefines what’s possible.
- People’s Choice Award – Recognising the brands and entrepreneurs most admired by the public.
Alexa Cooper, Vice President of SME Development, shared this year’s theme was chosen to reflect the remarkable growth and maturity within the MSME Programme.
“Over the years, we’ve seen entrepreneurs evolve from small start-ups into industry leaders. Many have expanded their reach, built strong
linkages with larger institutions, and are now operating at higher levels of excellence. This year’s theme, ‘A Celebration of Excellence,’ captures that evolution,” said Cooper.
Administered by Invest Turks and Caicos, The MSME Programme remains one of the agency’s flagship initiatives, providing grants, mentorship, and capacity-building support to entrepreneurs across the islands. The programme continues to play a vital role in driving diversification, sustainability, and inclusive growth within the local economy.
Dawn Higgs, Director of the Business Support and Development Unit, highlighted the importance of recognising the diversity and resilience of the small business sector.
“Each category tells a story about the strength and spirit of entrepreneurship in Turks and Caicos,” said Higgs. “From our Family Islands to our marine-based enterprises, every business represents an important part of our economic ecosystem. These awards are about honouring that collective contribution; the creativity, commitment, and courage that continue to move our nation forward.”
While The MSMEs is an invite-only event, the wider community is encouraged to follow along through social media and celebrate the businesses and entrepreneurs making an impact across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
For updates, visit www.investturksandcaicos.tc or follow @msmeprogramme on social media.
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