Turks & Caicos – December 10, 2020 – As the Turks and Caicos and other British Overseas Territories (OTs) were layered with messages of commitment from as high up as Prince Charles and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, there came a bombshell decision which caused the UK Minister for the OTs to quit and slam the Foreign Office for abandoning its fiscal promise to countries like TCI.
Baroness Sugg resigned from her junior
ministerial role when she learned funding would be cut to .05 percent of gross
national income from .07 percent, according to media reports about the
explosive development.
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Foreign Office Minister, Chancellor Rishi
Sunak has since come under fire. The
chancellor however defends that Covid-19 forced the streamlining of funds,
saying “spending .07 percent of our national income overseas is difficult to
justify to the British people.”
Sunak said there is a commitment to return to
the .07 percent once the pandemic loosens its grip on the UK; but his statement
raises that age-old argument of how the overseas territories are truly viewed
in times of trouble.
Ping-ponging from being a part of the British
family to being considered foreigners who benefit from benevolent as opposed to
entitled support; the explanation seemed to undermine the message from Boris
Johnson, UK Prime Minister who on Tuesday spoke to the JMC live from #10
Downing Street, London.
“In spite of everything, of the
difficulties we are going through, we remember that we are united by deep ties
of kinship and friendship and history and values. We in the UK government are
going to make sure we continue to intensify that partnership,” said Johnson who
reflected on the impact of climate change and now the public and economic
crises of Covid-19.
“Do not forget that the UK is
absolutely committed to you, to your futures and to our partnership. As we go
forward and recover from this pandemic, we want to make sure that we build back
greener and that we look after island economies that are so vulnerable to
climate change.”
Prince Charles had a similar communication
ahead of talks on the environment, telling OTs of their huge contribution to
“our” biodiversity.
With one month to Brexit, a
media report explained the UK Government recommitted to JMC member states they
will continue to be considered by the European Union for funding of development
projects, which is an area of particular concern in the TCI.
A report from the Office of the
Premier informs that other areas of concern over the four days of virtual meetings,
from November 23-26 were: Constitutional
Relationships; Trade; Economic Resilience; Border Security; Prisons and
Environmental Protection and Funding.
“During day one of the meetings, Premier Robinson gave a
presentation on Border Security, highlighting TCI’s management of illegal
migration and human trafficking through its National Security Strategy and
multi-sector partnerships including the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police,
United States (US) Coast Guard and Bahamas Defence Force. Following the Premier’s presentation, a
roundtable discussion ensued to outline further border security challenges
experienced around the region and a full outline of the UK funded Border
Security Programme.”
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Before her abrupt departure, Baroness Sugg invited Premier Robinson to
speak – on day two – to the impact of COVID-19 on the Turks and Caicos Islands
Economy and TCI’s short, medium and long term plans in response to the
pandemic.
The Premier’s Office informed:
“During day three of the meeting, the Premier made a third presentation
on Her Majesty’s Prison highlighting the TCI Government’s investment in the
redevelopment, management and hiring and training of staff at the facility. The
Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and the UK Government has lent
their support in physical manpower and funding, in partnership with the TCI
Government which has in the National Budget allocated funding to fulfill much
needed upgrades to the facility.
Leaders heard from His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, UK
Prime Minister Boris Johnson as well as the Minister for the UK Foreign,
Commonwealth and Development Office, Baroness Sugg.”
The Premier was joined by His Excellency Nigel Dakin, TCI
Governor; Ronlee James, Executive Director for the Office of the Premier, Local
Government and Community Affairs and Tracy Knight and Kimo Tynes, UK
Representatives for the TCI Government London Office.
Turks and Caicos Government Ministers joined during sessions which
discussed matters pertaining to their respective Ministries.
The Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) is usually held in London, however on account of the pandemic, the meetings were held virtually.
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CIBC Caribbean proudly welcomed students from Shining Stars Preparatory School for an engaging and educational visit in celebration of the school’s annual Career Day.
Turks and Caicos Islands, June 19, 2025 –Shining Stars Preparatory School students got an inspiring introduction to the world of finance during a recent visit to CIBC Caribbean. Adorned in costumes, the future professionals were welcomed by the bank in recognition of the school’s annual career day. The visit formed part of CIBC Caribbean’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment and education. With bright eyes and inquisitive minds, the students met with members of the Digital Banking, Personal and Business Banking (PBB) Sales, and Corporate Banking Support teams to learn more about the many career opportunities available within the financial services sector.
CIBC Caribbean Head of Country, Terrance Gibson, said, “At CIBC, we firmly believe that investing in our youth is investing in the future of TCI. Welcoming the students of Shining Stars Preparatory School into our space was not only a privilege, but a powerful reminder of why community engagement matters.” The students were enthusiastic throughout the visit, eagerly asking questions and expressing keen interest in the daily operations of the bank. Their curiosity was met with thoughtful insights from CIBC Caribbean team members, who shared their personal journeys and professional experiences in banking.
As part of its broader community outreach, CIBC Caribbean has adopted Shining Stars Preparatory School. The bank has collaborated on a number of initiatives that promote learning, growth, and opportunity for young people.
Gibson added, “These bright young minds are full of potential, and our hope is that by opening our doors and sharing our knowledge, we have helped to spark interest in careers in banking, finance, and beyond. This relationship with Shining Stars speaks to our long-standing commitment to youth development and supporting the communities we serve.”
The Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force confirms that Haitian national Richardson Cherefaere has been sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment by the Magistrates Court on 3 June 2025, following charges of Attempted Unlawful Entry and Returning to the Islands Contrary to a Deportation Order.
Cherefaere is a repeat immigration offender with a history of attempting to unlawfully re-enter the Turks and Caicos Islands. His first illegal entry occurred in 2019, and he was subsequently convicted and deported in January 2025 following his most recent attempt to re-enter the country. His continued disregard for immigration laws and deportation directives has resulted in a substantially longer custodial sentence.
In response, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier and Minister of Immigration and Border Services, states, “This significant sentence sends an unequivocal message: the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force will relentlessly pursue and prosecute anyone who deliberately defies our immigration laws and ignores deportation orders. We are unwavering in our commitment to secure our borders and uphold the rule of law with the full force it demands, ensuring justice is served every time.”
The public is strongly reminded that harbouring or facilitating the illegal entry of migrants is a serious criminal offense punishable by fines up to $20,000 and imprisonment for up to four years under the Immigration Ordinance. Anyone found in breach of these laws will face firm and immediate legal action.
FROM THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands — Ms. Willette A. Pratt, Deputy Supervisor of Elections for the Turks and Caicos Islands, has successfully completed a professional attachment with the Elections Office of the Cayman Islands. The visit, held from April 18 to May 2, 2025, allowed Ms. Pratt to observe the Cayman Islands’ 2025 General Elections, gaining valuable insights into their electoral procedures, staffing models, and operational strategies.
Facilitated through a collaborative initiative by the Governor’s Office of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Elections Office of the Cayman Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands Elections Office, and welcomed by Cayman Islands Supervisor of Elections Mr. Wesley Howell, this attachment underscores a shared commitment to electoral excellence and democratic integrity.
“The Cayman Islands have demonstrated a robust and transparent electoral system. This experience has deepened my understanding of practical applications that can enhance the efficiency, inclusiveness, and accountability of our own electoral framework in the Turks and Caicos Islands,” stated Ms. Pratt. The visit was collaborative as Ms. Pratt was able to share elements of TCI’s processes with her host agency.
Key Observations and Recommendations Include but not limited to :
Strategic Staffing and Secondments: Cayman’s use of seconded civil servants with diverse skill sets greatly enhances operational capacity during elections.
Continuous Voter Registration:
Dedicated District Registration Officers.
Advanced Voter Identification System.
Inclusive Voting Mechanisms such as mobile and postal voting.
Comprehensive Poll Worker Training and Retention:
Reflecting on the importance of such observational opportunities, the Supervisor of Elections for the Turks and Caicos Islands stated:
“Attachments like these are crucial for the professional growth of our team. They not only allow us to benchmark against international best practices but also provide mentorship opportunities that build confidence and capability within our ranks. Ms. Pratt’s experience is a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in electoral administration.”
Acknowledgements:
The Elections Office of the Turks and Caicos Islands extends sincere thanks to the Governor’s Office of the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Elections Office of the Cayman Islands, and all stakeholders involved in facilitating this valuable exchange. Their support made this developmental opportunity possible and meaningful.