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South Caicos pays Triple for basic Groceries; Bag of Rice hits $26 says TCIG Report

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Turks and Caicos, April 23, 2026 – Grocery prices across the Turks and Caicos Islands remain high, making shopping expensive for most consumers, but the latest government data shows that residents of South Caicos are facing even steeper challenges, with some essential items costing double—and in some cases nearly triple—the prices seen in Providenciales.

The findings come from the Department of Trade, Industry and Fair Competition (DTIFC) in its Breadbasket Price Report for April 2026, which tracks the cost of staple goods across major retail outlets throughout the country. The report, based on data collected between April 7 and 12, is intended to provide transparency and help consumers make informed purchasing decisions, with the Department noting that it continues to monitor prices to promote fair competition in the marketplace.

However, a closer look at the data reveals significant disparities between islands, particularly for residents in South Caicos.

Among the most striking examples is rice, a staple item, where a 5-pound bag that sells in Providenciales for as low as around six to eight dollars is listed at as high as twenty-six dollars in South Caicos.  Eggs also show a sharp divide, with some of the lowest prices in Providenciales hovering near two to five dollars, compared to prices reaching as high as twelve dollars in South Caicos.

The pattern continues across other essential items. Chicken, one of the most commonly consumed proteins, shows notable variation, with lower-end prices in Providenciales around seven dollars, while in South Caicos the same category of product can reach as high as eighteen dollars. Similar gaps are observed in cooking oil, flour and other everyday grocery items that form the core of household consumption.

While the Department’s report highlights both the highest and lowest prices for each item—marked in red and green respectively—the overall trend points to consistently higher costs outside of Providenciales, where a larger number of retailers and increased competition appear to keep prices comparatively lower.

In contrast, smaller markets such as South Caicos, with fewer retail outlets and greater reliance on imported goods routed through Providenciales, continue to experience higher prices across much of the breadbasket.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Fair Competition maintains that the monthly report is designed to improve transparency and allow consumers to compare prices, but the April findings also underscore a broader issue—access to affordable food remains uneven across the islands.

For residents in South Caicos, the data suggests that the cost of living continues to be significantly higher for basic goods, reinforcing long-standing concerns about price disparities and the challenges faced by consumers in smaller island communities.

The Department has encouraged the public to review the full Breadbasket Price Report and stay informed as it continues its monitoring efforts.

Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.

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NEW DESTINATION GUIDE BOOK ANNOUNCED FOR TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS

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Turks and Caicos, April 23, 2026 – Experience Turks and Caicos is happy to announce that we have published a new destination guide to the Turks and Caicos Islands, designed to enhance the visitor experience while providing potential travellers with comprehensive and inspiring information on the destination.

The magazine was produced in collaboration with Greydoor Publishing, a UK-based company that partners with tourism boards across the Caribbean to create high-quality destination magazines and pocket guides.

Spanning 104 pages, the publication offers an in-depth look at the Turks and Caicos Islands, from its rich history and culture to the diverse range of activities and experiences available across the islands.

With the tagline “An Ocean of Experiences”, the guidebook, in keeping with Experience Turks and Caicos’ mission to promote the destination’s multi-island identity and ensure that all communities benefit from tourism, shines a spotlight on each island, highlighting unique experiences, locally owned restaurants, and homegrown entrepreneurs. It also serves as a practical planning tool, featuring curated three-day, seven-day, and ten-day itineraries to help visitors make the most of their stay.

The guide places a strong emphasis on culture, with a dedicated section outlining signature events held throughout the year, giving visitors a deeper connection to the rhythm and spirit of the islands.

To further enhance convenience, the publication includes QR codes that link to comprehensive listings of car rentals, taxis, and restaurants across the destination.

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, noted that the guidebook comes at a time when the destination is strengthening its presence in key international markets.

“We have made a clear commitment to strengthening our presence in key international markets, and this guide is an important part of that effort. It gives visitors a much fuller picture of who we are as a destination—not just our beaches, but our culture, our people, and the experiences across all of our islands. It helps us tell our story properly and ensures that more of Turks and Caicos is seen, experienced, and shared with the world,” the Minister said.

Interim CEO Consultant of Experience Turks and Caicos, Mr. Paul Pennicook, expressed pride in the publication, which marks the organisation’s first official guidebook.

“As we continue to expand the presence of the Turks and Caicos Islands at trade shows and conferences around the world, this guidebook will play an essential role in showcasing the destination,” he said. “I would like to thank all of the stakeholders who supported this publication through advertising, as well as Greydoor Publishing for working closely with our Public Relations Manager, Ms. Laura Dowrich, to bring this magazine to life.”

A digital version of The Turks and Caicos Islands Guidebook will be available on our destination website at www.visitturksandcaicos.com.

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POLICE ENGAGE COMMUNITY THROUGH SUNDAY WORSHIP IN GRAND TURK AND PROVIDENCIALES

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Turks and Caicos, April 23, 2026 – Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force strengthened community ties through worship and outreach on Sunday, April 12, with coordinated church engagements in both Grand Turk and Providenciales.

In Grand Turk, officers from the local police station attended a service at the Methodist Church, led by Reverend Frednor Toussaint. The visit was headed by Inspector Jeremy Jones, with Sergeants Marlon Morse and Aquina Martin, along with Detective Police Constable Philip Smith also in attendance.

The service focused on themes of forgiveness and healing, with Reverend Toussaint encouraging congregants to release past burdens and embrace a path toward restoration. Following the service, officers remained to interact with members of the congregation, reinforcing a visible and approachable presence within the community.

At the same time in Providenciales, the Force’s Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit marked Child Abuse Prevention Month with a special church service at the New Testament Church in Blue Hills. Senior leadership was present, including Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey, Deputy Commissioner Rodney Adams, Acting Deputy Commissioner Kendall Grant and Assistant Commissioner Darron Williams, alongside officers from across various divisions.

The twin engagements reflect ongoing efforts by the police to connect with communities beyond enforcement, using faith-based outreach and public engagement to promote trust, awareness and support across the islands.

Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.

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Police Honour Retired Officers and Reach Out to Community in Grand Turk

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Turks and Caicos, April 23, 2026 – Moments of reflection, laughter and service came together in Grand Turk on April 13 as officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force took time to honour retired colleagues while continuing outreach across the community.

Officers attached to the Grand Turk Police Station visited several former members of the Force, creating a day filled with nostalgia as the retirees shared memories of their years in uniform. The exchanges were warm and heartfelt, with many expressing appreciation for being remembered and recognised for their contributions to national service.

Among those visited was retired Superintendent Ralph Doughty, noted for his role in establishing the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Cricket Team. The team also paid visits to former Sergeant Conrad Thomas, former Inspector Benjamin Harvey, Corporal Leroy King, Sergeant George Worrell, Superintendent Marc Henry and Acting Inspector Tomiko Glinton.

The visiting group included Inspector Jeremy Jones, Sergeants Kavin Mars and Aquina Martin, and Constable Hussein Higgs. During the visits, Superintendent Willet Harvey presented tokens of appreciation to Mr. Doughty and Mr. Glinton in recognition of their service.

The day extended beyond honouring past officers. Welfare checks were also carried out for elderly residents in the community, including Yvonne Lightbourne, Pastor Mary Forbes and Edith Mesa, as officers continued efforts to support and engage with vulnerable groups.

Meanwhile, in a parallel outreach effort, Constables Jeffrey Castillo and Demi Alexis visited the Ona Glinton Primary School, where they led a “Good Touch, Bad Touch” awareness session for children aged four to seven, focusing on personal safety and protection.

The initiative highlights the Force’s continued commitment to community policing—bridging generations of service while maintaining a visible and supportive presence across Grand Turk.

Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.

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