Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 23rd January 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force recently intercepted illegal handheld gambling devices coming through Howard Hamilton International Airport. Often disguised as everyday electronic gadgets, these devices are strictly prohibited under the Casino Ordinance, which imposes severe penalties for their importation.

In the past month alone, Border Force officers intercepted 70 such devices during routine inspections of passengers’ luggage and cargo. Smugglers frequently attempt to conceal these items within personal belongings or mislabel them on cargo manifests to evade detection.

Sophisticated tactics, including hidden compartments and misleading product descriptions, are commonly employed to bypass customs controls.

Under the Casino Ordinance, importing, possessing, or distributing unlicensed gambling devices is a criminal offence. Offenders may face fines of up to $3,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both, depending on the severity of the violation.

The Border Force hereby reminds the public that ignorance of the law is no defence and urges all travellers and businesses to comply with import regulations.  Travellers are advised to ensure that any electronic devices they bring into the country comply with local laws. Importers and retailers are likewise reminded to verify the legality of their products before shipment.

It is important to note that TCI Lotto Games is the only authorised operator of lottery activities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Any other entity or individual involved in importing or possessing unlicensed gambling devices is breaching the Casino Ordinance and will be held accountable under the law.  By remaining vigilant and adhering to these regulations, travellers and businesses can help prevent illegal activities and support the integrity of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ border controls.

For all media inquiries, please contact crilightbourne@gov.tc

Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas – Mrs. Jenesta Messam has been appointed Honorary Consul of The Bahamas to the Turks and Caicos Islands today.

Mrs. Messam, who previously served as TCI’s Chief Protocol Officer received her letters of appointment from Director General HE Jerusa Ali in a brief ceremony attended by HC Messam’s Family and Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs Staff.

The Bahamas has a shared history and heritage with TCI dating back over two centuries ago when Great Britain governed the Islands as a part of The Bahamas until Bahamian independence in 1973 when TCI remained a British Overseas Territory. Despite the change in governance, The Bahamas retains close familial and cultural ties with our neighbor to the south.

In her role as Honorary Consul, Mrs. Messam will ensure the well-being of Bahamians in the territory while promoting cultural closeness and collaboration between our neighboring archipelagos.

Release: The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE GRAND BAHAMA PORT AUTHORITY, LIMITED

Freeport, Grand Bahama – January 23, 2025  –  The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) is thrilled to announce its title sponsorship of the 12th Annual Tour De Grand Bahama cycling competition, now officially branded the “Grand Bahama Port Authority Tour De Grand Bahama.” Organized by the Grand Bahama Cycling Association, this highly anticipated two-day event will take place on February 8th and 9th, 2025, attracting both Bahamian and international cyclists.

Dr. Telina Smith, Director of Human Resources & Administrator for GBPA Donations, shared the organization’s excitement about supporting this signature event. “We are proud supporters of sporting events, health and wellness initiatives, and cycling activities on the island. These include the GBPA Conchman Triathlon, in which our Acting Chairman, Sarah St. George, participates annually, as well as the Horrible Hundred, another prominent cycling competition hosted by the Grand Bahama Cycling Association. We commend Kenton Roker and his team for making the Tour de Grand Bahama such a meaningful event, uniting the community and attracting cyclists from around the world.”

Kenton Roker, President of the Grand Bahama Cycling Association, expressed gratitude for GBPA’s continued support since the inception of the event. “I would like to thank the Grand Bahama Port Authority for coming on board as a title sponsor. Their support has been integral to the success of this competition year after year. This year promises to be the best one yet due to significant international interest,” said Roker.

Cyclists from the University of Florida in Gainesville, two teams from Tampa, Florida, a contingent from Turks and Caicos, as well as competitors from Canada, Nassau, Grand Bahama, and the Family Islands, will participate. “We are expecting more than 50 cyclists to compete this year,” Roker noted. He also expressed appreciation to all additional event sponsors who make this prestigious competition possible.

The two-day event features three dynamic stages that will challenge cyclists of all levels. The competition kicks off with a 3.7-mile time trial – a race against the clock designed to test speed and endurance. The second stage is a closed-circuit race lasting one hour, plus three laps, where strategy and pacing will be crucial. On Sunday, the event culminates with a grueling open-category road race: an 80-mile test of stamina and skill starting and finishing at the GBPA Headquarters. Female cyclists will tackle a 60-mile course, while juniors will compete in a 40-mile race, ensuring inclusivity and excitement across all categories.

The Grand Bahama Port Authority is honored to be the driving force behind an event that celebrates athletic excellence, promotes health and wellness, and showcases Grand Bahama as a hub for world-class sporting events.

For more information about the Grand Bahama Port Authority Tour De Grand Bahama, please contact the Grand Bahama Cycling Association at 359-4697 or 442-8346.

Photo Caption:

Pictured Left to Right: Lorna Maxis, GB Cycling Association Representative; Kenton Roker, GB Cycling Association President; Dr. Telina Smith, GBPA Director of Human Resources; Cara Saunders, GB Cycling Association Representative