Kendrick Lamar leads Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Hot Rap Songs charts
Kendrick Lamar and SZA's "Luther" may no longer top the Hot 100, but the song still leads Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for a 22nd week.
The GNX cut garnered 16.7 million official U.S. streams and 2,000 sales downloads, according to Luminate, tying with K. Dot's song "Not Like Us."
SZA is now back to having a song with the most weeks at #1, after "Kill Bill" previously topped the chart for 21 weeks in 2022 and 2023.
"Luther" also appears on the Hot Rap Songs chart, where it dominates for a 22nd week, following close behind K. Dot's 26-week record for "Not Like Us."
"Luther" led the Hot 100 for 13 weeks before Morgan Wallen’s “What I Want” featuring Tate McRae kicked it out of the #1 spot.
Source-ABC
Male Succumbs to Injuries
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force confirms that JEAN RONEL JEAN BAPTISTE succumbed to his injuries following a shooting incident.
Jean-Baptiste of Kew Town was pronounced dead by a medical doctor while undergoing treatment on 23rd May. He was one of four males who were shot on Walter Cox Drive, Kew Town, on May 21st.
Preliminary investigations reveal that Jean-Baptiste, 32, and three other males were inside a vehicle when another vehicle pulled alongside them. Three occupants exited, began shooting, and then fled.
The injured males were rushed to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre for treatment.
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force extends sincere condolences to Mr. Jean Baptiste's family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Additionally, in an unrelated incident in South Caicos, a 17-year-old male remains in custody as a person of interest, assisting with the investigation into the wounding of an elderly male. The teenager was detained on 23rd May during a police operation on suspicion of discharging a firearm. Shortly after noon on 21 May, the Police Control Room received a report of an injury related to a firearm in South Caicos.
A 71-year-old male sustained a gunshot wound to the left thigh.
Anyone with information that can assist in this case is urged to contact the police via 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted using the Crime Stoppers P3 app.
Community support is crucial in helping to bring those responsible to justice.
Wounding and Shooting Incident in TCI
Two firearm-related incidents are engaging the attention of detectives attached to the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
Shortly after midnight today, May 25th, the Police Control Room received multiple reports of loud explosions in the Ralph Close, Blue Hills area.
Officers were immediately dispatched to the location and, upon arrival, discovered a male victim suffering from a single gunshot wound to the leg. The 41-year-old victim was transported to a medical facility for treatment.
Based on preliminary investigations, the victim was seated outside his home when he was confronted by five masked, armed males announcing a robbery. The victim ran off for assistance and was shot in the process. The victim was transported for medical assistance.
While processing the scene, officers found a second male victim lying face down next to a vehicle with what appeared to be gunshot wounds.
The victim has been identified as ROBERTO YACINTHE, 33, OF Blue Hills.
Initial investigations reveal that the victim was accosted by two males and shot.
Mr. Yacinthe was pronounced deceased by a medical doctor at 1:15 am.
This is the second homicide to have occurred within 12 hours.
Around 2:58 pm yesterday, the body of a male was discovered with gunshot wounds in Five Cays. The victim has been identified as JEAN MILET GARDINER, alias “FANFAN”.
Mr Gardiner, 43, a Haitian national residing in Five Cays, was pronounced deceased at 3:16 pm by a medical practitioner.
The RT&CIPF are pursuing all available leads to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
We are seeking the public’s assistance with these matters and encourage you to notify the nearest police station, dial 999, contact the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to anonymously provide any information regarding these incidents.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.
American Music Awards 2025
The 2025 American Music Awards, hosted by Jennifer Lopez, took place Monday night in Las Vegas. Billie Eilish was the top winner, taking home seven awards. Here's the complete list of winners:
Artist of the year: Billie Eilish
New artist of the year: Gracie Abrams
Album of the year: Billie Eilish, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT
Song of the year: Billie Eilish, "Birds of a Feather"
Favorite touring artist: Billie Eilish
Favorite music video: Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, "Die With a Smile"
Favorite male pop artist: Bruno Mars
Favorite female pop artist: Billie Eilish
Favorite pop album: Billie Eilish, HIT ME HARD AND SOFT
Favorite pop song: Billie Eilish, "Birds of a Feather"
Favorite male country artist: Post Malone
Favorite female country artist: Beyoncé
Favorite country duo or group: Dan + Shay
Favorite country album: Beyoncé, COWBOY CARTER
Favorite country song: Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen, "I Had Some Help"
Favorite male hip-hop artist: Eminem
Favorite female hip-hop artist: Megan Thee Stallion
Favorite hip-hop album: Eminem, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)
Favorite hip-hop song: Kendrick Lamar, "Not Like Us"
Favorite male R&B artist: The Weeknd
Favorite female R&B artist: SZA
Favorite R&B album: The Weeknd, Hurry Up Tomorrow
Favorite R&B song: SZA, "Saturn"
Favorite male Latin artist: Bad Bunny
Favorite female Latin artist: Becky G
Favorite Latin duo or group: Julión Álvarez y su Norteño Banda
Favorite Latin album: Bad Bunny, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
Favorite Latin song: Shakira, "Soltera"
Favorite rock artist: Twenty One Pilots
Favorite rock album: Twenty One Pilots, Clancy
Favorite rock song: Linkin Park, "The Emptiness Machine"
Favorite dance/electronic artist: Lady Gaga
Favorite soundtrack: Arcane League of Legends: Season 2
Favorite Afrobeats artist: Tyla
Favorite K-pop artist: RM
Collaboration of the year: Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, "Die with a Smile"
Social song of the year: Doechii, "Anxiety"
TCI Top Model Mainstream Media Award Results
The anticipation is soaring as the official delegates competing for the coveted title of The Face of the Turks & Caicos -TCI Top Model – have been revealed. Their grand debut is set for Saturday, April 26th, 2025, at the Beauty Personified launch event, kicking off what is expected to be the most transformative cycle in the contest’s celebrated history.
Themed “En Vogue,” this sixth instalment ushers in a bold new era, as the competition goes co-ed for the very first time. This move toward greater inclusivity reflects the evolving global fashion landscape—providing an equal platform for both male and female talents to shine. Selected from an impressive pool of 28 applicants, ten dynamic contestants are now stepping into the spotlight, each ready to embark on a journey of personal and professional growth, creative transformation, and global opportunity.
The 2025 TCI Top Model Contest Finalists:
Shakem Charles
Kavanna Hanna
Juane Familia
Mynisha Chery
Mosderlin Hicher
Diavion Ebanks
Ancy Dorsica
Shenylce Bello
Hubert Jr. Prospere
Niyeca Thompson
Courtney Robinson, Executive Producer of the TCI Top Model Contest, shared: “This cycle is not just a competition—it’s a fashion phenomenon. By opening the runway to both men and women, we’re celebrating talent in all its forms and embracing a future where fashion in Turks and Caicos reflects the diversity and dynamism of our people. ‘En Vogue’ is more than a theme—it’s a statement of intent.”
The 2025 cycle officially launches with Beauty Personified, an exclusive affair at the reflecting pool of The Spa at The Palms Resort, Grace Bay, Providenciales, beginning at 5PM. Hosted by O’Brian Forbes, this elegant evening—complete with a resort chic dress code—promises island glamour, fashion-forward flair, and a first glimpse at the stars of tomorrow. Tickets are limited and priced at $100.
Since its inception in 2009, the TCI Top Model Contest has evolved into the premier platform for fashion, beauty, arts, and entertainment in the Turks and Caicos Islands. More than a modelling competition, it is a movement—empowering young creatives through education, mentorship, and international exposure.
Now entering its sixth cycle, the 2025 competition is the most ambitious yet, offering over $35,000 in cash and prizes, global media coverage, and unmatched career-building opportunities. The Winner, along with the First and Second Runners-Up, will be featured in Times of the Islands and Discover Turks and Caicos magazines, and will serve as brand ambassadors for Basic Essentials, Queen of the World Spa, and more. The top three (3) placers will also receive state-of-the-art cellular devices from FLOW TCI, cash awards, and an exciting slate of prizes that affirm their role as cultural influencers and icons of TCI fashion.
The countdown begins with Beauty Personified, culminating in a show-stopping Grand Finale on Saturday, May 31st, 2025, at Brayton Hall, Providenciales. This not-to-be-missed event will feature award-winning performances and a high-impact multimedia production that redefines fashion excellence in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Following four (4) rounds of press interviews, Contestant #1, Shakem Charles, emerged as the winner of this year’s award. Mynisha Chery (Contestant #4) and Diavion Ebanks (Contestant #6) also delivered outstanding performances, placing among the top three with interviews that impressed the judges through their eloquence, authenticity, and stage presence.
Tables and tickets are on sale now. Be there to witness the rise of the next Face of the Turks & Caicos.
3-DAY TCI WEATHER FORECAST
GENERAL SITUATION: A weak high pressure system will continue to support hot and mostly sunny conditions across the Turks and Caicos Islands today.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: The heat index may reach the low 100s today. Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible; prolonged exposure could lead to heat stroke. Stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade, and avoid strenuous activity during peak hours.
WEATHER: A mix of sun and clouds with isolated showers possible this afternoon. Mostly fair tonight.
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots, falling light and variable at times.
SEAS: 3 feet or less
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 90°F 32°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 78°F 25°C
HEAT INDEX 103°F 39°C
SUNSET: 07:23 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 04:05 PM (2.3 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 10:20 PM (0.7 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: The high pressure will gradually shift eastward through tonight. By Thursday, a new ridge from the Northeast Atlantic will build across the Turks and Caicos Islands, maintaining generally fair weather through the weekend.
THURSDAY: Partly sunny to sunny, with a high around 90°F (32°C).
THURSDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 78°F (25°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots.
SEAS: 3 feet or less
SUNRISE: 06:07 AM
SUNSET: 07:23 PM
HIGH TIDE: 04:35 AM (2.3 FT) 05:12 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 10:55 AM (0.7 FT) 11:32 PM (0.7 FT)
FRIDAY: Isolated showers possible in the early morning. Partly sunny to sunny, with a high around 90°F (32°C).
FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 79°F (26°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots, increasing 15 to 20 knots in the evening.
SEAS: Caicos Bank & Atlantic Nearshore – 3 feet or less; Atlantic Offshore – 2 to 4 feet
SUNRISE: 06:07 AM
SUNSET: 07:24 PM
HIGH TIDE: 05:34 AM (2.3 FT) 06:13 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 11:49 AM (0.7 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next seven (7) days. The official 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season will commence on June 1st.
FORECASTER: H.HAMILTON
Sandals denies properties up for auction for non payment of taxes in Bahamas
Sandals says some of its properties in Exuma that ended up on an auction list published by the Department of Inland Revenue (DIR) is a mistake that will be rectified.
“We are aware of recent media reports suggesting that private properties owned by Sandals in Exuma are slated for auction,” Sandals said in a statement, adding “we wish to state categorically that it is an error stemming from inaccurate records at the Bahamas Department of Inland Revenue.
“We have been assured that the mistake will be rectified, and no bids for these properties will be accepted by the Department of Inland Revenue,” Sandals said.
In the statement, the Jamaica-based hotel group, said it “remains fully committed to The Bahamas” and that “we continue to invest heavily in the region and look forward to building on our longstanding partnership”.
The Department of Inland Revenue (DIR) has demanded that Sandals Resorts make a payment of US$30.8 million in back taxes, but Sandals has challenged that assessment.
Among the properties listed for sale in the notice published on May 12, 2025, are five properties in Exuma labelled as “Farmers Hill, Sandals Beach Units”. The values of the parcels range from $1.15 million to $2.7million.
The Department of Inland Revenue began exercising its power of sale under the Real Property Tax last year in a bid to recover more than US$700 million in delinquent real property tax arrears. It is using the lien, or charge, it has over these properties to sell them via a public auction on June 24, 2025.
The Department’s audit findings, which covered six years between 2017 and 2022, claimed the tax arrears had arisen because Sandals Emerald Bay and its operator, Clearview Management Ltd, had under-reported gross revenue income for the period by more than US$284 million.
The dispute, according to documents filed with the Supreme Court, appears to result from the Sandals’ corporate structure and business model. All guest bookings and payments are made to the resort chain’s corporate parent, Sandals Resorts International 2000, and its third-party booking platform and sales agent, Unique Travel Corporation. Both these entities are domiciled in Panama.
Source-CMC
TCIFA Hosts C-License Coaching Course to Elevate Regional Coaching Standards
The Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) successfully hosted the first segment of its C-License Coaching Course from May 16–18, 2025, at the TCIFA National Academy. This vital course serves as a stepping stone for the TCIFA's inclusion in the Concacaf Coaching Convention at the C-License Level.
The C-License Coaching Course is a critical component of Concacaf's initiative to standardize coaching conventions across member nations. By participating in these courses, coaches ensure they meet the minimum standards required by Concacaf, which are essential for both audits and the broader coaching framework. Upon receiving membership in the Concacaf Coaching Convention, the TCIFA C-License will gain recognition across all countries in the region, opening new opportunities for coaches and enhancing the quality of football education.
Upon completing the face-to-face segment of the TCIFA C-License coaching course, there will be a designated six-week development period for student coaches. This phase will incorporate online learning and practical assignments. The development period is designed to encourage continuous improvement and self-reflection, allowing coaches to integrate new techniques and strategies into their coaching repertoire. This will be followed by assessments, with provisions for reassessment if necessary to complete the certification process. This structured approach ensures that all participating coaches have ample time to refine their skills and absorb the knowledge imparted during the course.
As part of FIFA’s commitment to Coach Educator mentorship through the FIFA/Concacaf Coach Educator’s Mentorship Program, FIFA Technical Expert John Peacock was invited to oversee the C-License Coaching Course. His role involved assessing and providing feedback to the Coach Educators in accordance with the coaching competency framework. The course was led by Instructors Damien Grant (TCIFA Head of Coach Education) and Dane Ritchie (TCIFA Technical Director).
In continuation of commitment to coaching excellence, TCIFA will also conduct a "Train the Trainers" course. This initiative aims to equip a new cadre of coach educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to sustain and expand the quality of coaching education in the region.
TCIFA Head of Coaching Education Damien Grant, commented,"This C-License course marks a historic milestone for the TCIFA as we take meaningful steps toward full inclusion in the Concacaf Coaching Convention. It’s not just about meeting standards, it’s about raising them. We aim to empower local coaches with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to lead with purpose and develop players more effectively. The commitment shown by the student coaches has been truly inspiring, and I believe they will play a key role in shaping the future of football in our country. This is just the beginning of a new era in coach development, and we are excited to continue building capacity through future initiatives like our Train the Trainers course and TCIFA coaching courses with the support of CONCACAF."
"The Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association has been making significant strides in the area of coach education and this C License Course is a mark in our progress to standardize our coaching education courses to meet the minimum standards set out by Concacaf under the Concacaf Coaching Convention," said TCIFA Technical Director, Dane Ritchie.The delivery of the course has been progressing very well with the candidates being very receptive to the delivery methods being used on the course. We remain grateful for the assistance offered to us through the FIFA/Concacaf Train the Trainers program which allowed us to make significant progress in our coaching education methodology. Thanks to our President Sonia Fulford Missick and our former General Secretary Oliver Smith and our new General Secretary Tamara Hall-Worme for the support in enabling us to be at this juncture in our growth. The Turks and Caicos Islands Coaching Education Department is looking forward to successfully completing the course and the audit process to be accepted into the Concacaf Coaching Convention at the C License Level. This will indeed be a proud day for us."
TCIFA remains committed to its vision of elevating the standards of football coaching, thereby enhancing the overall quality of the sport throughout the region. Through ongoing education and support, the association aims to nurture the next generation of coaches who will, in turn, inspire and develop future football talent.
Trump says ceasefire negotiations between just Russia and Ukraine to start 'immediately'
President Donald Trump held a high-stakes phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday as he continued his push for an end to Moscow's 3-year-old invasion of Ukraine after last week's peace talks in Istanbul, Turkey.
Trump, in a post to his conservative social media platform, said the call lasted two hours and that he believed it went "very well."
Trump said the talks would begin "immediately" and that he spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as several NATO leaders, after the call with Putin.
Putin, speaking to journalists in Sochi, claimed that he is willing to work on a "memorandum on a possible future peace agreement" with Ukraine, but did not elaborate on what that would look like.
Trump had promised to end the war within 24 hours of taking office during the 2024 campaign, but both sides still appear far apart and Russia has only intensified strikes inside Ukraine.
Source- ABC