Experience Turks and Caicos Hires New Events Organizer Specialist
Experience Turks and Caicos is pleased to welcome Charmony Hislop to the team as the new Events Organizer Specialist effective Monday, December 2nd, 2024.
In her role, Hislop will plan, develop, and execute cultural and entertainment events across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
She will also be responsible for creating distinctive signature events that are promoted by Experience Turks and Caicos in source markets and establish an annual event calendar for travel and leisure.
She will partner with the Finance and Operations Department to design and execute fundraising activities associated with events, manage logistics for events, and work with the Product Development Manager for the execution and management of activities such as the weekly Fish Fry in Providenciales and the weekly Taste of Turks in Grand Turk.
Hislop holds a Master of Science in Tourism Management from the University of Derby, UK and a Bachelor of Arts in Event Management from the University of Winchester, UK.
She previously worked as the head of events and writer at Brain Food TCI and events coordinator at WAVES Magazine.
Hislop is a proud resident of North Caicos.
Cross Appointed As New Governor of Montserrat
Harriet Cross has been appointed as the new Governor of Montserrat, succeeding Sarah Tucker, who will be transitioning to another Diplomatic Service role. Cross is set to officially begin her tenure in April 2025.
With an extensive and distinguished career in the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), joining in 1997, Cross brings a wealth of diplomatic experience to her new position.
Most recently, she served as the British High Commissioner in Port of Spain from 2020 to 2024. Prior to that, she was the British Consul General to New England in Boston from 2016 to 2020.
In her diplomatic career Harriet has also served at the British Embassy in Morocco and at the UK Mission to the UN in New York. She has also worked in London on EU trade policy, and human rights policy.
During her career Harriet has taken time out from diplomacy to work as an International Policy Advisor for the UK’s National Crime Squad (now the National Crime Agency). She has also worked in International Relations at the University of York and helped establish a micro-brewery in Yorkshire which is now a thriving business.
Harriet has a Master’s degree in International Relations from the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy at Tufts University and a First Class honors degree from the University of Warwick in Politics with French. She has an Executive Certificate in Management & Leadership from MIT.
As she prepares to take on the role of Governor of Montserrat, Cross’s diverse diplomatic background is expected to bring valuable insight and leadership to the island.
Guyanese Prison Officer Sentenced to Jail for Drugs
Joel Johnson, a 21-year-old prison officer from Guyana, was sentenced to three years imprisonment after a quantity of marijuana was discovered in his bag during a mandatory search.
The incident occurred at the Mazaruni scanning area on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
According to reports, around 6:30 PM, Johnson returned to duty after being granted four days off. He was subjected to a mandatory search and surrendered a green bag which was in his possession.
The bag contained eight Irish Spring soap boxes and two Colgate toothpaste boxes, containing marijuana leaves, seeds, and stems, wrapped in transparent plastic.
Johnson was placed under arrest and escorted to the Bartica Police Station. At the station, the suspected narcotics were weighed, totaling 804 grams or 1.7 pounds.
He appeared at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court before His Worship Teriq Mohamed on Wednesday, January 15th. He plead guilty and was sentenced to 3 years imprisonment with a fine of $30,000.
Starship 7 Explodes Over Turks and Caicos Islands
Elon Musk's starship flight 7 broke into pieces in space causing a light show and debris falling in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The booming sounds and trail of fire and smoke seen in the skies on Thursday, January 16, 2025, came from Elon Musk’s Starship Flight 7 which broke apart just 8.5 minutes after it was launched into mission.
In an exclusive interview, Tariq Malik, Editor-in-Chief of Space.com, told The TCI SUN that SpaceX is studying the incident to understand why the Ship vehicle failed during ascent, and what changes will be needed for the next Flight 8 test later this year.
"The fireballs and debris visible that are being reported over Turks and Caicos appear to be the remains of SpaceX's Starship Flight 7 Ship vehicle, which failed and broke apart as it was launching to space on Thursday. SpaceX launched the Starship vehicle and its Super Heavy booster from the company's Starbase facility near Boca Chica Beach in South Texas, but reported an anomaly with the Ship vehicle as it was nearing its final engine burn,” Malik explained.
The Starship Flight 7 Ship was a new version of Starship that carried several upgrades. It had redesigned flaps and 25% more fuel onboard. This Ship was carrying 10 dummy satellites to be deployed on the test, but those were lost, too.
Persons across the Turks and Caicos Islands were left in a state of confusion, shock and fear as to what was taking place. Videos circulated across the islands of people watching the grand show, while others had pieces of debris falling by their sides.
And on Friday, 17 January, TCIG Officials convened a meeting with relevant partners in the United Kingdom including the UK Space Agency, who are supporting the post incident response, including technical expertise on the handling of debris, health and safety risks, protocols and procedures after Elon Musk's starship 7 exploded over the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The UK Air Accident Investigation Branch have been notified and discussions are ongoing with the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) who will liaise with SpaceX.
This is now an active investigation led by the US FAA in liaison with UK and TCI counterparts.
We are not at this time aware of any specific risks related to the re-entry of space debris on Thursday 16 January. However, space objects can sometimes contain hazardous materials which can cause serious harm to health.
Members of the public who come across objects that they think might be space debris should take the following actions:
- Do not touch the object
- Make a note of the location (Island and exact coordinates) of the object and the time (including any maritime observations of debris)
- If possible take a photograph of the object (without touching it) alongside another object for scale
- Notify the authorities by sending the details to nationalsecurity@gov.tc with the subject title Space X Debris.
- Space debris remains the property of the spacecraft owner
If you have already handled what you think might be space debris please put it in a safe place where others will not handle it and inform the authorities at nationalsecurity@gov.tc. Further advice will be provided for the collation of the debris.
Elon Musk, on his X feed, (formerly Twitter) on the video over the Turks and Caicos Islands, stated quote, "Success is Uncertain, but Entertainment is Guaranteed."
US Swears in Donald J Trump as 47th President
The United States has sworn in Donald J. Trump for a second term, making him the 47th president of the United States of America.
Trump is also the second president, after Grover Cleveland in 1982, to serve two non-consecutive terms and the first president to have been criminally convicted.
Trump also experienced two assassination attempts, including surviving an incredibly close call at a rally in Pennsylvania in July that left him bloodied from a bullet wound to his right ear and one of his supporters dead.
And the morning of inauguration…. The coldest air of the season moved into the Northeast and a huge part of the U.S., including the Gulf Coast, after a snowstorm. At least 40 states were on cold alerts. Meaning, The inauguration of President Donald Trump in Washington was going to be a cold one, the coldest since President Ronald Reagan's 1985 inauguration.
Donald John Trump who was born June 14, 1946) is an American politician, businessman, and media personality who has been the 45th and now the 47th president of the United States. He is a member of the Republican Party.
Trinidad & Tobago Successfully Passes Bill to Amend Coat of Arms
A new bill to remove the ships of Christopher Columbus from the Coat of Arms of Trinidad and Tobago has successfully passed with unanimous support from both government and opposition members in the Lower House.
The National Emblems of Trinidad and Tobago (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was approved late last Monday night, as reported by local news outlet CNC3.
The bill will see the removal of the three Columbus ships—Niña, Pinta, and Santa Maria—and their replacement with the Steelpan, the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago.
Under Clause 4 of the bill, the “gold Steelpan and its iconic two pan sticks” will be incorporated into the national emblem, marking a significant shift in the nation’s symbolic representation.
Clause 5 ensures that licenses issued under the current legislation will remain valid, and the former emblem will be allowed until January 1, 2026. The redesigned Coat of Arms will be created by renowned designer and jeweler Gillian Bishop.
Prime Minister Keith Rowley first announced the change at a People’s National Movement (PNM) convention in August 2024. Speaking to a crowd of supporters, Rowley highlighted the need to break from colonial symbolism.
Deputy Governor Issues Notice to Public Servants Regarding Engagement in Political Activities
Her Excellency the Deputy Governor, Anya Williams has issued a circular notice to all civil servants regarding the engagement of public officers in political activities.
The next General Election in the Turks and Caicos Islands will be held on Friday, 7th February 2025.
Voting is a privilege and a constitutionally protected democratic right that all willing and interested persons, including public servants, should freely exercise. However, public servants are reminded that as servants of the people, no matter your personal political persuasion, you are required to serve the government of the day in a politically impartial manner.
This ensures that there is no perceived or actual negative influence or bias in the delivery of government services and that the public service is not brought into disrepute.
In light of the upcoming election period, public servants are reminded of the following relevant sections from the Public Service Ordinance and the Public Service Handbook, which outline the expectations of political impartiality:
Public Service Ordinance:
Section 24:
- : An officer shall not engage in campaigning on behalf of a political party.
- : An officer shall neither represent a political party nor be a candidate for political office.
- : The Deputy Governor may, by notice, specify such additional restrictions on political activity by officers as may seem to him proportionate and appropriate for the preservation of the political neutrality of the public service.
Section 2.5.13:
Officers must not engage in political activities at any time on behalf of any party or candidate in an election to the Legislature. They must not act as agents, sub-agents, or canvassers at such elections. Political activities would include, but are not limited to, activities such as:
. Distributing leaflets about a political party or candidate;
. Wearing political badges or t-shirts or using other political paraphernalia;
• Sitting on a dais or stage at a political public meeting or conference.
Section 2.5.14:
Officers will not:
- Act as editor of any newspaper, magazine, periodical, or website or take part directly or indirectly in the management of such; or
- Contribute to or publish in any newspaper, magazine, periodical, or website (including blogs and other social media) anything which may be regarded as of a political or administrative nature; or
- Allow himself or herself to be interviewed on questions of public policy, or on any matter of a political or administrative nature or on matters affecting the administration or the security of the Islands; or
- Speak in any public broadcast in any way on matters which may be regarded as of a political or administrative nature; or
- Indulge in activities that would bring himself or herself or the public service into disrepute, and at all times shall discharge his or her duties and generally conduct himself or herself with integrity, impartiality, and honesty.
Guidelines for Political Activity During the Election Period:
Acceptable Participation:
- Attending political rallies as part of the crowd as a non-participative observer (without wearing a party colour or use of party paraphernalia) or as an online viewer (without using official social media accounts, liking, or commenting).
- Receiving campaign literature privately, but not displaying it publicly in CIG offices or on personal social media accounts, personal or company vehicles.
- Listening to political podcasts, radio shows, or similar content.
Meeting candidates privately to discuss their policies or ask questions.
Discussing political matters privately with family, friends, or in confidential settings.
Please be mindful of these policies, refer to the civil service handbook and act accordingly.
Young Turks Island Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder
A young man, named Brian Alexander Francis has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Justin Cox-Beckles.
Based on the ruling handed down on Tuesday January 07th, Francis, 29 years old, must serve a minimum term of 29 years and six months before becoming eligible for parole.
The court also ordered the destruction of the firearm recovered during the investigation.
Francis was found guilty on December 18, 2024, of the murder of Cox-Beckles. And was remanded in custody pending his sentencing.
Background of the Case
On Sunday, July 24th, 2022, the Police Control Room received a report of a male with a gunshot
wound to the abdomen at Rock Plaza, Millennium Highway. The victim was later identified as
Justin Cox-Beckles of South Caicos.
He was transported to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, where he succumbed to his injuries.
A murder investigation was immediately launched, and on July 26, 2022, Francis, a mechanic residing on South Dock Road, was arrested and cautioned on suspicion of the murder
of Cox-Beckles.
On August 4, 2022, Francis was formally charged with the following offences:
Murder of Justin Cox-Beckles,
Carrying ammunition,
Carrying a firearm,
Discharging a firearm, and
Discharging ammunition.
Again, as per changes to the legislation, Francis will have to serve 29 years and 6 months before becoming eligible for parole.
Former and Current Presidents of the United States Attend Carter's Funeral
As they filed into the front pews at Washington National Cathedral, wearing dark suits and mostly solemn faces, five current and former presidents came together for former president Jimmy Carter's funeral.
For a service that stretched more than an hour, the feuding, grievances and animosity that had marked their rival campaigns and divergent politics gave way to a reverential moment for one of their own.
Barack Obama and Donald Trump, the first two of the group to take their seats Thursday, shook hands and chatted at length. Trump, the former president who will retake the Oval Office in 10 days, leaned in and listened intently to his predecessor. At times, the two flashed smiles.
Former President Barack Obama, who attended without his wife, Michelle, shared a second-row pew with former presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, along with their spouses.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden arrived last and sat in the pew just in front of them.
Funerals are among the few events that bring members of the presidents' club together.
In a way, former President Gerald Ford was there, too: Ford's son Steven read a eulogy for Carter that Ford had written before he died in 2006.
Jimmy Carter formally named, James Earl Carter Jr was the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. He died in December 2024 at the age of 100 years old.
Elections to be held Across Several Territories in the Caribbean
It’s a super year for politics in the Caribbean region as General Elections will be called in several countries where constitutionally due.
These elections will command the attention of the region as voters either choose to keep current governments in power or decide whether it’s time for a changing of the guard.
Many of these governments during their tenure would have contended with the effects of COVID-19, increasing gun violence and natural disasters coupled with the effects of climate change.
Here are the Caribbean countries that will be holding General Elections in 2025:
Anguilla: TBA
While campaign launches are being prepared in the UK overseas territory, an election date is yet to be announced. The ruling Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM) led by Premier Dr Ellis Webster is already looking to launch its campaign in January.
General elections were last held in Anguilla on June 29, 2020.
Belize: TBA
No date has been announced yet for Belize’s General Election which is constitutionally due in 2025. Prime Minister John Briceno continues to keep the date close to his chest.
Belize last went to the polls on November 11, 2020.
Bermuda: February 18, 2025
Bermuda, which is a self-governing British Overseas Territory, and an Associate Member of CARICOM, will hold its election following a bombshell announcement on the night of January 8, 2025, from Bermuda Premier and leader of the Progressive Labour Party (PLP), David Burt.
The last election in Bermuda was held on August 21, 2020.
Curacao: March 21, 2025
Over 110,000 residents in Curacao are eligible to vote in the March 21 Parliamentary elections. Candidate lists are being finalised for February 7th.
Notably, Curacao recently became an Associate Member of CARICOM under the leadership of Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas. In late November 2024, the coalition government escaped challenges and was able to hold on to its majority in Parliament.
The country held its last Parliamentary elections on March 19, 2021.
Guyana: TBA
An official date has not been announced for Guyana’s General Election; however, there have been some hints, as according to a local media report, Vice President Bharat Jagdeo disclosed the next General Election will likely be held in November 2025.
The last time the country went to the polls was on March 2, 2020, with President Irfaan Ali emerging the victor.
Jamaica: TBA
No date has been announced for Jamaica’s General Election which has seen the People’s National Party (PNP) and Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) charging up for when the date is dropped.
At the JLP's last party convention, the message was clear that a third consecutive term is being sought.
Jamaica’s last General Election was held on September 3, 2020.
St Vincent and the Grenadines: TBA
No election date has been announced yet but the General Election in St Vincent and the Grenadines will be one to watch as Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, 78, was recently re-elected unopposed as the ruling Unity Labour Party’s (ULP) political leader. The ULP is seeking a historic sixth term in office unless the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) can break its long run.
SVG’s last General Election was held on November 5, 2020.
Suriname: May 25, 2025
The Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country, Suriname, was placed on notice by President Chandrikapersad Santokhi last year that they will be going to the polls on May 25, 2025.
In 2023, Suriname’s parliament amended the electoral law so elections will be held based on national proportionality instead of the district system.
Suriname has faced its share of challenges.
Suriname’s last election was held on May 25, 2020.
Trinidad and Tobago: TBA
As the country awaits an election date there has been a major political shakeup in the twin-island Republic as Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, who is the political leader of the ruling PNM, confirmed he would not be offering himself up for reelection and in fact plans to resign before his term as Prime Minister comes to an end.
It is an election to keep your eyes on.
T&T's last general election was held on August 10, 2020.
Turks and Caicos Islands: February 7, 2025
More than 9,000 people are registered to vote in the British Overseas Territory after the election bell was rung for voters to go to the polls on February 7, 2025.
This election will be historic, as it will be the first five-year parliamentary term instead of four, for the TCI.
The TCI held its last general election on February 19, 2021.