Premier Re-Arranges Ministerial Responsibilities
Premier - Honourable Charles Washington Misick, has formally communicated to Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, a re-arrangement of Ministerial responsibilities within the Turks and Caicos Islands Government.
The re-arrangement, provides for the reassignment of Departments and the structured alignment of statutory bodies under the respective Ministries, strengthening governance, accountability, and service delivery across Government.
The Ministry currently known as the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs and Transportation has been redesignated as the Ministry of Home Affairs, comprising the following Departments and functions:
• Policy Planning and Administrative Support – Home Affairs
• Registrar General's Office
• Citizenship and Naturalization
• Department of Motor Vehicles
• District Administration – North Caicos
• District Administration – South Caicos
• District Administration – Middle Caicos
• District Administration – Salt Cay
Temporary oversight of the Ministry of Home Affairs has been assigned to the Deputy Premier and Minister for Immgration and Border Services Honourable Jamell Robinson.
The Ministry currently designated as the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities shall be retitled the Ministry of Public Safety, Gender and Religious Affairs and Social Welfare, comprising the following Departments and functions:
• Policy Planning and Administrative Support – Public Safety, Gender and Religious Affairs and Social Welfare
• Postal Services
• Department of Correctional Services
• Fire and Rescue Department
• Department of Community Support and Engagement
• Department of Rehabilitation and Community Services
• Religious and Gender Affairs
• Department of Family and Children Services
• Civil Aviation Authority
• Air Traffic Licensing Authority
• Telecommunications Commission
In accordance with Sections 34(2)(b) and 36(1) of the Constitution, the appointment of the Honourable Shaun David Malcolm as Minister of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs and Transportation has been revoked, and he has been appointed as Minister for Public Safety, Gender and Religious Affairs and Social Welfare.
The Ministry of Innovation, Technology and Energy shall now assume responsibility for the Water Undertaking department in addition to its existing remit and that ministry falls under Hon. E Jay Saunders.
In a statement, the Premier said that These adjustments are both administrative and strategic in nature, designed to improve coordination across Ministries, strengthen accountability and oversight of Departments and statutory bodies, and enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of public service delivery.
The realignment ensures that Ministerial portfolios are more closely aligned with the Government's policy priorities and the needs of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The revised arrangements took effect on April 18th.
3 DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST APRIL 20TH-22ND
Great Britain Celebrates Queen Elizabeth II - 100th Birthday Memorial
Britain's royal family is leading commemorations for what would be the 100th birthday of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Elizabeth, Britain's longest-reigning monarch, was born on April 21, 1926. She became queen at age 25 and went on to serve 70 years on the throne before her death in 2022 at age 96.
Elizabeth's eldest child, her son King Charles III, kicked off remembrances for his late mom on Monday with a visit to a new fashion exhibit at Buckingham Palace, "Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style," alongside his wife, Queen Camilla.
Today, Tuesday April 21st, Elizabeth's birthday, Charles will deliver a recorded video message marking the occasion and will join members of the royal family in viewing designs for a planned Queen Elizabeth Memorial in London.
The memorial is set to include statues of Elizabeth and her late husband, Prince Philip, near Buckingham Palace, as well as gardens and a glass bridge representing the tiara that Elizabeth wore when she wed Philip in 1947.
On Tuesday evening, Charles and the royal family will host a reception at Buckingham Palace for the late queen's birthday.
Other tributes to Elizabeth on her birthday include the opening of The Queen Elizabeth II Garden in The Regent’s Park, London, attended by her daughter, Anne, the Princess Royal.
A new national charity, The Queen Elizabeth Trust, was also announced to honor Elizabeth of public service.
The Trust, launched with a $50 million endowment from the U.K. government, will aim to preserve and support green spaces and community centers, according to the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, a joint body established by the U.K. government and the royal household.
3 DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST - APRIL 17TH to 19TH
Billy Forbes Opens Football Academy in Turks and Caicos
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands - In a passionate move to inspire the next generation of soccer stars, Billy Forbes, once captain of the Turks and Caicos Islands national football team, has launched his own venture the Forbes Soccer Academy.
The academy represents a heartfelt commitment to nurturing young football talent offering free training and a registration fee that will cover their training kits for children ages 6 and up.
RTC spoke with Forbes about where the idea for this academy came from.
Forbes' journey from the small islands of Turks and Caicos to professional pitches across North America stands as a powerful testament to perseverance. His impressive career spanned multiple prestigious leagues on the international stage.
Forbes also spoke to us about what he hopes to achieve with this academy and how sports impacts and benefits the youth of the TCI.
For families who are interested in signing up or donating to the Forbes Soccer Academy, registration can be done via telephone (1649-242-6061), social media (@Forbessocceracademy), or email (Forbessocceracademy@gmail.com).
In an interview, Forbes stated that we're not just building players—we're building character, community, and champions."
Florida Nursing Assistant Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison
A Florida nursing assistant has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for his role in a multimillion-dollar health care fraud scheme that targeted hundreds of Medicare beneficiaries across the United States.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, Christian “Chris” Cruz, 45 years old, of Pompano Beach, Florida, was sentenced on April 13, 2026, to nine years in prison followed by two years of supervised release.
Cruz was also ordered to pay $3,712,345.70 in restitution and $724,871 in forfeiture.
Prosecutors said Cruz owned and operated a durable medical equipment supplier in Florida that submitted millions of dollars in false claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary orthotic braces. The fraudulent scheme totaled approximately $11.4 million.
According to court documents and trial evidence, Cruz and a co-conspirator paid illegal kickbacks and bribes to obtain signed doctors’ orders. These orders were then used to ship orthotic braces to Medicare beneficiaries nationwide, including individuals who neither requested nor needed the equipment. The company then billed Medicare for reimbursement.
Authorities also said Cruz falsely claimed he was the sole owner of the company, concealing the involvement of his co-conspirator, who is a convicted felon.
Investigators further revealed that Cruz received several hundred thousand dollars from the scheme, which he deposited into his personal bank account. He frequently withdrew cash on consecutive days at different bank branches in South Florida, often in amounts just under the $10,000 reporting threshold.
After a six-day trial in January 2026, a federal jury convicted Cruz of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, four counts of health care fraud, one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to make false statements relating to health care matters, and three counts of structuring.
Europe Says Maybe Only 6 Weeks Worth of Jet Fuel Remains
Europe may have only about six weeks’ worth of jet fuel remaining, according to the head of the International Energy Agency, who warned in an Associated Press interview that flight disruptions could begin soon if oil supplies continue to be blocked by the conflict involving Iran.
International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol described the situation as potentially the most severe energy crisis in history, driven by the disruption of oil, gas, and other crucial resources passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
He said the consequences will include rising gasoline, and electricity prices.
Birol emphasized that the economic impact will not be evenly distributed. Developing nations—particularly in parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America—are likely to be hit hardest, despite having less global influence.
Still, he cautioned that no country will be spared. While some nations may be wealthier or better supplied with energy, all will feel the effects of the crisis.
If the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, certain oil products could become scarce. Birol noted that over 110 oil tankers and more than 15 liquefied natural gas carriers are currently stuck in the Persian Gulf and could help ease shortages if allowed to pass through—but even that would not fully resolve the situation.
Caribbean Development Bank Announces Financing in 2025
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB / the Bank) has reported a significant increase in project financing and disbursements for 2025, approving USD 464 million in new support. The milestone marks a 50% increase in financing over 2024.
CDB’s investment portfolio advanced major national and regional priorities, including USD 27 million for Belize’s Eighth Power Project to modernise the electricity grid for about 114,000 households and businesses.
In The Bahamas, the Bank approved USD 30 million for Water Supply Improvements in the Family Islands, benefiting roughly 5,000 residents, and USD 6 million to create a Polytechnic and Accreditation Training Hub for more than 800 youth and graduates. Elsewhere in the region, the Bank provided USD 46 million to upgrade Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Canouan Airport to strengthen climate resilience and connectivity; USD 8.7 million for Grenada’s Battery Energy Storage System to enhance grid stability for over 90% of the population; and USD 47 million for Barbados’ Grantley Adams International Airport Expansion, which will double passenger throughput and improve operations.
Despite ongoing challenges, CDB continued to deliver targeted investments supporting Haiti’s development. The Quality Enhancement Education Project improved learning outcomes for more than 17,000 primary and secondary students, half of them girls. In agriculture, a climate‑resilient initiative trained 250 farmers—48% women—and introduced a 23.5‑hectare irrigation scheme to boost productivity and protect livelihoods. Meanwhile, sustainable energy investments are expanding access to reliable electricity, with a new solar installation set to provide renewable power to over 2,000 rural customers.
Support for the cultural sector continued through the Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Fund, which assisted 200 creatives in 14 countries and provided grants to 12 micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs). Women entrepreneurs benefitted from SheTrades Caribbean, which equipped 1,300 women‑owned firms with training and market access.
Harvey's Easter Card Competition Winners Announced
Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands
Three top students were recognized on 14th April, at the prize-giving ceremony for Harvey’s Second Annual Grand Turk Primary Schools Easter Card Competition.
The competition invited Grade Six students (Grand Turk) to showcase their artistic talents, express themselves, and demonstrate an understanding of the significance of Easter.
Conceptualized by the head of Division A, Superintendent Willet Harvey, the competition's vision is geared towards making a meaningful contribution to the Grand Turk community.
After collaborating with Mrs. Nyree Taylor-Williams, Principal of the Eliza Simons Primary School, and Mrs. Rhoda Williams, Principal of Ona Glinton Primary School, the vision became a reality.
Superintendent Harvey emphasized that the initiative goes beyond a one-time effort. “For me, this is not just a one-time or two-time event; this is a lifetime commitment. This programme will continue,” he stated. "The competition specifically targets Grade 6 students, encouraging them as they prepare for the important transition into high school."
In addition to recognizing artistic talent, the initiative provides practical support.
Winners of the Competition:
1st Place: Anthony Forbes, 11, Eliza Simons Primary School
2nd Place: Doranika Gardiner, 12, Eliza Simons Primary School
3rd Place: Damian Wilson, 11, Ona Glinton Primary School
Additional Prizes for ALL students: Schoolbags filled with essential school supplies to assist with the transition to high school.
Statement from Hon. Otis Morris Regarding Ongoing Investigation
April 17, 2026
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Honourable Otis Morris, Member of Parliament for Grand Turk North, issues the following statement to address the ongoing circulation of a fabricated video, the recent publication of a preliminary forensic report, and the deeply concerning handling of this matter by both the Government and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.
First and foremost, Mr. Morris categorically and unequivocally maintains his denial that he is the individual depicted in the video currently in circulation. He has been the victim of a malicious and criminal extortion plot, wherein unknown individuals demanded funds under the threat of releasing this fabricated material. Mr. Morris refused to capitulate to these criminal demands and immediately reported the extortion attempt to the authorities.
It is profoundly disappointing that the sensationalisation of this matter has entirely overshadowed the actual crime committed—the criminal extortion of which Mr. Morris is the clear victim.
Mr. Morris notes with grave concern the recent dissemination of a newspaper article citing a "Forensic Visual Assessment Report" prepared by the Major Organised Crime & Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) of Jamaica. This report is explicitly classified as "SENSITIVE - FOR OFFICIAL INVESTIGATIVE USE ONLY."
The act by the police to reveal, or allow the leaking of, sensitive findings from an active and ongoing investigation is highly unusual, irregular, and prejudicial. Such actions compromise the integrity of the investigative process and appear designed to try this matter in the court of public opinion rather than through proper legal channels.
While certain media reports have seized upon isolated phrases within the preliminary report to suggest the image is Mr. Morris, a full reading of the document reveals that its findings are entirely inconclusive, heavily caveated, and fundamentally unreliable as definitive proof.
The report's author, Dr. Patrick A. Linton, explicitly outlines severe limitations that preclude any definitive identification:
- The report explicitly states that its assessment "does not amount to formal biometric identification" and "does not constitute a positive forensic identification of the depicted individual."
- The examination was conducted on a low-resolution (480 x 848 pixels) screen-recorded copy of a video playing on another device, not an original file. The report notes this "introduces compression degradation and reduces the sensitivity of artefact detection."
- Crucially, the report acknowledges that "the absence of detected AI artefacts does not exclude the possibility that sophisticated manipulation was applied and subsequently obscured by the quality reduction inherent in the screen-recording process." It notes that high-quality deepfakes can survive such compression without leaving detectable traces.
- The report is explicitly titled a "Preliminary Forensic Visual Assessment" and notes that "the resolution constraint limits the sensitivity of artefact detection and precludes formal biometric identification."
- The report itself recommends six further investigative steps, including securing the original device, conducting first-generation analysis, and submitting the material to specialist AI deepfake detection platforms. None of these essential steps have been completed.
To present this preliminary, heavily qualified, and limited assessment as conclusive proof is not only factually incorrect but deeply irresponsible.
Furthermore, Mr. Morris must highlight the appalling handling of this situation by the Government. The summary revocation of his ministerial responsibilities was executed in blatant violation of his fundamental rights to natural justice.
To date, Mr. Morris has not formally received any official notification or explanation of his dismissal from the Premier. He was afforded no opportunity to be heard, to state his position, or to defend himself before the revocation was published in the Gazette. This rush to judgment, based on unverified material and an incomplete investigation, represents a profound failure of leadership and due process.
Finally, it must be noted that even if the allegations were true—which they are emphatically not—the act alleged to be reflected in the video is not criminal in nature, and there is no contention whatsoever that the video was published or distributed by Mr. Morris.
Mr. Morris remains steadfast in his commitment to the people of Grand Turk North and the Turks and Caicos Islands. He will continue to cooperate with any legitimate investigation into the extortion plot against him and will vigorously defend his name and reputation against these baseless attacks.
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