Turks & Caicos Islands Government

03/06/2026

PRESS RELEASE

MORTGAGE CORPORATION BILL MARKS NEW ERA FOR HOME OWNERSHIP

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 3rd June 2026:The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomed the passage of the Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 by Parliament, marking a significant milestone in the Government's commitment to expanding access to affordable home ownership and creating greater economic opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders.

The legislation establishes the Turks and Caicos Islands Mortgage Corporation, a new statutory institution designed to increase access to mortgage financing, support affordable housing development, and help more Turks and Caicos Islanders achieve the dream of owning a home.

Key Features of the Mortgage Corporation Bill

The legislation establishes a modern and accountable institutional framework that includes:

The creation of the Turks and Caicos Islands Mortgage Corporation as an independent statutory body.
A clear mandate to support affordable housing and expand home ownership opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders.
Authority to provide mortgage financing for the purchase, construction, and rehabilitation of residential homes.
The ability to finance housing developments and support broader housing projects.
Public education initiatives to improve financial literacy and understanding of mortgage lending.
Powers to mobilize capital and secure funding to support sustainable mortgage lending programmes.
Strong governance arrangements through an independent Board of Directors with expertise in banking, finance, mortgage lending, law, risk management, audit, compliance, valuation, and real estate planning.
Dedicated Audit and Finance, Risk, Credit, and Prudential Standards Committees to strengthen oversight and accountability.
Comprehensive reporting, auditing, and transparency requirements.
Independent prudential supervision by the Financial Services Commission to ensure sound financial management and compliance with regulatory standards.

Benefits for Turks and Caicos Islanders

Once operational, the Mortgage Corporation is expected to deliver substantial social and economic benefits, including:

Greater access to mortgage financing for Turks and Caicos Islanders.
Increased opportunities for first-time homebuyers.
Support for families seeking to build homes on family-owned land.
Expansion of affordable housing options across the Islands.
Increased housing construction activity and economic growth.
Greater wealth creation through property ownership.
Stronger and more stable communities.
Enhanced opportunities for younger generations to establish roots and build long-term financial security.

The Corporation will complement existing financial institutions by addressing gaps in the market and supporting individuals and families who may not currently qualify for conventional mortgage products.

What Happens Next?

With the enabling legislation now passed, the Government will move forward with the implementation phase necessary to bring the Corporation into operation.

Key next steps include:

Bringing the Act into force through commencement provisions.
Appointment of the Corporation's Board of Directors.
Recruitment of executive leadership and key personnel.
Development of lending policies, operational procedures, and mortgage products.
Establishment of governance committees and prudential oversight arrangements.
Finalization of regulations and supporting administrative frameworks.
Capitalization and operational readiness activities.

Commenting on the passage of the Bill, Premier Honourable Charles Washington Misick stated, “The Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 is a step forward, an important step, but it is part of a larger journey. A larger journey towards a more inclusive housing system, a stronger middle class and a more equitable economy. This Bill reflects the same principle that guides our national budget; the growth must be inclusive, the opportunities must be expanded and that prosperity must be shared…We are building an economy that works not just for some but for all. An economy in which every Turks and Caicos Islander has a fair chance to own, to build and to belong.”

The passage of the Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 is therefore not simply the creation of a new institution—it is an investment in the future of Turks and Caicos Islanders and a significant step toward making home ownership more attainable for generations to come.

03/06/2026

Multi-Agency Reclamation Exercise Conducted in Five Cays

A multi-agency enforcement operation led by the Crown Land Unit (CLU) resulted in the removal of three unauthorised structures from Crown land in the Five Cays area on Thursday, 28 May 2026.

The exercise was conducted on Parcel 60609/033 following a series of inspections undertaken by the Crown Land Unit as part of its ongoing efforts to prevent unlawful occupation and encroachment on Crown land. The operation was coordinated and supported by the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), with additional support provided by the TCI Border Force and security provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

Investigations by the Crown Land Unit determined that the parcel contained unauthorised concrete structures that had been erected without lawful authority. In accordance with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, Notices of Illegal Occupation were subsequently posted on the structures, requiring compliance by the persons responsible for the development.

Following a failure to comply with the notice, enforcement action was undertaken to remove the structures and reclaim the affected area. The three structures removed during the exercise were in the early stages of construction, below belt beam level.

The Crown Land Unit continues to monitor Crown land across the Turks and Caicos Islands to identify and address instances of unlawful occupation and development. These efforts form part of a broader commitment by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government to safeguard public lands, uphold the rule of law, and support orderly and sustainable development.

The Government reminds members of the public that Crown land may only be occupied or developed with the requisite legal authority and approvals. Persons found to be occupying or developing Crown land unlawfully may be subject to enforcement action under the Crown Land Ordinance.

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03/06/2026

DECR to host free swim lessons and beach clean-up in celebration of World Ocean Day, Saturday 6 June 2026

The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) is pleased to invite members of the public to participate in a beach clean-up event and free swimming lessons in commemoration of World Ocean Day. The event will take place at The Bight Park on Saturday, 6 June 2026.

This initiative aligns with the 2026 World Oceans Day theme, “Reimagine,” which calls on individuals and communities to rethink and strengthen their relationship with the ocean, alongside the global action focus on “Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our Blue Planet.”

The morning will begin with a community beach clean-up from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM, with volunteer check-in starting at 7:30 AM at The Bight Park, Lower Bight Road, Providenciales. Following the clean-up, free swimming lessons will be held from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, open to a maximum of 20 participants across various age groups. Lessons will be led by experienced instructors, including but not limited to, Ben Stubenberg and Benneth Williams, who have generously volunteered their time and expertise for this community initiative. Sessions will be divided by age group, with participants under 16 taking part in the first half of the morning, followed by participants over 16 in the second half.

Registration is required for the swim lessons and can be completed via the Microsoft Forms link provided on the official event flyer (See URL and QR Code). Pre-registered participants will receive priority placement. If space remains available, walk-in participants may be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.

This dual initiative aims to promote ocean awareness, water safety, and environmental responsibility, while helping members of the community build confidence in the water. The event will take place within the Princess Alexandra Land and Sea National Park, one of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ designated protected areas, further highlighting the importance of strong marine protected areas for our blue planet.

The DECR encourages everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to reimagine their connection to the ocean, develop essential swimming skills, and contribute to the protection of our shared marine environment for future generations.

For more information, please contact the DECR at [email protected] or 1 (649) 338-4170 / 1(649) 241- 3327.

Registration for swim lessons QR Code or click the link below:
https://tinyurl.com/5xu8hvf2

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03/06/2026

02/06/2026

PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

Ministry of Home Affairs Passes Historic Road Traffic Reform — Illegal Jitneys Are on Notice

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 2 June 2026 — The Ministry of Home Affairs is proud to announce the successful passage of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2026 in Parliament on 1 June 2026. Championed by the Minister for Home Affairs, Hon. Akierra Missick, MP, and developed in close collaboration with the Attorney General’s Chambers, and through targeted engagement with industry stakeholders, Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force and technology innovators in the transportation space, this landmark legislation is a decisive first step in a broader reform agenda to build a safe, modern, and efficient transportation system for every resident and visitor in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Unlicensed jitney operations have long been a challenge in the Territory, operating openly, boldly, and in such numbers that compliant community cab operators have faced an uneven playing field that pushed many out of the sector entirely. The Ministry of Home Affairs will continue to work in close collaboration with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force to ensure enforcement is focused, consistent, and impactful.

The message is simple: if you are operating as a taxi or community transportation vehicle without a valid public service licence, you are breaking the law. If caught, your vehicle will be impounded for fifteen days, you will face a fine of one thousand dollars, and you could face imprisonment of up to six months. The law is clear, and it will be enforced.

The Bill introduced a structured "Community Transportation" framework, replacing the outdated "community cab" category with a modern licensing model for vehicles carrying between five and fifteen passengers. Importantly, existing licensed taxi operators can transition seamlessly into this new framework and may also apply for a Community Transportation licence, opening the door to expanded business opportunities within a regulated and supported sector. Operators will be held to enhanced standards, including safeguarding training and criminal background requirements, with electronic vehicle identification ensuring greater accountability on our roads. A six-month transition period is in place to allow operators every opportunity to come into full compliance.

"This is a proud moment for the Ministry of Home Affairs and for the people of these Islands. For too long, those who played by the rules were penalised while unlicensed operators thrived. That changes now. This Bill is the result of genuine, deliberate work, listening to operators, working with our legal and law enforcement partners, and building something that is fair, enforceable, and forward-looking. This is not the finish line. It is the foundation.

A special thank you to the MoHA Executive Team for their unwavering commitment and exceptional work in fast-tracking the development of this Bill, guiding it through the Cabinet process, and ultimately securing its passage in Parliament. Their professionalism, dedication, and shared sense of purpose made this achievement possible. I am truly fortunate to work alongside such an outstanding team. They are the Dream Team!

— Hon. Akierra Missick, Minister of Home Affairs
This legislation is the first in a series of reforms the Ministry of Home Affairs is advancing to transform the Territory’s transportation sector. Among the innovations already in development is a dedicated transportation application that will connect licensed drivers and riders at the click of a button, bringing the convenience and accountability of modern technology to the movement of people across the Turks and Caicos Islands. The vision is a transportation ecosystem that is seamless, safe, and works for everyone.

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02/06/2026

Preparedness Cannot Wait: DDME Marks the Start of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season

The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) reminds the public that yesterday, June 1st, officially marked the start of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which continues through November 30th.

While early forecasts indicate that the 2026 Season may be lower than normal, DDME stresses that this does not reduce the risk to the Turks and Caicos Islands. As history has shown, even a single storm can have devastating consequences for our islands.

This hurricane season, the responsibility for preparedness lies not just with agencies/stakeholders, but with all of us as a people. Preparedness is a shared national duty, and action must begin now—not when a storm is approaching.

As residents of a vulnerable region, we must approach today as a call to action, not a date on the calendar. A forecast of fewer storms does not mean we are safe, it means we must remain alert, disciplined, and ready at all times.

The Department is urging all residents to take the following steps immediately if you have not done so already:
Review and update your Family Emergency Plan. Ensure everyone in your household knows what to do and where to go.
Check and restock emergency supplies:- Water, non‑perishable food, medication, batteries, and first aid should be readily available.
Secure your home and property early. Do not wait until a storm is near to begin preparations.
Stay connected to official information – Follow DDME Social Media Pages and the TCI Meteorological Department for verified updates and advisories.
Download the DDME Alert App to receive real-time alerts and critical information directly to your device.

The anticipated reduction in storm activity is largely due to a developing El Niño pattern, which: Increases wind shear across the Atlantic, suppresses storm formation and shifts tropical activity toward the Pacific

However, DDME warns that conditions can change rapidly, particularly later in the season, allowing strong storms to develop quickly.

Forecasts from NOAA suggest a below‑normal season, influenced by a developing El Niño pattern. However, DDME emphasises that:
Storm counts do not determine impact
One powerful storm can change everything

Our past experiences have shown that prepared communities recover faster, while unprepared ones face greater hardship.

Residents are reminded that seasonal forecasts do not predict landfall locations and should never be used as a measure of personal risk.

As preparing early is deemed one of the most effective ways to reduce risk, DDME urges all residents and businesses across the Turks and Caicos Islands to begin preparations immediately:
Review and update your Family Emergency Plan
Check and replenish hurricane supplies (water, food, medication, batteries)
Secure homes and businesses early
Stay informed through official weather updates and advisories
Download the DDME Alert App for real-time alerts

Preparedness is not just an individual responsibility; it is a national commitment.

As we mark the beginning of the 2026 Hurricane Season, DDME calls on all residents to move forward with a mindset of readiness, responsibility, and resilience. “Hurricane season has begun. Preparation cannot wait. What we do today determines how we face tomorrow.”

Let us stand together as a country that is: Alert in awareness, prepared in action, and United in resilience, because in the end: “A season is not measured by storm counts. It only takes one storm one moment, one night, one landfall to change everything.”

Preparedness today is the difference between reacting tomorrow and recovering stronger together.

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02/06/2026

TCI Community College Responds to Student Medical Emergency During Educational Tour in Canada

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 2 June 2026: The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College responds to a student’s medical emergency during the Faculty of Business Administration Educational Tour in Toronto, Canada.

The TCI Community College (“TCICC”) wishes to advise that on 26 May 2026 during the Faculty of Business Administration’s 9th Educational Tour to Toronto, Canada, one of its participating students experienced a serious medical emergency.

Emergency medical personnel attended and the student was transported to the hospital, where the student remains under medical care.

The TCICC’s leadership, together with the Ministry of Education continue to monitor this situation and are liaising with the student’s family and relevant medical personnel to provide support during this difficult time.

The welfare and wellbeing of the student, family, and the members of the delegation remain the TCICC’s highest priority. The Ministry of Education and the TCICC are also taking appropriate steps to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Ministry of Education and the TCICC wish to express sincere gratitude to the emergency responders and medical personnel in Canada for their swift response and continued care.

Out of respect for the privacy of the student and family, no further personal information will be released at this time. The TCICC asks that you keep the student and family in your thoughts and prayers.

Further updates will be provided as circumstances allow and as appropriate.

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02/06/2026

The Mortgage Corporation Bill 2026 is fundamentally about creating pathways to home ownership, expanding economic opportunity, strengthening families, and ensuring that the benefits of our country's growth are more accessible to the people of these Islands.

At a time when the cost of housing continues to rise and access to mortgage financing remains beyond the reach of many hardworking Turks and Caicos Islanders, this Bill represents a practical, responsible and forward-looking response to one of the most significant social and economic challenges facing our nation.

This Bill is not merely about lending money.
It is about creating opportunities.
It is about enabling more Turks and Caicos Islanders to move from renting to ownership.
It is about helping young professionals purchase their first homes.
It is about supporting families seeking to build on family land.
It is about creating a stronger middle class.
It is about strengthening economic resilience through asset ownership.
And ultimately, it is about ensuring that prosperity is more broadly shared among our people.

01/06/2026

PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Ministry of Health Delegation Meets with Doctors Hospital Health System To Discuss Renewing Relationship With The TCI To Deliver Health Care Services

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 1 June 2026 — The Honourable Minister of Health, Hon. Kyle Knowles, recently led an official delegation to Nassau, Bahamas, for a series of high-level meetings with the Executive Management Team of Doctors Hospital regarding the potential reestablishment of the facility within the Treatment Abroad Program (TAP) network.

The delegation included Permanent Secretary Mrs. Desiree Lewis, Chief Medical Officer Dr Nadia Astwood, NHIB Interim CEO Dr Pharez George and Head of Secretariat, Mrs. Marah Smith.

The visit focused on strategic discussions aimed at strengthening regional healthcare partnerships and exploring the necessary steps to facilitate the re-entry of Doctors Hospital Health System into the TAP framework. The program provides eligible patients with access to specialized medical care abroad when services are unavailable locally.

During the meetings, both parties discussed key operational, clinical, and administrative matters related to the program, including service capacity, referral pathways, patient experience, quality assurance, and the alignment of standards to support efficient and effective healthcare delivery.

Doctors Hospital is recognized as the first private acute care facility in the Caribbean to achieve Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, reflecting its commitment to internationally recognized healthcare standards.

As part of the visit, the delegation toured Doctors Hospital’s main facility in Nassau, including its newly opened cardiac catheterization laboratory, which commenced operations in February 2026. The state-of-the-art facility offers advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities for a wide range of cardiovascular and related medical conditions.

The delegation also visited Kavala Medical Centre and toured the construction site of the new Doctors Hospital facility in Grand Bahama, which is expected to become fully operational by the end of Summer 2026.

Additionally, Honourable Knowles and members of the delegation visited the Western Atlantic University School of Medicine in Grand Bahama, where Ms. Laura Welke, Dean of the Founding Campus, provided an exclusive tour of the institution. The visit included the administrative facilities, lecture halls, simulation labs, and clinical training classrooms.

Minister Knowles emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring citizens have access to quality, timely, and appropriate healthcare services through strengthened regional and international partnerships.

“This engagement reflects our ongoing commitment to improving access to specialized healthcare for our people,” said Minister Knowles. “We value the opportunity to work collaboratively with Doctors Hospital as we explore opportunities to enhance the Treatment Abroad Program in the best interest of patients.”
Permanent Secretary Mrs. Desiree Lewis noted that the meetings were productive and aligned with the Ministry’s broader healthcare system strengthening objectives.

The Chief Medical Officer and NHIB Interim CEO also contributed to discussions surrounding clinical oversight, patient safety, quality assurance systems, and program administration.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services remains committed to advancing healthcare access through partnerships that support high-quality, patient-centered care.

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01/06/2026

Ministry of Education attends annual Education World Forum (EWF) in London, UK

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands - Monday, 1 June 2026: The Ministry of Education’s recent participation in the 2026 Education World Forum (EWF) in London marks an important moment in the country’s ongoing effort to strengthen and modernise its education system. Led by Hon. Rachel Marshall Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, the delegation, comprising Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mr. Amin McCartney, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton-Harris, and Education Policy and Planning Manager, Ms. Diandra Gray joined Education Ministers and senior officials from around the world to confront the shared challenges shaping the future of education.

Held from May 17th – 20th under the theme, “Education for a shared future - Peace, Planet, Purpose and Pathways,” the Forum brought together global leaders to address critical challenges such as inequality, climate change, technological advancement, and geopolitical pressures. Discussions emphasised education as a strategic driver of resilience, innovation, and sustainable development.

For the Ministry of Education, the Forum offered more than discussion; it provided a platform for meaningful engagement, collaboration, and forward planning. Minister Taylor and her team participated in a series of plenary sessions, workshops, and networking events that explored practical strategies for building inclusive and future‑ready education systems. These exchanges allowed the Ministry to learn from global best practices while also sharing local perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing small island developing states.

One of the most significant outcomes of the Forum is the Ministry’s renewed commitment to several key areas of development. Among these is Educating for a Human‑Centred AI Future, a priority that reflects the growing influence of artificial intelligence on every aspect of life. The Ministry recognises that preparing students for an AI‑driven world requires more than access to technology; it demands a curriculum that teaches digital literacy, ethical technology use, and the critical thinking skills needed to navigate an evolving global landscape.

Another major focus included Empowering Learners Through Non‑Formal Education (session moderated by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh). The Ministry aims to improve in expanding learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom, ensuring that youth, adults, and lifelong learners have access to flexible pathways that support personal and professional growth. This approach acknowledges that education does not end with formal schooling and that diverse learning environments can strengthen communities and improve national outcomes.

Other key priorities emerged from the Forum that will inform the Ministry’s ongoing work:
Teacher Development: Investing in teacher training, professional development, and support systems to enhance education quality.
Foundational Learning: Reinforcing early childhood education and core literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills.
Data-Driven Policy: Enhancing the use of evidence to guide effective education planning and resource allocation.

Minister Taylor and team described the Forum as an invaluable opportunity to deepen international partnerships and gather insights that will directly benefit the nation’s learners. Hon. Taylor quoted: “Our reflections underscore a clear message: the Ministry is not only observing global trends but actively positioning itself to respond to them. The lessons learned in London will inform upcoming strategies, strengthen collaboration with local and international partners, and support the Ministry’s broader vision of building a resilient, inclusive, and future‑ready education system.”

As the Ministry moves forward, the work ahead will involve translating these global insights into improved local action, ensuring that every learner, from early childhood to adulthood, is equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The Forum has reaffirmed that education is central to national development, and the Ministry’s participation signals a strong commitment to shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

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