News
Royal Bahamas Defence Force Officers Complete Overseas Course
Coral Harbour Base, January 08 ‘15 (RBDF) –Lieutenants Gordon Roberts, Elvis Bullard,
Jeremy Allen, and Sub Lieutenant Shawn Evans are the newest addition to the Officers Corp of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force after successfully completing the Officer Indoctrination School and Officer Candidate School, New London, Connecticut.
The rigorous seventeen-week Coast Guard course was sponsored by the United States International Military Education Training Program (IMET), and conducted at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, from 11 August through 25 November 2014. The course is designed to educate and train officer candidates to ensure that they possess the moral, intellectual and physical qualities required for commissioning, as well as the leadership potential to serve effectively as naval officers.
The course is academically and physically challenging, and constantly demands its participants to adapt and overcome the many challenges with which they are presented. Additionally, along with leadership and development courses, some eighty (80) subjects were covered including Piloting (Navigation) and Rules of the Road. The 17-hour day consisted of daily workouts, inspections along with morning and afternoon classes and drill practice.
The curriculum included leadership and management classes, which are both practical and theory based. These classes included interpersonal communications, leadership style, interviewing and counseling development.
Lieutenant Elvis Bullard is a 33-year member of the Defence Force with certifications in Human Resource Management and Spanish. He has served in various capacities of the Defence Force, such as the Operations section, Military Operations Platoon, RBDF Exchange and the Accounts Department. Lieutenant Gordon Roberts is a 29-year member of the service who has over thirty (30) years of experience as an electrical technician, with a degree in Electrical Power Engineering Technology and has served in various sub-sections within the Engineering Department. Lieutenant Jeremy Allen is a 27 year member of the service with a degree in Electrical Engineering, he has served in various areas within the Engineering Department. Sub Lieutenant Shawn Evans is a 15-year member of the service and has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology and has served onboard Defence Force crafts and has assisted in the completion of several special projects on the Coral Harbour base.
On Monday 19 January, 2015, the four newly appointed officers received their commissions from Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling at a special officers’ commission and award of decorations ceremony held at Government House.
All officers are committed to continuing to answer that higher call to service to both the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
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.
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.”
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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