Post Cabinet Statement - Tuesday 10th February 2026
Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 5th meeting of the Cabinet held on Tuesday February 10th, 2026, at the Governor’s Office, Providenciales. All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of Hon. Rhondalee Knowles/Attorney General and Hon. Otis Morris/Minister for Public Safety. Ms. Khalila Astwood, sat as Acting Attorney General.
At this meeting Cabinet:
Noted the Consultant’s recommendations in relation to the Current State Assessment (CSA) of the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Forces Customs Tariff Administration.
Approved for negotiations to be undertaken re: the acquisition of land on the island of Grand Turk.
Approved the establishment of a National Commemorative committee for the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Establishment of Ministerial Government in the Turk and Caicos Islands.
Approved in principle, the establishment of a new Statutory Body to market and promote financial services in the TCI.
Approved the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
Approved the Whistleblower Protection Policy for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
Approved the purchase of Provo Children’s Home.
Approved the deferral of the first year high value appropriation for the Implementation of the Labour Market Information System.
Noted the award of the following contracts in line with the process according to the provisions of the Public Procurement Act; Contract Award Notification:
PN 005803, TR 25/20 Community Roads All Islands
TCIPA 02/2025 TR 25/14 Port Security Patrol Cars
TCIP 04/2025, TR 25/18, PLS Mobile Security Guard House
Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.
Seahawks beat Patriots to win Super Bowl 29-13
Dominating the New England Patriots in a defensive game, the Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl 60, 29-13. It was the franchise's second Super Bowl title in its history.
After a first half that had no touchdowns and ended with the Seahawks leading purely on field goal points courtesy of kicker Jason Myers, Seattle scored the first touchdown of the game in fourth quarter, bringing the Seahawks' lead to 19-0.
The Pats eventually scored two touchdowns of their own, also in the fourth quarter, but it wasn't enough to beat Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold and his team. Darnold is now the first starting quarterback in history to win a Super Bowl after playing with more than five teams.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III was named MVP, finishing the night with 135 rushing yards and 26 receiving yards. He's the first running back to be named Super Bowl MVP since 1998.
Myers, meanwhile, set a Super Bowl record by scoring five field goals.
Source- ABC
RAYMOND GARDINER HIGH SCHOOL CADETS HOST PROMOTION BADGING CEREMONY
The Raymond Gardiner High School Cadets of the Turks and Caicos Islands Cadet Corps (TCICC), Charlie Company, held its Promotion Badging Ceremony on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the school’s car park, marking a significant milestone in the leadership development of its young cadets.
During the ceremony, seven cadets were promoted from the rank of Private to Lance Corporal (LCpl), in recognition of their discipline, commitment, leadership potential, and adherence to the core values of the Cadet Corps. The promotions were conducted under the auspices of Lieutenant Colonel Beckles, Lieutenant Jackson, and Sergeant Wright.
The event was attended by several distinguished guests and stakeholders, including the Director of Youth Affairs, Ms. Jatavia Howell; the District Commissioners of North Caicos and Middle Caicos, Mr. Jasmin Walkin and Mr. Osbourne Delancy respectively; former District Commissioner for North Caicos, Ms. Cynclair Musgrove; Principal of Raymond Gardiner High School, Mrs. Janet Walkin; Youth Officer, Ms. Nicole Gardiner; officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force; the Company Sergeant Major (CSM) and other officers of Bravo Company from Providenciales; staff of Raymond Gardiner High School; students; parents; and members of the wider community.
Speakers at the ceremony commended the promoted cadets for their dedication and encouraged them to lead by example, uphold discipline, and continue to strive for excellence both within the Cadet Corps and in their academic pursuits.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Cadet Corps is a youth development organization aimed at fostering discipline, leadership, civic responsibility, and national pride among young people across the islands. Through a structured programme that includes drill and ceremony, physical training, leadership development, community service, and basic life skills, the Cadet Corps plays a vital role in preparing youth to become responsible citizens and future leaders of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Participation in the Cadet Corps promotes teamwork, respect, confidence, and a strong sense of service to country.
Although unable to attend, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture, extended warm congratulations to the promoted cadets on their achievements, describing their advancement as a powerful reflection of the positive impact of the Turks and Caicos Islands Cadet Corps on youth development. The Minister encouraged high school students across the islands to consider joining the Cadet Corps, highlighting its role in cultivating leadership, discipline, teamwork, and strong values. She noted that the programme plays a vital role in shaping confident, responsible young people who are well prepared to serve as future leaders of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Raymond Gardiner High School Cadet Unit continues to be an important pillar in the development of students on North Caicos, providing positive mentorship and opportunities for personal growth. The Promotion Badging Ceremony served not only as a recognition of achievement but also as a reminder of the Cadet Corps’ ongoing commitment to youth empowerment and nation-building.
Post Cabinet Statement - Thursday 5th February 2026
Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 4th meeting of the Cabinet held on Thursday February 5th, 2026 and continued Friday 6th February, 2026 at the Governor’s Office, Providenciales. All members of Cabinet were present.
At this meeting Cabinet:
Approved the Immigration Protocol Documents relating to three developments.
Approved Government’s support to the TCI Football Association to submit a formal bid to host the CONCACAF Congress in 2028 or 2029.
Approved the establishment of the Screening, Admissions Review and Dismissal Committee (SARDC) as the national mechanism for the management of Special Education Needs (SEN) in the TCI.
Approved the draft amendments to the Destination Management Fee Act 2023.
Noted the progress update on the Drag-Net Steering Committee, a cross‑government, multi‑agency body established to coordinate and oversee actions aimed at strengthening revenue collection and compliance across Government.
Approved the key performance indicators of the new Chief Executive Officer of the TCI National Health Insurance Board.
Approved in principle the formal establishment of a Department of Parks and Recreation within the existing structure of the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission.
Approved the publication of the Statutory Bodies 2nd Quarterly Special Purpose Financial Report for FY 2025-2026 .
Approved the development and agreement of a donation policy to manage the distribution of funds given by the TCIG.
Approved for works to be conducted for an extension and deepening of the Bellefield Landing Channel.
Approved amendments to the Turks and Caicos Islands Fisheries Ordinance to explicitly ban the use of nets for the capture of bonefish.
Approved the drafting of regulations under the Petroleum Ordinance to modernize and strengthen the national framework governing petroleum and petroleum products.
Approved the revised estimates for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College to address the funding increase for the student subsistence programme.
Approved the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) and engagement of a lead Consultant for the Sustainable Tourism and Spatial Development Policy and the Establishment of the National Carrying Capacity Oversight Committee.
Approved the establishment of a National Carrying Capacity Oversight Committee to provide routine sustainability intelligence and early warning signals to Cabinet and Ministers.
Approved Planning Application SC99 for the Construction of a Two Storey Office Building on Block and Parcel 20307/3.
Approved Planning Application PR 18650 TCI Community College-Renovations and Retrofitting and Car Park Providenciales.
Approved draft legislation for public consultation in relation to Civil Partnerships.
Noted the recommendations of the National Parks Review Report and agreed amendments to the National Parks Act to incorporate changes to the National Parks Classification.
Noted the update regarding IHC
Noted the round robin approvals:
Committee of Supply Changes for the Consolidated Fund for Supplementary No. 2 Fy 2025-026
Approval for the extension of the Appointment of the Chairperson of the Procurement Board.
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
JOINT AGENCY INITIATIVE DELIVERS FLOOD SAFETY EDUCATION TO SCHOOLS
A joint agency initiative was successfully conducted over the course of a week, January 19-23, 2026 to deliver flood safety education to schools in communities that were affected by flooding in Providenciales earlier in the month. The initiative was led collaboratively by the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) and the Environmental Health Department (EHD) to strengthen student awareness and preparedness for flood safety.
Schools visited during the week were; Enid Capron Primary School, Oseta Jolly Primary School, Elite Highschool and Shining Stars Preparatory School.
During the sessions, DDME provided vital information on what flooding is, its common causes, and the potential dangers it poses. Students were also guided on how to prepare for emergencies, including practical tips on assembling an emergency kit with essential supplies. The team from the EHD presented on the health risks associated with flooding, such as waterborne diseases and environmental hazards. Presentations and speeches emphasized proper hygiene practices before, during and after flood events to reduce the risk of illness and promote overall safety.
Commenting on the week’s events, Bernadya Smith, Public Information and Media Manager for DDME, stated: “Heavy rainfall at the start of the year underscored the importance of proactive education. By equipping students with accurate, practical information, both departments hope to empower persons to make informed decisions, to contribute to safer communities.”
“Students responded positively to the presentations and actively engaged in interactive sessions by answering questions and participating in activities. They showed strong interest in the slogan “No playing in flood waters”, and were successfully educated on the environmental dangers of flooding. As a result, students are now better equipped with the knowledge to be proactive, prepared and able to make informed decisions in future flooding events.” Ms. Felicity K. Husband-Patrick, Environmental Health Officer for EHD.
The joint agencies remain committed to ongoing public education efforts and will continue working together and separately to enhance disaster preparedness and health awareness across the Turks and Caicos Islands throughout the year.
IMF says Bahamas economy has strengthened in recent years
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says theeconomy of The Bahamas has strengthened in recent years with a robust post-pandemic tourism sector being the key driver of economic growth and fiscal revenues.
The IMF executive board has completed the Article IV Consultation with Nassau considering and endorsing staff appraisal.
According to the IMF, real gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 3.4 per cent in 2024 and that growth remained resilient in the first half of 2025, supported by construction and cruise tourism. It said that the unemployment rate stood at 9.3 per cent in the second quarter of 2025, while inflation decelerated (1.3 per cent in July 2025), partly reflecting lower global energy prices.
The fiscal position continued to improve in the last fiscal year. Driven by tax revenues and expenditure containment, the primary balance remained in surplus and the fiscal deficit narrowed to 0.5 per cent of GDP in the financial year 2024/25.
The IMF said that growth is expected to be around 2.8 per cent in 2025, and then it would gradually slow toward 1½ per cent.
In its appraisal, the IMF executive board said risks to economic growth are broadly balanced, with downside risks including a potential global slowdown and natural disasters, and upside risks entailing greater-than-expected effects of public and private infrastructure projects linked to tourism and the electricity reform. Inflation remains low.
“Additional policy measures are necessary to achieve the authorities’ medium-term target for central government debt. A primary surplus was reached again in financial year 2024/25, and the financial year 2025/26 budget targets an overall surplus.”
The executive said while declining, public debt remains elevated and that going forward, new revenue-enhancing and expenditure-optimizing measures should be prioritised to achieve the authorities’ 50 per cent of GDP target for central government debt.
It said that these measures can include introducing corporate and personal income taxes, rationalising tax expenditures, raising the standard value added tax (VAT) rate, and reducing transfers to state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
The executive board said that these efforts can give space to invest more in priority areas, such as education and resilient infrastructure.
But the board acknowledged that more work is needed to strengthen fiscal institutions and reduce fiscal risks.
It said an immediate priority should be to improve fiscal reporting and enhance the institutional framework for private public partnerships (PPPs). The board is also critical to accurately assess and mitigate fiscal risks arising from SOEs.
The IMF executive board said financial sector policies should continue to aim at preserving financial stability.
“Systemic financial stability risks remain moderate. As bank credit to the private sector increases, safeguarding banks’ resilience is crucial, including by monitoring potential risks stemming from banks’ exposure to the sovereign.
“The oversight of nonbanks should be strengthened, and closing data gaps is a priority. Operationalizing real estate price indices is still needed. Planned legal reforms can help improve resolution frameworks and safety nets. Reducing the ceiling on central bank advances to the government would support the exchange rate peg, and it is essential to maintain efforts to implement the 2024 DARE Act. Actions to enhance risk-based AML/CFT supervision and promote financial inclusion should continue.”
The IMF said that fostering economic resilience and investing in human and physical capital should ease supply-side constraints to growth.
“Policies to raise productivity, together with fiscal consolidation, can help narrow external imbalances, given that the external position is moderately weaker than the level implied by medium-term fundamentals and desirable policies. Ongoing infrastructure projects in hotels and airports can alleviate capacity constraints in tourism.
“To reduce vulnerable employment and lessen informality, it is important to cut red tape for businesses, strengthen education, and continue expanding training and upskilling opportunities.”
The IMF said trade diversification could strengthen economic resilience and reduce import costs with more benefits for consumers if coupled with greater product market competition.
Source- CMC
REGISTRAR GENERAL’S OFFICE RECORDS STRONG TURNOUT AT SOUTH CAICOS POP-UP CLINIC
The Registrar General’s Office (RGO), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs and Transportation, is pleased to announce the successful completion of its pop-up civil registry clinic in South Caicos, held from 3–5 February 2026.
During the three-day outreach initiative, the RGO processed 258 birth and death certificate applications. Although marriage certificates and amendments were not initially included in the scope of services, the team also facilitated the reprint of three (3) urgent marriage certificates and completed five (5) correction of error amendments, bringing the total number of applications processed to 266.
This performance exceeds the results of the previous financial year’s outreach to North and Middle Caicos, during which just over 210 applications were processed. The increased uptake underscores both the strong public demand for vital registration services and the effectiveness of targeted, on-island service delivery initiatives.
The South Caicos clinic was specifically designed to provide residents with convenient access to birth and death certificate reprints without the need to travel to Providenciales or Grand Turk. Feedback from residents was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the reduction in travel expenses, processing times, and logistical challenges.
Registrar General, Ms. Kayon Cox, commented on the success of the initiative:
“The strong turnout in South Caicos reaffirms our commitment to ensuring equitable access to civil registration services across all islands. Processing 266 applications within three days reflects both the clear demand for these services and the dedication of our team to delivering timely, efficient, and responsive service to the public. We thank the District Commissioner’s office in South Caicos for their support throughout out this process and look forward to doing this again soon.”
The Registrar General’s Office remains committed to expanding outreach efforts and strengthening access to essential civil registration services throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
US tells Caribbean countries there are alternatives to Cuban health care programme
The United States Friday told Caribbean countries that there are “alternative methods available” to recruit healthcare workers as it continued its criticism of the Cuban health brigade programme to the region.
In a post on the US Embassy in Barbados Facebook page, Washington said it “is committed to holding accountable Cuban regime officials, foreign government officials, and others for facilitating forced labour in Cuba’s medical missions.
“By participating in these programmes, despite known human rights abuses, foreign governments become complicit in the regime’s tactics. Their actions directly contribute to the abuses of Cuban workers,” the statement said.
“There are alternative methods available for Caribbean nations to recruit foreign medical workers and ethically meet the healthcare needs of their people. The United States calls on all governments and peoples to reject forced labor schemes and join us in demanding accountability and respect for human rights.”
Earlier this week, the US government said it had not “recently” spoken to St. Lucia about international education after that country’s Prime Minister, Phillip J Pierre said he had been asked to stop sending his nationals to study medicine in Cuba.
But the US did not however indicate whether or not it had done so previously prior to Prime Minister Pierre’s last weekend statement that Washington had called on Castries to stop sending its nationals to study medicine in Havana.
“I have a big problem. Many of our doctors got trained in Cuba and now the great United States has said we can’t do that any longer,” Pierre had told delegates attending the second World Congress on Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities meeting in St. Lucia.
Cuba began offering significant, full scholarships to Caribbean and Latin American students to study medicine at the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM) in Havana, which was officially inaugurated in 1999. The initiative was designed to train doctors from underserved communities across the region, offering free tuition, accommodation, and boarding.
Washington has also stepped its attack on the Cuban health brigade programme saying that the regime in Havana “is profiting off the forced labour of medical personnel and that “renting out Cuban medical professionals at exorbitant prices and keeping the profit for regime elites is not a humanitarian gift.
“It is forced labour. It treats the doctors as commodities rather than human beings and professionals. The United States calls for an end to the Cuban regime’s coercive and exploitative labour export scheme.”
Source-CMC
Weekend Public Forecast
GENERAL SITUATION: A cold front moving through the region will bring cool temperatures and brisk winds across the Turks and Caicos Islands throughout the day. Pleasant and mostly dry weather is expected to continue through tonight, as a dry air mass keeps rain chances very low.
SPECIAL WARNINGS:
Rip Currents and Rough Surf: There remains a moderate to high risk of dangerous rip currents and rough surf along northern, western, and Atlantic shorelines of the island chain. Beachgoers and swimmers should avoid entering the water at this time.
Coastal Threats: There remains a minor to moderate threat of beach erosion and coastal flooding for Atlantic facing shorelines, especially in areas that have already been severely impacted this past week.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: Partly sunny today. Fair tonight.
ADVISORY: Small Craft Advisory is in effect.
WINDS: Northwesterly at 15 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 3 to 5 feet; Atlantic – 4 to 6 feet nearshore, building up to 8 feet offshore
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 78°F 25°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 72°F 22°C
SUNSET: 05:41 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 05:05 PM (0.36 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 11:32 PM (2.16 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: A reinforcing cold front is expected to move off the northeast Florida coast early Saturday and reach the Turks and Caicos Islands by early Sunday, where it will stall and gradually weaken early next week. Breezy conditions and rough seas will persist into early next week. As high pressure builds behind the front, northerly winds will usher in cooler air, keeping temperatures on the cool side with generally stable, dry weather conditions across the islands.
SATURDAY: Isolated showers possible. Partly sunny to sunny, with a high near 73°F (23°C).
SATURDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 68°F (20°C).
ADVISORY: Small Craft Advisory
WINDS: West to northwest at 10 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic – 4 to 6 feet nearshore, building up to 8 feet offshore
SUNRISE: 06:23 AM
SUNSET: 05:41 PM
LOW TIDE: 05:43 AM (0.36 FT) 05:44 PM (0.36 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 11:32 AM (1.86 FT)
SUNDAY: Isolated showers possible. Partly cloudy, with a high near 73°F (23°C).
SUNDAY NIGHT: Isolated showers possible. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66°F (19°C).
ADVISORY: Small Craft Advisory
WINDS: Northwest to north at 10 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 3 to 5 feet; Atlantic – 5 to 8 feet nearshore, building up to 10 feet offshore in northerly swell.
SUNRISE: 06:23 AM
SUNSET: 05:42 PM
HIGH TIDE: 12:22 AM (2.13 FT) 12:14 PM (1.68 FT)
LOW TIDE: 06:38 AM (0.75 FT) 06:24 PM (0.42 FT)
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
Turks and Caicos Islands Takes Costa Rica for the Concacaf Men’s U17 Qualifiers
The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Men’s U17 National Football Team is poised to represent the TCI at the Concacaf Men’s U17 Qualifiers. Team Turks and Caicos will face off against Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and the British Virgin Islands in Group D. Matches for Group D will be held in Alajuela, Costa Rica, from February 5th to 12th, as part of a series hosted across six countries.
The team, a blend of promising young talent and experienced staff, will showcase their skills on an international stage.
Team Roster:
Staff:
Head Coach: Omar Edwards
Assistant Coach: Marlon Turner
Goalkeeping Coach: Aaron Lawrence
Physical Trainer: Delano Williams
Physiotherapist: Julia Cousins
Team Doctor: Matthias Peters
Equipment Manager: Damekio Been
Team Manager: Shawndee Campbell
Head of Delegation: Dane Ritchie
Players:
Goalkeepers: Samuel Harvey, Edwin Garland
Defenders: Jeremiah Service, Lucas Otin, Jadon Montilus, Djuffson Charles, David Hilaire, Andre Smith
Midfielders: Idelin Gardiner, Jordan Calabria Deane, Khazaiviyon Basden Darvol, Louvens Pervil, Alandson Pierre, Samuel Norcius
Forwards: Jwuan Exalus
Head Coach Omar Edwards commented, “We are eager to compete, and confident in our team’s abilities. Each player has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, and we are ready to give our best performance.”
The Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association invites fans and supporters to rally behind the team as they embark on this exciting journey. The tournament promises to be a thrilling display of youthful talent and competitive spirit.
