TCI News
The Overseas Territories need to collaborate and strategize including an Exit Strategy
#Providenciales, February 28, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – In the introductory section of the Foreign Affairs Committee, the report stated that “the UK has an obligation under article 73 of the United Charters to provide for the well-being of the inhabitants.” This statement alone is hypocritical in that the recommendations proposed by the FAC is not in the well-being of the Overseas Territories (OT).
The report also stated that the “UK Parliament has, as matter of constitutional Law, unlimited powers to legislate for the OT. In practice, it tends only to legislate in areas that are reserved to the UK, such as foreign policy and national security, and not in areas devolved to the OT without their consent. If this is their practice, then the FAC should not threaten the OT with recommendations without their consent. It is the time the Overseas Territories stop taking and start acting and one way to do so is to collaborate and strategize in dealing with the UK on all issues going forward.
Same Sex Marriage
The Committee asked the five leaders of Cayman, Monserrat, Anguilla, BVI and Turks if they would consider legalizing the same sex marriage. All islands except the Cayman Islands responded. In my opinion, the only leader that responded strongly was the leader of BVI who said that their constitution states that marriage is between man and a woman. The other leaders said more or less it would require consultation. We have been over this question for years now and we know the answer by the people is no to same sex marriage so every leader should have responded on the same way as BVI leader. I do not know what the other islands constitution state but I know TCI constitution also states that marriage is between a man and woman. The OTs need to be radical with the UK and remind them of their obligation to provide for the well-being of the inhabitants. The inhabitants say no to same sex marriage and they should honour the desires of the inhabitants.
British Overseas Territories Act 2002
As a result of the British Overseas Territories Act 2002, the citizens of the Overseas Territories became full British citizens whereby they can live, work and vote in the UK just like any other British citizens. However, this was not reciprocated to the UK citizens. Quite naturally, the UK citizens would think it is unfair for overseas citizens to reside in UK without restrictions and they cannot do the same thing in the Overseas Territories. Obviously due to the size of our population and the fact that most of the OT citizens are outnumbered, we cannot and should not accept reciprocity as this is not in the well-being for the OT.
Should the UK Government accept this recommendation from the FAC, then the OT need to decide whether or not they want their citizens to have full British status. While many of us including myself have embraced this opportunity for our children, it will not be worth having this status with UK citizens allowing to reside in the OT without restrictions.
Conclusion
So far, the Cayman Islands is the only OT who said they would seek independence should the UK proceed with the recommendation by the FAC.
The OT must develop a plan in the event the proposed changes are handed down to us. Do not take anything for granted as we do not want to be caught with our pants down. We need a UK exit strategy plan even if we do not plan to exit now. If the citizens of the OT want to remain with the UK, then the OT need to present to the UK, long term strategies that are in the best interest of the OT citizens. Hopefully, it will cover issues such as crime reduction strategies and the protection of the borders of all of the OT particularly TCI which is under constant threat.
By Drexwell Seymour
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
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- 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
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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.
