TCI News
TCI: ‘Demons JAGS conquered are resurrected’; Preacher calls the country together at Natl Hero’s Day service
#Providenciales, May 30, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Turks and Caicos finds itself fighting the same issues which JAGS McCartney overcame in the 1970’s and the only solution is a coming together of the people of the islands, said keynote speaker at the annual Memorial Service to honour the country’s first Chief Minister, in the service held on Monday May 27, 2019 in Grand Turk.
“We must come together; some of the same demons that he conquered. We are fighting (and I’m not calling no one a demon, so don’t get no thoughts in your mind) but we must come together. Even the UK Government said recently that we will only entertain constitutional changes if both sides come to the table. So, I implore you to come together, putting politics aside because if we don’t fix it now, we all will suffer,” said Rev Wilbert Jennings, Pastor of Kingdom Dominion International Church.
The National Hero’s Day Memorial service is usually a demonstration of the most honourable gestures of love and appreciation for the late, Most Excellent James Alexander George Smith McCartney and to present a message to the nation at this auspicious occasion is a great privilege. This year, on the 25th anniversary of the holiday, it was Rev. Wilbert Jennings opportunity.
“If JAGS was able to do what he did with the little strength and the effort he had at the time under the circumstances; how much more can we accomplish right about now. He was resilient and strong, a man for the people. JAGS demonstrated that leadership is not measured by how much people serve you, but by how much people you serve.”
Rev Jennings reflected on some of the causes JAGS championed for the people while an ordinary citizen with no formal political place. Demanding that Turks and Caicos benefit from monies the United States was paying to be stationed in the islands; saying monies should be used for infrastructural development of the TCI instead of being fully pocketed by the British.
There was also a story shared by the speaker about JAGS’ demanded better wages for islanders and his selfless style of leadership.
“JAGS went into politics not to enrich himself, but to enrich the lives of other people which was evident by the fact that he did not accept a salary for a certain period of time but allowed the money to go into the treasury to be used for other purposes.”
Rev Jennings, who originates from Grand Turk and is an executive member of the Turks and Caicos Christian Council gave this advice: “Anyone that aspires to be a leader in this country must respect and honour what this man has accomplished. Even if you have in your mind that there is somebody else who should have this day, fine, but today is his day.”
The Most Excellent JAGS McCartney died in a plane crash off New Jersey on May 9, 1980 at just 34-years old; by then he had served four years as the first Chief Minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The late James McCartney remains the country’s only national hero.
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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.
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