TCI News
TCI: Oswald Skippings – Scotia Bank Closures
#Providenciales, June 11, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – This Scotia Bank bombshell dropped on The Turks and Caicos government and people in recent days, is a substantial addition to the gloom and doom that currently exist in Grand Turk post the onslaught of hurricanes Ike, Irma and Marie and the drastic failure of recent administrations.
It is an aggravation to the already high unemployment, the lack of commercial activity and other prevailing woes that have overshadowed Grand Turk over recent years. The fact is, the nation’s capital of Grand Turk will now have only one commercial bank, a situation that is definitely not attractive nor conducive to industrial and economic growth.
Heretofore, Government had a choice in selecting its banker, now it has no such choice. Therefore, government has no bargaining powers in selecting its banker and civil servants in both Grand Turk and Providenciales will be forced to deal with First Caribbean Bank as it is inconceivable that government would have two different banks to facilitate its financial business.
This move would inevitably increase inconvenience to First Caribbean customers in Grand Turk who are already faced with long, slow lines because of inadequate customer service, inclusive of their one and only ATM that is already too often dysfunctional.
This move also creates inconvenience in Providenciales by the closure of the Grace Bay facility, thereby adding tremendous pressure to the remaining one and only Scotia Bank in the most commercially active island in the Turks and Caicos.
It should be noted that if the lack of profitable, financial activity is a contributor to this drastic decision, then one must consider the hundreds of millions of dollars that are being remitted to foreign countries by work permit workers while so many Turks and Caicos Islanders are not employed. Therefore, this highlights further justification for the public and private sectors to first and foremost guarantee jobs for our very own Turks and Caicos Islanders whose monies will remain here in the banks and be invested here in the islands thereby creating even further and more profitable economic activity for the banks thereby guaranteeing their success.
These sorts of disasters should bring us to the realization that if we are to overcome the multitude of problems that are besieging us daily, there are some inherent political anomalies that we as a people need to recognize, admit to and commit to fix forthwith! For example.
When the HONORABLE Derek Taylor the then chief minister, conceived the idea, initiated the move and laid the foundation to establish a Turks and Caicos Bank, it was a visionary and noble aspiration. However, once again this was ruined by cronyism and selfish, greedy politicians, and unfortunately, blindly supported by overzealous irresponsible party supporters who not unlike now, put a blind eye to anything and everything 
wrong, oppressive or retrogressive their ruling party was doing.
It is why unless and until we as a people stop voting for a great, noble and heroic man that is now dead and political parties whose core principles and ideologies have also died, and begin to vote for committed, patriotic people with vision and intestinal fortitude, whether they be from a third forth or fifth political party or be independent candidates, we will continue to be duped, taken for granted and exploited by uncommitted and incompetent politicians, who are no longer held accountable by those of us who vote them into office.
It is obvious that the introduction of Trade Unions is long overdue and would undoubtedly go a long way in meeting many of the needs especially of the working populace. However, from a development, investment and an overall economic standpoint for Grand Turk, this does not eliminate the need for a commercial bank.
As a permanent and practical solution to this huge problem that we are experiencing with Scotia Bank, the Turks and Caicos Bank must be reinstated! Preferably, its board of directors must not be infested with politicians and or close relatives of politicians at all. However, if politicians are placed on the board of directors, then politicians from all sides should enjoy that privilege. This is the only way independent, bi-partisan, transparent and public scrutiny will be guaranteed, and it would then be next to impossible for corruption to rear its ugly head again and effect the closure of such a much needed national facility.
News
The Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (February 25th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands began 2026 on a positive note, with stayover arrivals in January surpassing the same period in 2025.
Preliminary figures indicate that 56,830 stayover visitors arrived in January 2026, representing a two percent increase year-on-year. The steady growth continues the positive momentum experienced at the close of 2025.
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, attributed the encouraging performance to new collaboration with tour operator partners as well as increased airlift from key source markets.
“We anticipated a strong January performance following the growth recorded in November and December. The winter season has traditionally been a robust period for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this year that strength has been further supported by enhanced collaboration with partners and expanded airlift from Canada and the United States We are cautiously optimistic about maintaining this upward trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.
Cruise Sector
In cruise, preliminary figures show 122,935 cruise passenger arrivals in January, reflecting a 15 percent decrease compared to January 2025.
The decline is attributed to a reduction in cruise calls during the month. A total of 33 vessels called on Grand Turk in January, seven fewer than during the corresponding period last year.
Marketing Shows
As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier luxury destination, Experience Turks and Caicos has been actively participating in the Travel & Adventure Shows across several major cities in the United States.
The destination has already been showcased in Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago, with Fort Lauderdale and Denver scheduled in the coming weeks.
Public Relations Manager Laura Dowrich represented the Turks and Caicos Islands alongside the destination’s U.S. marketing agency, ABA Global.
Beaches Turks & Caicos – Stone Creek Travels
“One of the most encouraging takeaways from these shows is that the Turks and Caicos Islands is indeed on travellers’ radar. We met many visitors who shared fond memories of their time here, others who already have trips booked and were seeking recommendations on activities and dining, and many more who aspire to visit. It was a pleasure highlighting our multi-island destination and sharing the many experiences that make the Turks and Caicos Islands truly special,” said Ms. Dowrich.
Awards & Recognition
Building on a stellar year of accolades in 2025, the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun 2026 with additional international recognition.
The destination earned a Gold Badge in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing #5 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean and #5 in Best Beaches in the World. In the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Grand Turk was ranked #10 among the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit.
About Experience Turks and Caicos
Middle Caicos Dragon Cay Resort
Experience Turks and Caicos is the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is committed to positioning the destination as a premier, sustainable luxury tourism hub. By leveraging smart tools, data-driven strategies, and stakeholder collaboration, Experience Turks and Caicos focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and fostering long-term industry success.
About the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the destination is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Each island and cay offer a unique experience:
- Providenciales boasts world-class resorts, fine dining, and high-end tourism offerings.
- Grand Turk serves as the vibrant hub for cruise tourism and historical exploration.
- The sister islands provide a gateway to nature, adventure, and authentic local culture.
Recognised as the world’s best-kept secret, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer effortless luxury, with seamless connectivity via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Photo Captions:
Grand Turk – slow travel with us
North Caicos – Correy Forbes
South Caicos Sail Rock
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
Photo Captions:
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key
government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.
The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and
posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
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News6 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
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News6 days agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals