Connect with us

News

Jamaicans Urged To Follow Guidelines In Voting Process

Published

on

KINGSTON, Feb. 18 (JIS): With the General Election slated for February 25, Jamaicans are being encouraged to follow the necessary guidelines, to ensure that the voting process proceed as smoothly as possible.

In an interview with JIS News, Public Education Officer at the Electoral Commission of Jamaica, Daynia Harper, said before the Election Day, persons should find out where they are to vote.

“We encourage you to visit our website at ecj.com.jm and click on query voters’ list. It will ask you for your name and date of birth and after that we will prompt you about where you are to vote,” Ms. Harper said.

She is also reminding voters to take along their voter identification card to the polling stations.

“The voter’s ID card is the only identification card that is accepted on that day. However, if you do not have that card, you may still vote, but it will take a longer time for you to be able to cast your ballot,” she added.

On arrival at the polling station, Jamaicans are being encouraged to join the line and wait until it is their turn to vote.

Importantly, the use or display of cameras, cellular phones or any other image-capturing device is banned inside the polling station, and persons are being urged to turn off their cellular phones inside the polling stations.

“Another thing you need to do when you get to the polling station, is to turn off and put away your cell phones. Do not attempt to use or display your cell phones or cameras or any kind of video recorders in the polling station,” Ms. Harper warned.

If individuals attempt to use their cell phone or any smart device to do a recording, he or she will be asked to leave the polling station and will lose their chance to vote. In addition, voters must follow the instructions of the Presiding Officer in order for their ballot to be successfully marked and cast.

“The Presiding Officer will show you how to fold your ballot and you will go behind the screen. You will mark your ballot with an ‘X’ for the candidate you wish to vote for and then you will refold your ballot in the exact way that the Presiding Officer has shown you. You will return with the ballot and you will dip your finger in the ink and watch as the Presiding Officer puts your ballot into the ballot box,” Ms. Harper said.

Meanwhile, voters are encouraged not to try and influence any other voter to vote for a particular candidate.

“If you show anyone your ballot, it will be taken from you by the Presiding Officer and marked as spoilt. You will, however, be given another chance to vote. But we encourage you – do not show anyone your ballot,” the Public Education Officer emphasised.

Workers desirous of casting their ballots on Election Day are allotted time off from work to do so under the Representation of the People (Leave and Symbols) Regulations, 1944.

They are allowed three hours, in addition to the normal meal hour, for voting purposes on a national and local election day.

For more information about the voting process, persons may contact the Electoral Commission by calling toll free: 1-888-991-8683 or visit their Facebook page or follow them on Twitter @ecjamaica.

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

News

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

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

News

New Chartered Accountant Member Appointed to The Integrity Commission

Published

on

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.”

Continue Reading

News

Multi-Agency Planning Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING