TCI News
Editorial: Listen to your Mama
#Providenciales, August 23, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – I won’t pretend I know why, but people often fall victim to the thought that ‘bad things, terrible things will not happen to me’ and yet, bad things, terrible things tend to always prove that theory wrong. Things happen – good and bad – to everyone.
When it comes to how, perhaps as younger people, we tend to underestimate the gravity of the way we are behaving and the choices we are making. Then, in steps this wonderful and wise woman; Momma.
Gatta love those Mommas. They are amazing. Doggedly determined to care for us and to see us make choices and behave in a way that ensures we are also caring for ourselves.
They wiped our little butts when we were babes and would still wipe our butts if we couldn’t do it ourselves as grown-ups.
More often than not, Mamas are amazing.
Still, when it comes to what we want to do, when and how we want to do it we shirk their training, ignore their beckoning for us to do better and actually see them as annoying, nagging, overbearing, overreaching and down-right dictators.
But hear me now; it is so often proven that Mama knows best and that her experiences have taught her how to guide her children to right living and a successful life.
I recently learned of a young man who in trying to help a friend or two, got himself into unbelievably major trouble. It was so bad that every road pointed to a painful, grueling experience for him and his family including his Mama.
A path was chosen and that path has put this young man in a place that is certainly not home. It is so unlike the loving home from which he came that it is making him physically sick. It has put his entire family in a state of shock and depression, it has turned his world upside down and it has broken the heart of his beloved Mama.
No one is exempt when it comes to treachery reaching our doors steps. As someone said, ‘we all live in glass houses’.
I didn’t listen to my Momma too.
In my case, I married a man who was possessive and abusive and the marriage lasted just a couple of years. I am mentally and emotionally fine now, but my world financially and physically was rocked.
I believe because my Mama never gave up on me, despite my sometimes, rude defiance, I am alive today. I mustered the sense and courage to exit that dangerous stage and take a hold of my life and latch onto the potential she has always told me I have… ‘Sky is the Limit DeeDee’ she would say.
Nowadays, I call my mother for her advice. I seek her out to hear her opinion on any major decision and I even like her perspective on the minor matters of my life.
I now listen to my Mama.
The young man, who inspired my musings is incarcerated today at Her Majesty’s Prison. And I am told that above all the regrets and emotions with which he is dealing – top of his mind are thoughts about his Mama.
He is sorry that he did not heed her advice and most of all sorry that his indiscretion, that is his lack of good judgement is causing his Mama, great pain.
Still, I believe the man was spared. I believe it would have been a worse outcome for him and I believe that our good God stepped in for him as he did for me, to bring a dramatic end to disregard for his Mama’s loving counsel.
There is always potential for a Phoenix experience; many do rise from the ashes and get a second chance to value the advice of their amazing Mama.
This man will too. It is what I pray for and what I believe. To Mamas everywhere. I salute you… you are amazing!
You will find the latest TCI News right here on Magnetic Media fanpage, including August 23, 2019 edition of Turks and Caicos News Daily. Our social media newspaper which today features crime news, tropics update and consumer news from FortisTCI and NCS Financial Group with their new product VIGO. Read it. Love it. Share it.
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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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