News
Maritime Stakeholder Meeting proves to be an exciting Exchange during TCICC College Month
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, March 23, 2023 – As college month continues, the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) has rolled out a brand-new maritime program to take full advantage of the employment opportunities created by the blue economy which are abundant in the country.
The College hosted a Maritime consultation on March 22nd under the theme, ‘Exploring Certification Opportunities Within the Blue Economy: The TCI Perspective’ to introduce the project and hear from residents.
Describing it as a strategic move Kevin Baxter, Dean of TVET shares that the collaboration was an effort to meet skills gaps. He said that with the fourth Industrial Revolution upon us, marine skill sets were changing, and the college’s offerings had to adapt to provide the most skilled graduates. 
“Training institutions like the TCICC must provide appropriate expertise and knowledge to create a future ready maritime workforce to meet the needs of diverse stakeholders.”
He maintained that the MOU with the LGM Maritime Academy would propel the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College to new heights.
Dr.
, President of the LGM Maritime Academy, joined in on the session via zoom. She explained that LJMMA which is housed on its very own Cay, just off of Nassau, was created out of a desire to see Bahamians take part in the massive shipping industry in their own country.
Prior to LJM Maritime Academy, Bahamians would have to go to New York, to the tune of $30,000 a year, Cleare explained, to become trained in the field. She described the Academy, which Turks and Caicos Islanders will now have access to, as a sleeping giant in the field.
Rachel Taylor, Turks and Caicos Minister of Education said: “We must ensure that our people capitalize off of the opportunities to certify themselves so they can be equipped to be able to deliver in the blue economy sector.”
Lormeka Williams, Director of Environment and Coastal Resources is keen on this maritime education developing a greater desire for protection of the natural environment; emphasizing that Turks and Caicos is among the most vulnerable countries to climate change.
“It is pivotal that the tourism industry be staffed with well trained professionals, knowledgeable professionals from our tour guides for taxi drivers, who celebrate the natural heritage of our islands and act as environmental stewards.”
She expressed pleasure at the MOU and said the country was looking forward to the influx of well-equipped professionals to elevate our industries.
The program will certify both new and experienced blue economy workers in the country.
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
