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 consist of the Caicos Islands and the Turks Islands. The population is estimated to be between 47,720 and 59,367, making it the third-largest British overseas territory by population. The islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean and northern West Indies.

1900: Mobile Phone Service

Digicel, using GSM 900 and 1900 provides mobile phone service in the Turks and Caicos Islands since 1900.

1950: US Missile Tracking Station

In 1950, the United States established a missile tracking station on Grand Turk.

1962: John Glenn Landing

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

1981: Missile Tracking Station

The United States operated a missile tracking station on Grand Turk until 1981.

1995: Economic Aid Received

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 in Turks and Caicos. Over 8000 radio receivers were owned across the territory.

2000: Significant Exports

In 2000, Fish and conch were the only significant exports, with some $169.2 million of lobster, dried and fresh conch, and conch shells exported, primarily to the United Kingdom and the United States.

2002: WIV Introduced Channel 4 News

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

2003: Turks & Caicos Music and Cultural Festival

Since 2003, the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board has organised and hosted an annual series of concerts called the Turks & Caicos Music and Cultural Festival.

2005: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Marriage

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

2006: Labour Force Distribution

In 2006, the labour force distribution was measured for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

July 2007: Eva Longoria and Tony Parker Honeymoon

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

November 2007: Channel 4 Relaunched as WIV4

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

2007: Total Imports

In 2007, imports into the Turks and Caicos Islands totalled $581 million, primarily from the United States and the United Kingdom.

2007: Territory Revenues and Expenditures

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

2008: Highest FIFA World Ranking

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

2008: Twenty20 Match Played

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

2008: Labour Force Total

In 2008, the labour force in Turks and Caicos totalled 27,595 workers.

2008: Unemployment Rate

In 2008, the unemployment rate in Turks and Caicos was 8.3%.

2009: Tourist Arrivals

By 2009, tourist arrivals in the Turks and Caicos Islands had risen to 351,498.

2009: GDP Contributions by Sector

In 2009, GDP contributions for the Turks and Caicos 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%.

2009: GDP

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

2010: Cruise Ship Arrivals and Visitors

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 for the Turks and Caicos 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 and Hospitals Opened

In 2010, the Turks and Caicos established a National Health Insurance Plan where residents contribute through salary deduction and user fees. Also in 2010, hospitals managed by Interhealth Canada opened in Providenciales and on Grand Turk.

2011: Government Revenue Sources

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

2012: Hospitals Accredited by Accreditation Canada

In 2012, the hospitals in Providenciales and on Grand Turk, which opened in 2010, received accreditation from Accreditation Canada.

2013: 4NEWS Launched as 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 Renamed

In 2014, The Ashcroft School, a private school serving preschool through grade six in Leeward, Providenciales, was renamed the International School of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The school had 106 students in 2014.

December 2020: FIFA World Rankings

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

2024: American Tourists Arrested

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 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: IFT-7 Explosion

In 2025, IFT-7 exploded above the islands, resulting in more than 230 airline flights needing to alter course or delay departure to avoid falling debris, disrupting the travels of more than 40,000 people, as well as numerous reports of damage on the ground.