TCI News
Horrible triple drowning could accelerate tourist area signs across TCI
#Providenciales, August 7, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – A first of its kind tragedy for Middle Caicos will likely accelerate the process of getting more signs and warning notices erected in high traffic tourist spots around the country, but signs will not guarantee public safety reminded the government minister responsible.
“Provisions were made in this year’s budget and there is a procurement process that must be followed but in light of what has happened yesterday, affecting service in the islands that the process would speed up; I would certainly welcome that and certainly encourage that.”
A statement yet again exposing that national needs are frustrated by the molasses-paced of the notorious, Procurement Process.
Minister of Tourism and the Department of Coastal Resources, also the Member of Parliament for North and Middle Caicos, Ralph Higgs spoke today to Magnetic Media; ironically following the unveiling of new ‘hospitality’ signs in down town Providenciales.
On Monday, three tourists lost their lives after a sister island excursion to remote, Bambarra Beach in Middle Caicos, went horrifically wrong.
“I want the public to know, that we must, when we go out and enjoy nature, we must always be reminded and mindful that while nature is as good as it gets, it has an unpredictable side to it. So, we must be cognizant of our environment, we must respect nature and go about enjoying it.”
Three adults were caught up in a quick-rising tide, often tricky current and are believed to have drowned, leaving two young girls – their daughters – on the beach, shocked and devastated by the ordeal.
“Clearly, clearly there is a need for us to constantly work on improving sites and attractions across the length and breadth of the Turks and Caicos. I would like to assure the travelling public that my Government is committed to precisely that. We have made financial provisions in our budgets for signs…but the government is very aware of the need for signs and it is moving as quickly as it can to put signs up across the length and breadth of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Empathy for the family rang out across the Turks and Caicos, as residents learned of the tragedy befalling the group of Americans who were on a day trip from Providenciales to the country’s largest island, Middle Caicos.
There were also words of thanks from Police Commissioner, Trevor Botting, who said: “I speak on behalf of the Force Executive Team and indeed the whole Force when I say we are proud of the response of the Marine Branch Officers, officers on Middle Caicos, other officers that attended from the sister Islands and those officers who assisted from afar in the 911 Centre and the Silver and Gold Commander who all did everything possible to assist those in trouble. I must also point out the efforts of the District Commissioner for the Island of Middle Caicos Mr. Fredrico Johnson, your acts of leadership speak volumes, and the local community who also assisted.”
Islanders say there is a desperate need for more signs, more warnings, even tour guides to keep guests informed and safe. Minister Ralph Higgs says, he agrees.
“Very sadly, but this is the first time something this tragic has happened on any of our beaches. So clearly there will be stepped up attention and we encourage the public to pay attention to the signs and notices. There can be an unpredictable side of nature. For example, you go out and the tide is low and you come back and the tide is high. You go out and the wind is blowing from one direction that may have aided your travels, but on the way coming back the wind has changed and that impedes your travels. So we must always be mindful of these things, advise people of our journeys so that they will know where we are and have an idea of what we are about, and when we can be expected back; that certainly helps the process as well, but we are deeply, deeply saddened about the events of yesterday.”
Minister Higgs cautioned residents that not all beaches will have signs or warnings posted.
#magneticmedianews
#tragedyinmiddlecaicos
#3drowningdeathsinmiddlecaicos
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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