History of Turks and Caicos Islands in Timeline

The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory in the Lucayan Archipelago, known for tourism and offshore finance. The islands are divided into the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. The population is debated, with estimates ranging from approximately 47,000 to 59,000 residents as of 2022/2023. They are the third-largest British overseas territory by population size.

1900: Digicel using GSM

Digicel uses GSM 900 and 1900 for Mobile phone service.

1917: Suggestion to join Canada

In 1917, Canadian Prime Minister Robert Borden suggested that the Turks and Caicos join Canada, but this suggestion was rejected by British Prime Minister David Lloyd George.

1950: United States established missile tracking station

From 1950, the United States had a missile tracking station on Grand Turk.

July 1959: Islands Designated as Separate Colony

On 4 July 1959, the Turks and Caicos Islands were again designated as a separate colony, with the last commissioner being restyled administrator, though the governor of Jamaica continued as governor of the islands.

August 1962: Crown Colony Status

In August 1962, when Jamaica was granted independence from Britain, the Turks and Caicos Islands became a Crown colony.

1962: John Glenn landed in Grand Turk

In 1962, American astronaut John Glenn landed in the ocean near Grand Turk after his three earth orbits and was brought back ashore to Grand Turk.

1965: Bahamas Governor Oversees Islands

Beginning in 1965, the governor of the Bahamas also served as governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, overseeing affairs for the islands.

1973: Turks and Caicos Receives Own Governor

In 1973, the Turks and Caicos Islands received their own governor after the Bahamas gained independence.

1973: Bahamas Independence and New Governor

In 1973, when the Bahamas gained independence, the Turks and Caicos Islands received their own governor and became an autonomous territory.

1974: Proposed Association with Canada

In 1974, Canadian New Democratic Party MP Max Saltsman proposed in his private member's bill C-249, "An Act Respecting a Proposed Association Between Canada and the Caribbean Turks and Caicos Islands" that Canada form an association with the Turks and Caicos Islands, but it was never submitted to a vote.

August 1976: Adoption of First Constitution

On 30 August 1976, with the election of the territory's first Chief Minister, J. A. G. S. McCartney, the Turks and Caicos Islands first adopted a constitution.

August 1976: Establishment of Own Government

Since August 1976, the Turks and Caicos Islands have had their own government headed by a chief minister, the first of whom was J. A. G. S. McCartney.

1980: Anti-Independence Party Election

In 1980, moves towards independence in the Turks and Caicos Islands were stalled by the election of an anti-independence party.

1981: Missile tracking station shutdown

In 1981, the United States shut down a missile tracking station on Grand Turk.

1981: British Nationality Act Defined

The British Nationality Act 1981 originally defined British Overseas Territories citizenship (BOTC) as British Dependent Territories citizenship.

1984: Erection of Mission Sui Iuris

In 1984, the Mission Sui Iuris for Turks and Caicos was erected, with territory taken from the then Diocese of Nassau.

1986: Suspension of Local Government

In 1986, local government in the Turks and Caicos Islands was suspended following allegations of government involvement with drug trafficking.

1988: Continuation of Suspended Government

In 1988, local government in the Turks and Caicos Islands was still suspended following allegations of government involvement with drug trafficking.

September 1993: Establishment of In-Class Libraries

In September 1993, each primary school in the Turks and Caicos was given enough books to allow teachers to establish in-class libraries.

1995: Economic Aid

In 1995, the island received economic aid worth $5.7 million.

1998: Radio stations

In 1998, there were three AM radio stations (one inactive) and six FM stations (no shortwave). The most popular station is Power 92.5 FM which plays Top 100 hits. Over 8000 radio receivers are owned across the territory.

2000: Exports

In 2000, approximately $169.2 million of lobster, dried and fresh conch, and conch shells were exported, primarily to the United Kingdom and the United States.

2000: Population Growth Rate

In 2000, the population was growing at a rate of 3.55% per year.

2001: Student-Teacher Ratio

In 2001, the student-teacher ratio at the primary level in the Turks and Caicos Islands was roughly 15:1.

2001: Population Census

The 2001 census reported a population of 19,886.

2002: WIV introduced Channel 4 News

In 2002, WIV introduced Channel 4 News broadcasting local news and infotainment programs across the country.

2002: Restoration of British Citizenship

In 2002, the British Overseas Territories Act restored full British citizenship status to all citizens of British Overseas Territories, including the Turks and Caicos.

2002: British Overseas Territory Redesignation

In 2002, the Turks and Caicos Islands were re-designated a British Overseas Territory, and islanders gained full British citizenship.

2003: PNP Replaced Taylor's Government

In 2003, the PNP replaced Derek Hugh Taylor's government.

2003: Turks & Caicos Music and Cultural Festival Launched

In 2003, the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board started organizing the annual Turks & Caicos Music and Cultural Festival to boost tourism during the Caribbean low season.

2004: Discovery of "Black Rock Ship"

In 2004, marine archaeologists affiliated with the Turks and Caicos National Museum discovered a wreck, called the "Black Rock Ship", that subsequent research suggested might be that of the Trouvadore.

2005: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner married on Parrot Cay

In 2005, actors Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner were married on Parrot Cay.

2006: New Constitution Promulgated

In 2006, a new constitution was promulgated in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

2006: Labour force distribution

In 2006, the labour force distribution was as follows.

July 2007: Eva Longoria and Tony Parker Honeymoon

In July 2007, actress Eva Longoria and her ex-husband Tony Parker went to the islands for their honeymoon.

November 2007: Channel 4 re-launched as WIV4

In November 2007, Channel 4 was re-launched as WIV4.

2007: Imports

In 2007, imports totalled $581 million and included food and beverages, tobacco, clothing, manufacture and construction materials, primarily from the United States and the United Kingdom.

2007: Revenues and Expenditures

In 2007, the territory took in revenues of $206.79 million against expenditures of $235.85 million.

2007: Tourist Arrivals

In 2007, tourist arrivals had risen to 264,887.

November 2008: Trouvadore Artifacts Confirmed

In November 2008, a cooperative marine archaeology expedition confirmed that the wreck had artifacts whose style and date of manufacture link them to the Trouvadore slave ship.

2008: Highest FIFA ranking

In 2008, the Turks and Caicos Islands' football team achieved its highest FIFA World Ranking of 158th.

2008: Labour force total

In 2008, the labour force totalled 27,595 workers.

2008: National team played one Twenty20 match

In 2008, the national cricket team played one Twenty20 match as part of the 2008 Standford 20/20.

2008: Unemployment Rate

In 2008, the unemployment rate was 8.3%.

2009: Territory's gross domestic product

As of late 2009, the territory's gross domestic product was approximately US$795 million (per capita $24,273).

2009: Tourist Arrivals Rise

By 2009, Tourist arrivals had risen to 351,498.

2009: UK Takes Direct Control

In 2009, Premier Michael Misick resigned due to corruption charges, and the United Kingdom took over direct control of the government in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

2009: GDP contributions

In 2009, the GDP contributions were: Hotels & Restaurants 34.67%, Financial Services 13.12%, Construction 7.83%, Transport, Storage & Communication 9.90%, and Real Estate, Renting & Business Activities 9.56%.

2010: Cruise Ship Arrivals

In 2010, a total of 245 cruise ships arrived at the Grand Turk Cruise Terminal, carrying a total of 617,863 visitors.

2010: Government revenue sources

In 2010, major sources of government revenue included Import Duties (43.31%), Stamp Duty on Land Transaction (8.82%), Work Permits and Residency Fees (10.03%) and Accommodation Tax (24.95%).

2010: National Health Insurance Plan established

In 2010, the Turks and Caicos established a National Health Insurance Plan. Also in 2010, new hospitals managed by Interhealth Canada opened in Providenciales and Grand Turk.

2010: Federation Possibility Discussed

In 2010, the leaders of The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands discussed the possibility of forming a federation.

2011: Government revenue sources

In 2011, major sources of government revenue included Import Duties (43.31%), Stamp Duty on Land Transaction (8.82%), Work Permits and Residency Fees (10.03%) and Accommodation Tax (24.95%).

January 2012: Census Results

Preliminary results of the census on 25 January 2012, estimated a total population of 31,458 inhabitants.

August 2012: Census Results Released

On 12 August 2012, census results reported 31,458 inhabitants.

October 2012: Constitution in Effect

In October 2012, a new Constitution came into effect in Turks and Caicos Islands, granting legislative power to a unicameral House of Assembly.

October 2012: New Constitution Promulgated

In October 2012, a new constitution was promulgated in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

November 2012: Government Returned to Local Administration

In November 2012, the government was returned to full local administration after the elections, with Rufus Ewing elected as the new premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

2012: Caicos Islands Population (2012 Census)

According to the 2012 Census, Middle Caicos had a population of 168, Providenciales had 23,769 inhabitants, North Caicos had 1,312 inhabitants, South Caicos had 1,139 inhabitants, and Parrot Cay had 131 inhabitants.

2012: Census Population of Turks Islands

In 2012, the census population of the two main inhabited Turks Islands was 4,939.

2012: Hospitals Accredited by Accreditation Canada

In 2012, the hospitals managed by Interhealth Canada, located in Providenciales and Grand Turk, received accreditation from Accreditation Canada.

2013: 4NEWS became islands' first high-definition cable news service

In 2013, 4NEWS became the islands' first high-definition cable news service with television studios in Grace Bay, Providenciales. DigicelPlay is the local cable provider.

2014: The Ashcroft School became International School of the Turks and Caicos Islands

In 2014, The Ashcroft School, a private school serving preschool through grade six in Leeward, Providenciales, with 106 students, changed its name to the International School of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

2016: PDM Victory in Elections

In the 2016 elections, the PNP lost for the first time since 2003, with the People's Democratic Movement (PDM) coming to power and Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson becoming Premier.

December 2019: Formation of Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment

In December 2019, Governor Nigel Dakin announced the formation of the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment, with assistance from the UK's Ministry of Defence.

April 2020: Chief Justice

As of April 2020, Justice Mabel Agyemang is the Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

December 2020: FIFA World Ranking

As of December 2020, the Turks and Caicos Islands' football team is ranked 203rd out of 210 teams in the FIFA World Rankings.

2020: Arrival of Security and Assistance Team

In Spring 2020, a Security and Assistance Team from the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence arrived in Turks and Caicos to assist with the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, and to help build the new Turks and Caicos Regiment. The regiment became operational in 2020.

July 2021: Population Estimates

In July 2021, estimates put the Turks and Caicos population at 57,196.

2021: Immigration Law Amended

In 2021, the Turks and Caicos government amended its immigration law, making the granting of Belonger Status exclusive to specific criteria related to marriage or investment.

2021: PNP Wins Elections

In the 2021 elections, the Progressive National Party won in a landslide, and Washington Misick became Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

2021: PNP Returns to Power

In the 2021 general elections, the PNP returned to power, and Washington Misick became Premier.

2022: RFA Tideforce Deployed

In 2022, in response to a surge in gang-related violence, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary deployed RFA Tideforce, equipped with a Wildcat helicopter, to provide surveillance support to local law enforcement agencies in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

2022: Department of Statistics Population Estimate

In 2022, the Department of Statistics estimated the population of Turks and Caicos Islands to be 47,720.

2023: Population Estimate by The World Factbook

In 2023, The World Factbook estimated the resident population of Turks and Caicos Islands to be 59,367, making it the third-largest of the British overseas territories by population.

November 2024: Highest Murder Rate Worldwide

As of November 2024, the Turks and Caicos Islands had the highest murder rate of countries worldwide.

November 2024: HMS Medway Visit

During a visit in November 2024, HMS Medway conducted disaster response exercises and engaged with local authorities to reinforce the UK's commitment to regional security and humanitarian assistance in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

2024: Joint Disaster Response Drills with HMS Medway

In 2024, The Turks and Caicos Regiment participated in joint disaster response drills with HMS Medway.

2024: American tourists arrested for ammunition possession

In 2024, several American tourists were arrested for being in possession of small arms ammunition, each facing 12 year mandatory prison terms.

March 2025: U.S. State Department Issues Travel Advisory

On 6 March 2025, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 2 travel advisory, warning travellers to be cautious when visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands due to crime.

2025: Starship flight test 7 exploded above the islands

In 2025, Starship flight test 7 exploded above the islands, resulting in several airline flights needing to alter course to avoid falling debris, as well as reports of damage on the ground.