TCI News
From Removal to Redevelopment: ISU Announces 27 Concepts
Turks and Caicos, December 12, 2025 – For the Turks and Caicos Islands, the shift from removal to redevelopment marks a profound national pivot — one that redefines how the country confronts a problem that has quietly reshaped its landscape for more than a decade.
At a media briefing held Tuesday, December 11, the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU) confirmed that it has now reviewed 35 informal settlement sites for full redevelopment and is advancing 27 conceptual redevelopment designs, signalling a move beyond enforcement toward long-term planning and land re-imagination.
The announcement comes after nearly three years of intensive work under the leadership of Carlos Simons KC, a former justice of the Supreme Court and one of the country’s most respected legal minds. For Simons, who is himself a Turks and Caicos Islander, the mandate has never been cosmetic. Informal settlements, he has repeatedly stressed, are not simply unsightly — they pose public safety risks, strain infrastructure, undermine land ownership regimes, and create environments vulnerable to criminal activity.
Turks and Caicos remains the only British Overseas Territory grappling with informal settlements at this scale.
From Clearance to Control of Land
Since its inception, the ISU has focused first on reclaiming land that had fallen outside the bounds of planning and regulation. According to data presented, more than 800 informal structures have been addressed across Crown land, private land, and other properties, with the bulk of activity concentrated in Providenciales, and additional operations carried out in Grand Turk and North Caicos.
Providenciales accounts for the largest share of reclaimed acreage and enforcement actions, reflecting both population density and the concentration of informal developments. In Grand Turk, ISU interventions have been more targeted, often tied to flood-prone or environmentally sensitive areas. North Caicos, while hosting fewer informal settlements, has now been formally incorporated into the Unit’s monitoring and redevelopment framework.
To date, the ISU reports approximately 35 acres of land reclaimed, creating, for the first time, a realistic platform for planned redevelopment rather than ad-hoc clearance.
Redevelopment, Not Replacement
What distinguishes this phase of the ISU’s work is not simply the scale of removal, but the clarity of what comes next.
Officials confirmed that 27 redevelopment concepts are now in progress, supported by land already under government control. These are
housing-led but not housing-only designs, incorporating infrastructure layouts, access routes, drainage, and green space — a deliberate break from the sprawl and density that defined informal settlements.
One example shared, illustrated the potential of vertical, modular development: a 2.5-acre site, previously crowded with informal structures, re-imagined to accommodate 105 formal housing units, alongside communal space and planned utilities. The intent, ISU officials said, is to replace disorder with density done right — preserving land while increasing livability.
The Survey Behind the Strategy
Central to the ISU’s evolving approach is a comprehensive Social Needs Assessment Survey, designed not merely to count structures, but to understand the people who lived within them.
The survey spanned multiple islands and dozens of informal settlement sites, collecting data on household size, age distribution, employment status, length of residence, access to utilities, sanitation conditions, flood exposure, and vulnerability factors. It captured information across genders and age groups, with particular attention to working-age adults, children, and households headed by single earners.
Officials described the survey as essential to avoiding a blunt enforcement model. Instead, the data is being used to inform redevelopment planning, guide social interventions, and identify patterns — including how long informal settlements persist, how residents integrate into the labour force, and where the greatest risks to health and safety lie.
The findings reinforced what authorities had long suspected: informal settlements are not transient. Many households had occupied land for years, often without basic services, and in conditions that posed escalating risks during heavy rains or storms. The survey now forms a baseline against which future redevelopment and resettlement outcomes will be measured.
Targeting the Next Generation
Recognising that enforcement alone cannot dismantle a culture of informal construction, the ISU launched youth-focused initiatives over the past year, aimed squarely at prevention.
Through school engagement, creative challenges, and public education campaigns, the Unit has begun addressing the mindset that normalises shanty-style building. Officials described the youth programmes as an investment in long-term cultural change, encouraging young people to see planning, legality, and design as non-negotiable elements of national development.
The initiatives also seek to foster pride in place — reframing orderly development not as exclusionary, but as essential to safety, dignity, and opportunity.
A National Turning Point
The ISU’s presentation makes clear that Turks and Caicos has entered a new phase in confronting informal settlements — one grounded in data, planning, and land control, rather than reaction.
Whether the country can sustain the political will, funding discipline, and cross-agency coordination required to move concepts into construction remains to be seen. But for the first time, the national conversation has shifted.
This is no longer only about what must be removed.
It is about what can — and should — be built in its place.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Washington, D.C. – 5 May 2026– The Turks and Caicos Islands continues to strengthen its presence on the international stage through the successful implementation of the Vincula LAC Digital Skills Programme, an initiative led by the Ministry of Innovation, Technology and Energy in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, the World Bank and Coursera.
Representing the Turks and Caicos Islands at the Vincula LAC Graduation Ceremony held at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington,
D.C. were members of the Vincula LAC Turks and Caicos Implementation Team, Dr. Candice Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Ms. Prinicia Miller, Workforce Development Officer of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC). Their attendance reflects the Turks and Caicos Islands’ strategic commitment to equipping its citizens with globally competitive digital skills and strengthening workforce capacity to support economic growth and innovation.
To mark the occasion locally, the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College hosted a live watch event where participants across the Turks and Caicos Islands gathered to view the graduation ceremony and were formally presented with their certificates. The event served as a national celebration of achievement and progress in digital skills development.
In attendance were the Honourable Rachel Marshall Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, and the Honourable Erwin Jay Saunders, Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy, Dr. Delores Stapleton-Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs and Dr. Patroy Montaque, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs. Both ministers delivered remarks congratulating graduates from across the Turks and Caicos Islands and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to expanding access to digital education and workforce opportunities.
Since its launch in the Turks and Caicos Islands in August 2025, the Vincula LAC programme has demonstrated strong national engagement and impact. By the end of the programme, approximately 688 participants across the country had enrolled, collectively expressing interest in over 1,400 courses. Against an allocation of 500 licenses, the Turks and Caicos Islands achieved an exceptional 516 course completions, surpassing The World Bank’s target by 3.2 percent.
This performance reflects not only strong national engagement but also a clear demonstration of the country’s capacity to maximize access and translate opportunity into measurable outcomes.
Available data indicates strong participation across several islands. Among those who reported their location, 155 graduates were from Providenciales, 31 from Grand Turk, 18 from North and Middle Caicos and 8 from South Caicos. While not all participants indicated their island of residence at point of completion, these figures demonstrate broad national engagement and the programme’s reach across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The programme continues to play a critical role in equipping citizens with in-demand digital skills that support national development priorities, economic diversification, and workforce resilience.
Building on this success, the Ministry of Innovation, Technology and Energy and the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture are pleased to announce that funding has been allocated to continue the online Coursera offerings. A total of 200 licenses have been secured for the year and will be strategically rotated to ensure maximum utilisation and national reach. The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College will continue to manage and deliver the programme as part of its online offerings.
Hon. Erwin Jay Saunders, Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy stated:
“This initiative is not simply about course completion. It is about national capacity building. We are deliberately positioning the Turks and
Caicos Islands to compete in a digital global economy by investing in our people, expanding access to technology-driven learning, and creating pathways for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic resilience.”
Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, Culture stated:
“Education must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. The success of the Vincula LAC programme demonstrates what is possible when access, opportunity, and intentional policy align. We are proud of our graduates and remain committed to ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to develop the skills required to thrive in the modern workforce.”
Dr. Candice Williams, President/CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College stated:
“This achievement reflects transformation. It demonstrates our ability as a nation to convert access into achievement and learning into impact. At TCICC, we are committed to ensuring that digital education is not a privilege, but a pathway. A pathway that empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and positions the Turks and Caicos Islands as a leader in workforce development within the region.”
The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College invites residents across the islands to enroll in its online Coursera programmes and gain in-demand digital skills through flexible, self-paced learning and globally recognised certifications.
Whether you are starting your career, advancing professionally, or exploring new opportunities, this is your moment to invest in your future.
Do not wait for opportunity. Prepare for it!
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos recently transformed into a massive reunion hub, rolling out the red carpet to celebrate its highly anticipated Welcome Home Week 2026. Held recently, the spectacular five-day event saw more than
2,000 loyal repeat guests return to the pristine shores of Providenciales. For these returning vacationers, it was not just another vacation but a heartfelt homecoming filled with exclusive events, community giving and unforgettable island entertainment.
Welcome Home Week is a staple tradition for the resort, designed specifically to honour and pamper guests who make Sandals and Beaches resorts their preferred vacation destination year after year. This year’s iteration proved to be an extraordinary showcase of hospitality, packed with a wide range of activities tailored specifically to celebrate the resort’s extended family of loyal visitors.
The festivities kicked off with a lavish welcome reception, setting a warm and inviting tone for the days ahead. Guests reconnected with favourite team members and mingled with fellow returning visitors while enjoying signature cocktails and local culinary delights. The momentum continued to build throughout the week with a vibrant line-up of daytime events. A breathtaking catamaran cruise allowed guests to soak in the famous turquoise waters, while the highly competitive yet hilarious pool olympics brought out the playful spirit of attendees of all ages.
Beyond the poolside fun and ocean adventures, the week featured moments of meaningful connection and community impact. Guests enthusiastically participated in the Sandals Foundation’s “Pack for a Purpose” initiative, bringing much-needed school supplies and resources to support local educational programmes in the Turks and Caicos community. This philanthropic effort was beautifully paired with a relaxed sip and paint session, where guests could unleash their inner artists while enjoying fine wines.
General Manager Deryk Meany was thrilled with the turnout and the vibrant energy that filled the property. He noted that this year’s celebration stood out as one of the most successful Welcome Home Weeks the resort has ever hosted. According to Meany, a major highlight that elevated the 2026 festivities was the introduction of the Treasure Beach Village experience. This new addition provided an immersive, localized atmosphere that gave returning guests fresh memories to take home, proving the resort always has something new to offer.
Orchestrating an event of this magnitude requires seamless coordination, and the resort’s dedicated staff delivered on all fronts. Samantha Bartholomew-Roberts, the loyalty and travel manager, expressed immense pride in her department. She was visibly excited about the incredible work her team achieved, noting that celebrating with loyal guests is one of the most rewarding aspects of their roles. Her team worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every detail was perfect, from the personalized room greetings to the execution of the massive group activities.
The unforgettable week was perfectly capped off with an entertainment-packed farewell dinner. Under the Caribbean stars, the returning guests were treated to spectacular live performances, gourmet dining, and a final toast to the memories made. As the 2026 Welcome Home Week came to a close, it was clear that the bond between Beaches Turks and Caicos and its loyal guests remains stronger than ever.
Turks and Caicos, May 4, 2026 – Electricity costs in the Turks and Caicos Islands are seeing modest adjustments this month, reflecting
ongoing shifts in global fuel prices and their direct impact on what residents pay at the meter.
According to Pelican Energy TCI’s April 2026 fuel factor update, customers in Providenciales, North Caicos and Middle Caicos will benefit from a 2.5 percent decrease, bringing the rate down to $0.1616 per kilowatt hour. The change offers slight relief for households and businesses already grappling with high living costs.
However, the picture is not uniform across the islands.
In Grand Turk and Salt Cay, fuel factor rates have edged up by 0.6 percent, now sitting at $0.1578 per kilowatt hour, while the rate for South Caicos is still pending. Last month, South Caicos recorded a decrease, with the rate falling to $0.1714 per kilowatt hour, one of the highest across the islands.
The fuel factor is a key component of electricity bills, rising and falling in line with international oil prices. As a result, even small shifts in the global energy market can ripple quickly into local utility costs.
The Government’s Department of Trade, Industry and Fair Competition (DTIFC), in its April 16 fuel price report, said it continues to
monitor fuel pricing trends as part of its mandate to protect consumers and ensure transparency in the market. The report is designed to give residents a clearer understanding of how fuel costs are determined and how they may change over time.
Regionally and globally, fuel prices remain volatile.
Oil markets have been influenced in recent months by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, production decisions by major oil-producing nations, and fluctuating demand as economies adjust to post-pandemic realities. While some Caribbean countries have reported slight easing at the pumps, others continue to see elevated prices compared to pre-2020 levels.
For Turks and Caicos, where electricity generation relies heavily on imported fuel, the link is direct and unavoidable.
Consumers are therefore likely to continue experiencing incremental changes rather than dramatic swings, with monthly adjustments reflecting the unpredictable nature of the global energy market.
For now, the slight decrease in key population centres may offer temporary relief—but the broader trend suggests that energy costs will remain a closely watched issue for both households and policymakers.
Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.
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