TCI News
Former Human Rights Commissioner is new president at TCI Labour Tribunal
#TurksandCaicosIslands – January 16, 2019 — The Turks and Caicos Islands Government would like to announce the appointment of Mrs. Mary Doreen Quelch-Missick RGN., BS., LL.B., (Hons.) MBA. MBE., JP, NP, OBE as the new President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Labour Tribunal.
Mrs. Missick’s appointment was approved by Cabinet at its 31st meeting on Wednesday, 18th December 2019 and is for a period three years with effect from 1 January 2020.
Mrs. Missick holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Miami School of Business in Miami, Florida; an LLB (Hons) from the University of Leeds Department of Law in Leeds, England; a Post-Graduate Diploma Bar Vocational Course (BVC) from the Manchester Metropolitan University in Manchester, England; a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Studies (Cum Laude) from Barry University in Miami, Florida and is a qualified Registered Graduate Nurse (RGN) having obtained various qualifications from the University School of Nursing in Kingston, Jamaica and Morriston Hospital in Swansea, Wales.
Having extensive and wide-ranging experience, she has held several positions around the world, including: the United States Army – 346th General Hospital, Perrine, Florida; Grand Turk Hospital, Turks and Caicos Islands (1980-1984); Dade County, Office of Health Services, Miami, Florida (1985-1999); Correctional Medical Authority, State of Florida (1993-1999); Law Training Pupilages: (2000-2002); Twa, Cochrane and Skatfield (7/2002-10/2002); Hallmark Trust, Providenciales (2003-2004); Ambergris Cay, Southern Shores, Providenciales, (2004-2005); National Insurance Board (NIB), Providenciales (2004-2007); Quelch-Missick and Associates, Providenciales, (2005-2008); Turks and Caicos Islands Human Rights Commission (Chairman 2008-2014 and Director 2014-2017); Turks and Caicos Islands Government Interim Government (2009-2012); Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communication, Change Manager (2017- 2019).
Her responsibilities have included serving as a Councilor during the Interim Government, providing advice and support to His Excellency the Governor on legislative reviews of existing laws, drafting new laws, reviewed policies and regulations and made recommendations for amendments. Mrs. Quelch Missick accompanied the Governor to the UK and attended the Eleventh Overseas Territories Consultative Council Joint Ministerial Council during her service, and was a part of the Constitution team to the UK for talks on the 2011 Constitution Order. The Constitution Order that gave rise to, among other notable provisions, the Mixed System of 10 Constituency Seats and Five At Large Seats which were eagerly embraced.
She was tasked with the responsibility for setting up the Office of the Human Rights Commission and served as Chairman/and Director. Under her direction and leadership, the TCI Human Rights Commission became a model and was highly recognized for its Outstanding Outreach Educational Programs with such an initiative being emulated by other Human Rights Institutions in other Overseas Territories. Because of its success, St Helena adopted the Structure and Operational format of the TCI HRC.
Most notably was her work on the OECS Family Law review especially in the areas of Domestic Violence and support for the protection for children, she was an advocate for the victims of violence and was known to be at times, a lone wolf in the wilderness, bringing to light some of the heinous nature of violence perpetrated against women, she created a live weekly television show “FOCUS” to highlight the societal ills plaguing the country and a quest for solutions. She worked with the former Police Commissioner Mr. Dave Rhyder, and other senior members of the RTCIPF to bring about the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit, a Unit that provided confidential support and advice to women traumatized by violence. She was awarded OBE from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11 for her work in Human Rights and attended Buckingham Palace with her family to receive such an honour.
Mrs. Quelch Missick continued on her quest to educate the public on the Fundamental Rights and Freedoms and worked very closely with the former President, Labour Tribunal which saw joint visits throughout the islands conducting workshops to bring about an awareness of the Employment laws and the rights of Employees and Employers in the private sectors mainly the hotels and resorts. They both believed in the concept of Business and Human Rights and met with Director and Board members of the TCIHTA with the goal of fostering a continued dialog with hoteliers and employees that would have seen a sustained program of direct training and education to hoteliers on Employee/Employer rights.
Mrs. Quelch Missick brings her years of experience in various fields, she remains knowledgeable and resourceful and looks forward to the task ahead.
Commenting on her posting, she stated: “I am honoured to be given the opportunity to once again serve the people of my country, this time, in the capacity of President, Labour Tribunal. I aim to do my utmost best in upholding the mission, goals and objectives of the Labour Tribunal and look forward to discharging its Statutory functions in accordance with the Employment Ordinance. I seek to dispense justice fairly and expeditiously and look forward to working with the Tribunal staff, members and assessors for whom, continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Employees and Employers receive a fair and equitable outcome.”
Hon. Vaden Williams, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services with responsibility for the Labour Tribunal stated: “It is my esteem pleasure to congratulate Mrs. Missick and welcome her as the new President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Labour Tribunal. As you know the position has been vacant for some time and Employees and Employers have unsettled matters to resolve. Mrs. Missick has served the people of this county well in her previous capacities and I am sure that she will continue to serve the Employees and Employers with fairness giving her experience, expertise and talent.
On behalf of my entire Ministry I reiterate my sincere congratulations on Mrs. Missick’s success and wish her well during her tenure as President.”
by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for
journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”
Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”
Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.
The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.
Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.
Saunders believes AI can help.
He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.
He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.
His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”
For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.
That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
News
BermudAir Launches New York Area’s First Nonstop Service to South Caicos, Now Just a 3.5 Hour Flight from Newark
Twice-Weekly Nonstop Flights Begin December 20 with Fares from $347 One Way, Creating Direct Access to Salterra Resort & Spa
– New Route Expands BermudAir’s Winter Turks & Caicos Network –
[New York, NY – August 20, 2026] – BermudAir, the leading premium leisure carrier to Bermuda and the Caribbean, today announced it will introduce nonstop flights to South Caicos from Newark this winter. The route places one of the Caribbean’s most secluded island destinations just 3.5 hours from the New York area for the first time.
The new service starts on December 20, 2026, operating on Sundays and Thursdays, and will be the only nonstop service to the destination
from the New York area. This seasonal service will operate through April 25, 2027. Fares start at $347 one way ($773 roundtrip) and go on sale today.
The new South Caicos route creates gives travelers two distinct luxury resort options, with direct access to Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, recently named the No. 1 resort in Turks and Caicos by Condé Nast Traveler.
Set across 85 beachfront acres with a 3,000-foot private white-sand beach, Salterra brings a full luxury resort experience to an island still defined by its historic salinas, pristine waters, bonefishing flats and uninhabited cays. Upon landing at South Caicos International Airport (XSC), guests are approximately 10 minutes from the resort.
While flights go on sale today, the airline’s BermudAir Holidays vacation-packaging division will offer curated travel to South Caicos from next month, featuring flights, hotels and authentic island experiences, with bundled discounts and value-added perks, making it even easier to explore the destination.
Previously BermudAir announced seven new routes to Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Baltimore-Washington (BWI), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), St Petersburg/Tampa (PIE) and Toronto (YYZ) which will all start in December except for Fort Lauderdale which begins October 26.
Expanded Winter Season
- To South Caicos:
- Twice-weekly nonstop from Newark (Sundays and Thursdays) from December 20 through April 25, 2027.
- To Turks and Caicos:
- Weekly nonstop from Newark (Saturdays) and one weekly direct service (Thursdays) from December 19 through April 29, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Boston (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027;
- Weekly nonstop service from Baltimore-Washington (Thursdays), from December 24 through April 29, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from Raleigh-Durham (Thursdays and Sundays), from December 20 through May 2, 2027;
- Thrice-weekly service from Fort Lauderdale (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), from October 26 through May 3, 2027;
- Twice-weekly nonstop service from St Petersburg/Tampa (Mondays and Thursdays), from December 21 through May 3, 2027; and
- Weekly nonstop service from Toronto (Saturdays), from December 19 through May 1, 2027.
“We’re thrilled to continue expanding our Caribbean network as the premium leisure carrier from North America,” said Adam Scott, Founder and CEO of BermudAir. “Now New Yorkers can fly nonstop to two distinct sides of the Turks and Caicos Islands — Providenciales and the secluded island of South Caicos, home to the exquisite Salterra and Sailrock South Caicos resorts.”
The airline consistently earns Net Promoter Scores of 70+, one of the highest ratings in the airline industry. All flights will be operated on comfortable Embraer E190 aircraft, offering passengers the airline’s signature warm service and authentic island hospitality.
“South Caicos has always felt worlds away, and that is part of its magic,” said Michael Tibbetts, Founder and CEO of Salterra. “Beginning this winter, guests can fly nonstop from Newark in 3.5 hours, land at one of the newest international airports in the region and be at Salterra minutes later. This route makes a long weekend escape and an extended stay to one of the Caribbean’s most unspoiled islands remarkably easy, without changing the sense of discovery that makes South Caicos so special.”
For more information or to book flights, visit www.flybermudair.com. Salterra will offer dedicated stay packages timed to BermudAir’s Thursday and Sunday nonstop service. To book a stay at Salterra, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, visit www.salterra.com
