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What is the role of the Turks and Caicos’ recently appointed Nat’l Security Permanent Secretary?

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Tito Lightbourne, Permanent Secretary of National Security

#TurksandCaicosIslands – The Turks & Caicos Islands Government is on January 23, 2020 announced the appointment of Tito Lightbourne as the Permanent Secretary of the new National Security Secretariat.

A media release explained that Mr. Lightbourne joined the Public Service in April 2007 as a Budget Analyst in the Budget Department subsequent to attaining a Bachelor’s of Business Administration degree from Florida International University in 2005 and a Masters of Business Administration degree from Nova South Eastern University in 2006.

Tito Lightbourne, TCI’s newest Permanent Secretary. Appointed to National Security in January 2020

Successively, Mr. Lightbourne then moved on to the Human Resource Management Directorate (formerly Office of Public Service Management) as a Human Resource Officer in 2009, Executive Administrator within the Office of the Chief Executive in 2010, Director-Democratic Services within the Office of the Deputy Governor in 2012 where he still serves today as Executive Director.

Coincidentally, Mr. Lightbourne’ s first appointment to the Public Service was under the supervision of the then Budget Director, Mrs. Anya Williams who is now the Deputy Governor for the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service and Mr. Lightbourne’ s immediate supervisor since both of their appointments in 2012.

Commenting on his new appointment, Mr. Lightbourne stated; “I am deeply humbled and honored to serve in the position of Permanent Secretary, as this is one of the most senior roles in the TCI Public Service. This role will specifically focus on developing and enhancing the National Security Infrastructure of the TCI under the remit of the National Security Council (NSC), equally reporting to the Governor and Premier. Moreover, this coordinated and meticulous approach to resolving matters of National importance is new to the TCI and will build on some of the existing inter-agency working groups, such as the Joint Law Enforcement Taskforce (JLET) amongst others.”

“In addition, I am also very grateful to the Governor’s Office, Office of the Premier and the UK for the work that has already been undertaken in this area and the support provided by way of a seconded National Security Advisor to TCI.”

Commenting on the appointment, Her Excellency, Deputy Governor, Anya Williams said; “It gives me great pleasure to formally congratulate Mr. Tito Lightbourne on his appointment as the Permanent Secretary of the new National Security Secretariat. Tito has served as the Executive Director of my office during my entire tenure as Deputy Governor and over the past 7 years has demonstrated sound professionalism and astute leadership in the carriage of his duties.

“As the Executive Director and Accounting Officer for the Office of the Deputy Governor, Tito held direct oversight responsibility for the Office of the Deputy Governor itself, the Contracts and Performance Management Unit, the Human Resource Management Directorate, the Training Unit and the Cabinet Secretariat. In addition, as the Senior Executive to the Head of the Public Service, he was responsible for engaging at a senior level with all ministries and departments across government to follow up ongoing delivery, performance and other initiatives matters across government, thereby giving him insight into the operations of the entire government.  He has led on policy and program development in a number of key areas as a member of the working group on Pay & Grading, Pensions and Gratuities and Procurement to name a few.  Has served as a key member of the Procurement Board.  Has been the Manager of the Civil Service Professional Development Fund since its inception and has been an all-around great team member and leader in his respective field.

“I am grateful to Tito for his service over the years and could not be more proud of his accomplishments. Congratulations on your well-deserved promotion Tito! I look forward to working with you in your new capacity as the Permanent Secretary of the National Security Secretariat where I know you will do extremely well!”

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Ministry of Tourism and Experience Turks and Caicos Extends Condolences to the Family of Missing Tourist

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos (July 16th, 2025) — The Ministry of Tourism and Experience Turks and Caicos confirm, with deep sadness, that the body found on July 5th is that of Mr. Brian Tarrence, a visitor from the United States who was reported missing on June 25th.
Mr. Tarrence was vacationing with his wife on Providenciales when he left their accommodations in the early hours of the morning. Extensive efforts were made to locate him, including ground searches, drone surveillance, CCTV analysis, and the involvement of local residents, volunteers, and tourism stakeholders. The body was found following a coordinated search operation led by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

Authorities have indicated there is no evidence of suspicious circumstances surrounding Mr. Tarrance’s disappearance or death. A full investigation is ongoing, and the appropriate authorities will continue to liaise with Mr. Tarrence’s family.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Tarrence,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly. “We are grateful to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and to every individual, volunteer, and organisation who took part in the search. The entire Turks and Caicos community mourns this loss alongside the Tarrance family.”
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant of Experience Turks and Caicos, added: “This is a deeply tragic outcome, and our hearts go out to Mr. Tarrence’s wife and family. We are committed to supporting them in any way we can during this difficult time.”
The Turks and Caicos Islands remains committed to the safety and well-being of all who visit. This incident, while heartbreaking, has shown the strength and compassion of the local community.

Further details will be provided by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force as appropriate.

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TCI Hospital CEO Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant Named Finalist for Caribbean Global Award

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Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – July 14, 2025 – InterHealth Canada – Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is celebrating a major milestone, as its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, has been named a finalist in the Global Visionary Doctor Leader category of the Caribbean Global Awards 2025.

This recognition highlights Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant’s outstanding commitment to advancing healthcare in the Turks and Caicos Islands through transformative leadership, strategic development, and dedication to patient care. Under her guidance, the TCI Hospital has consistently raised its standards, expanded critical services, and improved community wellness outcomes.

“We are excited to share some wonderful news that brings pride to the TCI Hospital,” the institution said in a public announcement. “Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant’s visionary leadership has not only transformed our hospital facilities but has also significantly impacted the broader healthcare landscape in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

The Caribbean Global Awards celebrate the achievements of professionals of Caribbean heritage who are making significant contributions in healthcare, innovation, and development around the world.                                                                                                                                                                         In the Global Visionary Doctor Leader category, Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant is one of five outstanding nominees. The other finalists represent the United States, Trinidad and Tobago (two nominees), and St. Lucia.

The 2025 edition of the awards will culminate with a black-tie gala on September 27 at the prestigious Cumberland Hotel in London, United Kingdom. The event will bring together leaders, professionals, and dignitaries from across the Caribbean diaspora to recognize excellence and visionary impact across sectors.

Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant’s nomination marks a proud moment not only for the hospital but for the entire Turks and Caicos Islands, positioning the territory alongside global leaders in healthcare innovation.

“We are immensely proud of Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant’s achievements and are honoured to have her at the helm of the TCI Hospital,” the hospital’s statement continued. “This nomination is a testament to her dedication to the people of these islands.”

Supporters across the territory are being encouraged to extend congratulations and follow the awards journey as Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant represents the Turks and Caicos Islands on the global stage.

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Rotary Club of Providenciales 2024-2025 Year in Review: Approximately 300 Children Assessed for Eyeglasses.  

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Some students who received free eyeglasses

Monday, July 7th, 2025 – “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as President of the Rotary Club of Providenciales over the past year,” -Roma Stubbs. The period was characterized by a dedication to community development, educational support, and environmental responsibility. “As I reflect on the initiatives we carried out, I am proud of what we were able to achieve through collaboration, shared purpose, and a strong sense of civic responsibility,” shared the immediate Past President.

In the spirit of promoting peace and unity, the Rotary Club of Providenciales (RCOP) started the Rotary year by successfully planting two Peace Poles, one in Grace Bay and the other at the Edward Gartland Youth Centre. These Peace Poles—each inscribed with the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in English, French, and Spanish—stand as powerful visual symbols of Rotary’s commitment to fostering harmony in our communities.

Education remained a core pillar of the Club’s work. Dictionaries were donated to primary schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), ensuring that students had access to essential learning tools. The Club also launched a reading initiative called Read-Rama across several primary schools. This included volunteer-led reading sessions designed to foster a love for reading and support early language development.

To support the development of confident, articulate young leaders, the RCOP contributed funds toward a high school speech competition. This event gave students a platform to express their views on critical social issues and practice public speaking. It was inspiring to see their talent and passion for positive change, and we are proud to have played a role in elevating their voices.

Finally, recognizing the direct link between health and academic success, the Club, in collaboration with Dr. Julian Petrucci from Menzies Optometry and Sailrock, organized free eye exams for primary school children on the Islands of South Caicos, North and Middle Caicos, and Grand Turk. The RCOP conducted nearly 300 eye exams and subsequently donated over 50 pairs of eyeglasses to students diagnosed with visual impairments. Many of these children had been struggling in silence due to undiagnosed issues, and the feedback from families and educators was amazingly positive.                                                                                                                                                                                                                            None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the support of the Club’s dedicated members, volunteers, and community partners. Together, everyone demonstrated the power of collective action and the impact of compassionate leadership.

Immediate Past President Roma Stubbs concluded by stating, “As I conclude my term as President, I am filled with gratitude and optimism. The seeds we planted this year—both literal and metaphorical—will continue to grow, nourished by the ongoing efforts of this incredible Club”. Thank you all for an unforgettable year of service and achievement.

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