Connect with us

TCI News

Climate Change moving faster than strategies to cope; TCI & UNICEF sign declaration for safer schools

Published

on

#Providenciales, June 18, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – ‘National Leadership’ and ‘Political Will’ are keys to curbing the disastrous effects of climate change on public infrastructure, and last week Thursday the Turks and Caicos Islands officially joined forces with a global partner to ensure schools are stronger and safer. 

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and UNICEF (Barbados & Eastern Caribbean Office), together signed the Safe School Declaration ahead of a two-day conclave held at the Shore Club on Long Bay Beach.

“As the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres said while addressing the General Assembly last September, Climate Change is moving faster than we are…”  reminded Dr. Aloys Kamuragiye, the UNICEF Representative for the Eastern Caribbean who brought remarks at the opening of the Safe School Declaration.

It was explained that the pact will drive practices and policies so that schools are less affected, students and faculty are better equipped to respond in disasters or emergencies and learning is uninterrupted when disaster strikes.

The Safe School Initiative, explained the Ministry of Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services ‘is an inter-governmental political commitment that provides countries the opportunity to express support for protecting education from disasters, conflicts etc.; the importance of the continuation of education pre-during and post disaster and the implementation of concrete measures to deter the community using the School as a shelter or relief camp.’

“There is no room for business as usual.  Investment in resilience, Turks and Caicos, is a must.  It must be among the top priorities, “said Dr. Kamuragiye who added that, “Investing significantly in disaster risk reduction will allow Turks and Caicos Islands to achieve a critical outcome.”

The UNICEF Representative was emphatic that the commitment to the Safe Schools global initiative demonstrates accountability and works to protect physical and environmental assets, as well. 

“It is timely that Turks and Caicos Islands commit to implementing the right measures to strengthen safety in school settings.  The education system is to do its share in implementing national resilience, actually.  Education plays a crucial role in reducing vulnerability and building community resilience furthermore it is essential for empowering people…”

The hurricanes of September 2017 devastated public infrastructure in the TCI and Ministry of Education schools were hardest hit. 

There was no school for over a month for some schools, while others were temporarily displaced and at least two public primary schools remain in alternative locations while their campus structures are rebuilt.

UNICEF is admonishing the Turks and Caicos Islands Government to establish and adhere to safe school policies in an earnest effort to catch up with climate change, to minimize interruptions in learning and to protect students’ and teachers’ lives.

“Schools should incorporate disaster resilient structures according to government policy, while at the same time calling for knowledge and awareness of hazards.”

The Declaration was signed on Thursday June 13, 2019 at the Safe Schools Declaration which was hosted by the TCI Ministry of Education in association with UNICEF, Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Heritage and Disaster Management and supported by Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency and the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College.

#magneticmedianews

#climatechange

#tcijoinswithunicef

#declarationforsaferschools

TCI News

Frontier Airlines’ Arrival to Turks & Caicos Marks a Game-Changing Connection

Published

on

Turks and Caicos, October 25, 2025 – Budget-friendly skies are opening over the Turks and Caicos Islands as Frontier Airlines prepares to launch its first-ever nonstop flights between Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) — the world’s busiest air hub.

Starting December 20, 2025, the twice-weekly service will offer residents and tourists a direct, affordable gateway to and from the U.S. mainland. The new route marks Frontier’s debut in the Turks and Caicos, part of a major regional expansion that includes 22 new routes across Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.

“We couldn’t be more excited to begin operations in Providenciales,” said Josh Flyr, Frontier’s Vice President of Network and Operations Design. “With our nonstop service to Atlanta, we’re making travel easier, more affordable, and unlocking connections to countless destinations across the U.S. and beyond. It’s not just about tourism — it’s about opportunity.”

Big Win for Providenciales and the Region

The move positions Howard Hamilton International Airport as a growing Caribbean hub. Frontier’s low-fare model is expected to stimulate visitor arrivals, particularly from Atlanta — a key U.S. tourism feeder city — while giving Turks and Caicos residents new, cost-effective travel options for business, education, and leisure.

Industry observers note that the timing couldn’t be better. Turks and Caicos tourism remains on an upward trajectory in 2025, with hotel occupancy and airlift both climbing following the pandemic rebound. Frontier’s entry adds competitive pricing to an air market long dominated by legacy carriers, expanding the reach of the destination to more budget-minded travelers.

A Wider Growth Strategy

The Atlanta–Providenciales launch is part of Frontier’s aggressive Caribbean push this winter, which also includes new flights to NassauSt. MaartenPuerto Vallarta, and San José del Cabo. Introductory fares to select destinations are as low as US $69 one-way.

For Turks and Caicos, the connection to Atlanta — one of Frontier’s strategic bases — means instant access to hundreds of onward destinations in North America and beyond.

As Frontier joins the expanding roster of carriers serving the islands, tourism officials are calling it a “win-win for accessibility and affordability.” And for travelers? It’s a golden ticket to paradise — at a fraction of the cost.

Continue Reading

TCI News

Turks & Caicos Police Commissioner Urges Students to “Awaken Their Sleeping Giants”

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

TCI News

ISU SUPPORTS SUCCESSFUL MULTIAGENCY ENFORCEMENT EXERCISE IN FIVE CAYS AND BLUE HILLS

Published

on

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 23 October 2025 — The Crown Land Unit, supported by the Informal Settlements Unit (ISU) and the Immigration and Border Services, led the successful execution of a reclamation exercise in Five Cays and Blue Hills on Tuesday August 26, 2025. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force provided security for the operation which formed part of the Government’s mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown Land.

During routine inspections, the Crown Land Unit identified three unoccupied, illegally constructed steel and concrete block structures on parcels 60610/226, 60610/228, and 60610/239, located in the area commonly referred to as Sand Bar Street, Five Cays. Notices of Illegal Occupation were issued in accordance with the Crown Land Ordinance, however the owners of the structures failed to comply with the instructions contained in the Notices. As a result, enforcement action was taken to remove the structures and reclaim the land.

The exercise resulted in the full reclamation of 1.18 acres of Crown Land, with the removal of three unauthorized structures which were all block and concrete structures from foundation to belt beam stages of development.

Following the reclamation in Five Cays, the team proceeded to Blue Hills where ten Letters of Illegal Occupation were served across two parcels, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to land protection and management.

The ISU reaffirms its commitment to supporting partner agencies in the coordinated management of Crown Land, ensuring that all enforcement actions are conducted lawfully, efficiently, and in the public interest.

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING