TCI News
TCI: Ms. Kayon Cox Receives UK 2019/2020 Chevening Scholarship
#Providenciales, August 17, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – The Governor’s Office is pleased to announce that Ms. Kayon Cox has been awarded a prestigious Chevening Scholarship for the 2019/20 academic year.
Ms. Cox will be studying an MSc in Sustainability and Business at the University of Leeds in the UK starting 16th September 2019.
The award was presented by His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin at a farewell reception in his office on the 16th August 2019. On hand to witness this momentous occasion were invited guests including Director of Education, Edgar Howell and Chevening Alumni Mrs. Kenisha Bacchus, Deputy Managing Director of the Financial Services Commission; Ms. Myrlchina Lewis, Deputy Director of Customs Department; and Mrs. Jasmine Thomas, National Youth Director.
Chevening Scholarships are awarded each year to outstanding individuals with leadership potential who wish to contribute to the development of the Turks & Caicos Islands.
Kayon was brought up in the beautiful island of South Caicos where she graduated from both the Iris Stubbs Primary School and the Majorie Basden High School as Valedictorian. She went on to further her education in the United States and graduated from the Johnson and Wales University in North Miami Florida with her Bachelors in Business Administration, achieving a 4.0 GPA. She is currently the Registrar for the Ministry of Border Control, Citizenship and Employment Services.
Expressing her excitement about being selected, Kayon said:
“I am very ecstatic to be the Chevening Scholar for 2019/2020; really and truly I’m speechless, I have no words for this feeling. I’ve always wanted to be a Chevening Scholar, I contemplated applying for the last two years, but I felt as if I should’ve come home to Turks & Caicos to give back service to the government since I was a government scholar in 2015. So now that I have the opportunity, I’m so excited to go to Leeds and take up all the opportunity that I would have and to use that platform to develop my leadership skills. Scholarship applications are now open ‘til November 5th, make sure that you take up the opportunity and apply. Go and become a Chevening Scholar, like me.”
Governor Dakin commented:
“It was a pleasure to meet Kayon to congratulate her on the award of a Chevening Scholarship. Our intention with these scholarships is to help build Turks & Caicos future through the development of its most talented people. So Kayon follows in the footsteps of extraordinary Chevening Scholars from the Turks & Caicos whom have gone before her. As Governor, I encourage you to apply for these prestigious and valuable scholarships – applications are presently being accepted for next year’s competition. As they say: “you’ve got to be in it, to win it” so please don’t self-censor or limit your opportunities through lack of belief; you may just surprise yourself. I know that Kayon will continue to make her family and her country proud as she studies for her master’s degree at the University of Leeds. I wish her all the very best on her Chevening journey.”
The Application season for this year’s 2020/21 scholarship opens on the 5th August and closes on the 5th November 2019 and we encourage all eligible persons to apply.
IN ORDER TO SUMBIT AN ELIGIBLE CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS MUST:
- Be a Citizen of TCI, and return to TCI for a minimum of two years after completing their scholarship.
- Have completed an undergraduate degree
- Have at least two years’ work experience
- Be able to receive an unconditional offer from a UK university
Chevening Scholarship offers a monthly stipend, travel to and from TCI, a thesis or dissertation grant and tuition fees.
Applicants should read the online guidance and be able to demonstrate how they meet the Chevening selection criteria before submitting an application. Further details of closing dates and priority subject’s areas are available at
For more Information Contact the Chevening Officer- Mr Damian Wilson
Email: ddwilson@gov.tc
Telephone: +1649 -946-2308/9
Once again, applications are open 5th August 2018 – 5th November 2019
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
-
-
- 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
-
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.
