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Mike slams Governor; says COVID should not stop Elections

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#TurksandCaicos, February 6, 2021 – A former country leader is blasting the Governor, saying comments he has made to a local newspaper are based in biased and have little to do with Turks and Caicos actually being unable to carry on with the February 19 General Elections.

“There are two weeks to elections.  He can do what he likes to do and bring in police from other overseas territories if extra police are needed. In relation to poll workers, I am sure there would be enough volunteers.  There is more than enough time to prepare,” said Michael E. Misick to Magnetic Media.

An article published in the most recent edition of the TCI Sun Newspaper features comments from H.E Nigel Dakin, TCI Governor.  Governor Dakin says the precarious position of Turks and Caicos having such a surge in positive cases of the coronavirus could threaten the territory’s ability to stage the 2021 General Elections.

Misick, on Facebook said, “The governor has finally gone Crazy.  Must be the vaccine.”

The ex-premier, who has joined the campaign trail in support of the Progressive National Party draws comparisons and points to other countries where General Elections have been held despite the grip of the pandemic, naming Bermuda, Dominican Republic, the United States and St. Vincent and the Grenadines in his post.

To Magnetic Media, Misick said the comments made by Governor Nigel Dakin exposed that he did not prepare.  Missick adds that constitutionally he has a duty to ensure free and fair elections happen in a timely manner.

“He knew months ago that elections were imminent and should have prepared for it.  He also knows that we are in the middle of a pandemic.  There is no excuse.  In other Caribbean countries like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic with millions of voters, they could hold elections; so can we.”

The Governor said the possibility of a postponement of the national polls could be decided if there were insufficient election workers to manage the process or if the islands were too overrun with Covid-19 cases that holding the vote posed too great a risk to public health.

The Elections Supervisor has been asked to build a reserve team.  The Chief Medical Officer would advise on the public health risk, but Governor Nigel Dakin informed the decision would be his to make and a delay up 24 March is permissible.  Any delay beyond that time would require an Order in Council he told the Sun.

“…a delay would be the very last option I would wish to employ – I would be loath to do it – and through consultation I know this is also the position of Leaders of the two main political parties.  I doubt there is anyone in the TCI that wishes this to happen either.”  

Michael Misick flatly states if a postpone were to materialize, it would fuel the perspective that  “He fell down in his duties by allowing Sharlene Robinson to have not set a date when the House was dissolved.  Elections should have been in December, or January the latest,” explained Michael Misick.

The former PNP party leader added, “The present government’s mandate expired since December 16.  It’s unacceptable that the PDM has exceeded their mandate and still playing with the people’s democratic right to choose a government for the next four years.”

At this time, the governor says the elections are firmly set for February 19, 2021 with voting hours extended from 7am to 9pm; with three slots for voting including 2 to 3 hours for Covid-19 patients and those under observation or quarantine to turn up in order to exercise their constitutional right to vote. 

The Elections Office on Friday revealed the voting plan and the health protocols for General Election Day.

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Kew Town Male Sentenced for Causing Death by Dangerous Driving

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Turks and Caicos, April 14, 2025 – The Supreme Court in Grand Turk has sentenced 34-year-old BRUNO LEXIMA of Kew Town, Providenciales, to three years’ imprisonment following a fatal traffic collision that occurred on Millennium Highway in November 2020. Lexima appeared before the Grand Turk Supreme Court and was formally sentenced on April 8, 2025.

The court handed down the following sentence:

  • Three (3) years’ imprisonment for Causing Death by Dangerous Driving.
  • Four (4) months’ imprisonment for Dangerous Driving.

(Both sentences are to run concurrently.)

Lexima’s driver’s license will be disqualified for 12 months after his prison release.

While incarcerated, Lexima is required to:

  • Participate in a Dangerous Driving Education Program facilitated by the Department of Rehabilitation.
  • Receive psychological treatment through the Department of Behavioral Health Services.

On 23 November 2020, at approximately 5:30 a.m., police officers responded to reports of a serious motor vehicle collision involving two pedestrians struck by a white four-door Toyota Wish.

The incident occurred alongside the Millennium Highway, Providenciales.

Tragically, pensioner Kenneth John Walters, 70, of Blue Hills died at the scene as a result of injuries sustained. A 40-year-old female pedestrian was also injured and taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, where she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Following a thorough investigation, Mr. Lexima was charged.

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Tourism Stakeholders Warned About Encouraging Use of Illegal Taxis

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Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, Minister of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries & the Environment

PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS (April 14th, 2025) – The Department of Tourism Regulations in collaboration with the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) and the Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, is reminding tourism stakeholders that encouraging the use of illegal taxis is impermissible and may carry legal repercussions.

Hotels, restaurants, business owners and tourism ambassadors who promote, refer, facilitate or enable the operation of illegal taxis are liable to a fine of $1000.

“This Ministry stands with every licensed taxi operator who plays by the rules and contributes to the safety, credibility, and professionalism of our tourism industry. Illegal operators not only endanger lives—they undermine the hard work of those who do things the right way. We will not allow a few bad actors to tarnish the reputation our people have worked so hard to build,” said Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, Minister of Tourism, Agriculture, Fisheries & the Environment

Mr. Avi Adams, Director of the Department of Tourism Regulations said: “The Department of Tourism Regulations is reminding the public that operating an unlicensed taxi or public service vehicle is a serious offence under the laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Illegal taxi operations undermine our tourism sector’s safety, quality, and reputation and pose a risk to both residents and visitors.”

“The TCHTA is reminding all of our members to be mindful of the laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands as well as the safety of their employees and visitors which is paramount to the success of our industry. Everyone, from the security guards to the executives, has a duty to safeguard the tourism sector and that can only be achieved by doing what is lawful and right,” said Mrs. Stacy Cox, CEO of the TCHTA.

Drivers of illegal taxis are warned that it is an offence under the Road Traffic Regulations to operate a public vehicle without the appropriate license or to do so without holding a valid public service operator’s license.

“To obtain insurance coverage, operators must comply with the requirements set out under the Insurance Act. Failure to meet these legal obligations not only puts lives at risk but also constitutes a serious violation of the law. We are appealing to the public to refrain from operating unlicensed public vehicles and urge members of the public not to patronise such illegal services,” said Head of the Traffic Enforcement Unit, ag Insp Damien Mitchell.

The fine for operating without the appropriate license or without a valid public service operator’s license is $1,000 for each offence if found guilty. Under the Insurance Act, individuals may also face disqualification from driving.

For more information or to report illegal activity, please email the Department of Tourism Regulations at tourism regulations@gov.tc or call +16493385349.

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FORTISTCI RENEWS SPONSORSHIP WITH TCIFA SCORING ANOTHER MAJOR WIN FOR YOUTH FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – After the successful completion of a three-year partnership with the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA), FortisTCI has renewed its commitment to youth football development with the official signing of a new sponsorship agreement spanning another two years. This marks a significant milestone in a partnership that has steadily grown in reach and impact since it began in 2016.

As part of TCIFA’s continued program development, the current FortisTCI Elite Youth Co-ed Football League will evolve into separate leagues for girls and boys. The Elite U14 Girls and Elite U15 Boys Leagues will launch this year, aligning with the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) and CONCACAF competition calendar. The rotation will continue through 2026 and 2027, ensuring consistent development opportunities for national youth teams.

The new agreement will see further investment in player nutrition, with FortisTCI continuing to provide hydration stations at all league games. FortisTCI employees also volunteer their time to support game-day activities.

The collaboration continues to foster the growth of both grassroots and elite youth football programs, offering children and teens structured opportunities to develop their skills, stay active, and aspire to national and regional representation. Through this alliance, FortisTCI and TCIFA are not only nurturing athletic talent but also helping to build discipline, teamwork, and confidence in the next generation.

FortisTCI President and CEO Ruth Forbes stated: “Since inception, FortisTCI and the TCIFA have demonstrated a shared commitment to youth football development. We believe in creating every opportunity for our boys and girls to grow through sport—whether they play recreationally or competitively. This partnership created the first competitive youth football leagues across the TCI nine years ago and continues to fuel the dreams of our young football players today. Our sponsorship helps the TCIFA deliver impactful programs with record-breaking participation levels. The success is a team effort, and I take this opportunity to thank the TCIFA, coaches, players, parents and our employee volunteers for their unwavering support of our youth football leagues.”

President of the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association, Sonia Fulford-Missick stated: “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with FortisTCI as we embark on this exciting new chapter for youth football. Their steadfast support has been pivotal in fostering an environment where young athletes can excel both on and off the field. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to FortisTCI for their hands-on involvement, actively participating alongside us during match days. We are providing tailored opportunities for each group to shine and develop their unique talents. This initiative underscores both our commitments to inclusivity and excellence, ensuring that every young player has the chance to reach their full potential. We look forward to seeing our youth excel and represent with pride.”

General Secretary of the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association, Oliver Smith stated: “The TCIFA’s collaboration with FortisTCI is one that is critical for the development of our male and female youth players. Competition is a necessary ingredient in the maturation of any youth player and this sponsorship allows for annual competition at both the grassroots and the elite level. From these tournaments the TCIFA was able to identify players that matriculated to our Youth National Teams as well as our Senior National Teams. Further some of these players were able to earn football scholarships overseas to further their academic goals. This is the type of sponsorship by corporate citizens that feeds and nourishes the TCIFA’s primary goal of developing the sport of football in the country and we once again say a public thank you to FortisTCI and its energetic staff.”

FortisTCI and the TCIFA launched the Grassroots Football League in 2017, starting with over 280 players in Providenciales. By 2018, the program expanded to North and Middle Caicos, Grand Turk, and South Caicos, with consistent growth despite the pandemic’s temporary disruption. In 2020, FortisTCI elevated its support by becoming a Diamond Sponsor through a three-year, $120,000 agreement. Since then, the partnership has introduced competitive leagues for boys and girls and continues to serve as a pipeline for national team selections. With a record 350 participants in the 2024 Grassroots Football League, FortisTCI remains committed to building communities and empowering young people through sport.

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