An industry on the move in the Turks and Caicos.

Turks and Caicos

THE Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) are truly an unspoilt gem in the Caribbean.

Home to Trip Advisor’s 2014 second-best beach in the world, the string of 40 different islands and cays sit to the south of the Bahamas, close to the Dominican Republic and an 11-hour direct flight from London or one hour 45 minutes from Miami. Only eight of the islands are inhabited, with Providenciales housing the majority of the 31,500 population. Summertime temperatures rarely exceed 33°C and winter night-time temperatures rarely fall below 18°C.

A British possession (now known as a British Overseas Territory) since the turn of the 19th century, the islands were originally one of the Caribbean’s biggest salt exporters and now have their growing economy based on tourism and financial services. In 2009 the Governor rescinded the constitution and suspended the government after allegations of corruption. For three years the islands were ruled from London as every aspect of the running of the country was overhauled and updated. Elections were held again in November 2012 and Dr Rufus Ewing of the Progressive National Party was elected Premier.

As part of the ongoing programme of improvements in governance and regulation, a tender competition was launched for consultancy advice on how to upgrade the islands’ gambling laws. In September 2013, veterans of the gambling industry Steve Donoughue and Graham White started a 100-day consultancy project that has culminated in new legislation being drafted, as reported by InterGaming in July.

Read the full article in the December issue of InterGaming