3RD ANNUAL SCHOOL CENSUS DAY
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture proudly celebrated the 3rd Annual School Census Day. Each year, October 31st marks the Ministry’s official deadline for all public and private schools across the Turks and Caicos Islands to submit their school-level data to the Policy and Planning Unit, ensuring timely reporting to UNESCO and CARICOM.
School Census Day also serves as a national moment to spotlight the importance of data awareness. In its inaugural year, the focus was on understanding the significance of educational data and its role in decision-making, policy development, and long-term sustainability. In year two, 11 private schools entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry as part of an initiative encouraging the use of OpenEMIS in exchange for Microsoft 365 licenses.
In its third year, the Ministry showcased the accomplishments across every sector including Heads of Departments, Principals, Teachers, and Students. The Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Honourable Rachel Taylor, commended the dedication demonstrated across the system and reinforced her charge to the Ministry:
“School Census Day is more than a reporting exercise, it is a powerful reminder that data is the backbone of effective education systems. This year’s theme, ‘Delving into Data Dynamics,’ encourages us to not only collect data, but to understand it, use it, and allow it to guide our strategies for national development. I am immensely proud of our team and all our partners who continue to champion data-driven leadership.”
Minister Taylor further applauded the collective efforts of educators and administrators:
“The achievements highlighted today reflect the commitment of our educators, school leaders, and support staff who work tirelessly to ensure that every child in the Turks and Caicos Islands receives quality education. I congratulate all the award recipients. Your dedication helps shape a system that prepares every resident with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to contribute meaningfully to our society and economy.”
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Heads of Departments:
Mr. Mark Garland – Director of Education
Ms. Candice Williams – President/CEO, TCICC
Mr. Jarrette Forbes – TCI Sports Commission
Ms. Arielle Neely – National Internship and Apprenticeship Program
Dr. Anya Malcom – Special Education Needs Services
Mr. Cecil Graham – Library Services
Ms. Kecha Delusma-Chase – Library Services
Ms. Odessa Forbes – Department of Culture
Education Officers:
Ms. Juliet Thelwell
Mr. David Bowen
Principals:
Ms. Robin Cox-Foster – Thelma Lightbourne Primary School
Ms. Eileen Elliot – Iris Stubbs Primary School
Ms. Rhoda Cox-Williams – Ona Glinton Primary School
Ms. Nyree Taylor-Williams – Eliza Simons Primary School
Ms. Jenna Mae Forbes – MILLS Institute
Ms. Darlene Lightbourne – BEST Institute
Ms. Sophia Garland – Enid Capron Primary School
Ms. Shanta Seymour – Clement Howell Primary School
Teachers:
Ms. Chervita Williams – Ona Glinton Primary School
Ms. Chrissy Williams – Eliza Simons Primary School
High School Essay Winners:
Jeffca Forbes – Clement Howell High School
Nathanael Marcelin – A. Louise Garland Thomas High School
Bre’Anna John – Raymond Gardiner High School
Excellence in Service Award:
Ms. Diandra Gray – Policy and Planning Unit
The Ministry extends special thanks to its sponsors and service providers: The Honourable Otis Morris, FLOW TCI, Island Printing, Olympic Construction Ltd., Peaches Restaurant, Unique Creations, Grand Turk Events, Sub-tronic Entertainment, and Mr. Salorne McDonald for their exceptional contributions.
The Policy and Planning Unit team under the leadership of Ms. Michelle Agard, Education Policy and Planning Manager, and Ms. Diandra Gray, Assistant Education Policy and Planning Officer, remains steadfast in its mission to lead data-driven initiatives that yield sustainable outcomes aligned with the needs of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
GENDER AFFAIRS TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY 2025
The Department of Gender Affairs, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs and Transportation, is set to celebrate International Men's Day on November 19, 2025, with the inspiring theme "Men and Boys Anchored in Strength, Driven by Purpose," which emphasizes the importance of resilience and direction in the lives of men and boys. To celebrate this significant occasion, the Department will organize a variety of events aimed at fostering empowerment and connection within the community.
Among the planned activities are Boys Empowerment Sessions, which will take place from November 18 to 20, targeting boys in grades seven through eleven across both private and public schools. These sessions are designed to facilitate mentorship, allowing experienced men to share their insights and wisdom with the younger generation. The goal is to inspire and equip the boys of the Turks and Caicos with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate their futures successfully, thereby contributing positively to society.
The Department encourages women throughout the Turks and Caicos to show their support for men by wearing a tie-on November 19, 2025. This gesture symbolizes solidarity and appreciation for the contributions of men in various spheres of life. Furthermore, individuals and organizations are invited to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of men in their homes, workplaces, and communities. By participating in these initiatives, everyone can play a role in recognizing and uplifting the men who strive to make a difference in the lives of others.
In addition to the official events hosted by the Department, individuals and organizations are encouraged to take part in this celebration by acknowledging the hard work and dedication of men in their own spheres and to express gratitude and recognition for the efforts of men who contribute positively to society. This collective acknowledgment not only uplifts the spirits of men but also reinforces the values of respect and appreciation within our communities.
Activities will culminate with a special Awards Ceremony on November 29, 2025, at the HJ Robinson Auditorium in Grand Turk, honoring men who have made significant contributions to society. The Department warmly invites everyone to participate and come out in support of this meaningful celebration.
Join us in recognizing the strength, purpose, and positive impact of men and boys across the Turks and Caicos Islands as we celebrate International Men's Day 2025.
Fillopino Charged with Sexual Assault in TCI
RONALD YAPPARCON LUNA, 44, of the Philippines was granted $15,000 bail when he appeared in court yesterday.
Luna is charged with THREE (3) counts of Sexual Assault and was granted bail in the sum of $5000 for each offence. The accused is expected to reappear in court on 20th November 2025.
The charges arose from a report made in December 2023, following which officers of the
Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit investigated and subsequently charged Luna.
TCI REMAINS COMMITTED TO ENHANCING AWARENESS OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
This year marks the 7th year that the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) is joining the world to observe World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW). The theme for 2025, as stated by the World Health Organization (WHO), is “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future”.
WAAW, which is a global campaign observed annually between November 18th – 24th, aims to raise awareness and increase understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and to promote action across the world to fight the emergence and spread of drug-resistant pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. According to the WHO, AMR represents a major global threat across the human, animal, plant, food and environmental sectors. AMR occurs when pathogens no longer respond to antimicrobial agents. As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics become ineffective and infections become difficult or impossible to treat, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.
Notably, a quadripartite (four-party) group of organizations, namely the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), continue to join forces to fight against AMR which is one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity.
Likewise, the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MoHHS), TCI acknowledges the significance of WAAW and continues to lead a multiple stakeholder group to bring awareness to AMR to every resident in the TCI. The group of multiple stakeholders include the public, One Health stakeholders (healthcare providers, farmers, animal health professionals) and policymakers, who all play a critical role in reducing the further emergence and spread of AMR.
In support of WAAW 2025, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services stated that:
“The MoHHS and by extension the TCI joins the global community in observing World AMR Awareness Week 2025 by fully supporting the theme ‘Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future’. As such, I would like to remind all TCI residents that together we can all help to fight AMR. AMR is not tomorrow’s problem because drug-resistant infections are already here. Hence, any delay to act may cost lives. Therefore, the MoHHS understands the need to prioritise and invest in a national AMR action plan with defined roles and dedicated resources across all sectors.”
With a sustained collaboration across sectors to preserve the effectiveness of critical medicines known as antimicrobials to effectively reduce AMR, the MoHHS, by way of its draft national action plan, continues to work with a team of health professionals from various sectors to tackle this very serious problem and continues on the journey to:
- improve the awareness and understanding of AMR,
- strengthen knowledge through surveillance and research,
- reduce the incidence of infection and
- improve the use of antimicrobial medicines.
The following events are being planned for the week of November 18th – 24th:
- Continuing education for healthcare professionals on November 18, 2025.
- Setting up of information tables for public viewing at both TCI Hospitals/InterHealth Canada venues.
- Sharing of information on the MoHHS’ social media pages
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/tci_health
- In-person AMR presentations will be conducted at a few locations.
TCI leads the Caribbean with the introduction of the VPD-SMART.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Primary Health Care Department recently conducted a three-day training workshop on the use of VPD-SMART from 3 - 5 November 2025. The training was conducted by Claudia Ortiz and Felipe Aguilera Millacura, consultants from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) in Washington DC and Chile.
VPD-SMART is built on district health information system (DHIS2) which is an open-source software developed and implemented by the health information system platform (HISP) network, a global collaboration between HISP centre and the University of Oslo in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
The VPD-SMART tool was implemented by the Pan American Health Organisation in 2023. It is a modernised process in epidemiological surveillance for diseases under elimination in the Americas and the Caribbean like measles, rubella, and acute flaccid paralysis. The tool was introduced to the Caribbean EPI Manager’s group during their 2024 annual meeting. Following this introduction, the Turks and Caicos expressed their interest in using the tool to improve communicable disease surveillance and reporting.
Ten (10) nurses from the Primary Health Care Department were trained in the use of the VPD-SMART tool from across the TCI. Each clinic was represented in the first group. The first part of the training was done virtually over a period of three (3) days. The second part was an in-person training which allowed the participants to get hands on practice of the tool. The objectives of the mission were to analyse and map existing processes to understand data flow, note the strengths and weaknesses of our surveillance system and establish sustainable data processes to implement standardise protocols to ensure data quality, promote long-term system sustainability and facilitate the transition to VPD-SMART.
“PAHO’s visit for this training was significant as it marks the first android-based implementation of VPD-SMART in the Caribbean tailored to the regional needs. The TCI is the first in the English-speaking Caribbean region to introduce VPD-SMART. This gives us the opportunity to assess the usefulness of the tool and determine any challenges to make the introduction as seamless as possible. One of our team members will have the unique opportunity to share their experience with other countries and act as trainers once others decide to implement VPD SMART in their country. While the virtual training was good, it had its limitations, and the in-person training was more effective. We are always seeking innovative ways to make our work more efficient and effective and the introduction of VPD SMART is just another step in modernising our health information system”. Alrisa Gardiner – Primary Health Care Manager.
“The TCI Ministry of Health is proud to be the first in the English-speaking Caribbean to introduce the DHIS2-based VPD-SMART platform. This innovative digital system will significantly strengthen our surveillance and response to vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, rubella, and polio. By enabling real-time data collection, analysis, and reporting, VPD-SMART enhances our ability to detect outbreaks early and make evidence-based decisions to protect the health of our people. This marks an important step toward modernising our national health information systems and ensuring a healthier, safer future for all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”Hon Kyle Knowles - Minister of Health and Human Services.
TCI Ministers Cabinet Update
Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 20th meeting of the Cabinet held on Wednesday, 13th August 2025 at the Office of the Premier, NJS Francis Building, Pond Street, Grand Turk.
All members were present with the exception of Deputy Governor H.E. Anya Williams, with the Permanent Secretary of Finance Mrs. Athenee Basden attending as the Acting Deputy Governor; the Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Arlington Musgrove; and Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon. Kyle Knowles.
In this meeting Cabinet:
- Received a Presentation from the Department of DDME and the National Security Secretariat on the projections and preparedness for Tropical Storm Erin.
- Approved the proposed Amendment to the Crown Land Act to formally place the National Land Secretariat under the Governor’s Office and the Office of the Premier.
- Noted TCIG’s 1st Quarter Financial Report 2025-26.
- Considered recommendations made in the CARTAC Technical Mission Report pertaining to the implementation of a Broad-Based Tax in the Turks and Caicos Islands and approved next steps.
- Approved amendments to the National Honours and Awards Act to establish term limits for membership and approved the appointment of members to the National Honours and Awards Committee and to amend the tenure of members in the act:
- Mr. James Malcolm, Chairman, 3 years
- Hon. John Malcolm, Government Nominated Member, 3 years
- Mr. Ranaldo Forbes, Government Nominated Member, 2 years
- Mr. Edward Hall Sr., Government Nominated Member, 2 years
- Ms. Holly Forbes, Opposition Nominated Member, 3 years
- Mr. Shirlen Joseph Stubbs, Opposition Nominated Member, 2 years
- Ms. Beverley Ann Simmons, Opposition Nominated Member, 2 years
- Approved the Policy Development Framework for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and agreed next steps.
- Received an Information Paper in respect of a litigation matter and agreed the next steps.
- Approved the Probates (Re-sealing) (Amendment) Bill 2025 for onward submission to the Parliament.
- Received a quarterly update on ongoing civil litigation matters and agreed next steps.
- Approved a rental lease agreement for the Environmental Health Department, Providenciales 60716/046 Leeward Highway, Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill.
- Approved a request, in line with statutory requirements, for a variation of stevedoring tariff in accordance with Section 15 of the Ports Authority Stevedore Fees and Charges Regulation 2008 and for the variation of tariff be published within the Gazette and for the variation of tariff to take place effective September 1st, 2025.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Maxwell Hanfield as a member to the Physical Planning Appeals Tribunal for a period of 2 years.
- Approved a Rental Lease Agreement for the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development Satellite Office, King’s Highway, Bottle Creek 51000/10 North Caicos.
- Approved the renewal of the Rental Lease Agreement for Radio Turks and Caicos Broadcasting Facility and the Ministry of Innovation Technology and E-Government, Stubbs Diamond Plaza (60804/058) Units 1, 2, 3 The Bight and Thomas Stubbs, Providenciales.
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
Investigation launched in Grand Turk
RTC News responded to reports made on Wednesday, 12th November 2025, after Police confirmed that at approximately 7:17 p.m.,the Control Room received a report concerning a male lying at the rear of a vehicle along North Back Salina, Grand Turk.
The police responded immediately and upon arrival, officers observed a male at the rear of a vehicle. The individual was unresponsive and appeared lifeless.
RTC understands that the victim has been identified as MELVIN WELLINGTON of Grand Turk, and his death is
now being treated as a homicide.
A medical practitioner attended the scene and formally pronounced Mr. Wellington deceased.
A female relative remains in police custody, assisting investigators with ongoing inquiries.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force extends condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Wellington during this difficult time.
Investigators are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed or has information about this incident to contact the Serious Crimes Unit at 231-1842 or submit tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 (TIPS).
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information anonymously.
UN food agencies warn that millions of lives at risk as hunger crisis worsens
Haiti has been identified among 16 countries and territories worldwide by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP) of a major hunger emergency, with acute food insecurity set to worsen between now and May 2026, putting millions of lives at risk.
A report released by the two UN agencies identifies six that are at the highest risk of famine or catastrophic hunger, namely Sudan, Palestine, South Sudan, Mali, Haiti, and Yemen.
The report notes that in these areas, some communities are projected to reach famine or near-famine conditions.
Other countries of very high concern include the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Nigeria, Somalia, Syria, and Afghanistan. Additional hotspots include Burkina Faso, Chad, Kenya, and the situation of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
The UN said acute food insecurity means families cannot meet their basic food needs and often resort to desperate measures, such as skipping meals or selling essential possessions. At Phase 4 (Emergency) and Phase 5 (Catastrophe/Famine), hunger becomes life-threatening.
“Famine is not inevitable. We have the tools and the knowledge to prevent it, but we need the resources and the political will to act now,” said Cindy McCain, the WFP’s Executive Director.
The agencies say children are especially vulnerable. Malnutrition weakens immunity, making them more susceptible to disease and death. The report warns that delayed action will cost lives and increase humanitarian costs.
The report highlights four main drivers, namely conflict and violence, the leading cause in 14 of the 16 hotspots, economic shocks with fragile economies, high debt, and soaring food prices; climate extremes such as floods, droughts, and cyclones linked to La Niña conditions and reduced humanitarian aid where funding shortfalls have forced ration cuts and limited malnutrition treatment.
“Conflict remains the single biggest driver of hunger,” said Dongyu Qu, the FAO Director-General. “But climate shocks and economic instability are compounding the crisis, leaving millions with no safety net.”
The two UN agencies are calling for urgent action to prevent famine. They are urging humanitarian assistance to save lives and livelihoods, early interventions before crises escalate and investment in resilience to tackle root causes, not just symptoms.
The agencies stress that the international community faces a narrowing window to act. Failure to respond will deepen hunger, destabilize regions, and lead to preventable deaths.
Source- CMC
TCI Weather Forecast
GENERAL SITUATION: A stationary front across the Turks and Caicos Islands will continue to support some shower activity and breezy conditions along with rough boating and beaching conditions across the islands today.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: There is a high risk of dangerous rip currents along Atlantic-facing shorelines. Beachgoers and swimmers are advised not to enter the water.
WEATHER: Partly to mostly cloudy with a medium (40 to 50 percent) chance of scattered showers this afternoon in Providenciales, North Caicos and Middle Caicos and a low (10 to 20 percent) chance elsewhere. Partly to mostly cloudy with a low (20 percent) chance of showers tonight. New total rainfall accumulation of about an inch.
ADVISORY: Small Craft Advisory and High Surf Advisory in effect.
WINDS: Northeast at 15 to 25 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 3 to 5 feet; Atlantic - 4 to 6 feet, building up to 10 feet offshore
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 81°F 27°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 75°F 24°C
SUNSET: 05:07 PM
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 02:03 PM (2.6 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 08:36 PM (1.0 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: The frontal boundary will remain over the area and gradually weaken through Friday evening. A robust high pressure will build behind the front and maintain cool, dry, and breezy conditions across the island chain into the weekend.
THURSDAY: A medium (40 to 50 percent) chance of scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 81°F (27°C).
THURSDAY NIGHT: A low (20 to 30 percent) chance of widely scattered showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74°F (23°C). New total rainfall accumulation between a quarter of an inch to a half an inch.
ADVISORY: A Small Craft Advisory will remain in effect until 8pm on Thursday.
WINDS: Northeast at 10 to 15 knots with gusts up to 25 knots.
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic – 4 to 6 feet, building up to 8 feet offshore, then subsiding to 4 to 6 feet overnight.
SUNRISE: 05:59 AM
SUNSET: 05:06 PM
HIGH TIDE: 02:20 AM (2.0 FT) 03:03 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 08:31 AM (0.7 FT) 09:33 PM (1.0 FT)
FRIDAY: A medium (50 to 60 percent) chance of scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 79°F (26°C).
FRIDAY NIGHT: A medium (40 to 50 percent) chance of scattered showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73°F (23°C). New total rainfall accumulation between a quarter of an inch to half an inch.
WINDS: Northeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic – 3 to 5 feet
SUNRISE: 05:59 AM
SUNSET: 05:06 PM
HIGH TIDE: 03:28 AM (2.3 FT) 04:01 PM (2.3 FT)
LOW TIDE: 09:42 AM (1.0 FT) 10:24 PM (1.0 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: Tropical cyclone activity is not expected during the next 7 days.
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
New Book looks at Building a Nation Through Law
RTC News was reliably informed that the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fitz Bailey today received a courtesy visit from Attorney Mark Fulford, President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Bar Association.
During the visit, Mr. Fulford presented Commissioner Bailey with a signed copy of his newly published book, “Law and Constitution.”
The book covers various chapters and looks at the two key pillars of the TCI.
Commissioner Bailey commended Mr. Fulford for his outstanding contribution to legal education and national development, stating, “Unless our mindset shifts toward understanding that we each have a duty to serve and be impactful, true nation-building will remain elusive.
“Mr. Fulford’s commitment to patriotism and his leadership through initiatives such as the
United Way embody the pride and purpose our nation needs. We must begin to see our roles, not merely as jobs, but as integral parts of building this nation. Too often, the appetite for wealth overshadows loyalty and genuine desire for progress. What you have started, is inspiring, and I hope it resonates across our society.”
Also, in attendance to witness the signing of the book was acting Assistant Commissioner, Mr. Dwight Gardiner.
