News

Message from the Office of the Premier, Recovering from Hurricane Irma

Published

9 years ago

September 18, 2017

#TurksandCaicos, September 18, 2017 – Providenciales – It is ten days since Hurricane Irma devastated parts of the Turks and Caicos Islands. We thank God that no lives were lost but we are all too conscious of the damage done to people’s homes – not least to the homes of the most disadvantaged members of our communities – as well as to core infrastructure.

Since Irma’s passage across the islands we have been wholly engaged on the provision of help to those most in need and upon the process of gradual recovery from Irma’s worst effects, especially in our family Islands. To this end the TCIG has been and remains totally dedicated through all relevant agencies led by DDME but including government ministries and also non-governmental bodies and organisations, not least the commercial sector to direct help and assistance where most needed.

But assistance and recovery from such a disaster cannot be achieved by TCI alone, resilient as the people of these Islands are and as they have proved once again. We have therefore welcomed the very considerable level of advice and direct help provided by the UK, Canada, Cayman Islands, Bermuda and other governments and by regional and other international bodies and organisations. Such assistance is ongoing, but we wish here to highlight the following contributions – which in the case of military forces are not about boots and policing but about vital aid to local communities which is being warmly welcomed – to assist immediately and directly the recovery of the most challenged parts of these Islands:

– UK military have been helping to clear debris and repair buildings in order to restore services. For example they have cleared out several Government buildings including the Treasury to allow reconstruction to commence.

– In South Caicos, the UK military have made repairs to the clinic, decontaminated water storage tanks and have cleaned up primary and high schools anticipating their reopening.

– The UK military are working closely with the Bermudan military, who have sent 30 of their rank to assist in Grand Turk, and the Canadian military who have a frigate ship based off South Caicos from which they to are assisting the local community, not least with provision of water.

– The UK’s Department for International Development has delivered 400 shelter kits and 655 litres of bottled water to South Caicos.

– Yesterday in Provo, UK Aid delivered 276 shelter kits which include two 7×5 tarpaulin sheets and 24m of rope each, these are vital for repairing roofs.

– UK Aid will shortly be delivering a health kit to South Caicos which contains enough vaccines for 10,000 people for three months.

We remain grateful for the additional show of support from the UK Government evidenced by the visit of Lord Ahmad, Minister of State at the FCO with responsibility for the UK Overseas Territories. We are equally grateful for the visits of regional leaders and the visit of the Chairman of Caricom, Prime Minister of Grenada, Hon Dr Keith Mitchell who led a high level Caribbean delegation in a show of regional support.

Hurricane Maria

Our responsibility for disaster management does not of course end with Irma and we must state clearly now that the recently formed Hurricane Maria may also pose a threat to the TCI later this week. Once again we must make ourselves ready as a community and as individuals to face down that new Hurricane should it, as currently seems highly possible, threaten and risk further damage to these Islands and people.

We in government will again prepare shelters and take other measures; but this must involve us all as individuals and families and we encourage you now to prepare as best you are able to take steps to ensure adequate water and food provision both during as well as after the possible passage of Maria which is forecast currently to be possible on Thursday and Friday of this week.

Press Release: TCIG

News

Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Takes Platinum Sponsor Role at Premier Hotel Investment Summit

Published

2 days ago

May 23, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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.

Bahamas News

From Hollywood to Parliament

Published

2 days ago

May 23, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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.

News

Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Lower Bight

Published

2 days ago

May 23, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

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.