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Mothers serving in the Defence Force Mother’s Day Special Feature Lieutenant Natasha Woods
Story by Petty Officer Monique Deveaux
Defence Headquarters,(RBDF), May 10, 2021 – Lieutenant Natasha Woods is a strong and resilient officer within the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. She possesses the qualities of diligence, openness, and flexibility, which is indicative of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s organizational pillar- agility. With youth on her side, she stands fortified with strength, stamina, and endurance to take the future generation of marines to the next level in their careers. A crusader in the crest of good, she would continue to fight with the last breath within her.
This officer is not easily moved, she withstands the pressure of life like a sturdy rubber band. She knows how to be stretched above and beyond and yet is still able to maintain her composure as an individual. Her dedication, commitment, and willing spirit are on display daily, as she constantly works in the background on many event-planning boards and committees, ensuring the success of RBDF functions. Woods is a goal-driven individual who is aware of her potential, capabilities, and abilities. She is always ready to commit one hundred percent to a task. As a woman and mother, she believes that anything is possible if one puts their mind and heart into whatever one desires to master. Woods describes herself as affectionate, but does not take her kindness for weakness. This officer understands the difference between kindness and a doormat. She is a very outspoken person.
Woods, who is a musically inclined, plays the Alto Saxophone, as well as other instruments. She was a member of her high school band under the leadership of Mr. Yonel Justilien as one of the lead saxophonists. She loves to sing and can often be found listening to the song “Victory”, by Yolanda Adams, her favorite artist. Somehow, the beat and lyrics of this song are uplifting to her when she feels overwhelmed or sad. She also enjoys spending time with friends; a basic grill and chills at the poolside. Given the nature of her job, she may be required for detachment and/or deployment. Being away from home a lot has turned her into a individual that brings people together, like her friends and family. Because Woods is at oftentimes required to be away from home, she misses her family and friends, so she therefore is apt to arrange a little “R & R” to bring them together.
Like many of her generation, Woods is an expert at multitasking. What many people don’t know about her is that she is artistic. At least once a month she can be found working on an art piece, using materials from trees and materials around the yard to build the art pieces that she either displays in her home or gives to a friend. Her love for interior decorating keeps her busy at home rearranging furniture adding little here and there. When not spending time with friends, she is often by herself figuring crossword puzzles or in the company of her children. She is a single parent, of two girls, and one boy; Timoya Walton 14, T’Asia Walton 8, and Lester Simmons III 2 years old.
Her reason for enlisting in the Defence Force is a result of her older sibling, Leading Mechanic Denver Woods. Leading Mechanic Woods would often brag to his family after coming home from sailing about the different people he would meet, and the various islands he had the opportunity to visit. She thought about all the excitement her brother brought with him, and said to herself, “Hey I want to do that too!” She wanted to go on boats, sail, meet people, and go to different islands, an experience some individuals cannot share. She wanted to feel that experience, so she filled out the application and sent it in. Most importantly, she wanted to follow in her big brother’s footsteps, which was her reason and inspiration for joining the Force.
Being musically was a plus to be selected as a recruit. At the time she enlisted, the Defence Force Band under the leadership of Lieutenant Commander Bertram Bowleg was in the process of extending the band’s complement. After joining the Force as a member of new entry 46/woman entry 16, she has had the privilege to work in numerous essentials departments. She was first drafted as a marine into the Administration Department/subsection Band. As she blossomed into that consummate marine, the bandmaster encouraged her to excel higher by applying for the young officer’s course. She was successful and was selected to attend the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, England.
After successfully completing the course, she was transferred from a rating to the officer corps. Woods has since served onboard HMBS Bahamas and has filled in on numerous ships whilst serving in the Squadron Department, including a tour of duty onboard HMBS Durward Knowles. Along with playing an instrumental role over the years with the RBDF Annual Summer Camp Program, she has also served in the Administration Department as Wardroom Manager on two consecutive occasions. She is currently part of the Supply Department, and as such she has held the billet of Acting Assisting Base Supply Officer, a position she is now confirmed in, and she also holds the post of the Exchange Officer. She was awarded the Commander Defence Force Commendation Award for her efforts and contribution to the Supply Department.
Woods’ journey in the pursuit of excellence began when she enrolled at The College of Bahamas as a Biochemistry Major. After aspiring to become a Forensic Scientist, her goal of completing her schooling was put on hold as she embraced motherhood. Even after joining the Force, Woods has always felt a nudging feeling deep down within her to complete her degree. Many years before joining the Force, it had always been a goal of hers that she had written as one of the things she wanted to accomplish. After unsuccessfully obtaining study leave, she was however, determined to complete her degree. During that period in her career, she was assigned as Operations Officer onboard HMBS Durward Knowles. She nevertheless, went and applied to the College of The Bahamas in pursuit of an Accounting Degree, and was accepted into the program.
In her pursuit, she is reminded of the words of Mark Twain, “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” This is how she felt, and she was lucky enough to be working under great leaders at that time, who all supported her dreams and aspiration as a young officer. They inspired her to become great and stood with her as she took on a full slate of classes. It was difficult! Some semesters she took six to seven classes to complete her degree within four years. She would at oft times take a vacation when she had major exams, to ensure that she passed. She was determined and not prepared to re-take any course. Her motto was “Get there, get it and get out!” She achieved her goals through hard work. She used cue cards, studied literature online, completed pop quizzes and practiced with past exams, all in an effort to make the mark. Obtaining her degree was not all smooth sailing, because she had obstacles and bumps in the road. However, she kept pushing and today, she has completed her degree in Business Administration in Accounting at the now renamed University of The Bahamas. Although she didn’t achieve a Forensic Scientist status, she still keeps the option of becoming a Forensic Accountant.
When asked who she holds as a role model, Woods replies: “My role models are my parents.” They were the glue of the family. Her parents had four children. They would ensure that the children were well maintained, educated, and provided for. They gave their children the discipline needed to become productive members of society. Her parents didn’t believe in youngsters being wayward children. Her mother was the caretaker of the home and her dad worked long hours, but remained the disciplinarian. As a mother, she wants to instill some of the teachings she learned from her mom and dad into her children. She believes that it is the parent’s responsibility to groom the child/children as it should be.
Woods says her superhero is Superwoman because she is a female and a strong icon in society. Despite being strong, she has her weaknesses and the welfare of people in society is her passion. However, with Superwoman, she can strike the balance with family and friends. Superwoman has a never-ending crusade to rid society of evil and wickedness for the betterment of the general public. “She’s my superhero because she reminds me of myself,” Woods says. “I want to follow in Superwoman’s footsteps as a woman knowing that it is okay to be strong. Nevertheless, it is equally important to embrace one’s weakness in the effort to turn that weakness into a strength that benefits oneself, advances one’s career, families and nurturing one’s relationship with others. As an officer of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, my goal is to always look out for the welfare of those entrusted to me, as well as the greater force.”
Woods recounts her journey thus far on the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and says the highlight of her career would be a combination of a list of works that she has been engaged in in the past five (5) years. She has been involved in writing letters to organizations and businesses within the Bahamas requesting discounts to military personnel with the presentation of a valid Defence Force Identification Card (ID). Like other Militaries and Coast Guard personnel around the world, members of the Defence Force now have this opportunity. She gives thanks to the Commander Defence Force who allowed her to succeed in this venture.
Woods concludes by sharing her outlook on the idea of beauty. “Beauty, I believe as a strong military person, and mother are not found in the clothes that we may wear from time to time, nor is it our shapes that we have, though they may be appealing to others. Beauty is reflected in our innermost souls. It is in the practical things in life that most people take for granted. Thinking about it, beauty is showing compassion and caring for others. It teaches our children the value of being a brother’s keeper. Beauty, this Mother’s Day is passing on the legacy of family values and traditions. It is knowing that it takes a village concept to raise one’s child. As a military mother in the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, I will say, let’s continue to build that village in which our children can feel safe and be nurtured as we guard our heritage this Mother’s Day.”
Message to My Children this Mother’s Day.
On this Mother’s Day, my little darlings, I want you to know mommy loves you and appreciate you. You are the reason that I keep going strong. The fact that I know you are there gives me the energy to propel forward and keep working. I want you to know, I’m working for your success, not mine. I am working to ensure that you are well taken care of and can fulfill the dreams you wish to pursue with mama’s aid. I want you to know that you may not see me all the time, but I am here for you. I’ve got your back and most of all, I love you no matter what!
(For further information please contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our website: www.rbdf.gov.bs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and view our Youtube channel)
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By Deandrea Hamilton
GRAND TURK, Turks and Caicos Islands — Long before it became the Turks and Caicos Islands Statistics Authority, it was a small government unit quietly collecting information for policymakers. It existed largely in the background, producing figures on population, trade, employment and economic activity.
On Tuesday, May 26, that department entered a new era.
In a ceremony themed “Empowering Our Islands Through Data,” the Statistics Department officially became the Turks and Caicos Islands
Statistics Authority, a milestone years in the making and one many in attendance attributed to the vision, persistence and leadership of longtime statistician Shirlen Forbes.
The launch itself reflected the values Forbes has championed throughout his career — inclusion, respect for institutional history and investment in the next generation.
Former and current staff were recognized. Tributes were paid to those who laid the foundation decades ago. Students from Enid Capron Primary School performed. Musicians including Robin Forbes, Dexter Landy, Vernal “Samsol” Lightbourn and Aleta “Apple” Astwood contributed cultural selections, while leaders from across government, CARICOM and the Opposition gathered under one roof.
The occasion also featured remarks from Pastor Bradley Handfield, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Turks and Caicos Islands Statistics Authority, who described the launch as more than the creation of a new institution.
In his welcome message, Handfield said the Authority represents a renewed national commitment to data integrity, independence and excellence. He noted that reliable statistics underpin effective governance, business confidence and informed public discourse, while helping the country track social and economic progress and make better decisions for the future.
What stood out most was the genuine affection in the room.
The event united generations of statisticians, administrators and public servants who had contributed to the evolution of statistical services in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It was evident that Forbes had not forgotten those who came before him.
That commitment to people was highlighted by Acting Governor Anya Williams, who praised the department as one of the best-run entities in government and singled out Forbes for elevating both the institution and its staff.
“There are some departments that if they wrote today and said they wanted to become a statutory body, I would say, ‘Great, can I sign right now?’ But the Statistics Department was not one of those,” Williams said. She described it as a department with a long-standing record of excellence, crediting former leaders including Jones and Kathleen Forbes before noting that Shirlen Forbes had “taken it to another level.”
Her Excellency Williams spoke passionately about Forbes’ emphasis on training and higher education.
She recalled attending a University of the West Indies graduation where members of the department earned master’s degrees, achievements she directly linked to Forbes’ leadership.
“Sometimes they complain that they feel like they’re in school because Mr. Forbes always has them doing something,” she joked, before
explaining that his focus extends beyond qualifications.
“For him it’s about empowerment.”
That philosophy has shaped a department that now stands at the centre of national planning.
The historical timeline presented at the launch traced the journey from a statistical unit operating under the Financial Secretary’s Office, through its disbandment in 1993, re-establishment in 1998-99 with support from the Caribbean Development Bank and CARTAC, modernization during the 2000s and 2010s, and ultimately the creation of the Statistics Authority. The Statistics Act of 2012 further strengthened the legal framework for the collection and protection of official data.
Premier Charles Washington Misick acknowledged that while politicians establish policy, professionals such as Forbes make implementation possible.
“My job is to set policy and direction, but it takes people like yourself to implement and deliver,” Misick said. “I’ll take my hat off to you.”
The Premier described statistics as critical to decision-making and national development, noting that modern governments cannot plan effectively without reliable data. He then formally declared the launch of the Statistics Authority.
Yet perhaps the most memorable aspect of the occasion was not the unveiling of a logo, mission statement or statutory framework.
It was the recognition that behind every census, survey, labour report and economic indicator are people dedicated to helping a country understand itself.
For decades, Shirlen Forbes has been one of those people.
Now, with the creation of the Turks and Caicos Islands Statistics Authority, his work stands as a reminder that nation-building is not only done in Parliament or Cabinet rooms. Sometimes it is done quietly, one dataset, one report and one trained professional at a time.
And on May 26, the Turks and Caicos Islands paused to say thank you.
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Sandals Resorts International and Ministry of Tourism Leveraging Radio Remotes to Boost Visitor Arrivals
MONTEGO BAY, May 11 (JIS): A week of live radio remotes from Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in St. Ann has showcased Jamaica’s resilient rebound from Hurricane Melissa, with Canadian and British hosts praising the island’s hospitality sector as not just reopened for business but “top tier and second to none”.
A joint venture between Sandals Resorts International and the Ministry of Tourism connected 11 international radio stations and one local
outlet, including ‘The Bim Show’ on Fyah 105, to deliver on‑the‑ground impressions to an audience of nearly three million listeners.
During a seven‑day stay at Sandals Ochi, the hosts conducted live broadcasts back to their home bases, toured the Ocho Rios area, and interviewed Sandals staff as well as students from the Exchange All-Age School in St. Ann.
The initiative also provided first‑hand observations of Jamaica’s ongoing tourism recovery and the enduring warmth of the island’s people.
“First-class stuff… Jamaica is such an amazingly beautiful place. If you didn’t know, there is no way you could tell that six months ago, the island experienced a category-five hurricane, which caused so much damage. [It is] such an amazing place; amazing and beautiful people,” Brian West, a radio host from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada said.
Broadcaster from London, England, Jada Sachira, shared similar sentiments.
“It was such a wonderful experience; I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The people have been so friendly and hard-working… everyone doing their part to ensure that visitors are well taken care of and to enjoy the Jamaican tourism product. Just breathtakingly beautiful. I want to come back for a longer stay,” she stated.
Another Canadia radio host, Patty Brown, underscored Jamaica’s iconic worker‑driven hospitality.
“You just have to come and see… that’s what I told my listeners. The Jamaican experience is simply magical… my first time here but definitely won’t be my last,” she stated.
Regional Public Relations Manager for Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, Lyndsay Isaacs, noted that the radio remotes have historically been highly successful, offering a tangible window into Jamaica’s tourism product for listeners.
“It’s a case of reporting back to their listeners what they have experienced first-hand. Sandals, along with the Ministry of Tourism, have been doing this kind of radio remotes for years and we find it very successful. It’s different and more emotional this time, seeing that we have been in a recovery state following Hurricane Melissa, which badly affected the sector. But look at us now – fully open for business,” Ms. Isaacs stated.
Mayor of St. Ann’s Bay, Councillor Michael Belnavis, praised the event for highlighting community hospitality and economic resilience.
“This radio remote has highlighted Jamaica’s unity and endurance in rebuilding the tourism sector. The people of St. Ann, and Jamaica as a whole, have demonstrated that hospitality is in our DNA,’ Mr. Belnavis stated.
Poko Loko Floating Bar’s owner Anthony Warren, offered another insider’s view, noting that positive results should come from the on-the-ground visits and live broadcasts from the radio hosts.
Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, said the initiative is a strong signal of Jamaica’s competitive rebound in Caribbean travel.
“The radio remote’s reach is a testament to Jamaica’s continued relevance as a premier tourism destination. We have not only recovered but we have also elevated the Jamaican experience to a level that is unmatched in the region,” Mr. Bartlett said.
The collaborative event, which mobilised 11 international radio stations and one local outlet, demonstrates Jamaica’s aggressive post‑Melissa recovery strategy and reinforces the island’s reputation for warm hospitality and world‑class attractions.
Radio remotes have been popularly used as a vehicle by both the Ministry of Tourism and Sandals Resorts International as a means of reaching out directly to radio audiences in Jamaica’s biggest source markets: the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – March 26, 2026 – The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU) successfully hosted its Future Creators Challenge Prize Distribution Ceremony on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at its office in Providenciales, recognising outstanding student creativity and participation from across the Turks and Caicos Islands with winners hailing from Providenciales and North Caicos.
The Future Creators Challenge formed a central component of the ISU’s Youth Outreach Programme, an initiative designed to engage young
people in understanding the challenges associated with informal settlements while encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and solution-oriented perspectives on national development. Through a combination of educational content, school engagement, and creative competitions, the programme provided students with an opportunity to explore issues of community development in accessible and meaningful ways.
Students competed across three categories: 2D Art, Essay Writing, and Jingle Creation, producing submissions that demonstrated both creativity and thoughtful engagement with the themes of the programme.
The following students were recognised for their outstanding performances:
2D Art Challenge
1st Place – Emily Joree – MILLS Institute
2nd Place – T’Sean Anthony – Thelma Lightbourne Primary School
3rd Place – Jagan Russell – MILLS Institute
4th Place – Eve Harvey – MILLS Institute
Essay Challenge
1st Place – Jordan Pierre – Louis Garland Thomas High School
2nd Place – Kavya Mirwani – British West Indies Collegiate
3rd Place – Mirsendy Obei – Raymond Gardiner High School
Jingle Challenge
1st Place – Naivan Smith – Raymond Gardiner High School
In addition to individual awards, MILLS Institute was presented with a special prize in recognition of submitting the highest number of
entries to the ISU Future Creators Challenge, reflecting exceptional student participation and institutional support.
In remarks delivered during the session, ISU Strategic Lead Justice Carlos Simons KC underscored the importance of youth participation in shaping the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands, noting that “the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands depends on young people like you who are willing to engage, to imagine solutions, and to play a role in the development of your communities.” He further encouraged students to continue playing an active role in national development, expressing that he hoped “this is only the beginning of your journey as agents of change here in the TCI.”
The ISU extends its sincere appreciation to all participating schools, students, and teachers as well as the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, whose support contributed to the success of this inaugural Youth Outreach Programme initiative.
The Unit remains committed to expanding its engagement with young people across the Turks and Caicos Islands through innovative, inclusive engagement efforts that support awareness, education, and long-term national development.
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