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
THREE DAYS FORECAST FOR WEDNESDAY JANUARY 07TH 2026
GENERAL SITUATION: High pressure ridging will support mostly fair weather across the Turks and Caicos Islands today.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: Mostly sunny today. Fair tonight.
WINDS: Northeast at 5 to 15 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 1 to 3 feet; Atlantic – 2 to 5 feet
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 81°F 27°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 72°F 22°C
SUNSET: 05:21 PM
NEW LOW TIDE: 04:51 PM (0.3 FT)
NEW HIGH TIDE: 10:51 PM (2.0 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: The building high pressure will bring noticeably breezy and warmer conditions across the Turks and Caicos Islands for the rest of the week. At times, brief passing showers may occur, but most areas will remain dry.
THURSDAY: Isolated showers possible in the afternoon. Partly sunny, with a high near 82°F (28°C).
THURSDAY NIGHT: Isolated showers possible overnight. Mostly fair, with a low around 73°F (23°C).
WINDS: Northeast to east at 10 to 15 knots, increasing to 15 to 20 knots in the afternoon.
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 1 to 3 feet; Atlantic – 2 to 5 feet
SUNRISE: 06:28 AM
SUNSET: 05:21 PM
LOW TIDE: 05:04 AM (0.1 FT) 05:37 PM (0.2 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 11:06 AM (2.1 FT) 11:44 PM (2.0 FT)
FRIDAY: Isolated showers possible in the afternoon. Partly sunny, with a high near 84°F (29°C).
FRIDAY NIGHT: Isolated showers possible overnight. Mostly fair, with a low around 73°F (23°C).
WINDS: Northeasterly at 15 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 2 to 4 feet; Atlantic – 3 to 5 feet
SUNRISE: 06:29 AM
SUNSET: 05:22 PM
LOW TIDE: 06:00 AM (0.2 FT) 06:23 PM (0.1 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 11:55 AM (1.9 FT) - - -
Car giant Hyundai to use human-like robots in factories
Hyundai Motor Group says it will roll out human-like robots in its factories from 2028, as major companies race to use the new technology.
The South Korean firm showed off Atlas, a humanoid robot developed by Boston Dynamics, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on Monday.
Hyundai says it "plans to integrate Atlas across its global network", including a plant in the US state of Georgia that was involved in a massive immigration raid in 2025.
Other firms that have said they will use humanoid robots in their operations include Amazon, Tesla and Chinese car making giant BYD.
The Atlas robots will gradually take on more tasks, said Hyundai. The firm owns a majority stake in Boston Dynamics, the technology company famous for Spot the robot dog.
Atlas, which is designed for general industrial use, is being developed to work alongside people and autonomously manage machines.
Hyundai said the robots will help ease physical strain on human workers, handle potentially dangerous tasks and pave the way for wider use of the technology.
The firm did not say how many robots it would initially deploy or how much the project will cost.
Speaking at CES, Hyundai's vice chair, Jaehoon Chang, acknowledged concerns that human workers could lose their jobs to robots. But he said people will still be needed to train the robots, among other roles, the news agency Reuters reported.
Monday's announcement came after Hyundai said in 2025 that in would invest more than $20bn (£15.5bn) in the US, supporting President Donald Trump's plans to boost manufacturing in the country.
The firm said it would expand car production in the US and invest in autonomous driving technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
Elon Musk's electric carmaker Tesla has also invested heavily in its humanoid robot, Optimus.
Hyundai's battery plant in Georgia, which it operates in partnership with electronics giant LG, is one of its key facilities in the US.
In September 2025, US immigration officers raided the plant and arrested hundreds of workers, including at least 300 South Korean citizens.
The workers had their legs shackled in scenes that sparked outrage in South Korea.
President Lee Jae Myung and Hyundai's chief executive José Muñoz warned that the raid could deter foreign investment in the US.
Later that month, Washington and Seoul reached an agreement to release the detained workers.
Trump said he opposed the raid and that the US had an "understanding" with the world on the need to bring in experts to set up specialised facilities and train local workers.
Muñoz said in November that the White House had phoned him personally to apologise for the raid.
Source- BBC
Every VW Model Dropped In Sales
Volkswagen has a fresh lineup with a facelifted Golf, Jetta, and Taos. If that wasn’t enough new blood, the company launched a redesigned Tiguan not long ago.
While you’d expect these models to help boost sales, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Quite the opposite as the only vehicles that posted gains last year were fully electric.
This is a tad surprising, but consumers rushed to take advantage of the expiring tax credit. This resulted in a significant boost in the third quarter as ID.4 sales skyrocketed 176% to 12,470 units.
Now, with the tax credit gone, sales of the electric crossover plunged 61.6% to a mere 248 vehicles. That’s a massive swing of 12,222 units in just six months.
While sales have fallen off a cliff, the ID.4 finished the year up 31.4%. However, that pales in comparison to the ID. Buzz, which jumped 428.4%. That being said, Volkswagen only moved 6,140 electric vans and has already announced the EV is skipping the 2026 model year.
The picture gets pretty bleak from there as every other vehicles saw sales decline last year. The Jetta was off by 24.4%, while the Golf GTI and R dropped by up to 34.7%.
Even the brand’s crossovers struggled as the Atlas and Atlas Coupe only generated a combined 102,608 sales. The Taos was down 13.6%, while the Tiguan dropped 16.7% as some buyers likely held off for the redesigned model.
For the year, Volkswagen sold 329,813 vehicles in the United States. That’s down 13% and it means the brand was outsold by Mazda (410,346).
Source- Car Scoops
Kazz Wilson Appointed Human Resource Officer
The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Kazz Wilson as a Human Resource Officer in the Human Resource Management Directorate (HRMD) within the Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Mr. Wilson holds an Associate Degree in Architectural Design and Building Technology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a major in Human Resource Management, both from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.
Mr. Wilson began his career in the Turks and Caicos Islands Government in 2012 as a Clerical Assistant in the Human Resource Management Directorate, where he laid the foundation for his appreciation of the critical role of human resources in the public service. He later transitioned to the role of Assistant Land Registration Officer, further strengthening his administrative and customer service expertise. In 2021, he moved to the Citizenship and Naturalisation Department as a Citizenship Caseworker, where his dedication and performance led to a recommendation for senior responsibility.
Reflecting on his appointment, Mr. Wilson shared, “I am deeply honoured to accept this appointment and sincerely grateful for the confidence placed in me to return to the Human Resource Management Directorate as a Human Resource Officer. I thank God for this opportunity and extend heartfelt appreciation to my family and friends for their unwavering support. Guided by the scripture, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ (Philippians 4:13), I remain committed to upholding the highest standards of service, professionalism and integrity.”
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, Her Excellency Anya Williams, said, “Heartfelt congratulations are extended to Mr. Kazz Wilson on his appointment as a Human Resource Officer within the Human Resource Management Directorate. This marks a true full-circle moment for Kazz, who began his public service career many years ago at the HRMD in an entry-level Clerical Officer role. Since then, he has earned two promotions to other positions, all while diligently pursuing his academic studies part-time at the TCI Community College as a full-time employee. We are extremely proud of Kazz’s accomplishments and admire his determination, perseverance and commitment to personal and professional growth.
Congratulations on your well-deserved promotion, Kazz and welcome back to the Human Resource Management Directorate."
PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST FOR THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS FROM MONDAY JANUARY 05TH 2026
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS FROM
MONDAY JANUARY 05TH 2026
GENERAL SITUATION: A weakening cold front moving across the island chain may spark a few brief, light showers later today.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: A mix of sun & clouds with a low (10 to 20 percent) chance of isolated showers this afternoon. Mostly fair tonight.
WINDS: Northeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 1 to 3 feet; Atlantic – 2 to 4 feet
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 82°F 28°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 73°F 23°C
SUNSET: 05:19 PM
NEW LOW TIDE: 03:16 PM (0.5 FT)
NEW HIGH TIDE: 09:07 PM (2.0 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: High pressure building to the north will bring breezy conditions and moderate seas. Lingering low-level moisture may trigger a few isolated showers on Tuesday, followed by a brief period of drier weather midweek.
TUESDAY: A low (10 to 20 percent) chance of isolated showers in the morning, then isolated showers possible in the afternoon. Partly cloudy, with a high near 82°F (28°C).
TUESDAY NIGHT: Isolated showers possible before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 73°F (23°C).
ADVISORY: Small Craft Advisory
WINDS: Northeast to east at 10 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 1 to 3 feet; Atlantic – 3 to 5 feet, building up to 8 feet offshore
SUNRISE: 06:28 AM
SUNSET: 05:20 PM
LOW TIDE: 03:18 AM (0.5 FT) 04:04 PM (0.4 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 09:31 AM (2.5 FT) 09:59 PM (2.0 FT)
WEDNESDAY: Partly sunny, with a high near 82°F (28°C).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 73°F (23°C).
WINDS: Northeast to east at 10 to 20 knots
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 1 to 3 feet; Atlantic – 3 to 5 feet
SUNRISE: 06:28 AM
SUNSET: 05:21 PM
LOW TIDE: 04:11 AM (0.5 FT) 04:51 PM (0.3 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 10:19 AM (2.5 FT) 10:51 PM (2.0 FT)
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
MASKANOO™ Celebrates 15 Years of Culture, Community and Creativity in Turks & Caicos
The Turks & Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) proudly marked the 15th anniversary of Maskanoo™, a Turks and Caicos Islands’ signature cultural celebration, with thousands gathering along Grace Bay Road on Boxing Day to honour culture, creativity and community spirit.
Conceptualized in 2009 by cultural icon David Bowenduring his tenure as the country’s Director of Culture, Maskanoo™ has become a cherished year-end tradition, blending Masquerade (Massin’) and Junkanoo influences with unique Turks and Caicos elements to create an immersive celebration of national pride and cultural heritage. Fifteen years later, Bowen’s vision remains central, uniting residents and visitors in a shared celebration of who the Turks and Caicos Islands are as a people.
“Maskanoo™ is an expression of our identity. It isvibrant, rhythmic, joyful, rooted in history and grounded in us,” said Stacy Cox, CEO of the TCHTA. “This milestone matters because 15 years later, the vision continues to grow, deepen and connect across generations. We are proud of what this event means to the Turks and Caicos Islands, and grateful to everyone who has helped sustain its legacy.”
This year’s staging placed renewed focus on cultural authenticity, highlighted through expanded programming facilitated by cultural practitioners and supported through the involvement of the Department of Culture. The programme featured cultural trivia and giveaways, a conch-shell blowing competition, maypole dancing, school dance performances, spoken word, poetry and multiple live music sets by local bands including A+ Band, Island Boys Ripsaw Band, Q Band Lynks, Gemma, and the Pro-Vision Band Boys.
One of the climactic moments of the celebration was the WeFunk Junkanoo parade, which delivered one of its most impressive presentations to date with larger numbers, striking costume displays, and high-energy movement that lit up the route and drew the usual enthusiastic support from the crowd. This high point was followed by the late-night fireworks display, bringing together music, movement and spectacle in true Maskanoo™ tradition. The TCHTA also paid tribute to the life and legacy of the late Keno Hall, whose music helped shape the sound of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
“As the custodians of culture, the Department of Culture was honoured to support a programme that highlighted Turks and Caicos Islands cultural heritage,” said Odessa Forbes, Director of Culture. “Through the Maskanoo platform, the Department is intentional about promoting Turks and Caicos Islands masquerade heritage - Massin’, the country’s authentic masquerade tradition, first documented in Grand Turk during Christmas celebrations in 1811. This heritage was made visible through Massin’ costuming, alongside rip-saw music, maypole dancing, and conch-shell blowing, ensuring that our cultural expressions are not only seen, but recognised, respected, and understood by both residents and those experiencing our culture for the first time.”
Community safety remained at the forefront of the night’s production, with the help of key partners guiding patrons safely throughout the night. “Maskanoo is a cultural festival that celebrates the rich heritage, music, and creativity of the Turks and Caicos Islands, bringing together residents and visitors in a vibrant display of community spirit and national pride.” said Denyse Renne, Media Relations Officer of the RTCIPF. “The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force took comprehensive measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all, and we are pleased to report that the event concluded with minimal disturbance throughout the night.”
Maskanoo™ 2025 was made possible through the continued support of TCHTA members, who have anchored the event for all 15 years, alongside major sponsorship from the Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks & Caicos and the Department of Culture. Experience partners included K&T, Island Drilling and Pelican Energy TCI, with event operations supported by Emergency Medical Services, RTCIPF, TCI Regiment and Dove Security, along with Garry Saimpha and the ground crew. Technical support was provided by Lucid Illumination, Subtronic Sounds, and Genesis NextMedia, while SOS Media oversaw event management and execution.
“Maskanoo is proof of what collaboration can do,” Cox added. “To every partner, every sponsor, every cultural custodian, every performer, every vendor and every member of the community who came out - thank you. Your support sustains a tradition that has brought us together for 15 years, and will continue to shape how we tell our story moving forward.”
Maskanoo™ continues to serve as a proud vehicle of Turks and Caicos cultural heritage - one that honours the past while inspiring the next generation of cultural carriers, musicians, artists and storytellers.
The TCHTA looks forward to continued collaboration with the Department of Culture to deepen Maskanoo’scultural roots and amplify opportunities for community participation, with a renewed commitment to welcoming school groups, community groups and emerging cultural practitioners into future programmes.
After 15 years, the vision remains the same - to safeguard and celebrate the spirit of the Turks and Caicos Islands and to ensure that those who follow inherit both the legacy and the stage to carry it forward.