Antigua PM optimistic Trinidad will honour outstanding multi-million dollar payout
Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne says he remains optimistic that Trinidad and Tobago would honour its obligation and pay the remaining US$60 million owed to policy holders following the collapse of two Trinidad-based Caribbean insurance and financial companies.
The collapse of the Colonial Life Insurance Company (ClICO) and British American Insurance Company (BAICO) 2008, sent shockwaves across the Caribbean, particularly the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Browne had indicated that millions of dollars had been lost by depositors in the OECS after they were invested by CLICO/BAICO in the Trinidad and Tobago economy.
He said a previous Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration had agreed to provide a compensation of US$100 million for the OECS countries, of which US$40 million had been paid.
The last Trinidad and Tobago government did not honour the remaining balance and Prime Minister Browne, who met with Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar during the ongoing Caribbean Community (CARICOM) summit here, said while he s aware of the financial problems facing Port of Spain, he still remains hopeful of a payment being made.
“ I would say that the discussions were very cordial and we understand fully the fiscal difficulties that Trinidad and Tobago is faced with at this time.
“The discussion centered around paying the balance of 60 million US dollars over an extended period, a period that will not create any significant cash flow problems to the government of Trinidad and Tobago,” Browne told reporters, adding “I sense that she is willing to honour that commitment that she made several years ago.
“In fact, she honoured it partially by paying the first 40 million US dollars. So I remain hopeful that a final determination will be made in the upcoming weeks. But she did not resist honoring the remaining 60 million US dollars, other than we had to take into consideration the fiscal problems and certain economic problems that Trinidad has at this time,” Browne added.
Source- CMC
The Department of Family and Children Services recognises Social Work Month 2026
The Department of Family and Children Services, in collaboration with the Department of Community Support and Engagement, is proud to join the global community in celebrating Social Work Month this March 2026 under the theme, “Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform.”
This theme speaks deeply to the heart of the Turks and Caicos Islands, where social workers serve as pillars of strength, compassion, and hope within our communities. In our close-knit communities, social workers provide critical support to children, families, the elderly, and vulnerable individuals, ensuring that no one is left behind as our nation progresses.
Social work in the Turks and Caicos Islands is more than a profession, it is a calling and a national responsibility. It represents a commitment to protecting our children, strengthening families, supporting our elderly, and preserving the dignity and well-being of every resident across every island and community.
Director of the Department of Family and Children Services, Mrs. Ashley Adams-Forbes, expressed sincere appreciation, stating: "Social workers are the heart of safeguarding and social protection within our communities. Their work requires not only skill and knowledge, but empathy, courage, and unwavering commitment. We are proud to recognise and celebrate their contributions, and we thank them for their continued dedication to protecting and uplifting those we serve.”
Honourable Shaun D. Malcolm Minister responsible for Family and Children Services and Community Support and Engagement praised the invaluable contributions of social workers, stating, “Social workers are the quiet heroes within our communities. They provide hope in moments of hardship, protection in times of vulnerability, and guidance when it is needed most. Their work helps ensure that as the Turks and Caicos Islands grows and prospers, every individual has the opportunity to live in safety, dignity, and stability.”
As part of Social Work Month, the Department will host several initiatives to promote awareness of the profession and recognise the vital role social workers play in strengthening families and communities.
As we celebrate Social Work Month 2026, we honour and thank the social workers of the Turks and Caicos Islands for their tireless service and unwavering dedication. Their work uplifts lives, defends dignity, and helps transform our nation into a stronger, more compassionate, and more resilient Turks and Caicos Islands for all.
CABINET APPROVES NEW PLANNING APPLICATION FEE STRUCTURE – EFFECTIVE 1ST APRIL 2026
The Planning Department within the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development announces that the Cabinet of the Turks and Caicos Islands has approved a new policy position to amend the fees specified by Regulation 16 of the Development Permission Regulations made under the Physical Planning Act.
This important reform was championed by the Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Arlington A. Musgrove, in conjunction with the Department of Planning, as part of Government’s continued efforts to strengthen transparency, efficiency, and fairness within the national development approval process.
The approved reform introduces a modernized and more transparent structure for planning application fees, transitioning from a construction-cost-based system to a square-footage-based fee model.
Under the existing system, planning application fees are calculated as a percentage of the estimated construction cost provided by applicants or their agents. As these costs could not be independently verified by the Planning Department, this approach occasionally results in disputes and inconsistencies.
The new square-footage-based approach allows fees to be calculated based on the total construction area shown on submitted architectural drawings; improving fairness, transparency, and administrative efficiency.
Once made, the revised framework will establish two development zones to reflect the varying characteristics of land use across the Islands.
Area A includes high-end and tourism-related locations, while Area B applies to general residential and non-tourism areas. Planning application fees will be based on the type of development, its size, and its location within these designated areas.
Applications for Outline Development Permission will be assessed at 50 percent of the applicable Detailed Development Permission fee.
The policy also formalizes infrastructure fees for certain large-scale and high-impact developments, particularly within tourism and high-end areas, in support of long-term infrastructure planning and sustainable national growth.
Additionally, where development proposals exceed the building height allowances established under the National Physical Development Plan (NPDP), and approval is granted by the Cabinet, a building height levy will apply per square foot for each additional floor, payable every three years.
The Cabinet also considered the structure of subdivision fees and the potential impact on Turks and Caicos Islanders. The new framework ensures that smaller family subdivisions are not treated the same as large-scale commercial developments, helping to protect inheritance planning opportunities and reduce disproportionate financial burdens on local landowners, while ensuring that commercial developments contribute appropriately.
Importantly, the definition of “Exempt Application” will be amended to provide a 50 percent reduction in planning application fees for Turks and Caicos Islanders constructing their first dwelling house for personal or family occupation. This measure reinforces Government’s commitment to supporting homeownership and access to family land for Islanders.
The necessary amendments to the fee structure and the associated forms, including Form DOP 2, will now be finalized to reflect the new fee structure.
The changes to the Development Permission Regulations and updated forms and detailed fee tables will be published in the Gazette and by the Planning Department prior to the implementation date. The new planning application fees will take effect on 1st April 2026, and further guidance will be provided to assist applicants during the transition.
This release seeks to provide timely notice to the public of the policy change. This reform represents a significant step in strengthening the development management framework of the Turks and Caicos Islands by promoting transparency, equity, and sustainable development.
ICE deports convicted illegal Jamaican national
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency says it has deported a convicted illegal Jamaican national.
On Friday, ICE said Kemar Hamilton was convicted of homicide in New York in 2012.
ICE said he was arrested for the murder of Edgar McCalla, a 58-year-old Jamaican immigrant with seven children.
Hamilton reportedly shot McCalla during a robbery outside McCalla’s Bronx home on Feb. 19, 2009, then fled the scene.
Police discovered a prepaid cellphone at the murder scene dropped by the killer, which initially yielded no DNA match and soon after, the case grew cold, ICE said.
It said a break in the case came two years later, when local law enforcement stopped Hamilton for a traffic violation and discovered a loaded firearm inside his vehicle.
ICE said officials arrested him and investigators later discovered his DNA matched that on the cellphone dropped at the murder scene years before.
“I commend local law enforcement for breaking this murder case and the prosecutors for securing a conviction, but the truth is, Kemar Hamilton should have never been in this country in the first place,” said ICE Deputy Director Charles Wall. “We’ve said it over and over: Enforcing immigration law protects Americans — and it protects our immigrant communities.
“This criminal crossed our border illegally, then went on to murder a father of seven from his own home nation,” he added.
ICE said Hamilton snuck into the United States in 2008, but US Border Patrol agents apprehended him within days and released him on his own recognizance, as was customary at the time, with a notice to appear in court for immigration proceedings.
About a year after illegally entering the US, Hamilton killed McCalla — “leaving seven innocent children fatherless,” ICE said.
While Hamilton hid from justice on New York streets, ICE said immigration officials were already processing his removal orders, and an immigration judge ordered him removed Dec. 23, 2009.
A judge in New York sentenced Hamilton to over a decade in prison.
ICE Buffalo, New York officers arrested him Oct. 6, 2025, upon his release from the Wende Correctional Facility in Alden “to prevent his release into the community and effect his removal.”
Source- CMC
Trump vows to continue attacks on Iran
United States President Donald Trump has pledged to continue the “righteous mission” against Iran, until “all objectives are achieved”, adding there will likely be more US troop deaths in the process.
Speaking in a video posted to his Truth Social account on Sunday, Trump again framed the war against Iran as a response to an existential threat to the US, saying that “an Iranian regime armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would be a dire threat to every American”.
Trump and his top officials had repeatedly made similar statements in the run-up to Saturday’s attacks, which killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several high-ranking members of the country’s leadership.
However, they have to date presented no evidence to support that Iran was developing a long-range missile capable of hitting the US or was anywhere close to developing a nuclear weapon.
Tehran has long denied seeking such a weapon, with experts assessing that if it did seek nuclear weapons, the development would still be several years off. The US launched its attacks alongside Israel in the middle of ongoing US-Iran talks on its nuclear programme.
Trump also referenced the three US military personnel confirmed killed on Sunday amid Iran’s regional retaliation.
“As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives,” Trump said.
“And sadly, there will likely be more before it ends,” he said. “That’s the way it is – likely be more, but we’ll do everything possible where that won’t be the case.”
He added: “But America will avenge their deaths, and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against, basically, civilisation”.
The speech marked a stark contrast to several interviews Trump had given throughout the day, in which he appeared to float diplomatic off-ramps.
“They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them,” Trump told the Atlantic magazine, referring to what the publication described as Iran’s “new leadership”.
“They should have given what was very practical and easy to do sooner. They waited too long,” he said.
A White House official confirmed to Al Jazeera that Trump was willing to engage with Iran’s new leaders.
Earlier on Sunday, Iran announced a three-member interim leadership council to run the government in the wake of Khamenei’s killing. It includes: President Masoud Pezeshkian; the chief justice of the Supreme Court, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei; and a member of the Guardian Council, Ayatollah Alireza Arafi.
Trump acknowledged that some of the negotiators involved in the talks with the US had since been killed.
Some analysts have argued that Iran’s new leadership will likely be wary of engaging with the Trump administration, given its track record. The US also launched attacks alongside Israel during US-Iran negotiations in June last year.
The new leadership could instead pursue a protracted conflict that could be politically damaging for Trump, some experts have said.
“Most of those people are gone,” Trump told The Atlantic. “Some of the people we were dealing with are gone, because that was a big – that was a big hit.”
In his speech on Sunday, Trump did not reference any diplomatic overtures, instead calling for regime change in Iran.
He again offered amnesty to Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) members, the Iranian military and police who “lay down” their arms. If they do not, they will face “certain death”, he said.
He also again called on “Iranian patriots who yearn for freedom to seize this moment to be brave, be bold, be heroic, and take back your country”.
He appeared to reference his threats in January to strike Iran in response to the government’s crackdown on protesters.
“I made a promise to you, and I fulfilled that promise,” Trump said. “The rest will be up to you. We’ll be there to help”.
Trump spoke as fighting continued across the region.
The US command that oversees the Middle East (CENTCOM) announced the killing of the three members of the US military earlier on Sunday, but did not provide further details. It said five others were “seriously wounded” in the operation.
The US media has reported that those killed in Iranian strikes were based in Kuwait. Iran has also launched a barrage of attacks against Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, and Oman.
Meanwhile, at least 201 people have been killed in Iran, with 747 wounded, while at least nine have been killed and 121 wounded in Israel.
At least one person has been killed in Kuwait, three have been killed in the UAE, and two have been killed in Iraq since the escalation began.
Source- Al Jazeera
Iran confirms Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei dead after US-Israeli attacks
Iranian state media have confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed at his office in the Israeli-US attacks on Iran, following earlier reports of his killing by US and Israeli officials.
A 40-day mourning period for the longtime Iranian leader has been announced.
The Sunday confirmation comes after Iran’s Tasnim and Mehr news agencies initially reported that Khamenei remained “steadfast and firm in commanding the field”.
US President Donald Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform earlier in the day that 86-year-old Khamenei was killed in the joint US-Israeli strikes, which began early on Saturday.
“He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do,” Trump wrote.
“This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country,” he said. “Hopefully, the IRGC [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] and Police will peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots.”
While Iranian authorities have long planned for the possible killing of Khamenei in the event of a war with the US and Israel, his assassination injects new uncertainty into an unfolding conflict that has already spurred concerns that fighting could escalate and expand further.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier also claimed that there were “growing signs” that Khamenei had been killed.
Additionally, the Reuters news agency, citing an unnamed senior Israeli official, had reported that Khamenei’s body had been located. Khamenei has been Iran’s supreme leader since 1989, succeeding the founder of the post-shah Iran, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who steered Iran’s 1979 revolution.
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Tehran confirms Khamenei’s killing
Israel’s military said it has struck more than 30 targets in attacks on western and central Iran.
Iranian state media confirms the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the US and Israel’s ongoing attacks on the country.
We are learning that Khamenei’s daughter, son-in-law, and grandson were also killed along with his top aidsUS President Donald Trump, who announced major combat operations in Iran after Israel launched missile attacks on Saturday, says the bombing will continue “uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary” to achieve his objectives.
Iranian state media say a strike on a school in southern Iran has killed at least 108 people, and that at least 201 people have been killed across 24 provinces.
Iran’s retaliatory attacks have targeted Israel and US assets in multiple Middle East countries, including Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Iraqi.
Several countries across the region have shut their airspace amid the exchange of attacks.
Dozens of Air Force fighter jets struck, guided by Military Intelligence, and completed just a short while ago another wave of strikes to target the ballistic missile array and air defence systems of the Iranian terror regime in western and central Iran,” the military said in a statement.
Attacks will continue on air defence installation, missile sites, military headquarters and other “regime targets” in Iran, Israel said.
Source- Aljazeera
Multi-Agency Planning Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays
The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, 5 February 2026, at Block and Parcel 60503/17 in the Five Cays area.
The exercise was led by the Planning Department, pursuant to its statutory authority under the Physical Planning Act to address unauthorised development. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Crown Land Unit and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action formed part of a Public Private Partnership initiative between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and private landowners. The registered owners of the land would have sought the state’s assistance to issue copies of Section 58 Enforcement Notices on unlawful structures identified on the parcel. The subject parcel comprises approximately 25 acres extending across Millennium Highway.
During the exercise, a total of fifty-four (54) copies of the Enforcement Notice were issued on structures located on the parcel. Notices were affixed to structures and served on persons found to be occupying illegal developments.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold planning regulations, protect property rights, and promote orderly and lawful development. Persons undertaking construction are reminded that development without the requisite planning approvals is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
WEATHER FORECAST FOR THE TURKS AND CAICOS
GENERAL SITUATION: A weakening stationary front lingering across the Central Bahamas may spark a few passing showers to parts of the Turks and Caicos Islands today.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: There is a moderate to high risk of rip currents for Atlantic exposed shorelines due to swells. Swimmers are urged to remain on shore on Atlantic beaches.
TCI Weather Report on RTC.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: Partly sunny with isolated showers possible this afternoon. Mostly fair tonight.
WINDS: Northeast to east at 5 to 15 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic – 3 to 5 feet, building up to 7 feet in northerly swells offshore
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 82°F 28°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 70°F 21°C
SUNSET: 05:47 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 02:36 PM (0.4 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 08:38 PM (2.1 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: The frontal boundary will gradually weaken and dissipate by late Thursday, allowing high pressure and drier air to rebuild across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Expect mainly sunny skies and dry conditions through the weekend. Temperatures will steadily rise each day, peaking by Sunday, with warm days, comfortable nights, and overall pleasant weather anticipated.
THURSDAY: Isolated showers possible. Partly sunny to sunny, with a high near 82°F (28°C).
THURSDAY NIGHT: Fair, with a low around 72°F (22°C).
WINDS: Easterly at 5 to 15 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic – 3 to 5 feet, building up to 7 feet in northeasterly swells offshore
SUNRISE: 06:16 AM
SUNSET: 05:48 PM
LOW TIDE: 02:42 AM (0.3 FT) 03:11 PM (0.3 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 08:58 AM (2.3 FT) 09:23 PM (2.3 FT)
FRIDAY: Isolated showers possible. Partly sunny to sunny, with a high near 84°F (29°C).
FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 73°F (23°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 1 to 3 feet; Atlantic – 2 to 4 feet
SUNRISE: 06:16 AM
SUNSET: 05:48 PM
LOW TIDE: 03:32 AM (0.3 FT) 03:32 PM (0.3 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 09:37 AM (2.2 FT) 10:10 PM (2.4 FT)
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
BUILDING A SAFER TRANSPORT SYSTEM — OPPORTUNITY FOR BELONGERS
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands is aware of the ongoing public discussion surrounding the enforcement actions taken against illegal jitney operations. We recognise that for many residents — particularly working people and families — these services have played an important role in meeting daily transportation needs.
However, the recent enforcement measures reflect the Government’s responsibility to uphold road safety, passenger safety, regulatory compliance, and fairness within the transport sector. The unsafe transportation of passengers in unlicensed and unauthorised vehicles presents serious risks to both commuters and other road users.
TCIG is developing a comprehensive Bus Transport Policy aimed at establishing a safe, affordable, and efficient public transportation system across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
This policy is designed to:
• Support working residents in travelling to and from work reliably
• Facilitate the smooth movement of people within and between communities
• Reduce congestion on our roads
• Improve road and passenger safety
• Provide clear identification of authorised public transport operators
• Introduce appropriate regulation and oversight of transport services
• Transition from the current ad-hoc arrangement to a formal, structured public transport network
In the interim, the Government reminds the public that licensed transport options already exist under the current regulatory framework. These include properly licensed taxis and Community Cab services operated by individuals holding valid licences under Part IV of the Road Traffic Act.
TCIG encourages Turks and Caicos Islanders to view the Community Cab category as an opportunity. It provides a lawful avenue for Belongers to participate in the public transport sector, earn income, and contribute to a safer, more structured transportation system. Those who are currently operating outside of the legal framework are encouraged to regularise their operations and take advantage of the existing provisions available to them.
TCIG acknowledges that enforcement actions may result in short-term inconvenience for some members of the public. Nevertheless, unregulated operations cannot serve as a sustainable or lawful solution to the country’s transportation challenges. The Government remains focused on delivering a transport system that is safe, equitable, and aligned with national development goals.
Stakeholder engagement and public consultation will continue as the formal transport framework is finalised to ensure that it reflects the needs of our communities.
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands remains committed to implementing a transportation solution that strengthens infrastructure, safeguards passengers, supports economic participation, and advances the long-term development of our nation.