TCI Police benefits from the Train the Trainer program
The International Policing Assistance Service (IPAS) is currently delivering a comprehensive eight-week ‘Train-the-Trainer’ programme to police officers from Caribbean British Overseas Territories, marking a significant step in enhancing armed policing capacity across the region.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) has deployed two officers from its Tactical Unit to undertake the training.
The first phase of the programme, which concluded on 20 June, focused on Armed Response Vehicle (ARV) tactics.
ARVs are deployed in situations involving suspected firearms or threats to life, and the training aims to equip officers with advanced tactical skills in high-risk vehicle encounters. Participants are learning de-escalation techniques, safe suspect extraction methods, and detention procedures that prioritize officer safety and operational control.
This training is delivered by the UK Home Office’s Firearms Subject Matter Experts, supported by National Firearms Instructors from Police Scotland and Greater Manchester Police. Their expertise ensures the training aligns with the highest UK policing standards while being tailored to the unique operational environments of the Overseas Territories.
Developed in collaboration with Police Commissioners across the British Overseas Territories, this initiative is part of a broader effort to standardize firearms training and operational capabilities across the region.
Officers from Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and the Turks and Caicos Islands are participating in this programme, with the goal of returning to their home forces as certified trainers.
Superintendent Jason James, head of the RT&CIPF Strategic Operations, stated, “The provision of Armed Response Vehicles is an essential element of public safety across the Overseas Territories.
“By undertaking this training through a sustainable train-the-trainer model (funded by the UK Government), it will assist in our aim to build safer, more resilient communities across the TCI.
This initiative strengthens not only individual officer capability but also regional collaboration, creating a unified and cohesive armed policing framework, whilst ensuring that tactics and procedures are adapted to the local environment."
Athletics: Jamaica has to offer more support to its professional athletes
Legendary Trinidadian sprinter Ato Boldon believes that if Jamaica does not do more to assist its professional athletes, they will lose them to countries which are willing to offer them lucrative contracts to switch allegiance.
His comments have come following recent reports that four of its premier athletes; discus thrower Roje Stona, long jumper Wayne Pinnock, shot putter Rajindra Campbell and World Under-20 triple jump record holder Jaydon Hibbert, were in the process of completing a move to Türkiye.
According to reports, Türkiye is offering a US$500,000 signing bonus, monthly stipends, and six-figure incentives for podium finishes at major championships.
Speaking during an interview on Isports on i95.5 FM on Saturday, the 51-year-old Boldon, a four-time Olympic medalist, said the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) needed to urgently find a solution.
“Their bigger problem now is that people have grown so frustrated with how Jamaica supports their pro athletes that they are losing all these athletes to Turkey.
“When you see what Turkey is offering, you realise that it’s not going to be a 2025 problem, it’s going to be an ‘it started in 2025 problem'” Boldon said.
“So now a country like Türkiye, and don’t forget there are other countries that have a history like Bahrain and others, but there are other countries who that is their national policy, so Jamaica has other problems on the horizon.”
Boldon said while he did not believe the situation was “an emergency” for Jamaica just yet, he said Jamaica needed to treat their professional athletes better.
He explained that while it was the norm for athletes to switch allegiance, Jamaica could ill afford to lose its world class athletes because of its smaller pool.
“I don’t think it is an emergency for Jamaica yet, but I know they are already having meetings about it and it is clearly something that has to be addressed. I think they are going to have to get the private sector to come and maybe create a fund or something for their athletes because this is the era of NIL [name, image and likeness].
“These kids are not like us. They don’t believe that they have to be broke while everyone else around us is rich. So, these kids are looking around and going, ‘If Jamaica doesn’t care enough to support me as an athlete winning medals for them, then maybe this one-way allegiance and support is for the birds'” Boldon said.
“The truth is that there are tons of athletes from America who are running for Liberia and other countries now and there are tons of Americans who have changed allegiance to Nigeria.
“So, the truth is that if four Jamaicans switched that is an emergency in Jamaica, but it is not an emergency to the IOC or to World Athletics,” he added.
Source- CMC
Barbados to receive nearly US$60 million from IMF
The executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Friday said it had concluded the fifth and final reviews of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangements with Barbados.
The Washington-based financial institution said that as a result of the completion of the reviews, Barbados will be allowed to draw down the US$19 million under the EFF arrangement and US$39 million under the RSF arrangement.
It said this brings the total disbursements under the EFF arrangement to US$116 million and US$193 million) under the RSF arrangement.
According to the IMF, economic activity in 2024 remained robust, with growth estimated at four per cent, driven by tourism, construction, and business services. Inflation moderated to an average of 1.4 per cent due to easing global commodity prices and prices of domestic goods and services.
The IMF said that the external position strengthened further, with the current account deficit narrowing to 4.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), supported by tourism receipts, declining import prices, and one-off current transfers.
It said gross international reserves reached US$1.6 billion at end-2024, equivalent to over seven months of import cover, providing continued strong support to the exchange rate peg.
According to the financial institution’s Barbados’ near-term outlook is stable and that growth is expected to reach 2.7 per cent in 2025, supported by construction of tourism-related projects and government investment.
It said inflation is expected to pick up in 2025 due to the rising cost of non-fuel imports and some domestic agricultural products.
“Nevertheless, risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside, amidst the highly uncertain external economic environment and Barbados’ continued vulnerability to global shocks and natural disasters,” the IMF warned.
It said programme performance has remained strong. All quantitative performance criteria and indicative targets were met. The authorities exceeded the primary fiscal surplus target for in financial year 2024/25 and are targeting 4.4 per cent of GDP for financial year 2025/26.
Public debt has fallen below 105 per cent of GDP, and the authorities remain committed to bringing it down to 60 per cent of GDP by financial year 2035/36.
The IMF said Barbados met the EFF structural benchmarks for the review, including completing the assessment of human resource needs at the Barbados Customs and Excise Department, preparing a public-private partnership (PPP) framework, and developing a daily liquidity forecasting framework.
“Both reform measures for the RSF fifth review were also implemented. Key elements to strengthen the integration of climate concerns into public financial management have been completed, including the development of project appraisal guidelines, the deepening of fiscal risk analysis, and the preparation of the PPP framework. The Central Bank of Barbados has also included physical climate risk analysis in its bank stress testing,” it added.
IMF deputy managing director, Bo Li, said the implementation of Barbados’ homegrown Economic Recovery and Transformation programme has remained strong, supported by the EFF and the RSF arrangements. ‘
Li said the completion of the fifth and final reviews marks the successful conclusion of the Fund arrangements.
“While the outlook is stable, risks remain tilted to the downside, given the highly uncertain external economic environment and Barbados’ vulnerability to shocks and natural disasters. The authorities remain strongly committed to ensuring macroeconomic stability and implementing structural reforms to boost potential growth and build resilience.”
Li said maintaining strong fiscal surpluses will be necessary to achieve the public debt target of 60 per cent of GDP by the financial year 2035/36.
“The authorities’ focus on strengthening revenue mobilization and improving public financial management is appropriate. These measures will be key to preserving fiscal sustainability and creating space for public investment. Finalizing ambitious reforms of state-owned enterprises is a priority. The authorities are taking the necessary steps to mobilize external financing.”
Li said that the exchange rate peg remains a critical anchor for macroeconomic stability, supported by ample international reserves.
“Measures have been taken to strengthen the monetary policy framework and financial safety nets. Efforts to enhance the local payments market and infrastructure are advancing, with the goal of moving to a digital payments system in 2026.
“Reforms to improve the business environment and boost growth potential are key. Important measures include advancing the digitalization of government services and investing in skills and education. The authorities focus on boosting macroeconomic resilience to natural disasters and facilitating the transition to renewable energy is welcome,” Li added.
Source- CMC
Energy chamber has warning for Trinidad and Tobago following new European taxes
The Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago says Europe has begun the process of introducing new taxes on imports of some petrochemicals, like ammonia, and other products based on the carbon emissions associated with the particular product.
“As the largest exporter of ammonia in the world, there should be urgency in addressing issues for ensuring sustained trade with one of the largest export markets of the commodity,” the Energy Chamber said, noting that Trinidad and Tobago is the largest exporter of ammonia in the world.
It said in 2024, the country produced more than four million tons and exported almost all of it, generating substantial foreign exchange in the process. The Energy Chamber said most ammonia goes into the production of fertilisers, though there are other uses.
It said the largest export market for ammonia is the United States which accounts for approximately 25 per cent of the exports followed by Morocco 16 per cent, with both Switzerland and Mexico accounting for nine per cent.
The Energy Chamber said that one of the major trading segments of importers of ammonia from Trinidad and Tobago is the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom, which together accounts for 21 percent of ammonia imported from Port of Spain.
But it said that both the European Community and the United Kingdom are currently implementing Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAMs) and that the EU has begun the process of introducing new taxes on imports of some petrochemicals like ammonia and other products, such as cement based on the carbon emissions associated with the particular product.
It said the United Kingdom has also begun the implementation of similar taxes.
“The measures are aimed at addressing carbon leakage by adjusting the prices of commodities to ensure that producers do not avoid carbon taxes levied against domestic production in the importing market, by offshoring production to jurisdictions without carbon pricing mechanisms.
“This has serious implications for exporters of the commodities that may attract CBAMs, including Trinidad and Tobago,” the Energy Chamber said, noting that imports of ammonia into the EU, UK and other markets adopting CBAMs will be taxed based on their carbon emissions, “making our exports less competitive against producers with lower carbon intensity or which have had carbon taxes levied in the producing nation.
“This represents a serious challenge to our petrochemical producers, and this challenge is likely to only increase, as more jurisdictions introduce similar measures,” the Chamber said, noting that ammonia production generates CO2 as a by-product, and therefore typically has a high carbon intensity.
It said that there are ways to reduce its carbon footprint, through either substituting green hydrogen produced from green electricity and water or through capturing the CO2 produced and sequestering it either underground in depleted oil or gas reservoirs (Carbon Capture and Sequestration), but that both require significant investment.
The Energy Chamber said plans are already in place to develop a green hydrogen plant in Point Lisas in west central Trinidad and that there are also plans in place to develop CCS projects in Trinidad.
“Projects like these should be executed as quickly as possible to meet the CBAM requirements but also to develop further low carbon initiatives within the country.”
The Energy Chamber said that in addition, one vital step to meet the CBAM requirements is to implement a robust national system of monitoring, reporting and verifying emissions, usually called the MRV system.
“Importing countries with CBAMs are not just going to take a company’s own data about the emissions associated with a particular commodity and they will want to see that there is a robust and credible national system to measure emissions. This will also be important for any fair carbon taxation system.
“Industry does not typically call for new regulations from the Government, but in this case Trinidad and Tobago does urgently need a national legislated MRV system to be put in place,” the Energy Chamber said, adding that it is committed to working with all its members and with government to make sure that a robust MRV system is legislated and operationalised.
Source-CMC
Tesla Launches Robot taxi Service In Austin
Tesla carried out its “lowkey” launch of its robotaxi service in Austin (Texas) on Sunday, for a select number of people.
Both Elon Musk and Tesla used a number of tweets on X (formerly Twitter) to announce the launch, which saw a small number of invited shareholders, analysts, and pro-Tesla influencers participating in rides that cost a “flat fee” of $4.20 (£3.14). The service was not open to the general public at the time of writing.
Tesla had promised a robotaxi service in June, and ahead of the launch Tesla in May had sent a vehicle onto Austin roads without a safety driver for the first time. A Tesla engineer however was riding in the passenger seat of a Model Y SUV that drove without remote operation.
Elon Musk congratulated the Tesla teams on the successful launch, which he said was a “culmination of a decade of hard work.” Both the AI chip and software teams were built from scratch within Tesla.
t should be noted that Tesla’s robotaxi service does not yet include the two seater ‘Cybercab’ that Musk had touted last year during the robotaxi launch, and it has a human “safety monitor” in the passenger seat who can operate a kill switch.
Tesla also only operated 10 to 20 Model Y Tesla vehicles, and the rides are said to be limited to a relatively safe geofenced area of Austin that has been thoroughly mapped by the firm. This area is said to avoid highways, airports, and complex intersections.
According to media reports, in some cases Tesla is also operating chase cars and remote drivers as additional backup.
Tesla also launched a webpage that outlines rules and guidelines of the service, and gives users a form to register their interest
Source- Silicon News
NHIB STABILISATION- Strengthening NHIB for a Healthier Future
The Ministry of Health and Human Services advises that steady and meaningful progress is being made in strengthening the National Health Insurance Board (NHIB) and the National Health Insurance Plan (NHIP) to better serve the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Over the past few months, the focus has been on stabilising core systems, improving financial oversight, and laying the groundwork for long-term transformation. To date, significant improvements have been seen in system reliability and enhanced financial stability. Efforts have begun to enhance the NHIP’s cybersecurity and disaster recovery capabilities.
Operationally, we continue to identify and embed opportunities to improve care delivery, both locally and abroad, while ensuring value for money and better health outcomes. The Ministry advises that it continues to invest in improved data and reporting tools to support smarter decision-making and enhance transparency.
Most importantly, the MoHHS is committed to building a stronger, more resilient NHIB and NHIP— that are better governed, more responsive to the needs of our people, and resilient to the future. Recruitment for key leadership roles is underway, and our dedicated staff are actively contributing to this transformation.
Commenting on the process, Minister of Health and Human Services – The Honourable Kyle R. Knowles stated, “that whilst this is just the beginning and will be a gradual transformation process, we thank all stakeholders for their understanding and continued support during this period of change. My government and I remain focused on delivering practical improvements today, while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.
May God continue to bless our Beautiful by Nature Turks and Caicos Islands!”
Tyler Perry is being sued for $260 million over sexual assault claims, which he has denied.
A lawsuit was filed against the actor and filmmaker on Friday, June 13, by Derek Dixon, who plays the character, Dale, in Perry's show, The Oval.
In the complaint, Dixon alleges "a sustained pattern of workplace sexual harassment, assault, and retaliation perpetrated by Tyler Perry" and is suing the filmmaker for alleged quid pro quo sexual harassment, work environment harassment and more.
The lawsuit alleges Perry promised Dixon "career advancement and creative opportunities," only to "subject him to escalating sexual harassment, assault and battery, and professional retaliation when Mr. Dixon did not reciprocate Mr. Perry's unwanted advances."
According to the lawsuit, Dixon and Perry met in 2019 while Dixon worked for an event company that was hired to plan the opening party for Tyler Perry Studios. Dixon claims he was assigned a role at the party that "required frequent conversation with Tyler Perry." According to the lawsuit, the Madea filmmaker and Dixon exchanged phone numbers at the end of the party and Perry began asking the then-aspiring actor about his goals.
The lawsuit states that Perry cast Dixon in his show, Ruthless, and began sending Dixon "strange and untowardly" messages.
In January 2020, the lawsuit alleges Perry invited Dixon to his home in Douglasville County, Georgia, where they drank alcoholic drinks and had "friendly" conversation.
The lawsuit continues that at the end of the night, Perry told Dixon not to drive home and offered Dixon the guest room in his home. The lawsuit alleges Perry assaulted Dixon that night.
According to the lawsuit, following the assault, Dixon tried to ignore Perry's calls or texts, which became more aggressive "until finally Perry offered Dixon a part in a new show called The Oval." According to the lawsuit, Dixon "put up" with Perry's comments due to fear over his role in the show being cut.
"Dixon immediately understood that his job security depended on his 'relationship' with Perry," the lawsuit states. "From this point on, Dixon worked with the constant fear of losing his job if he did not engage with and endure Perry's sexual harassment."
Things allegedly escalated between Dixon and Perry after they filmed the episode where Dixon's character was shot four times, "indicating a seeming end to his role on the show and his termination from the job."
Perry had invited Dixon to his trailer for drinks. The lawsuit states that after he asked Dixon if he was attracted to him and other inappropriate questions, Perry allegedly assaulted Dixon when he was about to leave the trailer.
"As soon as Derek Dixon left the trailer following Perry's violent assault, Dixon became severely nauseous and extremely anxious about his job, careers and livelihood," the lawsuit states.
Another incident took place on Perry's private island in the Bahamas, where the cast was having a party, the lawsuit alleges.
By December 2020, Dixon began "feeling depleted" due to Perry's "continued pattern of sexual harassment," according to the lawsuit. "The assaults and harassment began manifesting in his physical health and Mr. Dixon had no one to turn to."
The complaint alleges that as the sexual harassment continued through the beginning of 2021, Dixon was prescribed an antidepressant for the stress he began experiencing.
In June 2021, Dixon claimed he was invited by Perry to his house again to discuss the pilot for Dixon's show, Losing It. At the meeting, Dixon alleges he was sexually assaulted again.
Dixon decided to move to Santa Monica, California, in or around January 2023, allegedly "to put some distance between himself and Perry." But the lawsuit states that the "quid pro quo harassment and attempts to cover up the sexual assault by promising a show continued." After dangling the promise of producing Dixon's show multiple times, Dixon realized in 2024 that Perry was doing so in an effort to prevent Dixon "from exposing the dark side of Tyler Perry," the suit claims.
When reached for comment, attorneys for Dixon told ABC, "At this point Mr. Dixon has no comment. We believe the complaint speaks for itself."
In response to the lawsuit, Matthew Boyd, an attorney for Perry and TPS Production Services, LLC, said, "This is an individual who got close to Tyler Perry for what now appears to be nothing more than setting up a scam. But Tyler will not be shaken down and we are confident these fabricated claims of harassment will fail."
Good Morning America has reached out to BET for comment.
Source-ABC
Trump says US hits 3 Iranian nuclear sites, plunging America into conflict
The United States struck three nuclear sites in Iran on Saturday, President Donald Trump announced.
B-2 bombers dropped a number of Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs -- known as "bunker busters" -- during the U.S. mission over Iran, a U.S. official confirmed.
A number of Tomahawk cruise missiles were also fired at targets inside Iran from a U.S. Navy submarine, the official confirmed.
Following the strikes, Trump addressed the nation, calling it a "spectacular military success."
Judge denies government's motion to detain Kilmar Abrego Garcia
A magistrate judge in Tennessee has denied the government's motion to detain Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the mistakenly deported Salvadoran native who was brought back to the United States earlier this month.
In her order on Sunday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes said the court "will give Abrego the due process that he is guaranteed."
Judge Holmes scheduled a hearing for Wednesday to review the conditions of release.
Abrego Garcia faces criminal charges for allegedly transporting undocumented migrants within the U.S.
Source-ABC
Weekend Scores
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Pacers 91, Thunder 103 (NBA Finals - Game 7, OKC wins series 4-3)
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Orioles 2, Yankees 4
Tigers 9, Rays 3
Rangers 3, Pirates 8
White Sox 4, Blue Jays 2
Braves 3, Marlins 5
Brewers 9, Twins 8
Reds 4, Cardinals 1
Mariners 14, Cubs 6
Diamondbacks 2, Rockies 4
Red Sox 5, Giants 9
Guardians 3, Athletics 0
Astros 8, Angels 7
Royals 2, Padres 3
Nationals 7, Dodgers 13
Mets 1, Phillies 7
The Department of Gender Affairs Recognised at the New Testament Church of God 10th Annual Convention
The Department of Gender Affairs within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs, and Transportation extends its sincere gratitude to the New Testament Church of God, Providenciales, and the organisers of the 10th Annual Convention under the inspiring theme "Go with Fire."
We are immensely honored to receive the prestigious recognition awarded to our department for our dedication and impactful work in promoting gender equality, safeguarding vulnerable populations, and supporting mental health initiatives across the islands. This acknowledgment not only highlights the tireless efforts of our team but also underscores the vital partnerships with agencies, including the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit, Behavioral Health, Mental Health and Substance Abuse, and the Department of Social Development.
In attendance was Hon. Shaun Malcolm, Minister responsible for Gender Affairs, who delivered a meaningful remark during the service. Minister Malcolm emphasized the crucial role of the church in shaping society and assisting those in need. He expressed his happiness about the partnership with the Department of Gender Affairs to better serve and protect the vulnerable communities of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Mrs. Carolyn Dickenson, Director of Gender Affairs, reflected on this historic milestone the first time the Department has been formally recognized for its invaluable contributions. She expressed heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging that this recognition validates the unwavering dedication of our staff and highlights the importance of our work in combating issues such as gender-based violence, substance abuse, and mental health challenges.
Mrs. Dickenson highlighted the continued sacrifices made daily late-night calls, court reports, and urgent responses to domestic violence incidents which underscoring the department’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our community. While words alone cannot fully express the impact of our work, this acknowledgment fuels our resolve to continue making a meaningful difference.
This occasion energises us to further our efforts to create a safer, more supportive environment where every individual feels protected and valued. We remain committed to collaborative action across sectors to foster positive change within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
We wish to thank the Women’s Ministry of the New Testament Church of God for facilitating this recognition. Your support inspires us to continue serving with dedication, compassion, and resolve.