Toussaint Fined $3000
Jimmy Toussaint, 20, of North Back Salina, Grand Turk, appeared before the Grand Turk Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, April 9th, 2025, where he was fined $3,000 for the offence of Introducing Prohibited Articles into His Majesty’s Prison, Grand Turk, in breach of the Prisons Act.
Toussaint has until September 30th, 2025, to pay the fine. Failure to do so will result in one year of imprisonment.
A lifeguard by profession, Toussaint was formally charged on March 17th, 2025, and granted $1,500 bail. The charge relates to an incident on Sunday, February 23rd, 2025, when officers at His Majesty’s Prison—Home of the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation—conducted a routine search of items brought in by Toussaint. During the inspection, contraband was discovered hidden within food intended for an inmate.
Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) were immediately notified and responded promptly. Toussaint was arrested on suspicion and subsequently charged following a police investigation.
We wish to remind the public that introducing contraband into correctional facilities is a serious criminal offence and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
NEW COMMISSIONER APPOINTED TO THE ROYAL TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS POLICE FORCE
Her Excellency the Governor has today announced Mr. Fitz Bailey as the next Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF). The appointment, which is for a term of three years, follows an open recruitment campaign that included a Governor chaired interview panel, a separate community panel and consultation with the Hon. Premier Charles Washington Misick OBE.
Commenting on the appointment, the Governor said: “Following a competitive recruitment process, I have appointed Mr. Fitz Bailey as the next Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. This appointment signals a renewed commitment to safety, public confidence, and the rule of law in every community. The security of our Islands requires bold leadership, modern policing strategies and the development of our capabilities. Having led the RTCIPF as Acting Commissioner for the past several months, I am confident that Mr Bailey brings the necessary depth of experience, vision and determination needed to lead this effort and ensure the safety of our communities.”
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Bailey said:
“I am deeply honoured and humbled to accept the role of Commissioner of Police. This experience is more than a professional milestone—it is a profound responsibility to serve and protect the people of the Beautiful by nature, Turks and Caicos Islands with integrity, fairness, and dedication.
I have spent most of my career committed to justice, public safety, and strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and the communities that I have served. As Commissioner, I will endeavor to uphold these ideals while working alongside the courageous men and women of our police force to ensure a safer and more secure future for all.
I am cognizant of the challenges ahead, but I also have great faith in the resilience of our officers and the strength of our people. Together, through collaboration and trust, we will build a police service that not only enforces the law but also inspires confidence and unity within our society.
I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to serving with humility, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to justice.”
Having served in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) for 40 years, Mr Bailey was, until September 2024, Deputy Commissioner of Police with responsibility for Crime Security and Intelligence. Mr Bailey holds a Master of Science degree in Psychology and Criminal Investigation from the University of Liverpool, a Master of Science degree in National Security and Strategies from the University of the West Indies (UWI), and an Associate degree in Accounting from the Management Institute for National Development (MIND). He received the Jamaica Order of Distinction in 2021.
Turks and Caicos Islands Observes World Health Day 2025: Prioritising Maternal and Newborn Health
The Ministry of Health and Human Services joins the global community in recognising World Health Day under the theme “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures.” This year, the focus is on ensuring every mother and baby in the Turks and Caicos Islands has access to quality care for a healthy start in life.
A healthy pregnancy begins with early antenatal care, which is crucial for protecting both mother and baby. Women who receive early and regular check-ups are more likely to have safer pregnancies, healthier babies, and fewer complications during childbirth. The Ministry of Health and Human Services advocates for early antenatal care, available at all primary healthcare facilities across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Pregnant women are encouraged to start their antenatal visits as soon as they learn they are expecting to receive the best possible care.
Benefits of Early and Consistent Antenatal Care
Regular check-ups provide essential medical support, guidance, and protection for both mother and baby. Here’s how early and consistent antenatal care helps:
Keeps Mother and Baby Healthy: Regular check-ups ensure both mother and baby are doing well.
Tracks Growth and Health: Checks include measuring blood pressure, weight and ensuring the baby is growing properly.
Catches Problems Early: Issues like low iron, high blood sugar, or infections can be found and treated before they worsen.
Safer Pregnancy and Birth: Early care helps prevent serious complications and makes delivery safer.
Provides Important Nutrients and Vaccines: Mothers receive vitamins like iron and folic acid and vaccines like the tetanus shot to prevent infections.
Gives Helpful Pregnancy Advice: Doctors and nurses guide mothers on healthy eating, staying active, and avoiding harmful substances like smoking and alcohol.
Supports Mental Health: Pregnancy can bring emotional changes, and care includes support to help mothers feel their best.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services ensures that the highest quality care is available for delivery and the period immediately after, supporting both mother and child. Importantly, care for mothers and babies does not stop at childbirth. Postnatal care is available at all Primary Health Care facilities, ensuring that both mother and newborn receive necessary medical attention in the critical weeks following delivery. Postnatal care helps monitor recovery after birth, provides guidance on breastfeeding and infant nutrition, and supports mothers in adjusting to life with a newborn. It also helps detect and address postpartum complications such as infections, excessive bleeding, and mental health concerns, including postpartum depression.
Childhood Immunisations
Vaccination is crucial in protecting children from serious illnesses and ensuring they grow up healthy. The Ministry of Health and Human Services encourages all parents to ensure their children receive recommended immunisations as part of routine pediatric care. Childhood vaccines protect against diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and whooping cough, preventing serious health complications and reducing the spread of infections within communities. By keeping up with the immunisation schedule, parents provide their children with the best protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Honourable Kyle Knowles commented, "The health of mothers and babies is the foundation of strong families and communities. Ensuring access to early antenatal care, quality postnatal care, and essential childhood vaccinations is a key priority for the Ministry of Health and Human Services. These services are vital to reducing pregnancy-related complications, supporting new mothers, and protecting our children from preventable diseases. I encourage all expectant mothers in the Turks and Caicos Islands to visit their nearest primary healthcare facility as soon as they know they are pregnant. Likewise, I urge parents to keep up with their children’s immunisations to give them the best start in life. Together, we can ensure healthier beginnings and brighter futures for our families."
For more information on antenatal and postnatal care services, as well as childhood immunisations, visit your nearest primary health care facility:
Cheshire Hall Medical Centre: 338-5472
Blue Hills: 946-5613
Grand Turk: 338-5461
North Caicos/Middle Caicos: 247-2126 / 431-0911
South Caicos: 946-3800 / 345-7360
Fire Extinguisher Training Conducted at Faith Preparatory School in Grand Turk
The Turks and Caicos Islands Fire and Rescue Service continues to prioritise fire safety awareness and preparedness across the nation. Today, the Service conducted a Fire Extinguisher Training session at Faith Preparatory School in Grand Turk, equipping staff with essential fire response skills.
A total of five educators, including the Principal, participated in the hands-on training and successfully demonstrated the knowledge and practical ability required to operate a fire extinguisher effectively. Upon completion, each participant was awarded a certificate of competence, valid for two years.
Commenting on the initiative, Hon. Otis Morris, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, stated:
“Safety in our schools is of utmost importance, and it is heartening to see institutions like Faith Preparatory taking proactive steps to ensure their staff are equipped to respond in the event of a fire. I commend the Fire and Rescue Service for their continued commitment to community engagement and public safety.”
The Fire and Rescue Service remains dedicated to enhancing public safety through training, education, and prevention initiatives. Schools and organisations interested in fire safety training are encouraged to contact the department to schedule sessions.
Forbes' annual billionaires list: Taylor and Rihanna, but no Selena
The formula for determining celebrity billionaires evidently varies depending on who's doing the math.
In September, Bloomberg trumpeted that Selena Gomez had become a billionaire thanks to her Rare Beauty brand. But now Forbes is out with its annual billionaires list, which includes 18 "celebrity" billionaires — but Selena isn't one of them. Taylor Swift and Rihanna did make the list, though for different reasons.
As Forbes notes, these days celebrities often become billionaires as a result of a side hustle, not the thing they became famous for doing. Rihanna, whose wealth Forbes estimates at $1.4 billion, owes her status to her lingerie company Savage X Fenty and cosmetics brand Fenty Beauty, not her singing.
But Taylor is unique in that she has no side hustles: Her $1.6 billion net worth comes almost entirely from her writing songs, recording them, selling them and performing them live. A small portion of her net worth — $115 million — is tied up in real estate.
The only other musician on the list, Jay-Z, is worth $2.5 billion, per Forbes, mostly because of his two liquor brands, his stake in Uber and a huge art collection.
As for the other celebrity billionaires, Forbes' list includes newcomers Bruce Springsteen, Jerry Seinfeld and Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as Oprah and Kim Kardashian. Directors Peter Jackson, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas also make the list, plus movie mogul Tyler Perry; sports legends LeBron James, Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson; and Law & Order honcho Dick Wolf.
Source-ABC
TCISS Inter-Primary School Track and Field 2024–25 Set for April 2–4
The highly anticipated TCISS Inter-Primary School Track and Field Championships will officially kick off this Wednesday, April 2, at the National Stadium in Providenciales. Spanning three exciting days through April 4, this year’s event will bring together 22 primary schools from across the Turks and Caicos Islands, promising fierce competition, school spirit, and unforgettable moments.
The 2024–25 edition is shaping up to be one of the most electrifying yet, as young athletes go head-to-head in a range of events—from sprints and relays to long jump and shot put. These games offer a thrilling display of athletic excellence, discipline, and school pride. Last season, Ona Glinton Primary School made history with a remarkable "three-peat," winning the championship for a third consecutive year.
Participating Schools:
Adelaide Oemler Primary School
Bright Start Early Childhood Learning Center
Charles Hubert James Primary School
Community Christian Academy
Doris Robinson Primary School
Elite Primary School
Eliza Simons Primary School
Enid Capron Primary School
Holy Family Academy
Ianthe Pratt Primary School
International School
Iris Stubbs Primary School
M.I.L.L.S Institute
Ona Glinton Primary School
Oseta Jolly Primary School
Precious Treasures International School
Provo Christain School
Provo Middle School
Richmond Hill Preparatory
Shining Stars Preparatory School
Thelma Lightbourne Primary School
Wesley Methodist School
Minister with responsibility for Sports, Hon. Rachel Taylor, shared her enthusiasm, "The Inter-Primary School Track and Field Championships are more than just a competition—they are a celebration of youth development, sportsmanship, and national pride. Events like these play a vital role in shaping the future of our athletes and building stronger communities across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I encourage everyone to come out and support our young stars as they represent their schools with passion and determination."
Director of Sports, Mr. Jarrett Forbes, also expressed high hopes for the event, "We are proud to see the continued growth of the TCISS Track and Field program and the incredible talent emerging from our primary schools. This championship not only highlights athletic excellence but also reflects the hard work of our coaches, teachers, and parents who support these athletes every step of the way. We're excited for another year of thrilling performances and memorable moments."
Fans, parents & lovers of track can watch the live stream on the TCI Sports Commission's Facebook page and YouTube channel, or tune into Radio Turks & Caicos on 89.1FM for live commentary from the Sports Watch team & friends.
Windy conditions in the TCI
GENERAL SITUATION: Breezy conditions will persist across the Turks and Caicos Islands today as a broad high-pressure ridge remains the dominant weather feature.
WEATHER: Partly sunny with few passing showers possible in the afternoon. Fair tonight.
WINDS: East to southeast at 15 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 3 feet or less; Atlantic Nearshore – 3 feet or less; Atlantic Offshore – 4 to 7 feet
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 88°F 31°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 75°F 24°C
SUNSET: 07:03 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 06:40 PM (0.3 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 11:09 PM (3.0 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: The high-pressure system will gradually shift eastward and weaken tonight, leading to slightly calmer winds and seas. Another high pressure will build southward across the region on Wednesday night through Friday, causing an increase in winds and seas again.
TUESDAY: A low (10 percent) chance of passing showers in the morning and afternoon. Partly sunny, with a high near 88.
TUESDAY NIGHT: Fair, with a low around 76.
WINDS: East to southeast at 15 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic Nearshore – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic Offshore – 4 to 7 feet
SUNRISE: 06:41 AM
SUNSET: 07:03 PM
LOW TIDE: 05:38 AM (0.7 FT) 05:27 PM (0.3 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 11:18 AM (2.3 FT)
WEDNESDAY: A low (10 percent) chance of showers in the afternoon. A mix of sun and clouds, with a high near 87.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 77.
WINDS: Easterly at 15 to 25 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic Nearshore – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic Offshore – 4 to 7 feet
SUNRISE: 06:40 AM
SUNSET: 07:04 PM
HIGH TIDE: 12:02 AM (3.0 FT) 12:08 PM (2.3 FT)
LOW TIDE: 06:35 AM (0.7 FT) 06:18 PM (0.3 FT)
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
SHOOTING INCIDENT IN BLUE HILLS
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is confirming that last evening’s shooting incident in Dako Yard, Blue Hills, is now classified as a homicide.
The Serious Crime Unit is seeking the assistance of members of the public following the murder of 59-year-old JACQUES JOSEPH, which occurred in Dako Yard, Blue Hills.
The incident occurred around 6.40 pm on the evening of Sunday, 30th March 2025, as the victim was returning to his home address following a day's work.
We extend our condolences to Mr Joseph’s relatives and friends.
Preliminary investigations thus far indicate Mr. JOSEPH had just arrived home from a day at work when he was approached by several assailants who shot him before he could alight from his car. The suspects then escaped by running off into nearby bushes. Our investigations so far have revealed this was a targeted attack, but we are probing all angles to piece together the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.
We ask anyone who witnessed this incident or has video footage to contact us. Your assistance is needed.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the closest police station, 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to provide information anonymously.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information.
MoHHS cautions against the sale, purchase and use of skin lightening and skin treatment products found to contain prescription ingredients
The Ministry of Health and Human Services (MoHHS), in response to a Health Canada advisory, is cautioning all local suppliers and the general public to discontinue the sale and/or use of certain unauthorised health products promoted for skin lightening and/or for treating skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. This advisory - borne out of a public health concern - is issued due to the serious health risks associated with the use of these products. A full list of the items can be found at https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/unauthorized-skin-lightening-and-skin-treatment-products-may-pose-serious-health-risks#wb-auto-64
The products in question – which are unauthorised in Canada – are labelled to contain or have been tested by Health Canada and found to contain dangerous ingredients. These products may pose various health dangers, including:
containing active ingredients not listed on product labels (such as prescription drugs, that have possibly exceeded the maximum recommended doses).
dangerous ingredients single or a combined (particularly drugs that should be available only by prescription, or a combination of ingredients that are not permitted because of serious health risks).
Crucially, the public is reminded that prescription drugs – which may cause serious side effects/adverse drug reactions - should be only be taken under the supervision of a duly registered and licenced healthcare prescriber. Critically, if consumers use these products unknowingly, it may increase the chance of dangerous allergies and interactions with other medications and foods. Some of these products were found to have ingredients such as aminocaproic acid, corticosteroids (betamethasone dipropionate, betamethasone valerate, clobetasol propionate, dexamethasone, fluocinonide and prednisolone valerate acetate), erythromycin, hydroquinone, ibuprofen piconol 3%, ketoconazole, neomycin sulphate, penicillin potassium, terbinafine hydrochloride and tretinoin.
The Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon. Kyle R. Knowles, and the Ministry of Health and Human Services’ top priority are to ensure public health safety, and so wish to advise consumers to stop using the mentioned products and contact their healthcare providers if they have any health concerns or for advice. Consumers may contact the Environmental Health Department at 338-2142 for more information on how best to dispose of these products. In addition, consumers should contact their pharmacist, physician or other healthcare provider if they have any questions or concerns, or have experienced any problems related to the use of these products. Consumers are also advised to report any side effects via the MoHHS’ Adverse Drug Reaction Form, which can be found at https://gov.tc/docs/ADR.pdf.
CARICOM aligning tax treaty with international standards
A senior official of the Guyana-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat Monday said that the 15-member regional integration grouping is moving towards updating their tax treaties to align them with international standard and rules.
The Secretariat in a statement Monday, said that in an address to a two-day virtual seminar recently, Evelyn Wayne, Director, Economic Policy and Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, said the CARICOM Council for Finance and Planning (COFAP) recognises the importance of tax cooperation and the shifts in the international tax landscape.
Wayne said as a result it was decided that the CARICOM Tax Treaty should be updated to accommodate the international tax standards and rules that CARICOM member states have committed to adopt over time.
”With the support of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), we have started to update the treaty and have recently finalised the protocol that would incorporate provisions to exchange information for tax purposes and for dispute settlement,” Wayne said.
The seminar examined the changing international tax landscape and its impact on CARICOM and several organisations including the Caribbean Organisation of Tax Administrators (COTA), the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration as well as the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators, the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC), and the World Bank Group, collaborated on the project.
Wayne said that the activity, which was attended by 200 participants from the regional tax and finance sectors , was aimed at taking stock of developments in the international taxation landscape and continue the conversation on how CARICOM member states can beneficially adopt and adapt the new tax standards and rules given CARICOM’S unique circumstances.
She said one of those circumstances was the involvement of most CARICOM states in creating a single market and economy which requires the adoption of common rules for the non-discriminatory treatment of CARICOM nationals and their businesses
She spoke of Intra-CARICOM Double Taxation Agreement which preceded the decision to form a CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), noting that the instrument initiated a course of tax cooperation and benefit-sharing as one of the foundation principles of CARICOM economic cooperation and integration.
Source-CMC