Police provides update on Fire Investigations
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) is currently investigating three fires that occurred on Friday, 27th June, all within informal settlements across Providenciales.
These incidents are being actively addressed within the framework of our zero-tolerance approach to crime and dismantling criminal networks.
We are aware of false and damaging allegations circulating in the public domain, seeking to blame law enforcement personnel for two fires in the Blue Hills community and another along the Leeward Highway.
The RT&CIPF categorically denies these malicious, baseless, and unfounded claims, as there is no evidence to support them. We are also cognizant of the efforts by subversive elements to use diversionary tactics aimed at undermining our work and attempting to distract officers from their lawful duties. These attempts will not succeed.
Our commitment to upholding the law, with professionalism, integrity, and full regard for human rights, remains unwavering.
Preliminary assessments indicate that all three fires occurred in areas designated as informal settlements. These locations often pose significant public safety and enforcement challenges.
While we respect the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their legal status, this respect must be balanced with our duty to uphold the law and maintain public safety. Our priority remains safeguarding our communities, as we maintain a zero-tolerance approach to illegal activities.
In a summary into the three incidents:
1. Mary Jane Lane, Blue Hills – 3:31 PM
Officers conducting an ongoing operation in Blue Hills observed a structure ablaze and immediately requested assistance from the Fire Department. Members of the public also
contacted the Police Control Room to report the fire. Upon arrival, multiple wooden structures were already fully engulfed in flames. Officers quickly worked to evacuate residents to safety. No injuries were reported. The area has been identified as an informal settlement believed to house undocumented migrants.
2. Behind Grants Gas Station, Millennium Highway – 12:49 PM A caller reported a fire behind the Grants Gas Station. Police officers, along with firefighters, responded to the scene. Upon inspection, it was confirmed to be a bushfire.
The fire posed no threat to nearby properties, and due to limited access, it was monitored closely for any developments. The scene was secured, and no further action was needed.
3. Off Leeward Highway, Providenciales – 9:55 AM
Reports of an explosion followed by visible black smoke. Firefighters initially had difficulty accessing the location due to the terrain, but police officers coordinated an
alternative access route. Fire crews returned to the area, reached the scene, and successfully extinguished the blaze. No injuries were reported.
We are working closely with fire officials to determine the cause of these fires. We urge anyone with credible information to contact us immediately at the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, 911, or the nearest police station.
You may also share tips anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 or by using the Crime Stoppers P3 mobile app.
Hon. Erwin Jay Saunders speaks at Maranatha Academy Graduation 2025 under the Theme: "The Pathway to Possibilities: Beginning of Greatness"
Standing on the protocol established, I would also like to acknowledge:
•Principal Richard Morgan [and Mrs. Morgan],
•Pastor Steve Cornwall [and Mrs. Cornwall],
•The teachers and staff of the Maranatha Academy,
•Proud parents,
•Friends and families. and most importantly…
Graduates of the Maranatha Academy Class of 2025.
Congratulations! Big Ups!!!
It’s an honour and a joy to be here with you today, in this place of faith, of learning… and of launching into greatness.
Let me apologize, but I didn’t see a theme in the graduation booklet, so I’ve decided to title these remarks:
“The Pathway to Possibilities: Beginning of Greatness”
You’ve worked hard. You’ve prayed hard. You’ve made it. And while today may feel like the finish line. It’s not. It’s really just a starting block.
Just to drive home the point, I am going to quote Sir Winston Churchill: “Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” You are not just crossing a threshold. You’re stepping onto a pathway - a Pathway to Possibilities.
The Quiet Power of Focus – The 12-Year-Old Jesus in the Temple
There’s a story in Luke Chapter 2 that’s always resonated with me.
Jesus is just twelve years old, and His parents find Him—not playing with His friends, not wandering off—but sitting in the temple, discussing deep questions with the teachers. Everyone was amazed. But the part that moves me is this, he was focused. At twelve! Focused!
He wasn’t distracted by peer pressure. He wasn’t following the crowd. He knew who He was becoming. And at twelve years old, he gave his time and energy to prepare for it.
So, here’s the first lesson, Class of 2025:
Stay focused, even when the world is trying hard to distract you.
Proverbs chapter 4, verse 25 tells us: "Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you."
In the world that we live in today, distractions are everywhere:
•TikTok trends changing every 15 seconds.
•News headlines flashing anxiety every hour.
•Social media telling you who to be and how to look.
However, I am here today to encourage you not to let trends become your truth. And to not let the desire for popularity drown out your purpose. I am going to say them again. Do not let trends become your truth. And do not let the desire for popularity drown out your purpose.
Determination—Because the Journey Isn’t Easy
Here’s the second lesson: "Be determined." Not everything will go your way. There’ll be setbacks. Rejections. Even a few epic fails. Sixteen months ago, I was fired. Five months ago, I was rehired. The Rev. T.D. Jakes likes to say:
"Bad times didn't come to stay, they came to pass."
Graduates, I want you to listen to me when I say this. Failure is not the opposite of success. Failure is the classroom where success is taught.
Michael Jordan, widely considered the G.O.A.T. of the NBA, said in a commercial that he did for Nike, and I quote:
“I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career.
I've lost almost 300 games.
26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed.
I've failed over and over and over again in my life.
And that is why I succeed.”
So, take inspiration from him and from people like:
•Women’s Tennis Player Coco Gauff, who didn’t just win the U.S. Open—she lost first, then trained harder, believed, and came back stronger; or
•Tems, the Nigerian singer who started in church… and rose to the global stage because she kept going, even when no one was clapping.
Let that be you. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” - Philippians Chapter 4, Verse 13.
Lead with Compassion – Lift Others as You Climb
Now, this part is close to my heart. I’m sure you’ve heard the word “greatness” lauded on many persons before. But let me ask you this: What does greatness look like?
Is it:
•Money
•Power
•Respect
•Social Media Followers
Gentlemen, is it having the prettiest girl in the game wearin your chain? Nah. It’s none of that. True greatness – i.e. the kind that leaves a positive impact on the world – is rooted in service.
Jesus said in Matthew Chapter 23, Verse 11 that:
“The greatest among you will be your servant.”
Whether you become a doctor, an engineer, a teacher, an entrepreneur, or the Premier of these Beautiful by Nature Turks & Caicos Islands, Put God first. Put others before yourself. Be the one who uplifts others. Be the one who extends a helping hand when no one’s watching. Be the one who leads with love.
In my Budget Address this year, I quoted the words of esteemed actor Denzel Washington (not verbatim), and I am going to use them again now.
Graduates, put God first in everything you do. Everything you think you see in me. Every accomplishment was by the grace of God.
I have been:
• Protected,
• Directed,
• Corrected.
I’ve kept God in my life, and that has kept me humble. I didn’t always stick with Him, but He always stuck with me. So, graduates, I encourage you to stick with him in everything you do.
Now graduates, I am going to challenge you all today. I am going to challenge you to become the generation that does things differently.
There’s a popular saying, taken from the song “The Living Years”, released in 1988 by Mike + The Mechanics, that says: “Every generation blames the one before.”
But for you? I want your generation to be the first one that the succeeding generation thanks. Thanked not because you were perfect, but because you were purposeful. Thanked because you gave more back to the universe than you took away. Thanked because you chose to build, to serve, and to love when it would’ve been easier to scroll, to criticise, and to quit.
Think Long—You’re Planting Seeds for 2050
I now want to talk about the future. Graduates, all of you are under twenty today. That means your real influence — i.e. as a CEO, a teacher, an entrepreneur, a political leader, etc. — will probably occur around the years 2045 to 2050. That’s 20 to 25 years from now. So, I am asking you, what seeds are you planting today, or this year, to blossom during that time?
Think about that for a moment. What are you doing today to be able to have a positive impact on the world in 20 – 25 years? The world in 2050 will need:
•Leaders who care about the planet.
•Engineers with empathy.
•Doctors who listen.
•Teachers who inspire.
•Public servants who serve, not rule.
And most of all, it will need people who put others first. So, that’s your calling. And that will be your generation’s greatness and its legacy.
Graduates, your school motto says it best:“Education for Noble Service.”
And so, as you leave here, remember the words of Micah chap. 6, vs. 8:
“What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Let that be your compass. Let that be your code. Let that guide you through every choice, every challenge, and every chapter ahead.
Closing – The Final Word
I will now end where I begin. There’s a moment in Luke chapter 2, verse 49, when Jesus’ parents found him in the temple, and they reprimanded him for not coming home for three days. His reply was: “Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?”
So, Maranatha Academy Class of 2025, whatever your “Father’s business” may be, stay focused, be determined, and lead with compassion. And no matter what path you walk, leave the world better than you found it.
Congratulations, Class of 2025! Your possibilities are endless. Your future is bright. And your greatness… has already begun.
And I want to say to my nephew, Roshan “E J” Cox, who left us too soon. I love you and I miss you.
Thank you.
God bless you all.
Scary moment at Beyoncé's Houston concert as Cadillac tips in mid-air
Beyoncé's hometown show in Houston Saturday was marred by a scary moment.
Towards the end of her show, Bey performs "16 Carriages" while riding in a red Cadillac that's suspended in the air. But on Saturday night, the car began tipping to one side, and then got stuck that way, leading to Beyonce saying, "Stop. Stop. Stop." As seen on social media, the car was eventually lowered down; Bey told the crowd, "Thank you for your patience."
After she returned to the stage to continue the song, she said, "I want to thank y'all for loving me. If ever I fall, I know y'all will catch me." She then concluded the show.
On Instagram, Beyonce posted a photo of the car tipping over in mid-air, along with a collection of other photos and videos from the show at NRG Stadium.
A statement posted on Instagram by Bey's company, Parkwood, reads, "Tonight in Houston, at NRG Stadium, a technical mishap caused the flying car, a prop Beyonce uses to circle the stadium and see her fans up close, to tilt. She was quickly lowered and no one was inured. The show continued without incident."
Source- ABC
FANM condemns decision to revoke TPS fo Haitians
The Florida-based Family Action Network Movement (FANM) has condemned the decision of the United States government to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti, effective September 2, 2025.
“This is a cruel, unjust and politically motivated decision that blatantly ignores Haiti’s devastating and worsening condition,” said FANM political director, Paul Christian Namphy.
“Haiti is currently enduring a catastrophic humanitarian crisis marked by rampant gang violence, political instability, hunger, and a total collapse of public services. Forcibly returning people under these circumstances is not only reckless—it is inhumane.”
FANM, which describes itself as a leading social justice organization that advocates for the rights of immigrants, women, and marginalized communities, said “despite the Department of Homeland Security’s claim that conditions in Haiti have improved, the U.S. State Department continues to advise against travel to the country due to extreme levels of crime, kidnappings, and civil unrest”.
According to the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM), as of May 2025, over 1.3 million people in Haiti are internally displaced, many fleeing armed gangs that now control over 80 per cent of capital Port-au-Prince.
US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem last Friday announced the termination of TPS, leaving over 500,000 Haitians without work permits and facing deportation.
The temporary parole programme will expire for Haitians on August 3, and the termination will take effect on Tuesday, September 2.
Noem said that the decision to terminate TPS for Haiti “restores integrity in our immigration system and ensures that Temporary Protective Status is actually temporary.”
A DHS spokesperson said in a statement that “the environmental situation in Haiti has improved enough that it is safe for Haitian citizens to return home.
“We encourage these individuals to take advantage of the department’s resources in returning to Haiti, which can be arranged through the CBP (Customs and Border Protection agency) Home app,” the unidentified spokesperson said. “Haitian nationals may pursue lawful status through other immigration benefit requests, if eligible.”
After conferring with interagency partners, the spokesperson said “Noem determined that conditions in Haiti no longer meet the TPS statutory requirements.
FANM’s social justice organiser, Rachel Descollines, said the Donald Trump’s administration’s decision reflects a disturbing pattern of targeting Black and immigrant communities.
“It is especially unconscionable to revoke TPS while simultaneously acknowledging the complete breakdown of governance and security in Haiti.”
FANM said it is “urgently” calling on Congress, the White House, and the international community to take immediate action to protect Haitian TPS holders from deportation and it is also encouraging “peaceful mobilisation and legal action to resist this dangerous policy”.
Source- CMC
Belize sugar crop falls victim to a devasatating fungus
Prime Minister John Briceño says this year’s sugar crop will be one of the worst in recent years after the Fusarium Wilt disease ravaged cane fields here.
The Belize Sugar Industries (BSI) in confirming the situation, described this year’s performance as one of the worst in over three decades.
“The total cane received is just under 884,000 metric tons. That’s a low for us,” BSI director of finance, Sean Chavarria, said, adding that the only comparable year in recent history was 2020, which was still higher despite coming on the heels of the 2019 drought.
Chavarria explained that the Tons of Cane to Tons of Sugar (TCTS) ratio, a key measure of efficiency, stood at approximately 11.1 to 11.2 this season, noting “that’s one of the lowest we’ve seen since the 2010 crop”.
After liquidation, total sugar production is expected to come in at just under 79,000 metric tons, a figure not seen since 2008, making this season one of the lowest-producing crops in 35 to 40 years.
“It’s not a very good crop. From our standpoint, it’s been very challenging,” Chavarria said, making reference also to a mix of contributing factors including adverse weather, widespread disease, and manpower shortages.
“We had long stops due to heavy rains in February and March, totaling 12 days. There was also a lot of ‘out of cane’ scenarios where farmers struggled to meet milling requirements,” he added.
Prime Minister Briceño said that the effect of it all is that the sugar crop has come to an end and “it will be one of the worst sugar crops we have had in recent times”.
He said what is even worse is that the tons of cane to produce one ton of sugar has been even worst and that the current tons per of cane per ton of sugar is 12 tons of cane for one ton of sugar.
“When the cane is really good you are getting nine tons for one ton of sugar. So we are using two tons and a quarter more to make one ton of sugar. So, this is by far the worst we have had in production in recent history since 2011.
He said the BSI will produce just over 78 tons of sugar and for context this will be a significant decline over what was produced last year and 154,000 tons less than what it produced in 2019.
He said that with this year’s production, the industry is projected to earn US$$110 million “mostly in foreign exchange, representing a significant reduction to fifty-three million from one hundred and fifty-six point five million dollars generated in 2024.
“Based on the current sugar price estimate farmers are expected to earn no more than BDZ$65 (One BDZ dollar=US$0.49 cents) per ton of cane this year,” Briceño said, noting that this represents a reduction of BDZ25 per ton when compared to BDZ$90.23 cents per ton that was paid out last year.
“Our farmers will take home BDZ31 million dollars less than it took home last year,” he added.
The Fusarium Wilt disease, which the Prime Minister Briceño described as a “fungus ravaging cane fields,” is one of the most significant threats. Chavarria confirmed that stakeholders are actively assessing the disease’s long-term impact but cautioned, “It might be a little too early to see the full effect.”
But despite the bleak short-term outlook, Chavarria remains optimistic going forward.
“The hope that we have is that our problems are solvable. All these issues can be solved,” he said, underscoring the need for field renovation, access to agricultural credit, and mechanization of harvesting to reduce dependency on labor and increase productivity.
Source- CMC
Xavier Malcolm Domino Tournament kicks off in Grand Turk
The 3rd Annual Xavier Malcolm Domino Tournament in Grand Turk convene with an Opening Ceremony Wednesday June 18th 2025 . Where the defending Champs Dolphins played Los Dominicanos a rematch of the last season Finals . Los Dominicanos defeated the champs 96 to 91
In the second match, Waterboot hosted Just Cool. The game resulted in a victory for Waterboots due to a forfeit of Just Cool failure to produce 6 players during the grace period, which is 20 minutes after the schedule time. In game 3, which took place at Doo Doo Rib Cage, hosting Oasis Bar,Doo Doo defeated Oasis 97 to 86
Then Fishermen's Paradise hosted Pink Bar. Fisherman's Paradise defeated Pink Bar 101-91.
The next game was played on Saturday June 28, 2025 between Los Dominicanos hosting Three Nationalities at the Jackson Bar.
RTC's Sports on the GO & Sports Watch will have more on these games.
India Prime MInister to visit Trinidad from Wednesday
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, arrives here on Wednesday for a two-day official visit further highlighting the ties between the two countries “founded on deep-rooted cultural and familial ties.
“There is a great significance of the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Trinidad and Tobago,” said the Indian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Pradeep Rajpurohit.
“There are warm and historic ties between India and Trinidad and Tobago, which are founded on deep-rooted cultural and familial ties. There are a lot of similarities in the way of life of the people of the two countries. The visit of Prime Minister of India is likely to give a fresh impetus to this relationship. There seems to be a great excitement among the people here for this visit,” he told the Newsday newspaper.
Modi’s visit here is the second leg part of a five-nation trip that includes Ghana, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia.
He had been invited to Trinidad and Tobago by Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar , soon after leading her United National Congress (UNC) led coalition to an overwhelming victory in the April 28 general election.
During his visit here, he will pay a courtesy call on President Christine Kangaloo and meet with Prime Minister Persad Bissessar as well as interact with the large Indian diaspora .
Rajpurohit said that Modi, who would be paying his second visit to the Caribbean in less than a year after having visited Guyana last November 2024 for the second India-Caricom Summit, said he hopes the visit will also help promote bilateral trade and overall economic engagement between the two countries.
“I feel that there is immense potential to encourage the current level of bilateral trade, which is about US$341 million in financial year 2024-25,” he said, noting also that India has been at the forefront in building capacities of the youth of friendly countries, especially in the Global South.
“The Indian Technical and Economic Co-operation (ITEC) is our flagship capacity building programme under which more than 15,000 candidates / officials from all over the world are trained in India every year.
“For Trinidad and Tobago, there is a provision of 85 ITEC slots annually. Courses have been designed for a wide range of sectors in our world class institutions across India. The feedback received from the candidates, who have undergone training under ITEC, have been highly encouraging,” he told the newspaper.
Source- CMC
Telecommunications Commission featured in Insight & Impact
The Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities is pleased to release the second issue of Insight & Impact, which is dedicated to the Telecommunications Commission and the remarkable evolution of telecommunications in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
This special edition offers readers a deeper look into the identity, mandate, and growth of the Telecommunications Commission highlighting the dedicated work of the team and the Commission’s central role in advancing digital connectivity, regulatory excellence, and technological innovation. The issue explores key milestones, current priorities, and the future of telecoms in TCI.
The featured article in this issue showcases the evolution of FLOW, formerly Cable & Wireless, and its foundational role in shaping telecommunications in the Turks and Caicos Islands. From its early beginnings as the sole provider of fixed-line telephone services to its transformation into a modern digital service provider, the story of FLOW is deeply intertwined with the technological and economic development of our nation. This historical reflection charts the journey from analog systems and operator-assisted calls to the introduction of mobile networks, internet services, and the emergence of full-scale digital connectivity marking a pivotal chapter in the country’s advancement.
Hon. Otis C. Morris, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities with responsibility for the Telecommunications Commission on this issue provides that “I am proud to present the second issue of Insight & Impact, which shines a powerful light on one of the most transformative chapters in our national development. Telecommunications is not just about devices and data, it’s about bridging distances, opening doors, and building futures. This edition tells the story of how we got here, through the lens of FLOW, our first telecommunications provider, and through the work of the Telecommunications Commission, which continues to guide our digital progress. It is a compelling read that speaks to the power of vision, resilience, and innovation in connecting our people to opportunity."
As the Ministry continues to support a digitally inclusive and future-ready Turks and Caicos Islands, this edition of Insight & Impact offers both reflection and inspiration — a reminder of how far we’ve come and the promise of what lies ahead.
Citizens Complain about Concrete Debris on Public Roadways
The Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development (MPPID) wishes to address a pressing and escalating issue that compromises public safety, degrades the aesthetic quality of our communities, and threatens the longevity of our road infrastructure.
It has come to our attention that several constituencies are experiencing widespread accumulation of gravel, hardened concrete, and related debris on public roadways. These materials are predominantly the result of improper handling during the transportation of concrete mix to construction sites.
Particularly affected areas include:
The Five Cays roundabout
Industrial Drive, near the FCIBC Bank roundabout
The route from the FCIBC Bank roundabout to Missick & Stanbrook Attorneys-at-Law
The Suzie Turn roundabout
Additional sites currently under investigation
These hazardous conditions are unacceptable. Loose aggregate and hardened concrete not only mar the visual landscape but also pose severe risks to motorists, pedestrians, and maintenance crews. Furthermore, such debris accelerates wear and tear on our roads, increasing public maintenance costs.
The Government has committed over $50 million over the next three years for new road construction and major upgrades, including overlays and infrastructure improvements. This level of investment requires active protection to ensure our roadways remain safe, functional, and durable for future generations.
The Ministry of PPID will not tolerate the continued discharge of concrete, gravel, or related materials on public roads by residents, especially concrete suppliers, without immediate cleanup.
In accordance with the Public and Environmental Health Ordinance, such actions are illegal:
Public and Environmental Health Act, 8.04, Section 31(b): "Any person who damages any booth, bench, public sanitary convenience, or other structure (including roads) provided for public use is liable to a fine of $1,000 or six months’ imprisonment."
As such, we are directing all concrete companies to immediately address and remediate road spillages. Failure to comply will result in regulatory action, including financial penalties via tickets being issued, clean-up cost recovery, suspension of operations, or other legal recourse as appropriate.
In addition, closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitoring will be used to enforce compliance. Repeat offenders caught on surveillance may face escalating sanctions, including license suspension.
The Ministry also appeals to the public to report any instances of road debris or concrete spillage by calling 941-8724. Let us work together to preserve road safety and uphold the pristine image of our "Beautiful by Nature" Islands.”
Three to Appear in the TCI Courts
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) has charged FEDELENS GERNIER, a 26-year-old Haitian national, with Unlawful Entry into the Turks and Caicos
Islands.
Mr. GERNIER, who resides in Dock Yard, was stopped and searched by officers attached to the Tactical Unit during a routine operation.
A review of his mobile phone revealed images of concern, prompting officers to take him into custody on SUSPICION OF GANG AFFILIATION.
Subsequent investigations confirmed that Mr. GERNIER had no legal status to be in the country.
The accused remains in custody and will appear in court on the next available date.
Meanwhile, the police has formally charged two individuals in connection with separate incidents of violence reported in Providenciales.
ZEKE HAMILTON, a 24-year-old resident of Blue Hills, has been charged with two counts of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm, contrary to Section 27 of the Offences Against the Person Act, Chapter 3.08.
The charge stems from an incident that occurred on June 5, 2025, in which Mr. Hamilton is alleged to have assaulted a female and her 18-month-old daughter.
The accused was charged on June 7 and granted $ 2,500 with one surety. He is expected to appear before a Magistrate on June 30.
In a separate matter, ANDREINA POLO, a 34-year-old resident of Five Cays, has been charged with Wounding with Intent, contrary to Section 10 of the Offences Against the Person Act, Chapter 3.08.
The offence allegedly occurred on December 25, 2024, around 8:00 p.m., when Ms. Polo allegedly wounded a female. The accused was charged on June 24, 2025, following an
investigation and was granted $3,000 bail with surety.
Ms. Polo is scheduled to appear before a Magistrate on July 14.