Building a sustainable and inclusive future for the Turks and Caicos Islands
Turks and Caicos stands at a defining moment in its development. As investment and tourism continue to fuel economic growth, we must ensure that this progress translates into lasting benefits for our people.
Minister of Physical Planning, Infrastructure, and Development, Hon. Arlington “Chuck” Musgrove, has highlighted the importance of local workforce empowerment, sustainable development, and transparent policies to ensure long-term prosperity. His vision aligns with my own as Chairman of the Physical Planning Board, and I echo his call for a strategic approach to development, one that places our people and our environment at the heart of progress.
For far too long, we have relied heavily on foreign labor for large-scale projects, limiting opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders to fully participate in and benefit from the economic transformation taking place. It is time for a shift. Our development model must prioritize the creation of local employment, the expansion of training programs, and the strengthening of local businesses so that our people are not just bystanders in progress but active participants and leaders. To achieve this, we must foster stronger partnerships between developers and local contractors, ensuring fair access to contracts and career opportunities. This will create a robust, skilled workforce capable of sustaining future projects without the excessive need for foreign expertise.
We must also change the rhetoric. We cannot continue to tell an entire generation of young people that no matter how educated they are, no matter how hard they work, there is no place for them in their own country.
This must change! Our children must grow up knowing that they have a future here, that they can build successful careers, that they will not have to leave their homeland to find opportunity.
When we fail to provide pathways for our own people, we are not just losing talent, we are losing the very foundation of our future. Development should not just be about buildings and infrastructure; it must be about people, about ensuring that the next generation has access to meaningful careers and leadership positions in the industries that shape our nation.
One key initiative that will help drive this change is the establishment of a trade school fund, to which all major developments will contribute. This fund will support the continuous training of local workers in construction, project management, and technical trades, ensuring that our labor force is equipped with modern skills and certifications. Not only will this initiative provide greater job opportunities for our people, but it will also reduce the overall cost of construction by building a highly skilled, locally based workforce. When we invest in our people, we invest in the future stability and self-sufficiency of our nation.
While economic growth is essential, it must be balanced with responsible environmental stewardship. Sustainable development is no longer an option, it is a necessity. As we approve new projects, we must ensure that they align with eco-conscious practices such as energy-efficient building designs, the use of renewable energy sources like solar power, and smart water conservation systems. Our coastal and marine ecosystems must be protected through responsible planning, preventing erosion and habitat destruction. Developers must recognize that their investments must extend beyond profits; they must also contribute to preserving the beauty and integrity of these islands for future generations.
Beyond workforce development and environmental sustainability, we must also encourage projects to contribute to the wider community. Large-scale developments should actively participate in community initiatives that uplift local businesses, support public infrastructure, and invest in educational opportunities. By doing so, they will not only enhance their own long-term success but also ensure that development remains a shared benefit for all residents.
Transparency and accountability are fundamental to responsible growth. The Physical Planning Board remains committed to ensuring that the planning and approval process is fair, structured, and accessible. Developers and policymakers must work together to create a regulatory environment that supports local businesses while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and quality. Smart urban planning is essential, ensuring that as our tourism and real estate sectors expand, we do not create infrastructure challenges that negatively impact residents. We must proactively design communities with efficient road networks, sustainable utilities, and affordable housing to ensure that progress does not come at the cost of quality of life.
The future of the Turks and Caicos depends on the decisions we make today. If we are to truly benefit from the rapid growth in construction and real estate, we must put our people at the center of development. Through workforce empowerment, sustainable planning, and fair policies, we can ensure that prosperity is shared by all and that our islands continue to thrive for generations to come.
I stand with Minister Musgrove in calling on developers, policymakers, contractors, and community leaders to work together to build an inclusive and sustainable future. The path forward must be one of collaboration, transparency, and shared responsibility, ensuring that development remains a vehicle for opportunity, not just for today, but for the long-term future of the Turks and Caicos.
Now is the time to take action. Let’s build wisely, let’s build sustainably, and most importantly, let’s build for our people.
Minister of Physical Planning, Infrastructure, and Development, Hon. Arlington “Chuck” Musgrove, has highlighted the importance of local workforce empowerment, sustainable development, and transparent policies to ensure long-term prosperity. His vision aligns with my own as Chairman of the Physical Planning Board, and I echo his call for a strategic approach to development, one that places our people and our environment at the heart of progress.
For far too long, we have relied heavily on foreign labor for large-scale projects, limiting opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders to fully participate in and benefit from the economic transformation taking place. It is time for a shift. Our development model must prioritize the creation of local employment, the expansion of training programs, and the strengthening of local businesses so that our people are not just bystanders in progress but active participants and leaders. To achieve this, we must foster stronger partnerships between developers and local contractors, ensuring fair access to contracts and career opportunities. This will create a robust, skilled workforce capable of sustaining future projects without the excessive need for foreign expertise.
We must also change the rhetoric. We cannot continue to tell an entire generation of young people that no matter how educated they are, no matter how hard they work, there is no place for them in their own country.
This must change! Our children must grow up knowing that they have a future here, that they can build successful careers, that they will not have to leave their homeland to find opportunity.
When we fail to provide pathways for our own people, we are not just losing talent, we are losing the very foundation of our future. Development should not just be about buildings and infrastructure; it must be about people, about ensuring that the next generation has access to meaningful careers and leadership positions in the industries that shape our nation.
One key initiative that will help drive this change is the establishment of a trade school fund, to which all major developments will contribute. This fund will support the continuous training of local workers in construction, project management, and technical trades, ensuring that our labor force is equipped with modern skills and certifications. Not only will this initiative provide greater job opportunities for our people, but it will also reduce the overall cost of construction by building a highly skilled, locally based workforce. When we invest in our people, we invest in the future stability and self-sufficiency of our nation.
While economic growth is essential, it must be balanced with responsible environmental stewardship. Sustainable development is no longer an option, it is a necessity. As we approve new projects, we must ensure that they align with eco-conscious practices such as energy-efficient building designs, the use of renewable energy sources like solar power, and smart water conservation systems. Our coastal and marine ecosystems must be protected through responsible planning, preventing erosion and habitat destruction. Developers must recognize that their investments must extend beyond profits; they must also contribute to preserving the beauty and integrity of these islands for future generations.
Beyond workforce development and environmental sustainability, we must also encourage projects to contribute to the wider community. Large-scale developments should actively participate in community initiatives that uplift local businesses, support public infrastructure, and invest in educational opportunities. By doing so, they will not only enhance their own long-term success but also ensure that development remains a shared benefit for all residents.
Transparency and accountability are fundamental to responsible growth. The Physical Planning Board remains committed to ensuring that the planning and approval process is fair, structured, and accessible. Developers and policymakers must work together to create a regulatory environment that supports local businesses while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and quality. Smart urban planning is essential, ensuring that as our tourism and real estate sectors expand, we do not create infrastructure challenges that negatively impact residents. We must proactively design communities with efficient road networks, sustainable utilities, and affordable housing to ensure that progress does not come at the cost of quality of life.
The future of the Turks and Caicos depends on the decisions we make today. If we are to truly benefit from the rapid growth in construction and real estate, we must put our people at the center of development. Through workforce empowerment, sustainable planning, and fair policies, we can ensure that prosperity is shared by all and that our islands continue to thrive for generations to come.
I stand with Minister Musgrove in calling on developers, policymakers, contractors, and community leaders to work together to build an inclusive and sustainable future. The path forward must be one of collaboration, transparency, and shared responsibility, ensuring that development remains a vehicle for opportunity, not just for today, but for the long-term future of the Turks and Caicos.
Now is the time to take action. Let’s build wisely, let’s build sustainably, and most importantly, let’s build for our people.
