In light of the strong ties shared between the United States and the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), U.S. Chargè d’Affaires John Dinkelman made his first official visit to the TCI on January 17-18, 2012 where he met with the Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, His Excellency Damian Roderick Todd, and the Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) Colin Farquhar to discuss ways to further enhance security cooperation in the region.

During his two day visit, Chargè Dinkelman also met key TCI government officials and business leaders who were among the invited guests at a reception onboard the visiting U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Resolute...

Turks and Caicos Islands - Cautiously optimistic is how Chief Financial Officer, Hugh McGarel-Groves described his overview of the improving TCI Government fiscal position, on the publication of the second quarter financial statement, Tues, 13 Dec 2011.

The first quarter’s results showed good progress in putting the TCIG’s public finances on track to achieve a fiscal surplus in the financial year ending March 2013.   The main reason for further optimism in the half year results was a 34% rise above the same period last year in Government revenues to $80.7m (up 3% from the same period last year).

Turks and Caicos Islands - The Department of Environment and Costal Resources (DECR) has taken a major step towards protecting the TCI’s coral reefs by banning the capture of the beautiful Parrotfish under new Fisheries Protection Ordinance and Regulations approved by HE Governor Ric Todd on November 4^th 2011 and brought into effect December 1^st, 2011.

With the new Protection Ordinance the Department hopes that Parrotfish numbers can be maintained to ensure sustained biodiversity and to preserve coral reef health and the TCI’s fishing industry.

Turks and Caicos Islands - The Ministry of Home Affairs and Public Safety in their aim to improve the TCI Parole Board and provide the TCI community with the security needed when considering parole, attended a Parole Board Seminar in Miami, Florida on November 16^th and 17^th 2011.

The Permanent Secretary, Ms. Saunders stated that , “The seminar was very informative. t highlighted many areas where we are doing a good job here in the TCI but it also highlighted areas for..."

Turks and Caicos Islands - The latest  revised edition of the Laws of the TCI comes into force December 1^st 2011.

This 2009 Revised Edition puts the collection of laws and their related amendments in one publication, providing for greater ease of reference.

Attorney General Huw Shepheard held a handing over ceremony at his Grand Turk chambers on Thursday 24^th November 2011.

Turks and Caicos Islands - A recent move to make TCI a wedding destination for cruise passengers by cutting the processing time for a visitor’s marriage license has started to bear fruit.

Turks and Caicos Islands - A Public consultation on a fair and transparent process for acquisition of Turks and Caicos Islander status was launched by the TCI Government, Thursday, 17 November 2011.

The establishment of a clear pathway to TCI status is one of the eight milestones to be met before new elections are held next year.

The consultation document identifies key considerations and presents a series of questions which it is inviting submissions.  The questionnaire and the consultation document can be downloaded from the link provided below.

Turks and Caicos Islands - Everyone who pays into the National Health Insurance Programme (NHIP) will receive equal entitlement to healthcare provision the Interim Administration announced Wednesday 16 November 2011.

This follows on from concerns following the recently announced changes to the TCI health system which aim to make it more affordable and sustainable. This stated that there would be reduced benefits to temporary resident and work permit holders.

Turks and Caicos Islands - A revision of TCI’s National Youth Policy and Strategic Plan was launched this week as the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth Affairs puts renewed focus on youth development in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Department of Youth Affairs, working with the Commonwealth Youth Programme launched the review with a

Turks and Caicos Islands - Today, Tuesday November 15, 2011, the Governor has appointed Mr. Patrick Boyle to succeed Mr. Martin Stanley as the next Chief Executive of the Turks and Caicos Government. He takes up the position on the 3^rd January 2012.

Mr. Boyle is an experienced UK Senior Civil Servant and has held Chief Executive roles across the public service. He is currently Chief Executive of the Independent Living Fund.

Mr. Boyle is an experienced UK Senior Civil Servant and has held Chief Executive roles across the public service. He is currently Chief Executive of the Independent Living Fund; a Non Departmental Public Body sponsored by the UK Department...