NEW ACTING JUDGE APPOINTED TO GRAND TURK
Her Excellency the Governor has appointed the Hon. Judge Rajiv Persad as an acting judge in the Supreme Court, Criminal Division, sitting in Grand Turk from 1st May 2025 to 31st August 2025.
Ag. Judge Persad is an accomplished jurist well known in the region as well as in these islands, where he has been involved in training judges and magistrates with the Judicial Education Institute.
Rajiv Persad SC is Head of Allum Chambers based in Trinidad and Tobago, where he specializes in a wide array of litigation.
As a practitioner, he has featured in many cases involving commercial and tort law, extradition, constitutional law, human rights, judicial review, as well as a significant number of complex capital and non-capital criminal trials and appeals.
He is a member of the Bars of Antigua, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Ag. Judge Persad has done temporary stints on the bench serving as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Trinidad and Tobago (2009), Grenada (2013), St Vincent (2014), the British Virgin Islands (2013 & 2018, 2019, 2024 and 2025), and Montserrat (2020).
He has served on the Integrity Commission of Trinidad and Tobago as Deputy Chairman as well as the Law Association, where he was the Vice President, and is also a member of the current Police Service Commission.
He is an associate Tutor at the Hugh Wooding Law School, where he has lectured on courses in Criminal Practice and Procedure and the Law of Evidence. He has been invited on several occasions to present papers for Judges, Magistrates, and members of the Bar at seminars within the Region, including Trinidad and Tobago, the Eastern Caribbean, Barbados, Guyana, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
He is the author of the chapter “The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council” in the book Taylor on Criminal Appeals, and has written papers in a number of publications on topics involving Public Law and other Criminal Justice Issues.
He will be sworn in shortly to commence his duties on 1st May 2025.
3-DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST
GENERAL SITUATION: Relatively dry and breezy conditions will continue across the island chain today.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: THERE IS A MODERATE TO HIGH RISK OF RIP CURRENTS ALONG NORTHERN AND EASTERN SHORELINES AND POSSIBLE ROUGH SURF CONDITIONS, ESPECIALLY ALONG THE ATLANTIC EXPOSED WATERS. BEACHGOERS AND SWIMMERS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN ENTERING THESE BEACHES.
WEATHER: Partly cloudy and breezy with an isolated shower possible this afternoon through tonight.
ADVISORY: A Small Craft Advisory is in effect.
WINDS: Northeast to east at 10 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic Nearshore -3 to 5 feet; Atlantic Offshore – 5 to 7 feet in northeasterly to easterly swell
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 84°F 29°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 73°F 23°C
SUNSET: 7:11 PM
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 05:33 PM (2.3 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 11:44 PM (0.7 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: An increase in low-level moisture, combined with an upper-level trough moving across the area overnight, will trigger occasional showers and brief thunderstorms over the Turks and Caicos Islands from Thursday through the start of the weekend.
THURSDAY: A low (10 percent) chance of isolated showers in the morning. Partly cloudy, with a high near 85°F (29°C)
THURSDAY NIGHT: A low (10 to 20 percent) chance of isolated showers after 8 pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75°F (24°C)
ADVISORY: A Small Craft Advisory will remain in effect.
WINDS: Northeast at 15 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic Nearshore -3 to 5 feet; Atlantic Offshore – 5 to 7 feet in northeasterly to easterly swell
SUNRISE: 6:21 AM
SUNSET: 7:11 PM
HIGH TIDE: 06:04 AM (2.6 FT) 06:34 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 12:25 PM (0.7 FT)
FRIDAY: A low (20 percent) chance of showers and a possible isolated thunderstorm in the morning. Partly cloudy, with a high near 85°F (29°C)
FRIDAY NIGHT: A low (10 percent) chance of isolated showers in the evening. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75°F (24°C)
ADVISORY: A Small Craft Advisory will remain in effect.
WINDS: Northeast at 15 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic Nearshore -3 to 5 feet; Atlantic Offshore – 5 to 7 feet in northeasterly to easterly swell
SUNRISE: 6:21 AM
SUNSET: 7:12 PM
LOW TIDE: 12:49 AM (0.7 FT) 12:12 PM (0.2 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 06:56 AM (2.6 FT) 07:29 PM (3.0 FT)
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
Tourism Stakeholders Warned About Encouraging Use of Illegal Taxis
The Department of Tourism Regulations, in collaboration with the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) and the Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, is reminding tourism stakeholders that encouraging the use of illegal taxis is impermissible and may carry legal repercussions.
Hotels, restaurants, business owners, and tourism ambassadors who promote, refer, facilitate or enable the operation of illegal taxis are liable to a fine of $1000.
“This Ministry stands with every licensed taxi operator who plays by the rules and contributes to the safety, credibility, and professionalism of our tourism industry. Illegal operators not only endanger lives, they undermine the hard work of those who do things the right way. We will not allow a few bad actors to tarnish the reputation our people have worked so hard to build,” said Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, Minister of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries & the Environment.
Mr. Avi Adams, Director of the Department of Tourism Regulations, said: “The Department of Tourism Regulations is reminding the public that operating an unlicensed taxi or public service vehicle is a serious offence under the laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Illegal taxi operations undermine our tourism sector's safety, quality, and reputation and pose a risk to both residents and visitors.”
“The TCHTA is reminding all of our members to be mindful of the laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands as well as the safety of their employees and visitors which is paramount to the success of our industry. Everyone, from the security guards to the executives, has a duty to safeguard the tourism sector and that can only be achieved by doing what is lawful and right,” said Mrs. Stacy Cox, CEO of the TCHTA.
Drivers of illegal taxis are warned that it is an offence under the Road Traffic Regulations to operate a public vehicle without the appropriate license or to do so without holding a valid public service operator’s license.
“To obtain insurance coverage, operators must comply with the requirements set out under the Insurance Act. Failure to meet these legal obligations not only puts lives at risk but also constitutes a serious violation of the law. We are appealing to the public to refrain from operating unlicensed public vehicles and urge members of the public not to patronise such illegal services,” said Head of the Traffic Enforcement Unit, ag Insp Damien Mitchell.
The fine for operating without the appropriate license or without a valid public service operator’s license is $1,000 for each offence if found guilty. Under the Insurance Act, individuals may also face disqualification from driving.
Labour and Employment Services Department Addresses Worker Shortage and Prioritises Turks and Caicos Islanders
The Labour and Employment Services Department acknowledges the current shortage of workers in the Turks and Caicos Islands, a situation amplified by the significant increase in development projects across the nation.
Recognising its dual mandate, the Department emphasises its unwavering commitment to ensuring fair treatment and prioritising employment opportunities for all Turks and Caicos Islanders. By law, Turks and Caicos Islanders must be given the first opportunity for available job positions within the country.
While acknowledging the potential need for supplementary migrant workers to support ongoing developments, the Labour and Employment Services Department strongly urges all employers and the wider public to prioritise qualified Turks and Caicos Islanders for all job openings.
To effectively facilitate this process and gain a comprehensive understanding of the local workforce, the Labour and Employment Services Department is actively registering unemployed and underemployed Turks and Caicos Islanders. This vital initiative will allow the Department to identify available skill sets within the TCI, significantly aiding in the thorough vetting of employment applications.
“This Government remains resolute in its commitment to placing Turks and Caicos Islanders at the forefront of national development", said Minister of Immigration and Border Services, Hon. Jamell Robinson.
“The priority is, and will always be, to ensure our people are afforded every opportunity to participate meaningfully in the labour market. We will continue to enforce the policies and laws that safeguard this principle, and we urge all stakeholders to do the same. The prosperity of these Islands must begin with the empowerment of its people.”
The Department wishes to remind the public of the guidelines it adheres to when reviewing applications for migrant workers, ensuring that such applications are considered only when a genuine need has been established after due consideration of the local workforce.
The Labour and Employment Services Department remains dedicated to fostering a fair and equitable labour market that benefits all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands. We encourage all Turks and Caicos Islanders to register with us at jobregistration@gov.tc to ensure their skills and availability are known, contributing to the growth and prosperity of our nation.
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR THE TURKS AND CAICOS
GENERAL SITUATION: A persistent deep-layered ridge combined with dry air over the region will suppress any significant shower activity, keeping conditions dry and pleasant for the Easter Monday holiday.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: BEACHGOERS AND SWIMMERS ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE CAUTION ALONG EASTERN AND ATLANTIC-FACING SHORES, WHERE THERE ARE MODERATE TO HIGH RISKS OF RIP CURRENTS AND ROUGH SURF.
WEATHER: Partly to mostly sunny and breezy today. Fair and breezy tonight.
ADVISORY: Small Craft Advisory remains in effect.
WINDS: Northeast at 15 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic Nearshore – 3 to 5 feet; Atlantic Offshore – 6 to 8 feet in northeasterly to easterly swell
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 85°F 29°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 73°F 23°C
SUNSET: 7:10 PM
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 03:18 PM (2.0 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 09:27 PM (0.7 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: High pressure will remain the dominant weather feature as it gradually shifts northeast of the region. Dry and stable conditions will persist across the Turks and Caicos Islands through midweek. Brief, passing showers in the wind regime will develop from Wednesday afternoon through the weekend.
TUESDAY: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86 °F (30 °C)
TUESDAY NIGHT: Fair, with a low around 73°F (23°C)
ADVISORY: A Small Craft Advisory will remain in effect
WINDS: Northeastern at 15 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic Nearshore – 3 to 5 feet; Atlantic Offshore – 6 to 8 feet SUNRISE: 6:23 AM
SUNSET: 7:11 PM
HIGH TIDE: 04:13 AM (2.6 FT) 04:27 PM (2.0 FT)
LOW TIDE: 10:42 AM (1.0 FT) 10:35 PM (0.7 FT)
WEDNESDAY: A low (10 percent) chance of passing showers in the afternoon. A mix of sun and clouds, with a high near 86 °F (30 °C)
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: A low (10 percent) chance of showers overnight. Mostly fair, with a low around 75 °F (24 °C)
ADVISORY: A Small Craft Advisory will remain in effect
WINDS: Northeast to east at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic Nearshore – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic Offshore – 5 to 7 feet
SUNRISE: 6:22 AM
SUNSET: 7:11 PM
HIGH TIDE: 05:09 AM (2.6 FT) 05:33 PM (2.3 FT)
LOW TIDE: 11:35 AM (1.0 FT) 11:44 PM (0.7 FT)
FORECASTER: H.HAMILTON
Turks and Caicos Islands Community College Forms a Strategic Partnership with EON Reality to Enhance Learning
The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with EON Reality, the world leader in AI-assisted Virtual and Augmented Reality-based knowledge transfer for industry and education. Through this collaboration, TCICC will integrate the cutting-edge EON-XR and EON-AI platforms into its systems to revolutionise teaching and learning, offering students and educators an innovative and immersive learning environment.
Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) is participating in EON Reality’s state-of-the-art platforms via the Future Workforce Grant to enhance its educational offerings and expand its approach to teaching and learning. This partnership underscores TCICC's commitment to providing accessible and high-quality education that meets the evolving needs of its students and the broader community including pre-college outreach.
Dr. Candice Williams, CEO and President of TCICC, remarked, "This strategic collaboration with EON Reality marks a transformative leap in our journey toward educational excellence and innovation. By integrating EON-XR and EON-AI into our curriculum, we are not just enhancing learning, we are reimagining it. This powerful fusion of extended and artificial intelligence will empower our students with immersive, future-ready skills and position them to lead confidently in an increasingly technology-driven global workforce."
Mats W. Johansson, President of EON Reality, added, "We are thrilled to partner with TCICC and empower their faculty and students with transformative educational tools. Our cutting-edge immersive and personalised learning solutions will revolutionise educational methodologies across the region, equipping learners with the skills they need to thrive in the service and digital economy.
“This investment reflects my government’s unwavering commitment to building a future-ready education system,” stated the Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education. “By supporting TCICC’s partnership with EON Reality, we are equipping our students with transformative technologies that will redefine learning, strengthen national development, and position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a leader in digital innovation across the region.”
Husbands, Wilson emerge victorious in Subzonal, qualify for Chess World Cup
The Barbadian duo of International Master Orlando Husbands and Women’s Fide Master Hannah Wilson created history here on Thursday by winning the Subzone 2.3.3 Open and Women’s Chess Championships 2025 respectively to qualify for the 2025 World Cup.
In doing so, the 28-year-old Husbands and the 16-year-old Wilson became the first chess players from the English-speaking Caribbean to qualify for the World Cup in its new format.
The top-ranked Husbands won the Open division after playing unbeaten to finish on 7.5 points out of a possible nine, with six wins and three draws.
Needing to avoid defeat in his final round game against Jamaican Fide Master Joshua Christie to claim the title, Husbands earned a crucial draw with the black pieces to book his spot at the World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in New Delhi, India from October 31.
Trinidad and Tobago’s International Master Vishnu Singh was close behind in second on seven points, finishing ahead of Suriname’s Jason Yeung on the tiebreak.
Fide Masters Ryan Harper, Joshua Johnson and Kevin Cupid of Trinidad and Tobago, along with Emar Edwards of Barbados, shared fourth to seventh after they all finished on 6.5 points.
In the Women’s division, Barbados produced a brilliant performance to claim the top two positions, with Women’s Candidate Master Chanon Reifer-Belle placing second.
With Wilson a full point ahead heading into the final round, she played a superb game with the white pieces to defeat fellow Women’s Fide Master Polina Karelina of the Bahamas to end on eight points from her nine matches, with her only loss being to Reifer-Belle in round six.
The 16-year-old Reifer-Belle, who was in good position to win the tournament until her loss to Karelina in the penultimate round, had to fight tooth and nail to secure a draw against Suriname’s Victoria Kaslan in the final round, which earned her the silver medal and a Women’s Fide Master title.
Top seed Women’s Candidate Master Ysvett Hermoso Rodriguez of Trinidad finished third on six points after her final round victory over Chelsea Wahid of Saint Lucia.
CMC
S Secretary of State holds talks with Prime Minster Stuart Young on energy issues
United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, Friday held talks with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Stuart Young reaffirming Washington’s “strong” bilateral relationship with the oil rich twin island Republic.
The meeting came less than two weeks after the United States revoked the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) license granted to Trinidad and Tobago to allow Shell, the National Gas Company (NGC), and contractors to explore, produce, and export natural gas from the Venezuelan Dragon Gas Field.
The license was valid until October 31, 2025, and enabled Trinidad and Tobago to pay for gas in various currencies and through humanitarian measures. On December 21, 2023, Trinidad and Tobago also secured a 30-year exploration and production license from the government of Venezuela for the Dragon gas field.
Young had said then that he was hoping to hold talks with Rubio and that Port of Spain had been given a winding down period until May 27 this year regarding the decision to revoke the licence.
The main opposition United National Congress (UNC), which is contesting the April 28 general election in Trinidad and Tobago, has made the Dragon gas project a major talking point on its platform.
US State Department spokesperson, Tammy Bruce in confirming Friday’s meeting, said that Rubio had spoken with Prime Minister Young “to reaffirm the strong U.S.-Trinidad and Tobago bilateral relationship, emphasizing shared priorities in regional energy security and economic cooperation.
“Secretary Rubio recognized that energy security is important to Trinidad and Tobago’s prosperity and economy. Any outcomes of sanctions upon the Maduro regime and Venezuela is in no way indicative of our relationship with Trinidad and Tobago and the value we place on it.”
Bruce said that Rubio recognized the strategic importance of Trinidad and Tobago’s energy initiatives, and Young’s effective leadership in this area.
“Both sides agreed that we are going to work very closely to find a solution that achieves U.S. objectives regarding Venezuela without harming Trinidad and Tobago,” he said, adding that Rubio welcomed Prime Minister Young’s “exploration of viable options that support the country’s energy needs while remaining consistent with US sanctions policy”.
The spokesperson said that Prime Minister Young emphasized his government’s continued commitment to responsible energy sector development and regional security cooperation.
“Secretary Rubio reiterated the United States’ support for democratic governance and long-term stability across the Caribbean,” Bruce added.
A brief statement issued in Port of Spain noted that “they both agreed to continue working towards the successful pursuit of Trinidad and Tobago’s energy initiatives…”
Earlier this month, Young had reiterated the position he had outlined in February this year that Trinidad and Tobago would continue to advocate what is best for the country and the wider Caribbean Community (CARICOM) after the United States announced a new directive that eliminates oil and gas licenses for foreign companies in Venezuela.
Port of Spain had been planning to request an extension from Washington for a license granted to Shell and the NGC to develop the Dragon gas project in Venezuela.
The license, issued in early 2023, allows the companies to plan the project. The project aims to supply gas to Trinidad by 2027. The Dragon Field is located in Venezuelan waters near the maritime border with Trinidad.
In 2023, the US amended the license to permit payments to Venezuela and its state company, PDVSA, in hard currency or kind, extending its expiration to October 2025. Shell and NGC require an extension to begin production following their final investment decision (FID), which is expected this year.
Young, who held talks with Rubio in Jamaica late last month and said he had been assured that Washington would do nothing to harm Trinidad and Tobago’s economic interests, said then that revoking the OPFAC license was not unexpected, given that the Donald Trump administration had decided to rescind the OFAC license granted to US oil giant Chevron.
“This has not come necessarily as a surprise, seeing how volatile things are, not only with policy concerning Venezuela but what we are seeing, for example, with the application of tariffs,” Young said.
CMC
Strong earthquake rattles Caribbean countries
An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.2 rocked several countries in the Eastern Caribbean on Friday, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.
The Trinidad-based Seismic Research Centre (SRC) of the St. Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies (UW) said that the quake occurred at 1.31 pm (local time) and was felt in Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts-Nevis, and Montserrat.
It was located at Latitude: 17.59N, Longitude: 62.06W, a depth of 33 kilometers (km).
The quake was felt 58 km northwest of the Antigua and Barbuda capital, St. John’s, 81 km northeast of Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts-Nevis, and 90km north northeast of Brades in Montserrat.
“We just had an earthquake, it was strong,” a resident of Antigua and Barbuda said on social media.
“What an auspicious time for an earthquake. On Good Friday. There was an earthquake after Jesus died on the cross. Is the earthquake a sign of things to come?. Look at the time it happened. It is a poignant reminder of the true nature of the day, and it keeps it holy,” another said.
The quake is the second to have occurred in the region in the past 48 hours.
The SRC said that a quake with a magnitude of 4.0 occurred on Wednesday and was felt in Dominica, St.Lucia, and the French island of Martinique.
CMC
TCI Delegation Participates in ECOSOC Youth Summit at the United Nations Headquarters
The Turks and Caicos Islands is proudly represented at the prestigious United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum currently taking place at the UN Headquarters in New York City. The annual summit convenes young leaders, government representatives, and key stakeholders from around the world to discuss youth-driven solutions to global challenges and the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Turks and Caicos delegation comprises Mr Edgar Howell, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Youth Sports and Culture; Ms Oshin Whyte, Environmental Scientist and Youth Ambassador; and Ms Arielle Neely, Career Advancement and Programme Coordinator, Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture.
Ms. Arielle Neely is slated to speak on Wednesday, 16 April as part of a high-level panel titled “Youth Perspectives on Regional Development: Challenges and Actions on the SDGs.” Her participation underscores the growing role of young leaders from small island developing states (SIDS) in promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all.
Ms Neely noted, “To be able to showcase the National Internship and Apprenticeship Programme (NIAP) as a model solution for achieving SDG 8 is a landmark moment that highlights the programme’s global impact and national significance.”
The Turks and Caicos Islands faces unique development challenges, including heightened vulnerability to climate change, economic shocks, and natural disasters. Representation at international forums such as the ECOSOC Youth Forum is therefore critical. It not only provides a platform to amplify the voices and experiences of our youth but also enables meaningful engagement with global partners on issues that directly affect the future of our islands.
Ms Whyte’s participation further highlights the importance of environmental stewardship in the region, particularly as climate change continues to threaten the ecological and economic stability of SIDS. Through networking, innovation, and advocacy, the Turks and Caicos delegation is contributing to the global dialogue on how youth can be empowered to safeguard the planet and build thriving communities.
Ms Whyte noted, “It is a profound honour to represent the Turks and Caicos Islands on an international stage of this calibre. Climate change continues to pose an urgent and complex challenge, one that demands visionary thinking. This forum offers a vital platform to exchange insights and strategies with fellow change-makers committed to advancing sustainable development.”
Honourable Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, emphasised that the participation of the Turks and Caicos Islands delegation at the ECOSOC Youth Forum reflects the country’s dedication to uplifting youth voices and engaging in meaningful global dialogue for sustainable development. She noted that the delegation’s involvement not only highlights the talents and aspirations of TCI’s youth but also reinforces the government’s vision to position young people as key contributors to national and international progress.
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands remains committed to supporting youth development, climate action, and international partnerships in alignment with Vision 2040, the National Youth Policy, and the United Nations 2030 Agenda. Through this forum, the delegation has an opportunity to network, share knowledge, and build strategic partnerships.