TCI News
TCI Country Leaders condemn vicious memes
#TurksandCaicosIslands – February 12, 2019 – The Church in the Turks and Caicos is among those today condemning the divide and conquer tactics being employed ahead of the 2020 General Elections and is calling on islanders engaged in the vicious memes to “stop it now.”
“The Bible admonishes us to love our neighbour as we love ourselves. These videos and other messages on social media are signs of hatred and jealousy. The Christian Council condemns such acts and urges persons to desist from this negative behavior,” said the Christian Council in a media statement.
Magnetic Media had requested a statement from the Council and others on the hurtful memes which are becoming increasingly cruel and dangerously defamatory with each new one created. A meme is defined as: ‘a humorous image, video, piece of text, etc., that is copied (often with slight variations) and spread rapidly by Internet users.’
Social media memes have now become an infamous way for people to attack leaders and other public personalities, anonymously. Some residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands are taking full advantage of expressing their innermost thoughts, and no one is exempt.
One resident suggested, “Let Miami forensics find out who is creating and distributing these videos. They have the expertise and the equipment. It is the lowest, lowest, low… this has got to stop.”
It was a meme released last week, amidst the interest in the leadership race of the Opposition, Progressive National Party, (PNP) which sparked this reaction for the Grand Turk resident.
The video used a popular scene from the 2004 German film, Downfall; which is an historical drama about the final days of Adolf Hitler, Chancellor of Nazi Germany.
In the Turks and Caicos, the crudeness is escalating to potentially criminal heights. According to the Turks and Caicos Bar Council, the nation has the legal framework to protect citizens and residents from libel, which are untrue or erroneous statements written in the public domain.
The Turks and Caicos Bar Council informed that: “…one may be pursued in Court for Defamation– more specifically, Libel for written publications (e.g. articles written on social media) and Slander for spoken words of a defamatory nature. A person adversely affected by the publishing of false information that causes damage to their reputation may seek redress…”
Redress can be a retraction and apology, an injunction to stop the guilty party publishing the unsubstantiated deprecating statements or the victim can sue for damages.
Rights of individuals are protected in the Turks and Caicos, informed the Bar Council, under the Obscene Publications Ordinance.
“…which prohibits persons from producing and or distributing subject matters that is deemed obscene by right thinking members of the community. If found liable, under this Ordinance, a person is subject to a $5,000.00 fine, 6 months’ imprisonment or both.”
Beyond the societal repercussions, the Christian Council reminded that there are spiritual ones too.
“These messages are killing, stealing and destroying the joy and reputation of others. Remember a house divided against itself cannot stand. Appreciate the political differences of others and if you do not support them then do not vote for them. There is no need for this mudslinging. Remember at end of the day it is our own we are destroying. Life and death are in the power of the tongue.”
The Church is vowing not to sit by and allow this ugliness to spread.
Political attacks have been most pronounced against two leading ladies in the country – Hon Sharlene Robinson, Premier and Hon Josephine Connolly, second All Island member of the House of Assembly.
Mrs. Robinson and Mrs. Connolly were the two most voted for all island candidates in the 2016 General Elections and so their fall out – politically – was epic for the Turks and Caicos Islands. While the break-up of the first Cabinet of the Sharlene Robinson-led PDM Administration is 20-months old, a war of words and videos has raged on.
Hon Connolly, who eventually withdrew from the PDM party has since February 3, 2019 announced that she will join the Opposition PNP.
In a statement to Magnetic Media, Mrs. Connolly rejected the accusations levelled at her, “I have no agenda except for the success of this country and the people who live here. I have nothing but love and respect for the Hon Washington Misick and the Hon Akierra Misick. They are both resourceful and effective politicians who have given a lot for their country and their party and I have nothing but admiration for the work they have done and are doing.”
Connolly, who is a wife, mother of two and successful business woman surmised: “…if our political process is to be elevated from the taunts of the playground, that we as a people need to say no to those who want to pollute the process and drag down fellow Turks and Caicos Islanders. There are more sensible, God fearing and supportive Turks and Caicos Islanders than there are these political character assassins.”
Also a wife, mother of two and pioneering female figure, Sharlene Robinson shared comments which she has made before to denounce the nasty memes, even if those messages may be in defence of her political career.
“I know that my record can stand for me. This behavior is driven by pure hate and that is truly not who we are as a people. Too many people do not understand that we are on a world stage and we are painting ourselves in the worst light. I encourage persons to use these talents and time for good: Build up and not pull down. Use your preferred politician’s record to promote them as it is a disservice to them to participate in such trash in promotion of them.”
Robinson, like others has seen the sinister attacks cross the line, “Over the years, my children, my husband and my Church have been the subject of nasty attacks all because I have made the choice to serve in the political arena.”
PDM Party Chairman, Douglas Parnell said his party condemns the messages and recommends a few items more worthy of focus, “The Government and especially our Premier and all members of our party have been vilified and personally attacked with nasty and vicious rumors and smear campaigns over the years and we cannot stress how distasteful and distracting these tactics can be to the real issues that need to be addressed in this country.”
Meanwhile, the European Union is seeking to institute copyright protections which would make it illegal to use uploaded information likes photographs and videos; essentially, memes would be banned if the EU gets its way.
By Magnetic Media Newsroom
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government says the breakdown of its relationship
with InterHealth Canada presents an opportunity to reshape healthcare delivery, with plans to expand local medical services, strengthen primary care and reduce dependence on overseas treatment.
During a national briefing following InterHealth Canada’s notice terminating its hospital contract, Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged publicly for the first time that Government and InterHealth had been negotiating an exit from the arrangement for more than a year after what he described as an “irretrievably broken down” relationship.
Despite the contractual dispute, Misick and Health Minister Kyle Knowles stressed that healthcare services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.
“Allow us to do our job,” Knowles appealed, assuring residents that Government is actively managing the transition and safeguarding patient care.
The Premier outlined what amounts to a broader healthcare transformation built around four connected levels of care: strengthened community-based primary healthcare; expanded polyclinic services; enhanced hospital-based secondary care with greater specialist capacity; and overseas tertiary treatment only for cases that cannot be managed locally.
Among the proposals are the long-discussed establishment of intensive care units, expanded use of currently unfinished hospital space,
recruitment of more resident specialist physicians and stronger contract management to oversee future healthcare agreements.
Knowles said the new polyclinic model will broaden services available outside the hospitals, including dentistry, ophthalmology, laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, gynaecology and preventative screening, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving early intervention.
Misick also acknowledged that while the hospital system significantly improved healthcare access after opening in 2010, Government believes further reform is necessary to improve affordability, sustainability and the range of services available within the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The briefing marked the Government’s most comprehensive explanation to date of its plans beyond the InterHealth contract, signalling that officials now see the transition as an opportunity to redesign healthcare delivery rather than simply replace one operator with another.
Turks and Caicos – Every thriving community tells a story long before the first home is built. The placement of roads, the routing of
utilities, the protection of natural resources and the provision of schools, healthcare and emergency services are all the result of decisions made through careful planning. While these elements are often taken for granted, they form the foundation of safe, functional and sustainable communities.
As populations grow and communities evolve, planning becomes increasingly important. It helps ensure that development takes place in locations that can support it, that infrastructure keeps pace with demand, and that public services remain accessible to those who depend on them. Good planning also considers the future, creating communities that can adapt to changing needs while preserving the quality of life enjoyed by current and future generations.
Where development occurs without adequate planning, however, the effects can be felt far beyond the boundaries of a single neighbourhood. Roads may be unable to accommodate emergency vehicles, utilities can become overstretched, and environmental resources may come under increasing pressure. Delivering public services in these circumstances often becomes more difficult and more costly, creating challenges that affect entire communities rather than individual properties alone.
For this reason, sustainable development can only emanate from careful planning. It must be ensured that homes, infrastructure and
essential services develop together in a coordinated and responsible way. Every planning decision contributes to the broader picture of how communities function, grow and respond to future demands.
Supporting that process requires reliable information. Accurate data helps planners and policymakers understand where growth is occurring, identify emerging needs and make informed decisions about infrastructure, housing and public services. It also strengthens collaboration among government agencies by providing a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing communities.
Within the Turks and Caicos Islands, this collaborative approach is reflected in the work of the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), which supports a range of initiatives aimed at improving the understanding of informal settlement development. Through activities such as GIS mapping, the Social Needs Assessment Survey and collaboration with partner agencies, the ISU contributes valuable information that helps support evidence-based planning and long-term decision-making.
Strong communities are not built overnight. They are shaped through thoughtful planning, informed decisions and cooperation across government and the wider community. As the Turks and Caicos Islands population continues to grow, maintaining that focus will be essential to creating communities that are safe, resilient and equipped to meet the needs of generations to come.
Education
Turks and Caicos Islands Students Excel at Cycle 13 WizdomCRM Regional AI Game National Awards Ceremony
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 22 July 2026: The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture proudly congratulates the students of the Turks and Caicos Islands on their outstanding performance at the Cycle 13 WizdomCRM Regional Virtual Sustainable Stock Market AI Game National Awards Ceremony.
The ceremony was held on Thursday, 16 July 2026, at the Blue Haven Resort, under the theme “Champions Today. AI Leaders Tomorrow.” It was hosted by the Ministry in collaboration with WizdomCRM.
Students across the Caribbean took part in the investment challenge, each beginning with a virtual portfolio of USD $25,000 and working to
grow it through simulated investments on regional and international stock markets. Throughout the competition, students were guided by Mr. Rabbit, WizdomCRM’s AI Tutor, and supported by E-Classroom sessions, building financial literacy, critical thinking and investment skills.
The Turks and Caicos Islands emerged as the region’s top-performing territory, claiming the top six regional positions, securing 14 of the Caribbean’s Top 20 places, and placing four schools on the regional leaderboard. Leading the region was Marc Roubentz-Perceus of TCIPS Comprehensive High School, who grew his portfolio to USD $370,336.63. He was followed by Joshua Creese of Raymond Gardiner High School in second place, and Stendro Chalas of TCIPS Comprehensive High School in third. Raymond Gardiner High School was also recognised as the Top School for Cycle 13.
Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, said: “I congratulate every student who took part in Cycle 13. You
have demonstrated the confidence to compete with the very best students regionally, and you have shown our country what is possible. This success is not luck; it is the result of an ecosystem built by students, teachers, parents, school leaders and partners who continue to invest in educational excellence. As we look ahead, the Ministry is in active discussions with WizdomCRM to expand access to its AI-powered learning tools, including Super AI, the AI Tutor, the Plagiarism Checker and the Grammar Checker, so that our young people are equipped with the future-ready skills they need to succeed.”
The Ministry extends sincere appreciation to the dedicated teachers who mentored the students, and to Rubis Turks and Caicos, whose sponsorship provided the cash prizes awarded to the top three regional champions. The Ministry also thanks WizdomCRM, participating schools, parents and stakeholders for their partnership in this achievement, which reflects the Ministry’s continued commitment to innovation, digital learning and youth development across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
WIZDOM CRM – Top Performers Cycle 13
| Position | Name | School | Portfolio Value | Regional Placement |
| 1st | Marc Roubentz-Perceus | TCIPS Comprehensive High School | $ 370,336.63 | 1st |
| 2nd | Joshua Creese | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 264,841.31 | 2nd |
| 3rd | Stendro Chalas | TCIPS Comprehensive High School | $ 247,738.09 | 3rd |
| 4th | Ojed’harlie Jolissaint | Wesley Methodist School | $ 227,389.60 | 4th |
| 5th | Tyshawn Wright | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 189,064.18 | 5th |
| 6th | Jah’keem Missick | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 173,654.58 | 6th |
| 7th | Curvin Handfield | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 156,984.89 | 8th |
| 8th | Chadazea Darville | Wesley Methodist School | $ 147,428.43 | 9th |
| 9th | Vivaan Castleton | British West Indies Collegiate | $ 120,833.83 | 14th |
| 10th | Damendine Simplus | TCIPS Comprehensive High School | $ 118,660.55 | 15th |
| 11th | Dyvion Louis | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 111,572.81 | 16th |
| 12th | Colin Moriarty | British West Indies Collegiate | $ 106,854.81 | 17th |
| 13th | Kensley Felix | TCIPS Comprehensive High School | $ 101,285.06 | 18th |
| 14th | Redjino Saint-Louis | Raymond Gardiner High School | $ 99,927.39 | 19th |
TEACHERS
- Fexnel Colvert – TCIPS Comprehensive High School
- Valerie Olice – Raymond Gardiner High School
- Warren French – Wesley Methodist School
- Phyllis Boucher – British West Indies Collegiate
Top Performing School: Raymond Gardiner High School
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