Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Kecha Delusma-Chase as the Deputy Chief Librarian within the Department of Library Services with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture.

Since beginning her career with the Department of Library Services in 2015 as a Library Assistant, Mrs. Delusma-Chase has consistently demonstrated dedication to human development and lifelong learning. She earned an Associate’s Degree in Computer Studies from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Librarianship (Second Class Honours) from the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, completed in 2024, with support from the Turks and Caicos Islands Public Service Professional Development Fund.

Mrs. Delusma-Chase’s exceptional academic achievements were recognised in being awarded the prestigious Quida Rowe Prize for Most Outstanding Academic Performance in her final year of the Librarianship Programme.

In a continued effort to advance her education, Mrs. Delusma-Chase has been accepted into the Master’s program in Library and Information Studies at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.

Speaking on her new role, Mrs. Delusma-Chase said, “I am deeply honoured and grateful to be appointed Deputy Chief Librarian within the Library Department. This journey has instilled in me resilience and discipline and I am truly grateful to God for His guidance and strength in bringing me to this moment.

I extend my sincere appreciation to my family, mentors, and colleagues for their unwavering encouragement throughout my journey.                                                                                                                                                                          Deepest gratitude to my husband Dario Chase, whose steadfast support has been a pillar of strength during the most critical moments.                                                                                                                                                                           As Deputy Chief Librarian, I also want to highlight my initial concerns regarding the library’s technical aspects in this rapidly evolving technological era. It is essential that we embrace innovation to ensure our library remains relevant and accessible to the community.

Guided by Mahatma Gandhi’s words, ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world’, I am committed to challenging the misconception that libraries are obsolete and instead highlighting their essential role in our community’s growth and development, particularly in fostering literacy and lifelong learning. I look forward to implementing new initiatives, strengthening library services and working collaboratively with my colleagues to enhance access to information and resources for all.”

The Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, in congratulatory remarks, said, “Congratulations are extended to Mrs. Delusma-Chase on her well-deserved appointment as Deputy Chief Librarian.

Throughout her career, she has exemplified a deep commitment to excellence and a passion for lifelong learning that resonates not only within the Library Services but also in her drive for excellence and success.

We are pleased to have been able to provide financial support for her academic studies from the TCIG Professional Development Fund and encourage other public servants to do the same.

We are certain that Mrs. Delusma-Chase’s extensive knowledge and innovative spirit will undoubtedly lead to a transformative impact on our libraries, making them more accessible and engaging for everyone. I look forward to witnessing the positive changes she will bring and the inspiration she will provide to both her peers and our future generations.

Congratulations Ms. Delusma-Chase on your promotion.”

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 17 July 2025: The Forty-Ninth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the CARICOM brought together regional leaders from Member Countries and Associate Member States in Montego Bay Jamaica, 6-8 July, 2025.

The meeting, held under the theme “People, Partnership, and Prosperity – Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future” saw Chairman of the Caribbean Community, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica making a clarion call for a collaborative action on unified matters of interests and focus. He challenged the region to think strategically and focus on the values of unity in the current environment, emphasising the concern for “small states vulnerabilities to economic global shocks and natural hazards, and the daunting issue of being marginalised in a world where power and influence often outweighs genuine need”.

Key highlights on the conference agenda and of significant importance to the Turks and Caicos Islands were, security issues and matters impacting peace and security across the region, the continuous deteriorating situation in Haiti, climate change and climate finance, food and nutrition security and increase agricultural production, telecommunications matters, external trade negotiations, particularly, pursuing new market opportunities with non-traditional trading partners, common legislative initiative on social media and the need to develop a framework for regional digital safety and associated laws to create safeguards.

Other highlights include, special guest presentation my His Excellency Valdency Urquiza, Secretary General of INTERPOL, regarding security threats, and the surge on transnational organised criminal networking and gangs, and the trafficking of drug and firearms. His Excellency Albert Ramdi, Secretary General, Organisation of American States (OAS) gave a comprehensive presentation on the global and hemispheric environment relating to climate change, development financing, migration, threats to multilateralism, political instability and particularly, the unprecedented levels of uncertainty, with which the region is faced.

It is also worth noting that Heads of Government received a proposal from Barbados for a Regional Center of Excellence for Policing. This center would serve as a hub for enhancement of policing skills and leadership training and development for policing bodies throughout the region.

The two days meeting was held at a critical time, when, as with the rest of the world, the Caribbean Community is being faced with unprecedented issues that are of grave concern to its citizens. We are however mindful of the words given by CARICOM Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett, in her remarks at the opening ceremony, that the issues we face as a community “compel us to act collectively, with courage and with conviction.’

We commend Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, Chairman of CARICOM and the Government of Jamaica, and the CARICOM Secretariat for a most insightful, enlightening, inspiring and successful meeting.

The Turks and Caicos Islands is an Associate Member of CARICOM and its level of participation in conferences and meetings is determined by governing rules. Like other British Overseas Territories, the Turks and Caicos Islands interests are represented by the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Regional integration continues to be an integral part of who are as a country, and we remain grateful for the benefits that being an associate member of CARICOM brings.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 10^th July 2025 – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Odessa Forbes as the Director of Culture within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture.

Mrs. Forbes holds a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the American Intercontinental University, FL, a certificate in Business from the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and a certificate in Project Management through the University of the West Indies.

Bringing over 20 years of diverse leadership experience to her new role, Mrs. Forbes most recently served as Training Manager for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, where she led organisation-wide professional development and compliance training for over 400 officers and recruits. Her extensive experience also includes culture development through the leading initiatives that promote local heritage and community engagement, ensuring that cultural values are integrated into organisational practices and community programs within the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force.

Before assuming the Training Manager position, Mrs. Forbes served in the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force for over a decade, rising through the ranks to become a Police Sergeant. Earlier in her career, she also gained valuable experience in the hospitality sector, working as a restaurant manager, where she developed strong operational, people management and customer engagement skills.

Speaking on her new role, Mrs Forbes said, “I am deeply honoured and excited to serve as the Director of Culture. This role offers a powerful opportunity to preserve, celebrate and share the rich cultural identity of the Turks and Caicos Islands, both at home and with the world. As our society continues to grow and diversify, it is more important than ever that our national values, traditions and stories remain visible, accessible and deeply rooted in our collective identity. I look forward to working with communities across the islands to ensure our culture continues to inspire pride, unity and innovation for future generations. I remain grateful for the encouragement of my family and mentors and I embrace this role with humility, vision and purpose.

In congratulatory remarks, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service H.E. Anya Williams said, “It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Mrs. Odessa Forbes on her appointment as our new Director of Culture.

The promotion and preservation of culture is extremely important to our islands, as it not only honours our rich heritage but also shapes the identity and values of our future generations.

We wish Mrs. Forbes well on her appointment as she works to chart a new path in advancing cultural development, fostering creative expression and in ensuring that the diverse traditions of our people continue to thrive and inspire.

Congratulations on your new appointment, Mrs. Forbes!”