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TCIG information held for Ransom; Opposition Leader wants firewalls, cyber insurance and a full debriefing

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2 years ago

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Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

Turks and Caicos, January 10, 2025 – Sensitive information was kidnapped by the hackers who infected the Turks and Caicos Islands Government electronic ecosystem with ransomware and the Opposition Leader said the demand could be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

“Looking at when it happened in Trinidad it was up in the hundred millions or so, I look at what happened in other places and what they were demanding.  Most of the time they are threatening you with sensitive information to say, well I have your emails to this one, your emails to that, I have your correspondence on this, I have your private conversations on this… they always come with your sensitiveinformation that they’re threatening to release unless you pay them.”

In 2023, Trinidad and Tobago’s justice department was infiltrated, forcing government system outages for weeks in the country’s justice department.  Similar threats also hit Martinique, Guadeloupe and the Dominican Republic, which all reported cyber security breaches within recent years.

“It is a critical national security threat,” said Edwin Astwood, Leader of the People’s Democratic Movement.

Astwood was speaking during a press conference on Friday January 3, 2025 to address crime, health care, aged care and where he and PDM election candidates took media questions in the countdown to the January 15 nomination day.

The PDM characterised the style of public engagement by the PNP Administration as suspicious and uncaring.

“If you can get into the government system, NHIP, who’s to say you cannot get into the airport system, the police system, and the election system, we are using electronic voting systems and technology,” pointed out Astwood, who also informed that TCI cyber defences were weak.  “Cyber insurance is necessary, TCI does not have that.”

He said firewalls also were not in place and should have been erected though the telecoms service providers.

“If those things were in place, this would not have happened.”

The Cabinet shared a summary of its December 30 meeting.  The meeting followed three published statements which informed of the December 18 cyber security breach and offered updates.

“The investigation into the attack continues by external forensic investigators funded by the UK Government.

Due to a number of factors including the heightened threat of attack from malign actors, restoration and recovery is being conducted carefully, balancing the need for access to critical operations against the necessity for safe restoration of services, appropriately secured against known threats.

TCIG has engaged external cyber security specialists who are taking forward the technical recovery, which is focused on the restoration of essential services. This has included deploying a capability that will manage the detection and response of any malicious activity within the network.

In order to accelerate the restoration of critical services, the relevant business continuity plans are being activated initially focused on the TCIG financial systems to enable payments. In parallel, work is underway to build alternative systems whilst work is ongoing to restore systems. Additional resources are being sought to accelerate this further and to enhance security measures in the coming weeks.

Recovery and Business Continuity Measures: TCIG is working in collaboration with external forensic investigators and external cyber security specialists who are continuing to work around the clock to investigate the breach, contain the threat and restore functionality.

Supported by a managed threat response service, all affected systems are undergoing comprehensive assessments to ensure their security before being brought back online and endpoint protection.

To mitigate the immediate impact, business continuity plans are being enacted to manually process outstanding and urgent payments. Priority will be given to the processing of payments prioritised by urgency within the following categories: Social Welfare; Scholarship and Grants; Healthcare Related Payments; Cost of Living Program; Financial Assistance Program;  Community Enhancement Program; Utility Payments; Bi-Weekly Employees and All other approved payments for goods and services.”ns manually while ensuring compliance with all necessary controls and safeguards. Consequently, non-urgent payments are likely to experience delays.

A detailed report on the nature of the attack and the steps taken to prevent future incidents will be submitted once the recovery process is complete.

Cabinet were assured that every possible measure was being taken to address the incident comprehensively and ensure ongoing protection.

Cabinet was also advised that several other key databases and applications remain operational. These include: Status Cards, Passports; Election Database; RDS application for Driver’s License and ASYCUDA (customs clearance).”

Additionally, “Cabinet affirmed its commitment to providing all the resources needed to restore TCIG’s systems, whilst also building resiliency to mitigate against future attacks.

Government has issued three updates, but has held no press conferences on the breach which has crippled payment and collections systems at the Ministry of Finance, which is the manager of the country’s public purse.”

However, this information needed to be an in person experience stated the Opposition Leader, who also said he expects to be debriefed on the status of the situation.

“Where was the accountability from the Cabinet?  Which minister or anyone came before the Turks and Caicos Islands and before the people and told them what was going on? Why are they hiding or lying to the people?  Either you’re lying or you’re hiding or you’re hiding and you’re lying – doing both!”

There have been no press conferences held to address the cyber breach despite the significantly crippling conditions the hack has created; the ransomware attack had been defined as “major” by the Government.

On Monday January 6, government issued a new press statement informing the public of the progress and announcing the Smart Stream payment system, at the Treasury Department, had been restored.

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Six Unauthorised Structures Demolished During Multi-Agency Planning Enforcement Operation

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4 days ago

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July 17, 2026

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Before demolition

After demolition

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 17 July 2026: The Planning Department, with support from the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), and the Crown Land Unit conducted a coordinated enforcement operation on Thursday, 2 July 2026, resulting in the demolition of six unauthorised structures on private property at Block and Parcel 60502/48. Security for the operation was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

The enforcement action followed the issuance of an Enforcement Notice by the Planning Department on 29 January 2026, advising the persons responsible for the structures that they had been erected without the necessary planning approval and were required to be removed. Following the expiration of the compliance period, a multi-agency operation was organised to carry out the demolition.

Before demolition activities commenced, personnel conducted a comprehensive inspection of the site to confirm that all structures were unoccupied and free of gas cylinders or other hazardous materials. These precautionary measures were undertaken to safeguard the welfare of both the enforcement teams and the public while ensuring the operation was carried out safely and efficiently.

Upon completion of the exercise, participating agencies returned to Police Tactical Headquarters for a debrief, marking the successful conclusion of another coordinated enforcement effort.

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands reminds members of the public that all construction activities must receive the appropriate planning approvals before work begins. The Planning Department will continue to work alongside its partner agencies to enforce the Planning Ordinance, promote orderly development and ensure that construction throughout the Islands complies with the applicable laws and regulations.

Members of the public are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the planning approval process and to seek guidance from the Planning Department before undertaking any development to avoid enforcement action and loss of money invested.

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DDME’s Hurricane Hunt Scavenger Hunt Sparks Community Spirit and Storm Preparedness in Providenciales

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5 days ago

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July 16, 2026

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Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — Fifteen teams raced across Providenciales on Saturday July 4th for the inaugural DDME Hurricane Hunt, a community scavenger hunt designed to combine friendly competition with hurricane preparedness education.

Teams were given a bag of supplies and 15 cryptic clues, participants had less than two hours to pinpoint locations and collect hurricane must-haves; including water jugs, shovels, flashlights and other supplies that every household should have on hand ahead of a storm.

The challenge tested not only participants’ local knowledge and navigation skills, but also their teamwork under time pressure; all while reinforcing practical lessons about what it takes to stay ready when a storm approaches.

Beyond the hunt itself, the event drew a lively crowd of families and supporters who turned out to enjoy a full day of festivities. Attendees took part in games, received free gifts, face painting, canvas painting, bounce houses and visited vendor booths; while enjoying fresh food off the grill throughout the afternoon.

“This event brought together the best of both worlds; a fun, high-energy competition and a meaningful reminder of how important it is for our community to be prepared,” Mr. Aaron Ballantyne, Community Preparedness Officer for Providenciales. “Seeing 15 teams fully engaged, racing to landmarks across the island while learning what belongs in a hurricane kit, was exactly the outcome we hoped for.”

DDME extends their sincere gratitude to the stakeholders that partnered with the event and generously donated their time, resources and efforts to make it a success: The Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross, The Oseta Jolly Primary School, The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Do It Center (Building Materials), KB Homes, Digicel TCI, Frost Cay and Clint Grilling and Catering Services, along with all other vendors who were solicited.

The event’s success was also made possible by the private organizations and government departments that opened their locations to serve as scavenger hunt sites, allowing the hunt to unfold across the island; from Chalk Sound to Long Bay.

The quick thinking first place team consisted of; Neekimo King, Keturah Miller-Brown, Lashaunda Dickenson and Kebba Thomas who all walked away with exciting prizes.

Ms. Bernadya Smith, Public Information and Media Manager stated; “With hurricane season underway, this event, along with our recent Hurricane Expo held in Grand Turk and community pop-ups throughout the country, is a testament to DDME’s commitment to blending community engagement with year-round storm readiness. We look forward to making this event an annual staple that brings families together while keeping preparedness at the forefront of every community we serve.

Follow DDME social media pages to stay up to date with upcoming events and to join their weekly quizzes for a chance to win exciting prizes all hurricane season long.

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Invest TCI Supports Certification of Local Flats Fishing Guides Through MSME Technical Assistance Under Historic TCFFA–TCICC Partnership

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5 days ago

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July 16, 2026

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — June 11th   2026 — Invest Turks and Caicos Islands has confirmed a financial commitment of $26,750 through the MSME Programme’s Technical Assistance support to assist 35 participants undertaking STCW and Fly-Fishing Guide Certifications under the Turks and Caicos Fly Fishing Association (TCFFA) and the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) partnership. The support is intended to strengthen the capacity of existing and emerging local operators within the flats-fishing and marine–based tourism sector, helping participants formalize their skills, improve service standards, and access higher-value economic opportunities.

The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between TCFFA and TCICC on 12th May 2026, establishing the country’s first endorsed and regionally recognized Sustainable Fly-Fishing curriculum. That partnership, funded in part by the UK Government through the Darwin Plus Local initiative, aims to certify twenty or more Turks and Caicos Islanders as Flats-Fishing Guides and Train-The-Trainers — drawn from Providenciales, North Caicos, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, and Grand Turk.

Invest TCI’s contribution ensures that the financial barrier to certification does not prevent qualified candidates from accessing this sector-building opportunity. The support is being provided as technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of existing and emerging MSMEs within the flats-fishing and marine-based tourism sector, enabling participants to formalize, improve service standards, and access higher-value market opportunities.

“We are indeed happy to be a part of this initiative and to provide financial support towards the certification of the 35 participants. Invest TCI is committed to empowering small and medium enterprises and the individuals who drive them – and this programme is a direct example of that commitment in action.” — Alexa Cooper, Vice President – SME Development, Invest Turks and Caicos

Regional studies, including research on The Bahamas’ flats-fishing sector, show that the industry can generate significant economic value through lodging, meals, transport, retail, and guided services. This demonstrates the potential for Turks and Caicos to strengthen its own flats-fishing value chain through professional training, certification, and local enterprise development.

Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos, highlighted the strategic alignment between the investment and Invest TCI’s broader mission:

“Invest TCI’s mandate is to support a stronger, more diversified economy with Turks and Caicos Islanders positioned to benefit from the industries that shape our future. This initiative directly aligns with that mandate. By supporting certification for local flats-fishing guides, we are helping to convert local knowledge into recognized credentials, strengthen small business capacity, and retain more value within our communities. It is a practical investment in people, enterprise, and sector development.” — Angela Musgrove, CEO, Invest Turks and Caicos

TCFFA President Levardo Talbot, whose association initiated the candidacy process and identified the funded participants, welcomed Invest TCI’s commitment as pivotal to the programme’s reach:

“For the first time, Turks and Caicos Islander fly fishing guides have an endorsed and regionally-recognized, locally delivered pathway into a profession that has long been built on their knowledge but not always on their terms. Invest TCI’s support ensures the people who should be in this room are in this room.” — Levardo Talbot, President, Turks and Caicos Fly Fishing Association

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