Inaugural Trafficking in Persons Seminar Series Launched in Turks and Caicos
Human trafficking is not a distant problem confined to just larger countries, it is also a matter confronting the Turks and Caicos Islands, with cases before the courts and active investigations underway.
This morning, Monday August 10th, government officials, prosecutors, police officers and representatives from several key departments gathered for the opening of the territory’s first annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Seminar Series.
The two-day seminar, which is aimed at strengthening the territory’s ability to identify and protect trafficking victims, investigate suspected offences and prosecute those responsible.
The seminar is being hosted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in collaboration with the Department of Gender Affairs and the Trafficking Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF).
Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Dr. Angela Brooks noted that the territory has legislation specifically addressing trafficking in persons, along with a dedicated police unit responsible for investigating the crime.
The Acting DPP identified Colombia and the Dominican Republic among countries of origin encountered in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ experienced with trafficking.
Minister of Public Safety, Gender and Religious Affairs and Social Welfare Hon. Shaun Malcolm described trafficking as one of the gravest violations of human dignity and human rights.
Because trafficking is multifaceted, he said, the Government’s response must also be comprehensive.
Hon. Malcolm said this requires strong legislation and enforcement, properly trained personnel, effective systems for identifying and protecting victims, greater public awareness and efforts to address the vulnerabilities traffickers exploit.
The first annual TIP Seminar Series is intended to strengthen that capacity by bringing prosecutors, law enforcement officers, social protection personnel and other stakeholders together around a coordinated response.
3 DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST FROM FRIDAY AUGUST 7TH 2026
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS FROM FRIDAY AUGUST 07TH 2026
GENERAL SITUATION: High pressure ridging is maintaining gentle to moderate winds across the Turks and Caicos Islands today.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: No public warnings in effect at this time.
UV Index: The public are still advised to wear protective clothing and sunscreen and seek shaded areas while outside during peak sunshine hours (11am – 4pm), as UV indices are expected to be in the very high to extreme range.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: Partly cloudy with a low (10 percent) chance of isolated showers this afternoon. Mostly fair tonight.
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 20 knots
SEAS: Slight to moderate with wave heights of 3 feet or less, building up to 5 feet offshore
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 91°F 33°C
HEAT INDEX 102°F 39°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 82°F 28°C
SUNSET: 07:25 PM
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 04:25 PM (3.0 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 11:06 PM (1.0 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: High pressure will strengthen across the region, maintaining hot and generally stable conditions through the weekend and into midweek, with little to no shower or thunderstorm activity expected across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
SATURDAY: A low (10 to 20 percent) chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 92°F (33°C).
SATURDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 82°F (28°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 20 knots
SEAS: Slight to moderate with wave heights of 2 to 4 feet
SUNRISE: 06:24 AM
SUNSET: 07:24 PM
HIGH TIDE: 04:34 AM (2.0 FT) 05:29 PM (3.0 FT)
LOW TIDE: 10:41 AM (0.7 FT) - - - -
SUNDAY: Isolated showers possible. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92°F (33°C).
SUNDAY NIGHT: Fair, with a low around 82°F (28°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 20 knots
SEAS: Slight to moderate with wave heights of 2 to 4 feet
SUNRISE: 06:24 AM
SUNSET: 07:23 PM
LOW TIDE: 12:09 AM (1.0 FT) 11:46 AM (0.3 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 05:38 AM (2.0 FT) 06:29 PM (3.0 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: Tropical cyclone activity is not expected during the next seven (7) days.
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
3 DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST FROM WEDNESDAY AUGUST 5TH 2026
GENERAL SITUATION: A ridge of high pressure is supporting breezy conditions and slight to moderate seas throughout the archipelago.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: The public are advised to wear protective clothing and sunscreen and seek shaded areas while outside during peak sunshine hours (11am – 4pm), as UV indices are expected to be in the very high to extreme range.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: Partly cloudy with a low (10 to 20 percent) chance of isolated showers through tonight.
WINDS: Easterly at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Slight to moderate with wave heights of 3 feet or less nearshore, building up to 5 feet offshore
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 91°F 33°C
HEAT INDEX 102°F 39°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 82°F 28°C
SUNSET: 07:26 PM
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 02:15 PM (2.6 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 08:49 PM (1.0 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: A trough moving across the Turks and Caicos Islands on Thursday is expected to bring an increase in showers and thunderstorm activity through Friday. Conditions will improve over the weekend as high pressure strengthens, bringing a return to mostly dry and stable weather.
THURSDAY: A low (20 to 40 percent) chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a high near 90°F (32°C).
THURSDAY NIGHT: Isolated showers possible. Partly cloudy, with a low around 82°F (28°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 20 knots
SEAS: Slight to moderate with wave heights of 2 to 4 feet nearshore, building up to 6 feet offshore
SUNRISE: 06:23 AM
SUNSET: 07:25 PM
HIGH TIDE: 02:25 AM (2.0 FT) 03:19 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 08:34 AM (0.7 FT) 09:58 PM (1.0 FT)
FRIDAY: A low (10 percent) chance of isolated showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 91°F (33°C).
FRIDAY NIGHT: Isolated showers possible. Mostly fair, with a low around 82°F (28°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Slight to moderate with wave heights of 3 feet or less nearshore, building up to 5 feet offshore
SUNRISE: 06:23 AM
SUNSET: 07:25 PM
HIGH TIDE: 03:28 AM (2.0 FT) 04:25 PM (3.0 FT)
LOW TIDE: 09:36 AM (0.7 FT) 11:06 PM (1.0 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: Tropical cyclone activity is not expected during the next seven (7) days.
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
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3 DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST FROM MONDAY AUGUST 3RD 2026
GENERAL SITUATION: A ridge of high pressure is maintaining generally stable and breezy conditions across the Turks and Caicos Islands today, however abundant atmospheric moisture could trigger isolated shower activity.
SPECIAL WARNINGS:
Rip currents: There is a slight to moderate risk of rip currents for the Atlantic coastal waters of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
UV Index: The public is advised to wear protective clothing and sunscreen and seek shaded areas while outside during peak sunshine hours (11am – 4pm), as UV indices are expected to be in the very high to extreme range.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: Partly cloudy with a low (10 to 20 percent) chance of isolated showers. Mostly fair with isolated showers possible tonight.
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 20 knots with higher gusts
SEAS: Slight to moderate with wave heights of 2 to 4 feet, building up to 5 feet offshore
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 91°F 33°C
HEAT INDEX 102°F 39°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 82°F 28°C
SUNSET: 07:27 PM
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 12:22 PM (2.6 FT)
NEXT LOW TIDE: 06:43 PM (1.0 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: By Tuesday, a tropical wave passing south of the Turks and Caicos Islands will maintain the chance of showers and thunderstorms through midweek.
TUESDAY: A low (10 percent) chance of isolated showers and a possible isolated thunderstorm. Partly cloudy, with a high near 91°F (33°C).
TUESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, with a low around 82°F (28°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Slight to moderate with wave heights of 3 feet or less nearshore, building up to 4 feet offshore
SUNRISE: 06:22 AM
SUNSET: 07:26 PM
HIGH TIDE: 12:37 AM (2.3 FT) 01:16 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 06:48 AM (0.7 FT) 07:43 PM (1.0 FT)
WEDNESDAY: A low (20 to 30 percent) chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 90°F (32°C).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: A low (10 to 20 percent) chance of isolated showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 82°F (28°C).
WINDS: Easterly at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Slight to moderate with wave heights of 3 feet or less nearshore, building up to 4 feet offshore
SUNRISE: 06:23 AM
SUNSET: 07:26 PM
HIGH TIDE: 01:27 AM (2.0 FT) 02:15 PM (2.6 FT)
LOW TIDE: 07:38 AM (0.7 FT) 08:49 PM (1.0 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: Tropical cyclone activity is not expected during the next seven (7) days.
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
3 DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST FROM FRIDAY JULY 31ST 2026
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS FROM FRIDAY JULY 31ST 2026
GENERAL SITUATION: A high pressure ridge and Saharan dust plume are maintaining warm, hazy, and generally stable conditions across the Turks and Caicos Islands today.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: A Dust Advisory is in effect for the Turk and Caicos Islands. Residents with respiratory illnesses and sensitivities should take the necessary precautions to safeguard their health.
The public is advised to wear protective clothing and sunscreen and seek shaded areas while outside during peak sunshine hours (11am – 4pm), as UV indices are expected to be in the very high to extreme range.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: Partly cloudy and hazy through tonight.
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 20 knots
SEAS: Smooth to slight with wave heights of 3 feet or less nearshore, building up to 5 feet offshore
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 92°F 33°C
HEAT INDEX 102°F 39°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 81°F 27°C
SUNSET: 07:29 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 04:14 PM (0.7 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 10:33 PM (2.6 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: The Saharan dust is expected to clear by early Saturday, bringing some improvement in visibility. Early next week, a tropical wave approaching from the east may increase the chance of showers and thunderstorms across the islands.
SATURDAY: A low (20 to 30 percent) chance of widely scattered showers and a possible isolated thunderstorm. A mix of sun & clouds, with a high near 92°F (33°C).
SATURDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, with a low around 81°F (27°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 15 to 20 knots, increasing to 15 to 25 knots by the afternoon hours.
SEAS: Slight to moderate with wave heights of 2 to 4 feet nearshore, building up to 5 feet offshore
SUNRISE: 06:21 AM
SUNSET: 07:28 PM
LOW TIDE: 04:49 AM (0.7 FT) 04:59 PM (0.7 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 10:48 AM (2.3 FT) 11:11 PM (2.6 FT)
SUNDAY: A low (10 percent) chance of isolated showers and an isolated thunderstorm. A mix of sun and clouds, with a high near 92°F (33°C).
SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 82°F (28°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 15 to 20 knots
SEAS: Slight to moderate with wave heights of 2 to 4 feet nearshore, building up to 5 feet offshore
SUNRISE: 06:21 AM
SUNSET: 07:28 PM
LOW TIDE: 05:25 AM (0.7 FT) 05:48 PM (0.7 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 11:33 AM (2.6 FT) 11:52 PM (2.3 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: Tropical cyclone activity is not expected during the next seven (7) days.
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
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Teren Smith Appointed As Assistant Director of Border Force Inland Operations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Unit
The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the promotion of Teren Smith to the position of Assistant Director of Border Force Inland Operations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Unit within the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services.
Smith’s public service career spans two decades, beginning in 2006 when she joined the House of Assembly as a Clerical Officer. Later that same year, she transitioned to the Turks and Caicos Islands Immigration Department, beginning a dedicated career path centered on border security, immigration enforcement and national protection.
Throughout her tenure, Smith has acquired extensive operational and tactical experience across key divisions of the department. She previously served as a Frontline Passport Control Officer, Intelligence Officer and Maritime Radar Operator, developing deep expertise in intelligence gathering, risk profiling, border enforcement and maritime surveillance.
In May 2023, Smith was promoted to Senior Immigration Officer and went on to hold a series of critical leadership appointments. Her strategic roles have included serving as Senior Officer at the Howard Hamilton International Airport during the Border Force transition, Officer in Charge of the Detention Centre, Senior Officer for the Transit Sheds Unit and Senior Border Force Officer overseeing the Anti-Smuggling Unit (ASU) and Inland Operations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These roles have strengthened her experience in operations, investigations, border enforcement and strategic planning.
Complementing her practical background, Smith holds an Associate Degree in Education (2007) and is in the final year of completing her Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College. She is currently expanding her leadership command through the 92nd Staff & Junior Command Course at the National Police College of Jamaica.
Smith has also completed specialized international and regional training, including certifications in Human Trafficking, Modern Slavery, INTERPOL Operations, Canadian Fraudulent Documentation Detection, Behaviour Analysis & Counter-Terrorism, Case Files and Judges’ Rules, Immigration Enforcement Personnel Safety, Protecting Vulnerable Persons, Container Search and Scanner Operations.
Congratulations on this well-deserved promotion, Ms. Smith. We wish you all the best!
Court Case Concludes Former TCIAA CEO, CFO and American Businessman
Former Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) CEO John Smith has been sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, after changing his plea to guilty to misconduct in public office.
The sentence marks a major development in a sprawling corruption case involving alleged improper contracts, concessions and conflicts of interest at airports across Providenciales, Grand Turk, North Caicos and South Caicos between 2013 and 2022.
Smith, who spent more than 12 years at the TCIAA before leaving in June 2020, originally faced 13 charges, including allegations of abuse of public office, failure to disclose private interests and conspiracy to defraud.
Prosecutors accused Smith of abusing his position in connection with contracts for security fencing at Grand Turk Airport and the development of South Caicos and North Caicos airports. He was also accused of failing to disclose interests linked to a proposed contract and of breaching procurement procedures.
The investigation also led to charges against former TCIAA Chief Financial Officer Kenneth Abrams, businessman Alonzo Malcolm and U.S. businessman Robert Koenig.
Koenig was cleared in June 2026 after Supreme Court Justice Christopher Selochan ruled there was no case for him to answer in relation to an airport lighting contract.
Former Chief Financial Officer Kenneth Abrams who also submitted a guilty plea to the charge of misconduct in public office was handed a fine of $12,000.
TCI Government First Quarter Revenues Exceed Expectations
Last week Friday July 24th 2026, a session of Parliament was hosted for the Appropriations Committee and the Permanent Secretary of Finance discussed the government's successful first quarter results. Our Damian Wilson filed this report.
TCI Recognizes International Day for Judicial Wellbeing
In recognition of the International Day for Judicial Wellbeing, judicial officers of the Judiciary of the Turks and Caicos Islands participated in a commemorative walk on Saturday, July 25, 2026, beginning at the National Stadium and continuing along Venetian Road.
The Honourable Chief Justice, the President of the Court of Appeal, Judges of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, the Coroner, Resident Magistrates, Registrars, and other judicial officers joined in observing the occasion, highlighting the importance of physical and mental wellbeing in supporting the effective and efficient administration of justice.
The event underscored the Judiciary’s commitment to promoting the health and wellbeing of judicial officers and fostering an environment in which they are supported in carrying out their important responsibilities.
The International Day for Judicial Wellbeing was officially proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on March 4, 2025, and is observed annually on July 25. Its establishment followed the Nauru Declaration on Judicial Wellbeing 2024, which emerged from a conference convened by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the Nauru Judiciary in March 2024.
The Nauru Declaration recognizes that the wellbeing of judicial officers is fundamental to judicial integrity, independence, and the quality of justice delivered. It sets out seven foundational principles aimed at promoting and supporting judicial wellbeing.
Judicial officers carry significant responsibilities that require sound judgment, resilience, impartiality, and a strong commitment to the rule of law. Supporting their physical and mental wellbeing helps ensure they are equipped to perform their duties effectively while maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards.
By fostering a culture that prioritizes wellbeing, the Judiciary strengthens the ability of judicial officers to serve with fairness, competence, and integrity. Activities such as the commemorative walk provide an opportunity not only to promote healthy practices but also to reinforce the importance of supporting those entrusted with the administration of justice.
Through its participation in this year’s observance, the Judiciary of the Turks and Caicos Islands reaffirmed its commitment to creating a supportive judicial environment and promoting the wellbeing of its judicial officers as an essential part of delivering justice effectively and fairly.
3 DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST FROM MONDAY JULY 27TH 2026
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS FROM MONDAY JULY 27TH 2026
GENERAL SITUATION: A surface ridge extending from strong Atlantic high pressure and Saharan dust will support dry and hazy conditions across the Turks and Caicos Islands today.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: A Dust Advisory is in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, should take the necessary precautions to safeguard their health.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: Mostly fair and hazy through tonight.
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 20 knots
SEAS: Smooth to slight with wave heights of 3 feet or less
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 91°F 33°C
HEAT INDEX 102°F 39°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 79°F 26°C
SUNSET: 07:30 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 01:35 PM (0.7 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 08:09 PM (3.0 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: Saharan dust will maintain warm, hazy, and stable conditions across the Turks and Caicos Islands into midweek, limiting widespread shower and thunderstorm activity.
TUESDAY: Mostly sunny and hazy, with a high near 91°F (33°C).
TUESDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 79°F (26°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Smooth to slight with wave heights of 3 feet or less
SUNRISE: 06:19 AM
SUNSET: 07:30 PM
LOW TIDE: 02:34 AM (1.0 FT) 02:14 PM (0.7 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 07:13 AM (2.3 FT) 08:47 PM (3.0 FT)
WEDNESDAY: A low (10 percent) chance of isolated showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 90°F (32°C).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 79°F (26°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 20 knots
SEAS: Smooth to slight with wave heights of 3 feet or less, building up to 4 feet offshore
SUNRISE: 06:20 AM
SUNSET: 07:30 PM
LOW TIDE: 03:08 AM (1.0 FT) 02:53 PM (0.7 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 08:49 AM (2.3 FT) 09:22 PM (3.0 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: Tropical cyclone activity is not expected during the next 7 days.
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON
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