The Turks and Caicos Islands are a British Overseas Territory located in the Atlantic Ocean. Known for tourism and offshore finance, the islands' population is estimated between 47,720 and 59,367, making it the third most populous British overseas territory. The territory consists of the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands, both part of the Lucayan Archipelago.
1900: Digicel Mobile Phone Service Launch
Digicel launched GSM 900 and 1900 mobile phone service in Turks and Caicos in 1900.
1950: Establishment of US Missile Tracking Station
From 1950 to 1981, the United States had a missile tracking station on Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
July 1959: Turks and Caicos Designated as Separate Colony
On July 4, 1959, the islands were again designated as a separate colony, the last commissioner being restyled administrator. The governor of Jamaica also continued as the governor of the islands.
August 1962: Turks and Caicos Becomes Crown Colony
When Jamaica was granted independence from Britain in August 1962, the Turks and Caicos Islands became a Crown colony.
1962: John Glenn's Landing After Orbiting Earth
After his three earth orbits in 1962, American astronaut John Glenn successfully landed in the ocean near Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands and was brought back ashore.
1965: Governor of the Bahamas Oversees Turks and Caicos
Beginning in 1965, the governor of the Bahamas was also governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands and oversaw affairs for the islands.
1973: Turks and Caicos Islands Receive Own Governor
When the Bahamas gained independence in 1973, the Turks and Caicos Islands received their own governor and have remained an autonomous territory since.
1973: Turks and Caicos Receives Own Governor
When the Bahamas gained independence in 1973, the Turks and Caicos received their own governor (the last administrator was restyled).
1974: Canadian Proposal for Association with Turks and Caicos
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; however, it was never submitted to a vote.
August 1976: Establishment of Turks and Caicos Government
Since August 1976, the islands have had their own government headed by a chief minister (now premier), the first of whom was J. A. G. S. McCartney.
August 1976: First Constitution
The Turks and Caicos Islands adopted its first constitution on August 30, 1976, marking the beginning of self-governance under the leadership of its first Chief Minister, J.A.G.S. McCartney.
1980: Election of Anti-Independence Party
Moves towards independence in the early 1980s were stalled by the election of an anti-independence party in 1980 and since then the islands have remained British territory.
1981: British Nationality Act
The British Nationality Act of 1981 introduced the concept of British Dependent Territories citizenship, which is now known as British Overseas Territories citizenship (BOTC), for individuals with close connections to Britain's Overseas Territories.
1981: Closure of US Missile Tracking Station
The United States missile tracking station on Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands was closed in 1981.
1984: Establishment of Mission Sui Iuris
In 1984, the Mission Sui Iuris for Turks and Caicos was established to serve the Catholic population, separating it from the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Nassau.
1986: Suspension of Local Government
Local government was suspended from 1986 to 1988, following allegation of government involvement with drug trafficking which resulted in the arrest of Chief Minister Norman Saunders.
1988: Reinstatement of Local Government
Local government was reinstated in 1988 after being suspended for two years due to allegations of government involvement with drug trafficking.
September 1993: Textbook Provision to Primary Schools
In September 1993, each primary school in Turks and Caicos was given enough books to allow teachers to establish in-class libraries.
1995: Economic Aid Received
In 1995, Turks and Caicos received economic aid worth $5.7 million.
1998: Radio Stations in Operation
In 1998, there were three AM radio stations (one inactive) and six FM stations (no shortwave) in Turks and Caicos.
2000: Fish and Conch Exports
In 2000, Turks and Caicos exported $169.2 million of lobster, dried and fresh conch, and conch shells, primarily to the United Kingdom and the United States.
2000: Population Growth Rate
In 2000, the population of the Turks and Caicos Islands experienced a growth rate of 3.55% per year.
2001: Previous Census
A census conducted in 2001 recorded a population of 19,886 for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
2001: Student-Teacher Ratio in Primary Schools
In 2001, the student-teacher ratio at the primary level in Turks and Caicos was roughly 15:1.
2002: Introduction of WIV Channel 4 News
WIV introduced Channel 4 News in 2002, broadcasting local news and infotainment programs across Turks and Caicos.
2002: Restoration of British Citizenship
The British Overseas Territories Act of 2002 restored full British citizenship status to all citizens of British Overseas Territories, including those residing in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
2002: Turks and Caicos Re-designated as British Overseas Territory
In 2002 the islands were re-designated a British Overseas Territory, with islanders gaining full British citizenship.
2003: Progressive National Party Replaces Derek Hugh Taylor's Government
In 2003, the Progressive National Party (PNP) replaced Derek Hugh Taylor's government and remained in power until 2016.
2003: Beginning of the Turks & Caicos Music and Cultural Festival
To boost tourism during the Caribbean low season of late summer, since 2003 the Turks and Caicos Tourist Board have organised and hosted an annual series of concerts during this season called the Turks & Caicos Music and Cultural Festival.
2004: Discovery of Potential Trouvadore Wreck
In 2004, marine archaeologists affiliated with the Turks and Caicos National Museum discovered a wreck, called the "Black Rock Ship", that subsequent research has suggested may be that of the Trouvadore, an illegal Spanish slave ship that wrecked off the coast of East Caicos in 1841.
2005: Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner's Wedding
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner married on Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos in 2005.
2006: Promulgation of New Constitution
A new constitution was promulgated in 2006.
2006: Labor Force Distribution
The labor force distribution for Turks and Caicos was recorded in 2006.
July 2007: Eva Longoria and Tony Parker's Honeymoon
Actress Eva Longoria and her then-husband Tony Parker honeymooned in Turks and Caicos in July 2007.
November 2007: Relaunch of Channel 4 as WIV4
Channel 4 was re-launched as WIV4 in November 2007 in Turks and Caicos.
2007: Tourist Arrivals
Tourist arrivals in Turks and Caicos had risen to 264,887 in 2007.
2007: Total Imports
Imports totaled $581 million in Turks and Caicos in 2007, with goods primarily coming from the United States and the United Kingdom.
2007: Territory Revenues and Expenditures
In 2007–2008, the territory took in revenues of $206.79 million against expenditures of $235.85 million.
November 2008: Confirmation of Trouvadore Wreck
In November 2008, a cooperative marine archaeology expedition confirmed that a wreck discovered in 2004, called the "Black Rock Ship", has artifacts whose style and date of manufacture link them to the Trouvadore, an illegal Spanish slave ship that wrecked off the coast of East Caicos in 1841.
2008: Turks and Caicos Islands in the Stanford 20/20
In 2008, the Turks and Caicos national cricket team participated in a Twenty20 match as part of the Stanford 20/20.
2008: Turks and Caicos Islands' Highest Football Ranking
The Turks and Caicos Islands' football team achieved its highest-ever FIFA World Ranking of 158th in 2008.
2008: Labor Force Size
The labor force in Turks and Caicos totalled 27,595 workers in 2008.
2008: Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Turks and Caicos in 2008 was 8.3%.
2009: Gross Domestic Product
The territory's gross domestic product as of late 2009 is approximately US$795 million (per capita $24,273).
2009: Tourist Arrivals
By 2009, tourist arrivals in Turks and Caicos had risen to 351,498.
2009: GDP Contributions by Sector
In 2009, the GDP contributions by sector in 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: UK Takes Over Direct Control
In 2009 Premier Michael Misick of the Progressive National Party (PNP) resigned in the face of corruption charges, and the United Kingdom took over direct control of the government.
2010: Discussions of Federation with The Bahamas
During this period of direct British rule, in 2010 the leaders of The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands discussed the possibility of forming a federation.
2010: Cruise Ship Arrivals and Visitors
In 2010, a total of 245 cruise ships arrived at the Grand Turk Cruise Terminal in Turks and Caicos, carrying a total of 617,863 visitors.
2010: Major Sources of Government Revenue
In 2010/2011, major sources of government revenue in 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: Establishment of National Health Insurance Plan and Hospitals Opening
Turks and Caicos established a National Health Insurance Plan in 2010, with residents contributing through salary deduction and nominal user fees. Also, private-public-partnership hospitals managed by Interhealth Canada opened in Providenciales and Grand Turk.
2011: Major Sources of Government Revenue
In 2010/2011, major sources of government revenue in 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%).
January 2012: Census Conducted
A census was conducted on January 25, 2012, to determine the population of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
August 2012: Preliminary Census Results
On August 12, 2012, preliminary results of the January 25, 2012, census were released, indicating a total population of 31,458 inhabitants, representing a 58.2% increase from the 19,886 reported in the 2001 census.
October 2012: Promulgation of New Constitution
A new constitution was promulgated in October 2012 and the government was returned to full local administration after the November 2012 elections.
October 2012: New Constitution Implemented
In October 2012, a new Constitution was enacted, establishing a unicameral House of Assembly as the legislative authority. The House of Assembly consists of 19 seats, with 15 members elected by the people and 4 appointed by the governor.
November 2012: Return to Full Local Administration
The government was returned to full local administration after the November 2012 elections. Rufus Ewing of the PNP was elected as the new, restored, premier.
2012: Turks Islands Census
The 2012 census population was 4,939 on the two main islands, the only inhabited islands of the Turks Islands group.
2012: Census Data
In 2012, a census showed that the largest island in the Caicos archipelago, Middle Caicos, had a population of only 168, despite its size of 144 square kilometers. The most populated island was Providenciales, with 23,769 inhabitants and an area of 122 square kilometers. North Caicos had 1,312 inhabitants, South Caicos had 1,139 inhabitants, and Parrot Cay had 131 inhabitants. East Caicos was uninhabited, and the only permanent inhabitants of West Caicos were resort staff.
2012: Accreditation of Hospitals
The hospitals in Providenciales and Grand Turk, managed by Interhealth Canada, have been accredited by Accreditation Canada since 2012.
2013: First High-Definition Cable News Service
In 2013, the Turks and Caicos Islands saw the launch of its first high-definition cable news service, 4NEWS, with television studios based in Grace Bay, Providenciales. DigicelPlay serves as the local cable provider.
2014: Renaming of The Ashcroft School
The Ashcroft School, a private school serving preschool through grade six, was renamed to International School of the Turks and Caicos Islands in 2014.
2016: People's Democratic Movement Comes to Power
In the 2016 elections, the PNP lost for the first time since they replaced Derek Hugh Taylor's government in 2003. The People's Democratic Movement (PDM) came to power with Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson as Premier.
December 2019: Announcement of Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment
Governor Nigel Dakin announced in early December 2019 the establishment of the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment. A team from the UK's Ministry of Defence visited the islands in mid-December to commence the process of forming the Regiment.
April 2020: Appointment of Chief Justice
Justice Mabel Agyemang was appointed as the Chief Justice in April 2020.
June 2020: Appointment of Turks and Caicos Regiment Commanding Officer
Lieutenant Colonel Ennis Grant was appointed as the commanding officer of the newly established Turks and Caicos Regiment in early June 2020.
December 2020: Turks and Caicos Islands' Football Team Ranking
As of December 2020, the Turks and Caicos Islands' football team held the 203rd position out of 210 teams in the FIFA World Rankings.
2020: Arrival of UK Security and Assistance Team
In the spring of 2020, a Security and Assistance Team from the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence arrived in Turks and Caicos. The team's mission was to provide assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, and to support the development of the new Turks and Caicos Regiment.
2020: Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment Projection
The Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment was projected to become operational in the third quarter of 2020, similar to the Royal Bermuda Regiment and the Cayman Islands Regiment, focusing on enhancing national security and providing support during natural disasters.
July 2021: Population Estimate
In July 2021, the population of the Turks and Caicos Islands was estimated to be 57,196.
2021: Progressive National Party Returns to Power
After the 2021 general elections, the PNP returned to power, with Washington Misick replacing Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson as Premier.
2021: Progressive National Party Victory
The Progressive National Party won a landslide victory in the 2021 elections, resulting in Washington Misick becoming Premier.
2021: Amendment to Immigration Law
The Turks and Caicos government revised its immigration regulations in 2021, restricting the granting of Belonger Status. This status became exclusive to individuals married for at least 10 years to a Belonger (excluding Belongers by marriage) or being the dependent child of someone acquiring Belonger Status through marriage. The amendments also allowed individuals investing $500,000 or more in Providenciales or West Caicos, or $250,000 or more in Grand Turk or the family islands, to obtain a residence permit for up to ten years.
2022: Department of Statistics Population Estimate
In 2022, the Department of Statistics estimated that the population of the Turks and Caicos Islands was 47,720.
2022: RFA Tideforce Deployment
In the autumn of 2022, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary RFA Tideforce, equipped with a Wildcat helicopter, was deployed to the Turks and Caicos Islands. The deployment aimed to provide surveillance support to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police in response to escalating gang violence within the territory.
2023: Resident Population Estimate
In 2023, The World Factbook estimated the resident population of the Turks and Caicos Islands to be 59,367, making it the third-largest British overseas territory by population.