TCI POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT
Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 2nd meeting of Cabinet held on February 26th, 2025, at the Hon Hilly Ewing Building, Providenciales. All members of the Cabinet were present.
At this meeting Cabinet:
Reviewed the TCIG 3rd Quarter Financial Report for FY 2024-2025 and approved its publication.Reviewed the Statutory Bodies 3rd Quarter Special Purpose Financial Report for FY 2024-2025 and approved its publication.
Approved a Development Agreement for the Retreat Development Ltd.
Reviewed the National Health Insurance Board’s quarterly reports and agreed actions to address key risks.
Approved the appointment of Ms. Desericka Lightbourne as Secretary to the Credit Union Project Implementation Committee effective April 1, 2025.
· Noted the award of the following contracts in line with the process according to the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance; Contract Award Notification:
PN005695, TR 24/27 Interior Design and Supply Furniture and Equipment
PN005811/TR 24/42 Works to Matthew Canal-Salt Cay
Approved the draft variation to the Development Agreement over parcels 60900/291-325 and 327-362 to WACAL Holdings Ltd. Development.
Approved an amendment to the Immigration Protocol Document for the Hamilton Education Foundation Ltd.
Approved the following appointments to the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority for a period of two years:
Dwayne Gardiner, Chairman
Gardvin Missick, Deputy Chairman
Godfrey Smith, Director
Approved settlement terms relating to a DECR matter.
Approved applications for Class A Processing and Export Licenses for the 2024-2025 year for Caicos Seafood Ltd.; Caicos Fisheries Ltd.; and Provo Seafood.
Ministers will provide further information on these matters in due course.
Shooting Incident update from the RTCIPF
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is confirming that last evening’s wounding incident in Grace Bay is now classified as a homicide.
Head of the Serious Crime Unit acting Superintendent Grantley Williams said, “Shortly after 6:30 pm yesterday (07 March), officers received several calls alerting them to a shooting in a carpark opposite a resort. Upon arriving at the given location, they observed a male victim lying next to a blue Toyota Vitz dressed in a white t-shirt and long brown pants with what appeared to be gunshot wounds.
“The injured male was rushed to a medical facility for treatment. However, he succumbed to injuries sustained at 7:35 pm. The deceased has been identified as Ricardo Pierre. We extend our condolences to Mr Pierre's relatives and friends.
“Preliminary investigations thus far indicate Mr Pierre was walking towards his vehicle when a lone gunman approached and shot him. The suspect then escaped by driving off. Our investigations so far have revealed this was a targeted attack, and 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.
Police Update
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is actively investigating a series of armed robberies on the evening of March 6, 2025, in the Five Cays area of Providenciales.
Incident 1 – Vehicle Robbery on Robinson Street
At approximately 8:48 pm, a male was approached by two armed males who robbed him of his vehicle. No shots were fired, and the victim was not injured. The stolen vehicle was later recovered by responding officers.
Incident 2 – Carjacking in Residence Yard
At approximately 9:10 pm, a male victim was approached by two armed males announcing a robbery. The victim was robbed of his silver Honda Fit. While fleeing, the suspects struck the victim with the vehicle, causing injuries to his leg.
Incident 3 – Robbery of Rental Vehicle in T-Remy Yard
At 9:31 pm, another robbery report was lodged. Three persons were robbed at gunpoint. The suspects stole a white rental vehicle and fled in an unknown direction. Officers responded; however, the suspects were not found.
Incident 4 – Armed Robbery at Local Store
While officers were investigating the previous robberies, a female victim reported that she had been robbed at gunpoint inside a store on Robinson Street. The suspect pointed a handgun at her and demanded money, which she handed over. No injuries were reported.
Anyone with information on these incidents 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.
Blocks” charged with Conspiracy
A male from Five Cays was arrested on Monday, March 3, 2025, during an operation led by the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and has now been charged with three serious offences.
GEORGE THOMAS ARTHUR Jr, 48, of Reece Street, Five Cays, is expected to appear before a Magistrate next week facing charges of:
• One Count – Conspiracy to Commit Murder
• Two Counts – Possession of a Firearm
Mr Arthur, known as “Blocks”, is alleged to have conspired to murder GUILENE JEAN BAPTISTE.
Mr. Baptiste, 26, of Dock Yard, was shot dead on August 2, 2023.
After intensive investigations, officers approached the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and following consultations, the charges were proffered.
National Epidemiology and Research Unit (NERU) participated in the Caribbean Epidemiology and Laboratory Training
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) launched a five-day in-person training workshop under the Caribbean Regional Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (CR-FELTP) – Level II. CR-FELTP aims to build epidemiology, surveillance, and laboratory capacity through practical learning that addresses current and future public health needs in the Caribbean Region. This overarchingly strengthens public health response capacity.
The five-day in-person training workshop, which was held at the Kapok Hotel, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, from 17-21 February 2025, is part of the 8-month CR-FELTP Level II training programme. The workshop was funded by the Pandemic Fund, with CARPHA as the Executing Agency and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) as the Implementing Entity. This initiative is critical to CARPHA’s ongoing efforts to build regional resilience against public health threats through workforce development.
Turks and Caicos Islands is one of the 5 CARPHA Member States that is part of this FELTP Level II cohort, which also includes Bahamas, Grenada, Guyana, and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines. These countries are represented by public health professionals from various public health fields, including epidemiology, surveillance, laboratory science, vector control, and environmental health.
Four out of the 11 trainees in the FELTP Level II cohort are from the Turks and Caicos Islands and they are all members of the National Epidemiology and Research Unit (NERU), Ms. Sasha Walrond, Ms. Kendra Malcolm, Ms. Daisylyn Chin and Ms. Natasha Robinson. The training facilitated by Dr. Shelly Rodrigo, facilitator of the CR-FELTP Level II programme, allowed participants to gain advanced training in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and epidemiological data analysis using specialised tools like R (statistical software). Through interactive sessions, data analysis exercises, and scenario-based learning, the trainees refined their abilities to interpret surveillance data and make evidence-based public health decisions.
This training represents a valuable opportunity for the expansion of trained public health professionals in the TCI. This will boost our capacity to continue monitoring disease trends, rapidly detect and respond to outbreaks, and mitigate public health risks before they escalate. It also strengthens our ability to continuously provide critical health data for programme planning, implementation, policy development, and evidence-based decision making for public health measures.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services remains committed to prioritising the professional development of its staff to enhance public health outcomes in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
HON. JOLLY EXPLORES NATIONAL TRUST SITES AND ADVOCATES FOR ECO-TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
The Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, Minister of Tourism, Environment, Fisheries, and Agriculture, was given an extensive tour of key heritage and environmental sites under the management of the Turks and Caicos National Trust. Accompanied by National Trust Director Jasmine Thomas and Conservation Officer Mr. Dickenson, the Minister explored some of the country’s most treasured natural landmarks, including the Bird Rock Trail—a well-loved hiking destination for locals and visitors alike.
During the visit, Minister Jolly emphasised the untapped potential of eco-tourism as a sustainable driver of economic growth in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
"The Bird Rock Trail is a perfect example of the God-given beauty our country has to offer. As Minister, I firmly believe that economic growth and development do not have to come at the expense of the environment. All over the world, countries are finding innovative ways to leverage their natural resources—creating economic opportunities while preserving their ecosystems. Turks and Caicos can and must do the same."
Minister Jolly highlighted opportunities to develop hiking and cycling trails, high-end camping experiences, birdwatching excursions, and other nature-based tourism ventures. He noted that a strategic master plan is essential to ensure that expansion is sustainable, well managed, and most importantly, benefits Turks and Caicos Islanders first.
"We are only limited by our imagination. With the right strategy, we can develop eco-tourism in a way that empowers our people while protecting and uplifting our natural environment. The growth of this sector should be deliberate, structured, and designed to ensure that the real beneficiaries are Turks and Caicos Islanders."
The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to working with the National Trust and key stakeholders to develop a clear roadmap for enhancing eco-tourism and conservation efforts across the islands.
Antigua and Barbuda Government denies defaulting on Chinese loans
The Antigua and Barbuda government has dismissed as “false and misleading” claims that the country is behind in its multi-million dollar loan payments to China for the air and seaports.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne told Parliament that his administration remains current on all its financial obligations to the Export-Import Bank of China (China Exim Bank) and denied suggestions that the country risks losing control of key infrastructure due to loan defaults.
“I observe that members of the (opposition) UPP (United Progressive Party)….would have put in the public domain false information to the extent that we are delinquent with our Chinese loan and we are now at risk of losing the seaport.
“I wish to state categorically that these claims are a figment of the opposition’s imagination. “We are totally up to date with all of our loans (payments) with the Chinese Exim Bank,” Browne told legislators.
In February last year, Browne had described China as one of the country’s most important development partners and dismissed as absurd claims that China has a history of colonising countries.
Browne compared China’s aid to a US$37.3 million loan from the World Bank, noting that Chinese loans for projects such as the national airport and seaport, valued at more than US$186.5 million, have more favourable terms, with two per cent interest, a 20-year term and five-year moratoriums on each project.
The opposition here has repeatedly questioned the government’s management of external debt, particularly loans from Chin, raising concerns about the long-term financial implications and whether the country’s borrowing strategy puts national assets at risk.
UPP officials have pointed to reports of other countries facing difficulties in repaying Chinese loans, leading to fears that critical infrastructure in Antigua and Barbuda could be used as collateral.
But the Browne administration has rejected such concerns as baseless speculation, reiterating that the government is managing the country’s debt responsibly and that China remains a key development partner.
Source-CMC
Indian Prime MInister given Barbados award
Barbados on Wednesday presented the Honorary Freedom of Barbados Award to India’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, with Bridgetown set to strengthen its commercial ties with the Asian country as it continues to expand its diplomatic footprint globally.
Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Kerry Symmonds, speaking during a brief ceremony at which the country’s highest award was presented, highlighted the shared commitment between Barbados and India to address global challenges, particularly in the areas of climate change and healthcare.
Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Kerry Symmonds, speaking during a brief ceremony at which the country’s highest award was presented, highlighted the shared commitment between Barbados and India to address global challenges, particularly in the areas of climate change and healthcare.
President Dame Sandra Mason presented the award to Pabitra Margherita, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs at the ceremony which was also attended by Prime Minister Mia Mottley and officials from both countries.
The award was presented to the Indian prime minister in recognition of India’s support for Barbados during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Margherita in accepting the award on behalf of the Indian prime minister, expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Mottle, raising her leadership. He described Mottley’s emphatic and decisive actions as key in strengthening international ties and fostering collaboration among nations.
Margherita said he is hoping for continued cooperation between he two countries, aiming to build a more resilient and prosperous future for both nations.
Barbados and India have enjoyed diplomatic relations since November 30, 1966.
Source-CMC
Robert Downey Jr. is 'immersed' in creating Doctor Doom, Russo Bros. say
Robert Downey Jr. is deep in preparation mode for his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Directors Joe and Anthony Russo tell Entertainment Tonight that the former Iron Man actor, who’ll be playing the villain Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, is in the “very intense process” of developing the character.
“He is so immersed in it. He is so dialed in,” Joe Russo said. “He’s writing backstory, costume ideas ... We were just on the phone with him this morning before we got here talking about it. He just loves really rich three-dimensional characters. He sees a real opportunity here with the character.”
Downey’s surprise casting was announced at Comic-Con last year. He previously played Iron Man in 10 films, before being killed off in 2019’s Avengers: Endgame.
Avengers: Doomsday also marks the Russo brothers' return to the franchise after helming Endgame. They’ll also direct Doomsday’s follow-up, Avengers: Secret Wars. Doomsday is currently set for a May 2026 release.
Marvel Studios is owned by Disney, the parent company of ABC News.
Source-ABC
Scoreboard Roundup
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Rockets 102, Pacers 115
Raptors 114, Magic 113
Bucks 127, Hawks 121
Warriors 114, Knicks 102
Cavaliers 139, Bulls 117
76ers 112, Timberwolves 126
Nets 113, Spurs 127
Clippers 117, Suns 119
Pelicans 115, Lakers 136
NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Predators 6, Bruins 3
Sharks 6, Sabres 2
Hurricanes 2, Red Wings 1
Blue Jackets 2, Lightning 6
Flames 6, Flyers 3
Jets 2, Islanders 3
Devils 3, Stars 4
Penguins 1, Avalanche 4
Ducks 6, Oilers 2
Wild 4, Kraken 3
PPL
SWA Sharks 6- Teachers FC-0 at half time
Full-time score:
11-0 in favour of SWA Sharks FC
Goal Scorers for SWA Sharks FC
#25 Mackenson Cadet mins 2 and 7
#10 Brian Gregg mins 24, 29 (P), 36 (P), 42
#7 Junior Paul mins 59 and 64
#21 Ernst Alcius mins 85 and 90
#11 Joseph Friend-Lerr min 90+2
Caution
SWA Sharks FC
#21 Ernst Alcius (Y)