News
Renessa Williams Appointed as Deputy Secretary
#TurksandCaicos, March 12, 2022 – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Renessa Williams to the post of Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Human Services.
Ms. Williams career with the Turks & Caicos islands Civil Service began in 2001, in the area of Auditing. During the period 2004–2005, Ms. Williams proceeded on study leave and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the American Intercontinental University.
On her return, she rejoined the Audit Department for a short stint as an Auditor and was later appointed in 2007, as Human Resource Officer within the Human Resource Management Directorate Office.
Serving in that capacity for five (5) years; she monitored human resource practices across Ministries/Departments. Because of Ms. Williams’ ambitious drive towards an effective Public Service, she was nominated as a key member on the technical committee that worked in collaboration with National School of Government UK. This committee facilitated the restructuring exercise of the Performance Based procedures and the development of Competency Based Interviews and Job Descriptions which are used across TCIG to date.
In 2012, Ms. Williams was appointed as Head of Secretariat within the Ministry of Health & Human Services where she served in that capacity as the liaison between the Permanent Secretary and Minister, and to the wider public and private stakeholders. She was also responsible for coordinating the secretariat functions, ensuring that the Ministry of Health’s business progressed efficiently through the political and administrative processes.
Over the years Ms. Williams led on many initiatives within in the Ministry of Health and because of her passionate and meticulous demeanor, she was recommended to act temporarily in the role of Deputy Secretary.
Commenting on her appointment Ms. Williams stated:
“For with God NOTHING shall be impossible – Luke 1:37. At the age 17 years, I commenced my career as a Public Servant. I was nervous yet eager to learn and make a beneficial contribution towards the overall productivity of the Public Service.
“People don’t get promoted for doing their jobs really well. They get promoted by demonstrating their potential to do more”. – Tara Jaye Frank
I believe that my professional background coupled with experiences gained over the years has prepared me to serve with the utmost level of integrity. I will remain steadfast to support my team as we work diligently and strategically to advance the goals and objectives of this Ministry.
I am delighted to be appointed to the post of Deputy Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Health and Human Services. With humbleness, I express gratitude and a BIG THANK YOU to the individuals who considered me to be capable of carrying out this role and who have supported me throughout my professional journey.
To serve in the capacity of Deputy Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Health is a golden opportunity for me to do my part in achieving our vision of “A healthier and empowered people throughout the life course.”
I can assure you that I will remain committed to performing to the best of my abilities in this new role, whilst working collaboratively with the “A-team” towards continuously improving the overall health of all citizens and ensuring that Ministry of Health delivers on its key objectives.”
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Her Excellency Anya Williams in extending congratulatory remarks to Ms. Williams stated:
“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Ms. Renessa Williams on her appointment to the post of Deputy Secretary within the Ministry of Health and Human Services.
Having joined the public service at the tender age of 17, Ms. Williams has undergone a journey over the last 20 years in upgrading her educational background and experience, which has propelled her to work across a number of fields in Audit, HR and the Ministry of Health during her tenure with the Turks and Caicos Government.
During the height of the pandemic, she was temporarily appointed to act in the capacity of Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Health to assist the Ministry in their response and did an exceptional job during the period. No doubt helping to prepare her to be a top performer in the recent Deputy Secretary Recruitment exercise.
We wish her well on her new appointment and on her continued public service journey.
Congratulations Renessa!”
The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.
The individuals and charges are as follows:
An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving
The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.
The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.
The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.
The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.
A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:
- Murder
The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.
A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:
- Murder
- Attempted Murder
These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.
RBPF, PACD
by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for
journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”
Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”
Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.
The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.
Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.
Saunders believes AI can help.
He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.
He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.
His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”
For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.
That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.
Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries
and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.
According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.
The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.
Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.
However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.
The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band
