News
ISU advances planning and data gathering on informal settlements in TCI
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 17th March 2025 – Over 5000 illegal structures were detected across the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) by the Informal Settlement Unit (ISU) as it conducted various data gathering exercises during the past year.
A newly completed internal year-end review confirmed that in 2024 the Unit made noteworthy headway in its programme to manage the proliferation of informal settlements in the TCI, having commenced major programmes such as GIS mapping of sites, Social Needs Assessment Survey of informal settlements and drafted Land Use Subdivision Plans.
The number of illegal structures, 5404 in total, was confirmed via aerial surveys and Geographical Informal Systems (GIS) mapping of 31 of the 50 identified informal settlement sites across the islands. While mapping is still ongoing, the ISU has estimated that the 50 known sites potentially occupy 576.18 acres of Crown and private lands. Of this, 13.48 acres of private lands have been reclaimed and 6.37 acres of Crown lands. Land is deemed to be successfully reclaimed after illegal structures have been removed. For 2024, 89 such structures were removed in conjunction with the Crown Land Unit and the Physical Planning Department. Since the ISU’s inception, similar joint exercises have led to the successful removal of 224 illegal structures on Crown and private lands.
Following the start of the GIS mapping programme in August, a Social Needs Assessment Survey of informal settlements commenced in November to help the Unit to create a baseline understanding of such communities. Some of key data points are:
- Size and type of structures
- Number of persons resident in settlements.
- Ownership/ occupancy type
- Risk levels for environmental issues such as flooding
- Public health and sanitation concerns
- Availability of utilities
- Socioeconomic conditions
The first site of the surveys was Robinson St, Five Cays, where seven specially trained Social Surveyors conducted discussions in English, Creole and Spanish for one month. Surveys will recommence in January 2025, with 13 additional Surveyors on the team. Recruitment of Surveyors will continue as the programme will expand to 19 sites in Provo and Grand Turk in the new year. In anticipation of the new year, the Unit already completed community outreach activities in 11 settlements, where team members met with occupants and shared information about the survey, including the strict guidelines for confidentiality and courtesy under which it will be administered.
The ISU has adopted a data driven and evidence-based approach to managing informal settlements and the data gathered from these projects will guide the development of effective policies for the creation of communities that are safe for residents and visitors. These communities must also be capable of supporting future development that allows for improvement, while encouraging growth through sustainable efforts.
In addition to gathering baseline data, the Unit also commenced urban planning reviews, with 13 reconnaissance missions completed since September and six Land Use Subdivision Plans drafted.
Additionally in 2024, over 1000 Letters and Notices were served on illegal structures or occupants. The documents were served during joint exercises by the Crown Land Unit (CLU), Physical Planning Department (PPD), Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), Ministry of Immigration and Border Services, and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
In September the ISU also supported the Premier, Hon C. Washington Misick, at the Premier’s meeting with developers and stakeholders focused on the issue of informal settlements in TCI. The meeting underscored the criticality of collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure sustainable development across the islands. In the same vein, in November, the ISU commenced individual meetings with some utility providers, to find common solutions to solve the problem of informal settlements. These meetings, and other stakeholder engagement initiatives will continue in 2025.
Speaking at the final meeting of the working committee responsible for managing informal settlements, Strategic Lead of the ISU Carlos W. Simons KC, commended the work of the ISU and its partner agencies. He expressed anticipation for the continuation of the productive partnership in 2025 “as we work towards the goal of safer and more sustainable communities in TCI”.
Turks and Caicos, May 23, 2026 – Invest Turks and Caicos Islands took center stage at one of the region’s most influential hospitality
investment gatherings this spring, serving as a Platinum Sponsor at ALIS CALA 2026 in Coral Gables, Florida.
Held April 28 to 30 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel, the conference brought together more than 600 tourism, hotel and investment leaders from over 35 countries focused on the future of hospitality investment in the Caribbean and Latin America.
ALIS CALA — short for the Americas Lodging Investment Summit Caribbean and Latin America — is widely regarded as the region’s premier deal-driven hospitality investment conference. The platform emerged from the merger of the long-running Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) and Hotel Opportunities Latin America (HOLA), creating what organizers describe as a high-level space where investors, developers, lenders, hotel brands and government leaders connect around major regional projects and opportunities.
The event is known for attracting senior decision-makers, with roughly one in three delegates holding titles such as Chairman, CEO, President, Owner or Principal.
Invest Turks and Caicos said its participation focused heavily on showcasing investment opportunities across the territory, particularly in the Family Islands.
CEO Angela Musgrove delivered a presentation highlighting development opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands to what the agency
described as a full room of attendees and strong stakeholder interest.
In a statement following the conference, Invest Turks and Caicos said discussions centered on tourism expansion, sustainable development and long-term investment partnerships designed to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a leading investment destination in the region.
The agency added that it looks forward to continuing conversations started at ALIS CALA and building new partnerships with investors, developers and strategic stakeholders interested in growth opportunities throughout the islands.
The conference itself focused heavily on capital access, hotel development pipelines, mixed-use tourism projects and investment confidence throughout the Caribbean basin — sectors where Turks and Caicos continues to attract increasing international attention.
The Rick Fox Political Timeline
“Are You Thinking About Politics?”
Fox publicly acknowledged growing calls for him to enter Bahamian politics, saying he had been hearing from women, youth, business owners and everyday Bahamians who were “ready for something different.”
October 19, 2025
“Then Jump, Man.”
Fox revealed a conversation with NBA legend Michael Jordan, who encouraged him to enter politics after asking whether he believed he could help young Bahamians.
November 24, 2025
“The Bahamas Must Be First”
Fox officially announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election, promising transparency, affordability, opportunity and a modern Bahamian economy.
February 4, 2026
“Officially Picked”
The Free National Movement formally ratified Fox as its candidate for Garden Hills, instantly making him one of the most talked-about figures in the election cycle.
March 20, 2026
“From Courtside to Campaign Stage”
Fox mounted the national campaign stage for the first time at the FNM’s major campaign launch at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau.
March 30, 2026
“I’m Giving The Salary Back”
Fox announced he would not take a parliamentary salary if elected, saying the funds should instead go back into helping the people of
Garden Hills.
April 14, 2026
“Nomination Eve Goes Viral”
A heated confrontation involving Fox and PLP supporters outside the Parliamentary Registration Department exploded across social media after video captured the tense exchange.
April 16, 2026
“Pick Rick” Officially Launches
Nomination Day cemented Fox’s candidacy and formally launched the now-famous “Pick Rick” campaign branding.
April 19, 2026
“Vote and Win”
Jamiah Burrows won a vehicle through Fox’s civic participation challenge, part of a campaign effort encouraging voter engagement and turnout.
April 20, 2026
“The Wealthiest Candidate”
Financial disclosures revealed Fox as the wealthiest candidate in the 2026 election cycle, with reported assets exceeding $469 million, ending speculation about his financial standing.
April 25, 2026
“The Garden Hills Blueprint”
Fox unveiled detailed policy graphics outlining plans for:
- youth development,
- healthcare access,
- infrastructure upgrades,
- environmental restoration,
- entrepreneurship,
- and a proposed $10 million investment fund for Garden Hills.
May 4, 2026
“The Numbers Don’t Lie”
Fox’s campaign highlighted more than:
- 20 community clean-ups,
- 16 streets and locations served,
- and 13 solar lights installed across Garden Hills during the campaign.
May 6, 2026
“Shaq Steps In”
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal publicly endorsed Fox, helping elevate international attention surrounding the campaign.
May 8, 2026
“Buju Backs Rick”
Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton threw his support behind Fox ahead of Election Day.
May 10, 2026
“Vanessa Williams Endorses”
Fox’s former wife, actress and singer Vanessa Williams publicly endorsed his campaign.
May 11, 2026
“Magic Joins the Campaign”
NBA icon Magic Johnson became the latest major celebrity to endorse Fox just one day before Bahamians went to the polls.
May 12, 2026
“Election Day”
Fox contested the Garden Hills constituency seat against PLP incumbent Mario Bowleg in one of the country’s most closely watched races.
May 13, 2026
“Grace in Defeat”
Fox publicly conceded the race and congratulated Bowleg on his victory in Garden Hills.
May 18, 2026
“We Pick Rick”
Despite losing at the polls, Fox officially entered Parliament after being appointed to the Senate by the FNM — with the party itself declaring:
“We Pick Rick.”
The appointment made Fox one of the most internationally recognized figures ever to serve in the Bahamian Senate.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in coordination with the Planning Department and key partner agencies, conducted a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the Lower Bight area in Providenciales. The exercise resulted in the complete removal of a total of eight (8) unauthorized structures and all associated debris from a
privately-owned parcel of land.
The operation was led by the Planning Department, with coordination by the ISU and support from the TCI Border Force, the Crown Land Unit, and Pelican Energy. Security for the exercise was provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. All agencies worked collaboratively to ensure the exercise was carried out in a safe, orderly, and controlled manner.
The enforcement action followed a structured and lawful process in accordance with the Physical Planning regulatory framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Section 45 Enforcement Notices were first issued on the affected parcel in December 2024, identifying unauthorized structures erected without the requisite approvals. This was followed by the issuance of Warning Notices on April 16, 2026, which advised occupants that they were in breach of planning and land use regulations and provided notice that demolition activities would proceed following the prescribed compliance period. Despite these notices and the time afforded for compliance, the unauthorized structures remained in place.
This exercise represents part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring that development within the Turks and Caicos Islands is lawful, safe, and aligned with national standards.
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