AGP Executive Report

Saltwater Fishing & Conservation: Turks and Caicos Fly Fishing Association opened the territory’s first nationally recognised certification programme for saltwater flats fishing guides, with Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam backing the link between conservation and prosperity. Energy & Youth: Pelican Energy TCI held its sixth Youth Energy Roundtable, featuring student research on urgent energy challenges and an AMA with President Devon Cox. Internet Costs: Telecommunications Commission Director General Kenva Williams says Starlink’s launch should drive down broadband prices and improve access, while still relying on local networks for mobile and calls. Crypto & Payments: KuCoin rolled out KCUSD, an Earn product turning idle stablecoins into daily-yielding capital, and upgraded its Web3 wallet trading with intent-based swaps and limit orders; separate news also flags CIBC Caribbean moving GBP clearing to Lloyds Bank from Sept. 14. Local Business & Infrastructure: PDM leader Douglas Parnell warns Pelican Energy’s reported 50-year electricity licence application could lock in costs for generations unless the process is fully disclosed and independently assessed. Tourism Pressure Point: Aviation operators in the region warn airport fee increases are “getting out of hand,” with fears of a tourism “bloodbath” as costs hit travellers. Community & Education: Miss International TCI ran a workshop spotlighting poverty in the islands, while back-to-school support continued across communities.

Airport costs and tourism pressure: Family Islands aviation operators say new airport fee increases are “getting out of hand,” warning they could trigger a “bloodbath” for tourism and push up travel costs for both locals and visitors. Energy licensing debate: The PDM is raising alarms over Pelican Energy’s reported 50-year electricity licence application, calling for full disclosure, independent review, public consultation, and stronger consumer protections before any long-term deal is locked in. Local business and trade: Government launched the inaugural Grand Turk Trade Expo and marked the Made in TCI exhibition, inviting residents to discover and support local entrepreneurs ahead of the Nov. 14 event. Community support and poverty spotlight: Miss International TCI held a workshop putting poverty on the public agenda, citing about 22% of residents living in poverty and urging people to access available help. Education and back-to-school aid: ED9’s back-to-school giveaway in Five Cays delivered backpacks and supplies to 700+ children, with activities for families as the new term begins. Remittance expansion: JN Money and WapiPay expanded ways to send money to Jamaica, adding more payout options through JN Money’s local infrastructure. Regional aviation watch: Caribbean Airlines ended its Tobago–Barbados service, creating a potential airlift gap as other carriers say they’re monitoring demand. Finance update: CIBC Caribbean will shift GBP correspondent banking services to Lloyds Bank from Sept. 14, with clients receiving updated settlement instructions. Crypto market activity: KuCoin rolled out upgrades including KuLeague and new wallet trading features, signaling continued push in institutional and retail trading tools.

Airport Fees Backlash: A veteran airline chief says new and increased airport levies in the Bahamas could trigger a “bloodbath” for Family Islands tourism, warning higher costs may push price-sensitive visitors away. TCI Energy Licensing: The PDM is alarmed by Pelican Energy’s reported 50-year electricity licence application, calling for full disclosure, independent assessments, public consultation, and stronger consumer protections before any long-term deal is made. Local Roads & School Rush: A Providenciales businessman warns no new road routes were added over the summer, raising fears of severe congestion as school reopens. Trade & Local Business: Government launches the Grand Turk Trade Expo and ties it to the Made in TCI push, aiming to spotlight local entrepreneurs and products. Poverty Spotlight: Miss International TCI held a workshop on poverty, citing about 22% of residents living in poverty and urging better awareness of available support. Regional Remittance Link: JN Money and WapiPay expanded ways to send money to Jamaica, strengthening cross-border remittance corridors. Humanitarian Pressure: Rights advocates say nearly 200,000 Haitians were forcibly returned in early 2026, with the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and Jamaica among the destinations.

Humanitarian Pressure: Rights groups say nearly 200,000 Haitians were forcibly returned in the first eight months of 2026, with the Dominican Republic responsible for most cases and the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos and Jamaica among other return destinations—raising fears Haiti can’t properly receive and reintegrate people. Deportation Scrutiny: A new U.S. deportation flight to Haiti reportedly included a former Haitian official, as advocates condemn the way deportations are carried out and portrayed. Airport Costs Backlash: Aviation leaders in the region warn new airport fee increases could trigger a “bloodbath” for Family Islands tourism, arguing higher levies will push up travel costs and hurt competitiveness. Local Governance: The PDM says Pelican Energy has applied for a 50-year electricity licence for Grand Turk and calls for full disclosure, independent review, public consultation, and protections for lower rates and service. Remittances & Payments: JN Money and WapiPay expand options for sending money to Jamaica, using JN Money’s local payout infrastructure. Business & Travel: BermudAir marks its third anniversary with a 30% fare sale and is adding new nonstop service to South Caicos from December. Infrastructure & Growth: CIBC Caribbean will shift GBP correspondent banking services to Lloyds Bank from Sept. 14, 2026. Education & Community: Back-to-school efforts in Turks and Caicos highlight support for families and students, including ED9’s giveaway reaching hundreds of children.

Remittances: JN Money Services has partnered with WapiPay to expand how people send money to Jamaica, with JN Money acting as the exclusive local payout conduit through its remittance infrastructure. Airport costs: A veteran airline chief warns new airport fee increases could trigger a “bloodbath” for Family Islands tourism, arguing higher levies will push up travel costs and hurt competitiveness. Deportations and TCI border link: The U.S. sent another deportation flight to Haiti with 101 people aboard, and the repatriation reportedly coincided with the discovery of Haitian migrants attempting to enter Turks and Caicos and The Bahamas. Energy licence alarm: PDM leader Douglas Parnell says Pelican Energy has applied for a 50-year electricity licence for Grand Turk and is calling for full disclosure, independent review, public consultation, and proof of lower costs. Local business push: Government announced the Grand Turk Trade Expo (Nov 14) and the next “Made in TCI” theme, aiming to spotlight local entrepreneurs. Crypto and finance: CIBC Caribbean will shift GBP correspondent banking clearing to Lloyds Bank from Sept 14 for TCI and other islands. Tourism and travel: BermudAir marks its third anniversary with a 30% fare discount and adds new nonstop service to South Caicos from Dec 20.

Remittances: JN Money Services has partnered with WapiPay to expand digital ways to send money to Jamaica, with JN Money serving as the exclusive local payout conduit through its remittance network. Airport costs: Family Islands aviation operators are warning that new airport fee increases could trigger a “bloodbath” for tourism, with proposed levies on international and domestic passengers set to take effect from 2027. Local politics & power: The PDM is raising alarms over Pelican Energy’s reported 50-year electricity licence application, calling for full disclosure, independent review, public consultation, and stronger consumer protections before any long-term deal. Business & travel: BermudAir marks its third anniversary with a 30% fare discount, and is also adding a new nonstop Newark–South Caicos route starting Dec. 20. Community & education: A back-to-school giveaway in ED9 reached 700+ children with supplies and activities, while a separate workshop tied Miss International TCI to poverty awareness and support access. Regional governance: Nevis is taking parliamentary digital-age discussions to a Commonwealth conference in Jamaica.

US Deportations & TCI Link: The US sent another deportation flight to Haiti with 101 people aboard, including former Haitian ombudsman Renan Hédouville, as the returns coincided with reports of Haitian migrants attempting illegal entry by boat into the Turks and Caicos and The Bahamas. Energy & Public Oversight: The PDM says Pelican Energy has applied for a 50-year electricity licence for Grand Turk and warns the term could lock in decisions for two generations unless the government confirms receipt, publishes terms, and allows full public disclosure, independent review, consultation, and enforceable obligations. Airport Costs: Aviation providers warn airport fee increases are “getting out of hand,” with proposed new levies in the region set to take effect in 2027, raising pressure to pass costs to travellers. Local Business & Tourism: Government launches the Grand Turk Trade Expo (Nov 14) and ties it to the Made in TCI push, while Miss International TCI held a workshop spotlighting poverty in the islands. Transport & Growth: Providenciales traffic concerns grow as a businessman says no new road routes were added ahead of school reopening. Aviation Deals: BermudAir marks its third anniversary with a 30% fare discount and adds new nonstop service to South Caicos starting Dec 20. Finance & Payments: CIBC Caribbean will shift GBP correspondent banking services to Lloyds Bank from Sept 14 for clients including Turks and Caicos.

Utility Licensing Watch: PDM leader Douglas Parnell says Pelican Energy has applied for a 50-year electricity licence starting in Grand Turk, warning it could lock the territory in for two generations and calling for confirmed receipt, full disclosure of coverage and terms, independent technical/legal/financial review, meaningful public consultation, proof of lower power costs, and enforceable renewable and service obligations. Regional Governance: Nevis is taking its parliamentary “digital age” work to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference in Jamaica, including youth discussions on AI’s impact on the Caribbean’s future. Airport Costs: Aviation operators warn airport fee hikes are “getting out of hand,” with proposed new levies for Family Island airports set to take effect in 2027, potentially pushing up travel costs. Trade & Local Business: Government announces the Grand Turk Trade Expo (Nov 14, 2026) and the next Made in TCI exhibition theme, aiming to spotlight entrepreneurs island-wide. Tourism & Travel: BermudAir expands Caribbean connectivity with new nonstop service to South Caicos from Newark starting Dec 20, with fares from $347, as luxury travel options continue to grow. Crypto & Payments: CIBC Caribbean will shift GBP correspondent banking for Turks and Caicos to Lloyds Bank from Sept 14, while KuCoin rolls out new wallet and institutional lending upgrades for users in the region. Community & Education: ED9’s back-to-school giveaway reached 700+ children in Five Cays, and Miss International TCI’s workshop put poverty and access to support in the spotlight.

Trade & Local Business: The Turks and Caicos Government is rolling out the inaugural Grand Turk Trade Expo on Nov. 14, 2026, alongside the Made in TCI fifth-year showcase, inviting residents to “discover” local makers and products. Poverty Spotlight: Miss International TCI held a workshop in Grace Bay focused on poverty in TCI, citing figures that about 22% of Islanders live in poverty and urging people to know what support exists. Education & Community: ED9’s back-to-school giveaway in Five Cays served 700+ children with backpacks and supplies, plus family-focused activities and raffles. Disaster Aftermath: Residents say victims of the Five Cays fire included undocumented Haitians, raising concerns about access to longer-term welfare support. Transport & Tourism: BermudAir announced nonstop Newark–South Caicos flights starting Dec. 20, making the trip shorter and easier for winter travellers. Infrastructure Pressure: A local entrepreneur warns Providenciales may face worse school-year traffic unless new road routes are added. Tourism Product Debate: An opinion piece argues TCI must move from “upscale” to true “luxury” by matching training, service, and real-world experience. Nature & Science: A UNC Asheville researcher published the first comprehensive checklist of native TCI reptiles, documenting 11 native species and highlighting endemics. Regional Preparedness: CREWS Caribbean 2.0 reported progress on impact-based early warning coordination, including a TCI workshop to improve how alerts reach people.

Air Access & Tourism: BermudAir says it will launch the New York area’s first nonstop flights to South Caicos, with twice-weekly Newark-to-South Caicos service starting Dec. 20 (fares from $347 one way), cutting travel time to about three and a half hours and aligning with the island’s new Salterra resort opening. Local Roads & School Rush: Providenciales businessman Willah Gray is warning that no new road routes were added over the summer ahead of school reopening, raising fears of worsening congestion near schools, roundabouts and the airport. Banking Update: CIBC Caribbean will shift GBP correspondent clearing for clients in St. Kitts, St. Lucia and Turks & Caicos from Barclays to Lloyds Bank effective Sept. 14, with updated settlement instructions for clients. Community & Education: Five Cays’ Electoral District 9 back-to-school giveaway drew 700+ children and handed out 800 backpacks plus supplies and prizes. Disaster Aftermath: Residents report victims of the Five Cays fire included undocumented Haitians, raising concerns about access to longer-term welfare support. Nature & Research: A new 20-year fieldwork study produced the first comprehensive checklist of native terrestrial reptiles in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Regional Weather Readiness: CREWS Caribbean 2.0 highlighted improved early-warning coordination in the Turks and Caicos, including better warning communication and impact-based forecasting. Luxury Wellness: Aman is rolling out a three-night recovery programme inspired by Novak Djokovic at its Turks and Caicos property, mixing coaching with recovery and mindfulness.

Banking Update: CIBC Caribbean says it will move GBP correspondent clearing from Barclays to Lloyds Bank starting Sept. 14, 2026 for clients in St. Kitts, St. Lucia and the Turks & Caicos, with updated Standard Settlement Instructions to help customers avoid payment disruptions. Roads & School Traffic: Providenciales businessman Willah Gray warns congestion will spike as school reopens, saying no new road routes were added over the summer and calling for alternatives like more district high schools and stronger police presence. Crypto & Finance: KuCoin rolled out upgrades to its Web3 wallet trading and institutional interest-free lending, including intent-based swaps, limit orders, and lower qualifying volume requirements for eligible API clients. Tourism & Wellness: Aman’s new three-night Mobility and Recovery programme—built with Novak Djokovic—will be available at select Aman properties including Turks & Caicos. Community & Safety: A back-to-school giveaway in ED9 served 700+ children with backpacks and supplies, while separate reports after a Five Cays fire say some displaced victims may be undocumented Haitians.

Tourism & Luxury Positioning: An opinion piece argues Turks and Caicos can’t just market itself as “luxury” without building the real product, training and service standards that luxury guests expect. Aviation & Access: BermudAir will launch the first nonstop commercial flights from New York to South Caicos, starting Dec. 20, 2026 (twice weekly), cutting out inter-island transfers for winter travelers. Island Hospitality Spotlight: COMO Parrot Cay is highlighted as a resort that feels more like an experience than a packaged “resort bubble,” while Pine Cay (near Provo) is promoted for its all-inclusive, Relais & Châteaux-style castaway setup. Community & Education: ED9’s back-to-school giveaway in Five Cays served 700+ children with backpacks and supplies, plus activities and raffles. Disaster Aftermath: Residents report undocumented Haitians among victims of the Five Cays fire, raising concerns about access to longer-term welfare support. Climate Resilience: CREWS Caribbean 2.0 work in TCI strengthened impact-based forecasting and warning communication ahead of hurricane season. Local Knowledge: A new UNC Asheville-led study published a first comprehensive checklist of native terrestrial reptiles of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Energy Accountability: A commentary questions the progress of FortisTCI/Pelican Energy TCI’s announced solar-plus-battery projects, asking where the $8 million investment stands today.

Tourism & Hospitality: A new local opinion piece argues Turks and Caicos is still “upscale, not luxury,” warning that without real luxury experience—materials, elite training, seamless logistics, and true personalization—the islands risk building the wrong product and selling the wrong story. Crypto & Business: KuCoin announced upgrades to its institutional interest-free lending, cutting the 30-day volume requirement for eligible API clients and integrating lending with a unified trading account; it also launched KuLeague, a futures trading competition with a 400,000 USDT reward pool and dynamic team rematching. Community & Safety: In Five Cays, residents say victims of a recent fire included undocumented Haitians, raising concerns about access to longer-term welfare support; officials reported 28 displaced people and opened the Felix Morley Community Centre for immediate help. Education: ED9’s back-to-school giveaway in Five Cays served more than 700 children with backpacks and supplies, plus activities and raffles. Environment & Research: A new study says marine heatwaves are slowing coral reef recovery, with global hard coral cover down about 9.5% due to climate heat stress. Local Knowledge: Researchers at UNC Asheville published the first comprehensive checklist of native terrestrial reptiles of the Turks and Caicos Islands, documenting 11 native species.

Back-to-school support: ED9’s annual giveaway in Five Cays drew 700+ children, with 800 backpacks and supplies plus activities and raffles for laptops and iPads. Disaster response and welfare access: After the Five Cays fire left about 28 people displaced and around 13 homes destroyed, residents say some victims are undocumented Haitians and may face hurdles accessing longer-term government help, though emergency meals and shelter were provided without public immigration distinctions. Tourism and connectivity: BermudAir announced the first nonstop New York–South Caicos flights starting Dec. 20, 2026 (twice weekly), aiming to make the secluded island easier to reach. Local governance and media: TCI Minister of Information Erwin Jay Saunders attended the Caribbean Broadcasting Union assembly in Guyana, pushing regional cooperation as communications shift digitally. Environment and resilience: A CREWS Caribbean 2.0 update highlights improved early-warning coordination in the Turks and Caicos and across the region ahead of hurricane season. Community service: TCI-D9 donated more than $1,500 in diapers to local families via the Department of Family and Children Services. Nature research: A new 20-year fieldwork checklist documents the native terrestrial reptiles of the Turks and Caicos, including species found nowhere else. Crypto competition: KuCoin launched KuLeague, a futures trading competition with a 400,000 USDT reward pool.

Back-to-School Support in Five Cays: ED9’s annual Electoral District 9 giveaway drew 700+ children to the Felix Morley Community Centre, with 800 backpacks and school supplies plus activities and raffles. Fire Aftermath and Welfare Questions: Residents say victims of the Five Cays fire include undocumented Haitians, raising concerns about access to longer-term government welfare, though emergency help is being provided without public immigration-based distinctions. Crypto Competition Launch: KuCoin rolled out KuLeague, a futures trading competition with a 400,000 USDT reward pool and dynamic team matching. Wellness Tourism Push: Aman’s new three-night recovery programme, developed with Novak Djokovic, is available at its Turks and Caicos property and includes coaching, Pilates/conditioning, hydrotherapy and recovery treatments. Local Nature Research: A UNC Asheville-led team published the first complete checklist of native terrestrial reptiles of the Turks and Caicos Islands, covering 11 native species and highlighting endemics. Tourism and Youth: Minister Rachel Taylor praised Beaches Turks and Caicos for its 2026 summer internship programme, with about 120 graduates gaining hands-on experience. Air Access for South Caicos: BermudAir announced first-ever nonstop Newark–South Caicos flights starting Dec. 20, 2026, twice weekly through April 25, 2027.

Airlift Boost for South Caicos: BermudAir will launch the first-ever nonstop flights from the New York area to South Caicos, starting Dec. 20, 2026 (twice weekly from Newark to South Caicos International), cutting out connections via Providenciales and aiming to open up more winter stays for resorts like Salterra and Sailrock. Satellite Internet Licensing: The Turks and Caicos Telecommunications Commission will formally sign and present licences to Starlink Caribbean LLC on Aug. 27, marking the satellite provider’s official entry after a regulatory process and public consultation. Local Innovation & Energy Accountability: A fresh call for answers surrounds FortisTCI/Pelican Energy TCI’s long-promised solar-plus-battery microgrid projects, with residents asking what happened to the announced $8 million timeline and how much progress has actually been made. Nature Research Milestone: A UNC Asheville-led team published the first complete checklist of native terrestrial reptiles in the Turks and Caicos, documenting 11 native species and highlighting several found nowhere else on Earth. Youth & Community Spotlight: TCI-D9 donated more than $1,500 in diapers to local families, while Beaches Turks and Caicos graduated about 120 interns, and CIBC named Andy Missick its Unsung Hero for 2026.