Informal Settlement Unit Officially Launches In The TCI With New Online Platforms.

PROVIDENCIALES, JULY 27, 2023 – The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU) has officially launched in the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a new website and social media pages that will be a central hub where the public can access informal settlement-related information, news, and resources.

Strategic Lead of the ISU Justice Carlos Simons, OBE, KC, speaks with Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and Honorable Charles Washington Misick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands during the launch event.

The opening ceremony which took place on Tuesday, July 25th, at their headquarters in the LaPorte's Plaza, downtown Providenciales, was attended by several government officials, including Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Deputy Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams, Premier Hon. Charles Washington Misick, Deputy Premier Hon. Erwin J. Saunders, Opposition Leader Hon. Edwin Astwood, Members of Government, and several invited guests.

Led by Justice Carlos Simons, the ISU is a Turks and Caicos Islands government agency responsible for mitigating the proliferation of informal settlement activity in the Islands.

Justice Simons explained, "The principal aim of the ISU is to build safer, more sustainable communities in the Turks and Caicos Islands and to improve the standard of living and quality of life of the affected occupants by undertaking this work. We are charged with the work of stopping this illegal practice and regularizing the long-established informal settlements to bring them into line with planning and other applicable laws."

Strategic Lead of the ISU Justice Carlos Simons, OBE, KC, poses with Attorney General Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, OBE, KC and Leader of the Opposition Hon. Edwin Astwood during the launch event.

He continued, "Our organization has identified a critical need for a central information portal to provide relevant information through an effective dissemination channel such as a website and social media pages for people to access."

The new platforms will provide an experience that aligns with modern practices, one that features user-friendly applications, effective navigation, and easily recognizable links to help individuals access information and provide feedback. The sites will further provide relevant, timely posts with updates and real-time announcements related to the mission of the ISU.

According to Justice Simons, this site will be a one-stop shop with a strong online presence, thus providing a valuable tool to connect with residents while keeping all informed of the organization’s progress. It will also be a place for residents to go for unbiased, fact-based information and guidance for all issues relating to informal settlements. Whether it’s providing more information about the challenges the organization is experiencing or accessing legislation that speaks to informal settlements, crown land policies, or private landowners rights, it will all be available on the site.

"Our goal is to provide an effective communication channel for residents of the islands, and we look forward to tapping into the power of our communities to help mitigate the creation of informal settlements through these new platforms," Justice Simons concluded.

Residents are encouraged to visit and follow the new ISU website at www.isutci.com on the web and the social media pages on Facebook: Turks and Caicos Informal Settlement Unit and Instagram at @isutci.

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