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Airport Congestion slammed by Residents who say Authorities must do better

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By Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

 

#TurksandCaicos, March 21, 2022 – The overwhelming feeling is the TCI Airports Authority must figure out a way to end the miserable time residents and visitors spend trying to enter and exit the Turks and Caicos Islands.  The destination cannot wait on a brand new airport, it needs mitigation now.

Residents, speaking to our news organization were appalled by the video which gave visual confirmation to the frustrating lines, lengthy wait times and uncomfortable conditions at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and their concern was not just for the guests who visit but also for residents.

“For a high end destination, our airport is sure pop down!  They really need to get it together,” said a resident who was on Saturday trying to take a flight out of Providenciales.

“I’m here and the Airport and I think only hell hotter than here,” she said about the temperature, which at the time was a real feel of 86°F.

One frequent traveler and resident of Provo said, at this stage, she just avoids the flying on weekends adding that the consistent waits and lines are bound to have a negative impact on tourism.

“Coming to Provo is also horrible.  They kept us on the plane for 25 minutes, letting groups of 20 out at a time.  As a tourist, I would rethink my next visit.”

She also questioned the previous expansion, which she believes was an expensive failure.

“Not sure why the airport is like that after all that money they spent on it a few  years ago.  Someone was sleeping at the wheel.  They need to take a page out of The Bahamas airport plans.  Bahamas has loads of visitors and you never see this mess.

I refuse to travel on weekends.”

In 2010, a three phased expansion of the PLS was announced.  It did open up the arrivals terminal and boost the count on restrooms.  It also lengthened the runway and created a new parking apron.  What it did not do was adequately address the limited space at the facility.

About the lines, which extended to outside of the terminal area, there were these labels:

“Ridiculous!” and “Horrendous!”

The TCIAA informed in a statement on Saturday night that with over 4000 travellers, 27 flights and several flight delays it was difficult mitigating the overwhelming circumstances which led to hundreds of passengers being  crammed into the arrivals area, and spilling out into the ground transportation parking lot as they queued up to check in and pass the security check point.

The exhaustion and frustration was palpable.  Staff also looked worn out.  It is said this is what has been happening every weekend.

Services one expects to be available or operable at an airport are not.

“Can you believe you go through all of this and no internet?  Only in the café.”

To the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority statement on the unprecedented congestion, there was this reaction:

“I thank you for your proactive approach, but we have to do better, keeping the passengers on the aircraft leads to ramp congestion, a terrible arrival experience and it delays every departure.

It also leads to the over congestion in the departure area plus the air condition unit is unable to support the passenger numbers.”

A most compelling statement came from an air industry professional who said, “If this is not considered a real emergency, I don’t know what is. It’s total chaos and we’re risking our reputation. How much longer will our top end clients put up with this? Or will they choose next time to go somewhere with a better airport?”

The TCIAA said it is working with stakeholders on ways to alleviate the problems, however, there was no naming of those partners and no announcement about what will be done to improve conditions at the PLS on weekends.

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Caribbean News

Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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News

Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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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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Health

What to Look for with Self-Checks at Home

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February is National Self- Check Month and family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, OH, John Hanicak, MD, highlights why at home self-checks are extremely important when it comes to not just early cancer detection but identifying other illnesses too and offers tips on what to look out for.

“Sometimes Ilook at them as sort of like your check engine light on the car, just like therewould be a red flashing light that tells you that there’s something wrong with acar and prompts you to bring that in and get serviced. Your body does the samething. It gives you warning signs tolook intothat symptom a little bit further,” said Hanicak.

Dr. Hanicak saidself-checks are going to be a little different for everyone. 

However, in general, he recommends looking for anything that may seem abnormal, such asunexplained weight loss,blood in your urine, bumps and bruisesthat won’t heal,and changes in bowel habits. 

For example, if you suddenly start going to the bathroom a lot more than you used to, that could bea signof something more serious. 

He also suggestsdoing regular skin checksanddocumentingany molesor spotsthat start to look different. 

“Realize that you are your own person.There’s nobody else in the world exactly like you.You’ve got your own set ofideas, your own family history and your own genetics.Know what is normal for you, and when that changes, that’s the kind of thing thatwe would be interested in talking about,” said Dr. Hanicak. 

Dr. Hanicaknotes that self-checks are not meant to replace cancer screenings, as those are just as important to keep up with. 

Press Release: Cleveland Clinic

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