MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, YOUTH, SPORTS AND CULTURE LAUNCHES INAUGURAL E-MAGAZINE "BEYOND THE SCHOOL BELL”
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture is pleased to announce the launch of Beyond the School Bell, the inaugural e-magazine of the Social Enrichment Academic Afterschool Programme (SEAP). This groundbreaking publication celebrates the vibrant activities taking place in afterschool programmes across schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Beyond the School Bell offers an exciting glimpse into the diverse activities that keep students engaged, learning and thriving long after the school bell rings. From hands-on cultural and arts activities to sports, environmental initiatives and academic enrichment programmes, the e-magazine highlights the innovative ways the afterschool programme is shaping well-rounded students and building stronger school communities.
Commenting on the launch, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, stated: "This dynamic publication celebrates the creativity, curiosity and community that come alive in our afterschool programme. Through the photos, highlights and presentations, Beyond the School Bell captures how afterschool hours become a powerful space for exploration, growth and connection, reflecting our commitment to supporting our students academically, socially and creatively.”
The e-magazine showcases the meaningful difference the afterschool programme is making in the lives of children and young people across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
To view the inaugural issue of Beyond the School Bell, please visit:
MULTI-AGENCY ENFORCEMENT ACTION CONDUCTED AT SILVERADO THE WELLS
The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at PS:38 Silverado the Wells.
The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by Immigration and Border Services, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.
The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit, which identified multiple illegally constructed and unoccupied timber structures and concrete platforms across several parcels. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, Notices of Illegal Occupation were posted on the offending structures. Following the failure of the responsible parties to comply within the prescribed timeframe, enforcement action was authorised.
A total of eleven (11) incomplete and unoccupied timber structures and nine (9) concrete platforms or foundations were removed across the affected parcels. While the parcels were partially reclaimed during the exercise, other occupied structures remain on site and will be addressed through ongoing enforcement processes.
The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.
TCI REPRESENTATIVES PARTICIPATE IN LANDMARK REGIONAL CRISIS WORKSHOP
Dr. Holly Hamilton,Director of the Turks and Caicos Islands Weather Service, and Mr. Damian Wilson, Deputy Director of Radio Turks and Caicos, recently represented the Turks and
Caicos Islands at a landmark regional crisis communications workshop held from 20th-21st January, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
The two-day workshop brought together more than 60 professionals from across the Caribbean, including representatives from national meteorological and hydrometeorological services, disaster management agencies, government information services, and media organizations. The initiative aimed to strengthen collaboration, enhance knowledge-sharing, and promote mutual understanding to improve crisis communication during extreme weather and disaster events.
Participants examined existing gaps in regional crisis communication systems and explored strategies to ensure timely, accurate, and effective public information dissemination before, during, and after emergencies.
Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Hamilton described the workshop as highly productive, highlighting discussions on effective messaging, early warning systems, and the importance of engaging the media as strategic partners.
“Media partnership is critical to successful early warning and disaster response,” Dr.Hamilton stated. “From meteorological services to disaster management agencies and the media, we all share responsibility for protecting lives and property. There is significant opportunity for improvement in standardizing communication templates,clearly communicating potential impacts, and ensuring our messages prompt responsible public action. Hosting a similar workshop in the Turks and Caicos would further strengthen our national preparedness and resilience.”
Mr. Wilson also emphasized the value of the regional exchange, noting the importance of evidence-based communication strategies. “This workshop provided me with an excellent opportunity to learn from regional best practices and to advocate for greater integration of social science research into communication planning,” he said. “Such research provides the empirical foundation needed to develop measurable and effective communication outcomes. I am encouraged by the strong support from our regional colleagues for this approach.”
This workshop marked the first time that weather services, disaster management, government information, and media services from across the region convened in a single forum to address crisis communications collectively. The initiative forms part of a broader regional effort to enhance disaster resilience through coordinated, accurate, and impactful public messaging.
The workshop was hosted by the Caribbean Meteorological Organization (CMO) in partnership with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU), the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the CREWS Initiative, and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
TCI Weather Forecast
GENERAL SITUATION: A frontal boundary near the Turks and Caicos Islands will gradually stall today while supporting isolated to widely scattered showers, mainly over the westernmost islands.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: There is a high risk of dangerous rip currents along Atlantic exposures. Beachgoers are advised to refrain from entering these waters.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: Mostly cloudy with a low (10 to 20 percent) chance of isolated showers this afternoon in Providenciales, North Caicos and Middle Caicos. Partly cloudy with isolated showers possible in South Caicos, Grand Turk, and Salt Cay. Partly to mostly cloudy with a low (10 to 20 percent) chance of isolated showers in all islands tonight. New total rainfall accumulations of about a quarter of an inch.
ADVISORY: Small Craft Advisory in Atlantic waters
WINDS: North to northeast at 10 knots or less, becoming northeast at 10 to 15 knots this evening.
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 1 to 3 feet; Atlantic – 3 to 5 feet, building up to 8 feet in northerly to northeasterly swells offshore
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 79°F-81°F 26°C-27°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 72°F 25°C
SUNSET: 05:35 PM
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 03:14 PM (1.59 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 09:22 PM (0.09 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: The weakening frontal boundary lingering near the Turks and Caicos Islands will continue to bring unsettled weather through Friday. Periods of showers, with a few isolated thunderstorms, are expected—especially during the daytime hours. Breezy to windy conditions with rough seas will create hazardous marine conditions, particularly in Atlantic waters where Small Craft Advisories remain in effect. Conditions are expected to improve on Friday as winds ease and seas subside briefly.
THURSDAY: A medium chance (50 to 70 percent) chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms in the morning, then a high (80 percent) chance of showers in the afternoon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77°F (25°C).
THURSDAY NIGHT: A low (20 to 30 percent) chance of isolated showers in the evening. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73°F (23°C). New total rainfall accumulation between 1 and 2 inches.
ADVISORY: Small Craft Caution in the Caicos Bank and Small Craft Advisory in Atlantic waters
WINDS: Northeast at 15 to 25 knots, with gusts up to 35 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 4 to 6 feet; Atlantic – 5 to 7 feet nearshore, building up to 9 feet offshore
SUNRISE: 06:27 AM
SUNSET: 05:36 PM
HIGH TIDE: 04:29 AM (2.55 FT) 04:22 PM (1.59 FT)
LOW TIDE: 11:05 AM (0.60 FT) 10:26 PM (0.06 FT)
FRIDAY: A low chance (30 to 40 percent) chance of scattered showers in the morning, then a medium (50 to 60 percent) chance of showers in the afternoon. Partly cloudy, with a high near 81°F (27°C).
FRIDAY NIGHT: A low chance (30 to 40 percent) chance of scattered showers in the evening. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75°F (24°C).
WINDS: Northeast to east at 15 to 20 knots, shifting east to southeast at 10 to 15 knots in the evening.
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic – 4 to 6 feet nearshore, building up to 8 feet in northerly swells offshore
SUNRISE: 06:27 AM
SUNSET: 05:36 PM
HIGH TIDE: 05:29 AM (2.64 FT) 05:26 PM (1.68 FT)
LOW TIDE: 12:04 AM (0.54 FT) 11:28 PM (0.00 FT)
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
Turks and Caicos Islands Women’s National Team Set for Historic Participation in FIFA Series 2026
The Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) is proud to announce that our Women’s National Team will compete in the inaugural expanded FIFA Series 2026™, a landmark global tournament bringing together 48 national teams from across all six FIFA confederations. This historic opportunity represents a major milestone for women’s football development in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the wider Caribbean region.
With women's matches hosted across Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, and Thailand, the FIFA Series 2026™ is designed to provide meaningful international competition for teams outside the traditional elite and to foster cross-confederation matches that broaden the competitive experience. The Women’s National Team from Turks and Caicos Islands will be competing in the Ivory Coast group, marking the first time any of our national teams will play on African soil.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Women’s National Team has been drawn into a group hosted by Côte d’Ivoire with the following opponents:
Côte d’Ivoire (hosts)
Mauritania
Pakistan
Turks and Caicos Islands
This international match experience against teams outside our regular regional competitions will offer invaluable exposure, development, and growth opportunities for players and coaching staff alike.
“It is with immense pride and excitement that the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association announces our participation in the FIFA Series 2026™. This is an extraordinary moment in the history of our Women’s National Team, and we are honored to be competing on African soil for the first time ever. The experience our players will gain playing against teams from different parts of the world will be transformative for our programme. This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to developing women’s football at all levels, and we thank FIFA for creating this opportunity. We call on our supporters at home and abroad to rally behind our team as they prepare to make history.”
“The Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association is extremely excited about the opportunity to be part of such a prestigious event. For our women’s national team, this will undoubtedly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The players and coaching staff are especially looking forward to competing against nations we would not normally encounter within our regional competitions. These types of international match-ups are invaluable for development, exposure, and growth at this stage of our programme.
We are deeply grateful to FIFA for creating this platform and for making it possible for our women’s team to participate in a truly global competition,” says Dane Ritchie, Technical Director, TCIFA.
Match dates, fixtures, and broadcast details will be released by FIFA as they become available. The TCIFA will share updates with the local football community and media as preparations progress for the team’s departure.
We congratulate our women’s national team on this historic achievement and look forward to their success as they represent the Turks and Caicos Islands with pride on the global stage.
Post Cabinet Statement from January 2nd, 2026
H.E. Anya Williams, the Acting Governor, chaired the 1st meeting of the Cabinet on January 2nd, 2026, at the Office of the Governor, Raleigh House, Providenciales.
All Members were present except for H.E. Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Governor; Hon. Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development; and Hon. Shaun Malcolm, Minister of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs, and Transportation.
At this meeting Cabinet:
Approved in principle the Draft Sustainable Tourism Development and Spatial Diversification Policy.
Approved in principle the terms of a Draft MOU between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and VRP Drake Ltd. and Pelican Energy TCI Ltd.
Approved Planning Application PR 17731 for a Residential Development containing twenty 3-storey buildings containing one hundred- and twenty-one-bedroom apartment units and two hundred and forty two-bedroom apartments for Saakin Ltd. On block and parcel 60807/107, 108 and 109.
Approved the restructuring of the Destination Management as a Statutory body to undertake the marketing and management of the Turks and Caicos Islands tourism destination functions.
Approved recommendations to Enhance the Small Craft Policy Governing Vessels Operating in TCI Waters as per the recommendations received from the consultation on the Small Craft Policy.
Grenada parliament approves amendment to marijuana legislation
The Grenada parliament has given the green light to legislation amending the existing marijuana legislation marijuana even as Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell Tuesday said that his preference had been for the decriminalisation to take effect from the age of 18 years given that it is also the age of civil responsibility.
However, he told Parliament that he had to settle for age 21 because of the “passionate debate” that convinced him that it was a better choice that 18 years.
“There was passionate debate, we went back and forth…if you are an adult you are an adult, 18 is 18, we recognise 18, you can drive, you can vote, you can get married, so from my perspective you should be allowed at 18 if you do so wish to choose but I was in the minority,” Mitchell said as he made his contribution to the debate on the amendment of the Drug Abuse (Prevention and Control) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 that received the support of both government and opposition legislators.
“And so I cede graciously to the medical experts, to the mental health experts who recognise that at 18 a brain is still developing,” Mitchell added.
The government had described the measure as a transformative milestone toward cannabis reform with the Minister for Agriculture, Lands and Forestry, Economic Development and Planning, Lennox Andrews, citing the move as one “that prioritises the health of individuals and safety of our youth, while finally unlocking therapeutic and economic power for all Grenadians”.
The amended legislation marks a shift from punitive prohibition towards a balanced, evidence-based framework grounded in social justice, public health, and economic opportunity.
The bill provides for amnesty and automatic expungement of criminal records for specified minor cannabis offences. Pending criminal proceedings for the specified minor amounts of cannabis, will be discontinued.
It also affirms the constitutional rights of the Rastafari community to use cannabis as a sacrament within registered places of worship and for special events, with allowances for cultivation.
Adults aged 21 and over will be permitted to possess up to 56 grams of cannabis and 15 grams of cannabis resin, plus register to cultivate up to four plants per household for private use. Public consumption remains prohibited and subject to fixed penalties.
Strong safeguards remain in place to protect children and young people, including strict penalties for anyone who supplies cannabis to minors and a rehabilitative, non-criminal approach for youth found in possession.
While the bill focuses on decriminalisation, it establishes the foundation for a regulated medicinal and therapeutic cannabis industry.
Government said it will move within three to six months to develop a comprehensive national cannabis policy framework and supporting legislation covering cultivation, processing, research, and medicinal use.
Attorney General Senator Claudette Joseph underscored the bill’s timeliness, stating that “Grenada is one of the last jurisdictions to now move in the direction of the decriminalisation of cannabis and ultimately the establishment of a medical cannabis industry.”
She insisted that decriminalisation does not mean unrestricted use. Cannabis will remain a controlled substance, with clear limits, defined offences, and enforcement mechanisms. Public education will accompany implementation to address stigma, promote responsible behaviour, and highlight both the benefits and risks associated with cannabis use.
Prime Minister Mitchell told legislators that there is always a bright and dark side of marijuana use once its no longer recognised as a schedule one or controlled drug in national law.
“Yes, there is always the bright side and the dark side, we didn’t have an approach that said this is purely about recreational or purely about the social injustices that have been perpetuated on the Rastafarian community.
“We also recognise that there are serious medical risks and serious societal challenges that exist whether or not the policy continues to criminalise the use of possession for having apparatus relative to the use and or cultivation of marijuana that these things exist,” he added.
Leader of Government Business, Phillip Telesford who is also the Minister for Health, in tabling the legislation, said that the new measure does not allow for recreational use of marijuana.
“Our policy of decriminalisation will be peered with strike regulations to protect the youths and accompanied by a robust public education campaign and a strong enforcement against intoxication while driving medical use remains controlled and recreational use as per this Bill is not permitted. The Government prioritises health and safety over short term economic gains,” Telesford told the Parliament.
Source-CMC
High School Musical stars celebrate its 20th anniversary: 'We’ll always be in this together'
It's the start of something new, it feels so right to be here with you ... to celebrate the 20th anniversary of High School Musical.
The landmark Disney Channel Original Movie turned 20 years old on Tuesday. To celebrate its second decade, several stars from the franchise shared tributes to the film that launched their careers.
Vanessa Hudgens, who starred as Gabriella Montez in the High School Musical trilogy, posted an Instagram carousel filled with behind-the-scenes photos from the making of the 2006 film.
"I cannot believe HSM turns 20 today. Thank you to everyone who’s been there since day 1. We’ll always be in this together," she captioned her post.
Ashley Tisdale French, who played Sharpay Evans in all three HSM movies and the spinoff film Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure, also posted an Instagram carousel filled with screenshots from the movie and behind-the-scenes photos.
"20 years ago we had no idea what this would turn into. I’m so grateful for what this movie has given me, and for the fans who made it what it is. To be part of something this iconic, that still has new fans discovering it today, is truly wild," Tisdale French wrote. "It keeps growing in ways I never imagined. I love you, Sharpay. And let me just say… we’re still looking fabulous!"
Tisdale French also made an Instagram Reel of her trying on many of Sharpay's looks 20 years later — including the blue "Bop to the Top" sparkly gown.
"20 years and two babies later I'm still squeezing into these looks," Tisdale French captioned the video.
Lucas Grabeel, who starred as Ryan Evans in the movie trilogy, also took to Instagram to celebrate the milestone. He posted a video of him putting on one of Ryan's signature hats.
"Ryan's ready. Who else is? #HSM20," Grabeel captioned the video.
High School Musical also starred Zac Efron as Troy Bolton, the star basketball player who discovers he loves to sing after a chance encounter with Gabriella (Hudgens). The film premiered to Disney Channel on Jan. 20, 2006.
Source- ABC
Europe mobilizes as Trump again demands 'complete and total control' of Greenland
The leaders of all 27 European Union nations will meet for an "extraordinary meeting" later this week, European Council President Antonio Costa said on Sunday, in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's escalating pressure campaign to acquire Greenland.
European leaders are mobilizing after Trump on Saturday announced a 10% tariff to be imposed on all goods sent to the U.S. from eight NATO nations — Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the U.K., the Netherlands and Finland — that recently sent small contingents of troops to Greenland to take part in military exercises there.
On Sunday, Trump sent a letter to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in which the president again expressed his desire to take control of Greenland. Store’s office confirmed to ABC News on Monday that Oslo received the message from Trump. The details of the letter were first reported by PBS.
"Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace, although it will always be predominant, but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America," Trump wrote.
Source-ABC
Ministry Releases Interactive Education Statistical Digests for 2021/22 and 2022/23
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture has released the 2021/22 and 2022/23 Education Statistical Digests, marking a significant milestone in the Ministry's efforts to strengthen a modern, transparent, and data-driven education system in the Turks and Caicos Islands. For the first time, the digests are available in both downloadable PDF and interactive online formats.
The digests provide comprehensive data on students, teachers, academic performance, tertiary education, vocational training, and education financing. Key findings include:
- Total student enrolment declined from 7,764 to 7,490, while the proportion in public schools increased from 58.1 per cent to 61.8 per cent.
- Teacher numbers grew from 576 to 612, alongside expansion in special education staffing.
- Academic performance in national and regional examinations remained steady, with improved Mathematics pass rates at CSEC level.
- Local tertiary enrolment at the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College rose from 288 to 377.
- Education budget allocations totalled $48.2 million in 2021/22 and $45.2 million in 2022/23.
Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, highlighted the role of data in shaping effective education policy: "This initiative reflects our broader vision: to create a modern, inclusive, and responsive education system that leaves no learner behind. By embracing technology and strengthening our data culture, we are ensuring that every policy decision and every classroom strategy is guided by evidence, not assumption.”
The Ministry has published Education Statistical Digests annually since 2013/14, collecting data from all public and private primary and secondary schools. Recent improvements include establishing 31st October as School Census Day in 2023 and entering into a Memorandum of Understanding with private schools in 2024 to strengthen digital transformation in education, including the use of OpenEMIS.
The 2021/22 and 2022/23 digests were developed through a project led by Education Policy and Planning Officer Ms Diandra Gray, with consultancy support from Kairi Consultants Ltd. The project focused on capacity building and data system strengthening, and was informed by four stakeholder consultations involving educators, school leaders, public officers, clergy, community members, and media representatives.
With support from the Digitisation and E-Government Technology and Innovation Department, the digests are now available as interactive online versions hosted on Power BI. This allows users to explore data by island, nationality, sex, school type, and other variables for a dynamic and personalised experience.
The Ministry acknowledges the support of Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture; Permanent Secretary James Astwood; Deputy Permanent Secretaries McCartney and Howell; the Digitisation and E-Government Technology and Innovation Department; Kairi Consultants Ltd.; and all stakeholders whose collaboration made this publication possible.
The 2021/22 and 2022/23 Education Statistical Digests, along with all previous editions, are available at https://www.gov.tc/education/reports Guidance on accessing the interactive features is provided on the final page of each digest.