The Caribbean Council held its Annual Reception on 6 May 2026 at the House of Lords, hosted by Rt Hon Lord Bruce of Bennachie, bringing together members, partners, sponsors, and stakeholders dedicated to advancing UK-Caribbean ties.
We were delighted to welcome our Guest of Honour, Hon. Charles Washington Misick OBE, Premier and Minister of Finance of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), who delivered an insightful keynote on the territory’s economic momentum amid global uncertainty. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon offered valuable reflections on the enduring UK-Caribbean partnership, emphasising shared history translated into modern investment and trade opportunities.
Spotlight on TCI’s Stability and Growth
Premier Misick highlighted TCI’s position as a British Overseas Territory, offering investors legal certainty under UK oversight, an “A-” credit rating (positive outlook), zero public debt, and US$430 million in reserves (23% of GDP after 13 years of surpluses). The islands achieved 5.6% GDP growth in 2025, welcomed 2 million tourists, and saw booming luxury real estate with branded resorts underway, while planning US$360 million in borrowing for infrastructure like roads, airports, and affordable housing—all under strict fiscal rules.
Strategic Opportunities for UK Investors
Misick praised the Caribbean Council for connecting British capital to Caribbean prospects via trade missions and policy dialogue, reshaping bilateral relations around infrastructure, services, and execution. TCI’s curated pipeline targets UK strengths in public-private partnerships (airports, ports), housing, sustainable tourism (ecotourism, Family Islands), renewables, and digital services, with rigorous due diligence ensuring alignment with national priorities. While the US leads in tourism FDI, UK firms provide essential governance, advisory, finance, health, and regulatory expertise, derisking investments and fostering long-term sustainability.
Diversification and Inclusive Development
TCI is diversifying around tourism into financial services, logistics, blue economy, agri-tech, healthcare, and marine research hubs, redirecting growth to Family Islands for balanced prosperity, skills development, housing, and food security.
Gratitude to Sponsors and Guests
Our heartfelt thanks to Headline Sponsor – Experience TCI, Key Partner Sponsor Stanbrook Prudhoe, Supporting Sponsor Charles Russell Speechlys, and Prize Sponsors – The Hartling Group, JetBlue, and Bambarra Rum.
Your support made this memorable evening possible, showcasing TCI’s vision and reinforcing UK-Caribbean collaboration.
Thank you to all guests for your engagement.