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Turks and Caicos Islands Statistical Authority Celebrates Caribbean Statistics Day

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#TurksandCaicos, October 23, 2023 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Statistics Authority joined its regional counterparts in celebrating the fifteenth anniversary of Caribbean Statistics Day on October 15, 2023. The Statistics Authority felt that the most appropriate way to mark this occasion was by attending a Church service at the Community Fellowship Centre alongside Pastor Bradley Handfield, who serves as the Chairman of the Board.

The observance of this day underscores the crucial role that statistics play in advancing the collective vision of enhancing the lives of the people within the Caribbean Community. This year’s Caribbean Statistics Day theme is “One Voice, One CARICOM: Everyone Counts.” This emphasizes unity, collective participation, and its members’ shared vision for regional integration and sustainable development.

The Honorable E. Jay Saunders, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, delivered remarks. Hon. Saunders emphasized the significant role played by the Authority in the TCI, which is often overlooked by many. He highlighted that numerous government decisions are rooted in the information provided by this Authority, which has a significant impact in shaping official decision-making. He commended the Authority as unsung heroes and fully supported the team.

Pastor Bradley’s sermon centred on the sacred notion of love and provoked profound reflections on our duties towards fellow beings – loving our neighbour irrespective of circumstances. He harnessed that essence in honour of World Statistics Day by drawing a poignant analogy to the poverty line, a statistical indicator. He stressed that in TCI, there are persons below, on, and above the line. In a powerful message, he underscored that we should not seek to form a church with just those persons who are high above the poverty line, but he admonished us that we should show love to our neighbours regardless of where they fall on the poverty line and should seek to help those that are below or on the poverty line. It reiterated that loving transcends any economic or social barrier, embodying the true spirit of the church and humanity itself.

In his brief remarks, the Director of the Statistics Authority, Mr. Shirlen Forbes Jr. appealed to residents, households, and the business community to establish a cooperative relationship with the Statistics Authority. He emphasized that such collaboration is essential for ensuring the availability of necessary data to support the development process.  Mr. Forbes encouraged data providers to actively participate by sharing information when requested, as it would significantly contribute to informing national planning and establishing a solid foundation for the future of these Islands.

Additionally, he expressed gratitude on behalf of the Authority to Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. E. Jay Saunders Permanent Secretary of Finance Mrs. Athenee Harvey-Basden for their contributions towards the Authority reaching this stage.

For more information on the Statistics Authority, please visit our website: https://gov.tc/stats. Facebook Page: TCI Statistics Authority or Instagram: statstci.

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Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

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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.

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New Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission

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Darius E. Ferguson, Member of the Integrity Commission Board

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.”

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Multi-Agency Planning Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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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.

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