News
CLASP Officially Launched, Marking Major Reform in Crown Land Management
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, January 21, 2026 – The TCI Crown Land Unit, operating under the National Land Secretariat, brought strong momentum and public engagement to the launch of the first Outreach Event of the Crown Land Access Support Programme (CLASP) Initiative on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the Gustarvus Lightbourne Sports Complex, with senior government leaders and members of the public in attendance.
The event recorded a strong turnout across both the Open Day, held during the afternoon, and the Town Hall session held in the evening.
Attendees included Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, the Honourable Premier Charles Washington Missick, several Members of Parliament, Permanent Secretaries, senior government officials, key stakeholders, and residents from across the islands, all of whom gathered to learn more about the program and its role in reshaping land management in the TCI.
CLASP is a national initiative designed to modernize how Crown Land is managed, allocated, and accessed across the Turks and Caicos Islands. The programme brings together multiple government departments to establish clear rules and procedures, improve coordination, strengthen systems and data, and promote better transparency and fairness in the use of public land. A central focus of CLASP is improving public communication, including clarity around what Crown Land is used for, who can apply, and how decisions are made.
In her remarks, Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, emphasized the national importance of land reform, stating: “Crown Land is far more than a matter of policy; it speaks to identity, heritage, opportunity, and belonging. For generations, land has
represented security, independence, and the foundation on which families build homes, livelihoods, and generational legacies. I encourage everyone to engage in the CLASP outreach programme, share your perspectives, and contribute to a system that reflects the needs and aspirations of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
The Open Day allowed attendees to engage directly with representatives from the various government departments involved in CLASP, providing information on Crown Land programmes, housing and homeownership opportunities, beach and coastal accessways, and other key components of the initiative.
Addressing attendees at the event, Premier Charles Washington Misick highlighted the scale and significance of the reform, noting: “CLASP represents the result of years of careful work, collaboration, and a clear decision by this government to confront long-standing legacy challenges. For far too long, many Islanders have experienced frustration, uncertainty, and delays when navigating land access and housing pathways. Through CLASP, we are responding with real structural change across government. This is about building trust, improving service delivery, and ensuring public land is used responsibly for current and future generations.”
The Town Hall session saw a large and engaged crowd, with residents actively participating, asking questions, and seeking insight into how
CLASP will impact land access, housing development, and community planning. The session provided an open forum for dialogue and feedback, reinforcing the programme’s people-centered approach. Alexandria Missick, Permanent Secretary of the National Land Secretariat, added: CLASP is not just about policy; it is about people. This programme strengthens and equips the National Land Secretariat with the systems, tools, and inter-agency coordination needed to better support residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands as they navigate the Crown Land process.
For more information on the CLASP Initiative, members of the public are encouraged to contact the Crown Land Unit at 946-1145 or 338-2645, visit www.gov.tc/crownland, or follow @tcicrownlandunit on social media.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders,
executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.
Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.
In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.
The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.
This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.
Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership
experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.
A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.
Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.
Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:
“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, 5 February 2026, at Block and Parcel 60503/17 in the Five Cays area.
The exercise was led by the Planning Department, pursuant to its statutory authority under the Physical Planning Act to address
unauthorised development. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Crown Land Unit and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action formed part of a Public Private Partnership initiative between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and private landowners. The registered owners of the land would have sought the state’s assistance to issue copies of Section 58 Enforcement Notices on unlawful structures identified on the parcel. The subject parcel comprises approximately 25 acres extending across Millennium Highway.
During the exercise, a total of fifty-four (54) copies of the Enforcement Notice were issued on structures located on the parcel. Notices were affixed to structures and served on persons found to be occupying illegal developments.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold planning regulations, protect property rights, and promote orderly and lawful development. Persons undertaking construction are reminded that development without the requisite planning approvals is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
-
News1 week agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
-
Caribbean News1 week agoLiberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
-
News1 week agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals
-
News6 days agoMulti-Agency Planning Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays
-
News6 days agoNew Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission
-
News13 hours agoPolice Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards