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
Audio Version:
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
Audio Version:
237 Cocaine Packages Seized in the Dominican Republic
Officers from the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), working alongside the Public Ministry and with support from state intelligence agencies, seized 237 packages of suspected cocaine during a surveillance and interdiction operation in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Authorities said the seizure followed an intelligence-led surveillance and pursuit operation targeting individuals allegedly linked to a drug trafficking network.
During the pursuit, agents and prosecutors intercepted a vehicle and arrested one suspect. A second individual, traveling in a pickup truck, reportedly drove into a wooded area and managed to evade authorities.
A subsequent search of one of the vehicles uncovered concealed compartments in the rear, including the center and side sections.
Authorities recovered 237 packages containing a substance believed to be cocaine. The packages were wrapped in plastic and marked with various logos.
Three Dominican nationals were arrested in connection with the operation. Authorities said efforts are underway to locate additional suspects who have already been identified as allegedly linked to the criminal organization.
Investigators also seized two vehicles, firearms including a shotgun, a bulletproof vest, nine cell phones, RD$296,000 in cash, documents believed to be relevant to the investigation, and other evidence.
Officials said the arrests and seizure were part of strengthened joint efforts to disrupt drug trafficking and transnational organized crime.
Jamaican Flight Attendant Detained by ICE at Nashville International Airport
On July 14, 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained Jamaican national Lorenzo Thompson, a Southwest Airlines flight attendant, while he was on duty at Nashville International Airport (BNA).
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Thompson legally entered the United States on a temporary visa in April 2021. Federal officials say his authorized stay expired in October 2021 and that he remained in the country beyond that date.
However, Thompson’s attorney, Tremaine Hemans, and his family say his immigration situation is more complicated. They maintain that Thompson filed a timely and valid application for asylum after fleeing what they describe as life-threatening abuse in Jamaica. His legal team says his asylum case remains pending.
Thompson’s attorney also confirmed that he holds an active Employment Authorization Document (EAD), allowing him to legally work in the United States while his immigration proceedings continue. That authorization enabled him to satisfy employment requirements and work as a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines.
Thompson reportedly has no prior criminal history.
Following his detention, he was transferred to an ICE detention facility in Mississippi, where he remains while awaiting immigration court proceedings.
Thompson’s detention has prompted support from his union, colleagues, friends, and members of the wider community.
TWU Local 556, which represents Southwest Airlines flight attendants, issued a public statement supporting Thompson and emphasizing that every union member deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
Friends have also organized a GoFundMe campaign to help cover his legal expenses. The fundraising effort has raised more than $40,000 as supporters advocate for his case.
Thompson’s legal team and supporters argue that his detention raises broader concerns about the U.S. immigration system, particularly the lengthy processing times and significant backlog facing asylum applicants. They contend that people with pending protection claims and valid authorization to work can spend years navigating the immigration system while waiting for their cases to be resolved.
For Thompson, what began as an ordinary day working aboard Southwest Airlines has become an immigration battle drawing attention far beyond the airport where he was detained.
Rockhouse, GraceBay Resorts Luxury Property Receives Green Key Certification
Rock House, Grace Bay Resorts’ luxury cliffside property on Providenciales, has received the internationally recognized Green Key Certification, marking a significant achievement in the resort’s sustainability efforts.
The certification, awarded following an independent third-party audit, recognizes hotels and resorts that meet international standards for environmental responsibility while maintaining high-quality guest experiences.
According to Grace Bay Resorts, the recognition reflects Rock House’s commitment to environmental stewardship through responsible operations, resource conservation and sustainable guest programs.
Nikheel Advani, chief operating officer and co-founder of Grace Bay Resorts said sustainability was incorporated into the resort’s design and construction from the outset and remains central to its operations.
Among the initiatives highlighted by the resort are grey water harvesting systems to reduce freshwater consumption, a reusable water bottle program with refill stations to limit single-use plastics, the use of PVC-free materials, including bamboo key cards, and operational practices aimed at reducing the property’s environmental impact.
Built into Providenciales’ limestone coastline, Rock House was designed to complement its natural surroundings while minimizing its environmental footprint.
Green Key, coordinated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), is one of the world’s leading eco-certification programs for the hospitality industry. The program evaluates participating properties on environmental management, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, staff engagement and guest education.
Grace Bay Resorts said the certification further strengthens the Turks and Caicos Islands’ reputation as a destination for environmentally responsible luxury tourism as demand for sustainable travel continues to grow.
3 DAY PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST FROM FRIDAY JULY 24TH 2026
PUBLIC FORECAST FOR THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FOR THE NEXT THREE DAYS
GENERAL SITUATION: High pressure is gradually building across the Turks and Caicos Islands, bringing hot and breezy conditions today.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: There are currently no warnings in effect at this time.
ALL AREAS
WEATHER: Partly cloudy with isolated showers possible through tonight.
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Smooth to slight with wave heights of 3 feet or less, building up to 4 feet offshore
DAYTIME HIGH TEMPERATURE 91°F 33°C
HEAT INDEX 102°F 39°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE 79°F 26°C
SUNSET: 07:32 PM
NEXT LOW TIDE: 11:19 AM (1.0 FT)
NEXT HIGH TIDE: 05:57 PM (2.6 FT)
EXTENDED FORECAST: High pressure and another surge of Saharan dust will maintain generally dry and hazy conditions across the Turks and Caicos Islands through early next week. A strong tropical wave is expected to arrive late Tuesday, bringing an increasing chance of showers and thunderstorms through Thursday.
SATURDAY: Isolated showers possible. Partly cloudy and hazy, with a high near 91°F (33°C).
SATURDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 81°F (27°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Smooth to slight with wave heights of 3 feet or less, building up to 4 feet offshore
SUNRISE: 06:18 AM
SUNSET: 07:31 PM
LOW TIDE: 12:37 AM (1.0 FT) 12:08 PM (1.0 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 06:10 AM (2.0 FT) 06:45 PM (2.6 FT)
SUNDAY: Isolated showers possible. Partly cloudy and hazy, with a high near 91°F (33°C).
SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly fair, with a low around 81°F (27°C).
WINDS: East to southeast at 10 to 15 knots
SEAS: Smooth to slight with wave heights of 3 feet or less, building up to 4 feet offshore
SUNRISE: 06:19 AM
SUNSET: 07:31 PM
LOW TIDE: 01:19 AM (1.0 FT) 12:53 PM (0.7 FT)
HIGH TIDE: 06:55 AM (2.0 FT) 07:29 PM (2.6 FT)
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next seven (7) days.
FORECASTER: H. HAMILTON