News

Press Statement from Former Premier – Dr. The Hon. Rufus Ewing

Published

8 years ago

December 15, 2017

#TurksandCaicos, December 15, 2017 – Providenciales – Three months after the passage of the major Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Former Premier Dr. The Hon. Rufus Ewing states:

“I cannot understand why we have to wait so long for our children to get into permanent classrooms and public officers to get back to Grand Turk or into their healthy workplaces while the Government takes the bureaucratic route of first going to the House of Assembly for a Supplementary budget when a contingency warrant using the Excess Expenditure provision of the Constitution could have been approved the day after the hurricane on a case by case assessment basis.”

He further stated:

“…the Government is either weak, incompetent or is ignorant of the authority and power that they have legally and constitutionally.”

Read full article below.

It has now been over 90 days since the passage of the two devastating hurricanes Irma and Maria, and while the Turks and Caicos Islands is open for business in our main economic sector of tourism mainly on the Island of Providenciales, the rest of the Turks and Caicos Islands remains unrecovered, both in the public sector and private sector.

The pace of recovery in these islands is unacceptably slow as measured by the return to normalcy of essential and public services particularly in the harder hit islands of our capital Grand Turk and the islands of South Caicos and Salt Cay. Also unacceptably slow is the slow pace at which our residents are struggling to return to normalcy as they seek shelter with a water proof roof over their heads.

What could have or should have been done speed up the recovery process? Much more could have been done to allow our people to face the Christmas with hope and a peace of mind, but I would only focus on one action at this time.

I know all too well that within the framework of the Turks and Caicos Constitution, executive action from cabinet is derived from the consensus of all members of cabinet both elected and non-elected. But despite these actions requiring the approval of the Governor, His Excellency must approve unless there is violation of governance principles or the matter is one which is the absolute responsibility of the Governor such as internal security, defense, foreign affairs and the public service.

The execution of policies with financial implications that fall outside of the absolute responsibility of the Governor is the prerogative of the elected government. Hence the hands of the government are not tied where there is an urgent need to execute policies of public good for which a government was elected.

The exception to this rule was when there was a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) who had powers to veto the decision of cabinet members and prevent expenditure on policies that he thought were not in the best financial interest of the Government. Several clear examples of his disregard for the best interest and social good of our people can be referenced during his tenure in office. But there is no more CFO! And there no longer exists a need for hands to be tied where our duly elected government has the emergent need to execute policies such as returning to normalcy essential and public services after two devastating hurricanes. If such is the case, then the Government is either weak, incompetent or is ignorant of the authority and power that they have legally and constitutionally.

In fact, the access to the contingency fund (emergency fund) for the purpose of recovery of the islands, in particular essential and public services rests solely in the hands of the Minister of Finance and not even Cabinet. Section 118 (1) of the Turks and Caicos Constitution and Section 7 of the Public Finance Management states “The Minister (Finance), if he or she is satisfied that there is an urgent and unforeseen need for expenditure for which no provision has been made by an Appropriation Ordinance or a Supplementary Appropriation Ordinance may, by a Contingencies Warrant under his or her hand and in anticipation of the grant of an appropriation by the Legislature, authorize an advance from the Consolidated Fund to meet that need and shall forthwith report his or her action to the Cabinet.” Even though section 118 (2) of the Constitution requires the Minister to obtain the approval of the Governor, this provision is rarely invoked and if it was and refused, the matter should be brought to cabinet.

Therefore, the question to be asked is

Whether the emergency repairs to schools, clinics, government offices and clean up programs to remove hazards and public health threats among others are truly considered by this government to be an emergency?

If they are considered emergency, then a Contingency Warrant should have been issued to access funds from the Consolidated Fund to expedite recovery of these islands without having to obtain cabinet approval or much less await a sitting of the House of Assembly.

If the argument why this was not done was that the Governor refused the approval of the warrant by the Minister of Finance, then this matter should have been brought before Cabinet for consensus and approval.

If the argument was that an insufficient amount was budgeted in the Contingency Fund and a supplementary budget is necessary, then again, this argument does not hold water as Section 117 of the Constitution allows for Excess Expenditure. This is expenditure above and beyond what was budgeted.

Given all of these provisions in the Constitution and the Public Finance Management Ordinance to effect policies with financial implications, I am still baffled as to why damaged government schools, clinics and offices where children and civil servants are displaced have not been touched and why major cleanup of hazardous debris posing public health threats have not been cleaned up. I cannot understand why we have to wait so long for our children to get into permanent classrooms and public officers to get back to Grand Turk or into their healthy workplaces while the Government takes the bureaucratic route of first going to the House of Assembly for a Supplementary Warrant when a contingency warrant using the Excess Expenditure provision of the Constitution could have been approved the day after the hurricane on a case by case assessment basis.

Is the inaction due to a lack of vision, or lack of ability, a slow learning curve, lack of assertiveness, lack of money or lack of care and concern? As Turks and Caicos Islanders I am sure we all care about the well-being of our people, because generally that’s who we are, a caring people, so it must be because of all of the other reasons. But the inaction cannot be due to lack of money, because one year ago the Government was in a position of fiscal surplus. If there is no longer a fiscal surplus then where has all the money gone? Is it that there was wasted expenditure? But on what? Travel? Nothing was done to show where the money went. Has revenue dropped significantly due to poor fiscal management and failure to find new revenue streams or expand existing revenue streams? Or was it the hurricanes? Historical budgets will show that the majority of government revenue comes in the tourism months November- July/August. So a hurricane occurring in September would impact the government revenue for that month and going forward but not immediately erode months and years of surplus. So the questions are where has the money gone? And why is there much inaction in the recovery of these islands especially Grand Turk, Salt Cay and South Caicos?

Enough excuses, enough is enough! We need real answers and more importantly we need real action!

Press Release: Dr. The Hon. Rufus W. Ewing

News

The Turks and Caicos Islands Featured in Top Canadian Publications

Published

3 days ago

March 25, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (March 25th, 2026) The Turks and Caicos Islands has been enjoying increased visibility across Canadian media, as Experience Turks and Caicos continues to strengthen the destination’s presence in that key market.

In recent months, Experience Turks and Caicos hosted several Canadian travel writers who have since been highlighting the beauty and diversity of the destination across a range of key publications.

“Inviting and hosting writers from both travel trade and consumer publications is a key part of our public relations strategy to boost the visibility of the Turks and Caicos Islands,” said Interim CEO Consultant, Mr. Paul Pennicook. “As a result of this exposure, combined with our efforts to train travel advisors and increased airlift out of Canada, we have seen an uptick in arrivals from what is one of our top source markets. I would like to thank those journalists who continue to showcase the beauty of our multi-island destination.”

Among the most recent coverage are articles by Patricia Lee and Jennifer Bain, who visited the islands in early March. Bain journeyed to Little Water Cay alongside Jasmine Thomas, Executive Director of the Turks and Caicos National Trust, and Senior Visitor Experience Officer Luis Serpas. Her feature, published in National Parks Traveller, explores the Trust’s work to protect the endangered rock iguana in an article titled “Protecting Endangered Rock Iguanas in the Turks and Caicos Islands”.

Both writers also visited South Caicos, with Bain highlighting the destination’s charm in her piece “South Caicos: Away from the Crowds in Turks and Caicos”, published in A Taste for Travel, where she outlined eleven experiences in what is affectionately known as the Big South.

Lee, who also explored North Caicos and Middle Caicos, captured the essence of the country’s lesser-visited islands in her Vancouver Sun feature, “Beyond the Beach: Discover the slower, gentler beauty and charm of Turks and Caicos’ less-visited islands”.

Last November, Experience Turks and Caicos hosted a group of five Canadian travel writers on a familiarization trip. The group visited Providenciales and South Caicos, and experienced the luxury of Ambergris Cay Private Island Resort.

That visit resulted in a four-page spread in the March issue of Châtelaine Magazine, a leading French-Canadian women’s publication popular in Quebec. In the feature, “L’archipel du lâcher-prise (The Archipelago of Letting Go)”, writer Philippe Lépine explores the beauty, luxury, and spirit of the islands. From indulgent dining experiences to the discovery of a candle at Island Organics that transforms into massage oil, the article paints a vivid picture of relaxation and discovery. Reflecting on the Island Fish Fry, Lépine writes, “People eat, talk loudly, dance, and leave satisfied, with light hearts and, no doubt, a lovely creation found at one of the kiosks run by a local artisan.”

Writer Tim Johnson, also part of that group, chronicled his experience in South Caicos in the Toronto Star, Canada’s largest-circulation daily. In his article title “A Sleepy Caribbean Dream”, he highlighted the flourishing wildlife, excellent diving and pristine waters.

News

Flow TCI supports ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ at Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships

Published

3 days ago

March 25, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos Islands (March 25, 2026) — Fresh off an impressive high school track and field season, the Turks and Caicos Islands celebrated another outstanding showcase of young talent at the 2026 Inter-Primary Track and Field Championships, held March 18 to 20 at the Turks and Caicos Islands National Stadium.

The three-day event brought together enthusiastic students, coaches, parents, and supporters from across the islands, all eager to cheer on the next generation of athletes as they demonstrated their skills on the national stage.

As the Official Media Sponsor, leading telecoms provider Flow proudly built on the momentum of February’s Inter-High Championships, ensuring the accomplishments of the nation’s youngest athletes were streamed live via social media and broadcast on Flow TV’s Channel 111. This comprehensive coverage allowed family members, alumni, and sports fans near and far to follow the action in real time, giving the athletes added visibility and recognition for their hard work.

Despite challenging weather conditions, the junior athletes delivered three days of grit, sportsmanship, and record-breaking performances – strong indicators of a bright future for the country’s athletic development.

Flow further supported the event by keeping the stadium connected through the provision of broadband services and by participating in trivia intermissions, where several lucky attendees won Flow gift cards.

Carlencia Lightbourne, Senior Marketing Specialist, Flow Turks and Caicos, presented silverware and awards, along with Flow-branded merchandise bags to the winners of Flow’s headlined 200-meter races.

“Our partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission is built on a shared vision for the advancement of our youth, and witnessing the determination and resilience these primary school athletes displayed has been truly inspiring,” said Joanne Missick, Country Manager, Flow Turks and Caicos.

“We are proud to provide the infrastructure and platforms that showcase their hard work and encourage the next generation to chase excellence.”

News

ISU Community Caravan Delivers Essential Services to Granny Hill North

Published

3 days ago

March 25, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 25 March 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU) successfully hosted its Community Outreach Caravan on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Messenger Baptist Church in Five Cays, delivering a range of essential services to residents of the Granny Hill North informal settlement and surrounding communities.

This latest engagement marks the fifth Community Caravan executed by the ISU, and the fourth held in Providenciales, with one Caravan being conducted in Grand Turk. The initiative forms part of the Unit’s ongoing commitment to strengthening community relationships while improving access to vital support services within informal settlements.

Residents who attended the event benefited from a range of services provided through a collaborative effort with key partners, including the Health Promotions and Advocacy Unit, the Primary Healthcare Department and the Dental Unit, all of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, the Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross, Menzies Optometry, the Rotary Club of Providenciales, and the TCI Diabetic Association. Services delivered included health screenings and checks, oral health education and products, and the distribution of essential home supplies such as bedding and fabric blinds. In addition, residents received vital eye health and diet and exercise education to help improve health outcomes.

The ISU extends sincere appreciation to the clergy and congregants of Messenger Baptist Church for their exceptional hospitality and unwavering support in facilitating the event. Their contributions, both prior to and during the exercise, played a critical role in ensuring its success.

Gratitude is also extended to the residents of Granny Hill North and all participating partners whose collaboration and engagement contributed to a meaningful and impactful outreach effort.

The Community Caravan initiative is closely aligned with the ISU’s broader Social Needs Assessment Survey, which continues to serve as a key mechanism for understanding the realities faced by residents in informal communities. The survey is designed to capture detailed information on living conditions, access to essential services, public health concerns, and infrastructure needs, ensuring that future interventions are data-driven and responsive to community priorities.

Trained social surveyors have been deployed within the Granny Hill North community to conduct household-level assessments as part of this ongoing initiative. Residents are encouraged to participate, as their input will directly inform future planning, policy development, and targeted support programmes aimed at building safer and more sustainable communities.

The ISU remains committed to working alongside communities and partners to deliver impactful initiatives that improve quality of life and support long-term development across the Turks and Caicos Islands.