Caribbean News
Live Rifles after Training with Bermuda Regiment; more strides for TCI Regiment Members
#TurksandCaicos, February 6, 2023 – Members of the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment are getting their first taste of firing their newly acquired rifles live, thanks to a visit by Royal Bermuda Regiment soldiers.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment – set up in 2020 – is currently joined for almost three weeks by a Short-Term Training Team from the RBR.
Marines are receiving support on the firing range as the two British Overseas Territory units build on opportunities to work together.
Warrant Officer Class One Pete Ramm, the RBR’s Sergeant Major Instructor, travelled to the TCI with Colour Sergeant Shanté Arnold and Colour Sergeant Curtis Grant.
CSgt Grant said training included use of a Colt M5 rifle, which marines fired live for the first time.
He added: “It’s great to see the progression starting from novice shooters; they’ve progressed well in the time.
“I’m pretty happy about my part in that and I’m sure the rest of the team is as well.”
The training sees marines advance through shooting exercises in readiness for their Annual Personal Weapons Test, which now means they can carry the firearms on patrols.
Some of the TCI Regiment troops have now been qualified by the RBR team to take on roles in range safety and coaching.
CSgt Grant noted how the training in TCI resembled instruction for newly enlisted members of the RBR.
He said: “When we take our recruits on the range for the first time to fire live, it’s the same thing – they have the theoretical part of it and then apply the practical part.”
Lance Corporal Tim Browning said the weapons practice, which also included use of a Glock 19 handgun, made TCI Regiment troops the “envy” of their friends.
He said: “We’re very grateful having the Royal Bermuda Regiment guys here because if we didn’t, we wouldn’t be able to go on the ranges.”
The 42-year-old, who was among a group of marines that visited Bermuda for training last year, added: “The TCI Regiment is very much in its infancy, so everybody is still learning a lot.
“There is a world of difference between the TCI Regiment and the RBR, so the guys have brought training that is second to none, it couldn’t be any better.”
The Royal Bermuda Regiment has worked with partner nations for decades and the latest collaboration comes after a meeting of defence unit leaders in 2022.
Lieutenant Colonel Ben Beasley, the RBR’s Commanding Officer, said: “Last year in London, the Commanding Officers of the British Overseas Territories met for the first time to discuss opportunities for enhancing collective support.
“After consultation with our Governors, this is one of the initiatives which has been implemented, along with training courses we delivered last year in the US and Bermuda.”
Lt Col Beasley said: “As island nations we share many similarities, particularly with TCI.
“Our regiments are based primarily on reservists who are drawn from the communities we serve.
“Quite often, as is the case in many local industries, we will receive training at overseas establishments and then amend policies and procedures to fit the local environment.
“Although it is for their Commanding Officer to decide what is best for his unit, we can share with them our training practices that have been shaped and refined by years of experience.”
By training together, sharing methods and exchanging personnel, overseas territories can work more cohesively when called upon to support each other.
Lieutenant Colonel Ennis Grant Commanding Officer of the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment was very delighted that the TCI Regiment has accomplished this significant mild stone, which is very important aspect of fully operationalizing the Regiment. Lt. Colonel Grant commented:
“Training is the cornerstone of excellence and professionalism. The best militaries around the world are very good at what they do because they invest heavily in training. We have invested over Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) in training during the current fiscal period.
Its not only about the amount of monies we have invested but finding intuitions and organizations that can deliver the highest standard of training. The Royal Bermuda Regiment is certainly one of those organisations.
We are enormously grateful to the Commanding Officer of the Royal Bermuda Regiment, and the Government and people of Bermuda for supporting the development of the TCI Regiment. The Training Team are excellent ambassadors for Bermuda. They bring an enormous wealth of knowledge, which we are very privileged to benefit from.
Finally, thanks to our Marines for dedicating their time and demonstrating an unselfish commitment to serve the citizens and residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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