News
Trouble in Paradise: Can We Stop the Bleeding in TCI?
Ed Forbes
Concerned Citizen
October 8, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) is at a critical juncture in our country’s history. Rapid development brings opportunities, but it also comes with deep challenges. As an islander, I can’t help but feel concerned about where we’re headed. Our country, once known for unity and shared values, now seems at risk of losing the very things that made it so special.
Growth is inevitable, but what concerns me most is the erosion of our guiding principles. Generations before us embraced diversity, welcoming people of different backgrounds—nurses, teachers, police officers, and laborers alike—into our community. They believed in the ideal that we were all responsible for each other.
We are now facing a new wave of immigration that doesn’t feel the same. It’s more than just a shift in demographics; it’s a shift in the culture and fabric of our society.
Turks and Caicos has always stood out because of its strong social fabric. Our people lived by the belief that we were each other’s keepers, ensuring the best place to live, work, and raise a family. We also had the benefit of support from Britain and the economic security of the American dollar. But today, we face a new reality—one filled with confusion, division, and violence.
The rise of social media has only deepened the divide. We now chase fleeting things—money, status, likes—while neglecting the connections that truly matter.
We’ve built walls around ourselves and lost trust in one another. In the space between us, misinformation and fear have flourished, leaving us disconnected and vulnerable to manipulation. And for the first time, violence has become a part of the TCI experience, particularly among our youth.
Real conversations and conflict resolution must become a part of the norm of how issues are resolved and not allow our emotions and pride to get the best of us.
The question is, are we teaching conflict resolution in our homes, schools, and churches?
Our youth are left with no tools to handle disagreements, and violence has become the default. We must ask ourselves, what are we doing to guide them away from this dangerous path?
If we want real change, we can’t just complain—we must act. We need to hold our governments, governor and those responsible for our national security accountable for failure to proactively address glaring issues. But it’s not just about the government. 
Every institution—legal, political, religious, and social—has played a role in this unraveling. True accountability requires us to look at the bigger picture and address the systemic issues plaguing our society.
We must also guard against the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a select few. In addition, providing equal opportunity to disenfranchised communities is vital.
Despite the concerted efforts made by our dedicated law enforcement department to curb crime in these pocket areas, in my opinion, not enough is being done to steer individuals away from the life of crime.
When a country fails to deliver on their promise in these challenged areas, ordinary people are left behind, illegal activities festers, resentment and hate grow, which could lead to violence. We’ve seen it happen elsewhere, and we must prevent it from happening here.
This is a reflection on the serious issues facing the Turks and Caicos Islands, and it highlights how violence and crime have become normalized to the point where concern for the loss of human live is often secondary to curiosity about location.
What we fail to grasp is the interconnectedness of these islands, what affects one impacts all. This is a shared struggle requiring a collective response.
There is no single solution. The issues are multifaceted, requiring a coordinated and holistic approach. Many of the solutions have been previously raised or touched on by various concerned citizens and groups.
Just to name a few;
Is there an Active Prison Board? A robust prison system with a focus on rehabilitation could indeed mitigate the formation of dangerous subgroups, both in and out of prison. Proper policies and leadership from a dedicated prison board would ensure the system works not just to detain but to reform.
Do we have a widely recognized “Think Tank Committee” designed to solicit independent voices and ideas to help influence government and public decisions?
Maritime Patrol: Strengthening maritime patrols around key areas such as Grand Turk, Salt Cay, and Great Sand Cay would help secure the islands from illegal activities like trafficking and other crimes that take advantage of unpatrolled waters.
Crime Stoppers Program: Increasing the financial appeal and effectiveness of anonymous reporting through Crime Stoppers could build public trust. It’s crucial that more people believe in the confidentiality of the system to encourage a higher level of crime reporting.
Lighting and CCTV: Improving surveillance infrastructure, with better lighting and strategically placed CCTV, would undoubtedly enhance law enforcement’s ability to prevent and solve crimes. These technological tools are vital in deterring criminal activity, providing a sense of security for tourists and citizens alike, in addition to quickly identifying suspects.
The natural beauty of TCI, often hides these deep-rooted issues, but progress and change won’t come from ignoring the underlying challenges.
What we need is strong, decisive leadership, paired with community involvement. Having a comprehensive strategy along with a well executed plan, will disrupt and dismantle these illegal drug trade networks which appears to be fueling the fire.
To answer the question, “Yes we can”. Real change will only come when everyday people rise up, not as lone voices, but in large numbers, unafraid to speak truth to power.
This is our country’s moment of reckoning. Let’s not waste it.
News
The Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (February 25th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands began 2026 on a positive note, with stayover arrivals in January surpassing the same period in 2025.
Preliminary figures indicate that 56,830 stayover visitors arrived in January 2026, representing a two percent increase year-on-year. The steady growth continues the positive momentum experienced at the close of 2025.
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, attributed the encouraging performance to new collaboration with tour operator partners as well as increased airlift from key source markets.
“We anticipated a strong January performance following the growth recorded in November and December. The winter season has traditionally been a robust period for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this year that strength has been further supported by enhanced collaboration with partners and expanded airlift from Canada and the United States We are cautiously optimistic about maintaining this upward trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.
Cruise Sector
In cruise, preliminary figures show 122,935 cruise passenger arrivals in January, reflecting a 15 percent decrease compared to January 2025.
The decline is attributed to a reduction in cruise calls during the month. A total of 33 vessels called on Grand Turk in January, seven fewer than during the corresponding period last year.
Marketing Shows
As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier luxury destination, Experience Turks and Caicos has been actively participating in the Travel & Adventure Shows across several major cities in the United States.
The destination has already been showcased in Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago, with Fort Lauderdale and Denver scheduled in the coming weeks.
Public Relations Manager Laura Dowrich represented the Turks and Caicos Islands alongside the destination’s U.S. marketing agency, ABA Global.
Beaches Turks & Caicos – Stone Creek Travels
“One of the most encouraging takeaways from these shows is that the Turks and Caicos Islands is indeed on travellers’ radar. We met many visitors who shared fond memories of their time here, others who already have trips booked and were seeking recommendations on activities and dining, and many more who aspire to visit. It was a pleasure highlighting our multi-island destination and sharing the many experiences that make the Turks and Caicos Islands truly special,” said Ms. Dowrich.
Awards & Recognition
Building on a stellar year of accolades in 2025, the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun 2026 with additional international recognition.
The destination earned a Gold Badge in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing #5 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean and #5 in Best Beaches in the World. In the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Grand Turk was ranked #10 among the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit.
About Experience Turks and Caicos
Middle Caicos Dragon Cay Resort
Experience Turks and Caicos is the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is committed to positioning the destination as a premier, sustainable luxury tourism hub. By leveraging smart tools, data-driven strategies, and stakeholder collaboration, Experience Turks and Caicos focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and fostering long-term industry success.
About the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the destination is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Each island and cay offer a unique experience:
- Providenciales boasts world-class resorts, fine dining, and high-end tourism offerings.
- Grand Turk serves as the vibrant hub for cruise tourism and historical exploration.
- The sister islands provide a gateway to nature, adventure, and authentic local culture.
Recognised as the world’s best-kept secret, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer effortless luxury, with seamless connectivity via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Photo Captions:
Grand Turk – slow travel with us
North Caicos – Correy Forbes
South Caicos Sail Rock
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
Photo Captions:
Caribbean News
Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.
The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.
“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital
policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.
“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”
Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.
Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.
Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.
Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.
Photo Caption:
TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain
-
News5 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
-
Caribbean News6 days agoLiberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
-
News5 days agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals