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
T&T, Haiti and Bermuda taste defeat in Women’s U-17 Qualifiers
Caribbean sides found the going tough when the CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Qualifiers continued on Monday night, with Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti and Bermuda all losing their respective matches.
Playing at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Trinidad, the home side was blanked 3-0 by the United States.
After a goalless first half, USA’s Ashlyn Anderson got the breakthrough in the 63rd minute after capitalising on a loose ball inside the box.
Micayla Johnson then doubled their lead 15 minutes later with a close range finish, before Chloe Sadler’s 90th minute strike sealed the deal for the visitors.
At the Mini Estadio de la Federación Mexicana de Fútbol in Toluca, Mexico, Haiti were demolished 8-0 by Costa Rica, with Lucia Paniagua netting a hat-trick.
Veronica Solano opened the scoring for Costa Rica in the 19th minute, finishing inside the penalty area after capitalizing on a delivery from the right flank, before Paniagua scored back-to-back goals in the 19th and 27th minutes with two precise left-footed finishes to the back post to make it 3-0.
Costa Rica then struck twice in added time to go into the half leading 5-0, thanks to Fabiana Arguello and Paniagua, which helped her secure a first half hat-trick.
With the contest all but over, Raquel Recio got her name onto the scoresheet in the 61st minute, with Nubia Medina (71′) and Alisha Lindo (84’) completing the demolition.
Meanwhile, Bermuda also suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to Mexico at the same venue.
The home side opened the scoring with two quick goals in the 15th and 16th minutes, courtesy of strikes from Citlalli Reyes and Joselyn Solis respectively.
In similar fashion, Anaiya Miyazato and Valeria Vázquez netted back-to-back goals in the 50th and 52nd minutes to extend Mexico’s lead, before Mia Villalpando closed out the win with the final goal for Mexico in stoppage time.
Source-CMC
ARJAH RIGBY APPOINTED THE FIRST PARALEGAL IN THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CHAMBERS
The Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Arjah Rigby as the first Paralegal in the Turks and Caicos Islands Attorney General's Chambers.
Ms. Rigby holds a Bachelor of Law with a minor in International Relations from the University of Sussex in Brighton, England, which she obtained in 2022.
Ms. Rigby's dedication to the legal profession allowed her to further her education and training as she is currently pursuing a Master of Laws from Manchester Metropolitan University.
Amid her studies, Ms. Rigby actively participated in significant legal projects, including the CLOCK Project and Support Through Court, which assist Litigants In Person. Additionally, she took part in a public speaking initiative for Support Through Court at the 2023 Family Law Conference in Manchester, England, helping the charity secure funding from various donors.
Before returning home to the Turks and Caicos Islands, Ms. Rigby was employed as a Consumer Contact Adviser with Citizen's Advice Bureau in Manchester, England, from October 2022 to March 2023, where she advised clients on Consumer-based legislation, principles, and practical guidance, which offered solutions to client's consumer related issues. She began her tenure with the Public Service from March 2024 to January 2025 at the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions, where she served as the Personal Secretary to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
On the appointment, Ms. Rigby stated, "I do not take this appointment lightly; it is an honour to serve as the first Paralegal appointed within the Attorney General's Chambers. This role provides me with the opportunity to engage with the laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands and contribute to strengthening our Civil Litigation Division through dedicated legal assistance. I am fully committed to serving to the best of my ability and leaving a lasting impact within the Chambers. My dedication to professional growth fuels my ambition to one day serve as Crown Counsel. Jeremiah 29:11 serves as my security blanket: 'For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' This scripture reminds me to keep moving forward, embracing every opportunity with faith and gratitude; prominent words coined by Dr Kwame Nkrumah, 'Forward ever, backwards never.' I extend my heartfelt gratitude to God Almighty, my family and colleagues for their unwavering support and encouragement."
Attorney General, Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles commented, "Ms. Rigby is a trailblazer, and her experience and expertise will add tremendous value to the work of our busy civil litigation division. She has embraced the opportunity with open arms and has the right disposition to make it a successful turn and to advance even further in the legal profession. We are grateful to Ms. Rigby for her enthusiasm and determination to work as part of a team in achieving the desired goals. Many congratulations on this historic appointment!"
Meanwhile, in congratulatory remarks, H. E. Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, stated, "Congratulations to Ms. Arjah Rigby on her appointment as the first Paralegal in the Attorney General's Chambers. Your appointment is not just a personal achievement but a significant moment in our legal profession. Your commitment to legal advocacy is very inspiring and your achievements thus far reflect the future of our legal profession. I have every confidence that you will excel in this role and eagerly anticipate the positive contributions you will bring to the Attorney General's Chambers and the Turks and Caicos Islands as a whole.
Congratulations Ms Rigby, on your new appointment and welcome to the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service. "
US federal court blocks Trump’s termination of TPS for Venezuelan migrants
A United States federal court has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to strip hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) while the case moves forward.
The San Diego, California-based immigrant advocacy group, Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA), who, among others, represented the plaintiffs in the case, said US District Court Judge Ed Chen’s ruling protects about 350,000 Venezuelan TPS holders who were set to lose their work authorization on April 3 and deportation protections on April 7.
“As a result, they will instead retain the humanitarian protections while the case proceeds,” Guerline Jozef, HBA’s executive director, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CM).
In his 78-page ruling, Judge Chen ruled that the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) action threatens to inflict irreparable harm on hundreds of thousands of persons whose lives, families, and livelihoods will be severely disrupted, cost the United States billions in economic activity, and injure public health and safety in communities throughout the United States.
“At the same time, the government has failed to identify any real countervailing harm in continuing TPS for Venezuelan beneficiaries,” he added.
The judge also sided with plaintiffs in finding that “they will likely succeed in demonstrating that the actions taken by the DHS are unauthorized by law, arbitrary and capricious, and motivated by unconstitutional animus.”
The coordinator of the National TPS Alliance, Jose Palma, one of the plaintiffs in the case, said that, “in the face of adversity, we stand united.
“Today’s victory is not just a legal win, but a testament to the strength of the TPS community and all who fight alongside us. We will continue this fight with unwavering resolve, not only to protect the future of 350,000 Venezuelans, but to defend all TPS Holders in this country.
“Together, we will ensure that the voices of those who seek safety and opportunity are heard, and that no one is unjustly torn from their families,” Palma said.
A Venezuelan TPS holder and plaintiff who was due to lose her TPS protection in days, who wants to be identified only as M.H., said “my daughter and I rely on TPS to live here.
“Without TPS, I would risk being separated from my husband and young son, both of whom are US citizens. I am beyond elated to know that the judge has granted protection while we continue this fight to protect my family and hundreds of thousands of others.”
HBA said the suit argues that DHS violated the Administrative Procedure Act as DHS failed to follow necessary rules in reaching its decisions.
“Until now, no administration had ever moved to rescind a grant of TPS protection,” Jozef said, adding that the suit also challenges the termination as “unconstitutionally motivated by racial animus.
“DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and President Trump have consistently used racist tropes to dehumanize nonwhite immigrants, including in announcing the challenged decisions,” Jozef said, noting that the court order recognised that the DHS’s rationale for terminating TPS for Venezuelans was baseless.
Judge Chen wrote that the DHS’s rationae is entirely lacking in evidentiary support, adding that “for example, there is no evidence that Venezuelan TPS holders are members of the (Tren de Aragua) gang, have connections to the gang, and/or commit crimes.
“Venezuelan TPS holders have lower rates of criminality than the general population. Generalization of criminality to the Venezuelan TPS population as a whole is baseless and smacks of racism predicated on generalized false stereotypes.”
Besides HBA, Jozef said the plaintiffs are represented by the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON), the ACLU Foundations of Northern California and Southern California and the Center for Immigration Law and Policy (CILP) at UCLA School of Law.
“We are pleased that the court has taken this important step to protect Venezuelan TPS holders pending a final decision,” said Ahilan Arulanantham, faculty co-director of CILP.
“The court’s decision provides a crucial protection against mass deportations for a population that this administration has singled out for extreme vilification.”
Attorney Jessica Bansal, said Venezuelan TPS holders, like all TPS holders, are living and working lawfully in this country pursuant to a humanitarian programme created by Congress 30 years ago.
“Today’s decision to pause the Trump administration’s unlawful attempt to strip them of protection provides them and their families with much-needed relief.”
Emi MacLean, an attorney with the ACLU Foundation of Northern California, said the court’s ruling “affirms that Secretary Noem breached the boundaries of DHS authority.
“Judge Chen’s decision today recognizes the critical role of TPS, protecting people who cannot safely return to their home countries. This humanitarian protection cannot be stripped away from hundreds of thousands of people for illegitimate pretextual reasons”.
HBA attorney Eric Crew said: this is a win for the rule of law.
“It’s a win for Venezuelan TPS holders, for Haitian TPS holders, and for all people who want to be able to rely on the promises the US makes,” he added.
Last Monday, Judge Chen heard a challenge from a group of Caribbean TPS holders against what they described as the Trump administration’s unlawful termination of TPS humanitarian relief.
Individual Venezuelan and Haitian TPS holders are asking the court to Trump’s decision to end protections by April 2, while the case moves through the courts.
HBA warned that 250,000 Venezuelan TPS holders and 500,000 Haitian TPS holders risk losing their protected status this summer as a result of Trump’s actions.
Source-CMC
Sprint Legend Bolts Dad passes away
Usain Bolt was plunged into mourning on Monday when his father, Wellesley, died.
Sources close to the family confirmed his passing, adding that he had been ailing for a while.
His passing would be particularly painful to the world’s fastest man as he had a very close bond with his parents.
Wellesley was often seen in the stands, along with wife Jennifer, as they supported their son during his rise to global stardom.
When Bolt won his first Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games, setting the then 100 metres world record of 9.69 seconds, his father was watching from home while his mother was in the stands.
"It was a tense moment for me,” he was reported as saying at the time, adding that he was not fond of flying. “So I wasn’t there for the 100.”
However, Bolt’s sponsor at the time, Digicel, convinced Wellesley to travel to Beijing for the 200 metres, but the race was being run when he was in the air and he missed his son capturing another gold and smashing the world record.
Since then, he never missed a major race in which his son competed.
Wellesley Bolt operated a shop in the family’s home district of Sherwood Content, Trelawny, for 15 years up to 2017. Prior to that he worked at the coffee board for 16 years.
Despite his son’s success, Wellesley and his wife opted to remain at their house in Sherwood Content and were reported to have been very generous to residents, giving away as many products as were sold at the shop.
“I need something to occupy my time so I don’t get lazy,” Wellesley was quoted as saying in one interview. “As parents, we are proud of him, but we don’t think it is fair for us to be acting over the head of various people in the community.”
Reacting to news of his passing, Sports Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange remembered Wellesley as a passionate and supportive figure.
Wellesley and his wife Jennifer were the picture of a loving and supportive family who were always there for their son, Usain,” Grange said.
“I found Mr Bolt to be an exceptional and passionate father who was invested in the success of his family. He was the strength of his family. I offer my sincerest condolence to Jennifer, Usain, and the rest of the Bolt family on the passing of Wellesley, or Gideon as he was so affectionately called by friends and neighbours in Trelawny,” said Grange.
Carole Beckford, who was the legendary sprinter’s publicist through 2012, described Wellesley as a happy man who enjoyed a good outing.
“He supported his son’s pursuit of his dreams and was as involved with him as much as he could. We had good times on road trips, and when we visited him, he always made us feel comfortable. May he rest in eternal peace,” Beckford said.
Source- Jamaica Observer
Hundreds feared dead as quake hits Thailand & Myanmar
Workers are feared trapped following the collapse of a high-rise building under construction in Thailand's capital.
A 7.7 magnitude quake struck in neighbouring Myanmar on Friday at a depth of 10km, followed by a strong aftershock, according to the US Geological Survey.
Workers can be seen fleeing the scene in the Chatuchak neighbourhood.
Elsewhere in the city, crowds rushed onto the streets in panic as buildings swayed and water cascaded over from rooftop pools.
US stocks tick up in 1st trading since Trump's auto tariffs announced
U.S. stocks ticked higher on Thursday in the first trading since President Donald Trump announced 25% auto tariffs.
The tariffs have escalated a global trade war and prompted forecasts of higher car prices.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 20 points, or 0.05%, while the S&P 500 increased 0.25% on Thursday morning. The tech-heavy Nasdaq jumped 0.25%.
Shares of major U.S. automakers dropped in early trading. General Motors dropped more than 6%, while Ford fell nearly 2%. Stellantis — the parent company of Jeep and Chrysler — declined 1%.
The 25% tariffs will be applied to imported passenger vehicles, including cars, SUVs, minivans, cargo vans and light trucks, according to a White House fact sheet released Wednesday. The tariffs will take effect on April 3.
The tariffs will also be applied to key imported auto parts, including engines, powertrain parts and electrical components.
Source-ABC