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20 dead found in TCI waters and no clue who they are, where they came from or what happened

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#TurksandCaicos, June 26, 2021 – The update from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force delivered on a far more grim situation than anyone could have imagined and the Police Commissioner conveyed as much in a statement issued on Friday (June 25) afternoon about that tragic discovery of a boat full of dead bodies.

Discovered, unexpectedly by a Grand Turk fisherman, the remains of 20 human being and Trevor Botting said, “it is believed that the boat originates from outside of the Caribbean Region and that neither the Turks and Caicos Islands nor the Region was their intended destination.  My investigators are working to establish their identities and how they met their death.” 

The Commissioner warned that this work will take some time to complete adding that while the deaths are unexplained, there is no indication of foul play. 

How the boat came to be in Turks and Caicos waters is also an item of interest said the Commissioner who commended the Grand Turk branch of the Force,  health workers and other government agencies for the professional handling of what he described as “a distressing scene.”

Earlier today, details remained limited about the early Thursday morning discovery of a boat adrift about six miles off Grand Turk; detected by a local fisherman who contacted authorities. 

What Police discovered was both tragic and gruesome; multiple dead bodies on board and the boat, said a police statement was brought into South Dock Port, Grand Turk by officers of the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources. 

Rumors which were circulating of where the people came from and whether there were children on board, was just that, as authorities had issued no details on the individuals.

Our news organization’s understanding of the discovery was the decomposition was so advanced, it was impossible to – at a glance say – where the deceased originated. 

The 45ft boat was believed to be from the Dominican Republic.  This suspicion led to the circulation of images of MISSING PERSONS posters of men from the DR, reportedly dispatched by the Royal Bahamas Police Force; however, we found no such images posted on the active Facebook page or the official website of the Bahamian Police. 

TCI Police informs that their criminal investigation and forensic departments are leading the probe.

Eerily similar, at the start of June, Trinidad and Tobago had a near identical case; a boat with 14 bodies and other human remains on board was discovered by fisherman. 

In that matter, those that perished were believed to have drifted from waters off Africa.  The boat was traced to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. 

Our contact in Trinidad and Tobago, located in southern Caribbean, confirmed that an autopsy report revealed those found, had died due to dehydration. 

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On World Refugee Day, Global Solidarity Faces Critical Test

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On World Refugee Day, we reflect on the stories of millions forced from their homes. “Every individual carries a story of profound loss,” the UN Secretary‑General reminds us in today’s message. Refugees from Sudan, Ukraine, Haiti, and Myanmar—among other crises—highlight a surge in forced displacement matched by dwindling global support unhcr.org.

New figures from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees confirm this grim reality: more than 122 million people globally are forcibly displaced as of early 2025—up nearly 2 million from last year—while host nations, often low‑ or middle‑income, carry the heaviest burden

The World Health Organization adds that protecting the health of displaced people is “solidarity in action,” yet budget cuts threaten essential services in camps from Kenya to South Sudan.

The UN’s message is clear: refugees breathe courage and resilience, strengthening economies and communities when given opportunity. Yet xenophobia is rising; resettlement stalls, with under 8% of the world’s refugees finding safety abroadPublic opinion surveys show 67% support refugee protection, although 62% worry about economic impact.

Solidarity Means Action

On this day, unity must translate into support: humanitarian funding needs urgent replenishment; pathways to resettlement and asylum must be expanded; refugee voices need to shape policies; and long-term integration through education, decent work, and legal equality must become priorities.

“Becoming a refugee is never a choice,” the UN reminds us. But how the world responds is a choice. As crises persist—from Sudan’s civil war to Ukraine’s continued conflict—the choice is ours: uphold humanity and embrace solidarity, or let dwindling compassion define our legacy.

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SOILCARE PHASE II ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS HELD AS BAHAMAS JOINS A COALITION OF COUNTRIES COMMITTED TO RESTORING LANDSCAPES AND SECURING A RESILIENT AGRICULTURAL FUTURE

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ST. GEORGE’S GRENADA – The Bahamas is joining a coalition of Caribbean Small Island Developing States, that committed to restoring landscapes and securing a resilient agricultural future, by tackling land degradation and drought. The Bahamas is one of six new countries scheduled to benefit from the Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) multi-country soil management initiative for Integrated Landscape Restoration and climate-resilient food systems (SOILCARE), Phase II, implemented by the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management (PISLM).

SOILCARE Phase I has been helping adopt policies, measures and best practices and support review of legal and institutional frameworks to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality LDN and Climate Resilience.

As PISLM prepares to launch Phase II of its flagship regional project, adding six new countries, two consultation sessions were completed on 3rd and 4th June by PISLM’s Sustainable Land Management Specialist Dr. Ronen Francis.

Project updates were present to the Permanent Secretary responsible for UNCCD IN the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. David Davis, Director of Agriculture – Dr Jason Sands and Danielle Hanek- Director of Forestry Unit of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Bahamas.

This project will seek to assist the country in upgrading its National Soil Laboratories through provision of modern equipment, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training of technicians. It will also help the Bahamas, to develop Digital Soil Maps, develop their national drought risk plans, including improved drought management, Cat Island. It will also support a youth agri-business programme that will foster youth-led innovation and align with the CARICOM 25×25 vision.

This project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Allocated funding is$17.9 million USD and $26.5 million USD in co-financing, by regional Governments, including the Bahamas.

Photo Caption:

Photo 1 Permanent Secretary responsible for UNCCD in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mr. David Davis, Director of Agriculture – Dr Jason Sands Daniell, Ms. Danielle Hanek- Director of Forestry Unit of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Bahamas and Dr. Ronen Francis-PISLM.

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CIBC Caribbean Hosts Career Day Experience  

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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.”

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