ED 10 - Wheeland and West Caicos
Honourable Kyle Knowles
Kyle Knowles is widely recognized by his constituents as a positive, visible, and responsive leader who prioritizes community engagement and action. As the elected representative for Wheeland and West Caicos, and now Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Kyle has been instrumental in addressing key issues, including infrastructure improvements, public safety, and utilities management. Known for his active involvement, he has taken on critical challenges, such as overseeing significant infrastructure upgrades and leading responses to environmental crises affecting his district, including issues at the country’s largest waste site.
Since joining the Cabinet, Kyle has worked diligently to allocate resources for essential services, securing a $16 million budget to strengthen departments under his purview, including water services and correctional facilities. His approach to governance reflects his commitment to transparency, safety, and high-quality service delivery, qualities that have solidified his reputation as a trusted and effective leader for the people of Turks and Caicos.
Wheeland and West Caicos
Wheeland and West Caicos, part of Electoral District 10 in the Turks and Caicos Islands, has seen notable growth and development through targeted initiatives in infrastructure, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. Since 2021, under the representation of Honourable Kyle Knowles, the area has advanced in multiple areas critical to residents’ quality of life and economic opportunities.
In recent years, Wheeland has seen considerable infrastructure improvements, enhancing the everyday lives of its residents. Upgrades include the installation of city water lines along key routes, notably the 6,800 feet added to Tom Lightbourne Drive in June 2023, which addressed long-standing water access needs. Improvements in road quality and expanded street lighting have further boosted community safety and accessibility.
The constituency has been proactive in fostering a sense of community and ensuring access to essential services, with initiatives like the Senior Citizen Registration Drive in June 2021. This drive helped elderly residents access critical social welfare benefits and strengthened ties between the Hon. Knowles and local residents. Wheeland has also hosted several well-attended town halls, providing residents direct access to updates and involvement in community decisions.
As part of his role as Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Knowles has allocated substantial resources to improve public services. With a budget of $16 million in 2024, projects have included the completion of a new Halfway House in Providenciales and the establishment of a Multi-Sector Regulatory agency, all supporting the long-term resilience of Wheeland and surrounding areas.
Environmental management, especially regarding the Providenciales landfill in Wheeland, remains a priority for the constituency. Measures are in place to improve waste management and prevent incidents like the January 2024 fire, which impacted local air quality. Addressing such challenges is essential to ensuring a safe and clean environment for residents.
Through these initiatives, the Wheeland and West Caicos constituency continues to thrive as a forward-looking community, balancing infrastructural growth, social welfare, and environmental sustainability to meet the needs of its residents.
Key Achievements and Initiatives in Electoral District 10:
Infrastructure Enhancements:
Water Supply: Facilitated the installation of approximately 6,800 feet of city water lines along Tom Lightbourne Drive, providing residents with reliable access to potable water.
Road Improvements: Oversaw the paving and grading of roads, enhancing transportation and safety within the constituency.
Street Lighting: Implemented increased street lighting to improve visibility and security in the area.
Community Engagement:
Senior Citizen Support: Organized a registration drive to ensure elderly residents receive essential social welfare benefits.
Town Hall Meetings: Hosted face-to-face town hall meetings, fostering direct communication between constituents and their representative
In August 2022, he collaborated with the Wheeland Community Foundation and the Ministry of Health to host the inaugural Wheeland Community Health Check. This event provided residents with free health screenings and consultations, emphasizing the importance of health and well-being.
In May 2024, Knowles organized a Post-Budget Town Hall Meeting at the Healing Waters Ministries Church. The meeting aimed to update constituents on various issues, including the progress of the Providenciales Landfill and planned infrastructure developments. Residents had the opportunity to ask questions and offer suggestions, fostering open dialogue between the community and government officials.
On May 14, 2022, Hon. Kyle Knowles hosted the inaugural “Wheeland Whiplash,” a community event aimed at promoting health and fitness among residents. The event commenced at 6:00 am from the Three Queens Restaurant on Bay Road, encouraging participants to engage in physical activity and fostering community spirit.
The Wheeland Community Foundation, with support from Hon. Kyle Knowles, organized a Pop-Up Fish Fry event on June 15, 2024. The event attracted nearly 400 community members and visitors, offering a day of delicious food, vibrant entertainment, and cultural celebration. Held near the historical Three Queens area, the event showcased the rich culinary traditions and warm hospitality of the Wheeland community.
In August 2022, Hon. Kyle Knowles collaborated with the Wheeland Community Foundation and the Ministry of Health to host the inaugural Wheeland Community Health Check. This event provided residents with free health screenings and consultations, emphasizing the importance of health and well-being.
Environmental Initiatives:
Landfill Management: Addressed issues related to the Providenciales landfill, including responding to incidents of sabotage and advocating for improved waste management practices.
Master Plan for Economic and Social Revival:
In August 2024, Knowles unveiled a comprehensive master plan for Wheeland’s development. The plan focuses on transforming Wheeland into a vibrant hub by improving infrastructure, expanding housing, and exploring new hospitality ventures. This initiative reflects his dedication to creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs and ensuring that development benefits the community directly.