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TCI Media up close with UK Armed Forces humanitarian aide
#TurksandCaicos, October 2, 2014 – Providenciales – Turks and Caicos Media was on Sunday given an up close and personal experience with UK Armed Forces humanitarian assistance and the exploit took media into the heart of operations. Time is winding down now for this British presence which was welcomed support in the immediate aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria.
The tour started with departure from the Blue Heron FBO aboard a chopper, with HE Governor Dr John Freeman on board as reporters and cameramen were flown to still tattered JAGS McArtney Intl Airport in the Capital, Grand Turk. As we landed there was a drop off of pallets containing relief supplies from the newly moored British warship, the HMS Ocean.
Outfitted with nine aircrafts, eight seacrafts, 13 floors and over 800 personnel on the ship, which arrived Sunday morning was massive and a major show of UK support sponsored by DFID. The Governor said the ship also signals the UK Armed Forces withdrawl from the territory.
“We see from both the territory and from the UK’s viewpoint that this ship coming is a very important last surge effort to take ourselves to the best possible place in these islands, and then this will gradually ease off the number of people who are here because of course already, the very resilient Turks and Caicos Islanders are becoming more resilient, and therefore they will move on and build themselves up in the right way, thankful for what’s being done,” said HE Governor Dr. John Freeman.
Were these men and women and supplies requested or sent Magnetic Media asked; both was the reply from country leaders: Premier Sharlene Robinson and Deputy Governor Anya Williams.
“Tell us the situation on the ground, and tell us what you need, I think it has consistently been that way, tell us what you need and we will see how we can mobilize workers. We are grateful for the timeline that we were able to quickly mobilize workers to the Turks and Caicos, having military here for the last three weeks has greatly assisted, and I think for us it is more about the hands that are on the ground have been the greatest assistance,” said DG Anya Williams.
“When men to come aground as well, they are in touch with the government they look at priorities together with the government and see how men can best be deployed and used. So it has been for me a wonderful partnership, the Governor and I have been consulting on every plain and as the aid has come in and as the manpower has come in we have decided together which were the best places for it to be used”, said the Hon. Sharlene Robinson.
Before being scooted to the HMS Ocean by army boat, which was hoisted into the air to allow the delegation onto the 667ft long warship, we visited the DDME and UK managed Distribution Center, set up at the Customs Warehouse compound in GT.
World Food Programme donated the storage tents which were erected post Hurricane Maria and which house tarps, shelter kits and relief supplies. The tents are 320sq metres 240sq metres and were being filled up by UK Commandoes stationed in GT with support from 120 navy officers from the HMS Ocean.
The Canadian Frigate is gone, the Bermudan Regiment left on Saturday, scheduled are three full days for the HMS Ocean and crew and about a week to a week and a half more for the UK Commandoes then the TCI will be left to complete the rebuilding without these teams which many agree have proven stellar partners, even family.
“The HMS Ocean was operating at the commencement of this period in the east and Mediterranean when we received orders to immediately reverse course and head toward the Caribbean with all dispatch. So we steamed some four and a half thousand miles, crossing six time zones in only twelve days, a very fast response and I think that demonstrates how much this government’s steadfast commitment to the region and our determination to maximize support to the British Overseas Territories and the region more widely,” said Captain Robert Pedre.
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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