News

Deputy Premier’s response to Opposition Appointed Member’s on Work Permits

Published

9 years ago

April 13, 2017

Turks and Caicos, April 13, 2017 – Providenciales – The Opposition’s appointed member continues to attempt to mislead the public. The last year under the Rufus Ewing Administration, work permit fees were $17,914,713, of total projected revenues of $262,665,382. Therefore work permits fees of approximately $18 million accounted for approximately 6.8% of Projected Government revenues. In our budget that will be debated on April 18th, work permit fees are projected to be $18,452,154 of total projected revenues of $273,470,947. Which accounts for 6.7% of the total budget.

There were no new developments the entire four years under the Rufus Ewing administration and still work permit fees accounted for 6.8% of the the projected Government revenues. We have already seen a drastic increase in new and renewed interest for development projects. This coupled with our Government’s robust capital development agenda one should anticipate the need for an increase in the labour force. What the Opposition’s Appointed Member failed to recognize is that with all the upcoming economic activity we have still managed to reduce the percentage of work permit fees from 6.8% under the his previous Government to 6.7% this financial year. Although there is $539,441 increase in the dollar value of work permit fees, the overall percentage is down. Therefore the increase in dollar value is just a reflection of our Government’s ability to create and provide the right environment for increased economic activity.

Just as we have accomplished our 100 day goals as a Government, we have kept our commitment to not rely on work permits as a revenue source. We are ensuring our people get back to work and we are doing what the former Government was not able to do, which is restore investor confidence and create jobs.

We anticipate that the Opposition’s appointed member will continue to try and mislead you the voter over the next four years. However through press releases and town hall meetings we will ensure that you can get the facts from your Government and you can also research and verify the facts for yourself. There will be no “alternative facts”!

On the matter of the TCI Status Commission which is the body now vested with the responsibility to make recommendations on Turks and Caicos Islands Status, this ordinance was brought into being under the former PNP administration in 2015. Since then and up until the time the PNP was removed from office, by the people, they had not introduce any regulations to govern the working of the committee nor had they setup the committee formally in order to carry out its mandate. On coming into office we met applications that have been submitted almost two years ago with person left in limbo. As a government we have a responsibility to give these applicants and up or down decision so that they can plan the rest of their lives.

The most disappointing part of the member’s release demonstrates a relentless effort to score political points or simply an intentional attempt to deceive the public. While his government would have projected $1,768,294 in revenue from residence permits the final sum is $2,233,064 for year ending 2016 to 2017. Our projection of $2,300,056 represents a mere 3.34% increase over last years actual.

We remain committed to our people and will be making every effort to ensure they move up the ranks in companies to greater responsibility and senior management positions.

Hon Sean R. Astwood
Deputy Premier
Minister of Border Control and Employment

News

Flow TCI powers Inter-High Track and Field Championships

Published

5 days ago

March 5, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (March 5, 2026) – As the Turks and Caicos sporting community celebrates the spirit of youth athleticism, leading telecoms provider, Flow is highlighting the transformative power of connectivity following the successful conclusion of the 2026 Inter-High Track and Field Championships held at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium from February 26 to 28.

As the Official Media Sponsor for the event, Flow provided livestreaming services that premiered across social media and on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This ensured that families and fans throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands could witness every record-breaking moment. To keep the event running at top speed, Flow also provided broadband services throughout the venue, maintaining seamless connectivity throughout the games.

“Our long-standing partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is a shared promise to invest in the next generation. Over the years we have worked together to create opportunities for young people to train, compete and grow,” said Joanne Missick, Country Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos Islands.

“We make this investment because sport develops more than athletes. It’s a long-term investment for us in our people, pride and possibility, and it’s a partnership we hold close because advancing our youth advances the entire nation.”

The commitment to the Games extended directly to the track, where Flow served as the headline sponsor for the 200-meter category. Spanning seven races, the partnership culminated during the official medal ceremony with the company presenting winners with Flow merchandise bags.

Off the track, Flow mobilised engagement through the interactive sales booth. The site became a hub for activity, featuring Spin the Wheel promotions and gift certificate giveaways during Q&A intermissions, ensuring the energy of the crowd remained high.

Looking ahead, Flow is preparing to carry this momentum into the upcoming Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, continuing its investment in the next generation of sporting talent in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

News

Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

Published

5 days ago

March 5, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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.

Health

TCI Hospital Celebrates Successful “Heart Strong TCI” Initiative During Heart Month

Published

1 week ago

March 2, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

(Providenciales – Monday, March 2, 2026) TCI Hospital proudly announces the successful achievement of its Heart Strong TCI initiative, a comprehensive Heart Month campaign focused on raising awareness and strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Turks and Caicos Islands, highlighting the critical need for sustained public education, risk-factor reduction, and early intervention. The Heart Strong TCI initiative was designed to actively engage the community through education, outreach, and physical activity.

Key Activities Included:

Educational Training Sessions

Healthcare professionals conducted structured sessions addressing hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol management, nutrition, exercise, smoking cessation, and the early warning signs of heart disease.

House Call Talk Show Feature

A dedicated Heart Month episode of the hospital’s House Call program provided expert discussion on cardiovascular risk factors and prevention strategies, empowering viewers with practical, evidence-based guidance.

Red Fridays Awareness Campaign

Throughout the month, staff wore red every Friday to increase visibility around heart disease awareness and reinforce the campaign’s message within the community.

Heart Strong 5K Walk/Run

In collaboration with the Rotary Club, TCI Hospital hosted a community-wide 5K walk/run to promote physical activity as a cornerstone of heart health. The walk/run also provided an opportunity for community screening.

Digital Health Education Campaign

To expand its reach, TCI Hospital also shared ongoing heart health education tips and prevention messages across its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. These posts provided actionable guidance on diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and lifestyle modification, and encouraging community members to learn CPR.

Heart Strong TCI: A Continuous Commitment

While Heart Month has officially ended, Heart Strong TCI represents an ongoing institutional commitment to cardiovascular disease prevention and awareness. TCI Hospital will continue to prioritize:

Community-based education initiatives
Preventative screening and early detection programs
Lifestyle and wellness promotion
Strategic partnerships that advance public health outcomes

“Heart Strong TCI is not limited to a single month,” CEO, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant. “Cardiovascular disease prevention requires sustained effort. We remain committed to promoting healthy hearts across the Turks and Caicos Islands year-round.”

For more information about cardiovascular health services or upcoming screening initiatives, please contact TCI Hospital at 649-941-2800 in Providenciales, 649-941-2900 in Grand Turk or email us at info@interhealthcanada.tc

About TCI Hospital

TCI Hospital is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a strong emphasis on prevention, education, and community wellness.