News

“The rising cost of inflation and its impact on healthy living in TCI”

Published

4 years ago

January 19, 2022

#TurksandCaicos, January 19, 2022 – The cost of living in TCI has grown exponentially over the years and continues to rise. For some, the impact can be measured by some of the challenges faced with trying to live a healthy lifestyle.

Although healthy living for some may have different interpretations, the reality is, it goes beyond just physical exercises. It starts with eating healthy..but for many in TCI, constraints with time, money, transportation, etc. make good nutrition seem out of reach.

Like many other countries, economic factors like income level and high cost of goods, are also a major factor for us.

While great progress has been made as it pertains to the bounce back of the economy from Covid-19 impact, there are some uncertainties around the rising cost of inflation particularly as it relates to food prices.

With inflation at this level, eating healthy on a budget could be extremely hard for some, especially when you’re faced with constrained resources.

Grocery stores prices are normally one of the tell-tale signs for rising inflation. Although price increases are usually “transitory” in nature, this wave of increases appears to sticking around for far too long.

In some cases, you may find the cost of certain goods more reasonable at select stores, however, who has the time to shop around at 2-3 stores looking for the best deal on every single item?

To prove a point, I decided to analyze consumer food prices on five of some of the most basic produce items that are essential for everyday healthy eating. Items such as lettuce, tomatoes, oranges, apples and avocados.

My findings revealed a shocking differences in the fluctuation of prices between just two locations in Grand Turk and two in Provo.

Excluding sale promotion days, in Provo, a 3lb bag of Apples can range anywhere from $5.99 to $8.50, tomatoes could range anywhere from $3.69 to $3.99 per pound, a pack of romaine lettuce could range anywhere from $6.55 to $7.50, a bag of 6-10 oranges could range anywhere from $5.99 to 7.99. A single avocado can range anywhere from $3.59 to $3.95.

In Grand Turk, a 3lb bag of Apples can range anywhere from $6.99 to $8.99, tomatoes could range anywhere from $3.69 to $4.50 per pound, a pack of romaine lettuce could range anywhere from $8.50 to $9.50, a bag of 6-10 oranges could range anywhere from $6.99 to $8.99. A single avocado can range anywhere from $3.73 to $4.25.

I have also found that the unhealthy snacks and drinks were relatively cheap compared to the healthy snacks which are placed front and center upon entering the stores.

With prices at this level which has been for quite some time now, some families are finding it incredibly difficult to manage their food budget. Consumers with limited disposable income are forced to make difficult choices in order to stretch their dollars.

Such as, do I spend the money on healthy foods or do I purchase a package of hotdogs and sugar cookies which will be more affordable especially for large families.

According to the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Poor diets are the number one risk factor in the global burden of disease: they account for one in five deaths globally.

Although on a much smaller scale, our mortality rate relative to poor diet is now a greater contributor to these global statistics and should be part of a broader debate.

So the million dollar question is, how do we in the Turks and Caicos Islands, alter relative prices on healthy foods to achieve better dietary and nutrition outcomes for the masses?

It won’t be easy, but it can be done.

The USA, which is one of our main trading partners, is currently experiencing supply chain shortages on select products. This is driven in part due to a myriad of labor challenges. As a result, we are starting to experience the trickle down effects.

Sadly, until this goes away, consumer prices in TCI will probably remain high and will only be further precipitated by this ongoing pandemic. So what are some real solutions to this growing problem?

In my opinion, it’s high time the Caribbean countries forge an alliance and build stronger regional trading partnerships with each other.

At the end of the day, it all boils down to purchasing power along with supply and demand. Major economic countries like the US and China thrives on this.

Case in point; the Dominican Republic which is approximately 200 miles away from TCI, and is currently a large producer of bananas and other fruits and vegetables. Many of their suppliers would rather deal with the USA or other large countries because of their purchasing power.

So in essence, the same products that are being produced in the DR, is now being shipped another 800 miles away to the USA, before making its way back to us. Because of the logistics, this helps to drive up our cost of goods.

The quote on quote “petro dollar”, which the US dollar is referred as when oil subsidies are traded on the market, gives them stronger buying powers.

Likewise, TCI will also be in a unique position to negotiate lower prices with the Caribbean alliances because of our use of the US currency.

Rather than having locally grown products from these Caribbean countries shipped to the USA or other countries and then to us, logistically, it would make good economic sense to forge these regional partnerships.

Also, notwithstanding the Consumer Protection Ordinance that came into force in TCI since 2019, it does not address the issue of price control or price gouging in our country.

As noted in my analysis, on any given day, you will find the cost of certain products could vary significantly between different grocery stores on the islands.

With the limited number of grocery stores and the population size on Grand Turk, Salt Cay and the lower Caicos Islands, these residents will always be at a disadvantage.

The long and short of my article is, in order to combat what appears to be a never ending battle with inflation, we have got to get serious about the development and production of local agriculture.

Furthermore, let’s put in place proper government controlled checks and balance program for better price control and to prevent price gouging.

This may require hiring additional auditors to police over-priced or missed priced consumer goods and to ensure businesses are passing along the discounts and duty free savings to consumers.

Ed Forbes

A Concerned Citizen of Grand Turk

Crime

Human Trafficking Probe Revealed as Police Warn of Growing Teen Crime Concern

Published

1 day ago

June 23, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

Turks and Caicos, June 23, 2026 – A police briefing intended to update the public on crime trends in the Turks and Caicos Islands instead exposed what may be one of the most significant criminal investigations currently underway in the country.

When questioned about the June 14 shooting on Bible Street, Police Commissioner Fitz Bailey revealed that the incident stemmed from an anti-human trafficking operation during which 12 women believed to be victims of human trafficking were rescued by law enforcement.

“The officers were engaged in an anti-human trafficking operation… 12 females were rescued or victims of human trafficking were rescued, and they are in our care and that investigation is advanced,” Bailey told reporters.

The revelation stunned many who had linked the Bible Street shooting to other recent violent incidents, including the June 12 murder in Five Cays. However, the Commissioner indicated the confrontation was connected to the anti-human trafficking investigation, though he declined to provide further details due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing case.

More than a week later, authorities continue to maintain that the investigation remains active. Magnetic Media has confirmed with police officials that no arrests have yet been made in connection with the alleged human trafficking operation.

The Commissioner also sounded the alarm over what appears to be an emerging trend involving teenage boys and serious criminal activity. In discussing recent incidents, Bailey suggested that some young offenders are operating within organized criminal networks and warned that law enforcement alone cannot solve the growing problem.

“My experience tells me that once they reach a threshold it is very difficult to bring them back,” Bailey said. “The social agencies will have to get involved. We have to find a way to reach these unattached youth and to engage them and to create that positive reinforcement in their life.”

Despite those concerns, Bailey reported that overall crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands continues to trend sharply downward.

According to police statistics presented at the briefing, murders have fallen from 13 at this point last year to just one in 2026, representing a 92 percent reduction. Attempted murders have fallen by 100 percent, kidnappings by 75 percent, robberies by 34 percent, aggravated burglaries by 22 percent, firearm possession offences by 50 percent and incidents involving the discharge of firearms by 85 percent. Police reported that nearly every major category of serious crime has declined compared to the same period last year.

The lone murder recorded in the Turks and Caicos Islands for 2026 occurred on June 12 in Five Cays. While no arrest has been made in that case, the Commissioner indicated that investigators believe they know who is responsible.

“I am convinced and I am positive that the perpetrator is a teenager,” Bailey stated.

The press conference was held at Police Headquarters in Providenciales.

Crime

Rape Only Major Crime Category to Increase in Turks and Caicos

Published

2 days ago

June 23, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

Turks and Caicos, June 23, 2026 – While nearly every major category of serious crime is trending downward in the Turks and Caicos Islands, police statistics reveal one troubling exception: rape.

Speaking during a press conference at Police Headquarters in Providenciales, Police Commissioner Fitz Bailey reported a five percent increase in rape cases compared to the same period last year, making it the only major crime category to record an increase in 2026.

The increase comes as police celebrate dramatic reductions in murders, attempted murders, kidnappings, robberies and firearm-related offences.

However, Bailey cautioned that the statistics surrounding rape cases are often more complex than they initially appear.

Responding to a question from the media, the Commissioner explained that some complainants report rape but later choose not to support police investigations. In other cases, the alleged offender is known to the complainant, creating additional challenges for investigators.

“We have some of those reports where persons make allegations which have not been proven because they will come and say they have been raped, but they do not support an investigation,” Bailey explained.

The Commissioner stressed that police are required to document and investigate all reports made to law enforcement, regardless of whether a complainant later decides not to proceed.

“Once you make a report, we have to record it and we have to fulfil our obligation,” he said.

Bailey also noted that in many reported cases, the alleged perpetrators are individuals known to the complainants.

While acknowledging that some reports may ultimately not result in charges or convictions, the Commissioner emphasized that every allegation must be treated seriously and investigated appropriately.

The figures underscore an ongoing challenge for law enforcement and social service agencies as the Turks and Caicos Islands continues to work toward reducing violence and protecting vulnerable members of the community.

News

Beaches Turks & Caicos wrapped up another successful Provo Men’s Premier League season

Published

1 week ago

June 17, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks and Caicos continued its strong commitment to sports development in the Turks and Caicos Islands with its sponsorship of the 2025/2026 Provo Men’s Premier League, a partnership that has significantly elevated the competition for a second consecutive year.

The season, which saw an increase in participating teams and heightened competitiveness across the league, has been widely regarded as one of the most successful in recent years. The top honours were shared between two of the league’s most dominant sides, SWA Sharks FC and Academy Eagles FC, both delivering consistent and high-level performances throughout the campaign.

Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) Technical Director Dane Ritchie highlighted the critical role Beaches Turks and Caicos played in strengthening the league’s structure and overall quality.

“The sponsorship from Beaches Turks and Caicos for the second year helped tremendously in making the competition a success,” Ritchie said. “This season we were able to have a more structured programme with the inclusion of youth talents coming to the fore, as well as the improvement of the coaching staff for the different teams being certified by Concacaf.”

Ritchie noted that the enhanced organisation of the league created more opportunities for emerging players, while also raising the standard of coaching and match preparation. The integration of youth talent into senior teams was particularly impactful, signaling a positive shift toward long-term player development within the territory.

Provo Men’s Premier League President Patrick Baptiste echoed these sentiments, describing the season as a milestone for both football and youth advancement in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“This was a very good year for football and youth development,” Baptiste said. “We were able to overcome a few challenging moments, but the overall grade for this season is an A.”

Baptiste emphasised that the continued support from Beaches Turks and Caicos has been instrumental in driving the league forward, providing much-needed financial backing and stability.

“With a title sponsor like Beaches Turks and Caicos providing the financial support again for this season, we are grateful,” he added. “We have come a far way and we still have a way to go, but the TCIFA team has been charged to continue to be creative in our marketing and being more inclusive in how we seek to showcase the talents of the TCI.”

Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort General Manager Deryk Meany also expressed satisfaction with the partnership and the overall progress of the league.

“Our commitment to youth development and the growth of sports and community throughout the TCI is of paramount importance to us as an organisation,” Meany said. “We are satisfied with this partnership and being the main sponsor is a major accomplishment for the resort. We are happy to have fielded a team this season that was placed fourth in the knockout round of the competition. We are seeking to continue to provide growth for our team members as well as the development of talent throughout the TCI.”

The 2025/2026 season also reflected broader efforts to professionalize football operations locally, including improved scheduling, officiating standards and fan engagement initiatives. Matches drew increased attendance, while community interest in the sport continued to grow, particularly among young athletes aspiring to compete at higher levels.