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Start of the Spiny Lobster Season 2021-2022

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#TurksandCaicos, August 17, 2021 – The 2021-2022 Fishing Season in the Turks and Caicos Islands, kicked off with a “bang”. Fishers were observed leaving the docks in the early hours of the morning and returning in the late afternoon with boat loaded with Spiny Lobster.

A total of 21,159 pounds of Spiny lobster were landing with 15,032 pounds in South Caicos and 6,127 pounds in Providenciales. When compared to last year’s first day of fishing season with 8,372 pounds (bad weather), the 2021-2022 first day of the season has been highly productive. The Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management observed very little lobster that were not of legal size with less than 0.3% of the overall catch undersized. Average landings per vessel were 480 pounds per vessel. The catches ranged in quantity, but the largest amount of landings by one vessel was in South Caicos with 1090 pounds landed by Mr. Conrad Kennedy. The second largest landing by a vessel was by Mr. Ernest Rigby’s vessel, captained by Victor Louis, with a total of 1089 pounds.

Hon. E. Jay Saunders, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Human Services, Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister with responsibility for Fisheries and Hon. Matthew “Jay” Stubbs accompanied the Fisheries and Marine Resources Management (FMRM) Providenciales enforcement team comprising of Director Ms. Thecla Joseph, Deputy Director Mr. Henry Wilson, Assistant Director Law Enforcement Mr. Levard Missick, Captain/Senior Officer Mr. Idi Gardiner and Senior Officer Mr. Paul Dickenson on patrol of the Caicos Banks to observe the operations in ensuring that fishers adhere to Fisheries regulations.

Commenting on the opening of the season, Hon. Connolly stated “we are very happy to announce the opening of the new season to fishers and the general public. We advise to continue to laisse and cooperate with Department of Fisheries and Marine Resource Management to ensure that the supply of these resources remains sustainable for future generation.”

Hon. Stubbs stated “as a Government, we are working with FMRM to see how best we can assist our Fisheries patrol team by providing them with the necessary tools as they continue to deal with issues especially on the opening of the lobster season.” Hon. Saunders also commented that “Preservation of our natural resources is in keeping with the goals of our administration, and therefore we hope that fishers and other relevant stakeholders will work with Government during the season to ensure that the supply remain sustainable in the future”.

The Director of FMRM, Ms. Joseph, in her message “We are committed to enforcing the regulations as it pertains to the lobster season, we will hope that all relevant parties cooperate with the department to avoid penalties or fines as to the laws. The department encourages all persons involved in the harvesting of lobster to remain safe to prevent the loss of life or damage to property.”

The FMRM would like to remind fishers of restrictions relating to crawfish, as per Section 15 of the Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Ordinance 5 of 1941), as amended, are listed below:

Crawfish size restrictions are as follows:

When whole, a length of 3.25 inches measured from the front of the groove between the horns directly above the eyes, along the middle of the back to the rear edge of the back shell; or

When the tail has been separated, a tail weight of 5 ounces whether processed or not;

Fishers are not to be in the possession of any egg-bearing crawfish;

Fishers are not to remove eggs from egg-bearing crawfish;

Fishers are not to take or be in possession of moulting / soft-shelled crawfish or crawfish in early stages of spawning (described as appearing ‘tar-spotted’); and Fishers are to ensure that the crawfish are landed unharmed and whole after being taken and landed at processing plants or at home, unless processed at sea as per the terms of the processing license.

Fishers, and Fish Processing Plants are further reminded to adhere to all COVID-19 guidelines and protocols regarding handling and processing of all lobster products.

 

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DDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop

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Ms. Yolande Williams, Community Preparedness Officer for South Caicos speaking to Dr. Clerveaux

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.

The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.

Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.

To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.

Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”

This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.

 

Photo Captions:

1st insert:   Ms. Tamara Hylton, Training and Education Manager for DDME
2nd insert: Dr. Virginia Clerveaux with DDME Staff Members
3rd insert: Mr. Kevern De Bellott, Deputy Director for DDME speaking to Dr. Clerveaux

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Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.

The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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