TCI News
TCI: Hon. Goldray Ewing attends XXII Annual Caribbean Postal Union Conference & Council of Ministers of Postal Affairs
#Providenciales, July 9, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Honourable Goldray Ewing, Minister for Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation attended the XXII Annual Caribbean Postal Union Conference and the Council of Ministers of Postal Affairs in Havana, Cuba from 25th – 28th June 2019 under the theme “Our Way Forward – Building on the Pillars of the Regional Postal-Sector Strategy”. Other members of the delegation included Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Clara Gardiner, Postmaster General, Mrs. Elizabeth Garland-James and Head of Secretariat, Ms. Cynara John.
The Caribbean Postal Union (CPU) is a governing body that aims to have a Caribbean that has a sustainable Post Network that provides a wide range of demands, communication and logistic services, at a reasonable cost.
At this year’s conference, countries were able to hold discussions on identifying ways to strengthen- their operating capacity, opportunities to contribute to economic growth and the promotion of effective trade through the use of technology, financial inclusion and connectivity. It was through those discussions that countries were able to explore avenues to improve competitiveness and their continued viability in a very challenging and operating environment.
Some of the common challenges being faced by the Post in several countries are:
· Manual processing with costly ineffective software or no access to technology Urgent need to generate revenue to sustain their operations
· Inadequate customer focus
· Inability to digitize bill payments and other agency services
· Difficulty in monitoring and control
Postmaster General, Mrs. Elizabeth Garland-James had the opportunity to take part in panel discussions under the topic Produce for New Business, Products and Services.
Mrs. James shared that the recently opened George Brown Post Office in Providenciales is very timely as it affords the Post the space to handle the opportunities that online shopping and overseas shipment brings, not only for overseas vendors but for local entrepreneurs likewise. She also shared that the use of technology is central to improving customer service and that the process of implementing parcel tracking software has already begun.
Commenting on his first conference overseas since assuming his new portfolio, Honourable Goldray Ewing, Minister with responsibility for Postal Services said; “Attendance at this Caribbean Postal Union Conference and the Council of Ministers for Postal Affairs was very worthwhile. In addition to deliberating on, and learning first-hand about policies decisions that have the potential to affect the Turks and Caicos Islands before the end of this year, it provided tremendous insights as to how we can revolutionize postal services in our own country. A major takeaway from the conference for me is the potential to offer a wide range of services that can be meaningful to a larger percentage of our population and by extension increase Government revenue. It also provided a forum to meet Ministerial colleagues, who no doubt, will be a meaningful resource in my efforts to elevate postal services in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Release: TCIG
Photo Captions:
Header: Left to Right: Hon. Goldray Ewing-Minister for Home Affairs Public Utilities and Transportation, Clara Gardiner OBE– Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Elizabeth James – Postmaster General
Insert:Conference Delegates -XXII Annual Caribbean Postal Union Conference and Council of Ministers Of Postal Affairs, Havana, Cuba
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.
