News

Trust the Process

Published

4 years ago

June 30, 2022

#TurksandCaicos, June 30, 2022 – Several negative statements regarding the U15 basketball team inspired me to write this particular article and those two statements will become our mantra going forward as we continue to trust the process as we work towards getting better. It caused me to question if a large percentage of all basketball enthusiast are aware of and subscribe to the Turks and Caicos Islands Basketball Federation’s vision and how it fits into the organization overall strategic objective. Those of us who found the vision to be meaningful have align ourselves with the vision. However, it does not prevent us from living in the moment and enjoying the advantages and small successes but we recognize that it is also about planning for the future. An effective vision statement clearly outlines the aspirations of any organization and what it hopes to achieve short term, medium term and long term.

The Turks and Caicos Islands U15 basketball team begun its journey several months ago by carrying out a tour of Jamaica where the team was able to participate in a number of basketball games and enjoy a degree of success in regard to the five games that they participated in. They posted a record of 3 victories and two losses. While in Jamaica the President of the Federation learnt that Puerto Rico was chosen as the host country for the 2022 Centrobasket U15 Championship. He immediately begun to lobby the organizers for a spot if any of the qualifying countries were unable to participate in the scheduled event for whatever reason. As faith would have it a spot became available and we were invited to be a part of this year’s Centrobasket Championship thereby realizing one of our strategic objectives sooner than expected. The invite was also historic in that the U15 is the first junior basketball team to formally represent the Turks and Caicos Islands in a formal regional FIBA basketball tournament and the second team to represent our beloved country in a FIBA regional basketball event, the 2004 men’s basketball team was the first.

We began our journey to Puerto Rico on June 16 2022. We arrived in Miami minus two team members and our President, Mr. Sydwell Glasgow who was undergoing minor surgery on the day we departed Providenciales. The 12 member contingent (10 players and 2 coaches) arrived in Puerto Rico several hours later and the remaining two players, who travel to Miami later that day, eventually made it to Puerto Rico later that night. Yep, that was the first leg of the race.

Subsequently, I attended the technical meeting the next day June 17. The technical meeting and Team Turks and Caicos first practice were conducted simultaneously. Head Coach Mervin Forbes oversaw the practice and in my capacity as Secretary-General and Team Manager I represent the team at the Technical Committee meeting. I was required to present the list of players, coaches and other accompany members of the delegation. The passport of each member of the delegation and the official uniforms of the players and coaching staff to ensure that the relevant FIBA requirements were met. The process begun at 2:15 pm on the aforementioned date and time. We got clearance for 9 players plus the coaching staff. Additional information was needed to clear the remaining 3 players and the last remaining evaluation was conducted at 2am the next day. All is well that ends well, the last three remaining players were cleared to compete – TCI contingent 12 players strong.

The journey continued on the 18^th of June 2022 when Team TCI played Team Costa Rica which was the first game of the Centrobasket U15 Championship. In a tightly contested basketball game that was highly competitive we saw a number of lead changes throughout the four quarters of the game. Team Turks and Caicos eventually won the game 67 to 61.

Team Turks and Caicos in its second game played a strong Dominican Republic (DR) team; who came into the event ranked as the third strongest team in the event. They proved to be a handful for the Turks and Caicos as Team Turks and Caicos struggle to keep pace with the DR. Team Turks and Caicos found itself down because of a number self-inflicted wounds by virtue of multiple turnovers and them not finishing when the team had uncontested lay-ups and uncontested jump shots. The DR won that game 100 to 46. It was obvious that Team Turks and Caicos can compete with the DR but too many mistakes and poor execution place them in an unattainable position.

In game three, we saw more of the same from Team Turks and Caicos in the game against Puerto Rico. Our defense were suspect, turnovers and missed opportunities contributed to us not keeping pace with Puerto Rico; the strongest team in the tournament. It was obvious, that we have the complimentary pieces but we need more time to work out the kinks and play together as a unit. Team Turks and Caicos lost the game 123 to 32 to the defending champions.

Next up for Team Turks and Caicos Islands was Mexico, another Latino power house who is ranked number two in this event. They are not skilled as Puerto Rico but the style of play is similar. Defensively and offensively they keep coming at you as was evident in the game played against Team Turks and Caicos. They defeated Turks and Caicos 103 to 39.

Team Turks and Caicos fifth and final game was played against Team Bahamas. This was a battle between two teams that share a similar colonial history and that was once one country. They have a history of competing against each other in the sport of basketball. Whenever they compete it is for bragging rights and the losing team is reminded by the winning team, whenever the opportunity presents itself, that when last we met on the field which country won. Team Bahamas defeated Team Turks and Caicos 79 to 56.

Team Turks and Caicos have a number of players whose outstanding individual performance during the tournament caused them to be named in the point standing and rebound standing: Dylan Morris is third in scoring with 18.3 points per game just below Puerto Rico’s Felipe Andres, the second leading scorer with 18.4 points per game. Roldjudson Lacossade (RJ) is top rebounder with highest rebounding percentage with 15.8 rebounds per game.

Team Turks and Caicos finish like we started: we played gritty, hustling, resolute basketball. Despite being undersize, having less experience then our competition and having to contend with injuries along way. Team Turks and Caicos have nothing to be a shame about – they met the giants on the field of battle who were more equipped and better prepared than they were but they held their own with just a “sling shot and a couple of stones”: (Dylan Morris, Roldjudson Lacossade (RJ), Harry Taylor, Ethan Taylor, Adin Missick, Malachi Missick, Dillion Forbes, Takeem Williams, Rezon Carmichael, T’kai Delancy, Kymani Carter and Onai Lightbourne). Historic Diamonds in the rough.

There are number of persons we need to thank because without the cooperation and support of the following individuals and business establishments the Federation would not have been able to realize this enormous task. I start by the thanking the parents of the young men that was selected to compete on the U15 basketball team. Thanks to the principals who made arrangements for the young men to sit their exams subsequent to returning to the Turks and Caicos Islands. We take this opportunity to thank Hon. Rachel Taylor and the Hon. Otis Morris for their individual roles in ensuring that we were able to attend this prestigious event by making sure all the pieces fell into place. We express our appreciation to the Chairman, Director and Staff of the Sports Commission for the part they played in assisting the Federation as they went beyond the call of duty to ensure that our athletes had access to the facilities and other much need assistance.

We also take this opportunity to thank our major sponsor TDMG Concordia. The company sponsor the team, the coaches and the Federation Executives uniforms. We are extremely grateful for your much needed assistance. We also take this opportunity to thank Long Bay Express for sponsoring the uniforms that was used in Jamaica and were used in Puerto Rico as our practice uniforms. We would be remiss if we did not thank the various employees in a number of Government Departments for assisting us in crunch time. Blessings to all of you, especially the indigenous population and those living and working in the Turks and Caicos Islands who watch the games on Facebook and cheered us on.

Press Release: TCI Basketball Federation

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