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.
New Years Weather Report
GENERAL SITUATION: A cold front will move across the Turks and Caicos Islands this New Year’s Eve, ushering in cooler, more pleasant conditions as we head into 2026.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: Partly sunny today. Partly cloudy with isolated showers possible tonight.
WINDS: Southwest to west at 10 knots or less, veering northwest tonight.
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 1 to 3 feet; Atlantic – 2 to 5 feet
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 82°F 28°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 66°F 19°C
SUNSET: 05:16 PM
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 05:33 PM (2.3 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 11:38 PM (0.3 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: Behind the cold front, weak high pressure and a drier air mass will settle over the Turks and Caicos Islands, maintaining light winds and generally dry conditions through the rest of the week.
THURSDAY: Isolated showers possible in the morning. Partly cloudy, with a high near 81°F (27°C).
THURSDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 66°F (19°C).
WINDS: Northwest to north at 10 knots or less
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 1 to 3 feet; Atlantic – 2 to 5 feet
SUNRISE: 06:28 AM
SUNSET: 05:18 PM
HIGH TIDE: 06:18 AM (3.3 FT) 06:34 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 12:51 PM (0.3 FT)
FRIDAY: Partly sunny, with a high near 81°F (27°C).
FRIDAY NIGHT: Fair, with a low around 67°F (19°C).
WINDS: North to northeast at 10 knots or less
SEAS: Caicos Bank – 1 to 3 feet; Atlantic – 2 to 4 feet
SUNRISE: 06:28 AM
SUNSET: 05:18 PM
LOW TIDE: 12:33 AM (0.3 FT) 01:45 PM (0.3 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 07:13 AM (3.3 FT) 07:31 PM (2.6 FT)
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
Frontier Airlines Launches New Nonstop Service From PLS Airport to Atlanta
Frontier Airlines (Nasdaq: ULCC) launched new nonstop service today from Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
The service, operating weekly, exemplifies Frontier’s impressive growth across the Caribbean and will offer travelers an affordable and convenient connection between Providenciales and the world’s busiest airport.
“There’s a lot to be excited about as the new year approaches – from our expanding network to rolling out our First Class experience – and we’re thrilled to offer travelers even more affordable flight options to beautiful Turks and Caicos as we continue to grow,” said Josh Flyr, vice president of network and operations design, Frontier Airlines.
New service from Providenciales International Airport (PLS):
SERVICE TO: Atlanta (ATL)
SERVICE START: December 20, 2025
SERVICE FREQUENCY: Weekly
Frequency and times are subject to change, for additional details check out http://www.flyfrontier.com/
Frontier Airlines has also introduced sweeping changes to its product and customer service offerings, ushering in ‘The New Frontier.’ Among the enhancements is UpFront Plus seating, an upgraded seating option with extra leg and elbow room in the first two rows of the aircraft.
Customers in UpFront Plus enjoy a window or aisle seat with extra legroom and a guaranteed empty middle seat. The airline also now offers unlimited companion travelfor its most loyal customers, with the flexibility to choose a different companion on every Frontier flight.
Debuting in early 2026, Frontier will begin offering First Class seating, combining unmatched comfort and space at Frontier’s trademark affordable prices.
Frontier added that they will continues to innovate with its industry-leading frequent flyer program, FRONTIER Miles, which allows customers to ‘Get It All For Less.’
TCI POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT - THURSDAY, 23 OCTOBER 2025
Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 27th meeting of Cabinet on Thursday 23rd October 2025 at the Governor’s Office, Raleigh House, Providenciales.
All members were present with the exception of the Deputy Governor H. E. Anya Williams with the Permanent Secretary of Finance, Mrs. Athenee Harvey-Basden attending as Acting Deputy Governor; the Deputy Premier and Minister of Immigration and Border Services, Hon. Jamell Robinson; the Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Otis Morris. The Minister of Innovation, Technology, and E-Government, Hon. Erwin J. Saunders attended virtually.
At this meeting of Cabinet:
- Approved a subdivision of Parcels 60900/241 for the purpose of rectifying the encroachment of the residential development.
- Approved an application by Northwest TCI Holdings Ltd. for a lease over part of Parcel 60000/235.
- Approved the purchase of the Family Care Medical Building, Providenciales, including equipment and assets.
- Approved the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer for the National Health Insurance Board.
- Approved the appointment of a Project Steering Committee to establish a National Early Warning System for the Turks and Caicos Islands in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank:
- Mr. Tito Lightbourne, Chairman - Permanent Secretary, NSS
- Ms. Kevaun Lucas, Deputy Chair - Deputy Director, DDME
- Mrs. Bridgette Newman, Member - Permanent Secretary, PPID
- Mr. Kevern Bellott, Project Coordinator - Deputy Director, DDME
- Mr. Dwight Gardiner, Member
- Ms. Tamara Hylton, Administrative Assistant
- Mr. Aaron Ballantyne, Accounting Assistant
- Mr. Angelo Duncan, Disaster Risk Management Specialist
- Mr. Brandon Williams, IT and Systems Integration Specialist
- Approved a proposal from the Ministry of Health and Human Services to further collaborate with the TCI Diabetic Association to include a visiting Pediatric Endocrinologist.
- Approved a payment for completed works on submarine cable connectivity for the system integration of the Turks and Caicos Islands Branching Unit to facilitate future international connectivity for the islands.
- Received an update from the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services on the ASYCUDA system.
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.
TCI POST CABINET MEETING STATEMENT - WEDNESDAY, 15 OCTOBER 2025
Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 26th meeting of the Cabinet held on Wednesday, 15th October 2025 at the Office of the Premier, Hon. Hilly Ewing Building, Providenciales.
All members of Cabinet were present.
At this meeting of Cabinet:
- Noted the Statutory Bodies 1st Quarter Special Purpose Financial Report for FY 2025-2026 and approved the publication of the report as per the requirements of the Public Finance Management Regulations 2014.
- Approved the draft validation Bill related to the Invest Turks and Caicos Islands Agency (Amendment) Act 2022.
- Approved the appointment of Mr. Joseph Connolly as employers representative and Mrs. Athenee Harvey-Basden, Permanent Secretary Finance as members of the National Insurance Board. It further approved Ms. TeAnn Thomas as the nominated representative of the PS Finance.
- Approved an extension of the current term for the Managing Director of the Gaming Commission.
- Approved the appointment of Ms. Mikette Been as a member of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) Board of Governors effective 1 October and further approved the revocation of appointment of Dr. Jameika Harvey effective September 4th, 2025.
- Approved the appointment of Ms. Nickina Jennings-Williams as Secretary to the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) Board of Governors and further approved the revocation of appointment of Ms. Andrea Musgrove.
- Supported the Turks and Caicos Islands hosting the 2026 Government meeting of the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC).
- Noted the development of the Giga, a UNICEF and ITU initiative, for the Turks and Caicos Islands, detailing the next phase of the Giga project in accordance with the Comprehensive Needs Analysis Study that was completed.
- Approved the extension of the reporting period for the Turks and Caicos Islander Status Commission and approved the appointment of a Secretary to the Board.
- Noted the Court Ruling on a legal matter and agreed next steps.
- Approved the National Honours and Awards (Amendment) Act 2025 for further submission to Cabinet.
- Supported the hosting of the 2025 Overseas Territories Prisons Conference.
- Noted the update on the Establishment of the Juvenile Prevention and Intervention Council (JPIC) to address at risk youth.
- Approved the appointment of Mrs. Mary Forbes as the Chairman of the Health Professions Authority Board for a period of three (3) years.
- Approved amendments to the Destination Management Fee Ordinance 2023 to clarify various definitions and reduce the age of eligibility for exemptions.
- Approved the payment of a Claims Against Government in line with a court ruling.
- Approved the appointment of the following persons as members of the Labour Tribunal for a period of two (2) years pursuant to Section 94 (1) of the Employment Act 2021 Revised Edition:
- Mr. Walter Gardiner Snr., Employees
- Mr. Alpheus Pinder, Employers
- Mr. Juan Williams, Employees
- Ms. Maureen Williams, Employers
- Ms. Simone Rigby, Employees
- Noted the round robin approval for the renewal of a Rental Lease Agreement for the operation of a Remote Center Air Ground facility.
Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired a special virtual meeting of Cabinet on October 6th, 2025. All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services.
At this meeting, Cabinet:
- Approved a Bill to establish a statutory mortgage corporation for the Islands, the purpose of which is to establish a framework for providing mortgage financing facilities to Turks and Caicos Islanders for the purpose of acquiring or building affordable homes.
Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.