Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

Turks and Caicos, April 25, 2025 – Turks and Caicos national security leaders were deliberately vague about what led to their snap decision to shut down schools across Providenciales this week. The likely reason was to avoid panic after they were alerted to the dangerous and frightening prospect of what some anonymous sender planned to inflict upon the children, families and at least six private schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, has launched an active investigation following the receipt of suspicious emails to six schools earlier this evening.

At this stage, police intelligence has not confirmed the legitimacy of the threats. However, the police force is treating the matter with the utmost seriousness.”

However, holding onto the precise threat spelled out in those ghastly emails, meant parents remained frustratingly clueless about what was so serious that it prompted school officials, to late on Wednesday night, ask them to not to drop their children to school.

Schools which were in session complied with the police statement, though we understand there was no direct communication with school administrations.

Magnetic Media also learned that those now infamous emails, dispatched to half a dozen schools including the International School, Precious Treasures, Provo Primary and British West Indies Collegiate, contained a bone-chilling threat to shoot at the schools this Friday, April 25, 2025.

“…you’ve been randomly selected for a shooting I recommend to have minimal damage done to close the school.  You will be given a 24Hr notice and a 12 Hr notice, God bless.”

There was no blessing obviously and thankfully, no violence.  Some of the schools targeted with the violent email are still on Easter Holiday.

“A joint meeting between education officials and senior police officers was convened promptly after the emails were reported. The RT&CIPF’s Intelligence Unit is fully engaged and working to trace the origin of the messages.

We understand that these messages may cause concern and wish to assure the public that everything possible is being done to protect our school communities,” informed the police press statement.

The statement came after 10 p.m. on Thursday April 23.

The sender, identified in the email as ‘Charles Millson’ and issued the threat to multiple schools via their staff accounts about 12 hours earlier, just minutes before 10 a.m. on April 23.  In the subject line: ‘Close Down the School.’

In this age of hyper-advanced technology, the email probably emanated from a phony account created to perpetrate this crime, which is in violation of the Summary Offences Ordinance, where ‘causing fear’ is cited as a crime and the Firearms Ordinances, which carries a weighty penalty of a 12-year minimum mandatory prison time for possession of an unlicensed gun and ammunition.

Authorities are expected to update the public on the progress of the investigation and its next steps. Students will remain home on Friday.

Turks and Caicos, April 25, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands is proud to announce that DeAjah Smith has been selected to join the 2025 cohort of the internationally acclaimed Women’s Sport Leadership Academy (WSLA). Smith’s acceptance into the program marks a significant achievement, as she was chosen from a competitive pool of over 95 applicants representing more than 50 countries.

Her successful application was strongly supported by TCI Women in Sports, with a personal endorsement from the organisation’s founder and former president, Hon. Rita Gardiner. A trailblazer for women’s sports in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Gardiner commended Deajah’s “unwavering dedication, leadership potential, and her commitment to advancing opportunities for women and girls in sport.”

The WSLA selection team expressed high regard for Deajah’s skills, experiences, and aspirations, recognising her as someone who would not only benefit from the program but also contribute meaningfully to the global network of women leaders in sport.

A passionate advocate for youth and women’s empowerment through sport, Deajah has been actively involved in promoting inclusivity and development across the islands. Her selection underscores the growing impact of Caribbean women in global sports leadership spaces.

“I’m incredibly honoured to be accepted into WSLA 2025,” said Deajah. “This opportunity means so much to me, not only as a personal milestone, but as a chance to represent Turks and Caicos and inspire the next generation of girls in sport. I’m grateful for the support of Hon. Rita Gardiner and TCI Women in Sports for believing in me and championing my journey.”

The Women’s Sport Leadership Academy, based in the United Kingdom, is a globally recognised initiative that equips emerging leaders with the tools, strategies, and network to drive positive change in sport and beyond.

As Deajah prepares to represent the Turks and Caicos Islands on the international stage, her achievement serves as a source of national pride and a call to continue investing in the leadership potential of young women across the region.

PRESS RELEASE

 FROM THE MINISTRY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 25^th April 2025 – The Ministry of Health and Human Services assures the public that the National Health Insurance Board (NHIB) remains operational and fully committed to providing access to quality healthcare services for all insured persons in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

As the organisation undergoes administrative review and restructuring, the Ministry emphasizes that the Board is taking all necessary steps to maintain stability and continuity of care. Subscribers are urged to continue making their regular contributions, which are essential to ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services at the highest standards, both locally and abroad.

Interim Chair of the NHIB, Mrs. Shonia Been, said, “The Board is actively working to maintain a seamless experience for subscribers and providers alike. “We are focused on ensuring that healthcare access remains uninterrupted and that the trust placed in us by the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands is honoured.”

The NHIB encourages all insured persons, employers, and self-employed individuals to continue making monthly contributions. These payments are critical to sustaining the national health insurance system and enabling the Board to meet its obligations to local and overseas healthcare providers, ensuring that beneficiaries receive the care they need without disruption.

Commenting on the NHIB, the Minister of Health and Human Services, the Hon. Kyle Knowles, stated, “This is a time of renewal and strengthening for the NHIB. While internal assessments are ongoing, the public can be confident that the Board remains open for business and that healthcare delivery is not only stable but being actively protected and improved. We urge all subscribers to continue making their monthly payments, as their contributions directly support our ability to deliver care to every resident who needs it.”

To further enhance transparency and accountability, contracted examiners, Interpath, have commenced a comprehensive forensic examination of the Board’s operations and financials. This process aims to identify areas for improvement and ensure that the NHIB continues to operate in the best interest of the people.

The public is further advised that all NHIB offices throughout the Islands are open for business and ready to assist with queries, claims, registrations, and payments. Customer service teams are available to support subscribers and guide them through any concerns.

As the organisation continues to strengthen its internal operations and governance, it reaffirms its mission to promote the health and well-being of every resident through a fair and sustainable insurance system.