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Planning freezes Priton Development, suspends pre-fab home occupancy

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Turks and Caicos, July 7th – The Planning Department is now taking a strong stand against new homeowners suffering the fate of those currently plagued with problems in the Priton Phase II development in north west Providenciales. 

 
In a media statement which came Wednesday evening, Minister Amanda Missick through her Planning Department determined that there were indeed problems with Priton and that there are indeed parts of the development agreement left undone; until those issues are dealt with no more move in certificates are going to be issued. 
 
All of this is unfolding as home owners tonight plan another meeting to unite on the situation which has seen cracked walls, popping tiles, leaking walls and ceilings, extreme cases of mold and massive sink holes in the land.  It also comes as Magnetic Media learns that one of the two brothers who own Priton, Kurt Soukup is in country and working with his attorneys to wind up the company. 
 
Soukup, who is American, is currently in breach of his contract with government according to the Minister’s release and according to former Premier Michael Misick who last week said there were concessions given including discounts and tax breaks on crown land. 
 
Here is what Minister Missick explained via media statement last night. 
 
“Priton has obligation to pave all roads, develop a park, install drainage system and install street lights.  Approximately 65% of roads have been completed, some street lights have been installed, however the park is not yet developed and the drainage system is not yet completed.” 
 
Add to this, we now learn that after the litany of complaints from phase one development, Priton development was supposed to make these changes to their pre-fab home constructions. 
 
“Build cistern in each house. Install hurricane shutters on each building.  Change the way of connecting the wall panels.  To have three (3) supporting connections instead of two (2) connections. Use holding down hurricane straps on the roof rafters instead of hurricane clips. Use pressure treated timber or spray anti – termite substances on the timber used in structures.” 
 
While the Planning Department, to residents we spoke to last night sounds tough in their talk of giving no more occupancy certificates, residents say the statement, which Premier Rufus Ewing promised Magnetic Media would come is a cop out. 
 
The Minister says that a structural engineer was hired to review the situation of the natural hole which opened up after Tropical Storm Cristobal in Azzizi Parker’s yard, but said her home is structurally safe and so they deem her to be okay. 
 
This is however being said when the home owners back yard space is almost completely taken up by a hole that Priton Development covered up.  Parker and others fear that they are actually living on top of those vertical caves.

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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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