Turks and Caicos, May 11, 2025 – Her Excellency, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 4^th meeting of Cabinet held on Wednesday March 19, 2025, at the Hon NJS Francis Building, Grand Turk. All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of the Minister for Innovation, Communication and E-Government, Hon. Erwin Jay Saunders and the Attorney General, Hon. Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, with Ms. Khalila Astwood attending as Acting Attorney General.

At this meeting Cabinet:

• Approved an amendment to the Cost-of-Living Relief Policy to include a provision for the issuance of cheques to deceased persons estate.
• Approved a moratorium on the issuance of new business licenses in the contractor’s category with non-Turks and Caicos Islander involvement.
• Approved an MOU with the Department for Transport of the United Kingdom and the Turks and Caicos Islands to support the implementation of internationally recognized maritime security standards.
• Noted an information paper on the turn-key housing pilot project.
• Approved the naming of the Old Airport on Grand Turk to the JAGS McCartney Memorial Drive.
• Approved the naming of the bridges on West Road and Church Folly to Alexander Forbes Bridge and The Austin Robinson Bridge respectively, and adjacent roads the Carl Coverly Drive and Davis Higgs Drive.
• Noted the awarding of contracts:

o   PN 005823, TR 24/33 Consultancy Services for the National Identification System-Subject Matter Expert

o   TCIAA 012/24, TR 24/36 JAGS McCartney International Airport Fire Hall (Phase II)

• Approved an application for lease to construct and operate resort communities on the island of Salt Cay.
• Approved settlement agreements for former civil servant Court Matters.
• Approved the appointment of Ms. Cynara John as the Interim Secretary to the Turks and Caicos Islanders Status Commission.
• Approved the Law Revision (Miscellaneous Amendment) Bill 2025 for further submission to Parliament.
• Approved the purchase of the Temple Trust building on Providenciales.

Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Paula Virgil-Stubbs as Executive Administrator in the Office of the Deputy Governor.

Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs brings a wealth of experience and a strong professional background to her new position. Holding an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, she has continually demonstrated her commitment to professional development through a series of advanced training programs. Most recently, she completed the Administrative Excellence course offered by the Turks and Caicos Islands Training Department, further sharpening her leadership and office management skills.

Her career within the Turks and Caicos Islands Government (TCIG) began at the Grand Turk Post Office, where she worked as a sales-clerk. After relocating to Providenciales and gaining valuable experience in the private sector, she returned to TCIG in 2018, joining the Office of the Premier as an Administrative Officer. Over the years, she quickly advanced, taking on the role of Senior Administrative Officer in 2021 before stepping into the position of Assistant Protocol Officer.

As Executive Administrator, Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs will play a key role in managing the day-to-day operations of the Deputy Governor’s Office. This includes organizing and coordinating meetings, managing appointments and the Deputy Governor’s diary, and providing critical administrative support to ensure the smooth operation of the office. Additionally, Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs will assist with high-level administrative tasks, including handling correspondence, organizing events, and managing administrative functions with the utmost professionalism.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In commenting on her new appointment, Mrs. Virgil Stubbs stated, “As I begin this new chapter in my career as Executive Administrator within the Deputy Governor Officer, I want to first give thanks to God for making this opportunity possible. I am deeply grateful to my family for their unwavering love, support, and constant encouragement to strive for excellence. This moment truly shows that hard work and dedication pay off. I am also sincerely thankful to the Turks and Caicos Island Government for entrusting me with this new role. I look forward to embracing the opportunity to apply my skills and knowledge while continuing to grow, learn, and gain valuable experience in this position. I am committed to serving with integrity, professionalism, and pride.”

Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, congratulated Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs, stating, “It gives me great pleasure to officially announce and congratulate Mrs. Paula Virgil-Stubbs on her appointment as Executive Administrator in my office. As Executive Administrator, Mrs. Virgil-Stubbs will manage multiple administrative tasks, from coordinating my schedule to providing key support during meetings and events. Paula has proven herself to be a diligent and reliable public servant. I am confident that her experience and dedication will undoubtedly be an asset to my office and the entire public service.

Welcome to our team, and congratulations on your new appointment, Paula!”

GRACE BAY, PROVIDENCIALES — A somber wave of grief has swept through the Turks and Caicos Islands as the community reels from the fatal shooting of 21-year-old musician Ricardo Pierre, known to fans and friends as “Stunna P.”

Pierre was laid to rest over the weekend.

The young artist was gunned down in a carpark opposite a resort in Grace Bay on the evening of March 7th, in what police have confirmed as a targeted attack.

According to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, officers responded to multiple calls about a shooting around 6:30 p.m. Upon arrival, they found Pierre lying beside a blue Toyota Vitz, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a medical facility but succumbed to his injuries at 7:35 p.m.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that Mr. Pierre was walking toward his vehicle when a lone gunman approached and shot him before fleeing the scene in a vehicle,” said acting Superintendent Grantley Williams. “We believe this was a targeted attack and urge anyone with information or video footage to come forward.”                                                                                                                               Pierre’s murder has shocked the nation, not only because of his youth but because of the message he carried through his music. Known for his emotionally charged lyrics and commitment to social issues, Stunna P was emerging as a local voice for peace and positive change among the island’s youth.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Music producer David “Jack” Lightbourne, who worked closely with Pierre, issued a heartfelt tribute, pointing out the bitter irony of the artist’s death.

“I had the privilege of working with Ricardo on the song ‘1 Life’—a powerful reminder to choose life over violence,” Lightbourne said. “In the track, he rapped, ‘There is too much violence in this lil place, people dying over he say she say, died at 17 didn’t live to see his 18th birthday, stop the violence.’ A year later, Ricardo’s own life was taken by the same violence he spoke out against.”

Lightbourne described Pierre as a gifted songwriter and community advocate who was striving to make a difference through his art. “As recently as February, Ricardo pushed for us to perform at a youth event in Provo. He was committed to reaching young people with a message of hope.”

In the wake of the tragedy, Lightbourne called on the community to honor Ricardo’s legacy by rejecting violence and embracing unity. “Let’s empower our young men to put down the guns and pick up the dreams that Ricardo fought so hard for,” he urged. “Let his message not die with him. Let it become our mission.”

Pierre’s death marks yet another painful chapter in the territory’s ongoing struggle with gun violence. Police investigations continue, and authorities are appealing for public assistance in identifying the shooter.

As friends and fans leave tributes across social media, one thing is clear—Ricardo “Stunna P” Pierre’s voice may have been silenced, but his message remains louder than ever.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-8477 or via the P3 app.