Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME), recently coordinated a four-day ‘Safe School’ training programme in Providenciales, bringing together key stakeholders in the education and law enforcement sectors.

The training was facilitated by Mr. Bernez Khodra, Resilience Specialist, currently serving as Lead Consultant of KHODRA’s Advisory Group.  Mr. Khodra is also the former senior programme officer for Safe Schools at the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) under the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) project; and School Safety Officer for the Ministry of Education in Saint Lucia.

A total of twenty-two (22) participants successfully completed the programme. The cohort represented the Department of Special Educational Needs Services, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and public and private schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The training provided a focused opportunity to examine current school safety practices, challenge existing approaches and refresh participants understanding of core disaster risk and emergency management principles to keep schools safe.

The final day of the training culminated in a full-scale simulation exercise based on an earthquake scenario that triggered a fire emergency at ‘The A. Louise Garland Thomas High School’.  Designed to mirror real-life conditions as closely as possible, the drill engaged students, faculty members and programme participants in a coordinated emergency response. This exercise reinforced the practical application of strategies covered throughout the training, as well as knowledge and guidance that DDME delivered to the students over the course of the school year. Students were also assessed on their understanding and execution of procedures presented during these sessions, demonstrating their ability to respond effectively and follow safety protocols in an emergency.

Full-scale exercises of this nature are critical to strengthening school safety systems, as they move beyond theory to test readiness in real time. The simulation assessed key areas including communication protocols, evacuation procedures, incident command coordination, decision-making under pressure and the safe movement and accountability of students and staff.

The exercise incorporated a multi-agency response from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the Fire Department, and DDME; allowing for the evaluation of response times and the effectiveness of joint operations in a high-pressure environment.

Mr. Bernez Khodra, training facilitator praised the programme, stating that “Participants showed exemplary dedication throughout the four‑day programme. Their enthusiasm and collaborative spirit demonstrated that we are on the right path toward strengthening school safety and emergency preparedness nationwide.”

Speaking on the significance of the training programme, Ms. Tamara Hylton, Training and Education Manager for DDME stated, “This training underscores DDME’s commitment to helping to bring quality education and training programmes to build safety and resiliency across the Turks and Caicos Islands. The high level of engagement demonstrated by participants in this exercise also reflects a shared recognition that school safety is everyone’s responsibility.”

The 2026 ‘Safe School’ training in Providenciales will significantly enhance disaster preparedness within the Turks and Caicos Islands national school system.  DDME remains committed to supporting safer learning environments and equipping stakeholders with the skills needed to protect students, staff, and communities.

Turks and Caicos, April 25, 2026 – The Turks and Caicos Islands’ 2026/27 Budget—valued at approximately $551.1 million in revenue and $550.8 million in expenditure—was passed in the House of Assembly during a late-night sitting, clearing its final stage with minimal resistance.

With only two Opposition members present, the Appropriation Bill was approved, marking the formal adoption of the Government’s fiscal plan for the new financial year. The Budget reflects a modest increase of just over $10 million compared to the previous cycle and maintains a narrow surplus position.

In presenting the Budget, Premier Charles Washington Misick framed the plan as one grounded in stability and forward planning.

“This is a balanced Budget… a practical Budget… a people-centred Budget… not a budget built on borrowing… but a budget grounded in discipline, realism, responsible stewardship and fiscal strength,” he said.

The Premier also acknowledged the economic realities shaping policy decisions:

“The TCI imports more than 90 percent of its goods… a significant portion of this inflation is imported… largely beyond the direct control of this country.”

With the Budget passed in a night time session on April 23, attention turns to how closely it aligns with commitments made in the Government’s Throne Speech and its Citizens’ Contract 2.0.

Remember, the PNP’s landslide victory in 2025 delivered a commanding mandate. Such a result typically raises expectations for clear, visible shifts in investment, particularly in areas long identified as needing greater attention, including Grand Turk and the Family Islands.

Where the Budget Aligns

Several priorities outlined in both documents are reflected in the 2026/27 allocations:

• Healthcare Expansion
  The Government has moved forward with healthcare reform, including the recent acquisition of a polyclinic and adjustments to the Treatment Abroad Programme, which now restricts care overseas to citizens.  It is a move to dramatically reduce healthcare costs while simultaneously aiming to strengthen local healthcare systems.
• Housing and Land Access
  Plans to deliver serviced subdivisions and increase access to land align with campaign commitments to expand home ownership opportunities.
• Support for Local Economic Participation
  The Budget references building a stronger domestic economy around tourism, including opportunities in services, agriculture and small business development.

Where Delivery Is Less Clear

Other commitments outlined in the Throne Speech appear less defined in the Budget:

• Island-by-Island Development Strategy
  While $62 million is allocated to Grand Turk and the Family Islands, there is no detailed breakdown indicating how funds will be distributed across individual islands.
• Major Anchor Projects Outside Providenciales
  The Budget does not identify large-scale, standalone capital projects in the Family Islands comparable to major investments underway in Providenciales.

Citizen’s Contract: Mixed Progress

The Citizens’ Contract 2.0 outlined a broad agenda for economic inclusion and national development.

Progress Evident

• Expansion of infrastructure and housing initiatives
• Continued investment in social services and public sector systems

Less Defined Areas

• Mechanisms for broader economic participation and ownership
• Detailed frameworks for financing and supporting entrepreneurs at scale
• Structured pathways for expanding income opportunities beyond traditional employment

A Budget in Line with Direction

The Government has positioned the Budget as part of a long-term plan focused on sustainability and inclusive growth.

“Strong Today means a country that is fiscally disciplined… Secure Tomorrow means a country that invests deliberately in people, infrastructure, institutions, and the natural environment,” the Premier said.

The Budget reflects that direction across multiple sectors.

However, as implementation begins, its alignment with campaign and policy commitments will be assessed not only by intent, but by how clearly and broadly those commitments are realised across the islands.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

Turks and Caicos, April 23, 2026 – A day of reflection, recognition and community service unfolded in Grand Turk on April 13, as officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force visited retired and former members of the Force while carrying out outreach initiatives across the island.

The visits to past officers were marked by nostalgia and appreciation, with retirees sharing stories from their years of service and expressing gratitude for being remembered. Among those honoured was retired Superintendent Ralph Doughty, credited with helping to establish the Force’s cricket team, along with former Sergeant Conrad Thomas, former Inspector Benjamin Harvey, Corporal Leroy King, Sergeant George Worrell, Superintendent Marc Henry and Acting Inspector Tomiko Glinton.

The visiting team, led by Inspector Jeremy Jones and supported by Sergeants Kavin Mars and Aquina Martin and Constable Hussein Higgs, presented tokens of appreciation to Mr. Doughty and Mr. Glinton in recognition of their contributions.

The outreach extended beyond former officers, with welfare checks conducted for elderly residents including Yvonne Lightbourne, Pastor Mary Forbes and Edith Mesa, reinforcing the Force’s continued engagement with vulnerable members of the community.

In a parallel initiative, Constables Jeffrey Castillo and Demi Alexis visited Ona Glinton Primary School, where they delivered a “Good Touch, Bad Touch” session for students aged four to seven, focusing on personal safety and protection.

The combined efforts highlight an ongoing approach to policing in Grand Turk—one that honours the legacy of service while actively supporting the wellbeing and development of the wider community.

Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.