Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 23rd January 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force recently intercepted illegal handheld gambling devices coming through Howard Hamilton International Airport. Often disguised as everyday electronic gadgets, these devices are strictly prohibited under the Casino Ordinance, which imposes severe penalties for their importation.

In the past month alone, Border Force officers intercepted 70 such devices during routine inspections of passengers’ luggage and cargo. Smugglers frequently attempt to conceal these items within personal belongings or mislabel them on cargo manifests to evade detection.

Sophisticated tactics, including hidden compartments and misleading product descriptions, are commonly employed to bypass customs controls.

Under the Casino Ordinance, importing, possessing, or distributing unlicensed gambling devices is a criminal offence. Offenders may face fines of up to $3,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both, depending on the severity of the violation.

The Border Force hereby reminds the public that ignorance of the law is no defence and urges all travellers and businesses to comply with import regulations.  Travellers are advised to ensure that any electronic devices they bring into the country comply with local laws. Importers and retailers are likewise reminded to verify the legality of their products before shipment.

It is important to note that TCI Lotto Games is the only authorised operator of lottery activities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Any other entity or individual involved in importing or possessing unlicensed gambling devices is breaching the Casino Ordinance and will be held accountable under the law.  By remaining vigilant and adhering to these regulations, travellers and businesses can help prevent illegal activities and support the integrity of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ border controls.

For all media inquiries, please contact crilightbourne@gov.tc

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 23 January 2025: The Office of the Deputy Governor is excited to announce the appointment of Mr. Mark Garland as the new Director of Education within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Library Services.

Mr. Garland’s educational journey began at the Ona Glinton Primary School, formerly North Primary School, in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands. He continued his studies at H J Robinson High School in Grand Turk, leaving in Form 4 to pursue GCE O-Level studies at St. John’s College in Nassau, Bahamas, from 1989 to 1991. Mr. Garland went on to earn a Teacher’s Diploma in Education (Credit) from Mico University College in Jamaica from 1991 to 1994, followed by a Bachelor of Education (Hons.) at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, from 1996 to 1998. Additionally, he attained a Master of Science Degree in Education Management from the University of Leicester, UK, in 2004-2005. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Education at Northern Caribbean University, focusing on Leadership, which he commenced in 2021.

Mr. Garland has a wealth of experience in education. He began his career as a Teacher of English Language and Literature in English at H J Robinson High School from 1994 to 1996. He then joined the Clement Howell High School from 1999 to 2004, where he taught English Language and English Literature.

In 2008, Mr. Garland began a new path in his career journey when he was appointed as the Deputy Director of Education for the Turks and Caicos Islands.  He has held this post for over 16 years, working directly with the former Director of Education to significantly influence educational policies and practices and shape the curriculum and standards that affect students’ learning and development. This role provided a platform to lead and inspire educators, administrators, and the community, fostering a positive educational environment and promoting effective teaching strategies.

As the Deputy Director of Education, Mr. Garland was privileged to determine resource distribution, ensuring schools had the necessary tools and support for success. A highlight of his tenure was the personal and professional development opportunities he encountered, networking with other educational leaders and engaging in high-level decision-making. He also advocated for student needs, ensuring equitable access to quality education and addressing systemic issues within the education system.

Mr. Garland commented on his appointment, “From a young age, my parents introduced me to the transformative power of education and its ability to uplift individuals and communities. Growing up in a diverse environment, I witnessed firsthand how access to knowledge can shape lives, inspire hope, and build a brighter future. This understanding has fueled my passion for education and my desire to dedicate my efforts to uplifting others through this vital tool. As I stand on the brink of my next appointment, I am driven by the vision of creating an educational framework that uplifts my fellow men. Education is a catalyst for change, and I am committed to being an agent of that change. My desire to uplift others through education is not merely a career choice; it is my life’s mission. I look forward to the opportunity to inspire, educate, and transform lives, one learner at a time.

I am deeply grateful to acknowledge the invaluable role my family and church have played in my journey leading to this new opportunity. My wife Kayan Garland and children Omar, Sanabria, Nathan and Matthew have been my unwavering foundation, providing encouragement, love, and goodwill every step of the way. My mother, Sandra Garland, brother, Anthony Garland, and sister, Judith Campbell, have all been pillars of strength throughout my life. The support of the Seventh-day Adventist community has been a constant source of inspiration, reminding me to trust in God’s plan and to seek wisdom in all I do. To my colleagues in the Ministry and Department of Education, your support has uplifted me in moments of doubt and fueled my determination. Thanks to our Deputy Governor, H.E. Anya Williams, for her visionary approach, which has provided leaders in the Public Service with the platform to grow, flourish, and excel.

I am truly blessed to have such a supportive network, and I dedicate this milestone to the collective influence you have all had on my life. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.”

Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, commented on this important appointment:  “Heartfelt congratulations are extended to Mr. Mark Garland on his promotion to the post of Director of Education here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.  With over 30 years of dedicated service to the education sector here in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Mr Mark Garland has demonstrated exceptional commitment and expertise in the field of education. His promotion to this important post is a testament to his dedication to improving the quality of education in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We are excited to see the positive impact he will continue to make for our students, schools and our islands in this new role.

Congratulations, Mr. Garland, on your well-deserved promotion.”

Turks and Caicos, January 20, 2025 – Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the 41^st meeting of Cabinet held on December 11^th, 2024. All members of Cabinet were present with the exception of Hon. Rhondalee Knowles, Attorney General, with Ms. Khalila Astwood acting as Attorney General.

At this meeting Cabinet:

• Considered proposals related to the 2022 Crown Land Review Report.
• Approved the mutation of parcels 60603/57, 60610/316, 60700/107, and 20313/47, 58 & 59 and for the same to be vested with the TCI Airports Authority.
• Received a presentation on proposals on the integration of Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) technologies into programs at the Turks and Caicos Community College.
• Approved the management authority of parcel 60503/315 to the Turks & Caicos Islands Sports Commission for multi-purpose use for the development of a community park and recreational facility.
• Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission on the establishment of a National Sports Training Centre.
• Received a presentation from the Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission regarding the establishment of a Department of Parks and Recreation.
• Received a presentation from the Ministry of Health on matters relating to the National Health Insurance Board.
• Approved the re-appointment of Mrs. Angela Musgrove as the Chief Executive Officer of Invest Turks and Caicos for a three-year term.
• Approved the appointment of Mr. Henry Wilson as a member to the Fisheries Advisory Committee.
• Noted the award of the following contracts in line with the process according to the provisions of the Public Procurement Ordinance; Contract Award Notification:

1. PN 005690, TR 24/09, Upgrading Bight Park
2. PN 005729, TR 24/23, Vehicles for Immigration

• PN 005730, TR 24/08, DDME Communication Equipment – Mobile Antenna

1. PN 005765, TR 24/31, Redevelopment of Regatta Village
2. TCINIB 01/2024, TR 24/26, Vehicles for NIB

Further information on these matters will be presented by Ministers in due course.