TCI News
The Ministry of Border Control & Employment Services, hosts Staff Forums
#Providenciales, November 2, 2018 – Turks and Caicos – The Ministry of Border Control & Employment Services, hosted a series of Staff Forums under the theme “Making your Mark, Leaving a Legacy.”
The three half-day sessions which kicked off in Grand Turk on October 3rd, and were subsequently held in Providenciales on October 30th and 31st, saw some one hundred and eleven staff members enjoy powerful presentations on the topics of The Purpose, Role and Vision for the Civil Service, the Importance of Improving Customer Service Delivery and Skills and Integrity in the Public Service.
The discussions were led by respected leaders in the various fields and included, Her Excellency the Deputy Governor, Anya Williams, who spoke on; The Purpose, Role and Vision for the Civil Service, including the importance of training and development and the use of the Professional Development Fund to provide opportunities for upward mobility in the civil service.
Ms. Blythe Clare and Mrs. Yolande Robinson presented on the topic of Customer Service and covered areas such as; interaction with customers; social conduct within and without the workplace; the importance of service before self and the impact of respect to all. While Hon. Lillian Missick, Dr. Beatrice Fulford and Mr. Jasmin Walkin, 
spoke on the topic of Integrity and shared their perspectives on the importance of respecting and adhering to the established policies, procedures and the rules of law; the negative impact that corruption can have on service delivery and the detriment to one’s self and the need to always operate with a spirit of integrity.
This extraordinary initiative, which was hailed by participants as being informative and by presenters as being commendable and timely, sought to; highlight the significance, value and connectivity of each employee’s role to the success of the public service and to encourage the personal development and empowerment of staff while also inspiring higher staff morale, productivity, efficiency and excellence in customer service and service delivery.
The Forums were hosted by the management of the Ministry under the leadership of the Permanent Secretary Ms. Susan Malcolm, who in welcoming participants to the sessions commented; “The Ministry of Border Control and Employment is the nucleus of the Government and is the one ministry that each and every citizen, visitor or resident has to deal with at one stage or another.” Mrs. Malcolm further reassured the staff noting; “You make up this Ministry and you play an important part in the lives of every person in this country. Your job is important.”
Her Excellency Anya Williams having participated in the exercise stated; “It was a pleasure to participate in the Ministry of Border Control and Employment Services Staff Forum which brought training and awareness to over 100 members of staff on the importance of their role in the civil service, the expectations required of them from a 
law enforcement, service delivery and customer service perspective, along with opportunities available to them and the importance of maintaining high standards of integrity in their respective roles.
“The Ministry of Border Control is one of our largest customer interface centers servicing thousands of clients each year at the airport, the customer service centers and also the detention center. Their task is not easy nor is it overlooked and we want to continue to motivate, to encourage and to assist them in improving the jobs that they do.”
The Forums will culminate with its fourth and final session for Heads of Departments and their Deputies on Wednesday December 14th, 2018 which will include presentations from a number of noteworthy speakers.
Press Release: TCIG
Turks and Caicos, October 28, 2025 – We are closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, and our thoughts and prayers are with our regional neighbours for their safety and well-being
We are now entering a critical period as Hurricane Melissa advances towards the Turks and Caicos Islands. Current projections indicate that Hurricane Melissa will begin to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands around midday tomorrow, Wednesday, 29th October.
This morning, Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier chaired a State of Preparedness Meeting. All Government agencies and critical services are mobilised. The safety and protection of every person across our Islands remains our highest priority. Our emergency response teams are prepared and the TCI Regiment is deployed across each of our Islands to support community readiness and immediate response. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are on active duty, with additional officers in North Caicos, Salt Cay, South Caicos and Grand Turk.
At this time, the hurricane is moving north-northeast. The country is expected to experience tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall and
significant storm surge. The storm surge poses a serious concern for low-lying coastal areas especially along our western and southern coastlines, which may result in coastal flooding. Based on the most current weather projections and anticipated impacts for the Turks and Caicos Islands, the National Executive have agreed the following actions:
1. Evacuation Advisories
Residents in specific low-lying and flood-prone coastal areas are likely to experience significant storm surge of 2-4 feet with accompanying rainfall. Strong advice is now place for residents in these areas to relocate to designated shelters which will be open from 4pm this afternoon. These areas include:
Middle Caicos
- Conch Bar Nearest Shelter: The Community Centre
North Caicos
- Sandy Point Nearest Shelter : Sandy Point Community Centre
- Whitby Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
- Bottle Creek Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
Providenciales
-
-
- Chalk Sound Nearest Shelter Enid Capron Primary School
- Five Cays Nearest Shelter: Enid Capron Primary School
- Discovery Bay Nearest Shelter: All Saints Church, Leeward Highway
- Juba Sound Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
- Long Bay Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
-
South Caicos
- Cockburn Harbour Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
- Old Airport Road Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
Should an evacuation order become necessary, it will be issued following the 6:00 PM Advisory this evening from the TCI National Weather Service.
2. Activation of Emergency Operations Centre
The National Emergency Operations Centre in Providenciales and all Islands Emergency Operations Centres will be activated at 4:00 PM today.
3. Shelters Access
Shelters across all Islands will open today at 4:00 PM to receive members of the public.
4. Shelter-in-Place
A Strong Shelter-in-Place Advisory is in place for all islands, commencing at 10:00 PM tonight. This will be in place until the all clear has been issued.
This means that from 10:00 PM tonight, all residents should be off the road, in a safe location, either at home or a designated shelter.
Please note that this position may be revised following the 6:00 PM Advisory from the TCI National Weather Service, depending on updated storm projections.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has confirmed that all airports remain fully operational for today. They will advise the public about ongoing operations dependent on the weather impacts.
In times such as this, the role of commercial entities extends beyond business – it becomes a vital part of the community’s resilience. All retailers and service providers are urged to uphold their humanitarian responsibilities by maintaining fair pricing and ensuring essential goods and services remain accessible to all.
Residents and visitors are reminded to adhere strictly to all official advisories and evacuation orders as they are issued. Avoid unnecessary movement, secure your property, and ensure that you and your family are prepared with essential supplies. Stay prepared and stay safe.
Turks and Caicos, October 24, 2025 – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey delivered an impassioned address to male students at Clement Howell High School, calling on them to recognize their power, seize their potential, and “awaken the sleeping giants” within.
In a message that blended humility, faith, and personal experience, the Commissioner reminded the boys that the decisions they make today will shape their future.“The choices you make today determine who you become tomorrow,” he said.
Bailey, who revealed he was the first in his family to attend high school, urged the students to embrace education and discipline as tools of
transformation.“Knowledge is power. If you want to be a real man, you need to read,” he told them. “Remember your potential — if others can do it, so can you. Some of you are sleeping giants waiting to be awakened.”
He emphasized that circumstances of birth do not dictate destiny, challenging the young men to carry self-respect, faith, and moral conviction wherever they go. “Self-respect is key; respect yourself, respect others, and respect God,” he said. “The circumstances you were born into do not define who you are.”
The Commissioner also spoke about resilience, advising that true strength often lies in restraint.
“There will be challenges, and people may try to impede your development — but rise above negativity. Sometimes, strength means walking away,” he said. “Some of you are sleeping lions; it’s time to awaken that instinct and rediscover your true potential.”
In closing, Commissioner Bailey delivered a stirring challenge:
“Each morning, look in the mirror and remind yourself that you were created by God and are capable of great exploits. You are a possibility with potential. Step forward with confidence — this is your country, your islands. Be the best version of yourself.”
Following his speech, the Commissioner engaged the students in open dialogue, answering questions and listening to their perspectives on issues affecting young men in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.
