NASSAU, BAHAMAS- The Turks and Caicos Islands Business Outlook (TCIBO) will once again serve as the vital platform for convening senior government officials, business leaders, and investors for high-level dialogue on the future of the nation’s economy. Returning for its second year on Friday, June 13, 2025, under the theme “Prioritizing Inclusive Sustainable Growth,” the event builds on the momentum of last year’s inaugural conference, where key stakeholders laid the groundwork for a more modern, resilient, and diversified Turks and Caicos Islands.
The 2025 conference will be held at The Palms resort, providing a fitting venue for strategic dialogue and stakeholder engagement. The event is organized by The Counsellors Ltd.
At the 1st Annual TCIBO in 2024, then Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, now Deputy Premier Hon. Jamell Robinson, provided a clear picture of the government’s development priorities. His presentation highlighted ongoing investments in national infrastructure, including roads, seaports, and airports, as well as digital transformation projects designed to enhance government service delivery and border security. He also emphasized the administration’s push to strengthen national security with additional tactical units, maritime patrol assets, and the implementation of digital border technologies.
A key takeaway from Robinson’s remarks was the strategic importance of private-public sector engagement in shaping effective development policies. He pointed to the critical role of legislative reform—particularly the ongoing review of inward and domestic investment laws—to position the Invest Turks and Caicos (InvestTC) agency as a more agile and effective driver of local and foreign direct investment. He also identified TCI Finance, the newly established government agency, as a cornerstone of the country’s effort to build out its financial services sector and diversify beyond tourism.
Also at last year’s conference, Terrance Gibson, Head of Country for CIBC FirstCaribbean, addressed the future of banking in the Turks and Caicos. He outlined both the limitations of the current financial services environment and the significant progress being made by the private sector and the Bankers Association. His presentation highlighted the development of an Automated Clearing House (ACH) to facilitate real-time electronic payments—an initiative seen as essential to reducing cash dependency and improving the ease of doing business across the islands.
Gibson also detailed a suite of customer-focused innovations by CIBC, including the expansion of its ABM network, the launch of rapid digital lending through a “loan store,” improved digital account onboarding, and a new prepaid debit Mastercard solution to streamline payroll and vendor payments.
The 2024 forum helped establish a strong framework for this year’s event, which will feature a forward-looking agenda focused on inclusive and sustainable growth. Premier Hon. Charles Washington Misick, Minister of Finance, Economic Development, Investments and Trade, will deliver the keynote address, setting the tone for the day’s discussions.
This year’s sessions will cover key areas such as investment-led development, healthcare system innovation, digital infrastructure, inclusive tourism growth, and sustainable real estate development.
Featured speakers include Dr. Darren Hall, Medical Director at Family Care Medical Services, will present on strategies for creating a competitive investment climate that drives both economic and social advancement. Hon. Erwin J. Saunders, Minister of Innovation, Technology and Information, will follow with a presentation on enhancing the digital technology landscape in TCI.
Dennis Deveaux, Chief Financial Officer of Doctors Hospital Health Systems, will speak on prioritizing sustainable health services. In the tourism segment, Hon. Zhavago Jolly, Minister of Tourism, will address the need for an inclusive and sustainable tourism sector. He will be followed by Ian Ferguson, Executive Director of The Bahamas’ Tourism Development Corporation, who will explore transformative growth opportunities in tourism for small island economies.
Hon. Arlington “Chuck” Musgrove, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, will present on developing sustainable solutions for affordable housing. This will be followed by a panel discussion on the ease of doing business, featuring Terrance Gibson of CIBC, Na-amh Barker of Scotiabank, and Steward Howard of British Caribbean Bank. Kenva Williams, Director General of the Telecommunications Commission, will examine critical challenges and opportunities in delivering sustainable infrastructure. A session on real estate investment will be led by Snjezana Andrews of White Rock Realty.
A networking lunch will conclude the event, offering attendees the opportunity to build new relationships and reinforce strategic partnerships that will shape the economic future of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
To register for the 2025 Turks and Caicos Business Outlook, visit www.tclevents.com. For more information, contact Vernay Mills, TCI Diaspora Representative, at avmills@gov.tc, or Margaret Albury of The Counsellors Limited at malbury@tclbahamas.com or call 242-322-7505.
