Bahamas News
TCI Appoints Diaspora Liaison Officers in The Bahamas
#TurksandCaicos, February 20, 2023 – As a part of its efforts to strengthen the relationship between the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, the TCI Government is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Andrea Vernay Mills and Canon Curtis Robinson as Diaspora Liaison Officers for the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama, Bahamas, respectively.
TCI Liaison Officers in Bahamas
Ms. Mills is a direct descendent of South Caicos that has lived in Nassau, Bahamas for most of her life. She has over 30 years’ experience in formal education and currently serves in public relations and school administration roles as well as a research coordinator for a leading Bahamian publication. Ms. Mills is also a respected planner and property manager. Ms. Mills, given her family history, and extensive knowledge of descendants of the Turks and Caicos in the Bahamas will be a valued asset in providing non-consular liaison services to our diaspora.
Canon Curtis Robinson was born on the island of Grand Turk and received both his elementary and secondary education in the Turks and Caicos Islands. He and his family currently reside on the island of Grand Bahama in the city of Freeport. Canon Robinson was an educator in the Bahamas’ Ministry of Education for more than 41 years, and a member of the clergy in the Anglican Diocese of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands since 1979. Canon Robinson has vast knowledge and experience with descendants from the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Bahamas professional and religious community.
Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service Her Excellency Anya Williams in commenting on the appointments stated, “As the Turks and Caicos Islands works to attract talent in a number of areas, we are pleased to expand on our relationship with the Bahamas through the appointment of our new Representatives/Diaspora Liaison Officers.
The Turks and Caicos recently benefited from the Bahamas through support provided by the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) to the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) to assist in the fight against violent crime.
We currently have eighteen (18) Police recruits in Freeport, Bahamas undergoing training and recently recruited both the CEO of the TCI Airports Mr. Godfrey Smith and the Energy and Utility Commissioner Mr. Delano Arthur who are direct descendants of the Turks and Caicos Islands from Freeport, Bahamas.
As we work to continue our partnerships in National Security and Policing and with the appointment of official
Commenting on the appointments the Premier Honourable Charles Washington Misick stated, “The Bahamas and TCI, throughout history has always had strong ties and the benefits of this relationship have been felt for many years. Members of our diaspora are spread far and wide however, a large contingent resides and hold prominent positions in the Bahamas.
It is with that knowledge, and in the interest of expanding our human capacity my government is progressing the establishment of a Diaspora of the Turks and Caicos Islands office in the Bahamas. This initiative will restore links to the diaspora and open a line of communication to gauge interest in returning home, to invest and to contribute to the development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Our diaspora liaison officers, Canon Robinson and Ms. Mills are no strangers to us, and I am confident that they will both will work closely with the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Attorney General’s Chambers, and Office to assist our diaspora with non-consular requests, recruitment, and investment opportunities.”
More details on the official opening of the Diaspora of the Turks and Caicos Islands office location in New Providence is expected before the end of the first quarter of 2023.