The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU) successfully hosted its Community Outreach Caravan on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Parade Grounds in Grand Turk, drawing participation from residents and key stakeholders.
The event was part of the ISU’s continuing efforts to engage communities across the Turks and Caicos Islands, raise awareness of the Social Needs Assessment Survey, and reinforce the Unit’s visibility and collaboration with agencies and residents in advancing sustainable development.
Attendees benefited from a range of services provided by partner agencies, including the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME), Red Cross, Free Legal Aid Clinic of the TCI Bar Council, Health Promotions and Advocacy Unit, Dental Health Department, and Primary Health Care Unit. These services included free health checks, dental consultations, disaster preparedness information and material, as well as legal support.
In attendance at the event were the Honourable Edwin Astwood, Member of Parliament for Grand Turk South and Salt Cay and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and the Honourable Otis Morris, Member of Parliament for Grand Turk North, and Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, both of whom commended the initiative and expressed their support for the ISU’s efforts in Grand Turk and the wider Turks and Caicos Islands.
Residents visiting the ISU booth at the event were able to learn more about the Social Needs Assessment Survey, an ongoing initiative designed to gather accurate, community-level data to inform national policy on the management of informal settlements. ISU representatives engaged directly with attendees, sharing information about the Unit’s mandate and encouraging participation in the survey.
According to feedback received during the event, the Caravan was well-received by residents, who appreciated the opportunity to access all the services on offer in one location while learning about ongoing national efforts to improve living standards and community resilience.
The Community Outreach Caravan series serves as the public-facing component of the ISU’s broader outreach strategy. It brings essential services, information, and engagement opportunities directly to communities, ensuring that residents are informed and involved in the process of building a more sustainable Turks and Caicos Islands.
