Mortgage Corporation Bill Passed in Parliament
The 2026 Mortgage Corporation Bill has been passed in the Turks and Caicos Islands House of Parliament.. Our Danae Dennie has more..
Haiti Heads to the 2026 World Cup Amid Gang Violence
When gang members set fire to the FIFA Goal Center in Port-au-Prince, Haiti earlier this year, they destroyed more than a football facility, they burned down a symbol of hope for the country.
For years, the center served as the heart of youth sports in Haiti, a place where young athletes trained, competed, and dreamed of one day wearing the national jersey.
Just months before the attack, the Haitian national team defeated Nicaragua in a World Cup qualifier, securing the country's place in the tournament for the first time in more than 50 years.
The victory sparked rare scenes of celebration across Port-au-Prince, and for a brief moment, football united a nation weighed down by violence, political instability, and humanitarian crisis.
With insecurity worsening at home, the national team has been forced to train abroad.
Haiti has qualified for the FIFA World Cup twice (1974 and 2026) and is the only Caribbean nation to have done so. Haiti has participated seventeen times in CONCACAF's premier continental competition, it is the only Caribbean team to have won a title, winning the CONCACAF Championship in 1973.
Haiti falls in Group C of the World Cup 2026 which consists of: Scotland, Morocco, and Brazil.
Haiti will play their first World Cup match on June 13th against Scotland.
According to the United Nations, gangs now control as much as 80 to 90 percent of the capital, including areas surrounding some of Haiti's most important sporting venues.
Among them is Sylvio Cator Stadium, the historic home of Haitian football. The national team trained there for decades, including its only previous World Cup appearance in the 1970s.
Today, the stadium serves a very different purpose.
As armed groups tightened their grip on the capital following the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, the venue became a shelter for families displaced by gang violence.
Gangs now control key roads into and out of Port-au-Prince, restricting the flow of essential supplies and deepening Haiti's hunger crisis.
In many parts of the country, fear has become part of daily life.
And even the game that once brought people together has not escaped the violence.
TCI Health Delegation Visits Doctors Hospital in Bahamas
Minister of Health and Human Services Hon. Kyle Knowles recently led an official delegation to Nassau, Bahamas, for a series of high-level meetings with the executive management team of Doctors Hospital to discuss the potential reestablishment of the facility within the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Treatment Abroad Program (TAP).
The visit formed part of the Ministry of Health’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regional healthcare partnerships and improve access to specialized medical services for residents when such services are unavailable locally.
Discussions focused on the steps required for Doctors Hospital Health System to rejoin the TAP network, including matters related to service capacity, referral processes, patient experience, quality assurance, clinical oversight, and administrative coordination.
Doctors Hospital is widely regarded as a leading healthcare institution in the region and was the first private acute-care hospital in the Caribbean to receive Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, a globally recognized benchmark for healthcare quality and patient safety.
During the visit, the delegation toured the hospital’s main facility in Nassau, including its newly commissioned cardiac catheterization laboratory, which began operations in February 2026. The facility provides advanced diagnostic and treatment services for cardiovascular and related medical conditions.
The delegation also visited the Kavala Medical Centre and toured the site of a new Doctors Hospital facility under construction in Grand Bahama. The new hospital is expected to become fully operational by the end of summer 2026.
As part of the mission, Hon. Knowles and members of the delegation visited the Western Atlantic University School of Medicine in Grand Bahama. Dean of the Founding Campus, Laura Welke, led an extensive tour of the institution, showcasing its administrative offices, lecture theatres, simulation laboratories, and clinical training facilities.
Minister Knowles said the visit reflected the government’s commitment to ensuring citizens have access to high-quality healthcare through strong regional and international partnerships.
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health, Desiree Lewis described the meetings as productive and aligned with the Ministry’s broader objectives of strengthening the healthcare system.
The Chief Medical Officer and the National Health Insurance Board’s Interim Chief Executive Officer also participated in discussions, focusing on clinical governance, patient safety, quality standards, and program administration.
Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club 4th Annual Women's Golf Day
The Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club proudly hosted its 4th annual Women’s Golf Day on Sunday, May 31st, bringing ladies together for an afternoon of golf, friendship, laughter and celebration.
Dressed beautifully in black and white, the players brought style, spirit and warmth to the course. But more than anything, the day was a reminder of what makes women’s golf so special. It is not only about the scorecard. It is about encouragement, confidence, shared moments and the simple joy of playing together.
This year’s global theme, WOMEN GOLF DAILY, captured the spirit of a movement that continues to grow around the world. From May 26 to June 2, women and girls across the globe came together through golf, connection, community, wellness, learning and play.
What started as a one-day event has become a worldwide movement spanning more than 85 countries and over 1,350 locations, proving that women are not only participating in golf, they are helping shape its future every single day.
Women’s Golf Day is celebrated around the world as a way to connect women and girls through golf. For the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club, it was a chance to celebrate both experienced players and those still growing their love for the game. Out on the course, there was plenty of good golf, but there was also plenty of support, plenty of laughter and that lovely sense of community that makes the game so rewarding.
The event showed exactly why golf is such a powerful sport for women. It creates space to compete, to learn, to relax, to cheer each other on and to build friendships that continue long after the final putt has dropped.
Tournament Results
Overall Winning Team, Score: 27
Andrea Todd
Warm Alquilos
Rachell Allen
Harriet Holloway
Second Place Team, Score: 28
Tazmara Gowens
Judy Dempsey
Teresa Brunner
Emma Halliday
Special Prize Winners
Closest to the Pin #10, Rachel Allen
Closest to the Pin #13, Janai Ferreira
Closest to the Pin #16, Mary Lou VanderHeide
Longest Holed Putt #17, Mary Lou VanderHeide
Closest to the Wine Bottle, Kirsty Anderson
We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Vanessa from The Wine Cellar and Makayla from Wildflower Skincare Lab for providing such wonderful gifts for our participants.
Congratulations Ladies on a job well done.
Successful Interdiction in TCI Territorial Waters
The Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment Patrol Vessel James Fulford successfully interdicted a vessel carrying 240 irregular migrants at approximately 9:33 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2026, within the territorial waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The interception was conducted as part of a highly coordinated maritime mission involving the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) and the TCI Border Force, in close
collaboration with the United States Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Air and Marine Operations.
Upon evaluating the migrant vessel, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force immediately upgraded the operation to a critical incident, prioritizing Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) protocols to avert a maritime disaster.
Following a secure interdiction, the 240 individuals comprising 191 adult males, 44 adult females, 1 male minor and 4 female minors were safely handed over to the RTCIPF Marine Branch and is currently being transferred to the TCI Border Force for processing and standard health and security screening.
Lieutenant Colonel Ennis Grant, Commanding Officer of the TCI Regiment. Said ""This mission underscores the efficacy of our multi-agency partnerships,"The rapid transition of this operation from a standard interdiction task to a high-priority SOLAS intervention demonstrates the professionalism and readiness of our joint forces. By working in seamless tandem with our U.S. partners, we successfully prevented a potential maritime tragedy."
The TCI Regiment remains committed to securing our maritime borders and upholding the safety and security of the Turks and Caicos Islands through persistent surveillance and robust inter-
agency cooperation.
Ona Glinton Primary School Celebrates 55 Years
From humble beginnings on the island of Grand Turk to soaring proudly as one of the most respected primary schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the story of Ona Glinton Primary School is a journey of vision, resilience, excellence, and community spirit.
A journey much like a great flight taking off into the skies with courage, faith, and purpose.
These words perfectly capture the triumphs and spirit of a school whose wings first stretched open in September 1970.
Originally known as North Primary School, affectionately called North School, the institution began its flight with Mrs. Gladys Seymour serving as the Head Teacher. Like a skilled pilot preparing a new aircraft for its maiden voyage, Mrs. Seymour guided the school carefully during its earliest days. Six months later, Mr. Collins Clive Squance from the United Kingdom arrived and became the school's first Principal, helping the young institution gain altitude and direction.
When Mr. Squance departed, Mrs. Seymour made history by becoming the first local Principal of North Primary School. A remarkable milestone that proved local leadership could confidently captain the journey of education in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Her commitment to learning and leadership continued in 1981 when she traveled to the United Kingdom to study at Cambridge University for one year. Upon returning home, she served briefly within the Education Department before becoming a Guidance Counselor at the high school level, continuing to uplift and direct young minds.
As the years passed, the school continued climbing higher through the dedication of many remarkable educators and leaders. The principals who helped navigate the school through different seasons included Mrs. Marjorie Been, Mrs. Georgina Been, Mrs. Mary Maureen Williams (1988-1992 during the North Primary School era), Mr. Ainsly Magregor (1992-1996), Mrs. Helena Durham (1996-1999), Mrs. Rosabelle Adams (1999-2004), Ms. Heidy Williams (2004-2008), Mrs. Gwen Harvey (2008-2021), and the present principal Mrs. Rhoda Williams, serving faithfully from 2021 to today.
Many of the teachers throughout the decades were qualified local educators whose love for children helped fuel the engines of progress within the school. Alongside them were expatriate teachers who also contributed their knowledge and experience, proving that education is strongest when many hands work together toward one destination.
In 1989, North Primary School was officially renamed Ona Glinton Primary School, honoring a distinguished and highly respected educator - Ona Irene Glinton, whose contributions helped shape the educational landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The renaming marked not just a change in title, but the continuation of a proud legacy rooted in service, excellence, and national pride.
Even the school uniform carries its own beautiful story woven into the fabric of OGPS history.
In September 1976, a lovely peach and white gingham jumper was specially designed for a student to wear with a white cotton blouse and matching white or peach socks. Mrs. Gladys Seymour admired the design and recommended it become the official girls' school uniform. In September 2026, this beloved uniform proudly celebrates 50 years of tradition. The jumper was designed by Mrs. Mildred Angelina Garland-Astwood for her daughter, Joan Astwood-Sutton, who attended the school during that period. Today, generations later, families continue to preserve this treasured symbol of OGPS pride.
Today, the Ona Glinton Primary School celebrates 55 years of excellence, the institution continues flying proudly through the skies of educational achievement.
The 55th anniversary stood as more than a milestone. It was a reunion of generations, a tribute to educators, a celebration of community, and a reminder that many leaders throughout Turks and Caicos society first learned to dream within the classrooms of Ona Glinton Primary School.
For 55 years this institution has shaped minds, built character and produced generations of Turks and Caicos Islanders who continue to make meaningful contributions at home and abroad.
And on Friday night, an anniversary gala was held in the Nations Capital, in attendance was 3 generations of Miss Ona Glinton's legacy... her son Fred Glinton, her grandaughter who moderated the evening Cheryl-Ann Forman and yours truly her great granddaughter Zoya Faessler.
Happy 55th Anniversary Ona Glinton Primary School! A Proud Past, A Promising Future!
And as this remarkable aircraft continues its flight through history, one thing remains certain: the skies are not the limit for Ona Glinton Primary School, they are only the beginning.
For the full audio version of the story, see below:
Antigua and Barbuda Welcomes $200 Million Dollar Development
The Antigua and Barbuda government has welcomed the launch of construction on the US$200 million Long Bay Zen Resort, describing the development as a key component of its strategy to attract more high-end tourism investment to the country.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Prime Minister Gaston Browne said the resort is being designed to rival some of the world’s most exclusive luxury properties, including the Hermitage Hotel, where nightly rates can reach as much as US$3,000.
Prime Minister Browne emphasized that the government’s vision for tourism growth is one that benefits both investors and employees. He said luxury developments should remain profitable while ensuring workers receive fair wages and improved opportunities.
The prime minister reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring hotel employees earn above the proposed national living wage, underscoring the importance of inclusive economic growth.
He also commended the developers for their continued confidence in Antigua and Barbuda, noting that they maintained their investment in the country despite challenges linked to a financial institution in which they had previously invested.
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez described the project as another milestone in advancing Antigua and Barbuda’s Vision 2030 tourism and national development agenda.
According to Fernandez, the new resort comes at a time when the country is strengthening its tourism sector through expanded international air connectivity and ongoing investments in tourism infrastructure.
98th Scripps Spelling Bee Completed - 14 Year Old Takes Grand Prize
The 98th Scripps National Spelling Bee officially took place from Tuesday, May 26 to Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the iconic DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.
This year marked a major historic milestone as the competition left its long-time suburban Maryland location to return directly to the nation's capital for the first time in 15 years.
The event featured 247 young spellers ranging from ages 9 to 15, representing all 50 U.S. states, three U.S. territories, and five international countries: the Bahamas, Canada, Ghana, Nigeria, and the United Arab Emirates.
From this wide field, only nine spellers advanced to the finals held on Thursday evening, May 28. The stage was set for a fast-paced spell-off that would test not just memory, but speed and composure under pressure.
A 14-year-old student from California, Shrey Parikh, stood at the center of it all, having just delivered one of the most precise performances in the competition’s history, emerging victorious as the 2026 winner.
The defining moment came during the 90-second spell-off round. Each finalist had to correctly spell as many words as possible from the same list. Shrey delivered 32 correct spellings out of 35 attempts. His final successful word, “Bromocriptine,” sealed the victory. The word, as defined by a leading English dictionary, refers to an alkaloid that mimics dopamine activity and inhibits the secretion of prolactin.
This victory added to a long list of accomplishments and rewards. He received a $50,000 prize, a commemorative medal, the Scripps Cup, $2,500 from Merriam-Webster, $1,000 in flight credits from Delta Air Lines, and $400 worth of reference works from Encyclopaedia Britannica.
This was not Shrey’s first appearance on the national stage of the competition. He had previously competed in 2022, finishing tied for 89th place, and again in 2024, where he tied for 3rd place. His persistence over multiple years shaped the result he achieved in 2026.
San Antonio Spurs Head to NBA Finals
The last time the New York Knicks made the NBA Finals, the San Antonio Spurs were their opponent.
Now, Here they go again: San Antonio vs. New York is the matchup for the 2026 NBA Finals, a Spurs team looking to return to basketball's mountaintop for the sixth time and a Knicks team looking for its first championship in 53 years.
Game 1 is set for Wednesday in San Antonio!
This matchup is compelling for a number of reasons. For starters, it’s a rematch of this season’s NBA Cup championship game, which the Knicks won.
No matter who emerges victorious, the NBA will crown its eighth different champion in the last eight seasons—the longest streak of championship diversity in league history. The run began with Toronto Raptors in 2019, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, Milwaukee Bucks in 2021, Golden State Warriors in 2022, Denver Nuggets in 2023, Boston Celtics in 2024, and Oklahoma City Thunder in 2025. Now, either New York or San Antonio will add its name to that remarkable list.
The Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks advanced by sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-0. Meanwhile, the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs clutched out an epic 111-103 Game 7 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder to secure their spot in the finals.
The Spurs, Led by Victor Wembanyama, who finished with 22 points and seven rebounds, the Spurs clinched a spot in the Finals for the first time since 2014.
3 DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST FROM MONDAY JUNE 1ST
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS FROM MONDAY JUNE 01ST 2026
GENERAL SITUATION: A broad ridge of high pressure over the Atlantic is bringing hot and humid conditions, gentle to moderate breezes, and slight seas across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: There are no public warnings in effect at this time.
A moderate level of Saharan dust is expected to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands this week, which may reduce visibility and impact air quality. Residents with respiratory conditions such as asthma are advised to limit prolonged outdoor exposure and take necessary precautions to safeguard their health.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: Partly sunny and slightly hazy with isolated showers possible in the afternoon. Fair tonight.
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 knots or less, falling light and variable at times.
SEA STATE: Smooth to slight with wave height of 3 feet or less
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 91°F 33°C
HEAT INDEX 100°F 38°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 81°F 27°C
SUNSET: 07:27 PM
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 03:56 PM (0.7 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 10:28 PM (3.0 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: A surge of Saharan dust is expected between Tuesday and Thursday, bringing hazy, milky skies and noticeably reduced air quality across the islands. Hot and dry conditions are expected during this period, with little to no rainfall.
TUESDAY: Isolated showers possible. Partly sunny and hazy, with a high near 90°F (32°C).
TUESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, with a low around 81°F (27°C).
WINDS: Southeasterly at 10 to 15 knots
SEA STATE: Slight with wave heights of 2 to 4 feet
SUNRISE: 06:05 AM
SUNSET: 07:28 PM
LOW TIDE: 04:50 AM (1.0 FT) 04:31 PM (0.7 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 10:28 AM (2.3 FT) 11:06 PM (2.6 FT)
WEDNESDAY: Partly sunny and hazy, with a high near 90°F (32°C).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 81°F (27°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEA STATE: Slight to moderate with wave heights of 3 to 5 feet
SUNRISE: 06:05 AM
SUNSET: 07:28 PM
LOW TIDE: 05:25 AM (1.0 FT) 05:06 PM (0.7 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 11:00 AM (2.3 FT) 11:43 PM (2.6 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: Tropical cyclone activity is not expected during the next 7 days.
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON