In a commentary published October 6, 2026, accountant Drexwell Seymour questions the rising expenditure on professional and consultancy services within the Turks and Caicos Islands Government. Spending has surged from less than $10 million in the 2023/24 fiscal year to a projected $25.1 million for 2026/27.
Seymour notes that the current projection is 44 percent higher than what was estimated just one year ago. He highlights the National Delivery Unit, which utilized consultants led by Dr. Justin Ram of Justin Ram Advisory Services, as a case where transparency regarding costs and transferred expertise remains unclear. The author argues that without detailed reporting on deliverables, it is impossible to confirm if taxpayers receive value for money. He urges the government to distinguish between local and international consultants and prioritize knowledge transfer to reduce long-term reliance on external experts.
To improve accountability, Seymour proposes that the government publish an annual report on major consultancy engagements. This document should disclose contract values, project purposes, durations, and the consultant's base of operations. He concludes that transparency is essential for the public to judge whether these significant investments provide tangible benefits for the country.