TCI News
Letter to the Editor: Should Youths Get Involved in TCI’s Politics?
#Providenciales, September 18, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Over the years, I have watched in dismay the lack of youth participation in Turks and Caicos politics. The country desperately needs young leaders who are energetic, enthusiastic, morally sound and diligent. There is no doubt that our country has progressed, but that development can only proceed further if we have the youth, who are the future generation, take on the charge of torchbearers to light the way.
Politics basically is an act of leading a nation or a part of nation towards a common development, at the same time rectifying the flaws in the already working system of government. Politicians are representatives of the people, elected by the people to bring their issues to light and improve lives of citizens where possible.
There are several reasons why youth are not as involved but I choose to focus on two. My first thought is that the youth of today are simply not interested in actively participating in the political field as they do not understand how politics shape a nation. If this is the case, I believe as a nation, we need to educate our youth about what politics is and the role they must play. Over the years, many people have had a distorted view of politics, they have fallen to dashed hopes from the failed promises made to them, they have not seen the promised change many have listed in their manifestos, they are still waiting on outdated projects to improve their communities, and they have limited access to their representatives who were once seen as a beacon of hope. I believe one of the ways to get our youth engaged again is to show them that politics that be used as a mechanism for change.
The second reason may be that young people are not given opportunities to prove themselves with the excuse that they are not sufficiently experienced to participate actively in the governance of the country. Almost all the major political parties seem to be functioning under the monopoly of old leaders. While older does mean experience, we must recognize that as the youth of this nation, many of us are coming with fresh new ideas and want to make a valuable contribution to our country.
Is it that the youth of the TCI are content with the way the TCI is being governed? Or are they given opportunities within our political ranks to contribute? The youth of modern TCI are aware of the problems facing our country and the world at large and they want a chance to effectively contribute to the conversation and the change taking place in our country.
When you hear the word politics the first thought which comes to our mind is corruption and we conclude by saying that politics is bad, or politics is dirty. But is politics bad? No, politics is not bad. Political systems exist in most countries to provide people with representation, to bring about effective change through laws. It’s the people and the experience of right politicians and finding ways to properly channel that. There are many corrupt people in politics, but politics is not all bad and we to change the focus on change instead of criticizing.
Youth are the backbone of any economy, system or structure of any nation. They have great potential, and politics is one of the best ways to channel this very potential towards nation building.
We cannot build an apartment just because we have bricks, cement and labor. We need engineer, architect and other key personnel to get the building off the ground. Youth are the architect of the Nation. They can use its resources in the right way to build Turks and Caicos Islands.
Thus, there is a need for the young generation to enter politics and work for the nation. Just imagine what we can do as a nation if our experienced leaders and innovative youth combine their efforts.
I’m not just referring to politics but also matters like inter country business or maintaining relations with other nations, it is important for the youth to have participation as they can think beyond the traditional ways and easily adapt the modern ways of development.
This is the time to think about our country’s future instead of ours. As youth, we have an obligation to begin the work and help build our nation. Once we can set our country into right direction our future will be automatically set.
My question to the youth today is, what role are you playing in building your country? What are you doing to get involved in politics and leadership in our nation?
Ranaldo A. Forbes
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.
