PAULA VIRGIL-STUBBS APPOINTED EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR IN THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR
The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Paula Virgil-Stubbs as Executive Administrator in the Office of the Deputy Governor.
Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs brings a wealth of experience and a strong professional background to her new position. Holding an Associate's Degree in Business Administration from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, she has continually demonstrated her commitment to professional development through a series of advanced training programs. Most recently, she completed the Administrative Excellence course offered by the Turks and Caicos Islands Training Department, further sharpening her leadership and office management skills.
Her career within the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) began at the Grand Turk Post Office, where she worked as a sales clerk. After relocating to Providenciales and gaining valuable experience in the private sector, she returned to TCIG in 2018, joining the Office of the Premier as an Administrative Officer. Over the years, she quickly advanced, taking on the role of Senior Administrative Officer in 2021 before stepping into the position of Assistant Protocol Officer.
As Executive Administrator, Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs will play a key role in managing the day-to-day operations of the Deputy Governor's Office. This includes organizing and coordinating meetings, managing appointments and the Deputy Governor's diary, and providing critical administrative support to ensure the smooth operation of the office. Additionally, Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs will assist with high-level administrative tasks, including handling correspondence, organizing events, and managing administrative functions with the utmost professionalism.
In commenting on her new appointment, Mrs. Virgil Stubbs stated, "As I begin this new chapter in my career as Executive Administrator within the Deputy Governor Officer, I want to first give thanks to God for making this opportunity possible. I am deeply grateful to my family for their unwavering love, support, and constant encouragement to strive for excellence. This moment truly shows that hard work and dedication pay off. I am also sincerely thankful to the Turks and Caicos Island Government for entrusting me with this new role. I look forward to embracing the opportunity to apply my skills and knowledge while continuing to grow, learn, and gain valuable experience in this position. I am committed to serving with integrity, professionalism, and pride.”
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, congratulated Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs, stating, "It gives me great pleasure to officially announce and congratulate Mrs. Paula Virgil-Stubbs on her appointment as Executive Administrator in my office. As Executive Administrator, Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs will manage multiple administrative tasks, from coordinating my schedule to providing key support during meetings and events. Paula has proven herself to be a diligent and reliable public servant. I am confident that her experience and dedication will undoubtedly be an asset to my office and the entire public service
Primary Health Care awards Trailblazer of the Year and Medical Records Officer of the Year 2024
Administrative professionals and medical records officers are a vital part of the health care team. In many cases they are the machinery behind a well-functioning engine. This year the Primary Health Care Manager introduced the “Trailblazer of the Year” and the “Medical Records Officer” of the year award 2024.
A trailblazer by definition is someone who is the first to do something. A trailblazer is a leader and a trendsetter, someone who helps to guide others. The trailblazer award was presented to the individual who has consistently performed exceptionally well on the job. Someone who leads by example and exemplifies personal growth and in their area of expertise.
The Medical Records Officer of the year award was presented to the medical records officer who performed exceptionally well in 2024. This individual displayed exceptional performance in the core competencies set out by the Human Resource Management Directorate. This officer displays strong customer service skills, dedication, reliability, and efficiency.
The recipient of the 2024 trailblazer award was presented to Ms. Coni Malcolm and the Medical Records Officer of the year award was presented to Mrs. Kaylesa Rolle-Mason. The awards were presented by the Primary Health Care Manager on Administrative Professionals Day during the Ministry of Health and Human Services’ training for administrative staff.
“I am truly honoured to accept the medical records officer of the year award. I am grateful for this recognition; it truly means a great deal to me. I am grateful for the support of my teammates and the encouragement of those that lead the unit. I look forward to continuing this journey doing my part to support the team at Migrant Health and by extension the Primary Health Care Unit.” – Kaylesa Mason-Rolle
“I am thrilled to receive the trailblazer of the year award for 2024. This award means a lot to me. It is proof that my hard work, dedication, and performance has not gone unnoticed. I could not have achieved this without the incredible support of my manager, her belief in me has been my greatest strength. This award inspires me to keep striving for excellence.” – Coni Deanna Malcolm
“I am a firm believer in rewarding excellent and exceptional performance. The administrative and medical records professionals within our organization play a vital role in the optimal functioning of primary health care. They are in their own way, the unsung heroes of the team. Without their care, dedication, commitment, and hard work, our team would be unable to make the significant achievements that we have made over the years. We value our team members and so we were delighted to introduce these awards, not only to reward performance, but to add to other activities that boost staff morale. It is proven that good staff morale equals good performance. I am extremely proud of Ms. Malcolm and Mrs. Rolle-Mason. Their rewards were a long time coming, but better late than never. Both ladies continue to perform exceptionally well and have shown excellent leadership qualities among our teams. Congratulations on a job well done.” – Alrisa Gardiner Primary Health Care Manager
“Congratulations to the awardees on their achievement of trailblazer and medical records officer of the year. This is a testament to your professionalism, hard work and dedication. This amazing accomplishment is just one step on your journey. Your ability to relentlessly provide excellent service and find innovative ways to improve service delivery is the key to this success and many to come. This is an incredible achievement, and you deserve the spotlight to celebrate the moment." – Honourable Kyle Knowles Minister of Health and Human Services
Join us in congratulating these committed, hardworking and dedicated professionals.
Deputy Premier, Minister of Immigration and Border Services Commemorates May Day
Around the world May 1st is celebrated as International Workers Day, “May Day”, a day that commemorates the struggles for workers’ rights, and honours the industrious people whose commitment and work have moulded economies and communities all around the world. Throughout the years, the observance of this day has developed into a powerful representation of social justice, solidarity, and the ongoing fight for workers’ rights.
It reminds us that our collective progress as a society is directly linked to the well-being of our workforce.
On this May Day 2025, we pause to recognize and honour the hardworking people of the Turks and Caicos Islands who are the foundation, backbone, and at the heart all that we are our country, and are at the center of everything we seek to achieve. As we commemorate this day, we do so with a renewed purpose and commitment, a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for each and every one of you for your dedication and the tireless sacrifices you make, showing up every day to get the job done.
For many years, this day has gone unrecognized in our country, but this year, we have made a deliberate effort to change that because we recognize that whilst most persons might not be familiar with the significance of the day, it is incumbent upon us in the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services, to remind you our people that you matter, your hard work and dedication matter, your sacrifices matter, your work-related concerns matter, the injustices and dissatisfaction matter. In the same vein, we want to also remind you of the importance of committing yourselves to the work you do, and encourage you to be good stewards of your job tasks, taking pride in your work, and doing it to the best of your ability.
The theme for this year, “Securing Decent Work and Social Justice for a Resilient Turks and Caicos,” is more than just a slogan—it is a national call to action. It speaks to our vision for a future where workers are treated fairly, compensated justly, and protected under sound labor policies. It also highlights our shared responsibility to build systems promoting equity, opportunity, and inclusion.
As Minister responsible for Labor and Employment Services, I reaffirm my commitment to labour reform, workforce development, and ensuring that decent work is not a privilege but a right for every citizen. We are working to strengthen worker protections, expand opportunities for skills training, and engage employers in building a culture of fairness and productivity.
Today, let us recognize our workers not only with words, but with action. Let us commit to valuing their contributions, improving their conditions, and securing a future of dignity and justice for all.
Happy May Day to the workers of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Your labour builds our economy, your resilience inspires our progress, and your voice will always be in this government’s agenda.
Thank you, and may God bless you all.
Prime Minister Persad Bissessar sworn in for a second time as head of government
Seventy-three-year-old Kamla Persad Bissessar created history on Thursday, when she took the oath of office, becoming the first woman to be sworn in as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago on two separate occasions.
Persad Bissessar, a senior counsel, who was first sworn in in 2010 when she led the People’s Partnership government, was sworn in by President Christine Kangaloo, more than 72 hours after she led her United National Congress (UNC) coalition of interest group to a convincing victory in the general election that had been called four months ahead of the second anniversary of the People’s National Movement’s (PNM) second consecutive term in office.
Her appointment means that for the first time in the history of this twin island republic that the senior political posts in the country are held by women, with the Opposition Leader being Pennelope Beckles.
Senior Counsel, John Jeremie, who served as attorney general in previous PNM administrations, between 2003-2007 and 2009-2010, was also sworn in as the new Attorney General.
Prime Minister Persad Bissessar said that her Cabinet will be sworn into office on Saturday and warned the incoming government ministers and legislators that “if you treat citizens with callousness, contempt …I guarantee you your retribution will be swift and brutal.
“Never, ever mistake my physical appearance or my kindness for weakness. I think you all know there is nothing more dangerous than a mother who believes her children are in danger. Everyone will be wise to remember that for the next five years,” she told the ceremony.
Prime Minister Persad Bissessar said that her administration will seek to be inclusive and dismissed those she termed as “eat a food financiers, who have looted this country for the last 10 years,” adding “democracy may be imperfect, but once every five years, no matter your wealth or status every one is equal on election day”.
She said that beyond Port of Spain, “there is a country with real people, with real feelings and ambitions.
“This is their country too. That is why I dedicate my term as prime minister to the forgotten people of our country,” she said, saying “I see you, every single one”.
She said that whether the people are of various political affiliations, “I see you (and ) you will be treated equally and fairly.
“I made a promise that everybody will win and I plan to fulfill that promise,” she said, indicating that she will be outlining the plans for her administration for “the coming months” to the country next week.
She has promised that six months into her administration’s term in office, “you will be in a safer and happier place, TNT, you will see what happens when a government cares, we will work to make you and your lives better, that is our promise to you.
“We have done it before and with your help, we will do it again,” she added.
Prime Minister Persad Bissessar said she is aware that her coalition government has to be “inclusive, strategic, dedicated and focused”, saying “this day starts the journey to rebuild our economy, to restore our security, to revolutionise our access to technology, diversify our revenue streams and renew out people’s hope, faith and confidence to propel our beloved nation forward.
“Some of the seeds we will plant in this five-year journey will blossom into trees, whose fruits we may not eat, but our children and grandchildren and the generations to come will certainly eat that fruit”.
Persad Bissessar led the UNC coalition to win 26 out of the 41 seats in the Parliament, with 13 going to the PNM and the other two to the Tobago People’s Party (TPP), whose leader and Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Farley Chavez Augustine, was among the invited guests at the ceremony.
In her brief address to the occasion, President Kangaloo congratulated Prime Minister Persad Bissessar for being “historic” in becoming the first woman to be elected to head a government on two occasions.
“The occasion of this, your second prime ministerial appointment, is significant for women. This afternoon’s swearing-in ceremony is also significant because it is the highest demonstration of our country’s democracy at work and of our country’s maturity in effecting a peaceful transition of power.
“The peaceful transition of power is a hallmark of our democracy and is critical to the country’s stability. When the transition is as smooth as this transition has been, it reflects the strength of our democracy and its institutions”.
President Kangaloo said she wanted to congratulate all the citizens of the country who took part in the democratic process that has led to the election of a new government, adding “your participation in that process is at one at the same time both the foundation and the realisation of our democratic principles.
“You have spoken decisively through the democratic process and have entrusted a new government with a clear mandate to lead our country forward,” she said.
Source-CMC
US economy shrank at start of Trump's 2nd term
The U.S. economy shrank over the initial months of President Donald Trump’s second term as a flurry of tariff proposals stoked uncertainty among businesses and consumers.
U.S. gross domestic product, or GDP, declined at a 0.3% annualized rate over three months ending in March. The figure marked a sharp dropoff from 2.4% annualized growth over the final three months of 2024.
Imports surged more than 40% at the outset of this year as companies rushed inventory into the U.S. ahead of potential tariffs, data showed. By contrast, federal spending fell about 5% over the first three months of 2025.
The decline in GDP "primarily reflected an increase in imports," as well as a drop-off in government spending, the U.S. Commerce Department said.
The data covers a period before the so-called Liberation Day tariffs went into effect in early April.
Source- ABC
Sean 'Diddy' Combs rejects plea offer ahead of sex trafficking trial
Sean "Diddy" Combs on Thursday formally rejected the government’s offer to plead guilty and spare himself the possibility of a prolonged prison sentence.
“Yes I do, your honor,” Combs said after Judge Arun Subramanian asked him whether he rejected the offer federal prosecutors made.
Combs is scheduled to stand trial beginning Monday with jury selection on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and prostitution that allege he coerced women into prolonged sexual encounters he called freak-offs.
Maureen Comey, an assistant United States attorney, said a guilty plea would have reduced the amount of prison time Combs would be exposed to compared to a trial conviction on all counts, which could result in what is effectively a life sentence.
Combs came to court in a beige jail uniform. He smiled at and hugged his attorneys and gave a fist bump to attorney Teny Geragos.
Geragos raised concerns during the brief conference about statements Los Angeles-based attorney Lisa Bloom made about the case to a documentary.
Bloom represents at least two of Combs’ civil accusers.
“We’re concerned with her behavior here,” Geragos said.
Subramanian said he would remind “all counsel” and witnesses to adhere to rules of professional conduct and court rules about potentially prejudicial statements that could infringe on Combs’ right to a fair trial.
Source-ABC
Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy, Hon. E. Jay Saunders speaks to Girls in ICT
Hon. E. Jay Saunders, Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy spoke today May 1st, 2025 at the inaugural Girls in ICT Day Speech Competition, under the theme,'Girls in ICT – Inclusive Digital Transformation'.
The Minister added, "It is a true honour to join you today at this inaugural Girls in ICT Day speech competition under the theme “Girls in ICT – Inclusive Digital Transformation.”
As the Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy for the Turks and Caicos Islands, I commend everyone: organisers, teachers, students, and parents for coming together to champion this vital cause.
Let me begin by saying that the future of technology must be inclusive. And that future will be brighter, smarter, and more equitable when girls and young women are empowered to lead in ICT. Across the world (and right here in our Caribbean region, and by what I’ve heard here today, here in the Turks and Caicos Islands) women are shaping the digital transformation that is redefining our world.
This journey is not new, and it's certainly not just beginning. It is rooted in the extraordinary achievements of women who dared to think diVerently, who broke down barriers, and who chose to “create the future”, rather than just wait for it.
I want to take a moment to recognise a few remarkable women who have not only contributed to today’s digital world, but without whom some of our most popular technologies might not even exist.
Dr. Gladys West – An African American mathematician whose calculations were critical in developing the Global Positioning System— yes, GPS—the same technology that guides your phone, your Uber, and even search-and-rescue missions today.
Ms. Reshma Saujani – Founder of “Girls Who Code”, a global movement empowering girl to learn programming, challenge gender stereotypes, and build tech solutions that matter. Her work has given over 500,000 girls worldwide the tools to code—and to lead.
üMs. Ingrid Riley – A Jamaican tech entrepreneur and founder of *SiliconCaribe*, who has been at the forefront of building the Caribbean’s digital economy and supporting Caribbean tech startups, many of them led by women.
Dr. Maya Trotz, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, is a professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering whose work in sustainable development and water management integrates digital solutions with environmental science. She shows how ICT can serve not just profit, but also the planet.
Dr. Marian Croak, a Jamaican-American engineer, whose pioneering work in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows billions globally to connect over platforms like Zoom, WhatsApp, Facebook, and IG Messenger — technologies that we use every day. Imagine the world without her visionary contribution!
Dr. Ayanna Howard, an esteemed roboticist and the first woman to lead Ohio State University’s College of Engineering. Her cutting-edge work in robotics and artificial intelligence opens doors to transformative solutions, from assisting children with disabilities to developing robotics in space exploration. Her relentless innovation embodies how technology can be harnessed to improve human life.
Ms. Lisa Gelobter, a Caribbean-American technologist whose work on Shockwave and online animation laid the foundations for streaming platforms like Hulu and Netflix, dramatically reshaped entertainment and culture worldwide.
These women prove that from academia to entrepreneurship, from the Caribbean to Silicon Valley, when women are included in tech, we all benefit.
Ladies, today is about you. You are not just the users of technology. You are the future creators of it. The world is facing many challenges, and the world needs your ideas, your creativity, your empathy, and your courage to design solutions.
Imagine building:
• Apps that support mental health in our schools.
• Platforms that connect Caribbean entrepreneurs to global markets.
• AI that makes government services smarter and more responsive.
• Renewable energy technologies that help us power our islands without
harming our environment.
Technology is your toolbox, and your imagination is the only limit.
Apple Computers once challenged us to *"Think DiVerent"*, and Nicholas Negroponte of the MIT Media Lab once said, "The best way to predict the future is to invent it." These aren't just slogans. They're blueprints!
To the girls in this room, I say: don’t follow the status quo. Create your path. Think beyond what's already been done. And build tools that reflect your values, your communities, and your dreams.
Innovation happens when you bring your full self to the table — i.e. your culture, your identity, your experiences as young women in the Caribbean. That’s what will set you apart. That’s what will drive inclusive transformation — not just for Turks and Caicos, but for our entire region and the world.
So, as we celebrate Girls in ICT Day, let us not only encourage girls to join the digital revolution. Let us support them, invest in them, and celebrate them. I support you, and I celebrate you!
To every girl thinking about a career in tech, know this: “You belong in ICT. The future needs your voice, your vision, and your genius.” When girls rise in tech, everyone rises," Hon. Saunders concluded.
Prime Minister Carney declares election victory
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his country would “never” yield to the United States as he declared victory in federal elections early Tuesday, following a campaign overshadowed by relentless provocations and steep trade tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.
The Liberal Party leader issued a stunning rebuke to Trump as he sent a message of unity to a divided nation, promising to “represent everyone who calls Canada home.”
“As I have been warning for months, America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country. But these are not idle threats. President Trump is trying to break us so that America can own us,” Carney said, as he hailed a remarkable reversal in fortune for his party. “That will never ever happen.”
Carney reiterated statements he made on the campaign trail about the vastly changed nature of Canada’s relationship with the United States.
“We are over the shock of the American betrayal but we should never forget the lessons. We have to look out for ourselves. And above all we have to take care of each other,” he said.
Voters have returned Canada’s Liberal Party to power for a fourth consecutive term but it remains to be seen whether Carney has won a majority or will need coalition partners to govern.
The Liberal’s victory was tempered by them appearing set to fall short of winning the 172 seats needed to govern without support from a smaller party.
Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre conceded defeat early Tuesday. Capping a bad night for his party, Poilievre – whose party enjoyed a lead of more than 20 points over the Liberals before Trump returned to the White House – also lost his seat of Carleton to the Liberal challenger, Bruce Fanjoy. Poilievre had held that Ottawa-area seat for more than 20 years.
Former central banker Carney, 60, has led a wave of anti-Trump sentiment since winning his party’s leadership contest in a landslide after former prime minister Justin Trudeau stepped down last month. He has rallied the public against the US president’s threats to annex the country as “the 51st state” and made the defense of Canada a central part of his platform.
Poilievre had been the favorite to win when Trudeau announced his resignation in January in the wake of dire polls, a serious cost of living crisis and an internal revolt in his cabinet.
Source-CNN
CARICOM congratulates Persad Bissessar on electoral victory in Trinidad
The 15-member regional integration grouping, CARICOM, has congratulated the leader of the United national Congress (UNC), Kamla Persad Bissessar on her victory following general elections in Trinidad and Tobago on Monday.
CARICOM said it was extending “congratulations” to Persad Bissessar “on her resounding win in the general elections” saying “the decisive victory is a clear mandate from the people of Trinidad and Tobago as the country continues its forward journey.
The Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) in Trinidad and Tobago has not yet issued the official results from the elections, but preliminary figures show that the UNC-led coalition had won 26 seats in the 41-member parliament with the outgoing People’s National Movement (PNM) government, winning 13 seats. The other two seats were won by the recently formed People’s Tobago Party (TPP) on the sister isle.
CARICOM had sent an observer team to monitor the elections that outgoing Prime Minister Stuart Young had called four months ahead of the second anniversary of the PNM’s second consecutive victory in August 2020.
Persad Bissessar, 73, is returning to government after she headed the coalition People’s Partnership government between 2010-15 and in its statement, CARICOM also congratulated the “people of Trinidad and Tobago on the peaceful exercise of their democratic rights.
”We look forward to welcoming Prime Minister-elect Persad Bissessar to the Conference of Heads of Government, and to her participation, as we continue to tackle emerging geopolitical issues, and seek to further improve the welfare and well-being of the people of the region,” according to the statement issued by the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat.
Soource-CMC
Putin declares temporary truce during Victory Day anniversary celebrations
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a temporary ceasefire to come into effect during the 80th anniversary commemoration of V Day, which celebrates the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in 1945.
The ceasefire will come into effect on May 8 and end on May 10, the Kremlin announced in a statement posted to its official Telegram channel Monday.
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine believes there is "no reason to wait" until May 8 for a ceasefire. Zelenskyy also called for a longer ceasefire.
Source- ABC