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.
TCI Weekend Forcast
GENERAL SITUATION: High pressure ridging remains in place, maintaining gentle to moderate winds and generally stable conditions across the island chain today.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: Partly sunny today. Mostly fair tonight.
WINDS: Northeast to east at 10 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 1 to 3 feet; Atlantic – 2 to 4 feet
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 82°F 28°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 72°F 22°C
SUNSET: 5:22 PM
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 11:55 AM (1.91 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 06:23 PM (0.08 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: The strong high-pressure system building north of the area will bring breezy conditions across the Turks and Caicos Islands into the weekend, with a few brief passing showers at times.
SATURDAY: A low (10 to 20 percent) chance of a few, passing showers. A mix of sun and clouds, with a high near 84°F (29°C).
SATURDAY NIGHT: A low (20 to 30 percent) chance of widely scattered showers in the evening. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73°F (23°C). New rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch possible.
WINDS: Northeast to east at 10 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 1 to 3 feet; Atlantic – 2 to 4 feet, building up to 6 feet offshore
SUNRISE: 06:29 AM
SUNSET: 05:23 PM
HIGH TIDE: 12:38 AM (1.93 FT) 12:45 PM (1.71 FT)
LOW TIDE: 06:58 AM (0.33 FT) 07:11 PM (0.02 FT)
SUNDAY: A low (20 percent) chance of a few isolated showers in the morning. Partly sunny, with a high near 84°F (29°C).
SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 73°F (23°C).
WINDS: Easterly at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 1 to 3 feet; Atlantic – 2 to 4 feet, building up to 6 feet offshore
SUNRISE: 06:29 AM
SUNSET: 05:23 PM
HIGH TIDE: 01:32 AM (1.89 FT) 01:38 PM (1.55 FT)
LOW TIDE: 07:58 AM (0.42 FT) 08:00 PM (0.08 FT)
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
DDME Coordinates Relief Efforts Following Localised Flooding in Providenciales
The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) coordinated the distribution of relief supplies to residents in the Dook Yard area in Providenciales following localised flooding experienced this past weekend. The localised flooding resulted from periods of heavy rainfall 3-6 January 2026.
An initial damage assessment in the area of Dook Yard was carried out on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, by DDME, along with Hon. Samuel Been, MP for Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill with assistance from The TCI Police Force. From this assessment, the area was scheduled to receive immediate water removal by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development.
Affected residents declined the need for temporary shelter and instead opted to receive relief supplies and daily hot meals. These meals and essential items were generously donated by Beaches Resort & Spa through the Turks and Caicos Islands Hotel and Tourism Association, the Turks and Caicos Islands Red Cross and DDME.
DDME extends its appreciation to its partners for their continued support and swift response in assisting affected families.
Flood Safety and Preparedness Reminder
DDME reminds residents of the importance of taking proactive steps to reduce flood risks, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Residents are encouraged to:
- Ensure proper drainage systems are installed and maintained on properties, especially if you reside in a low-lying area.
- Keep drains and waterways clear of debris to allow free flow of water.
- Elevate valuables and electrical appliances in flood-prone areas.
- Exercise caution when walking or driving through flooded areas.
Residents are urged to promptly report stagnant or standing water and drainage concerns to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development for immediate assessment and action.
DDME remains committed to working with partner agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. If you would like to learn more about providing assistance and making donations, kindly contact the Turks & Caicos Islands Red Cross.
Bermuda Government releases guide for employing 65 years and older
The Bermuda government Wednesday released a policy guide for employers regarding the retention of workers 65 years and older as part of a broader national strategy to strengthen the workforce.
“Bermuda’s demographic reality is clear, we are an ageing society with a shrinking labour pool. To maintain a strong economy and ensure continuity across essential services, we must retain the skills, knowledge, and mentorship capacity of our older Bermudian workers,” said Economy and Labour Minister, Jason Hayward, adding that “this guide provides employers with the practical strategies they need to do just that”.
According to the Ministry of Economy and Labour, the “Retaining Bermudian Workers Aged 65+ Policy Guide for Employers” is a comprehensive resource designed to help organisations retain, re-engage, and support Bermudian workers aged 65 years and older.
It said that Bermuda, like many advanced economies, is experiencing significant demographic change and that an ageing population, declining birth rate, and acute labour shortages across multiple sectors have increased the urgency for employers to adopt age-inclusive workforce practices.
The ministry said that the document outlines a range of evidence-based approaches that employers can implement, including phased retirement and structured re-employment, flexible and part-time work options, as well as skills-based hiring and the removal of age-biased recruitment language and continuous training and mid-career reskilling.
It also outlines measures for structured mentorship and knowledge transfer programmes, job redesign and ergonomic adjustments to support productivity as well as opportunities for second careers and consulting roles.
In addition to strategy guidance, the document includes sample policy wording, implementation steps, and success metrics to help organisations build age-inclusive practices into their broader workforce planning.
“Workers aged 65 and older contribute reliability, leadership, institutional knowledge, and long-standing client relationships. Retaining even a small fraction of this talent significantly strengthens our workforce,” said Hayward, underscoring the essential role older Bermudians play in strengthening the workforce and urging employers to take an active role in addressing the island’s demographic challenges.
“Age inclusion is not just a social good; it is a strategic economic imperative. Demographic change affects every business in Bermuda, and I strongly encourage employers, HR leaders, unions, and industry partners to review this guide and incorporate its recommendations. Building age-inclusive policies today will help secure a more stable and sustainable labour market for the future,” he added.
The Ministry of Economy and Labour said it will continue working with employer groups, unions, and industry stakeholders to support the adoption of age-inclusive practices across the economy.
Source-CMC
CARICOM to offer three-level crop protection training programme
The Guyana-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat Wednesday said it is offering a three-level crop protection training programme aimed at building knowledge and practical capacity across the food production and processing sector in the region.
It said that the programme, which will begin on January 26, will also support safer, more effective, and more sustainable pest management practices.
The Secretariat said that the training programme is being held as CARICOM builds capacity to achieve the goals of its food security initiative – Vision 25 x 2025 + 5 that is aimed at reducing the region’s food import bill by 25 per cent.
CARICOM said it intends to achieve the goal by boosting regional agriculture, improving trade, and creating economic opportunities, focusing on priority products and climate-smart farming, supported by investments in infrastructure such as transport and storage.
The programme is being conducted in collaboration with the Trinidad-based Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and COLEAD, a private sector not-for-profit organisation that is devoted to inclusive and sustainable agriculture.
“The course is designed to meet the needs of professionals such as farm managers, horticultural producers; production managers, nurseries managers, crop protection managers, packing managers, service providers, and expert trainers,” the CARICOM Secretariat said, adding that participants will benefit from progressive learning via introductory concepts to advanced integrated pest management strategies across three levels.
It said that the introductory level introduces the concept of crop protection, helping learners understand key issues, categories of plant pests and diseases, and the role of chemical control within a crop protection strategy.
”The intermediate level deepens understanding of pest management by exploring harmful organisms, pest population dynamics, epidemiology, plant diseases, weed competition, and herbicide resistance, with a focus on maximising field and post-harvest yields.
”The advanced level focuses on improving pest population management on farms through observation and sampling methods, intervention thresholds, integrated pest management techniques, and case-study-based strategy development.”
Source- CMC