News
TCI: Attorney General’s Chambers Appoints New Crown Counsel and Senior Crown Counsel
#TurksandCaicos, January 11, 2018 – Providenciales – The Turks and Caicos Islands Attorney General’s Chambers is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Chassidy Swann to the post of Crown Counsel and Mrs. Shayone Handfield-Gardiner to the post of Senior Crown Counsel. Ms. Handfield-Gardiner who previously held the position of Crown Counsel within the Attorney General’s Chambers, holds a LLB and a recently earned Master’s Degree in Law from the University of Leeds.
Commenting on her appointment Mrs. Handfield-Gardiner said; “I am humbled, yet proud to be working in a country where young women are encouraged to break glass ceilings and take on roles that were once only reserved for middle- aged men. Given the great leadership of our Attorney General, I am delighted to have been appointed as the Senior Crown Counsel in the International Division of the Attorney General’s Chambers.
“Having worked in the Chambers since 2010, it is my earnest desire to continue to contribute to the ever-evolving demands and obligations of the legal industry in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The law, like any living organism, must change or be updated as our communities improve. The same way lawyers are meant to continuously update themselves to meet the demands of the legal profession. It’s against this backdrop that I decided to return to the United Kingdom to read my LLM in International Law. This provided me with the opportunity to improve my knowledge and skills thus making me a greater asset to Chambers. My commitment to the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Turks and Caicos Islands Government remains steadfast.
“The decision to return to school represented a considerable sacrifice of time away from work and my family as well as finances on my part. However, I remain grateful to the Deputy Governor and her team as I was able to receive two $5,000.00 grants from the Professional Development Fund towards the cost of my studies.
“I wish to encourage my colleagues in the Public Sector to continue to explore funding opportunities such as the Professional Development Fund which provides financial assistance to enable you to excel academically in your desired profession. Your commitment to your education serves also as a testament to your dedication to your personal development and which puts you in a better position knowledge- wise to serve your country.”
Ms. Swann who holds a Diploma with Honours in Land Economy and Valuation Surveying from the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTECH), obtained an LLB from the University of Buckingham in 2010 and in 2012 was awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice upon successful completion of the Legal Practice Course (LPC) at the Manchester campus of BPP University College.
During the period 2013-2016, Ms. Swann worked as a Paralegal at Minnis & Company in the Bahamas before joining the Attorney General’s Chambers in September 2016 as a temporary Crown Counsel in the place of Mrs. Handfield-Gardiner who was on study leave at the time and was called to the TCI Bar in July 2017.
Mrs. Handfield-Gardiner having completed her studies in September 2017 has been successfully promoted to the role of Senior Crown Counsel through open competition. Ms. Swann through open competition has been successfully appointed to permanently replace Mrs. Shayone Handfield-Gardiner as Crown Counsel within the Chambers.
Commenting on her appointment Ms. Swann said; “I am very pleased to have been appointed Crown Counsel (Commercial/Civil) with the Attorney General’s Chambers. I am confident that I will be able to make a positive contribution to the Chambers and remain grateful for the opportunity to do so.”
Attorney General, Honourable Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles is pleased to have both ladies in her Chambers and said; “I am very pleased to welcome the appointments of Mrs. Shayone Handfield-Gardiner to the post of Senior Crown Counsel and Ms. Chassidy Swann to the post of Crown Counsel.
“Both appointments are part of my efforts at succession planning within my Chambers and these appointments are a testament to the solid work ethic of each counsel and their commitment to professional development. Shayone having just completed her Master’s Degree in Law and Chassidy having recently been admitted to the TCI Bar (following her in service training in my Chambers) will be valuable assets to the Government in these new roles. Shayone joins the recently established international division and Chassidy joins the commercial division.”
Deputy Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams commended both ladies on their appointments and said; “It is with great pleasure that I take the opportunity to congratulate both Shayone and Chassidy on their appointments. Shayone has been an ardent worker over the years and I commend her on her decision to upgrade her skills which assisted in her promotion to the role of Senior Crown Counsel. As she joins the International Division of the Chambers we will certainly miss her advice and guidance in routine TCIG matters, but am certain that she will do well.
“Chassidy during her short time with us, fully utilized her temporary employment to prove that a permanent place in the Chambers should be made for her and we are happy to have her and will certainly ensure that she is kept very busy! Congratulations ladies on appointments well deserved!”
Press Release: TCIG
News
The Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (February 25th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands began 2026 on a positive note, with stayover arrivals in January surpassing the same period in 2025.
Preliminary figures indicate that 56,830 stayover visitors arrived in January 2026, representing a two percent increase year-on-year. The steady growth continues the positive momentum experienced at the close of 2025.
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, attributed the encouraging performance to new collaboration with tour operator partners as well as increased airlift from key source markets.
“We anticipated a strong January performance following the growth recorded in November and December. The winter season has traditionally been a robust period for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this year that strength has been further supported by enhanced collaboration with partners and expanded airlift from Canada and the United States We are cautiously optimistic about maintaining this upward trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.
Cruise Sector
In cruise, preliminary figures show 122,935 cruise passenger arrivals in January, reflecting a 15 percent decrease compared to January 2025.
The decline is attributed to a reduction in cruise calls during the month. A total of 33 vessels called on Grand Turk in January, seven fewer than during the corresponding period last year.
Marketing Shows
As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier luxury destination, Experience Turks and Caicos has been actively participating in the Travel & Adventure Shows across several major cities in the United States.
The destination has already been showcased in Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago, with Fort Lauderdale and Denver scheduled in the coming weeks.
Public Relations Manager Laura Dowrich represented the Turks and Caicos Islands alongside the destination’s U.S. marketing agency, ABA Global.
Beaches Turks & Caicos – Stone Creek Travels
“One of the most encouraging takeaways from these shows is that the Turks and Caicos Islands is indeed on travellers’ radar. We met many visitors who shared fond memories of their time here, others who already have trips booked and were seeking recommendations on activities and dining, and many more who aspire to visit. It was a pleasure highlighting our multi-island destination and sharing the many experiences that make the Turks and Caicos Islands truly special,” said Ms. Dowrich.
Awards & Recognition
Building on a stellar year of accolades in 2025, the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun 2026 with additional international recognition.
The destination earned a Gold Badge in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing #5 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean and #5 in Best Beaches in the World. In the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Grand Turk was ranked #10 among the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit.
About Experience Turks and Caicos
Middle Caicos Dragon Cay Resort
Experience Turks and Caicos is the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is committed to positioning the destination as a premier, sustainable luxury tourism hub. By leveraging smart tools, data-driven strategies, and stakeholder collaboration, Experience Turks and Caicos focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and fostering long-term industry success.
About the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the destination is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Each island and cay offer a unique experience:
- Providenciales boasts world-class resorts, fine dining, and high-end tourism offerings.
- Grand Turk serves as the vibrant hub for cruise tourism and historical exploration.
- The sister islands provide a gateway to nature, adventure, and authentic local culture.
Recognised as the world’s best-kept secret, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer effortless luxury, with seamless connectivity via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Photo Captions:
Grand Turk – slow travel with us
North Caicos – Correy Forbes
South Caicos Sail Rock
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
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Caribbean News
Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.
The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.
“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital
policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.
“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”
Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.
Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.
Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.
Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.
Photo Caption:
TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain
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News6 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
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Caribbean News1 week agoLiberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
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News6 days agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals