News

Statement by the Governor – H.E. Nigel Dakin CMG – on the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Published

5 years ago

March 3, 2022

I thought it important to give an update on the UK’s response to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, and the support TCI is, and will provide, in terms of sanctions.

#TurksandCaicos, March 3, 2022 – Russia’s assault on Ukraine is an unprovoked, premeditated and barbaric attack against a sovereign democratic state. It is a clear breach of international law and the UN Charter. I spent some of early military career in West Germany, defending Europe from the threat of Soviet aggression, and to see columns of Tanks from Russia’s ‘First Guards Tank Army’, bearing down on cities and civilians, in a democratic state, is unconscionable. Ukraine – who are standing up to this aggression with admirable courage – have already suffered horrific attacks – missiles and air strikes have torn through apartment blocks; innocent people including children have lost their lives.

Today (2 March) 141 Countries voted in the United Nations deploring Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and calling for an immediate withdrawal of Forces. With the exception of Cuba that vote, deploring Russian aggression, included every Caribbean country. While thirty five countries abstained, only 5 voted against (Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Eritrea and Syria). Of the abstentions, six of Russia’s allies, who voted with her after the annexation of Crimea in 2014, abstained today including – most notably in our region – Cuba.

It is the first time in 40 years the ‘Security Council’ has referred a crisis to the assembly and only the 11^th time an emergency session of the UN general assembly has been called since 1950. . The initial General Assembly resolution was co-sponsored by some our closest neighbours: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Belize, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago. Good for them.

Staying with our region, CARICOM (where our Premier presently is, representing TCI) heard the Chair, the Prime Minister of Belize, John Briceno say: “As we meet, Russia has invaded Ukraine. This is a flagrant violation of international law. We condemn in the strongest terms this unjustified invasion. There must be an immediate cessation of hostilities, an immediate and unilateral withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. We call for all to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law.”

The events of the last few days have demonstrated that the Kremlin was never serious about engaging in diplomacy – and was focussed only on deceit and furthering territorial ambitions. The Russian government lied not only to the world but crucially to their own people. This is not an argument with Russians, many of whom will deplore their President’s actions, but with the small circle who control the Russian State, and who have enriched themselves on it. It is vital for the safety of every nation that President Putin’s venture should ultimately fail, and be seen to fail. The UK stands with Ukraine – and I personally admire the defence the Ukrainians are mounting.

As families shelter from rocket attacks, and paratroopers drop on a Ukrainian city, and Tank columns are on the move, the number of refugees seem to be in the region of well over 500,000. From our perspective, in the Caribbean, it is worth acknowledging there were disturbing reports that suggested those with African or South Asian heritage or ethnicity were being discriminated against. The UK Government – and others in this region – have received absolute assurances from the Ukrainian Government that this is not sanctioned and will not be tolerated, and that all will be treated equally.

The UK means what it says in terms of defending the Ukrainian people’s right to choose their own destiny. As a result it has launched the largest package of sanctions in the UK’s history – sanctions that TCI have been, and are, also bringing into force. This is being implemented in partnership with our international allies in order to cut off funding for President Putin’s war.

These will inflict serious economic pain and we have agreed with international partners that many of Russia’s key banks will be removed from SWIFT (the foundational process by which money is moved between banks). This is the first step towards a total SWIFT ban. New sanctions will devastate Russia’s economy and targets Vladimir Putin directly and his inner circle including Sergey Lavrov.

More than 100 companies and oligarchs at the heart of President Putin’s regime have been hit with sanctions yesterday worth 100s of billions of pounds, asset freezes and travel bans on Russia’s banking and defence sector. This includes asset freezes on VTB, Russia’s second largest bank, worth £154 billion, Rostec, Russia’s defence giant, responsible for $13bn of arms exports per year. Sanctions will also soon be implemented on 571 members of the Duma and Federation council who sanctioned the invasion of Ukraine.

The UK have banned Aeroflot and all other Russian commercial and private jets from UK airspace and these airlines and private jets are equally banned from TCI airspace and all other Overseas Territories. The UK will be introducing new financial measures to freeze the assets of Russian banks and lay legislation before the UK Parliament to ban the Russian state and Russia’s economically vital industries and companies (like Gazprom) from raising finance on the UK’s money markets – the most important financial centre in Europe.

This legislation will also prevent Russian banks from clearing payments in sterling, and as soon as it comes into force it will apply to Sberbank – Russia’s largest bank. Additional legislation will ban exports to Russia across a range of critical sectors, this includes critical, high-end technological equipment. It will blunt Russia’s military-industrial capabilities and act as a drag on Russia’s economy for years to come.

Working with allies the intention is to cripple Russia’s economic development in both the short and, if necessary, the long term. The UK and our allies are united and clear that nothing and no one is off the table. UK sanctions will also apply to Belarussian individuals and organisations that have supported the Russian invasion.

Beyond sanctions, we are already providing a range of economic, humanitarian and defensive military assistance. The UK have pledged £220 million of aid, which includes £120 million of humanitarian assistance providing Ukrainians with access to basic necessities and vital medical supplies. The funding will help aid agencies respond to the deteriorating humanitarian situation, creating a lifeline for Ukrainians with access to basic necessities. UK Government humanitarian experts have also deployed to the region to bolster the UK’s support to countries receiving those fleeing the violence in Ukraine.

Having been one of the first to send sophisticated anti-tank weapons to the Ukrainians – to allow them a fighting chance to defend themselves – and watching them use these to good effect in defending their homeland, the UK continues to help Ukraine strengthen its defences with joint exercises, maritime support and by training over 20,000 members of its army.

The UK is ramping up support for trade in priority industries to £3.5 billion – including £1.7billion to boost Ukraine’s naval capability. We are also providing $500 million in loan guarantees to support Multilateral Development Banks, such as the World Bank, to bolster Ukraine’s economy. We particularly welcome Germany’s decision to suspend Nord Stream 2 that brings Russian Gas to Europe. We must hold Russia responsible for their actions, which will be met with severe costs, and to do this Europe must reduce its dependence on Russian gas.

The Kremlin’s unprovoked aggression has led the Russian people into a quagmire and, as demonstrated today, turned Russia into an international pariah. The world community now stands against them and in solidarity with Ukraine. The Russian government’s attempt to conquer an independent state by force of arms, is an attack on the security and freedom of Europe but it goes far wider than that. It’s an attack against the international order and its impacts, particularly if President Putin were to prevail, will be felt globally should dictators, and those who see themselves as the ‘strong’ set against weak neighbours, believe they can act with impunity. I’m proud of the Ukrainians who are resisting, I’m proud to be associated with those supporting them, and I’m proud that TCI – in the only way it can – is supporting them through the imposition of sanctions against those who wage war against democratic neighbours.

Related Topics:#magneticmedianews #nigeldakin #russiainvadesukraine

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Bahamas News

Bahamas Issues Cybersecurity Alert Over Akira Ransomware Threat

Published

3 days ago

October 22, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Nassau, The Bahamas, October 22, 2026 — The National Computer Incident Response Team of The Bahamas (CIRT-BS) has issued a cybersecurity advisory warning businesses, government institutions and other organisations about the growing threat posed by Akira ransomware, a cybercriminal operation capable of stealing sensitive information, disrupting networks and demanding ransom payments.

Active since March 2023, Akira operates through a Ransomware-as-a-Service model, with affiliates exploiting weaknesses in computer networks to gain unauthorised access.

Once inside, attackers can steal confidential data, disable recovery systems and encrypt files, preventing organisations from accessing critical information.

Particularly concerning is Akira’s use of double extortion, threatening to publish stolen information unless victims pay. Some attacks involve data theft without encryption.

The October 22 advisory identifies vulnerabilities involving Cisco and SonicWall firewalls, VPN services, Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol, Veeam backup systems and outdated Windows and Linux operating systems. VMware ESXi and Nutanix AHV environments are also potential targets.

Attackers may exploit unpatched software, stolen login credentials and inadequately secured remote-access applications, including AnyDesk and RustDesk.

Warning signs include unexpected administrator accounts, unusual remote logins, unauthorised software installations, suspicious backup activity, mass file changes and ransom notes.

CIRT-BS recommends immediate security updates, multifactor authentication, restricted remote access, stronger network monitoring and secure backups maintained separately from operational systems.

Organisations should also remove unnecessary internet exposure of remote desktop services, limit administrative privileges and regularly test backup restoration.

The advisory does not identify any confirmed Akira attack against a Bahamian organisation but highlights vulnerabilities that could expose institutions to serious financial and operational disruption.

Cybersecurity incidents can be reported to CIRT-BS at soc@cirt.bs or through its official website.

News

BermudAir Launches Service to the Turks and Caicos Islands on October 26th, Expanding Air Connectivity Ahead of Winter Season

Published

3 days ago

October 22, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 22nd, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes BermudAir as the airline begins its service to the destination on Monday, October 26th, marking the start of a wider expansion that will connect us with additional cities across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.

BermudAir’s service will begin with a new nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Providenciales. The flight will depart from the Howard Hamilton International Airport at 8 am on Monday morning and arrives at 7.40 pm. Aboard the inaugural flight will be a delegation from the Turks and Caicos Islands led by Experience Turks and Caicos and the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA), and will include Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, as well s representatives of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA), the board of the Turks and Caicos Islands Tourism Authority, Invest TC and local media.

BermudAir will operate the Fort Lauderdale–Providenciales route three times weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, through May 3rd, 2027. making it easier for business travellers with the schedule offering the potential for same-day return trips. The airline is also launching nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale and Belize City, Belize, on the same schedule, offering travellers in South Florida direct access to both destinations.

The new service introduces BermudAir’s premium leisure inflight experience to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Flights will operate on Embraer E190 aircraft configured without middle seats, giving every passenger a window or aisle seat, alongside complimentary snacks and beverages.

Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Zhavargo Jolly, welcomed the airline’s arrival, noting the importance of expanding airlift to support the continued development of the destination’s tourism industry.

“Air connectivity remains one of the most important factors in the continued development of our tourism industry. BermudAir’s expansion represents an opportunity to strengthen our connections with key international markets while opening new doors for our sister islands. I am particularly encouraged by the planned direct service between Newark and South Caicos, which speaks directly to our vision of expanding tourism opportunities across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our objective is to ensure that improved connectivity translates into greater economic activity, stronger local businesses and more opportunities for Turks and Caicos Islanders to participate in and benefit from tourism.” said Minister Jolly.

Commenting on the significance of the new route for the country’s development, the Honourable Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development (PPID), stated: “The introduction of BermudAir’s new service is a testament to the continued growth and development of our aviation sector. The Ministry of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, alongside the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority, remains dedicated to enhancing our airport infrastructure to accommodate increased airlift. We are committed to working to ensure that our facilities provide a seamless, world-class experience for all incoming passengers and we warmly welcome BermudAir to our shores.”

The Fort Lauderdale launch is the first of several new services BermudAir plans to introduce to the Turks and Caicos Islands for the 2026–2027 winter season. Additional connections to Providenciales are scheduled from:

Bermuda to TCI and Grand Cayman: Beginning December 18th, 2026
Anguilla: Beginning December 19th, 2026
Boston, Massachusetts: Beginning December 19th, 2026
Toronto, Canada: Beginning December 19th, 2026
Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina: Beginning December 20th, 2026
Newark, New Jersey to South Caicos: Beginning December 20th, 2026
St. Petersburg/Tampa, Florida: Beginning December 21st, 2026
Baltimore-Washington: Beginning December 24th, 2026

The expansion will give travellers more options for reaching the destination during the winter travel season, while broadening access from established and developing source markets. The additional routes also create opportunities for tourism stakeholders to reach new audiences and encourage visitors to explore more of the islands.

For flight schedules and bookings, visit www.flybermudair.com.

News

DDME Celebrates International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction

Published

3 days ago

October 22, 2026

Deandrea Hamilton

Emcee and members of the panel (L-R): Ms. Arnisiqua Selver, Mistress of Ceremony; Mr. Andrew Gardiner, TCI Red Cross; Mr. Garry McLean, Department of Planning and Ms. Kevaun Lucas, Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 22 October 2026: The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) joined the global observance of International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) on October 13th. Various initiatives were held throughout the islands to bring awareness to the public, including panel discussions, community engagement activities, school visits, essay writing and an original video submission from the Eliza Simons School in Grand Turk.

Disaster Risk Reduction is a people-centred endeavour; it emphasises that policies, systems and investments must be designed around the needs and capabilities of individuals and communities, according to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. Each year, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), as the implementing agency for the Sendai Framework, issues a call to action encouraging individuals, communities, and countries to become resilient.

The 2026 IDDRR theme, ‘Resilience Starts at Home’ seeks to bring global and national awareness of the core role of households in disaster risk reduction, advocating for stronger governance and investment in resilient housing, reducing housing-related risk and empowering households to take risk-informed actions to protect themselves and strengthen community resilience.

The Turks and Caicos Islands, in an effort to reduce disaster risk, seeks to observe the concepts and core principles of the Sendai Framework 2015-2030. Throughout the years, many initiatives have been taken through the various stages of the disaster cycle from preparedness to recovery in an effort to strengthen the resilience of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Initiatives such as the creation and consistent updating of building codes, the Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Housing Project following major hurricanes such as Ike in 2008, the creation of an early recovery framework, as well as strengthening CCRIFF insurance were all implemented to ensure that the Turks and Caicos Islands were on the path to build back stronger and better.

This year’s theme underscores the roles governments, the private sector, and individuals play in ensuring communities and homes are safe and more resilient. The Turks and Caicos Islands Government has made significant strides in ensuring that homes are constructed through the use of risk-informed planning, land use planning and construction practices. The Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Housing Project, which facilitated the construction of twenty-four (24) completely rebuilt homes and repaired thirty-four (34) homes, provided a baseline for future housing initiatives such as Programme 3. This programme includes community renewal and infilling under the National Housing Policy and seeks to repair property that has sustained physical damage for vulnerable people.

Residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands are reminded of the individual role that they can play in ensuring that their homes are resilient.

Ensure that you obtain the proper approvals from the Planning Department before building.
Ensure that you utilise the standards and building codes of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Include proper drainage systems and other methods to reduce flooding and water pooling near your home.
Update your family emergency plans and ensure that everyone in your household is aware of its contents.

Let us all do our part in ensuring that all homes across the Turks and Caicos Islands are resilient.

Highlights from IDDRR can be seen on the Official DDME Social media accounts: Facebook @ddme.tci_official and Instagram @ddm.tci