News
COMING SOON: BORROWING TO MODERNISE
TCI Moves to Tap Capital Markets; Debt Advisor Sought as Government Pushes Ahead with Long-Delayed Fixes
The Turks and Caicos Islands is preparing to step decisively into the capital markets, with the government now moving beyond caution and into action — signaling that borrowing is no longer optional, but necessary to fix what has been left undone for far too long.
In a pre-budget communication delivered in the House of Assembly just ahead of the Easter holiday weekend, Premier Washington Misick
laid the groundwork for what amounts to a major policy shift: the country will use its strong credit position to raise financing and accelerate national development.
“We can’t have a platinum credit card… and have no debt,” the Premier said, pointing to the contradiction of holding an excellent credit rating while critical infrastructure, housing and public systems lag behind growing demand.
While measured in tone, the message was clear — the era of playing it safe is giving way to a more assertive approach, one that leverages financial strength to deliver results.
Crucially, that shift is already underway.
Government has begun the process of identifying a debt advisor, a specialist who will guide the country through borrowing on the capital markets and secure the most favourable terms. The move signals that this is no longer a conceptual discussion, but an active effort to unlock funding for large-scale national projects.
“I would’ve liked to have had a broader consultation but given where we are — and the government’s plan to escalate spending and raise the additional funding needed over the next three years — we had to bring the budget at this time to create the space to begin those negotiations. We have already started the process of recruiting a debt advisor to help structure the arrangements and secure the best possible deals.”
The borrowing is expected to support a range of priority areas, including infrastructure expansion, housing access, digitisation and essential public services — all areas the Premier acknowledged require urgent attention.
“So when we look at the need for infrastructure expansion, the need for digitalisation, including fibre network and the national ID, and
when we consider solid waste management and improving access to proper housing, this government is going to the capital market to raise a substantial amount of money. That funding will be allocated across four or five priority areas, which I will outline fully when the budget is presented.”
At the same time, two long-promised institutions — a national credit union and a mortgage corporation — are now moving from concept to execution. According to the Premier’s State of the State Address, the credit union is expected to become operational by October 2026, backed by an initial $20 million, aimed at delivering lower-cost loans and expanding access to financing for working families and small businesses.
The mortgage corporation, meanwhile, has received Cabinet approval, with legislation now advancing — laying the groundwork to expand homeownership and remove long-standing barriers to affordable financing for Turks and Caicos Islanders.
Together, the plan outlines a clear direction:
borrow to build, create access, and close the gaps.
The Premier acknowledged that broader consultation would have been ideal, but made it clear that timing matters — and that the country cannot afford further delay if it is to keep pace with its own growth.
The full scope of the strategy is expected to be outlined in the upcoming budget presentation, but the signal has already been sent — Turks and Caicos is preparing to use its financial strength not just to maintain stability, but to drive transformation.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for
journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”
Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”
Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.
The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.
Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.
Saunders believes AI can help.
He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.
He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.
His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”
For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.
That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
