TCI Government Clarifies Acquisition of Temple Trust in Providenciales
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government confirms that the acquisition of the Temple Trust Building in Providenciales followed the established procedures to ensure transparency, value for money and full compliance with the law.
The acquisition formed part of a broader proposal, involving four adjacent parcels of land, in line with Government requirements.
In March 2025, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, in consultation with the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) and the Ministry of Finance prepared advice for Cabinet, supported by a Government valuation.
Cabinet considered the matter and granted approval to proceed with the acquisition and retrofitting of the building to provide office accommodation for the Offices of the Premier & Public Policy and the Deputy Premier.
Cabinet approved the proposed purchase price of $6,150,000.00, which was within the Government valuation, noting that the Government would acquire the building "as is" and assume responsibility for any necessary repairs.
Following the vendor's refusal of the initial offer, a counteroffer of $6,450,000.00 was received in late March 2025.
This revised figure included approximately $300,000.00 in furniture, fixtures and fittings.
The land purchase remained within the upper limit of the Government's valuation.
The Cabinet gave further consideration to the matter on 31 March 2025, and granted approval for the acquisition at the revised price of $6,450,000.00.
In line with required procedures, the Cabinet ensured that all potential conflicts were openly declared and addressed, and requested further due diligence regarding ownership of the adjacent parcels.
Subsequent verification confirmed the ultimate beneficial ownership of all of the properties.
The Agreement was fully executed in July 2025, with revised terms subsequently agreed to accommodate adjusted timelines.
Completion took place on 1 October 2025. The transfer was formally executed and registered on 7 October 2025
The Government confirms that the final purchase price was in line with valuation advice provided by the Valuation Department and negotiation range, and that the processes undertaken adhered to all required governance, legal and procedural standards.
3 DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST APRIL 27TH to APRIL 29TH
Former TCI Athlete Roshano Cox Officiates at CARIFTA 2026
Roshano Cox, a former athlete himself who represented the TCI at the CARIFTA games in 2007 and 2008 recently served as an official at the CARIFTA Games 2026 held in Grenada.
Being selected to judge for throws and jumps quickly transitioned into an opportunity to act as the head judge for U17 Boys Javelin, U17 and U20 Boys & Girls Shotput and Discus, and the U20 Boys Long Jump and Triple Jump.
Roshano's selection to officiate at this prestigious regional event reflects both his individual competence and the ongoing pathways to strengthen sporting capacity and development within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
His involvement is a clear indication that the nation is making meaningful strides in sports development, producing individuals capable of contributing at the highest levels across the Caribbean.
Congratulations Roshano, and thank you for your continued pride for the Turks and Caicos Islands, committment and dedication.
Premier Misick's Highlights from Budget Address 2026
The Premier Hon. Charles Washington Misick has outlined a picture of steady growth, strong revenues, and targeted investment during his 2026/2027 Budget Debate presentation.
Delivering his address in the Turks and Caicos Islands House of Parliament the Premier highlighted key achievements over the past year, including more than $1.2 billion in development agreements expected to create thousands of jobs, a more than 40 percent reduction in major crime, and record tourism performance with nearly two million visitors.
He also pointed to national improvements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, including upgrades at the Raymond Gardiner High School, expanded port development, and new social support initiatives.
Forward looking...
The Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure
tabled in the Parliament are projecting revenues of $551.1 million and Expenditure of $550.8 million, a modest surplus and no new taxes.
Key Highlights
Economy nearly doubled since 2021
GDP projected at $1.7 billion
$430 million in reserves (23% of GDP)
A-/Stable sovereign credit rating reaffirmed by S&P
Public safety success - serious crime down 55% and five consecutive months without a homicide.
Housing relief - foreign purchase threshold to protect affordable home buyers, 60 newly acquired lots for serviced subdivisions and government will deliver properly serviced subdivisions with roads, drainage, and utilities installed.Mortgage Corporation and the Credit Union should be operational by the 3rd quarter of 2026.
Over $62 million allocated to Grand Turk and the Family Islands for roads, ports, utilities, housing and resilience.
Infrastructure - $30 million for airport arrivals upgrades and $30 million for Phases 3 and 4 of the South Dock port redevelopment. $22 million allocated for the Fuel Discharge Mooring System.
Healthcare reform- new polyclinic in Providenciales and tighter TAP eligibility to ensure sustainability.
Strategic Conch Farm acquisition for redevelopment into a public marina to empower young local water sports entrepreneurs.
Prudent medium-term borrowing strictly for capital projects with strong safeguards
The 2026/2027 budget projects total revenue of $552 million, largely driven by accommodation tax, import duties, stamp duty, and work permits.
Guided by the theme “Strong Today. Secure Tomorrow”, this Budget protects current stability while building a resilient, inclusive future for every island and every family.
Overall, the Premier said the budget is designed not just to manage finances, but to turn economic growth into real benefits for Turks and Caicos Islanders.
3 DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST APRIL 22ND to 24TH
Caribbean Premier League Heading to Saint Vincent & The Grenadines
The Caribbean Premier League is set to open a bold new chapter this summer, with the 2026 season officially beginning on August 7 in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
For the first time in the tournament’s history, the island nation will host matches, marking a significant expansion of the league’s footprint and reinforcing its regional reach.
At the center of this milestone is the iconic Arnos Vale Stadium, which will stage three high-profile fixtures as part of the opening phase of the competition.
Long branded as the “Biggest Party in Sport,” the CPL continues to blend elite cricket with Caribbean culture, and this latest move underscores its commitment to bringing the spectacle closer to fans across the region.
Arnos Vale, widely regarded as one of the Caribbean’s most scenic cricket venues, will now serve as a global stage, hosting some of the sport’s biggest stars against a backdrop synonymous with the region’s cricketing heritage.
The arrival of the CPL is projected to drive tourism, boost hotel occupancy, and generate increased activity for local businesses and vendors.
The three matches in St Vincent will form a key part of the tournament’s early narrative, setting the tone for what promises to be another high-energy season of T20 cricket.
Iranian-American Woman Arrested at Los Angeles Airport
A 44-year-old California woman, Shamim Mafi of Woodland Hills, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on Saturday night by federal agents.
Prosecutors allege she was involved in trafficking weapons on behalf of the Iranian government, arranging deals with contacts in Africa, including Sudan.
According to federal authorities, Mafi is accused of brokering the sale of drones, bombs, bomb components, and large quantities of ammunition. The charges were outlined by Bill Essayli, first assistant U.S. attorney for California’s Central District, in a statement posted online.
Mafi, an Iranian national and U.S. permanent resident since 2016, reportedly maintained a residence in the United States while frequently traveling to Iran, Turkey, and Oman.
A criminal complaint states she previously lived in Istanbul between 2013 and 2016. During an interview with federal officials, she said her first husband had been an officer in Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security.
Investigators allege that Mafi and an unnamed associate arranged weapons deals through a company called Atlas International. These activities are said to have taken place in multiple locations, including California.
One deal described in the complaint involves the alleged sale of Iranian-made drones to Sudan’s Ministry of Defense, valued at more than €60 million. Authorities claim Mafi earned about €6 million for her role, which reportedly included coordinating travel for a Sudanese delegation to Iran.
Sudan has been embroiled in a civil war since 2023, a conflict that has caused massive civilian casualties and displaced millions.
Images cited in reports appear to show Mafi posing with weapons in a warehouse in Turkey, as well as spending time in California.
If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
Air Canada to Suspend Service to JFK in New York
Air Canada will suspend service to New York's JFK International airport over the summer as the war in Iran creates jet fuel shortages that have sent prices soaring.
Canada's flag carrier said Friday that service from Toronto and Montreal to JFK will cease June 1 and resume Oct. 25.
Service to the New York metropolitan area's two other airports — LaGuardia and Newark — will continue.
Air Canada says it will reach out to customers who are impacted by the suspension with alternate travel options.
As jet fuel prices have doubled since the start of the Iran conflict and some lower profitability routes and flights are no longer economic.
The average price for a gallon of jet fuel reached $4.32 on Thursday, up from $2.50 the day before the war in Iran broke out, according to Argus Media.
Delta Air said this month that the tab for higher fuel would add $2 billion to its second-quarter costs. Airlines including JetBlue and United Airlines are raising bag fees to offset skyrocketing fuel costs, while others scale back service.
In an exclusive Associated Press interview Thursday, International Energy Agency Director Fatih Birol said Europe has “maybe six weeks” of remaining jet fuel supplies and said the global economy faces its “largest energy crisis.”
Carnival Corporation Hosts Fun Day in Grand Turk
Carnival Cruise Corporation has existed in the Turks and Caicos Islands particularly in the Nations Capital Grand Turk for 2 decades. This past Saturday the organization hosted a fun day, Our Danae Dennie has more.. Take a listen.
Grand Turk, the capital of the Turks & Caicos islands, may be small but it’s packed with scenic punch and historic charm. Carnival cruises to Grand Turk delivers you to this enchanted island outpost dotted with old windmills, grassy trails and picture-perfect beaches.
Diandra Gray Appointed Education Planner & Policy Manager
The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Diandra Gray to the post of Education Planner and Policy Manager within the Department of Education, under the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture.
Ms. Gray holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Marketing (Hons) from the University of Hull. Most recently, she earned a Master’s Degree in Impact Evaluation for International Development from the University of East Anglia, providing her with specialised skills essential for her new responsibilities.
Beginning her career as an Insurance Administrator with the Financial Services Commission in 2014, Ms. Gray transitioned into the education sector in 2016 as a Scholarship Officer. Since 2018, she has served as the Assistant Education Policy and Planning Officer, gaining direct experience in the strategic development and evaluation of education policies.
Reflecting on her appointment, Ms. Gray shared, “It has been a privilege to contribute to the work of the Ministry of Education, TCIG and the Policy and Planning Unit - work grounded in purposeful strategy toward meaningful impact. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in an even greater capacity as Education Planner and Policy Manager. I step into this role with a deep sense of responsibility and with conviction that God is with me. With that assurance, I remain faithful to serving with integrity and vision for the continued advancement of our beautiful and resilient Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Her Excellency Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service of the Turks and Caicos Islands, commented on the appointment, stating, “I extend my sincere congratulations to Ms. Gray on her promotion to Education Planner and Policy Manager. Having served within the Policy and Planning Unit for several years, she has a clear understanding of the Ministry’s strategic goals. Her academic focus on impact evaluation will be instrumental in ensuring our education policies are effective and data-driven. We look forward to her continued leadership as we work to enhance the educational framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Congratulations again Ms. Gray on your well-deserved promotion”.