TCI Welcomed UK Minister Responsible for the Overseas Territories
United Kingdom Minister for the Overseas Territories Uma Kumaran met with members of the Turks and Caicos Islands Cabinet on Monday, September 7, as part of her first official visit to the territory since taking her new position.
Kumaran’s brief visit is focused on strengthening cooperation between the United Kingdom and the Turks and Caicos Islands, while giving the minister an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the territory’s priorities and challenges.
Hear briefly from the minister herself on the visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
During the visit, Kumaran was accompanied by Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Premier Charles Washington Misick OBE and members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Tactical Unit on a visit to the Dockyard area.
The Governor’s Office said the visit gave the Minister an on-the-ground perspective of the challenges associated with irregular migration, settlement and law enforcement operations.
Kumaran also received briefings from members of the National Security Council and senior operational leaders, including Acting Commissioner of Police Kendall Grant and Commanding Officer of the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Ennis Grant.
Discussions focused on internal, external and geopolitical threats affecting the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as progress in reducing crime and strengthening the Territory’s security capabilities.
During the visit, Kumaran held discussions with Governor Her Excellency, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Premier Hon. Charles Washington Misick, Leader of the Opposition Hon. Edwin Astwood and members of Cabinet.
The meetings provided an opportunity for TCI leaders to engage directly with the UK minister on matters affecting the territory and the wider relationship between the Turks and Caicos Islands and the United Kingdom.
Among the key areas in discussions were national security, economic growth, resilience and regional developments. The talks also expected to explore ways of deepening cooperation between the UK and TCI in areas of mutual interest.
The trip marks Kumaran’s first visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands and her first overseas engagement since assuming her new role at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in July 2026.
5 Killed in Amazon Cargo Plane Crash
At least five people have been killed and five others injured after an Amazon Air cargo plane overran the runway and crashed at Miami International Airport on Sunday.
The Boeing 767-300, operating as Air Flight 7598 and operated by 21 Air, was landing at the airport at about 2 p.m. after departing San Juan, Puerto Rico, when it overran the runway, according to the US Federal Aviation Administration. The aircraft struck multiple vehicles near the airport before coming to a stop at the northwest end of the airport. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said crews arrived to find the aircraft engulfed in heavy flames and smoke. Five people were taken to hospital following the crash, with at least three reported to be in critical condition. Authorities had not released the identities of those killed or injured as of Sunday evening.
Emergency crews mounted a major response, using specialised airport equipment and foam to battle what officials described as a complex engine fire. Firefighters also carried out search-and-rescue operations involving the aircraft’s pilots and co-pilots, who were trapped inside the cockpit. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue reported that one person was trapped underneath one of the vehicles struck by the aircraft and had to be rescued by specialised technical rescue personnel. Crews also worked to shut down the aircraft’s engine and contain a fuel leak.
The crash caused major disruption at one of the United States’ busiest airports. All runways and taxiways were closed following the incident, while US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned travellers to expect delays and possible flight cancellations.
Amazon said it was working closely with local authorities to determine what happened, while making the safety and wellbeing of those affected its immediate priority.
The cause of the crash remains unknown. The FAA is investigating, while the National Transportation Safety Board has launched a team to investigate the accident.
H.J. Robinson High School Defends Backpack Policy
The H.J. Robinson High School has clarified its policy on school bags following controversy over students reportedly being turned away from the school compound because of the backpacks they brought to school.
Radio Turks and Caicos (RTC) reached out to the school’s administration for comment on the concerns raised by parents. The school subsequently issued a letter dated September 6 to parents and guardians addressing the issue. The controversy emerged after parents complained that some students were denied entry to the school compound on the first day of the new school year because they were carrying Sprayground backpacks.
Sprayground backpacks are a popular brand of backpacks designed for school, travel and everyday use. The brand is known for its bold and colourful designs, including its signature shark-mouth graphics, as well as patterns featuring cartoon characters, logos and other eye-catching artwork. Sprayground backpacks are also not inexpensive school bags, with many of the brand’s standard designs retailing for between US$60 and US$100, while some specialty designs cost considerably more.
The HJ Robinson High school says there is no rule specifically prohibiting Sprayground bags. Instead, the administration pointed to existing provisions in its School Rule Book concerning the colour and type of bags students are permitted to use. According to the rules, students are required to have a school bag to carry their books. String bags are not considered acceptable daily book bags, while standard-sized backpacks should be either navy blue or black. The rules state that bags in shades of those colours may be accepted, although the final decision rests with the administration. Red and other brightly coloured bags are not permitted. The administration stressed that the colour requirement is not a newly introduced rule, saying it has always formed part of the school’s regulations and that both parents and students have been reminded of it on numerous occasions.
In its letter, the administration also reminded parents that students are not permitted to wear or bring smartwatches, cell phones, iPads or other electronic devices to school. The school said the electronic device permitted to assist with teaching and learning is a laptop.
The administration maintained that the rules are not intended to restrict students, but are designed to help maintain an orderly environment that is conducive to learning. It is now urging parents and guardians to ensure their children understand and follow the established school rules.
The administration ended its letter with the 2026 education week theme: “WHERE PARENTS LEAD, CHILDREN SUCCEED.”
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Disney's "Zombies" Actress Dead at 33
Disney actress Carla Jeffery, best known for her role as Bree in the “Zombies” film franchise, has died at the age of 33. Jeffery’s death was announced by her talent management company, Alexanders Talent Management, in a statement shared on her official Instagram account.
The statement said Jeffery died on September 1, 2026. No cause or other details surrounding her death have been released.
Carla Alexander of Alexanders Talent Management said Jeffery joined the company at the age of 12 and described her as “more than a client; she was family.” She remembered Jeffery as a talented and vibrant woman whose smile could light up any room and extended condolences to her family and loved ones.
Disney Entertainment Television also paid tribute to the actress, describing her as a performer whose talent, warmth and spirit left a lasting impression on those who worked with her. Jeffery’s fellow Disney stars also expressed their grief on social media.
Jeffery was born July 10, 1993, in Houston, Texas, and began her acting career as a child. Her first film role came in the 2006 movie “Phat Girlz.” She later appeared in television productions including Nickelodeon’s “iCarly,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Disney Channel’s “Good Luck Charlie” and “Shake It Up,” as well as “Scream Queens” and “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.” In 2018, Jeffery joined the cast of Disney’s “Zombies” as Bree, a role she reprised in “Zombies 2” and “Zombies 3.” She also voiced the character in several “Zombies” animated shorts. Jeffery’s final “Zombies” appearance came with the franchise’s latest installment, “Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires.”
She is survived by her family and loved ones.
FLOW TCI Set To Have Major Upgrades
Telecommunications provider Flow Turks and Caicos has announced a series of upgrades to its fixed and mobile networks, aimed at providing customers with faster speeds, expanded coverage and increased network capacity across the country.
The latest improvements include the activation of a new mobile site in Long Bay, upgrades to residential broadband speeds and international recognition of Flow’s fixed network performance by Ookla. Flow Turks and Caicos Country Manager Joanne Missick says the developments reflect the company’s continued investment in the country’s digital infrastructure.
“Together, these developments reflect our continued focus on building the digital infrastructure needed to support the evolving needs of households, businesses and the wider economy,” Missick said.
The newly activated mobile site in Long Bay is expected to improve coverage and increase network capacity in the rapidly growing community, while providing faster mobile connectivity. Flow says additional mobile network expansion is planned through late 2026 and into 2027, with the aim of strengthening coverage and meeting growing demand in communities across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Residential broadband customers have also received upgrades.
Effective August 1, eligible customers on selected plans saw their internet speeds doubled or tripled, while some customers also received reductions in their monthly bills. Flow’s fixed network has also received independent recognition, with the company awarded the Ookla Speedtest Award for Fastest Fixed Network in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The award is based on data from Ookla’s Speedtest Intelligence platform and provides independent recognition of the performance of Flow’s fixed network.
Missick says reliable connectivity has become essential to everyday life and national development. She added that the Ookla recognition provides customers with independent validation of the company’s network performance. The network upgrades are also being highlighted as part of Flow’s new nationwide campaign, “This Is TCI’s Network.” The campaign is intended to showcase Flow’s investment in the Turks and Caicos Islands and its role in connecting communities, supporting businesses and contributing to the country’s continued digital development.
Dolly Parton has died at 80
Country music icon and global humanitarian Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80.
Parton died peacefully Tuesday in Nashville, Tennessee, following what her representatives described as a brief battle with cancer. Her nephew, Bryan Seaver, announced her death in a video statement shared on Parton’s official Instagram account.
Parton’s family said she died surrounded by loved ones.
Known around the world as the “Queen of Country Music,” Parton built a career spanning more than six decades, becoming one of the most successful and recognizable entertainers in the world. Her career extended far beyond music. She was a singer, songwriter, actress, author, businesswoman and philanthropist whose influence reached generations of fans. Parton sold more than 100 million records and earned 11 Grammy Awards during her career. She wrote thousands of songs, including some of country music’s most enduring hits such as Jolene, 9 to 5, Coat of Many Colors and I Will Always Love You, which later became a global hit for Whitney Houston.
Her talents also took her to Hollywood, where she starred in films including 9 to 5, and Steel Magnolias.
But Parton’s legacy extended well beyond entertainment.
In 1986, she opened Dollywood, a theme park near her hometown in Tennessee, celebrating the culture and heritage of the Appalachian region. She also established the Dollywood Foundation and its flagship Imagination Library programme, which provides free books to children. The programme has distributed hundreds of millions of books to children around the world. Parton was also known for her charitable giving, including a $1 million donation toward COVID-19 vaccine research at Vanderbilt University, which contributed to research that helped lead to Moderna’s vaccine.
Despite her immense fame, Parton often spoke about her humble beginnings. Born January 19, 1946, in a one-room cabin near Sevierville, Tennessee, she was the fourth of 12 children. Her upbringing in a poor but musically rich family became a recurring source of inspiration for her songwriting. Parton was married to Carl Thomas Dean for 59 years. Dean died in March 2025 at the age of 82.
In a statement following Parton’s death, her team described her generosity and compassion as central to her legacy, saying she spent her life bringing “joy, laughter, hope and integrity” to everything she touched. Her family has requested that the funeral service remain private and limited to immediate family. Fans and friends around the world have been encouraged to pay tribute to the country music legend on social media.
Dolly Parton leaves behind a legacy that stretches from the country music stage to Hollywood and into the lives of millions of people touched by her philanthropy. The rhinestones, the big hair and the unmistakable voice made her an icon but for generations of fans, it was her music, generosity and warmth that made Dolly Parton unforgettable.
Miss Universe Haiti 2026 Crowns Wrong Winner
A major mix-up at the Miss Universe Haiti 2026 coronation has resulted in organizers releasing a statement admitting the wrong contestant was initially crowned.
In an official statement, Miss Universe Haiti apologized for what it described as a “human error” during the announcement of the final results. According to the organization, the wrong contestant was mistakenly crowned during the ceremony, prompting organizers to review and confirm the official results.
The organization has since confirmed Tatenda Rameau as Miss Universe Haiti 2026, with Angélique François named first runner-up.
The organization said it takes full responsibility for the error, while emphasizing that the incident does not take away from the dedication, hard work and grace displayed by the contestants throughout the competition.
And despite the unexpected turn of events, Rameau has embraced her new title. In a social media post following the announcement, the newly crowned queen wrote, “Someone pinch me,” before declaring, “I am your Miss Universe Haiti 2026.” Rameau described the title as the fulfillment of a dream and a promise to Haiti, saying she and her team are prepared to go “all the way” as she begins preparations for the Miss Universe competition.
She also outlined her platform, Found in Translation, which she says will focus on strengthening the connection between Haiti and its global diaspora through arts, culture and storytelling. Rameau acknowledged the significance of representing Haiti on the international stage, describing herself as “one small reflection” of the country’s excellence, strength, beauty and resilience.
She also thanked her family, friends, coach and the sponsors and creatives who supported her journey to the Miss Universe Haiti crown.
Minister of Education Gives Update for Upcoming Academic Year
The Minister of Education recently appeared on an episode of Expressions, where she provided an update on several initiatives within the Ministry ahead of the upcoming school year.
The discussion began with the readiness of schools and preparations underway to welcome students for the new academic year.
The Minister also addressed concerns surrounding reports of a possible reduction in scholarship funding, providing clarification on the Ministry’s position.
The conversation also touched on opportunities available at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, procedures surrounding daycare services, and support available to students studying abroad.
The Minister encouraged students overseas who may be experiencing difficulties or require additional assistance to reach out to the Scholarship Unit for support.
35,000 pounds of Crawfish Collected in First Three Days of Lobster Season
The 2026–2027 Spiny Lobster Season is off to a strong start, with more than 35,000 pounds of crawfish landed across Providenciales, South Caicos and Grand Turk during the first three days of the season.
The season officially opened on Saturday, August 1 and will run through March 31, 2027. According to the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management, 66 commercial fishers, 37 commercial vessels and 27 foreign fishing assistants were licensed for the new season. Fishers wasted no time getting to sea on opening day, with vessels departing from landing sites in Providenciales, South Caicos and Grand Turk in the early hours of Saturday morning, despite challenging weather conditions.
South Caicos recorded the largest landings during the opening period, with 25,681 pounds reported over the three days. On opening day alone, 37 vessels in South Caicos landed nearly 15,000 pounds, averaging about 415 pounds per vessel. The largest individual landing over the opening period was 1,369 pounds. Providenciales recorded 8,488 pounds over the three days, while Grand Turk recorded 1,215.4 pounds.
Overall, reported landings totaled 35,384.4 pounds between Saturday and Monday, although Monday's South Caicos figures were still being compiled.
The strong start comes as the fishing industry continues to play a significant role in the Turks and Caicos Islands' economy, supporting fishers and their families, as well as processors, exporters and restaurants. The opening also required a significant presence from fisheries and environmental officers.
In South Caicos, the first vessel departed at 4:05 a.m. on Saturday, with officers from the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management and the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources on the docks from 4 a.m. until the final vessels returned. In Providenciales, officers monitored landing sites at Cooper Jack, Chalk Sound and Provo Seafood, remaining on site until 8 p.m.
Compliance checks also formed part of the opening weekend operations. Authorities reported that the majority of the catch inspected was within legal limits. However, officers in Providenciales seized 32 undersized and 15 moulted crawfish, along with an estimated 13 pounds of undersized and nine pounds of moulted crawfish the next day. Despite those seizures, the department described the amount of non-compliant product as a small fraction of the overall landings.
Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, Minister of Tourism, Environment, Fisheries and Marine Affairs spoke the opening of lobster season. He said
"The opening of the spiny lobster season is always a proud moment for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the early results show that this season looks very promising. This fishery sustains livelihoods in every island community, and the strong start we have witnessed is a testament to the skill and dedication of our fishers. This Government will continue to support the sustainable livelihoods of our fishers, the food security of our islands and the good nutrition of our people, and remains committed to managing this resource responsibly so that it continues to provide for generations of fishers to come.”
"The Ministry commends the fishing community and the officers of the DFMRM for a safe, orderly and productive opening. The level of coordination across our landing sites reflects the professionalism of the Department and the strength of its partnership with fishers.”
The ministry also expressed how dangerous fishing can be, sharing that the rewards of the opening days came with real risk. Fishing is widely recognised as one of the most dangerous occupations in the world, and the adverse conditions under which fishers worked this weekend are a reminder of what they face each time they leave the dock.
Throughout the opening period, land and sea Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) operations were carried out in collaboration with the DECR and the Department of Maritime, providing a strong interagency effort to support fisher safety and protect invaluable ocean resources. During at-sea monitoring, control and surveillance operations over the opening period, a fishing vessel's engine became unserviceable, and the DFMRM patrol vessel towed the vessel and its crew safely back to shore on 01 August 2026.
On Monday, 3rd August, the IVMS proved its worth in real time. The device provided accurate location data, enabling the crew of the DFMRM patrol vessel to swiftly locate a fisher in need of urgent assistance. These back-to-back incidents underscore the value of the Government's Inshore Vessel Monitoring System (IVMS) safety-of-life-at-sea device, which enables the search and rescue team to quickly locate vessels that become disabled at sea and return fishers safely home to their families and friends.
Fishers who have not yet registered are encouraged to contact the DFMRM at (649) 338 4177 or email arponteen@gov.tc.
Minister of Energy Updates the Public on TCI's Fuel Situation
During a public update on August 7th Hon. E Jay Saunders Minister of Energy spoke to residents of the TCI on their recent energy bills.
Firstly he discussed the fuel buying process.
The minister then gave a timeline for the fuel factor rates throughout the months.
Hon Saunders then went on to discuss how the government assisted residents by providing a cost of living payment and subsidy for pelican energy bills.
He also mentioned that with more agreements being discussed with the US and Iran, it is expected that the global fuel rates will go down.
Hon Saunders continued by discussing the way forward.