GOVERNOR, DILEENI DANIEL-SELVARATNAM, DISSOLUTION OF THE HOUSE AND DATE OF GENERAL ELECTION
Yesterday, Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam acting after consultation with the Premier, Hon. Charles Washington Misick OBE JP, under section 57(2) of the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution, issued a Proclamation to dissolve the House of Assembly on Wednesday 18th December 2024.
Appointment of the date for the next General Election
This morning, acting on the advice of the Premier, Hon. Charles Washington Misick OBE JP, under section 59 of the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution, Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam issued a Proclamation to appoint Friday 7th February 2025 as the date on which the next general election will be held in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Writ of Election
Following the Proclamation of the date of the next general election on Friday 7th February 2024, Her Excellency the Governor will issue the Writ of Election to the Supervisor of Elections. Both Proclamations and the Writ of Election will be published in the Official Gazette.
TCI Police leads Heightened Operation
Acting Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey today (December 20) led a full-scale, coordinated operation across key areas in the TCI to reassure the public, disrupt the movement of criminal elements, and identify and apprehend perpetrators of crime.
This is a sustained initiative and forms part of the police's ongoing strategy to reduce crime.
Members of the Force Executive including Deputy Rodney Adams, Ag Deputy Kendall Grant, and Assistant Commissioner Mat Newton were also present.
This heightened visibility will provide immediate reassurance to the public and demonstrate our resolve to combat crime.
The RT&CIPF will be on the streets supported by our colleagues in the TCI Regiment and TCI Border Force, to protect, support, and secure the law-abiding citizens of the TCI.
Commissioner Bailey said, "Today's operation includes targeted patrols, checkpoints, and intelligence-driven interventions, aimed at dismantling networks contributing to violence and illegal activity."
Commissioner Bailey emphasized the importance of collaborative policing efforts to not only bring perpetrators to justice but also to protect law-abiding citizens and prevent further incidents.
"Together, we must reject the culture of silence that shields criminals and fight for the safety and security of our communities", the acting top cop said.
Anyone with information on illegal activities should kindly 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.
First trailer for new Superman movie out now for July 2025
The first teaser trailer for the upcoming James Gunn-directed Superman film was released on Thursday.
The teaser from DC Studios gives fans their first taste of what to expect in the film starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane.
DC Studios teased the trailer ahead of its release with a new look at Corenswet in full superhero gear on Monday and a new look at Brosnahan's intrepid reporter on Wednesday.
Gunn first announced he was taking on the project in March 2023. He shared a photo with the cast of the upcoming film earlier this year, following a table read.
Along with Corenswet and Brosnahan, the upcoming film will also star Nicholas Hoult as Superman's archnemesis Lex Luthor, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher and María Gabriela de Faría as Angela Spica/The Engineer.
The cast also includes Isabela Merced, who plays Hawkgirl; Edi Gathegi, who plays Mister Terrific; Anthony Carrigan, who plays Metamorpho; Nathan Fillion, who plays Guy Gardner/Green Lantern; and Wendell Pierce, who plays Daily Planet Editor-in-Chief Perry White.
Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell play Clark's adoptive human father and mother, Jonathan and Martha Kent, respectively. Alan Tudyk is also cast in an undisclosed role.
Superman is set to premiere July 11, 2025.
Teamsters begin 'largest strike' against Amazon, accusing company of 'insatiable greed'
The Teamsters said workers will began striking at Amazon facilities across the country Thursday morning — in what the union calls the largest strike against the online shopping giant less than a week before Christmas.
The Teamsters said the strike began early Thursday at several facilities, including in New York City, Atlanta, three locations in Southern California, one in San Francisco and one in Skokie, Illinois.
In addition, the Teamsters said local unions would also put up primary picket lines at hundreds of Amazon Fulfillment Centers nationwide.
In a news release, the union calls it the "largest strike against Amazon in U.S. history" and says it comes after Amazon has refused to bargain with workers organized with the Teamsters.
"If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon's insatiable greed," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien in a statement. "We gave Amazon a clear deadline to come to the table and do right by our members. They ignored it."
In a statement to ABC News, an Amazon spokesperson said the Teamsters have illegally coerced workers to join the union.
Suspected Homicide at Dock Yard in Providenciales
CHATO MOORE, of Five Cays, Providenciales, has been identified as the victim of this morning’s (December 19) shooting.
A male suspect remains in custody, while searches remain ongoing for other suspects.
Based on police reports, at around 10:12 am, the Police Control Room received reports of a shooting in Dock Yard.
Officers and medical personnel responded to the given location, and upon arrival, Mr Moore, 44, was discovered motionless with what appeared to be gunshot wounds.
The RT&CIPF extends condolences to Mr Moore’s relatives and seeks the public’s assistance in solving this crime.
Anyone with information that may help in this investigation should kindly 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.
Officers of the Serious Crime Unit are continuing investigations.
Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) – Cyber Incident Notice #1
The Department of Digitization & E-Government Technology (DETI), under the remit of the Ministry of Finance, Investment and Trade has activated its critical management protocols to address a possible breach to segments of the TCIG network on Wednesday 18, December 2024.
DETI has engaged TCIG’s enterprise providers to investigate and undertake an assessment of the systems to determine the extent of the potential compromise.
Additionally, TCIG is working with the United Kingdom Government to provide expert technical support.
The TCIG wishes to assure the general public that all efforts are being taken to minimize disruptions to TCIG services and secure the network.
Follow-up questions are welcomed and can be directed to nationalsecurity@gov.tc
Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) – Cyber Incident Notice #2
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) wishes to advise that some business operations have been impacted due to a possible breach of the TCIG revenue collection and payment systems.
TCIG apologizes for any inconvenience caused and requests the public’s patience as we seek to restore our systems.
Relevant Ministries and Departments will advise the public of their alternative procedures to access government services while the TCIG assesses and repairs its system, to prevent any loss or further disruption.
Follow-up questions are welcomed and can be directed to nationalsecurity@gov.tc
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR THE TURKS AND CAICOS FOR DECEMBER 20TH 2024
Public Works Department Addresses Flooding on North Caicos
The Public Works Department, under the Office of the Deputy Premier and Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, wishes to inform the residents of North Caicos that we are actively addressing the flooding caused by the recent heavy rains over the past two days.
Our dedicated teams have been deployed and are currently on the ground, working tirelessly to mitigate the effects of the flooding. We are utilizing drainage wells and have mobilized pumps to assist in the removal of excess water. In addition, new wells are being drilled and existing wells are being cleared to facilitate efficient water flow. However, due to the unique demographic and geographic conditions of North Caicos, we anticipate that the recovery process may take slightly longer than usual.
We recognize the challenges that flooding presents to our residents, visitors, and businesses. We are fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone affected. Our teams are working diligently to restore normal conditions as swiftly and efficiently as possible.
We kindly ask for your continued patience and cooperation as we address this situation. The Public Works Department remains dedicated to serving the community and ensuring that necessary measures are in place to prevent further disruption to the residents of North Caicos.
For updates or to report any urgent concerns, please contact our Public Works Hotline at 649-241-0680 or 649-431-6985.
Thank you for your understanding.
Experience Turks and Caicos Hosts 41 UK Luxury Travel Advisors for Aspire Retreat
Experience Turks and Caicos is committed to enhancing our relationship with the United Kingdom market in the next year as we seek to increase visitation to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
As such, it was our honor to host 41 travel advisors from November 16th to 20th for the annual Aspire Retreat.
Aspire is the UK’s only luxury travel club that connects suppliers and agents selling high-end travel experiences. Each year, 25 of the UK’s top luxury agents and 15 suppliers are handpicked to attend the company’s retreat which is held in a new destination annually.
This year the group selected the Turks and Caicos Islands and it presented a unique opportunity to position the destination prominently in the UK luxury travel market. The event will receive substantial coverage across Aspire’s platforms, including print, newsletters, and social media, ensuring maximum visibility for the destination.
Aspire introduced the Retreat in 2017 to foster stronger relationships between agents and suppliers through a blend of familiarisation trips, one-to-one business meetings, and peer-to-peer learning. The retreat emphasizes breaking down formal barriers to create meaningful connections.
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Josephine Connolly, met the travel advisors during the welcome cocktail reception at Seven Stars Hotel and the farewell dinner hosted at the Shore Club.
“It was a delight to meet and interact with the travel advisors. The UK market is one of our top source markets and there is definitely room for us to grow this market further. It is always best when travel advisors can experience a destination firsthand so they can better sell it to their clientele. From the feedback it is clear they were all blown away by our beautiful destination and they are all excited to return home to sell, sell, sell,” said Minister Connolly.
Ms. Trina Adams, Chief Marketing Officer for Experience Turks and Caicos, said she is very optimistic that the retreat will result in increased awareness of the Turks and Caicos Islands in the UK and visitation.
“We are very pleased that the Aspire team chose the Turks and Caicos Islands for this year’s retreat. During their time here, we did one on one meetings with each of the travel advisors and educated them about our multi-island destination, our world-class resorts, activities and niches that they can sell to their clients. They really fell in love with our destination and they are excited to present the Turks and Caicos Islands as a new holiday getaway to their clientele,” said Ms. Adams.
Jade Bayley, Event Manager at Aspire, thanked Experience Turks and Caicos for the exceptional support provided for the retreat.
“We are incredibly grateful for their seamless organization and for showcasing the destination in such a captivating, efficient, and most of all, enjoyable way. Their efforts left a lasting impression, with attendees sharing feedback that it was one of the best trips they had ever experienced. We deeply appreciate their hard work, expertise, and dedication, and we hope we can return to the island paradise for future events. Thank you for making this retreat so memorable,” she said.
The Aspire Retreat would not have been possible without the support and collaboration from our partners. We would like to thank the Hartling Group, Paradise Promotions, Shore Club, H2O Lifestyle Resort, Seven Stars, Wymara Resort and Villas, Sailrock Resort, Beaches, and Grace Bay Resort for their willing participation.