Experience Turks and Caicos mourns the passing of Mr Reggie Dickenson
It is with deep regret that Experience Turks and Caicos confirms the passing of Mr. Reggie Dickenson, one of our employees who worked in the Grand Turk office.
Mr Dickenson passed away on Saturday, 22nd June following a vehicular accident in Providenciales. We extend our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
A passionate, vivacious and animated person, Mr. Dickenson was a former employee at the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board who transitioned to Experience Turks and Caicos in 2023.
He worked as the Grand Turk Customer Service Representative alongside Ms. Kadeisha Forbes, a role he took seriously as he greeted visitors to the Cruise Centre, interacted with them and ensured they had the relevant information they needed to enjoy their stay on island.
Mr. Dickenson was known for his unwavering positivity and team spirit, always eager to contribute his opinions and ideas. He last participated in a Customer Service Training session with his colleagues on June 10th in Providenciales where he invoked laughter with his witty remarks.
Minister of Tourism, the Hon Josephine Connolly expressed her sadness upon receipt of the news of Mr. Dickenson’s passing.
“Reggie was a passionate son of the soil of Grand Turk. I last saw him at our celebrations for Salt Cay Day where he was thoroughly enjoying himself. This is devastating news. Reggie would certainly be missed and I would like to extend my condolences to his family and loved ones. May he Rest in Eternal Peace,” the Minister said.
Mr. Alvin Hegner, co-chair of Experience Turks and Caicos also expressed his condolences.
“Reggie will definitely be missed. He had a larger-than-life personality, always jovial and a positive. His energy was infectious and his loss will certainly create a void that would be difficult to replace. From the board and staff of Experience Turks and Caicos, I would like to extend my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. May he Rest in Peace.”
Experience Turks and Caicos will update the public on Mr. Dickenson’s funeral arrangements as those details become available.
DDME hosts 2024 Hurricane Preparedness Exposition
The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) will host its 5th Hurricane Preparedness Expo. The Hurricane Preparedness Expo will feature booths from over twelve diverse agencies and stakeholders. The event will provide critical stakeholders with roles in disaster management an opportunity to interact with the public, demonstrate their services, and guide individuals and businesses on how they can prepare for this hurricane season.
The objective is to ensure the population is ready should a hurricane impact our region by offering a one-stop shop for the general public to gather helpful information and ask their hurricane and storm-related questions.
We ask residents to show up and partake in this preparedness event. The event is free, fun and educational with tonnes of giveaways.
This project demonstrates the commitment of the public-private partnership and the commitment to disaster risk reduction for the private sector and government entities in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Hurricane Preparedness Expo will be on Friday, 28th June 2024, at the Town Centre Mall, Parking Lot, Downtown, Providenciales, from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm. We look forward to your participation.
SHARKS4KIDS COLLABORATES WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
The Department of Education would like to thank Sharks4Kids for organizing and delivering lessons and field visits with our primary and secondary schools.
Shark4kids aims to inspire the next generation of shark advocates through education, outreach, and adventure. Since 2019, the team has visited schools in Turks and Caicos, returning this year for the third installment of Project Lemon Aid.
The project focuses on lemon sharks, particularly juveniles, to understand their population and habitat use around Turks and Caicos. Students get hands-on science experience, assisting with data collection and learning about the importance of sharks.
“Sharks and our oceans are in trouble, and education is critical for conservation,” says Jillian Morris, Founder and President of Sharks4Kids. “We want students to feel empowered, to know they can make a difference. Providing them with facts instead of fear helps inspire curiosity and excitement to take action.”
“A crucial part of Project Lemon Aid is the education element,” adds Candace Fields, Sharks4Kids Ambassador. “By going into schools, we can inform about the economic and ecological importance of sharks. It’s always special to be part of fostering scientific curiosity and a genuine interest in sharks in the future generation of ocean advocates.”
During the month of May, Jillian, Candace, and Michelle spoke to students at Ianthe Pratt Primary School, Thelma Lightbourne Primary School, Oseta Jolly Primary School, Louise Garland High School, Clement Howell High School, Provo Primary School, and the Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre. Over 1000 students learned about sharks, their role in the Turks and Caicos ecosystem, the research being done, and how they can help save sharks. Staff members from Big Blue Collective also joined the team. The goal is to involve more local team members in classrooms throughout the year, and this event marked the beginning of that initiative. Students at the Youth Centre participated in a mock shark tagging activity and experienced a Virtual Reality shark dive.
In addition to this, students from Clement Howell High School, Precious Treasures, Provo Primary, and Alpha Christian Academy joined the team in the field, helping with all aspects of data collection during the scientific workups.
“Seeing the change in students’ attitudes toward sharks is incredible,” says Michelle Jensen, Sharks4Kids Ambassador. “Fear turns into fascination, and they start cheering for sharks instead of running from them. We’re sparking a lifelong love for these incredible creatures and instilling a sense of responsibility for their protection.”
Adding to the exciting experience offered to the students of Turks and Caicos, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, remarked, “The partnership with Sharks4Kids has provided an invaluable opportunity for our students to engage in hands-on learning and develop a deeper understanding of marine conservation. It’s inspiring to see our young people so enthusiastic about protecting our natural resources.”
Shark4kids would like to thank Ms. Elisann Delancy, Curriculum Development Officer from the Ministry of Education, and local partners for their support.
TCI CELEBRATE KING’S BIRTHDAY PARADE
The Turks and Caicos Islands held its annual Parade in honour of the Official Birthday of His Majesty King Charles III. Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and the Honourable Premier, Charles Washington Misick OBE joined members of Cabinet, the House of Assembly, the Judiciary, dignitaries, senior officials, residents and visitors to commemorate the good health and long reign of His Majesty The King.
The King's Birthday Parade included various uniformed organisations, including members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), HM Prison Service, Turks and Caicos Island Regiment, Border Force, the Ex-Servicemen Legion, the Cadet Corps, Sea Cadets, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Rainbows and school children. As part of the celebrations, Coronation Medals and Long Service Awards were presented to qualifying members of our uniformed services.
Her Excellency the Governor’s Remarks:
Good morning, I wish a warm welcome to all of you here in the nation’s capital Grand Turk and to those watching on live stream, as we gather to celebrate His Majesty The King's Official Birthday.
This occasion is not just a day marked on our calendars but a celebration of enduring duty and unwavering dedication to public service.
His Majesty The King serves as a symbol of unity and strength. He is a strong advocate of the Overseas Territories and has championed numerous causes, fostering a sense of community and collective responsibility amongst us all. From environmental conservation efforts to initiatives that support the arts, education and healthcare, The King’s vision for a better society
has inspired countless individuals to contribute to the common good. His dedication to these causes reminds us that true leadership is not about authority but about service and the impact of such leadership across generations.
Today, we celebrate not only His Majesty The King but also this spirit of unity and cooperation that defines our communities across the Turks and Caicos Islands; and acknowledge the collective efforts that have contributed to the prosperity and well-being of our nation.
In honouring The King’s Official Birthday, let us also reaffirm our commitment to the principles of duty, service and compassion. The King’s example serves as a reminder that each of us has a role to play in building a brighter future - whether through acts of kindness, contributions to our communities, or conservation efforts to protect our environment.
I am delighted to see our youth – Cadets, Scouts, Guides, Brownies and school children - participating proudly in this joyous celebration. His Majesty The King has long been a strong advocate for quality education and for young people to realise their unique talents. Through education and community engagement, we can make a difference in providing pathways that support our youth to maximise their potential, nurture their confidence and open them to opportunities that build a bright future.
So far during my time as your Governor, I have met a great number of inspirational people who are working with dedication to support our youth’s potential and strengthen their confidence for the benefit of our communities. Our Cadet and Sea Cadet Corps is a real demonstration of that vision. We can all be rightly proud of their commitment, discipline and ambition.
Today, in celebration of His Majesty's Birthday Parade, we express our profound thanks and compliments to our uniformed services on parade today. I thank you wholeheartedly for your service to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Stand proud, we commend you. Each of you serves as an example of dedicated duty and dignified public service. Your fidelity and sacrifice do not go unnoticed. May you continue to serve with distinction. Our sentinel Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force symbolises constancy and resolute commitment to safeguarding our well-being and security in the face of any challenge. Our TCI Regiment is a standard-bearer of national pride and duty in the development of our defence posture. Our Border Force is an illustration of enduring vigilance and our Islands’ growing institutional maturity. His Majesty's Prison is a stoic example of determination of purpose, public safety and rehabilitation.
We have much to be proud of, but we will not fall victim to complacency or hubris. Our strong foundation of community identity, strength and resilience has carried our islands through many a challenge. Tackling the present challenge, of ensuring the safety of these precious islands, requires the strength of the community to come forth. Now more than ever, a strong relationship between the police, partner agencies and the communities that they serve is of critical importance.
As we come together in celebration, let us also look forward with hope and determination. The challenges we face as a nation may seem complex, but there is also opportunity. Guided by our faith and inspired by the leadership of His Majesty, we can navigate these challenges with courage and grace. Together, we can build a future that fulfils the promise of our collective potential.
Let us raise our voices in gratitude and celebration. We wish His Majesty The King good health as he continues to lead with distinction and grace. May his reign continue to be marked by wisdom, compassion and a steadfast commitment to the well-being of all who he serves.
I wish His Majesty The King a prosperous and blessed Birthday; and for God's continued blessings on our beautiful by nature Islands. I wish everyone a happy and memorable King's Birthday Parade.
God save The King!
Aviation Drive and Academy Avenue to receive road fixtures according to PPID
The Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development wishes to notify the general public of the commencement of permanent road fixtures on Aviation Drive and Academy Avenue. This capital expenditure of over $1.5M is a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing road safety, improving traffic flow, and providing a more durable roadway for residents and visitors alike.
The roadworks will involve a comprehensive upgrade including the removal of the existing surface, rough grading, shaping, and compaction with a stabilised base and a final finish of hot asphalt mix. These works will also include the installation of advanced drainage systems to prevent future water accumulation and damage.
Preliminary works are set to begin as early as today, 12 June 2024. The project is expected to progress through several phases, each meticulously planned to minimise disruption while ensuring the highest standards of construction and safety.
During the construction period, traffic disruption is expected on Aviation Drive and Academy Avenue. We advise motorists to plan their routes accordingly, allow for extra travel time, and follow all posted signage and directions from traffic control personnel.
To ease the impact on daily commutes, alternative routes will be clearly marked, and updates will be provided regularly through local media channels and the TCIG’s social media pages.
The Deputy Premier commenting on this project shared, “I extend my gratitude to the dedicated staff within the Ministry of PPID; Acting Permanent Secretary Dominique Durham and the team within the Public Works Department for their swift action in procuring the necessary emergency waiver and supporting procedures to execute urgent road repairs. Your commitment has been crucial in addressing these infrastructure needs promptly. I wish also to express my sincere appreciation to the public for their patience and understanding during this period. Your cooperation is invaluable in allowing us to carry out these essential repairs.”
The safety of the public and our construction teams is our top priority. We urge all road users to exercise caution when travelling through or near the construction zones, adhere to speed limits, and respect all traffic management measures in place.
For more information or to share any concerns, please contact the Public Works Department. We thank you for your patience and cooperation as we undertake this essential project to improve our island's infrastructure.
Joint Operation Results in Interception of Illegal Migrants in Providenciales
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force intercepted an illegal sloop transporting SIXTY-SIX (66) irregular migrants on the evening of June 9th, 2024.
The detained group, comprising FIFTY-FIVE (55) males and ELEVEN (11) females, was intercepted in TCI waters and handed over to the TCI Immigration Task Force for processing.
On June 8th, the Marine Branch of the RTCIPF intercepted a blue and white fiberglass boat carrying thirty-two (32) irregular migrants.
The boat was spotted 27 miles east of South Caicos and found to be transporting twenty-six (26) males and six (6) females. The irregular migrants were handed over to Immigration for processing.
These successful interdictions came following information obtained from a US Customs and Border Force aircraft.
A joint operation conducted on June 7th has led to the detention of irregular migrants in Blue Hills. Acting on the information received, authorities detained forty-eight (48) individuals running along a beach.
Officers conducted extensive searches of surrounding areas, and tragically, the body of a female was found at Pigeon Pound. Further investigations are ongoing, but it is believed the incident is linked to a vessel attempting to enter the country illegally.
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (Specialist Tactical Operations) Mat Newton states, “I wish to thank all law enforcement agencies for their invaluable assistance in intercepting illegal sloops attempting to enter the TCI. Your dedication and collaboration have been instrumental in ensuring national security and protecting our borders. Our Radar, Marine, and Drone units, the TCI Regiment, the Immigration Task Force, and the Customs Department conducted the
operations.
“The RTCIPF strongly condemns the attempts to enter the TCI illegally. Such actions violate the law and pose severe risks to life, especially in adverse weather conditions.
“We urge those facilitating and encouraging these illegal attempts to consider the severe consequences. Do not risk your life or the lives of others by embarking on such perilous journeys.
“I am also grateful to those people from our communities who report suspicious activity relating to illegal migration and would urge the public to continue keeping us informed.”
The RTCIPF asks the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to anonymously provide any information on illegal entry into the TCI.
Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the CrimeStoppers P3 app to share information anonymously.
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
GENERAL SITUATION: Fairly tranquil weather conditions are expected today as a broad subtropical ridge extends across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: THE HEAT INDEX IS VERY HIGH, POSING A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES SUCH AS HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEATSTROKE. TAKE IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONS TO STAY COOL, HYDRATED, AND AVOID PROLONGED OUTDOOR EXPOSURE.
WEATHER: Partly to mostly cloudy with isolated showers possible today. Mostly fair tonight.
ADVISORY: A Heat Advisory is in effect. A Heat Advisory is issued when the heat index reaches 105 degrees.
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: 3 feet or less nearshore, building up to 5 feet offshore
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 90°F
HEAT INDEX 105°F
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 81°F
SUNSET: 07:31 PM
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 06:08 PM (0.7 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 12:44 AM TUE (2.6 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS: Fair weather conditions will persist through midweek as high-pressure ridging prevails across the area.
FORECAST FOR TUESDAY
WEATHER: Partly sunny, with a high near 91. Mostly fair with isolated showers possible, and a low around 80 at night.
WINDS: East to southeast at 15 to 20 knots
SEAS: 2 to 4 feet nearshore, building up to 6 feet offshore
SUNRISE: 06:05 AM
SUNSET: 07:31 PM
HIGH TIDE: 12:44 AM (2.6 FT) 12:48 PM (2.0 FT)
LOW TIDE: 07:11 AM (1.0 FT) 06:56 PM (0.7 FT)
FORECAST FOR WEDNESDAY
WEATHER: Partly cloudy, with a high near 91. Partly cloudy with isolated showers possible, and a low around 80 at night.
WINDS: East to southeast at 15 to 20 knots
SEAS: 2 to 4 feet nearshore, building up to 6 feet offshore
SUNRISE: 06:05 AM
SUNSET: 07:32 PM
HIGH TIDE: 01:32 AM (2.6 FT) 01:42 PM (2.0 FT)
LOW TIDE: 07:57 AM (1.0 FT) 07:47 PM (1.0 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next 7 days.
Boxing star Ryan Garcia was arrested
Boxing star Ryan Garcia was arrested Saturday for felony vandalism after a Beverly Hills hotel accused him of causing an estimated $15,000 in damage, a Beverly Hills Police Department watch commander told ESPN.
Garcia, 25 years old, was arrested at 5:45 p.m. after a driver who dropped him off at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills phoned police, according to police.
The hotel decided to press charges once police arrived, though the specific nature of the damage and Garcia's behavior wasn't immediately clear.
After he was booked at the Beverly Hills Police Department jail, police said Garcia complained of a medical issue and was subsequently transferred to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for evaluation and treatment.
Garcia's attorney, Darin Chavez, told ESPN that Garcia might also be charged with public intoxication.
In a statement issued later Saturday, Chavez said the arrest comes at "an extraordinarily challenging time for Ryan, as he has been grappling with devastating news regarding his mother's health."
Source-ESPN
King Charles III visited France to honor British troops
King Charles III went to northern France on Thursday to honor the 22,442 British troops who died in the Battle of Normandy.
He also went to honor a generation.
A generation that sacrificed and fought and died and waited through five long years of war, then sent its youngest and bravest to claw their way onto the Normandy beaches and battle through machine-gun fire and artillery blasts to begin the invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe on June 6, 1944 — known as D-Day.
It is also a generation that is quickly passing into history, with the youngest D-Day veterans now nearing their 100th birthdays. That is a reality the king knows firsthand after losing his mother and father, both World War II veterans, over the last three years.
So Charles on Thursday said thank you, perhaps for the last time, to old soldiers and their missing comrades during ceremonies at the British Normandy Memorial overlooking the beaches where U.K. soldiers landed 80 years ago.
While the number of living veterans is dwindling, “our obligation to remember what they stood for and what they achieved for us all can never diminish,” Charles said, wearing the uniform of field marshal in the British Army.
Forty-one of those veterans, medals pinned to their blazers, were guests of honor Thursday, sitting in the shadow of sandstone columns bearing the names of all those who died under British command in the Battle of Normandy. Four told their stories, including Joe Mines, who as a 19-year-old soldier was tasked with clearing mines from the nearby beaches on D-Day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared victory
Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared victory for his alliance in India’s general election, claiming a mandate to move forward with his agenda, even though his party lost seats to a stronger than expected opposition, which pushed back against his mixed economic record and polarizing politics.
More than 640 million votes were cast in the marathon election held over a span of six weeks in the world’s largest democratic exercise.
Despite the setback, Modi pledged to make good on his election promise to turn India’s economy into the world’s third biggest, from its current fifth place, and not shirk with pushing forward with his agenda.
He said he would advance India’s defense production, boost jobs for youth, raise exports and help farmers, among other things.
Modi’s win was only the second time an Indian leader has retained power for a third term after Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first prime minister.
Before Modi came to power, India had coalition governments for 30 years.