Turks and Caicos, April 17, 2025 – The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) successfully concluded its 16th Meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) in the Turks and Caicos Islands on April 11, 2025.

Held from April 7–11, 2025, in collaboration with the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the meeting brought together disaster management stakeholders from across CDEMA’s 20 Participating States, along with regional and international partners.

Special thanks to our sponsors, the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Canada for their continued support.

Following the official Opening Ceremony on April 8, delegates engaged in two days of strategic business sessions focused on reviewing progress and charting the way forward for regional disaster risk management priorities.

The week culminated with a field trip of key sites across the Turks and Caicos Islands, offering insights into local resilience efforts and ongoing preparedness initiatives. We share some candid photos of the five-day meeting with you.

In her remarks at the Opening Ceremony, Her Excellency the Governor said: ‘Comprehensive Disaster Management must be everyone’s business. No one country or agency can meet these challenges alone. It is only through collaboration, innovation and shared responsibility that we can build resilience for each of our states and across the region.

This is why the work of CDEMA and its Technical Advisory Committee is so vital. Disaster management is not just a national responsibility — it is a regional imperative. The TAC plays a key role in guiding strategy and action to protect our people, infrastructure and economies.

My thanks to CDEMA and the Technical Advisory Committee for their dedicated efforts to strengthen our region’s capacity to face whatever challenges tomorrow may bring.’

Turks and Caicos, April 17, 2025 – Last week, Permanent Secretary Frederico Johnson and Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Dwight Gardiner participated in the Psychology of Leadership Course hosted by the Barbados Defence Force in collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defence and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

The course brought together over 30 participants from across the region to explore the psychology of effective leadership, motivation and decision-making.

Commenting on the course, Permanent Secretary Frederico Johnson said: ‘Participating in this leadership program has been a transformative experience.  Each day provided valuable insights and practical tools that have strengthened my capacity as a leader.  From deepening my understanding of emotional intelligence and motivation, to engaging with ethical leadership models, conflict resolution strategies and critical decision-making frameworks, the program was both comprehensive and impactful.  The interactive exercises – particularly the leadership and negotiation simulations – encouraged meaningful self-reflection and growth.  Concluding with the presentations by participants and certificate ceremony marked not just the end of the course, but a renewed commitment to lead with clarity, empathy, and integrity.’

Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

April 17, 2025 – Bahamian and Turks and Caicos travelers and other foreigners heading to the United States are being strongly advised to rethink what they post online, as new U.S. immigration measures take aim at antisemitic content and behavior.

This warning is just that and despite widespread reports, seemingly aimed at fearmongering, the US has informed that there is no ban on Caribbean people travelling to the States.

According to Citizen X, the origin of the concern is linked to credible media houses posting reports on a leaked list of 43 countries under review for “potential travel restrictions.”

Among them: Antigua and Barbuda; Dominica; St Kitts and Nevis and St Lucia.

“Eastern Caribbean States: Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis, and St. Lucia are under a 60-day review period to address U.S. concerns about their citizenship-by-investment programs or potentially face visa restrictions,” explained the report.

But the U.S. State Department said in response to questions, “a review is not a ban.”

As of April 9, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will now screen social media for signs of antisemitism when evaluating immigration applications—including visas, green cards, and student permits. According to DHS, any content that appears to support or promote antisemitic ideologies or terrorist organizations like Hamas, Hezbollah, or the Houthis may be used to deny entry or immigration benefits.

Here is What You Should Not Do:

1. Do not post or share antisemitic content online. This includes memes, hashtags, retweets, or posts—past or present—that can be interpreted as supporting antisemitic rhetoric or violence.
2. Do not associate with antisemitic groups or protests. Online or physical association with groups flagged for antisemitism could raise red flags during border screening or immigration reviews.
3. Do not assume freedom of speech protects you abroad. While the First Amendment protects speech for U.S. citizens, it does not apply to foreign nationals seeking entry. The U.S. government has made it clear: advocating antisemitic views, even online, can lead to denial of entry or immigration benefits.
4. Do not delete your social media without understanding the consequences. Attempts to erase content may be viewed with suspicion. Authorities often use digital footprints in discretionary reviews, so transparency matters.
5. Do not ignore this new policy. Whether traveling as a tourist, student, or on business, your online activity is now part of your travel profile.

The U.S. Travel Association informs, this position has impacted travel decisions in the double digits.  Canada and Europeans are particularly coy.

The Toronto Star reports: On Tuesday, the Canadian Association of University Teachers issued a travel advisory to its members that “strongly recommends” Canadian academic staff travel to the United States only if necessary.

The CAUT represents 72,000 teachers, librarians, researchers, general staff and other academic professionals at some 125 universities and colleges across the country.

The increased scrutiny is compounded say some news reports by the so called, ‘trade war’

and tariff changes by the Trump Administration.

Yahoo!News: “Travellers from western Europe who stayed at least one night in the US fell by 17 per cent in March from a year ago, according to the International Trade Administration (ITA). US tourism from countries such as Ireland, Norway and Germany fell by more than a fifth in the same period.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officials say this measure is in line with broader efforts to combat extremism and terrorism. Bahamians planning to travel or study in the U.S. are urged to audit their online presence and avoid engaging in or endorsing any form of hate speech.

In short, stay informed, stay respectful, and stay cautious—both online and offline.