The post-COVID-19 Resilient Recovery project in the Turks and Caicos Islands ends at the close of 2024, after training more than 300 people through its Community Hub since launching in 2022. The European Union-financed project, supported by the Resilience, Sustainable Energy and Marine Biodiversity (RESEMBID) Programme and implemented by Expertise France, focused on practical skills for food security and economic diversification.
Consultant agronomist Mario A. M. Smith delivered training in hydroponic crop production and composting, and two participants became certified trainers. In partnership with the TCI Fishing Cooperative, the Hub also trained over 80 people in sustainable fisheries management and created 'Champion Fishers' who will now lead fisheries training across TCI. Green VI ran waste management training on Provo covering waste reduction and eco-friendly products. The project also produced a Natural Capital Investment Plan, developed by the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) with the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, the TCI Fishing Co-operative, TCI National Trust and Invest Turks and Caicos. Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister for Tourism and the Environment, said the initiative "brought tangible benefits to our islands".
As the project winds down, final reports will be posted to the project website and a resource centre for a virtual Community Hub will be established, giving residents and businesses ongoing access to the training materials.