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Turks and Caicos Premier Delivers Banner Year Budget Amid Pressing National Challenges

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Deandrea Hamilton

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Turks and Caicos, May 23, 2025 – Premier Charles Washington Misick has unveiled what is viewed as a “banner year” budget for the Turks and Caicos Islands, forecasting $549.5 million in revenue for the 2025/26 fiscal year.

The theme: “Building Prosperity & Securing Our Future,” signals a bold promise to transform the country’s infrastructure, improve public services, and confront pressing national issues—chief among them, a deepening housing crisis and escalating security threats.

Despite the ambitious tone and large allocations, critical questions remain about whether the budget sufficiently addresses the most urgent needs of the population.

Housing Crisis: A Priority or a Placeholder?

The Premier acknowledged the country’s housing deficit, which affects every island, but offered only broad strokes in terms of solutions. His government pledged to invest $23 million in Housing and Community Amenities, a figure that also includes spending on water distribution, treatment, and district administration.

Key initiatives include:

  • Designation of traditional communities as special development zones with targeted concessions.
  • Increased funding for home repairs, aiming to support vulnerable homeowners.

However, no new housing construction projects or large-scale development plans were announced. There is also a lack of detail on timelines or targets—such as how many homes will be built, rehabilitated, or made available through affordable programs.

Conclusion: The housing crisis is acknowledged, but the government’s response, as laid out in this budget, leans heavily on incremental measures rather than bold new solutions. For citizens facing overcrowding and unaffordable rent, the plan may feel underwhelming.

Crime and Security: A Tougher, Multi-Layered Response

Violent crime, particularly gang-related murders and transnational threats, has reached alarming levels in TCI. In response, the Premier announced a sweeping $106 million allocation for public order and safety—one of the largest single budgetary spends.

Highlights include:

  • $49.1 million for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF)
  • 76 new police recruits, plus the deployment of 42 tactical officers from Barbados and Jamaica
  • Expansion of mobile police stations and planning for new fixed stations, beginning in Providenciales
  • Investment in CCTV, gunshot detection, and community policing initiatives
  • 24/7 border patrol by Marine Police and increased aerial surveillance
  • Radar installations in four strategic coastal locations
  • Strengthening partnerships with UK, U.S., Bahamas, INTERPOL, and others

The government cites an 11% decrease in serious crime and a 17% reduction in murders during the first four months of 2025. These early results offer cautious optimism, though much of the security strategy is still unfolding.

Conclusion: On crime, the government is investing heavily and appears to have a coordinated plan, blending immediate response with longer-term capacity building. The emphasis on border control and regional collaboration signals a serious approach to transnational crime.

Revenue Strategy: No Major Tax Increases, Modest Adjustments

The budget outlines $549.5 million in projected revenue, sourced primarily from:

  • Accommodation Tax: $133.7 million
  • Import Duties: $132.4 million
  • Stamp Duty: $50 million
  • Work Permits: $50 million

To support this, the government is introducing subsistence-level new revenue measures, including:

  • $40 increase in vehicle license fees
  • An import license for large-scale alcohol and tobacco importers

Conclusion: The Premier’s fiscal strategy maintains public stability by avoiding new broad-based taxes while seeking modest new streams to boost revenue. This cautious approach aims to keep inflationary pressure in check while ensuring fiscal health.

Investing in the Future: Youth, Education, Health

The budget also directs funding toward:

  • Youth programs, particularly for at-risk youth, as part of a crime prevention strategy
  • Education and skills development, though exact figures were not detailed
  • Healthcare, with a commitment to better access and affordability

A unified vision to modernize public institutions, improve digital governance, and restore public trust is also part of the long-term reform agenda.

Conclusion: The Premier articulates a future-facing approach, though some sectors lack clear budgetary breakdowns. Education and healthcare are promised support, but housing and social safety nets may require deeper intervention.

Final Assessment: A Balanced but Incomplete Response

Premier Misick’s 2025/26 Budget presents an ambitious and well-funded plan to secure the nation’s future. Investments in security and border protection are decisive and immediate, while economic growth is forecast to continue under stable fiscal policy.

However, for a country in the midst of a housing crisis, the government’s response—while well-intentioned—may fall short of the scale required to meet the moment. Similarly, social challenges linked to crime, youth disengagement, and income inequality require not just infrastructure, but deeper systemic reform.

The Premier concluded his address with a promise to “build a Turks and Caicos that works for everyone.” Whether this budget is the foundation for that future—or merely a stepping stone—will be revealed in the months ahead.

Government

Tamica Prospere Appointed Director of Learning and Development

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Turks and Caicos, September 6, 2025 – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Tamica Prospere as the Director of the Department of Learning and Development within the Office of the Deputy Governor.

Mrs. Prospere holds a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development (RQF Level 5), a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of the West Indies (UWI) and an Associate Degree in Education, also from UWI. She has further enhanced her credentials with certifications and coursework in content delivery, human resource management, talent management, and training and development from esteemed institutions, including Mico University College and CIPD.

With a strong foundation in public service and education in St. Lucia, Mrs. Prospere dedicated over a decade to classroom teaching at the secondary school level, beginning in 2002. During her tenure, she educated a diverse student body across various subjects, including Mathematics, Information Technology, and Life Skills, all aimed at fostering students’ personal and social well-being. She also facilitated community adult learning programs, showcasing her enduring commitment to promoting inclusive and varied educational opportunities.

Her career in public service in the Turks and Caicos Islands began in 2014 as a teacher at Marjorie Basden High School. From 2019, she served as the Learning and Development Manager for the legacy Customs Department and later for the TCI Border Force. In this role, she made significant contributions to improvements and championed a culture of professional growth.

Mrs. Prospere has been a strong advocate for leadership development through several key programmes. She conceptualised and introduced the Leading Effectively through Accountability and Development (LEAD) programme for the management team, which has successfully run for three consecutive years, with its most recent leadership reinforcement event held in 2025. Additionally, she implemented several programmes in partnership with educational institutions, resulting in 27 Border Force officers earning continuing professional development (CPD) certifications in supervisory management from UWI and 10 managers completing the Dynamic Leadership course with the Caribbean Maritime University.

She played a pivotal role in developing operational strategic plans and frameworks for both the Customs Department and the TCI Border Force. Mrs. Prospere spearheaded the creation and delivery of professional programmes, such as the Customs Broker Certification Programme. She introduced a Learning Management System (LMS) to facilitate scalable learning for aspiring Customs Brokers.

Moreover, she led the implementation of several significant projects, most notably the Regional Clearance System in the TCI and a comprehensive revamp of customs procedures at Howard Hamilton International Airport, which greatly enhanced operational efficiency. She also facilitated key engagements that strengthened partnerships with leading regional bodies, including the Caribbean Customs Legislation and Enforcement Council (CCLEC), the border security team within CARICOM IMPACS, and the customs advisory arm of CARTAC. These collaborations were instrumental in securing vital technical assistance for training.

Speaking on the appointment, Mrs. Prospere said, “I am honoured to step into this role and lead the Learning and Development Directorate. I believe that a world-class public service is built together. I’m dedicated to partnering with civil servants at all levels to foster a dynamic learning environment where we can collectively develop the skills needed to be adaptable, exceed standards, and deliver truly exceptional service to the public.”

In congratulating Mrs. Prospere, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams stated, “We are pleased to extend congratulations to Mrs. Tamica Prospere on her appointment as the new Director of the Department of Learning and Development within the Office of the Deputy Governor.

With over a decade of dedicated service in the field of training and development, Mrs. Prospere has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to building capacity and strengthening the public service workforce in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Her innovative and strategic approach to learning has transformed teams and empowered individuals, ensuring the public service is well-equipped to meet the demands of a constantly evolving landscape.

As the government continues its efforts to enhance service delivery through robust and comprehensive training initiatives, we are confident that Mrs. Prospere’s leadership will be instrumental in advancing a culture of excellence, collaboration and continuous growth across the public sector.

Congratulations Mrs. Prospere, on your well-deserved promotion. We look forward to working with you to shape the future of learning and development in the Public Service in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

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Government

Melissa Holland Appointed as Public Service Information Officer

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Turks and Caicos, September 6, 2025 – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is proud to announce the appointment of Ms. Melissa Holland as the new Public Service Information Officer within the Office of the Deputy Governor.

Ms. Holland holds an Associate Degree in Business from Turks and Caicos Community College, a Creative Suite Certificate in Website Development from StackSkills, and an Administrative Professional Certification from the College of Administrative Professionals. She has also engaged in continuous learning through Coursera.

Over the course of her career, Ms. Holland has accumulated valuable experience in various roles. She began her journey as a Clerical Officer at the Ministry of Education from June 2007 to May 2009 and was promoted to Secretary to the CEO from December 2009 to April 2010. Subsequently, she served as the Assistant to the Director of Sales, Marketing & Rentals at Apes Hill Club in Barbados from May 2011 to July 2014. Ms. Holland then took on the role of Office Assistant at Growing Soul Records in Miami, FL, from August 2014 to October 2015, followed by another position as an Office Assistant at Arrow Electronics in Denver, CO, from November 2015 to June 2018.

In June 2018, she became a Multimedia Specialist at Shop Genesis and later transitioned to the role of Creative Director at Black Sage Analytics from September 2020 to 2022. More recently, she served as an Administrative Officer at the Ministry of Health and Human Services from December 2022 to March 2023, before moving to the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services as an Administrative Officer from March 2023 to August 2025. She acted as the Communications Officer for Border Force in September 2023.

Upon her appointment, Ms. Holland shared her enthusiasm, stating, “My journey from capturing moments through lifestyle photography to creating designs that honor the vibrance of Caribbean culture has been shaped by both creativity and faith. Stepping into the role of Public Service Information Officer is a privilege and an exciting opportunity to unite my love for storytelling with service. Guided by Proverbs 3:5-6, I trust God to continue directing my path and using my gifts for a greater purpose”.

Her Excellency Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, congratulated Ms. Holland, stating, “We are delighted to congratulate Ms. Melissa Holland on her appointment as Public Service Information Officer and to welcome her to our team in the Office of the Deputy Governor.

In this important role, Ms. Holland will be responsible for the accurate and timely dissemination of both internal and external communications related to the operations of the public service, including circulars, notices, appointment announcements and other official updates.

We are confident that Ms. Holland’s diverse background and professional expertise will be invaluable in fulfilling these responsibilities and we look forward to the meaningful contributions she will undoubtedly bring to the team.

Congratulations, Ms. Holland, on your new appointment!”

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    Government

    Andy Missick Appointed Juvenile Manager

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    Turks and Caicos, September 6, 2025 – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Andy Missick as the Juvenile Manager within the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Services in the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities.

    Mr. Missick holds a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours in Social Work from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.

    His professional experience includes serving as a Registration Officer at the Financial Services Commission for three years, a Social Worker for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government for one year and as a Probation Officer in the Department of Rehabilitation & Community Supervision from 2023 until his recent promotion.

    Sharpening his skills in the area of rehabilitation, Mr. Missick has completed professional training in the following areas: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Case Management, Risk Assessment, Intake and Interviewing Techniques, Counseling, Report Writing, Conflict Resolution and Mediation, Reentry and Reintegration Planning, Community Resource Networking, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Behavior Modification, and Social Skills Training.

    Known for his contributions to Youth Leadership and Representation in the Turks and Caicos Islands and elsewhere, Mr. Missick currently serves as the Male CARICOM Youth Ambassador since 2023 and is a currently a Youth Parliamentarian having representing the Turks and Caicos Islands at the 12th Annual Commonwealth Youth Parliament in Wellington, New Zealand; the 10th Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting in London, United Kingdom and the Caribbean Youth Summit 2023 in Kingston, Jamaica.

    In addition to his professional roles, Mr. Missick is involved in community service and volunteerism through the Rotaract Club of Providenciales, where he has been an active member for seven years. He has held various leadership positions, including Sergeant-at-Arms, Foundation Chair, Youth Service Director, Wellness Chair, Fundraising Director, Vice President and currently serves as the President.

    Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Missick stated, “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity. Growing up in the Turks and Caicos, I have seen far too many young lives cut short. Some lost to violence, some to poor choices and some to the weight of circumstances they never asked for. Those experiences are etched into me and they are the reason I feel such deep gratitude and responsibility in being appointed Juvenile Manager. This is more than a role; it is a calling to stand in the gap for our youth, to remind them that they are not defined by their mistakes but by the greatness still inside of them. I believe in second chances, I believe in opportunity, and I believe that with guidance, accountability and hope, our young people can rise above their struggles and become the leaders of tomorrow.

    I anchor myself in the words of Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” True leadership is service, and in serving our youth, I serve the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This appointment is not just about today. It is about building a legacy of hope, discipline and purpose for tomorrow”.

    In congratulatory remarks, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, said, “It gives me great pleasure to officially congratulate Mr. Andy Missick on his appointment as Juvenile Manager with the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Services, within the Ministry of Public Safety.

    The post of Juvenile Manager is a critical role, focused on shaping the future of our islands by supporting, guiding and rehabilitating at-risk youth. The Juvenile Manager plays a key part in ensuring that young individuals are given every opportunity to grow into productive, empowered citizens who contribute meaningfully to society.

    Mr. Missick brings to this position a wealth of experience, a deep passion for youth empowerment and a proven track record of service and leadership. His longstanding commitment to the development of young people in the Turks and Caicos Islands is well known, having served with distinction as a CARICOM Youth Ambassador, Youth Parliamentarian and a dedicated member of the Rotaract. Through these platforms, he has consistently advocated for youth engagement, policy development and community service, earning the respect of peers and stakeholders alike.

    We are confident that Mr. Missick will continue to inspire and implement innovative initiatives that uplift our youth and strengthen our communities.

    Congratulations, Mr. Missick, on your well-deserved promotion. We look forward to the positive impact you will undoubtedly make in this vital role.”

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