TCI News
TCI: When Governments Fail the Nation Falls – Hon Akierra Mary Deanne Missick, Opposition MP Leeward and Long Bay
#Providenciales, June 20, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – First and foremost please allow me the opportunity to congratulate all of the hard working teachers and students of the graduating classes of the TCI. The Grade Six Achievement Test (“GSAT”) results are upon us and it has to be greeted with bitter-sweet acceptance.
While most schools performed well it is interesting to note that the children that attend schools left in shambles following the hurricanes two years ago did not perform as is customary for their institutions. In September 2017 following the storms, I wrote to the Minister of Education offering bipartisan support to assist in rapid repairs of the schools which at the time had sustained some, but easily repairable damage.
In my recommendations I listed “The US$4,000,000.00 that is budgeted for in this financial year from the previous administration’s successful grant from the European Development Fund 11 (which could) be renegotiated quickly, to be utilized to repair all primary schools in the TCI which were affected, and in some instances expand them where they can be expanded.” I predicted the consequences would be experienced then that we are seeing today.
To date, my recommendations seem to have fallen on deaf ears and the schools, which were left open to the elements, have drifted further into disrepair. Some estimates indicate that the cost of repairing the schools have now increased ten-fold in some instances due to exposure to the elements and water and moisture ingress over time.
Our students, left without proper facilities, have now fallen victim to the Government’s failure as this Administration lead by the self-proclaimed “best man,” has failed them. In my view, these students for all intents and purposes did not fail but the system and their Government has failed them. Imagine being a student forced to function in small cramped classroom space and still be expected to perform on a national level and compete with others who are learning in approved and well-kept environments.
As former Minister of Education, I believe that the results have warranted an immediate call to action as we must act and act immediately to save those who have fallen. They have not fallen to failure but in my view, they have fallen to the failure of the Government and the failure of the system. I call upon the Minister of Education and her technical staff to immediately implement a GSAT rescue program that will run through the summer break to offer additional support and coaching for the affected students and allow them to re-sit the exam in the end of August.
I know that there are those who may say that these students need to go back to primary school for another year and re-sit the exam but I in my heart of hearts believe that there are those among these students who deserve another shot and deserve that shot sooner rather than later. To have in excess of 100 students repeat Grade 6 in the TCIG schools, will place an enormous burden on the already affected schools. The circumstances in the case of these students are extenuating and they deserve our full support and consideration. One for all and all for one, let us help our brothers and sisters because among them may be our future Premier and Minister of Education. Failure is not fatal, may the good Lord help us as a Country to help all of our youth to stand tall as we build this Beautiful by Nature country.
Let no Child be left behind.
Release: Hon. Akierra Missick
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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