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TCI Govt wants island hunkered down by Thursday

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 Turks and Caicos, September 5th, 2017 – Providenciales – Schools and offices will be closed on Thursday.  An evacuation order for Salt Cay will be given today.  Merchants are warned against price gouging.  Storm shelters are listed and evacuation routes identified.  An amnesty period is on for illegal migrants and the DDME is identified as the real source for storm information related specifically to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Magnetic Media was among the media houses at the Office of the Premier on Monday afternoon where country leaders spelled out what the nation is facing as we prepare for Hurricane Irma.
 
Governor John Freeman stated, “I anticipate issuing an evacuation order for Salt Cay tomorrow morning and there will be advice provided in terms of low-lying areas also fairly rapidly to make sure that people are alert as possible.”
In addition, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux, Director of DDME explained, “From a category 3 storm, you’re looking at a very strong storm and based on the shifting of the storm moving slightly south, we’re now expecting to either get the storm passed directly over us or to have the righter bands affecting the Turks and Caicos Islands and what the experts in the field are saying is that the righter side of the storm, the right bands, are actually stronger. “
Deputy Governor, Anya Williams also added, “as it currently stands, the prediction from the Met office is that by Thursday morning we we should start to see some changes in the weather and then we should have hurricane impact winds and so on on Thursday evening. If that is the case we will be looking at winding down services possibly as early as Wednesday evening so that persons have enough time to be in their own communities and to prepare for the storm. “
The Minister in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Delroy Williams had strong advice for the public stating, “We would like to urge all residents and businesses not to take the storm lightly. Prepare yourself. The director have given you a list of all the shelters in the area. What you should do is to take keen notice of which shelter is nearest to you. Prepare yourselves, have a family evacuation plan.”
Premier Robinson then added, “And while you’re looking out for your employees please look out for those persons who will be purchasing merchandise from you. It’s important that we continue to say that we don’t have price control in Turks and Caicos but we can have price gouging and we really want to encourage you to not engage in that sort of activity over the next few days.”
Another debrief with the media is set for Wednesday as the Governor Dr John Freeman, Deputy Governor Anya Williams, Premier Sharlene Robinson, Minister of Home Affairs Delroy Williams and DDME Director Dr. Virginia Clerveaux all continue with stakeholder meetings for the next three days.  Again schools and government offices will be closedThursday to brace for Hurricane Irma.
By Deandrea Hamilton

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On World Refugee Day, Global Solidarity Faces Critical Test

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On World Refugee Day, we reflect on the stories of millions forced from their homes. “Every individual carries a story of profound loss,” the UN Secretary‑General reminds us in today’s message. Refugees from Sudan, Ukraine, Haiti, and Myanmar—among other crises—highlight a surge in forced displacement matched by dwindling global support unhcr.org.

New figures from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees confirm this grim reality: more than 122 million people globally are forcibly displaced as of early 2025—up nearly 2 million from last year—while host nations, often low‑ or middle‑income, carry the heaviest burden

The World Health Organization adds that protecting the health of displaced people is “solidarity in action,” yet budget cuts threaten essential services in camps from Kenya to South Sudan.

The UN’s message is clear: refugees breathe courage and resilience, strengthening economies and communities when given opportunity. Yet xenophobia is rising; resettlement stalls, with under 8% of the world’s refugees finding safety abroadPublic opinion surveys show 67% support refugee protection, although 62% worry about economic impact.

Solidarity Means Action

On this day, unity must translate into support: humanitarian funding needs urgent replenishment; pathways to resettlement and asylum must be expanded; refugee voices need to shape policies; and long-term integration through education, decent work, and legal equality must become priorities.

“Becoming a refugee is never a choice,” the UN reminds us. But how the world responds is a choice. As crises persist—from Sudan’s civil war to Ukraine’s continued conflict—the choice is ours: uphold humanity and embrace solidarity, or let dwindling compassion define our legacy.

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SOILCARE PHASE II ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS HELD AS BAHAMAS JOINS A COALITION OF COUNTRIES COMMITTED TO RESTORING LANDSCAPES AND SECURING A RESILIENT AGRICULTURAL FUTURE

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ST. GEORGE’S GRENADA – The Bahamas is joining a coalition of Caribbean Small Island Developing States, that committed to restoring landscapes and securing a resilient agricultural future, by tackling land degradation and drought. The Bahamas is one of six new countries scheduled to benefit from the Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) multi-country soil management initiative for Integrated Landscape Restoration and climate-resilient food systems (SOILCARE), Phase II, implemented by the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM).

SOILCARE Phase I has been helping adopt policies, measures and best practices and support review of legal and institutional frameworks to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality LDN and Climate Resilience.

As PISLM prepares to launch Phase II of its flagship regional project, adding six new countries, two consultation sessions were completed on 3rd and 4th June by PISLM’s Sustainable Land Management Specialist Dr. Ronen Francis.

Project updates were present to the Permanent Secretary responsible for UNCCD IN the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. David Davis, Director of Agriculture – Dr Jason Sands and Danielle Hanek- Director of Forestry Unit of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Bahamas.

This project will seek to assist the country in upgrading its National Soil Laboratories through provision of modern equipment, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training of technicians. It will also help the Bahamas, to develop Digital Soil Maps, develop their national drought risk plans, including improved drought management, Cat Island. It will also support a youth agri-business programme that will foster youth-led innovation and align with the CARICOM 25×25 vision.

This project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Allocated funding is$17.9 million USD and $26.5 million USD in co-financing, by regional Governments, including the Bahamas.

Photo Caption:

Photo 1 Permanent Secretary responsible for UNCCD in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. David Davis, Director of Agriculture – Dr Jason Sands Daniell, Ms. Danielle Hanek- Director of Forestry Unit of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Bahamas and Dr. Ronen Francis-PISLM.

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CIBC Caribbean Hosts Career Day Experience  

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CIBC Caribbean proudly welcomed students from Shining Stars Preparatory School for an engaging and educational visit in celebration of the school’s annual Career Day.

Turks and Caicos Islands, June 19, 2025 –Shining Stars Preparatory School students got an inspiring introduction to the world of finance during a recent visit to CIBC Caribbean. Adorned in costumes, the future professionals were welcomed by the bank in recognition of the school’s annual career day.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The visit formed part of CIBC Caribbean’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment and education. With bright eyes and inquisitive minds, the students met with members of the Digital Banking, Personal and Business Banking (PBB) Sales, and Corporate Banking Support teams to learn more about the many career opportunities available within the financial services sector.

CIBC Caribbean Head of Country, Terrance Gibson, said, “At CIBC, we firmly believe that investing in our youth is investing in the future of TCI. Welcoming the students of Shining Stars Preparatory School into our space was not only a privilege, but a powerful reminder of why community engagement matters.”                                                                                                                                                                                                              The students were enthusiastic throughout the visit, eagerly asking questions and expressing keen interest in the daily operations of the bank. Their curiosity was met with thoughtful insights from CIBC Caribbean team members, who shared their personal journeys and professional experiences in banking.

As part of its broader community outreach, CIBC Caribbean has adopted Shining Stars Preparatory School. The bank has collaborated on a number of initiatives that promote learning, growth, and opportunity for young people.

Gibson added, “These bright young minds are full of potential, and our hope is that by opening our doors and sharing our knowledge, we have helped to spark interest in careers in banking, finance, and beyond. This relationship with Shining Stars speaks to our long-standing commitment to youth development and supporting the communities we serve.”

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