Brianna Walcott Appointed Senior Programme Manager
The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Brianna Walcott as the Senior Programme Manager in the Department of Youth Affairs within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture.
Currently in the final year of a Bachelor of Science in Youth Development Work at the University of the West Indies, Brianna, continues to strengthen the academic foundation that complements her practical experience in youth development.
She also holds a Certificate in Early Childhood Education, Care and Development and has completed professional training in child safeguarding, psychological first aid and gender statistics and analysis, equipping her to design and deliver inclusive, evidence-based and youth-centred programmes.
Ms. Walcott began her professional career in 2020 with the Turks and Caicos National Trust as an Education and Environmental Projects Officer, where she led youth-focused cultural and environmental initiatives and supported community outreach programmes promoting environmental stewardship and cultural preservation.
In April 2024, she joined the Department of Youth Affairs as a Youth Officer, contributing to the coordination and delivery of national youth initiatives, including National Youth Week, National Youth Awards, youth advocacy training and youth camps.
Through collaboration with schools, community organisations and government agencies, she has played an important role in strengthening youth participation, leadership and engagement across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Brianna, remains actively involved in youth leadership and community service through the Rotaract Club of Providenciales, where she has served in several leadership capacities, including President and currently serves as Past President and Advisor. She also continues to represent the Turks and Caicos Islands regionally and internationally on matters related to youth development, most recently participating in the United Nations ECOSOC Youth Forum, while maintaining active engagement with regional organisations, including the Caribbean Philanthropic Alliance.
RTC spoke with Brianna on her recent participation at the ECOSOC Youth Forum. Take a listen.
Congratulations on your well-deserved promotion, Ms. Walcott, we wish you continued success as you expand opportunities for young people across the Turks and Caicos Islands!
"The Singing Apple" Headlines Sold Out Event in West Palm Beach
Aleta Astwood, widely known as “The Singing Apple,” continues to elevate the profile of the Turks and Caicos Islands on the international stage after headlining a sold-out audience at the inaugural Restored Woman Experience: From Loss to Legacy Luncheon held in West Palm Beach on April 18, 2026.
Astwood, who has been traveling internationally sharing her music ministry and performances, captivated more than 100 women attending the transformational luncheon centered on healing, restoration, and rebuilding after personal loss.
Astwood’s emotionally charged performance emerged as one of the highlights of the gathering, further strengthening her growing international reputation and her ability to connect deeply with audiences through music and storytelling.
Supported by the City of West Palm Beach, the event also featured a panel discussion with women sharing personal testimonies of overcoming trauma and rebuilding their lives.
The luncheon also supported the Extraordinary Kids Provision Center, an organization providing assistance and resources to children and families in need. Organizers presented a $3,000 donation to the organization, which later increased to $4,000 after a contribution from Astwood’s mother, Paula Arthur.
Arthur made the donation in memory of her late daughter, Ayanna Astwood, who passed away earlier this year.
Following the success of the inaugural luncheon, organizers say plans are already underway to expand the experience and reach more women in the future.
Astwood’s continued international appearances mark another proud milestone for the Turks and Caicos Islands as the singer continues representing the territory through music, inspiration, and cultural pride abroad.
PLP Secures Re-Election Victory in the Bahamas
Bahamian Prime Minister Hon. Philip 'Brave' Davis and his ruling Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) secured reelection Tuesday night in a sweeping election victory, making Davis the first Bahamian leader in nearly 30 years, since 1997, to win a second consecutive term in office.
Take a listen to Hon. Davis' victory speech.
41 seats were being contested in the general election with 21 needed for a majority.
Preliminary results showed the PLP winning 33 of 41 seats, nearly matching its landslide victory in 2021.
In January 2026, Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison Thompson said that more than 196,000 people were registered to vote, adding that the Parliamentary Registration Department was continuing work to remove duplicate registrations and deceased persons from the register ahead of the general election.
By April 2026, Thompson said that more than 209,000 voters were registered. He also said that the new biometric voter card was not mandatory and that voters could use the existing purple voter card in the 2026 election.
For the first time in 24 years, nine women will sit in Parliament, with all seven of the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) female candidates reclaiming their seats and two women from the Free National Movement (FNM) emerging victorious in yesterday’s general election.
Re-elected MP Gleyns Hanna-Martin’s victory at the polls was especially notable as it marked the sixth consecutive time she has been elected to represent the constituency, maintaining her streak as the longest-serving woman in the history of Bahamian Parliament.
Women now account for nearly 22 percent of the 41 seats.
The last time nine women served in Parliament was in 2002.
In the 2021 general election, women accounted for 17 percent of the 39 seats in the House of Assembly.
In 2017, five women were elected to Parliament out of 39 seats.
In 2012, five women were also elected to Parliament out of 38 seats.
The 2026 general election was called months ahead of schedule, with officials saying the decision was made partly to avoid the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season later this year.
Throughout the campaign, major issues included the rising cost of living, crime, immigration, healthcare, and economic development.
The election was closely watched across the Caribbean, with regional and international observers monitoring the process.
Peacocks Invade Italian Seaside Town
Residents of the quiet seaside town of Punta Marina, on Italy’s Adriatic coast, say life has become increasingly chaotic as hundreds of peacocks roam streets, rooftops and beaches, turning the popular holiday destination into an unlikely battleground between frustrated locals and animal lovers.
The colorful birds, once regarded as a charming local curiosity, have multiplied dramatically in recent years. Officials estimate the population now stands at more than 100 peacocks, though some residents believe the true number could be closer to 400.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, with fewer people outdoors and less disturbance, the birds reproduced rapidly and expanded into residential neighborhoods.
Now, many residents say the peacocks have become impossible to ignore.
Complaints range from sleepless nights caused by the animals’ piercing cries to widespread property damage. Adult peacocks, which can weigh up to 18 kilograms, or close to 40 pounds have reportedly broken roof tiles, scratched parked cars and pecked repeatedly at vehicles after spotting their own reflections in mirrors and windows.
Others say the growing accumulation of droppings in gardens, sidewalks and public spaces has become a hygiene concern during the busy tourist season. Drivers have also reported traffic disruptions caused by flocks wandering across roads or gathering near the beachfront.
Precious Treasures wins National Primary School Spelling Bee
Young participants from across the Turks and Caicos Islands showcased their vocabulary skills, confidence, and determination during the 2026 National Primary Schools Spelling Bee competition, where 14 talented young spellers competed for the national title in an exciting display of academic excellence.
The annual event brought together students representing 14 public and private schools from across the country, with participants advancing through several challenging rounds as they battled for a place among the top finalists.
Supporters, teachers, parents, and education officials gathered to witness the competition, applauding the students for their preparation, resilience, and composure on stage.
After a competitive series of rounds, the competition narrowed to the Top 10 finalists, whose performances kept the audience engaged throughout the event.
Organizers praised the students for demonstrating focus, discipline, and determination under pressure.
Emerging as this year’s National Primary Schools Spelling Bee Champion was Yash Ochani of Precious Treasures International School, who secured first place after successfully spelling the final championship word, and with a total of 41 points.
Second place and very close... with 40 points....went to Venroy Brown Jr. of Richmond Hill Preparatory School, while third place also very close with 38 points was awarded to Sophia Regis of Alpha Christian Academy.
Education stakeholders commended all 14 participants for representing their schools with excellence and for highlighting the importance of literacy and academic achievement among the nation’s youth.
We know it is not easy to go up there in front of all those people and spell all those words. You all did an excellent job. Congratulations!
Two Young Turks and Caicos Islanders Appointed in Ministry of Finance
The Office of the Deputy Governor has appointed two young, vibrant Turks and Caicos Islanders to the roles of Tax Officers in the Inland Revenue Department of the Ministry of Finance, Investment and Trade.
They are: Jhadijah Caley and Orrin Campbell.
Caley has a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management from Florida International University, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2023. Additionally, she holds a Leadership Agility Badge and certifications in business analytics. In a further commitment to her professional growth, she is set to begin her Master’s in Finance, Leadership and Management this Fall.
Professionally, Caley has served in various capacities, including as a Temporary Case Worker in the Employment Services Department and a Temporary Registration Officer at the Financial Services Commission. She also gained valuable private-sector experience at Enterprise Mobility, where she received a Top Sales Award and as a Hospitality Captain at PF Chang’s Bistro.
Campbell’s educational background and his experience in customer service have prepared him for this new role. He attended the British West Indies Collegiate before completing his secondary education at TCI Middle School. He later earned an Associate of Arts in Marketing from Broward College and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Florida International University.
Professionally, Campbell spent three years at the VIP Flyers Lounge at the Howard Hamilton International Airport. During this time, he excelled in a fast-paced environment, gaining experience in customer service and client relations while maintaining the high professional standards required by the international travel sector.
On the new appointments the Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, Her Excellency Anya Williams noted that It is always encouraging to see our young professionals return home with diverse academic backgrounds to serve their country.
Congratulations to both of you. We wish you all the best in your new roles!
Inspector Kirton Sutton Pleads Not Guilty to 6 Charges
Inspector with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Kirton Sutton plead not guilty to six charges when he appeared in court on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Insp. Sutton appeared before Chief Magistrate Jolyon Hatmin charged with the following offenses:
- three counts of obstruction of police officers
- one count of driving without due care and attention
- one count of failing to comply with police indications
- and one count of assaulting a police officer
Insp. Sutton was represented by attorney Ashwood Forbes, while Tavana Wilson appeared for the Crown.
The matter was adjourned for mention on May 29, 2026, and trial dates were set for June 16 and June 22, 2026.
The charges stem from an incident which reportedly began as a traffic stop in the Grace Bay area involving on-duty police officers and Insp. Sutton, who was off duty at the time.
The situation allegedly escalated and later continued into the vicinity of Suzie Turn, where further events are said to have transpired.
During the hearing, Insp. Sutton told the chief magistrate he was seeking a speedy trial because he had been suspended from duty on half pay and was experiencing financial hardship as a result.
American Troops No Longer Required To Get Flu Vaccine
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that U.S. military officials will no longer require all American troops to get the flu vaccine, citing “medial autonomy” and religious freedom.
In a video posted on social media, Defense Secretary said that the notion that a flu vaccine must be mandatory for every service member, everywhere, in every circumstance at all times is just overly broad and not rational,”
He said American service members are free to get the flu vaccine but will not be forced to “because your body, your faith and your convictions are not negotiable.”
Hegseth’s directive does allow for the military services to request to keep the vaccine requirement in place, according to a memo enacting the policy posted online. It says the services have 15 days to make those requests.
Vaccination programs in the U.S. military date back to the American Revolution. But they became a contentious political issue during the coronavirus pandemic, when more than 8,400 troops were forced out of the military for refusing to obey the 2021 mandate for the COVID-19 vaccine. Thousands of others sought religious and medical exemptions.
Congress agreed to rescind the mandate, which the Pentagon dropped in January 2023, after roughly 99% of active duty troops in the Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps had gotten the vaccine, and 98% of those in the Army. The Guard and Reserve rates are lower but generally are more than 90%.
The Trump administration then spent months crafting a policy to allow service members who refused to take the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine to reenter service with back pay. While only a tiny fraction have taken the Pentagon up on the new policy, Hegseth’s team has spent the past several months personally highlighting them.
The Pentagon stated in March that 153 service members who were separated under the COVID-19 mandate had been reinstated or “re-accessed.”
The dropping of the flu vaccine mandate follows what health officials said was a particularly severe flu season when U.S. infections surged. Public health experts recommend that everyone 6 months and older get an annual influenza vaccine.
The Congressional Research Service listed eight mandatory vaccines for service members in a 2021 report. They included vaccines for the flu, polio and tetanus as well as the measles and hepatitis A and B.
Service members could request to opt out of a vaccine requirement for religious reasons, the report stated. But the unit commander was required to seek input from medical and religious representatives, while also counseling the service member on the potential impact on their ability to deploy. A military physician also had to counsel the service member on the benefits and risks of forgoing a required vaccination.
The Congressional Research Service noted that the military instituted its first vaccination program in 1777 when Gen. George Washington directed the inoculation of the Continental Army to protect personnel from smallpox.
SVG Sailing Week Secures Major Sustainability Milestone
SVG Sailing Week 2026 has secured a major sustainability milestone, earning the Clean Regattas Gold Certificate following the successful staging of this year’s event.
The eight-day regatta once again positioned Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as a premier sailing destination, blending competitive racing with cultural programming and a strengthened focus on environmental stewardship.
The certification, issued by Sailors for the Sea through its Clean Regattas programme, recognizes regattas that meet high standards in waste reduction, ocean conservation and environmental protection. Organizers said the recognition places the event among the leading sustainable sailing competitions globally.
Central to that achievement was the expanded execution of the Sail Green SVG initiative, which introduced targeted measures to minimize the event’s environmental footprint. Organizers reduced single-use plastics and partnered with Action Bequia and All Island Recycling Inc to install clearly marked recycling stations and improve waste management where plastics were unavoidable. Paper use was also cut by moving schedules and race information online, while awards were locally crafted or repurposed trophies.
Racing took place across St. Vincent, Bequia and Canouan, drawing sailors from across the Caribbean and beyond for yacht, cruising and traditional double-ender competitions.
The event also emphasized community engagement, with more than 40 volunteers from over a dozen organizations participating in a beach cleanup at Big Sands, Sandy Bay, collecting approximately 20 bags of waste. Educational sessions highlighted marine conservation, including the protection of leatherback turtles.
Green Campaign Lead Amber Glasgow said the certification represents a broader shift in how the event is being developed.
Organizers are now targeting Platinum status by 2027 as they seek to further strengthen the country’s position as a leader in sustainable tourism.
By combining competitive racing, community involvement and environmental action, SVG Sailing Week continues to set a benchmark for sustainable events across the Caribbean.
Sentencing Date in SIPT Trial Postponed to May 18th 2026
Supreme Court Justice Rajendra Narine is set to sentence former Premier Michael Eugene Misick, Former Minister McAllister Hanchell, and Attorney Thomas Chalmers Misick on May 18th, following their convictions earlier this year on bribery and money laundering charges.
The sentencing had originally been scheduled for today May 4th but was postponed due to routine scheduling issues involving the court and attorneys, which arose shortly after the February convictions.
On February 4th, Michael Misick—who served as Premier from 2006 until resigning in 2009—was found guilty of bribery and money laundering offences committed while in office. McAllister Hanchell, was also convicted on similar charges. Chalmers Misick, was found guilty of helping to launder the proceeds of those bribes.
The charges stem from major tourism development deals involving multinational companies, as well as concealed international financial transactions.
In his ruling following the judge-alone trial, Justice Narine determined that the men accepted more than $20 million in bribes tied to developments including Beaches Resort and land transactions on Salt Cay and West Caicos.
Michael Misick was convicted on three counts of bribery, McAllister Hanchell on two counts of bribery, and Chalmers Misick on four counts of money laundering. The trio was first charged in 2011 after a commission of inquiry uncovered widespread corruption.
That inquiry led to significant political fallout, including Misick’s resignation in 2009 and the suspension of parts of the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution by the British government, temporarily removing self-governance. Constitutional rule was restored in 2012 under a revised framework.
Criminal proceedings began in December 2015 and concluded with the February 2026 verdicts. Following their convictions, Justice Narine granted bail to all three men pending sentencing, setting it at $15 million for Michael Misick, $4 million for McAllister Hanchell, and $13 million for Chalmers Misick.