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TCI: “We the People”

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#Providenciales, April 20, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – There are 4 important initiatives I think the government should embark on. All of which are extremely beneficial to this country and local businesses in the nations capital “Grand Turk”. But the most important issue pertains to the perceived lack of support for our local Marine branch.

Here are the initiatives:

  1. Public beach access near passenger loading zone, annex Carnival cruise center.
  2. Improvement of sanitation services on south beach.
  3. The need for a proper public ramp at south dock.
  4. A permanently stationed Marine vessel in Grand Turk.

On the behalf of the boat operators and concern citizens alike in Grand Turk, we are making a public plea for a marine vessel to be stationed here.

We understand the Government has austerity measures in place due to other capital projects, nevertheless, I think the welfare and safety of citizens should always be high priority for any government.

I have personally sent letters to the past and present respective government departments addressing these concerns. There has been discussions but little to no action taken.

We have a dedicated team of individuals working in our marine branch in Grand Turk, they just need the proper tools and resources and to do their jobs.

It’s No fault of their own. I have seen them up on south beach doing the jobs of local law enforcement and regulatory departments. Such as, confiscating illegal sale of alcohol, dealing with vendors over arguments with chairs, etc.

That should be No, No..their expertise should be much better utilized.

There is a host of benefits to government allocating a decent vessel just for Grand Turk and Salt Cay, and having a more robust marine branch.

  1. First of all, it will provide a means of transportation for rapid response in case of an emergency or a serious illness with our fellow citizens in Salt Cay.
  2. Secondly, it will help with the enforcement of DEMA and Fisheries regulations and protecting our marine life.
  3. Thirdly, it will helps to support the local boat operators especially in search and rescue operations not to include, Interception of Poachers and boarder protection.

Their presence alone in our waters is a show of force and added protection for cruise ship passengers embarking on our shores. On any given day, when the cruise ships are in, we literally have thousands of sunbathers on the beach or in our waters. Many of them stray in non swim zones with no security, available marine patrol or DEMA presence to assist if needed. This is a huge safety concern.

Boat tour operators are required to pay annual fee for radio licenses for each vessel. If there is no readily available marine rescue vessel, what’s the purpose or the value?

What are we waiting for; something drastic to happen before reacting?

It goes beyond just what can the government do for the people or boat operators. It’s common decency and making public safety and security a priority.

With Tourisim being our bread and butter particular in Grand Turk and Salt Cay, we need to be more proactive with matters of this nature. It’s not rocket science. What we have to do is start holding the folks we elected to represent us much more accountable. They were placed in office to be the voice of the people and this is an area where they have failed us miserably in Grand Turk.

For those who may not have been made aware, there has been a number of various serious boating incidents occurring right here in Grand Turk. I can name a hand full of them. There needs to be a paradigm shift in how we look at Grand Turk in terms of resource allocation, how things use to be and the growing demand for change. Still quaint, but Grand Turk is no longer a small sleepy town. Criminals and weapons are entering our boarders which ever way they can. We can not and should not stand by idol or turn a blind eye. Wake up my people!

Ed Forbes 

Concern citizen

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News

New Honour coming for JAGS; Cabinet agrees to re-name Grand Turk road 

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Turks and Caicos, May 11, 2025 – Her Excellency, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 4th 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.

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Government

Paula Virgil-Stubbs Appointed Executive Administrator in The Office of The Deputy Governor

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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!”

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News

Dark Irony as Budding Musician Ricardo “Stunna P” Pierre remembered by Jack 

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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.

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