An Op-Ed by Hon. Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development
Turks and Caicos is on the verge of a new era of growth and opportunity. As Minister of Physical Planning, Infrastructure, and Development, I am committed to ensuring that this growth translates into real benefits for our people.
The construction industry has long been a pillar of our economy, providing jobs, fueling business activity, and shaping the very landscape of our nation. However, as we embrace development, it is imperative that we modernize our approach to ensure that the benefits are not only far-reaching but also inclusive of our local workforce and businesses.
The construction sector presents one of the greatest opportunities for economic empowerment. By strengthening collaboration between developers and local contractors, we can ensure that Turks and Caicos Islanders are not only part of this transformation but are leading it.
Many of our local contractors possess the skills, experience, and expertise to contribute meaningfully to major projects. The time has come to foster stronger partnerships that allow them to participate fully, ensuring that development is sustainable and that economic prosperity remains within our shores.
One of the most pressing priorities is workforce development. To meet the demands of a growing industry, we must invest in training programs, apprenticeships, and certification initiatives that equip our people with the necessary skills.
Through public and private sector collaboration, we can create pathways that allow Turks and Caicos Islanders to assume leadership roles in construction, engineering, and project management, strengthening our ability to execute major developments with local expertise. Transparency and access to opportunities must also be a focal point. Implementing a structured and accessible bidding process will ensure that local contractors are given a fair chance to participate in large-scale projects. When developers engage local businesses, they contribute to economic growth, while also benefiting from the invaluable knowledge that local professionals bring in terms of regulatory requirements, environmental considerations, and cultural awareness.
To achieve these goals, we must come together as an industry to shape policies that will create a thriving and sustainable construction sector. I firmly believe that now is the time to establish a Contractors Association—a unified body that will bring together developers, policymakers, and local businesses to set industry standards, advocate for fair competition, and ensure that our people are central to national development.
A Contractors Association would provide an array of benefits, including ongoing training programs to ensure members stay up to date with advancements in safety regulations, modern construction techniques, and international best practices. It would also serve as a mechanism for ensuring that only those with the necessary expertise and qualifications are granted licenses, raising the overall standard of our construction industry.
Additionally, such an association could act as a strong advocate for fair policies, lobbying for improved access to contracts, better financing options, and government incentives to support local construction firms. Furthermore, the association would play a key role in ensuring that no major project in Turks and Caicos engages foreign subcontractors for significant scopes of work without meaningful local involvement.
If a foreign contractor wishes to operate on any major project, a qualified member of the association should be the majority partner, ensuring that Turks and Caicos Islanders take the lead in shaping the future of our country. This approach safeguards economic opportunities for our people while still allowing us to benefit from international expertise where necessary. Moreover, a Contractors Association would establish standardized guidelines for ethical business practices, ensuring that all members uphold industry regulations and high standards of professionalism.
Through oversight and governance, the association would help to elevate the credibility and reputation of our local contractors, making them more competitive not only within our borders but also in the regional and global markets.
The association would also serve as a networking hub, allowing businesses to share resources, forge strategic alliances, and strengthen the industry as a whole. This initiative is not just about today—it is about creating a legacy.
The policies we put in place now will determine whether the construction industry continues to be a vehicle for shared prosperity. By working together, we can ensure that the future of Turks and Caicos is built on a foundation of opportunity, integrity, and inclusivity, with benefits that extend to every corner of our islands.
The conversation starts now. I encourage all stakeholders—developers, contractors, policymakers, and the people of Turks and Caicos—to come together and help shape the future of our nation’s construction industry. Let us build a stronger, more inclusive future, ensuring that the opportunities created by development remain in the hands of our people.