Teen Pleads Guilty
Nineteen year old KERVENS CHERENFANT, of Grand Turk, has pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child.
Cherenfant entered his plea when he appeared before a Judge on 3rd November 2025 and remains
in custody at HM Prison – Department of Correction and Rehabilitation pending his sentencing in December.
Cherenfant was formally charged on February 10, 2025, by officers of the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit (SPPU).
The offences against Cherenfant occurred between December 2024 and February 2025 and involved a 13-year-old victim.
Following a report lodged on February 6, 2025, the SPPU launched an investigation, which led to Cherenfant's arrest.
The SPPU strongly urges the public to IMMEDIATELY report any suspicions or allegations of child abuse through the following channels:
* Make a report at the nearest police station;
* Contact the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit at 232- 6696, the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) -338-4013, Department of Social Development at 338-4008 or call 911.
All calls will be treated with sensitivity and confidentiality.
COP30 opens with countries urged to push for faster climate progress
The 30th Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) began here on Monday, with a clear message that the era of half-measures is over and that climate change is real, devastating communities and driving up costs, but solutions are within reach.
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, said that commitments and agreements made by successive COPs were beginning to show impact, with the global emissions curve now starting to bend downward.
The former senior Grenada government minister acknowledged that much work remains but highlighted that Belém “home to the mouth of the mighty Amazon River” can serve as inspiration.
“The Amazon is not a single river, but a vast system sustained by more than a thousand tributaries. In the same way, implementation of COP outcomes must be driven by multiple streams of international cooperation.”
Stiell urged delegates to focus on turning ambition into action, saying “your job here is not to fight one another, your job here is to fight this climate crisis, together. This is the growth story of the 21st century – the economic transformation of our age.”
Stiell warned that “no national plan can solve this problem on its own,” stressing that no country can afford the economic shock of climate disasters that slash gross domestic product (GDP) by double digits.
“It makes neither economic nor political sense to stand idle while catastrophic droughts destroy crops and drive food prices sky-high,” he said, calling it “unforgivable” that extreme weather continues to claim millions of lives when proven solutions already exist.
Among the key priorities for COP30, highlighted by Stiell are a just and orderly transition away from fossil fuels, tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency, mobilizing US$1.3 trillion annually for climate action in developing countries as well as approving a global framework of adaptation indicators and advancing the Work Programme on Just Transition and the Technology Implementation Programme.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in his address said the conference provides the moment to match opportunity with urgency, calling for a decisive defeat of climate denial and faster action to keep the 1.5°C goal alive.
A preliminary assessment by the UNFCCC, which convenes the yearly COPs, suggests these pledges could cut emissions by 12 per cent by 2035. It’s progress, but not yet enough to guarantee the 1.5°C goal. The challenge now is turning promises into action at a pace that matches the scale of the crisis.
President Lula warned that “climate change is not a threat to the future – it is a tragedy of the present.”
Citing Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean and a tornado in Paraná, the President said described COP 30 as “the COP of truth,” warning that denial and delay are no longer options. “We are moving in the right direction, but at the wrong speed. Crossing 1.5°C is a risk we cannot take.”
He called for an end to climate denialism, underscoring that “in the age of disinformation, obscurantists reject not only scientific evidence but also the progress of multilateralism.
“They control algorithms, sow hatred, spread fear, and attack institutions, science, and universities. It is time to impose a new defeat on denialists. Without the Paris Agreement, the world would be heading toward catastrophic warming of nearly 5°C by the end of the century.”
President Lula pressed world leaders to adopt ambitious climate pledges and keep adaptation at the heart of national strategies. He called for “a roadmap for humanity to overcome, in a just and planned way, its dependence on fossil fuels, reverse deforestation, and mobilize the resources needed to do so.”
To back that vision, he announced a new fund to support energy transitions in developing countries, financed by revenues from oil exploration.
The Leaders’ Summit, held on November 6 and 7, has already mobilized US$5.5 billion for the Tropiccal Forests Forever Facility – a fund designed to reward nations for protecting rainforests.
Other collective commitments include recognizing Indigenous land rights, quadrupling sustainable fuel production, and linking climate action to the fight against hunger, poverty, and environmental racism.
Bringing COP30 to the heart of the Amazon was, in Lula’s words, “a difficult but necessary task,” giving the world a chance to witness the realities of the planet’s most biodiverse biome—home to more than 50 million people and 400 Indigenous groups.
“May the serenity of the forest inspire the clarity of thought needed to see what must be done,” he said.
COP30 President, André Corrêa do Lago, presiding over the official opening of the summit, urged delegates to make this the “COP of implementation, adaptation, and economic integration of climate policy – and above all, the COP that listens to and believes in science”.
He recognized the crucial role of Indigenous Peoples as guardians of the Amazon, the region now at the centre of the world’s attention.
Meanwhile, the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) said against the backdrop of a devastating hurricane season that once again underscored the region’s extreme vulnerability, it is taking will take the Caribbean’s climate agenda to the global stage.
The region’s premier financial institution ill lead and participate in a series of events, high level discussions and bilateral engagements aimed at securing greater access to concessional climate finance and strengthening partnerships for sustainable development.
“The Caribbean’s climate reality has never been clearer or more urgent,” CDB President Daniel Best said, adding that this intensified engagement reflects both the urgency and opportunity of the moment
“The recent passage of Hurricane Melissa has underscored what we’ve been warning for years: without predictable, concessional finance, small island states cannot keep pace with escalating climate impacts.
“COP30 is one of the most consequential arenas for advancing our case for climate justice and fair financing, and the Caribbean Development Bank will ensure our region’s voice is heard.”
At COP30, the CDB said that it strategically engage governments, international partners, and private investors to deepen partnerships and advocate for increased concessional financing and innovative mechanisms to mobilise resources for the region.
On Monday, November 17, CDB will co-host three side events that reflect key priorities for climate action and resilience in the Caribbean.
The first session, “Leveraging Private Sector Financing for Transport and Energy Sector Transformation in the Caribbean,” will explore strategies to unlock private capital through blended finance models, risk-sharing instruments, and innovative partnerships to accelerate investment in renewable energy and sustainable transport systems.
A discussion on “Agriculture and Food Security in the Caribbean: Scaling Innovative Solutions for Climate-Resilient Agriculture” will spotlight climate-smart agricultural practices and investment opportunities that can strengthen food security and reduce the region’s dependence on imports.
CDB is also collaborating with the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) and the CREWS Secretariat to turn attention to disaster preparedness with a panel on “Climate Information and Early Warning Systems for Latin America and the Caribbean”.
That discussion will explore initiatives by the three institutions to finance and implement early warning systems for the region.
“CDB’s agenda at COP30 underscores our approach to climate action, which is practical, innovative, and built on partnerships. The Caribbean is helping itself by developing our own solutions to protect lives, preserve livelihoods and transform our energy, transport and agriculture systems to secure our future, but we need the global community to stand with us,” Best said.
CDB said that it is targeting 30-35 per cent of its resources to climate finance demonstrating its commitment to helping Borrowing Member Countries (BMC) adapt to the accelerating climate crisis.
“The Bank is also better positioned to deliver transformative regional interventions through a recent increase in its GCF financing threshold to US$250 million and its new Climate Change Project Preparation Fund, both of which will help countries design and finance concrete, high-impact projects faster and more effectively,” it added.
Source-CMC
More than 2,200 flights canceled Sunday amid nationwide air travel disruption
Nationwide flight disruption stretched into Sunday following cancellations or delays to thousands of flights on Saturday, as the Federal Aviation Administration limited capacity at 40 major U.S. airports amid the longest government shutdown in American history.
As of 4:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, more than 2,200 flights were canceled across the country, according to the FlightAware website, as the FAA grappled with sustained staffing issues in air traffic controller towers and centers. Some 7,500 flights also were delayed.
Saturday saw 1,521 flights canceled nationwide and more than 6,400 flights delayed.
Saturday's figures surpassed those from Friday, when 1,024 flights were cancelled. Since Friday, more than 3,700 flights have been canceled.
Source-ABC
Senate reconvene Monday after vote advancing potential deal to end government shutdown
The Senate scheduled on Monday to reconvene working toward ending the federal government shutdown, which is now in its 41st day.
Lawmakers in a rare Sunday session cleared a key hurdle toward potentially reopening the government by advancing a short-term funding bill by a razor-thin vote of 60-40, just meeting the threshold for it to pass.
Trump says he'll issue $2,000 tariff dividend to all except 'high-income people'
President Donald Trump on Sunday claimed that a "dividend of at least $2000 a person" will be paid to all Americans except for "high-income people," saying the country is now wealthy as a result of his tariff policies.
"People that are against Tariffs are FOOLS! We are now the Richest, Most Respected Country In the World, With Almost No Inflation, and A Record Stock Market Price. 401k's are Highest EVER," the president wrote.
"A dividend of at least $2000 a person (not including high income people!) will be paid to everyone," he added.
In an interview on ABC News' This Week on Sunday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that he had not spoken with Trump about the proposed dividend.
Source- ABC
Michael Jackson nabs new chart record thanks to ‘Thriller’
Michael Jackson just landed a new chart record.
Billboard reports that following Halloween, Jackson's song "Thriller" -- which initially peaked at #4 in 1984 -- has jumped from #32 to #10 on the Hot 100 singles chart. That makes the late King of Pop the first solo artist ever to hit the top 10 in six different decades: the '70s, '80s, '90s, 2000s, '10s and '20s.
Michael has now passed the record set by Andy Williams, who reached the top 10 in five decades, mostly thanks to his holiday hit "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year."
After reaching the top 10 for the first time in 1969 as a member of the Jackson 5, Michael first hit the top 10 as a solo artist in 1971 with his song "Got to Be There." Until now, he was last in the top 10 in 2018, as a featured artist on Drake's song "Don't Matter to Me."
MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND EXPERIENCE TURKS AND CAICOS CELEBRATE TOURISM ENVIRONMENT AWARENESS MONTH 2025
NATURE’S PASSPORT FEST TAKES CENTRE STAGE IN THIS YEAR’S CELEBRATION
The Ministry of Tourism and Experience Turks and Caicos are celebrating Tourism Environment Awareness Month (TEAM) this November under the theme: “Nature’s Passport – Stamp Your Journey, Leave No Trace.”
The theme highlights the Turks and Caicos Islands’ exceptional natural beauty while promoting responsible tourism and environmental stewardship. It invites visitors and residents to explore the islands as part of “Nature’s Passport,” where each experience is a stamp of discovery that leaves no lasting impact—only appreciation and respect for the environment.
“Our goal is to strengthen the foundation of our industry through collaboration and accountability,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly. “By uniting public and private stakeholders, we can create a tourism model that is sustainable, inclusive, and resilient—one that secures the long-term prosperity of our islands while ensuring the Turks and Caicos Islands remain Beautiful by Nature for generations to come.”
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant of Experience Turks and Caicos, said: “The theme calls on everyone to celebrate the islands’ vibrant ecosystems, its pristine beaches, coral reefs, mangroves, wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, while embracing the principles of ‘Leave No Trace’.”
The TEAM 2025 Calendar of Events was designed to encourage broad participation from both residents and visitors. Activities include career and entrepreneurship fairs across the islands and a series of Eco-Stamps clean-up campaigns.
A major highlight of the month will be Nature’s Passport Fest – An Eco-Educational Celebration of TCI, taking place on Saturday, November 8th, at The Bight Children’s Park. The event encourages participants to collect stamps in a special TEAM passport as they engage with local vendors and eco-focused exhibitors.
Patrons will also have the opportunity to win exciting prizes, including a 50 percent discount on a Half-Day Cruise with Lady Turkuoise. The festival will be hosted by Super P and Arielle Neely, featuring entertainment by DJ Young Squad, Breezy Bay Dancers, A Plus Band, and Levenia Bishop (Spoken Word).
Nature’s Passport Fest runs from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is free to the public.
ISU’S COMMUNITY OUTREACH CARAVAN BRINGS SERVICES AND ENGAGEMENT TO GRAND TURK RESIDENTS
The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU) successfully hosted its Community Outreach Caravan on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Parade Grounds in Grand Turk, drawing participation from residents and key stakeholders.
The event was part of the ISU’s continuing efforts to engage communities across the Turks and Caicos Islands, raise awareness of the Social Needs Assessment Survey, and reinforce the Unit’s visibility and collaboration with agencies and residents in advancing sustainable development.
Attendees benefited from a range of services provided by partner agencies, including the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME), Red Cross, Free Legal Aid Clinic of the TCI Bar Council, Health Promotions and Advocacy Unit, Dental Health Department, and Primary Health Care Unit. These services included free health checks, dental consultations, disaster preparedness information and material, as well as legal support.
In attendance at the event were the Honourable Edwin Astwood, Member of Parliament for Grand Turk South and Salt Cay and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and the Honourable Otis Morris, Member of Parliament for Grand Turk North, and Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, both of whom commended the initiative and expressed their support for the ISU’s efforts in Grand Turk and the wider Turks and Caicos Islands.
Residents visiting the ISU booth at the event were able to learn more about the Social Needs Assessment Survey, an ongoing initiative designed to gather accurate, community-level data to inform national policy on the management of informal settlements. ISU representatives engaged directly with attendees, sharing information about the Unit’s mandate and encouraging participation in the survey.
According to feedback received during the event, the Caravan was well-received by residents, who appreciated the opportunity to access all the services on offer in one location while learning about ongoing national efforts to improve living standards and community resilience.
The Community Outreach Caravan series serves as the public-facing component of the ISU’s broader outreach strategy. It brings essential services, information, and engagement opportunities directly to communities, ensuring that residents are informed and involved in the process of building a more sustainable Turks and Caicos Islands.
GOVERNMENT REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING LOCAL VENDORS WHILE UPHOLDING LAWFUL AND SUSTAINABLE BEACH OPERATIONS AT SAPODILLA BAY
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCIG) wishes to assure the public that it remains fully committed to supporting local entrepreneurship and creating long-term, sustainable opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders to thrive within the tourism industry.
The Government assures that no jobs or opportunities are being taken away from local vendors operating at Sapodilla Bay and that recent actions taken by the Department of Planning and the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) are not intended to disrupt livelihoods, but to ensure all vendors operate safely, legally, and within the standards expected of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ luxury tourism offering.
This Government has always stood for empowering our people through opportunity,” says Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Charles Washington Misick. “What we are doing at Sapodilla Bay is not about removing livelihoods, it’s about ensuring those livelihoods are sustainable, safe, and in keeping with the laws of our land. We are creating a long-term framework that gives Turks and Caicos Islanders not only the chance to earn today but to build lasting businesses that will thrive tomorrow.”
Currently, five vendors operating at Sapodilla Bay have been notified that their unauthorised structures must be removed. One vendor, in particular, has erected a permanent structure in violation of planning regulations, DECR ordinances, and the conditions of his business licence, which stipulates mobile operations only. Despite several previous warnings, the infraction has persisted.
New notices will be issued, granting 28 days’ notice before any demolition occurs. During this time, the vendors will be allowed to operate on Sapodilla Beach under temporary tents supplied by Experience Turks and Caicos.
Plans are underway for the development of a modern, purpose-built vendor facility across from the beach entrance. The facility will feature aesthetically designed booths, restrooms, and dedicated parking to enhance both the vendor and visitor experience. Once completed, the vendors will be relocated to this new facility.
Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Arlington Musgrove, said: “Our priority is to bring order and fairness to how public spaces are used. While we support our local entrepreneurs, we must also ensure that all activities align with planning and environmental regulations. The new vendor site will provide a proper, beautiful, and safe space for business to flourish, one that reflects our national standards and preserves the integrity of Sapodilla Bay.”
“The Ministry of Tourism and Experience Turks and Caicos are dedicated to ensuring the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands benefit from the tourism industry,” said Minister of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly. “We are not taking away opportunities to earn but enhancing them by ensuring our vendors operate with pride and professionalism. To that end, we are looking into the acquisition of the adjacent beachfront property for a permanent facility for our vendors.”
Through this initiative, the Government reaffirms its commitment to empowering locals, protecting public spaces, and ensuring the sustainable development of the Turks and Caicos Islands for generations to come.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT COMPLETES INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND TRAINING WITH SUPPORT FROM PAHO/WHO
The Public & Environmental Health Department, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the Ministry of Health and Human Services, is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Assessment and Training Program in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Led by PAHO Consultant Mr. Jose C. Espino, the initiative focused on building the capacity of officers from the Environmental Health Department and the National Public Health Laboratory to assess, manage, and improve indoor environmental conditions across various settings, including residential, commercial, and healthcare facilities.
The training addressed the growing importance of maintaining healthy indoor environments, recognizing that factors such as inadequate ventilation, high humidity, microbial contamination, and chemical pollutants can negatively affect health, comfort, and productivity.
The program included two virtual sessions held on October 14th –15th, followed by three days of fieldwork from October 22nd-24th in Providenciales. Participants engaged in lectures, case studies, and hands-on exercises that strengthened their skills in conducting air quality assessments, identifying indoor pollutants, using monitoring instruments, and preparing clear, evidence-based reports with practical recommendations. Ambient (outdoor air quality) was also discussed, and assessments were conducted in key areas, including communities surrounding the Providenciales landfill and the Howard Hamilton International Airport.
Commenting on this important initiative, Honourable Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services stated that “This initiative marks an important step in enhancing the technical expertise of Environmental Health Officers and Laboratory personnel and supports the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to promoting safe and healthy indoor environments across the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
The Environmental Health Department sincerely thanks PAHO/WHO for their continued support and collaboration in strengthening environmental health capacity within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
TCI BORDER FORCE CELEBRATES ONE YEAR INAUGURATION JOURNEY AND GRADUATION OF NEW RECRUITS
The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force marked a proud milestone on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, with a combined celebration of its One-Year Inauguration Journey and the Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2025, held at the Salvation Army Hall in Providenciales. The event honored a year of dedicated service since the Border Force's official launch and welcomed a new cohort of officers committed to vigilance, national pride, and public service.
The ceremony brought together Government leaders, national security partners, officers, and families to honor Border Force’s achievements and reaffirm its mission of safeguarding the Turks and Caicos Islands. Among those in attendance were Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam; the Hon. Premier, Charles Washington Misick; the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams; and the Deputy Premier and Minister with responsibility for Immigration and Border Force, Hon. Jamell Robinson, along with members of Cabinet and Parliament. Their presence underscored the Government’s continued commitment to national security, good governance, and the prosperity of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
In his One-Year Reflection Address, Director General Emilio Seymour described the anniversary as a moment of “resilience, unity, and purpose,” noting that the Border Force has transitioned from a vision into a thriving national institution. He commended the dedication of officers who have transformed the organization into a modern, intelligence-driven agency unified under one mission. “Today,” he said, “the Border Force stands tall, no longer emerging, but established; no longer transitioning, but thriving. We remain steadfast in our mission of safeguarding our border and our nation’s prosperity.”
The Deputy Premier and Minister with responsibility for Immigration and Border Force, Hon. Jamell Robinson, delivered remarks on behalf of the Government, lauding the agency’s progress and the determination of its officers. “Getting to where we are, and all that we have accomplished as a Ministry with the Border Force, is by no stretch of the imagination an easy feat,” he said. “Every milestone, every achievement, and every win, no matter how small, motivates us to push past obstacles in fulfilling our mission of safeguarding our border and our nation’s prosperity.”
Minister Robinson praised the leadership of Director General Seymour and the entire team for their commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and the integration of new technologies. He reaffirmed the Government’s continued support for a Border Force that is agile, data-driven, and people-centered, adding, “With enhanced capabilities, continuous training, and modernized systems, the TCI Border Force is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, shaping a future where border security is not just a function, but a force for national stability.”
The keynote address was delivered by National Security Advisor, Mr. John W. Priddy, who commended the professionalism and progress of the Border Force during its first year. Addressing the graduates, he said, “From this day forward, you are both guardians of the border and guardians of the brand of Turks and Caicos. Professionalism is not a uniform you put on; it is a habit you live.”
The ceremony also featured the presentation of badges and insignia to the graduating officers by Her Excellency the Deputy Governor, Anya Williams, and Director General Seymour. Each new officer was reminded that their insignia represents the public’s trust and the responsibility to uphold the highest standards of integrity and service. A special tribute was paid to retirees Dawn M. Smith, Diana I. Wilson, Karyn D. Forbes, June Harry, Brenda Higgs, Wayne Ingham, and Lyndon Jennings, who were honored for their decades of service and invaluable contribution to the establishment and success of the Border Force.
Established in 2024 through the merger of the former Customs and Immigration Departments, the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force serves as the unified border management agency responsible for facilitating legitimate trade and travel, protecting national revenue, and ensuring the security and prosperity of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
As he concluded his address, Director General Emilio Seymour reaffirmed the organization’s vision for the future: “The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force is no longer a vision; it is a reality, defined by professionalism, strengthened by partnership, and sustained by the spirit of those who serve.”
