News
PNP Statement: People’s Democratic Party Makes Unrealistic Promises to Citizens
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Progressive National Party (PNP) Government, led by Premier Honourable Charles Washington Misick, remains steadfast in its commitment to responsible governance and delivering sustainable solutions for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Recent assertions by Opposition Leader Honourable Edwin Astwood, promising three annual stimulus payments if elected, lack both historical precedent and economic feasibility.
Understanding Stimulus Payments. Stimulus payments are strategic interventions employed during periods of significant economic distress. Their implementation requires specific fiscal conditions – ones that cannot be predetermined with certainty – including budget surpluses or identified funding sources that do not compromise essential services or impose additional burdens on taxpayers. The
Opposition has not provided a viable plan detailing how such frequent payments would be financed without resorting to increased taxes or cuts to critical services. As these instruments are dependent on various circumstances,
“Stimulus packages are not political tools; they are carefully considered measures designed to provide relief during exceptional circumstances,” stated Premier Misick. “Our government’s track record reflects our dedication to addressing the needs of our citizens while maintaining economic stability.”
A Proven Record. The PNP Government has consistently implemented policies aimed at enhancing the economic well-being of Turks and Caicos Islanders. Key initiatives include:
- Targeted Cost of Living Relief:
- Stimulus Payments: Since February 2021, the PNP has issued three stimulus/relief packages to eligible citizens equaling $45 million. The upcoming fourth payment underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting households amid rising costs and will amount to over $50 million in payouts to the people of these islands.
- Electricity Subsidies: We allocated $5 million between October and December 2022 to subsidize electricity costs, mitigating the impact of global fuel price increases.
- Economic Empowerment:
- MSME Support: Grants for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) were increased to $50,000, supporting over 200 local businesses in the past year alone.
- Customs Processing Fee Reduction: The Customs Processing Fee was reduced from 7.5% to 5%, and eliminated it entirely on breadbasket items, ensuring essential goods remain affordable.
- Duty-Free Allowance Increase: The duty-free allowance for residents importing personal goods was raised to $1,000, easing the financial burden on families.
- Support for Vulnerable Populations:
- Pension Increases: We implemented a 10% increase in National Insurance Board (NIB) pensions, enhancing financial security for retirees.
- Welfare Program Expansion: We expanded welfare programs, including home help, juvenile care, and welfare grants, to provide comprehensive support to those in need.
- Foster Care Stipend Increase: We raised the foster care stipend to $1,500 per month, ensuring adequate support for children in care.
- Financial Assistance Program for the Elderly: We launched a program increasing assistance to $1,000 per month to all senior citizens, ensuring they can meet their basic needs with dignity.
- Investments in Education and Workforce:
- Free Tuition: Free tuition has been introduced at theTurks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC), making higher education accessible to all citizens.
- Access to Employment: A paid Apprenticeship Program was instituted to provide immediate employment opportunities to our returning students.
- Public Service Salary Increases: We implemented the largest Civil Servants pay raise in the country’s history at $18 million in December 2023, with salary increases ranging from 10% to 50%, including significant raises for frontline officers and
educators. - Free Daycare and After-School Programs: We established programs to support working families, ensuring children have access to free daycare, and safe, enriching environments beyond school hours.
The Opposition’s Track Record. During their tenure, the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) failed to implement substantial, long-term solutions to address the cost of living or provide meaningful economic relief. They executed a stimulus relief package that most citizens were not eligible to apply for. Their current promises lack credibility, given the absence of a clear, actionable plan. Turks and Caicos Islanders deserve leadership that offers more than political rhetoric.
The PNP Government’s recently announced Cost of Living Relief package to be distributed before Christmas 2024, is a testament to its proactive and compassionate approach. Each eligible citizen will receive $1,000, providing immediate support during these challenging times.
“Our government has a proven track record of standing with our people, not just in words but in actions,” affirmed Premier Misick. “We act decisively, not recklessly, because we understand the responsibility that comes with governing.”
The PNP remains focused on building a resilient, self-sustaining economy that addresses the root causes of high costs while supporting citizens during challenging times. Honourable Astwood’s unrealistic promises serve as a reminder of the importance of leadership rooted in integrity, realism, and action.
As Premier Misick eloquently stated, “Leadership is not about making empty promises; it’s about delivering meaningful change. The people of the Turks and Caicos Islands deserve nothing less.”
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
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