Honourable Knowles Celebrates International Print Day with CGIS Team
Happy International Print Day to Our Incredible Print Professionals! Today, we celebrate International Print Day, a special occasion to recognize the tremendous contributions of the printing industry and all the talented individuals who bring the world of print to life.
I take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the small but mighty Department within my Ministry – the Customer and Government Information Services (CGIS) for all that they do daily to meet the Government’s printing needs. Your dedication and craftsmanship keep this timeless form of communication thriving.
Print is not just ink on paper—it’s the tangible expression of creativity, information, and culture. On this day, we honor the innovation, passion, and skill that each of you brings to the printing industry. Your efforts not only support commerce and communication, but they also help businesses grow, stories be told, and ideas shared.
Whether you are in the press, or handling finishing, your skills shape communication and innovation in ways that touch us all. Thank you for your expertise, craftsmanship, and commitment to excellence in every print run.
The Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities joins me in wishing you a wonderful and inspiring International Print Day!
Fulton County DA asks court to reinstate several election interference charges against Trump
The Fulton County district attorney who charged former President Donald Trump with election interference in Georgia has asked an appeals court to reinstate a number of charges against Trump and his co-defendants that were tossed out by the trial court judge earlier this year.
District Attorney Fani Willis, in a filing to the Georgia Court of Appeals, argued that Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee "erred" in March when he quashed six of the counts in the indictment, specifically relating to the charge of solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer.
In his March ruling, McAfee wrote that the indictment had "failed to allege sufficient detail" in exactly what part of the oath the defendants were allegedly trying to get public officials to violate. He said the "lack of detail concerning an essential legal element" was "fatal" and tossed out the charge.
Willis, in her new court filing, pushed back on the judge's ruling, arguing that the indictment "more than sufficiently" included those details and called for the charges to be reinstated.
Source-ABC
GRENADA Government postpones budget presentation to early next year
The Grenada government Wednesday announced that it would not be presenting the 2025 national budget this year, but would do so in either January or February next year.
Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, speaking at a news conference, where he also announced a pension plan for public sector workers, said that the decision to postpone the fiscal package is a result of the significant disruptions caused by Hurricane Beryl when it passed through the country on July 1 this year as well as recent fiscal developments.
The hurricane left widespread damage, overwhelming local infrastructure and demanding a substantial portion of the government’s resources for recovery efforts.
Earlier this month, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Grenada had suffered substantial losses and damage as a result of the passage of the hurricane.
The Washington-based financial institution said that while the full estimate of the damages and losses is yet to be completed, the initial estimates suggest that physical damages alone exceed 16 per cent of gross domestic product.
“First of all, we’ve had a significant disruption caused by Hurricane Beryl. We only recently passed the supplemental budget, which also includes addressing the damage caused by Beryl. We’ve had to take several actions, including suspending some parts of the Fiscal Management and Resilience Act,” Mitchell told reporters.
He acknowledged that the hurricane’s impact has forced the Government to adopt several extraordinary fiscal measures, including invoking clauses in Grenada’s debt agreements requesting the suspension of debt payments, allowing the country to redirect funds towards rebuilding and recovery.
Mitchell said that the government says it will use the additional time to engage in broader consultations with stakeholders and citizens, ensuring that the final budget reflects the nation’s most pressing needs and long-term goals.
“We believe it will give us more opportunity to have deeper, more meaningful, and more extensive engagement with our citizens and stakeholders as we prepare the budget,” Mitchell said.
Source-CMC
Windies Team Aim for Repeat Success in T20 World Cup Showdown
Eight years ago, the West Indies edged out New Zealand by just six runs in a thrilling second semifinal of the 2016 T20 World Cup, booking their spot in the final. They went on to claim their maiden World T20 title with a victory over Australia.
Fast forward to this Friday, and the Windies will hope for history to repeat itself as they face the Kiwis once more in the second semifinal of the current tournament in Sharjah.
After suffering a heavy 10-wicket defeat at the hands of South Africa, the West Indies bounced back with wins in their remaining group-stage matches against Bangladesh, Scotland, and England, reigniting their campaign.
Despite New Zealand holding a dominant head-to-head record of 15 wins to just five losses in 24 encounters, the Windies might carry an edge in this semifinal showdown. The spin-friendly tracks in Sharjah play to their strengths, with 17 of their 20 wickets in the group stage falling to spin. The West Indies will rely heavily on their spinners, with Hayley Matthews, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack, and Zaida James leading the attack.
For New Zealand, Amelia Kerr, who tops the bowling charts alongside South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba, will be pivotal. Leigh Kasperek’s off-spin could also return to bolster the Kiwi attack.
Stafanie Taylor remains doubtful for the Windies, but the team has proven capable in her absence. Deandra Dottin has been in ferocious form, leading the tournament with six towering sixes, twice as many as any other player. Her power-hitting will be crucial to the Windies’ chances.
New Zealand will be looking to Georgia Plimmer, who has been in excellent form, while Suzie Bates is due for a big performance. Much will also depend on the experienced captain Devine to steady the ship.
Source- CMC
Barbados Government asked to back Israel’s war with the Hamas terrorist organisation.
The government of Barbados has been called on to back Israel’s war with the Hamas terrorist organization.
The call was made by Israel’s non-resident Ambassador to Barbados, Itai Bardov, during an interview with Barbados Today.
Speaking from his base in Panama, Bardov raised concerns about Bridgetown’s position, in the wake of the ongoing conflict with Hamas that one year ago infiltrated Israel’s southern border, killing 1 200 Israelis in the worst attack on Jewish people since the Holocaust during the Second World War.
In addition. 250 men, women, and children were taken hostage.
During the interview, Bardov expressed disappointment with Barbados and other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states, suggesting their efforts to restore peace in the Middle East have been misdirected.
“I think the fact they have chosen to put all the pressure… on Israel… is not going to reach the effect that we all want, which is a cessation of the conflict, and returning back to normalcy,” Bardov said.
He also urged Barbados and its regional partners to shift focus and apply pressure on Iran and its proxies, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
“If you feel that you want to bring an end to these hostilities and restore peace, pressuring Israel will not be the right path,” Bardov said. “You have to pressure Iran, you have to pressure Iran’s proxies to stop their attacks and their hostilities, and not go the populous way.”
Bardov questioned Bridgetown’s position on Israel’s right to self-defense and acknowledged Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s condemnation of Hamas following the outbreak of war but criticized what he saw as a contradictory stance.
The Israeli Ambassador also warned that the stance taken by Barbados and other countries in the region, risks emboldening terrorist organizations. “What you are doing is giving what’s called a silver bullet for the terrorist organizations. All you have to do is attack another nation and then go and hide yourself among civilians and use them as human shields and we are not allowed to react… create collateral damage,” he said.
The ambassador expressed deep concern about the ongoing conflict, particularly the kidnapping of Israeli citizens, and called for unified efforts to end the bloodshed and restore peace.
“ I really hope that we can resolve this conflict in a way that will bring back the 101 hostages who were kidnapped from their homes and that will ensure security [not only] for the people of Israel, but also for the people of Gaza and Lebanon,” he told Barbados Today.
Department of Agriculture Marks World Food Day 2024 with Safe Pesticide Use Workshop
In celebration of World Food Day 2024, the Department of Agriculture hosted a workshop on the “Safe Use of Pesticides” to promote responsible pesticide handling and raise awareness on key agricultural practices. The workshop, held in Providenciales, brought together farmers, backyard gardeners, and landscapers, providing them with essential training to ensure the safe use and management of pesticides.
World Food Day, established by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in 1979, is recognized in over 150 countries and is celebrated annually on October 16th to raise awareness and mobilize action against world hunger and malnutrition. This year’s theme, “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,” underscores the importance of food security and sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the need for nutritious food for all and the promotion of agricultural systems that support a healthier planet.
During the workshop, participants were introduced to various topics, including an overview of pests and pesticides, understanding pesticide labelling, and the safe use, storage, and disposal of chemical containers. This knowledge is vital to ensuring both personal safety and the protection of the environment, reinforcing the Department’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.
Participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to attend the workshop, noting that the training was highly informative and practical. Many indicated that they would be willing to attend future workshops hosted by the Department. At the conclusion of the event, participants were provided with essential safety gear, including respiratory kits, chemical-resistant gloves, and protective coveralls, equipping them with the necessary tools to safely handle pesticides in their daily operations.
The Department of Agriculture remains committed to supporting the local agricultural community by providing valuable training and resources that promote sustainability, food security, and the safe use of agricultural chemicals.
This press release highlights the efforts of the Department of Agriculture to unite the community in addressing global challenges related to food security while fostering local agricultural development and environmental stewardship.
TCIG CELEBRATES PARTICIPANTS OF INAUGURAL ADMINISTRATIVE EXCELLENCE TRAINING
The Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) is delighted to announce the successful completion of its inaugural Administrative Excellence Training, celebrating the achievements of 21 administrative professionals, including Heads of Secretariats and Executive Administrators. The intensive four-day programme, which focused on enhancing essential skills for Administrative Professionals across all Ministries, concluded with a graduation ceremony held on Thursday, 17th October 2024 in Providenciales.
Facilitated through the Training and Development Directorate, the course covered key topics essential to government administration, including operating in an executive office, effective communication, policy drafting, organisational skills, government protocol, financial oversight, and workplace ethics. To graduate, participants were required to successfully complete a group presentation, the Effective Writing Skills for the Public Service course offered by the International Centre for Parliamentary Studies (ICPS), and a final exam with a challenging pass mark of 80. Impressively, over 90% of the cohort achieved distinction, scoring in the 90th percentile for their overall grade.
The event was attended by Her Excellency Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, and the Honourable Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, both of whom delivered remarks commending the participants for their dedication and highlighting the importance of their contributions to government efficiency and effectiveness.
The event was further supported by the presence of other Honourable Members of Cabinet, Permanent Secretaries, and Deputy Permanent Secretaries, who were in attendance to express their support for their administrative staff.
Commenting on the programme, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Julianna Musgrove stated, “It is incredibly rewarding to see how the participants have embraced these concepts and applied them to their roles. Their success in this programme is a clear reflection of the importance of continuous learning and development within our Public Service.”
The programme aimed to equip participants with practical skills for day-to-day responsibilities while preparing them to take on more strategic roles in enhancing government efficiency.
Successful graduate, Ms. Terrica Walkin, gave a testimonial on behalf of the cohort, sharing her personal experience. "I found the information very useful and was able to apply it to my responsibilities right away," Walkin remarked, highlighting the immediate value of the skills and knowledge gained through the programme.
Her Excellency Anya Williams commended the graduates for their hard work, expressing her heartfelt congratulations and stating, “The successful completion of this course highlights our dedication to fostering professional development within the Public Service. This achievement, along with the impressive pass rate, demonstrates our administrative professionals' commitment to excellence and equips them to contribute to a more responsive and efficient government.”
This first cohort marks the beginning of a larger initiative, with additional cohorts planned to further develop the administrative skills of staff across the entire public service in the coming year.
Successful Participants:
- Aaron Garland
- Ali Williams
- Bernadya Smith
- Cynara John
- Cyre Ferguson
- Darlene Clerveaux
- Davis Gardiner
- Denika Been
- Gladisha Cox
- Grethen Been
- Jasmine Malcolm
- Keshaad Pratt
- Kissia Thomas-Cornwall
- Leandra Clarke
- Leandrea Missick
- Marah Smith
- Mellisa Rolle-Ariza
- Shanetta Thompson
- Terrica Walkin
- Vershina Forbes
- Wendy Saunders
Hon. Rachel Taylor hosts sports delegates from Commonwealth Sport and CANOC
To start the week of sporting activities, the Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister responsible for sports, hosted a delegation of high-level sporting officials from around the world for a cocktail evening on October 15th.
Turks and Caicos Islands was selected as the host country for the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) XI Workshop and XXII General Assembly, and Commonwealth Sport 2024 Americas & Caribbean Regional Meeting. These meetings have drawn in over 33 delegates to discuss important topics and inform decisions in sport.
The cocktail event which took place at South Bank Marina, was a special evening under the stars. In addition to Commonwealth Sport and CANOC delegates, local and international sports body representatives were present. Graceway Communities and South Bank Marina supported this event.
At this event, Hon. Rachel Taylor shared, "It is a great honor to host such a distinguished gathering of leaders in sport, development, and global athletic excellence. We welcome CANOC’s President Keith Joseph and Commonwealth Games Association President, Chris Jenkins to our beautiful by nature shores. This is a testament to the shared values that bind us—commitment to excellence, unity, and the transformative power of sport.
A huge thank you to the TCI Common Wealth Games Association under the leadership of President Godfrey Been and his amazing team for spearheading these events and ensuring that our guests are well taken care of and our country is well represented. As a country, we will leverage our natural beauty and strategic location for the further development of sport tourism. We view this as a growing sector within the region.".
No stepping up and No taking responsibility by Hon. Edwin A. Astwood, Leader of the PDM
My People, I address you as we gather under the shadow of a tragedy that has shaken our community to its core. On Tuesday of this week, in the heart of Five Cays, we witnessed a horrifying act of violence that claimed the life of yet another young man. This incident occurred during school hours, when our children should feel safe and secure. Instead, they were met with the chilling sound of gunfire and the sight of blood on their streets.
This is not just an isolated incident; it is a glaring indicator of a systemic failure in our approach to crime and public safety. How many more lives must be lost? How many more families must be shattered before we recognize that we face a crisis that demands urgent action?
It gives me no pleasure today to condemn the government’s soft stance on crime. And this is not me being political, this is the reality that we see, and their failure to prioritize the safety and security of our communities is unacceptable. This blatant disregard for safety could have been mitigated with a more proactive stance on crime prevention, which the PDM believes is sorely lacking under the current administration.
Innocent lives are being lost while the premier and his government remain soft on crime, they appear to be more focused on rhetoric than on action. The blood of our citizens is literally on the streets, and yet we see no decisive action from our government to ensure the safety and security of our communities. We cannot allow our streets to become battlegrounds. We cannot allow our children to grow up in fear. The images of blood-stained streets, the terrified faces of our children, and the cries of a grieving mother are a wake-up call to us all. We see today that the criminals are very bold with their actions, whether day or night, whether isolated or in public their mission is carried out without care or concern. We must demand more from our government. We need increased police presence in our neighborhoods, comprehensive crime prevention strategies, and a commitment to addressing the root causes of violence. It is past time for the leaders of the country to take a stand—not just in words, but in tangible actions that protect our families and restore our faith in the safety of our communities. We need a government that listens to the concerns of its citizens, one that takes decisive action to ensure that our children can walk to school without fear of violence.
I call on all of you to join me in demanding accountability from all those who have the responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of our people and our country. Together, we can push for a safer future for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Let us honor the memory of all those thirty-nine lost individuals by advocating for change, by ensuring that no other family has to endure the heartache of losing a loved one to senseless violence.
The PDM stands ready to work with all stakeholders to develop effective solutions that will safeguard the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands. We owe it to ourselves. We owe it to our children. We must stand united in our call for a safer, more secure community.
Our People must be Our Priority!!
Unauthorized Occupation served in Five Cays
A multi-agency enforcement exercise, led by the Crown Land Unit (CLU) and coordinated by the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), with security support from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), was conducted on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, in Five Cays, Providenciales. The operation aimed to inform occupants and land users of their unlawful presence on Crown Land and to ensure compliance with the Crown Land Ordinance, which prohibits illegal squatting and unauthorized development.
During the exercise, fifty-two (52) Letters of Illegal Occupation were served to occupants of illegally constructed buildings on several parcels of Crown Land. These Letters not only informed recipients of their unlawful occupation but also provided guidance on legal options available to them.
Additionally, three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were posted on unoccupied and incomplete structures during the exercise. These Notices instructed the cessation of any further development. The properties will be continuously monitored to ensure no breaches of this instruction occur.
The ISU, in partnership with the CLU and other government agencies, remains committed to ensuring that all enforcement actions are conducted with fairness and respect for the affected communities. The ultimate goal remains to foster safer, more sustainable communities for all residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
For more information, or to stay updated on the ISU's progress in informal settlement management, please visit www.isutci.com or contact the ISU at isu@gov.tc.