TCI News
CDEMA signs MoU with interCaribbean Airways Ltd to strengthen disaster relief efforts
#Bridgetown, Barbados November 16th, 2020 (CDEMA) – The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and interCaribbean Airways Ltd. officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today, establishing a mutual agreement for the movement of relief personnel and supplies, necessary for providing an immediate coordinated response to regional disasters. The official signing was facilitated at a virtual event with Ms Elizabeth Riley, Executive Director (ag), CDEMA and Mr. Lyndon Gardiner, Chairman interCaribbean Airways Ltd.
“Today’s MoU signing signals the formal start of a partnership, which will strengthen the strategic airlift available to the Regional Response Mechanism (RRM). interCaribbean Airways exemplifies the spirit of regionalism and demonstrates the tangible role of public-private partnerships. This spirit of cooperation will undoubtedly boost our operational readiness and capabilities in providing immediate and timely response support to humanitarian crises affecting any of our 19 Participating States”, said Ms. Riley.
“We at interCaribbean are pleased to partner with CDEMA in supporting the region when regional disaster events necessitate early and quick responses to movement of support with people and immediate supplies needed”, stated Mr. Gardiner. “We have had experience over many disasters that have affected the Caribbean and been able to support governments and private needs to quickly mobilize. With a Caribbean wide network of destinations, we are uniquely able to quickly respond. This network and experience will be critical in the event of a need”.
Both entities will maintain close co-operation and consultations when needed on issues of common interest concerning disaster risk management including mobilization of support. The partnership will be guided by the mandate of humanitarian assistance including joint advocacy on humanitarian issues and concerns; and sharing expert advice on humanitarian institutional capacity building.
Turks and Caicos, May 15, 2025 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) is proud to announce that officers from
the Tactical Unit, Response and Operations, and Serious Crime have recently completed an intensive, week-long Fast Rope Training Course aimed at enhancing their capabilities in rapid deployment and high-angle operations.
This rigorous, high-level training was conducted in Exuma, Bahamas, and facilitated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (Tactical Helicopter Section).
Participants received hands-on instruction and real-world practice in executing rapid helicopter insertions—an essential skill for missions in environments where aircraft cannot safely land.
Fast rope training is a specialized military and tactical technique that allows personnel to quickly descend from a hovering helicopter using a
thick rope—without the use of a harness. Commonly used by elite tactical units worldwide, this method is crucial in high-stakes, time-sensitive operations such as counter-narcotics, search and rescue, and critical incident responses.
The RT&CIPF congratulates the following officers on their successful completion of the course:
- Acting Inspector Latoya Rigby
- Constables Christopher O’Neil, Anton Ferguson, Kimberlee Markland, Tenesha Stewart, Demareo Outten, Alex Joseph, Rojay Graham, and Shan Livermore
We extend our sincere thanks to the U.S. DEA for their ongoing partnership and expert guidance, which greatly enhances our operational capabilities.
-
Caribbean News1 week agoCarnival Corporation’s AIDA Cruises Showcases Environmentally Sustainable Operations to Caribbean Disaster Management Agency
-
Bahamas News1 week agoBahamas and CARICOM Leaders Engage U.S. on Security, Economy, and Regional Stability
-
News1 week agoCourt Denies Attorney General’s Testimony in PDM Election Petition Case
-
Health1 week agoMidlands Ambulance Donation Enhances Emergency Services in Turks and Caicos
-
Caribbean News4 days agoCaribbean Tourism Maintains Strong Growth in 2024, Surpassing Pre-Pandemic Levels
-
Bahamas News24 hours agoScotia Wealth Management named Best International Private Bank at the Euromoney Private Bank Awards 2025
-
News1 week agoSouth Caicos Regatta Back On After Brief Cancellation Scare
-
Bahamas News1 week agoCIBC Caribbean Celebrates Joy of Giving with Cash Rewards