Turks and Caicos SUN Newspaper

Turks and Caicos SUN Newspaper The leading newspaper in Turks and Caicos Islands

28/05/2026

CIBC CARIBBEAN SOLD TO BUTTERFIELD BANK IN US$1.8BILLION DEAL

By Hayden Boyce – SUN Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

CIBC Caribbean has been sold to the Butterefield Bank from Bermuda in a US$1.8 billion transaction.

Under the agreement, Butterfield Bank, which also has branches in Cayman Islands and The Bahamas, will acquire Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce’s 91.7 per cent stake in CIBC Caribbean for US$1.091 billion in cash and US$703 million in Butterfield shares. Butterfield will then launch a mandatory offer for the remaining 8.3 per cent held by minority shareholders.The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2027, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals.

GUYANESE COMMUNITY IN TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS PAINTS CROSSWALKS, HOSTS BLOOD DRIVE FOR 60TH INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONBy ...
27/05/2026

GUYANESE COMMUNITY IN TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS PAINTS CROSSWALKS, HOSTS BLOOD DRIVE FOR 60TH INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION

By Kevin Carmichael

As Guyana proudly celebrated its 60th anniversary of Independence on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, members of the Guyanese community living in Turks and Caicos Islands chose to mark the historic occasion through service, unity and giving back to the country they now call home.

Ahead of the anniversary celebrations, volunteers came together to repaint three of the most heavily used pedestrian crossings in downtown Providenciales, at Sunny Foods, Blue Hills, MoneyGram Downtown and the Gus Lightbourne Sports Complex area, helping to beautify the community and improve pedestrian safety for residents and visitors alike.

The celebrations also included a blood drive, reflecting the spirit of compassion and togetherness that continues to define the Guyanese people wherever they reside.

Even while living abroad, Guyanese in Turks and Caicos Islands continue to honour their roots while embracing and contributing positively to their adopted home. Their acts of community service demonstrate pride, gratitude and a commitment to building stronger communities together.

Guyana gained its Independence from Britain on May 26, 1966, becoming the third English-speaking Caribbean nation to achieve nationhood after Jamaica in August 1962 and Trinidad and Tobago later that same month. As the first English-speaking country in South America, Guyana has played an important role in Caribbean history and regional development.

Sixty years later, the nation is experiencing a remarkable transformation and is now recognised as one of the fastest growing economies in the world, driven by major developments in its oil and energy sector, infrastructure and investment opportunities.

This independence anniversary was not only a celebration of Guyana’s journey as a nation, but also a reminder that the true spirit of independence lives through service, unity and giving back.

26/05/2026

TCI TO ADD ONE CABINET MINISTER, TWO PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES

By Hayden Boyce – SUN Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

Turks and Caicos Islands Government is expected to soon expand its executive arm from the Premier and eight ministers to the Premier and nine ministers, along with the addition of two Parliamentary Secretaries, The SUN can confirm.

This newspaper understands that the proposal received approval in principle during meetings in London earlier this month between Premier Hon. Charles Washington Misick and UK Minister for the Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty.

According to a post of the Premier’s page, on May 5, 2026, he met with Doughty to engage in constructive discussions on a range of national priorities affectingTurks and Caicos Islands.

However, a formal administrative process must now be undertaken before the changes can become official.

The SUN understands that the matter would ultimately require approval by the UK Privy Council and be enacted through an Order in Council, which would immediately carry the force of law in Turks and Caicos Islands.

Under the 2011 Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution Order, Cabinet consisted of the Governor, the Premier and no more than six other ministers, along with the Deputy Governor and Attorney General, who sit as ex-officio members.

However, constitutional amendments approved by the UK in 2024 increased the number of ministers permitted under the Constitution from six to eight in addition to the Premier, allowing for a total of nine elected political members of Cabinet.

If approved, the move would create the largest executive political structure in modern Turks and Caicos Islands history and would mark the first formal introduction of Parliamentary Secretaries under the current constitutional arrangement.

The proposed expansion is also expected to carry financial implications for the public purse, including additional expenditure related to ministerial salaries, staffing, office operations, and administrative support.

The latest proposal, if finalised, is reportedly intended to strengthen government’sexecutive structure.

However, some critics argue that the Cabinet is already appropriately sized and suggest that the proposed expansion is a politically expedient move intended to appease backbenchers who have, in recent months, grown increasingly restless over what they perceive to be their exclusion from key government decision-making processes.

There has also been growing speculation for months about a possible Cabinet reshuffle along with restructuring within the governing Progressive National Party (PNP) administration.

Within the Westminster system of government, Parliamentary Secretaries are junior political office holders appointed to assist Cabinet ministers with their responsibilities. They often help manage ministry business, represent ministers during debates and proceedings in the Parliament, assist with legislative matters and oversee specific projects or policy areas on behalf of the government.

Cabinet is headed by Governor Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam. Current members include Premier Charles Washington Misick, who also serves as Minister of Finance, Investment and Trade; Deputy Premier Jamell Robinson, Minister of Immigration and Border Services; Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development; Rachel Marshall Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services; Shaun Malcolm, Minister of Public Safety, Religious Affairs and Utilities; Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services; Zhavargo Jolly, Minister of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment; Erwin Jay Saunders, Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy; and Akierra Missick, Minister of Home Affairs and Transportation.

Also sitting in Cabinet are Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Anya Williams and Attorney General Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles.

The government’s current backbenchers who do not presently hold Cabinet portfolios are:Josephine Olivia Connolly, Sharon Simons and Willin Belliard, all All Island Elected Members; and Jameka Williams, Deputy Speaker and All Island Elected Member;Otis Morris, MP for Grand Turk North; Samuel Ernest Been, MP for Cheshire Hall & Richmond Hills; Randy Dexter Howell, MP for Blue Hills.

GOVERNOR, PREMIER AND JAMAICAN PRIME MINISTER MEET TACTICAL OFFICERS DURING SECURITY TALKS Prime Minister of Jamaica, An...
26/05/2026

GOVERNOR, PREMIER AND JAMAICAN PRIME MINISTER MEET TACTICAL OFFICERS DURING SECURITY TALKS

Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, met last weekend with Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and Premier Charles Washington Misick, during a visit to Turks and Caicos Islands.

During the visit, Holness joined the Governor, Premier and Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey in meeting the Jamaican tactical officers currently deployed in Turks and Caicos Islands, thanking them for their dedicated service and contribution to public safety.

The Jamaican tactical team, operating under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey and deployed to Turks and Caicos Islands in May 2025 through arrangements led by the Governor, has played an instrumental role in supporting crime reduction efforts across TCI since their arrival.

The engagement highlighted the strength of operational cooperation between Turks and Caicos Islands and Jamaica and reaffirmed a shared commitment to tackling transnational crime and other regional security threats.

Discussions involving the Commissioner of Police also focused on advancing national security priorities, addressing the social causes of crime and supporting sustainable development.

“This is a valued partnership, which continues to deepen in purpose; building capability, delivering tangible results and helping to keep our communities safe,” a post on the Governor’s page stated.

MINISTRY OF IMMIGRATION AND BORDER SERVICES WARNS PUBLIC OF FRAUDULENT WORK PERMITSThe Ministry of Immigration and Borde...
26/05/2026

MINISTRY OF IMMIGRATION AND BORDER SERVICES WARNS PUBLIC OF FRAUDULENT WORK PERMITS

The Ministry of Immigration and Border Services is advising the general public, employers, and members of the business community of the circulation of fraudulent work permits and counterfeit immigration documents within the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Ministry has received reports and identified instances in which false work permits have been produced and presented as legitimate authorization for employment. The public is reminded that the use, possession, production, or presentation of fraudulent immigration documents constitutes a serious offence under the laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands and may result in criminal prosecution, fines, imprisonment, deportation, and other enforcement action as provided under the Immigration Act.

The Immigration Act makes clear that no person shall engage in employment in the Turks and Caicos Islands unless lawfully authorized to do so, and no employer shall employ a person who is not lawfully entitled to work in the Islands. Employers are therefore reminded of their legal obligation to verify that all persons in their employment are properly authorised to work in accordance with the law.

Additionally, the Act provides that any person who knowingly makes, uses, presents, or is in possession of a false document for immigration purposes commits an offence and may be subject to prosecution and other enforcement measures.

Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Minister of Immigration and Border Services, stated: “Fraudulent work permits and false immigration documents strike at the heart of our immigration system, undermine the rule of law, and place honest employers and workers at risk. Let me be clear: anyone who produces, facilitates, sells, purchases, or uses these documents will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, no exceptions. This illegal activity exploits vulnerable individuals and threatens fair employment practices in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We urge employers and the public to remain vigilant, conduct proper checks, and ensure that all work authorization documents are lawful, valid, and properly issued.”

The Ministry strongly urges employers and members of the public to exercise caution and to carefully verify the authenticity of all work permits and immigration documents before offering or accepting employment. Employers are encouraged to conduct due diligence and ensure that all documentation presented is valid and lawfully issued.
Persons are further cautioned against engaging in the production, facilitation, sale, purchase, or use of fraudulent work permits or any other false immigration documentation. Such actions undermine the integrity of the immigration and labour systems, place employers at legal risk, and compromise lawful employment practices in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Ministry of Immigration and Border Services, through its Employment Services Department and Border Force, continues to work collaboratively to investigate these matters and take appropriate enforcement action against persons found to be involved in immigration-related fraud.

Members of the public who become aware of suspected fraudulent work permits, unauthorised employment, or any related suspicious activity are encouraged to report such matters through the appropriate channels. For further information or to report suspected cases, please contact [email protected] or [email protected], or call +1 (649) 232-6616.

The Ministry of Immigration and Border Services remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ immigration and labour systems and reminds all stakeholders that compliance with immigration laws is a shared responsibility.

TCI PARLIAMENT HEADS INTO DIGITAL ERA WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND NEW ONLINE PLATFORMBy Daisy Handfield The Turks a...
26/05/2026

TCI PARLIAMENT HEADS INTO DIGITAL ERA WITH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND NEW ONLINE PLATFORM

By Daisy Handfield

The Turks and Caicos Islands Parliament is set for a major digital transformation, with Government announcing plans to launch a dedicated parliamentary website and introduce an AI-assisted Hansard system aimed at improving public access, transparency and institutional record keeping.

The initiative was outlined by Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy E. Jay Saunders in his budget presentation and was also discussed in an interview with The SUN, where the Minister expanded on the vision behind the modernisation effort.

Saunders said the initiative falls under his Ministry’s Policy Planning and Administrative Support allocation and forms part of broader efforts to modernise the way parliamentary business is accessed and understood by both Members and the public.

“This is an important investment in transparency, public access, institutional strengthening and civic education,” Saunders said.

“In a modern democracy, Parliament’s work should not be difficult for the public to find, follow or understand.”

According to the Minister, Parliament will receive a dedicated and independent online platform where users will be able to access parliamentary records, Bills, committee information, member profiles, educational resources and other official documents from a single location.

A major feature of the project will be the implementation of an AI-assisted Hansard system.

Saunders explained that the system will convert audio recordings of parliamentary proceedings into searchable transcripts, creating an official and accessible digital record of debates and decisions.

“This system will allow for the conversion of audio recordings of parliamentary debates into searchable transcripts. It will create official records of what was said, what was argued, what was promised, what was challenged, and what was decided,” he said.

He added that the platform is expected to make parliamentary records easier for Members of the House to retrieve and reference.

“For Members of this Honourable House, this new system will mean easier access to previous debates, statements, questions, Bills and committee proceedings.”

Saunders said the public would also benefit from a Parliament that becomes more accessible and easier to navigate, noting in the interview that the broader objective is to strengthen engagement between Parliament and the public while preserving a more complete institutional record for future generations.

Alongside the Hansard initiative, Government also plans to launch a fully upgraded Parliament website designed specifically for the Turks and Caicos Islands’ constitutional framework and institutional identity.

According to Saunders, the upgraded website will provide clearer information on Parliament’s role and work, improve access to information on Members of Parliament, strengthen committee operations, support public education efforts and create a more organised digital document library.

Additional features are expected to include publication of parliamentary business, media updates, events information and live-stream access.

Saunders said the new website and AI-assisted Hansard system together will create a more complete parliamentary information ecosystem.

The Minister indicated that the project is expected to be delivered in time for the 50th anniversary of Ministerial Government in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

NEW IMMIGRATION BILL DOES NOT ALLOW CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT, DEPUTY PREMIER JAMELL ROBINSON SAYSBy Daisy Handfield Dep...
26/05/2026

NEW IMMIGRATION BILL DOES NOT ALLOW CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT, DEPUTY PREMIER JAMELL ROBINSON SAYS

By Daisy Handfield

Deputy Premier and Minister of Immigration and Border Services Jamell Robinson has firmly ruled out any move toward a citizenship-by-investment scheme under the Turks and Caicos Islands Government’s proposed immigration reforms, stressing that citizenship will remain strictly non-purchasable and will not be offered as part of the new legislative framework.

Historically, the Turks and Caicos Islands has allowed investment-linked residency arrangements rather than a direct citizenship-by-investment programme, with investors able to qualify for residency or permanent residence through approved investments and later pursue status through existing immigration and nationality processes. Robinson’s comments seek to distinguish the proposed reforms from those existing pathways by emphasizing that the current bill does not create citizenship in exchange for investment.

According to the Minister, the legislation is intended to modernize and strengthen the immigration framework by creating clearer legal pathways while increasing enforcement and protecting national interests.

In comments to the The SUN, Robinson said the Government is putting in place what it describes as a modern system that regulates who enters the country, who remains, and under what conditions, while supporting stronger border controls and national security measures.

“Immigration is not guesswork, it is law, order, and balance,” Robinson said.

Robinson made clear, however, that the proposed reforms do not establish citizenship by investment.

“Citizenship is not for sale. I repeat, citizenship in these Turks and Caicos Islands is not for sale. There is no citizenship by investment in this Bill,” he stated.

Instead, Robinson explained that the framework introduces long-term residency by investment, which he said would be structured, regulated and tied to meaningful contribution to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

He argued that the approach seeks to strike a balance between attracting economic activity and protecting the sovereignty of the territory and the rights of Turks and Caicos Islanders.

“This is about balance, supporting economic growth while protecting our sovereignty and the rights of our people,” he said.

Robinson added that the Government’s approach would remain “firm where it must be, fair where it should be, and always in the best interest of Turks and Caicos Islanders.”

The Minister’s remarks come as Government continues broader immigration reform efforts that include updated legislation, stronger border enforcement measures and changes aimed at improving immigration administration.

While details of the proposed long-term residency-by-investment framework have not yet been fully outlined publicly, Robinson said the reforms are intended to bring greater order, structure and accountability to the immigration system.

ENERGY COMMISSIONER URGES RENEWABLE SHIFT TO REDUCE IMPORTED FUEL DEPENDENCEBy Daisy Handfield Turks and Caicos remains ...
26/05/2026

ENERGY COMMISSIONER URGES RENEWABLE SHIFT TO REDUCE IMPORTED FUEL DEPENDENCE

By Daisy Handfield

Turks and Caicos remains heavily dependent on imported fuel for electricity, a situation that exposes the country to global energy shocks, according to Energy and Utilities Commissioner Delano Arthur, who says the country has not moved quickly enough to transition to renewable energy.

Speaking in a recent interview, Arthur said virtually all energy consumed locally is imported.

“99.9% of the energy that we burn comes from outside,” he said, adding that this reliance leaves the country vulnerable to international instability and fluctuations in fuel markets.
Arthur said the country’s dependence on imported fuel means local electricity costs remain tied to events overseas.
“Energy costs will continue to rise as long as there is geopolitical conflict between the US and Iran,” he said.
He said the country must reduce its exposure to external risks.
“We have not done a good job in the energy transition.”
He said the current energy system leaves the country exposed to unstable global markets.
“We’re at the whims of the market,” he said.“And it’s the worst market to be dependent upon, because it is never stable.”
He also addressed public concerns about electricity pricing, saying there is often a misunderstanding about how rates are determined.
Arthur explained that utilities do not set prices arbitrarily, but operate under regulated frameworks.
“It’s not like a regular business where you can say, I buy commodities for X and decide whether I want to put a 50 percent markup or a 40 percent markup on this cost,” Arthur said.“No, utilities are governed by agreements.”
He said electricity pricing is based on a cost-plus structure that includes fuel, operational expenses, and infrastructure investment.

Arthur said consumers often do not fully understand how electricity bills are calculated and argued that utility providers should communicate more directly with the public.

“The regular consumer really doesn’t know what are the components of the electricity bill,” he said.“There are two parts; base energy costs and fuel consumption.There has to be a public communication campaign pushing energy efficiency, pushing making sure you understand your components, making sure you understand your utility bill so that persons, the more they understand, the better they can plan.”

Despite current challenges, Arthur said the country has significant potential to expand renewable energy use, particularly solar power.

“The energy well that we have is the sun, but for some reason we decide not to use it fully,” he said.

He outlined a long-term goal of transitioning toward renewable energy by 2040.

“We want to be an island of sun, sand and sea where tourists can come and play,” Arthur said.“And our energy is derived by the year 2040 by 100% renewable energy sources, if not completely, at least by some parts of the day.”

Arthur confirmed that the proposed Renewable Energy Act is not yet in effect but said implementation work is ongoing.

“It is not in effect, but we’re essentially going through the process, and I hope that we’ll get there very soon,” he said.

Arthur said one proposal tied to the legislation includes community solar initiatives aimed at expanding renewable energy access for lower-income households.

“We have what we call community solar, where the government will invest in community solar for the underprivileged mom, for the underprivileged father, for that pensioner, for that person who may be sick, who may fall on hard times,” he said.

Arthur said energy reform requires participation from all sectors of society.

“Everyone has a role and responsibility,” he said.“Not just the government, not just the consumer, but everyone from the utility company to the individual homeowner.”

HAPPY JAGS  MCCARTNEY DAY!WHO WILL CARRY THE BATON?IN RECOGNITION OF THE RIGHT EXCELLENT JAGS MCCARTNEY DAY, I AM REPUBL...
26/05/2026

HAPPY JAGS MCCARTNEY DAY!

WHO WILL CARRY THE BATON?

IN RECOGNITION OF THE RIGHT EXCELLENT JAGS MCCARTNEY DAY, I AM REPUBLISHING AN ARTICLE I WROTE IN 2018.
By Drexwell Seymour
Thanks to all the family members, close friends and Dr. Carl Mills’ commentary provided me with such invaluable information. I know there is so much more and so in the words of a friend of mine, TCIG or an organization should commission and document a detailed study on the life of Hon. JAGS McCartney.

Background
The late Hon. JAGS McCartney was born on the island of Grand Turk on June 30, 1945, to Sally Taylor McCartney and Harvey McCartney, a barrister from Jamaica. JAGS was the founder of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) and became our first Chief Minister in 1976 at the age of 31. Unfortunately, on May 9, 1980, he died in a plane crash over New Jersey leaving behind his wife Dorothy and very young children (4, 3 and 2 years old). However, he also left an incredible legacy like no other.

This article will summarize his legacy in four categories namely, Justice (J), Altruistic (A), Getting Things Done (G) and Sacrifice (S)

JUSTICE
JAGS was not afraid as he was a bold man advocating equal rights for the people of TCI. He not only spoke about the injustices against Turks and Caicos Islanders, but he also took action to ensure that the injustices were addressed.

For instance, the TCI had three military bases, two navy bases in Grand Turk and one coast guard base in South Caicos. However, TCIG was not getting paid directly for this but rather the UK was being paid for this. JAGS fought to ensure that the monies were paid directly to TCIG and consequently TCIG received an annual amount of $1.2million dollars from the USA.

JAGS along with others ensure that the workers for the Public Works Dept. in Salt Cay got the same pay as the workers in Grand Turk. In Salt Cay, they were getting$5.25 a day but after becoming the Chief Minister, his government increased the rate to$9 a day to be on par with the workers in Grand Turk.

JAGS fought for the rights of a lady in South Caicos who almost lost her home to her employer due to her indebtedness to the employer. JAGS met with the employer and demanded that the matter be dealt with differently and in the end the lady was able to retain her home.

In the early years, a common phrase was used “back of the buoy” representing a separation between the Turks Islands and the Caicos Islands. Because of connotations and stigma associated with the statement, JAGS along with others remove the buoy.

ALTRUISTIC
JAGS was altruistic in that he always put others ahead of him. He was close with everyone in TCI and because of this, his decisions were based on what was best for TCI and not on the political persuasion of individuals. He did not go into politics to enrich himself. This was evident by the fact that he did not accept salary for a while in his early tenure as Chief Minister but allowed the money to remain in treasury to be used for other purposes.

GETTING THINGS DONE
JAGS got things done and this is one great quality of a leader. Before JAGS became the chief minister, all of the departments in Government were headed by Englishmen. By the time JAGS’ term was over, most of the departments were headed by locals. This was achieved by his government identifying the areas of need and in turn provided scholarships to TCIslanders (no matter who they were) so that when they return home, they can occupy the top positions in the TCI.

Under the PDM government, JAGS was in the negotiation process with the United Kingdom to make Turks and Caicos an independent country by June 1982. In fact, The UK and the TCIG had already agreed a settlement amount. He didn’t just talk the talk; he walked the talk.

JAGS and his government also made a huge effort to ensure that TCI got a quality international airline which was Southeast Airlines carrying 70 passengers with a duration of 2 hours between Florida and TCI which was a significant improvement over the previous airline, Mackey Airline that only had 44 seats and took 4 hours.

SACRIFICE
JAGS sacrificed his family time working countless hours to ensure that there was a better Turks and Caicos Islands. He also sacrificed his family belongings (money, food, clothing and whatever he had) so that others who were in a less fortunate position were able to get help. JAGS took many risks to help the Turks and Caicos Islands including standing as a surety for many.

Conclusion
JAGS was truly one of a kind. He challenged governors and the status quo. He empowered our people. He was sincere and never lost touch with the electorate. He listened to the concerns of the people and even allowed them to present ideas to him. He strived to achieve the promises he made to the people of TCI. JAGS was able to achieve a lot for the people of TCI even before he became the Chief Minister. JAGS was also a negotiator and had a positive impact on people. Who will be bold enough to continue with his legacy and carry the Baton? I believed some individuals after JAGS carried the baton, but they dropped the baton due to either selfish gains, greed, lack of vision, no focus, or partisan politics. However, I know that there are other individuals (known and unknown) in TCI that have the capability of carrying the baton to the finish line without dropping it. Is it You?

• Drexwell Seymour is a CPA and has an MBA in Finance. He is the author of two books, namely, “Rise Up and Take Your Position” and “Succeeding in Your Position”. He has a YouTube channel and is the host of a weekly radio show, Financially Speaking.

Growth, sustainability and the future of Grand Turk!By Ed ForbesGrand Turk stands at an important crossroads where econo...
26/05/2026

Growth, sustainability and the future of Grand Turk!

By Ed Forbes

Grand Turk stands at an important crossroads where economic growth and environmental protection must move hand in hand.
The proposed $177million MSC-backed Grand Turk port development project, should never be framed as “development versus the environment.” The real challenge is finding the right balance between progress and preservation.

There is no question that Grand Turk needs sustainable economic development. We must continue creating opportunities, improving infrastructure, and strengthening our position in the region.

I commend the Premier for thinking boldly about the future and for recognizing the potential of a modern, multi-functional cruise terminal capable of accommodating larger vessels and expanding economic activity.

Improving cargo logistics for the island is also an important objective that could bring meaningful long-term benefits to residents and businesses alike.

At the same time, we cannot ignore the fact that our natural environment is one of Grand Turk’s greatest economic assets. Our reefs are not barriers to development; they are central to our tourism product, fisheries, coastal protection, and national identity. The very beauty that attracts visitors and supports local businesses must be protected as part of any long-term development strategy.

Many residents would have preferred to see other priorities addressed first, such as the development of a hotel sector that encourages longer visitor stays and broader economic benefits. Nevertheless, with any major project of this scale, the focus now should be on ensuring the process is responsible, transparent, and inclusive.

Before construction proceeds, there must be comprehensive environmental impact assessments, meaningful public consultation, and independent scientific review to fully understand the long-term consequences to our reef system and marine migration corridors.

Once damage is done to these ecosystems, it may be impossible to reverse.

We must also carefully consider the broader impact on the Grand Turk community, including pressure on housing, roads, healthcare services, waste management, utilities, and other critical infrastructure like the lack of a proper boat ramp.

Development should improve the quality of life for residents, not overwhelm the island’s capacity to support growth. If done right, this project could also bring meaningful benefits to our sister island, Salt Cay.

I firmly believe we can pursue economic expansion while still demanding responsible planning, alternative engineering designs, and safeguards that minimize harm to coral reefs, marine life, and coastal resilience.

Protecting the environment and growing the economy are not mutually exclusive goals. In fact, they depend on one another.

A healthy reef protects our shoreline, supports local livelihoods, strengthens tourism, and contributes directly to economic stability. Sacrificing these natural protections for short-term gains would be a costly mistake if the long-term consequences weaken the very industries we are trying to grow.

With that being said, this time around, concerned citizens are asking for is a genuine seat at the table. The path forward must include collaboration between government, developers, environmental experts, and the people of Grand Turk.

A balanced and thoughtful development is the only way to ensure progress that benefits the country while preserving the natural assets that make Grand Turk so unique.

* Ed Forbes is a native Turks and Caicos Islander, who spent 30 plus years studying and working in the USA. He holds an Associate degree in Criminal Justice and an Honorary degree in Criminology along with various legal and professional certifications in crime prevention and journalism. Ed resides in Grand Turk and is the co-founder and operator of Exclusive Escapes Tours.

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