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Autopsy Demanded on Manatee’s Death

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Grand Turk, 17 Nov 2014 – An autopsy is being demanded on the now dead manatee which days ago paid a surprise visit to the capital Grand Turk and had been taken into the care of Katherine Hart and the Department of Environment Maritime Affairs. The manatee on Wednesday morning died, and it is causing outrage in some quarters that the sea mammal was fed lettuce and given gallons of fresh water to drink. Government issued a release to explain that it believed the male juvenile manatee got off its usual course due to the stormy weather and on November 5 and ended up in Grand Turk.

The manatee was spotted by workers at the Carnival Cruise center. It was explained that manatees need fresh water to survive, though they also live in sea water. The plan had been to invest $2,000 to fly the manatee to Puerto Rico where a proper rehabilitation facility would have nursed the juvy back to health. But one opinion posted at Speak Your Mind TCI expresses that those who were caring for the manatee may have been out of their depth, I quote now: It appears there may have been lack of qualification and competency to carry out the exercise and, there should be question in the effectiveness and the management thereof. That matter should have required professional health personnel.”

Another opinion came in a letter to media, Devon Williams former radio station owner, has written to Greenpeace, summoning the global organization known for its sometimes radically resolute stances on nature and the environment; he wants them involved. Williams sarcastically points out: A mammoth sized rescue was performed, the sea was not safe for the sea creature, he would be much better off in a backyard pool and so he was taken thereto.” Williams added that a map of the territory of the West Indian Sea Cow shows the TCI is a part of the mammal’s home territory and that he believes the juvenile was too young to digest so much lettuce and stand the change in water temperature.

Our research shows that Manatees are indeed believed to be able to go as long as a week without fresh water, but that fresh water is a part of their diet….and several sites show manatees enjoying eating lettuce, saying younger manatees love it. There had been a drive to raise that $2,000 with the help of the TCI Reef Foundation. No word on whether an autopsy is indeed planned to determine the cause of death for the animal.

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Police Commissioner Honoured with Distinguished Civic Service Award at TCHTA Star Awards

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey has been recognised for his contribution to national security and the tourism industry, receiving the Distinguished Civic Service Award at the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association’s Star Awards held on February 19, 2026 at Beaches Turks and Caicos.

The annual awards ceremony is the premier recognition event for the territory’s hospitality sector, bringing together industry leaders, executives and frontline professionals to celebrate excellence and the individuals whose work strengthens the destination’s global reputation.

Commissioner Bailey was honoured for his strategic leadership in the fight against crime and the measurable reductions in major offences, efforts widely credited with improving public confidence and reinforcing the Turks and Caicos Islands’ standing as a safe and competitive tourism jurisdiction.

In accepting the award, the Commissioner dedicated the recognition to the officers and staff of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, praising their commitment and professionalism in what he described as a collective national effort to make the islands more secure.

The TCHTA Star Awards spotlight the link between public safety and tourism performance, acknowledging that a stable and safe environment is essential to visitor confidence, investment and the continued growth of the sector.

This year’s ceremony featured high-energy hosting by Super P the Entertainer, with Omega serving as awards announcer, as the industry gathered to honour the people and partnerships that continue to elevate the Turks and Caicos brand.

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New Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission

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Darius E. Ferguson, Member of the Integrity Commission Board

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, today announced the appointment of Mr. Darius E. Ferguson as a Member of the Integrity Commission Board, serving as the Chartered Accountant Member in accordance with Section 3(2)(a) of the Integrity Commission Ordinance. His appointment is for a period of three (3) years and follows consultation with the President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Society of Professional Accountants.

Mr. Ferguson, with family ties to Providenciales and South Caicos, is a Chartered Accountant with over twenty years of senior leadership experience across aviation, finance, technology and consultancy, he brings a strong and diverse background in financial governance, regulatory compliance and strategic planning.

A former Chief Financial Officer of Sky Bahamas Airlines for a decade, Mr. Ferguson managed all financial reporting, regulatory engagement, capital projects and commercial development initiatives. He previously served in senior audit roles at both Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, leading high‑risk audit engagements and ensuring adherence to international financial and accounting standards.

Throughout his career, Mr. Ferguson has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional ethics, community leadership and organisational accountability. His experience across corporate governance, financial oversight, and operational risk management will bring valuable strategic insight to the Integrity Commission.

Her Excellency the Governor welcomed the appointment, stating:

“Mr. Ferguson’s extensive background in financial management, auditing and governance, together with his leadership experience across both corporate and community sectors, make him well‑suited to serve on the Integrity Commission. His appointment strengthens our ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency and accountability in public life. I am confident that he will make a meaningful contribution to the Commission’s important work.”

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Multi-Agency Planning Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, 27 February 2026: The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, 5 February 2026, at Block and Parcel 60503/17 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Planning Department, pursuant to its statutory authority under the Physical Planning Act to address unauthorised development. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Crown Land Unit and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.

The enforcement action formed part of a Public Private Partnership initiative between the Turks and Caicos Islands Government and private landowners. The registered owners of the land would have sought the state’s assistance to issue copies of Section 58 Enforcement Notices on unlawful structures identified on the parcel. The subject parcel comprises approximately 25 acres extending across Millennium Highway.

During the exercise, a total of fifty-four (54) copies of the Enforcement Notice were issued on structures located on the parcel. Notices were affixed to structures and served on persons found to be occupying illegal developments.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold planning regulations, protect property rights, and promote orderly and lawful development. Persons undertaking construction are reminded that development without the requisite planning approvals is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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