Unidentified Deceased Male Discovered in Grace Bay Area
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) informed RTC News that at 7AM on July 5th, 2025 officers of Force assisted by members of the public carried out a search in the community of Providenciales focusing on targeted areas.
Approximately 9:06 a.m. on Saturday, July 5th, 2025, while conducting the search operation in the Grace Bay area, one of the teams discovered the body of a deceased male in a decomposed state.
The discovery was made along Long Bay Road. The scene has been secured, and all appropriate partner agencies have been notified.
At present, the identity of the deceased has not been established. The RTCIPF will provide further updates as soon as the identification process is complete and the next of kin are informed.
Acting Commissioner of Police Mr. Rodney Adams on commenting on the discovery of the body, "We the police extend condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and ask that the public not speculate and await positive identification of the deceased.”
This matter remains under active investigation.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is appealing to anyone who may have information to contact 911 or the nearest Police Station. Information may also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 (TIPS)
Male Charged in connection with Firearm and Ammunition Offences
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) has charged a male suspect in relation to the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, following a targeted police operation executed in the Five Cays area of Providenciales.
On Thursday, June 26, 2025, officers from the RTCIPF Serious Crime Unit conducted an intelligence-driven operation which led to the recovery of a handgun, a magazine, and eight rounds of 9mm ammunition. The successful recovery underscores the Force’s continued commitment to dismantling threats posed by illegal weapons within our communities.
As a result of the investigation, 19-year-old Keanu Tajay Wilson, of Sandbar Street, Five Cays, Providenciales, has been formally charged. Mr. Wilson is facing two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and one count of Unlawful Possession of Ammunition. He is currently in custody and is expected to appear before the Magistrates’ Court in the coming days to answer to these charges.
In response to the outcome of the operation, Acting Commissioner of Police, Mr. Rodney Adams, stated; “Each firearm seized represents a significant step toward reducing the risk of gun-related harm to our citizens. I commend the officers for their vigilance and professionalism throughout this operation. The Force remains steadfast in its mission to ensure the safety of all residents, and I extend my gratitude to the public for their ongoing cooperation in supporting our efforts to maintain law and order.”
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force remains resolute in its mandate to uphold public safety and reduce violent crime. Community support and partnership continues to be a positive step in the right direction, and the Force encourages anyone with information related to illegal firearms or other suspicious activity to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or contact the nearest police station.
One Hundred and Ninety-One Irregular Migrants Detained
An illegal vessel transporting one hundred ninety-four (194) irregular migrants was intercepted on the evening of Saturday, 5 July 2025.
At approximately 9:57 pm, officers from the Marine Unit on board the vessels Sea Pursuit and Sea Contender were alerted to the presence of an unidentified vessel in the TCI waters by the Marine Operations Centre.
The 50-foot vessel, powered by two outboard engines, was located by the Marine Branch.
The illegal vessel was successfully intercepted, and following a head count, it was discovered to be transporting 194 individuals, comprising 156 males and 38 females.
In response, more units, including Tactical Officers and officers from our partner agency, Border Force, were deployed to assist.
Thanks to the quick coordination and effort of all responding units, the vessel was successfully docked, and all individuals on board were safely disembarked.
The irregular migrants were transported to the Detention Centre for processing.
The RTCIPF urges the public to notify the nearest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to anonymously provide any information regarding illegal entry into the TCI.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information anonymously.
Search for missing continues after dozens killed in Texas flood
Donald Trump described the flooding as ‘terrible’ as emergency services search for dozens of missing children
A desperate search for dozens of campers including children continued into Sunday, after devastating floods killed at least 51 in Texas.
Four girls missing from a summer camp were found dead and were among at least 15 children killed in what Texas GOP Congressman Chip Roy called a “once-in-a-century flood.”
More than 850 people from around the region have been rescued or evacuated, officials said Saturday.
Two girls — 13-year-old Blair and 11-year-old Brooke — were among those killed by the floods, their father told CNN on Saturday night. Harber said Blair “was a gifted student and had a generous, kind heart,” and described Brooke as “like a light in any room, people gravitated to her”.
There are also 27 girls still missing from Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River that was ravaged by the floods, officials said. At least four girls who attended Camp Mystic have been confirmed dead, according to reports, marking a tragic end to a day-long search.
The unexpected flash flooding struck on Friday after torrential rain along the Guadalupe River. The destructive force of the fast-rising waters just before dawn on Friday washed out homes and swept away vehicles.
Sunday declared 'day of prayer' for Texas state
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared Sunday a “day of prayer” for Texas state as they mourn the loss of dozens of people in the catastrophic flash floods.
Authorities will work around the clock, Abbott vowed, adding that new areas were being searched as the water receded.
"I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sunday — for the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines," he said in a statement.
Helicopters and drones used in frantic search
Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice on Saturday gave an update on the status of the rescue efforts.
Search crews were facing harsh conditions while "looking in every possible location," Rice said.
Officials said more than 850 people had been rescued in the last 36 hours and there were heroic efforts at the camps to save children.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem arrived and pledged that the Trump administration would use all available resources. Coast Guard helicopters and planes were assisting to ensure operations can continue even in darkness.
One reunification center at an elementary school was mostly quiet after taking in hundreds of evacuees the day before.
"We still have people coming here looking for their loved ones. We've had a little success, but not much," said Bobby Templeton, superintendent of Ingram Independent School District.
An initial flood watch — which generally urges residents to be weather-aware — was issued by the local National Weather Service office at 1:18 p.m. Thursday.
It predicted between 5 to 7 inches (12.7 to 17.8 centimeters) of rain. Weather messaging from the office, urged people to move to higher ground and evacuate flood-prone areas in the early hours of Friday morning, said Jason Runyen, a meteorologist in the National Weather Service office.
At 4:03 a.m., the office issued an urgent warning that raised the potential of catastrophic damage and a severe threat to human life.
Jonathan Porter, the chief meteorologist at AccuWeather, a private weather forecasting company that uses National Weather Service data, said it appeared evacuations and other proactive measures could have been undertaken to reduce the risk of fatalities.
"People, businesses, and governments should take action based on Flash Flood Warnings that are issued, regardless of the rainfall amounts that have occurred or are forecast," Porter said in a statement.
Source- The Independent
Suspected Homicide (Blue Hills)
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has launched an investigation into the discovery of a body yesterday (July 5) afternoon.
Around 5:06 pm, a call was made to the Police Control Room, informing officers of a body seen in some bushes.
Officers and medical personnel were immediately dispatched to the given location along Miracle Close and discovered the lifeless body of a male.
Efforts are underway to confirm the identity of the deceased. Once an identification has been made, the next of kin will be notified in accordance with standard procedures.
The RT&CIPF urges the public to contact the nearest police station, call 911, or reach the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842 to submit any information about this incident anonymously.
Alternatively, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477, and individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.
House passes Trump's major tax cut and spending bill
The House on Thursday passed President Donald Trump's major tax cut and spending bill in a 218 to 214 vote.
The legislation will now go to Trump's desk for his signature.
The final vote came after an overnight scramble by Speaker Mike Johnson to secure the necessary GOP votes to proceed, and then a record-breaking speech from House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries that lasted for eight hours and 44 minutes.
No changes were made by the House to the Senate version of the bill, despite some grumbling from House Republican hardliners over the Senate changes to Medicaid and the deficit. Some of those holdouts say Trump made promises to get their votes, including saying he'd make the bill "better" in the future.
Republican Reps. Thomas Massie and Brian Fitzpatrick were the sole GOP no votes on Trump's spending bill.
All Democrats voted against the bill.
Fitzpatrick, who represents Pennsylvania, cited the Senate changes to the House bill as the reason he voted against the legislation.
"The original House language was written in a way that protected our community; the Senate amendments fell short of our standard. I believe in, and will always fight for, policies that are thoughtful, compassionate, and good for our community. It is this standard that will always guide my legislative decisions," he said in a statement.
President Trump will sign the megabill 5 p.m. on Friday, which is also the Fourth of July, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters during a background call shortly after the House passed the bill on Thursday.
Leavitt added that it will be a "big, beautiful signing ceremony" for the legislation that was originally called the "One Big, Beautiful Bill" by Republicans and the president, before Senate Democrats had the name stricken from the text.
Leavitt said that the legislation will restore “fiscal sanity” to the country.
Source- ABC
Experience Turks and Caicos Expands Reach in UK Luxury Market
Over the last 12 months, Experience Turks and Caicos has significantly strengthened its position in the United Kingdom’s luxury travel market through focused trade engagement, strategic partnerships, and innovative marketing initiatives.
Experience Turks and Caicos, through UK marketing representative Paradise Promotions, has provided in-person training to over 1,200 luxury travel advisors in the UK, with an additional 7,000 trade professionals reached through newsletters and digital communications.
Training travel advisors is a critical component of Experience Turks and Caicos’ strategy, equipping them with the knowledge to design bespoke experiences for their clients and ensuring that the Turks and Caicos Islands is always top-of-mind when advising high-value travellers. This direct engagement builds long-term relationships and empowers advisors to confidently present the destination’s unique offerings to discerning audiences.
“As we continue to grow our presence in the UK, working with luxury travel advisors helps us to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a preferred destination for luxury travellers,” said Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant of Experience Turks and Caicos. “The partnerships we’ve developed and the advisors we’ve trained are vital to ensuring sustained growth and long-term success in this important source market.
Key accomplishments to date include deepening collaborations with top luxury tour operators such as Elegant Resorts, ITC, Carrier, and Caribtours—now among the destination’s leading partners after a comprehensive team visit to the Turks and Caicos Islands last year. New partnerships with Dnata Travel and Hummingbird Travel have also yielded significant results, with both operators emerging as strong sales performers since their introduction to the destination. There are ongoing discussions with CV Villas and Kuoni as these operators consider adding the Turks and Caicos Islands to their offerings.
Landmark events have further bolstered the Turks and Caicos Islands’ presence in the UK market. The Aspire Retreat, held in the Turks and Caicos Islands for the first time (November 2024), hosted 25 luxury travel advisors, 12 buyers, and four media representatives across Providenciales and South Caicos, generating targeted exposure. A destination feature on the Turks and Caicos Islands was subsequently published in the Aspire Magazine and online.
Additionally, Experience Turks and Caicos’ first UK Trade Roadshow held from July 29th to August 2nd, 2024, engaged 62 luxury travel agents and reservation staff, 125 high-net-worth consumers, and three luxury tour operators, raising awareness and generating new business opportunities. A partnership with British Airways has strengthened the UK-Provo route, ensuring vital connectivity between the two regions and providing a foundation for sustained growth.
To further elevate the destination within the ultra-luxury segment, Experience Turks and Caicos is launching a series of exclusive, experiential events designed to deepen relationships with concierge travel advisors and cultivate new leads among high-value clientele. The flagship event in July 2025 will feature an intimate sailing experience with round-the-world sailor Gareth Williams, offering a unique platform to showcase Turks and Caicos to a select group of top-tier travel advisors, ultra-high-net-worth clients, and luxury brand partners.
Caribbean Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies Chart Bold Path Forward
The 11th Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies (CCAICACB), concluded Friday 6th June at The Landings Resort & Spa, after rallying attendees under the theme “Recommitting to Fighting Corruption Effectively and Sustainably in the Caribbean.” Over five impactful days, delegates tackled corruption's entrenched challenges with renewed commitment to unity, innovation, and leadership.
Artificial Intelligence
An impactful demonstration was provided by His Excellency, Professor Luis Franceschi Assistant Secretary General of the Commonwealth, on the benefits and drawbacks of the use of Artificial Intelligence. Anti-Corruption Bodies were encouraged to start getting familiar with the technology to better understand how it can be leveraged in the fight against corruption.
Country Updates Reflect Shared Progress and Challenges
Reports from member organisations highlighted major strides in public education, asset declaration, and investigative framework. Yet, countries also reported ongoing constraints, including human resource limitations, political resistance, and inadequate statutory framework.
SWOT & Synergy: Regional Blueprint for Collective Action
Dr. Roger Koranteng of the Commonwealth Secretariat led a comprehensive SWOT analysis session, providing a candid assessment of operational realities. He concluded with strong calls for enhanced synergy among member bodies and for adopting a unified voice in policy advocacy, resource mobilisation, and legal reform. The Ghanaian experience offers a valuable comparative model.
Leadership: Courage, Vision & Transformation Needed
With corruption becoming more normalised globally, presenters—including leaders from the Turks and Caicos Islands, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and Trinidad and Tobago—challenged the attending institutions to embrace transformational leadership. Recommendations included institutional resilience training, succession planning, and performance benchmarking.
United Front: Call to the Wider Caribbean and Beyond
The conference recognised the benefits of extending the membership of the Association beyond the original constituents of English-Speaking Commonwealth Caribbean Countries and signified its willingness to accept and encourage membership of Integrity Commissions and anti-corruption bodies of the wider Caribbean countries. “Corruption knows no language barriers—our fight must be collective,” stated Lady Anande Trotman-Joseph, Chairperson of the CCAICACB.
Digital Transformation: VLEX Software Considered
The conference marked a major step forward with the agreement to further investigate the benefits of the VLEX Legal Database-driven AI system, designed to strengthen legal research, asset recovery, and case management initiatives. The Commonwealth Secretariat, CARICOM IMPACS, and UNODC, received the presentation well, however the rest of the association would communicate their interest to the Turks and Caicos Islands Commission, which was taking the lead in investigating the possibilities.
Key Recommendations Going Forward to consider:
Region-wide adoption of technology integration
Legislative reforms to streamline access to declarant information
Youth-centred anti-corruption education campaigns
Institutional collaboration and peer reviews across commissions
To explore extending invitations of membership to CCAICACB to other Caribbean countries
An introduction to the idea of an International Corruption Court
The conference closed with a stirring call to recommit—not just in words, but in action—to building a future rooted in transparency, justice, and ethical leadership across the Commonwealth Caribbean and beyond.
Ministry of Innovation, Technology and Energy attends Prestigious UWI Artificial Intelligence Conference
The newly formed Ministry of Innovation, Technology and Energy (M.I.T.E.) of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a core mission to accelerate e-governance initiatives, is proud to announce the participation of Honourable E. Jay Saunders, Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Second Annual Artificial Intelligence Research Conference. Held at the UWI Five Islands Campus, Antigua from 23rd – 24th June, 2025, the conference, themed "Bridging Digital Frontiers: AI For Caribbean Sustainability," served as a pivotal platform for high-level discussions on the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the region. The conference's agenda, which included critical discussions on AI policy and governance, digital innovation in the public sector, and improved government service delivery, directly aligns with the Ministry's strategic objectives.
Hon. Saunders’ attendance underscores his commitment to engaging in critical thought leadership and leveraging cutting-edge AI research to advance digital governance within the Turks and Caicos Islands. Joining Hon. Saunders at the prestigious AI Conference were M.I.T.E. Permanent Secretary, Ms. Tamera Howell-Robinson, and Head of Secretariat, Miss Lareesa Robinson. The M.I.T.E. is committed to utilising cutting-edge technology for national development, specifically advancing the initiatives of 24/7 Government and establishing a secure e-government platform.
"Our participation in the UWI Five Islands AI Research Conference was instrumental in deepening our understanding of how AI can be ethically and effectively integrated into public services," stated Hon. Saunders. "The insights gained, particularly around AI for justice and governance, digital innovation, and citizen engagement, will directly inform our efforts to create a truly 24/7 Government and build an even more robust and secure e-government platform for all citizens," he further stated.
Key takeaways from the conference highlighted the importance of shaping AI policy to support economic growth, ethical governance, and digital innovation in the public sector, while emphasizing regional cooperation, workforce development, and responsible AI adoption. These discussions are crucial as the M.I.T.E. continues to explore how AI can enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of government services, ensuring they are available around the clock to meet the evolving needs of the populace.
The M.I.T.E. is committed to leading the charge in responsible AI adoption, ensuring that technological advancements translate into tangible benefits for all Turks and Caicos Islanders. By actively engaging in international and regional dialogues such as the UWI Five Islands AI Research Conference, the M.I.T.E. aims to position Turks and Caicos Islands at the forefront of digital transformation in the Caribbean.
For more information on the UWI Five Islands AI Research Conference, please visit their official website:
3-DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST FOR JULY 02ND, 2025
GENERAL SITUATION: A thin Saharan dust plume and a building high pressure ridge will maintain dry and stable conditions across the Turks and Caicos Islands today; however, a few isolated afternoon showers remain possible.
WEATHER: Partly sunny with isolated showers possible in the afternoon, becoming mostly fair tonight.
WINDS: Easterly at 10 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic Nearshore - -3 feet or less; Atlantic Offshore – 3 to 5 feet
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 90°F 32°C
HEAT INDEX 98°F 37°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 81°F 27°C
SUNSET: 07:35 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 03:01 PM (2.3 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 09:24 PM (1.0 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: The Turks and Caicos Islands will remain under the influence of a high pressure ridge over the next few days, supporting hot and mostly dry conditions, with the possibility of an occasional isolated shower during the daytime.
THURSDAY: A low (10 to 20 percent) chance of isolated showers in the afternoon. Partly sunny, with a high near 90°F (32°C).
THURSDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 81°F (27°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank & Atlantic Nearshore - -3 feet or less; Atlantic Offshore – 3 to 5 feet
SUNRISE: 06:10 AM
SUNSET: 07:35 PM
HIGH TIDE: 03:22 AM (2.0 FT) 04:00 PM (2.3 FT)
LOW TIDE: 09:29 AM (1.0 FT) 10:31 PM (1.0 FT)
FRIDAY: Isolated showers possible in the afternoon. Partly sunny, with a high near 91°F (33°C).
FRIDAY NIGHT: Fair, with a low around 81°F (27°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank & Atlantic Nearshore - -3 feet or less; Atlantic Offshore – 2 to 4 feet
SUNRISE: 06:10 AM
SUNSET: 07:35 PM
HIGH TIDE: 04:19 AM (2.0 FT) 04:54 PM (2.3 FT)
LOW TIDE: 10:18 AM (1.0 FT) 11:31 PM (1.0 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK:
Near the Southeastern U.S.: An area of low pressure could develop near the southeast U.S. Atlantic or Gulf coasts by this weekend along a weakening frontal boundary. A tropical or subtropical depression may form in the region this weekend or early next week while the system moves little. There is a medium chance of tropical formation through the next seven days.
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON