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TCI attends the 25th Annual Caribbean Postal Union Conference & 19th Caribbean Council of Ministers of Postal Affairs Meeting held in Kingston, Jamaica

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#TurksandCaicos, September 24, 2023 – The Minister of Home Affairs, Public Safety and Utilities, the Honourable Otis C. Morris led a four-member delegation to Kingston, Jamaica for the 25th Annual Caribbean Postal Union’s  (CPU) Conference and 19th Caribbean Council of Ministers of Postal Affairs Meeting, which was held from 10th – 15th September 2023, under the theme: “The CPU at 25: Evolving for Economic Sustainability”.

Joining the minister at the conference were Permanent Secretary, Bridgette Newman, Postmaster General Mrs. Elizabeth James and Head Secretariat Ms Shanetta Thompson.

The opening ceremony which was held on Monday, 11th September 2023 was attended by ministers with responsibility for post, permanent secretaries, postmasters general from around the Caribbean, as well as representatives of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and other regional and international postal officials.

The keynote speaker for the event was Senator the Honourable Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister without Portfolio, Office of the Prime Minister responsible for with responsibility for Skills and Digital Transformation. She noted the post office remains relevant and plays a crucial economic role in many Caribbean societies. The gathering of so many practitioners in the industry was a testament to their commitment to making postal services throughout the Caribbean more efficient and competitive.

Other areas of focus during the conference included:

  • The importance of public partnerships in creating an e-commerce infrastructure, to stimulate economic sustainability.
  • Best practices and initiatives throughout the Caribbean
  • Technology and CARICOM-CPU cooperation on how to access modern postal technology.
  • Growth of the country’s economy while helping citizens and protecting the environment
  • Achievement of United Nation’s sustainability development goals

A wide range of challenges facing the CPU, including transportation, declining revenues and delivery costs were also discussed.

Commenting on the conference, the Hon. Otis Morris stated that it was a very good opportunity to meet as Caribbean ministers and postmasters general to discuss challenges and as well as opportunities for collaboration in the area of postal services.

He recognised that there remains a need for the improvement of services within the post office as well as the exploration of new goods and services.

He concluded by thanking the Postmaster General and her team for their continued work in the area of post in the TCI and pledged his continued support to the Postmaster and her team.

Postmaster General of the Turks and Caicos Islands Mrs. Elizabeth James, noted: “I am happy that I was able to network with my colleagues from across the Caribbean to confront common issues and charter initiatives to deal with these issues which are faced by postal services regionally and internationally”. 

The Postmaster thanked the CPU for hosting the conference and the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities for making her attendance possible.

 The delegation returned to the Turks and Caicos Islands on 16th September 2023.

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Africa

Rwanda and DRC Sign Historic Declaration of Principles in Washington

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Washington, D.C. – April 25, 2025 — In a major diplomatic breakthrough, the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda today signed a Declaration of Principles aimed at paving the way for peace, stability, and economic integration in eastern DRC. The ceremony, hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marks a significant step forward in efforts to resolve longstanding tensions between the two neighboring countries.

Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner signed on behalf of the DRC, while Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe signed for Rwanda. They were joined by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, Senior Advisor for Africa Massad Boulos, and U.S. Ambassador to the DRC Troy Fitrell.

The signing ceremony builds on the efforts of the African Union and other regional leaders who have long sought to address the complex and often violent conflict in the Great Lakes region. The Declaration of Principles establishes a framework for restoring normal bilateral relations between Rwanda and the DRC, reinforcing commitments to sovereignty, territorial integrity, security cooperation, and regional economic development.

“This is a pivotal moment,” Secretary Rubio said. “The United States is honored to support Rwanda and the DRC as they take this courageous step toward lasting peace and shared prosperity.”

The Declaration outlines key areas of cooperation, including mutual recognition of each country’s sovereignty and established borders, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and the prohibition of interference in internal affairs. It emphasizes the urgent need to address security threats posed by non-state armed groups operating along the shared border and commits both governments to refrain from providing support to such groups.

To enhance security, the two nations agreed to explore the creation of a joint security coordination mechanism aimed at combating armed groups and criminal organizations. This cooperation is viewed as essential not only for stability but also for expanding legitimate trade and broader economic collaboration across the region.

In an ambitious economic vision, Rwanda and the DRC pledged to develop a phased regional integration framework, building on organizations like the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the East African Community (EAC). They plan to link this framework with U.S.-supported investments in infrastructure, hydropower, mineral supply chain transparency, and national park management.

The Declaration also addresses the humanitarian crisis caused by ongoing conflict. Both countries committed to working with UN agencies to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees.

In addition, the two countries reaffirmed their support for the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO and other regional mechanisms, ensuring protection for civilians and facilitating the implementation of the principles outlined in the Declaration.

Finally, in alignment with ongoing initiatives such as the Nairobi and Luanda processes, the two governments committed to drafting an initial Peace Agreement by May 2, 2025. Any disputes arising from the draft will be addressed through a Foreign Minister-level meeting in Washington, D.C., hosted by the U.S. State Department.

Signed in duplicate in English, today’s agreement marks a hopeful new chapter in Rwanda-DRC relations, offering a potential blueprint for peace and development across one of Africa’s most conflict-affected regions.

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Crime

Police Launch Homicide Investigation After Fatal Shooting in Blue Hills

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Photo by Eagle Legal News Media 

 

 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – April 27, 2025 — The Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has launched an active homicide investigation following a deadly shooting in the early hours of Sunday morning in the Blue Hills community.

Around 12:30 a.m., officers from the Tactical Unit, while on routine patrol, responded to reports of gunfire at Ralph Close Evangelic Yard. Upon arrival, they discovered the unresponsive body of a man lying behind a wooden apartment building, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

The deceased has been formally identified as 43-year-old Fritznel Beliard, originally from Limbe, Haiti.  Authorities have extended condolences to Mr. Beliard’s family and friends as investigations continue.

According to preliminary findings, a group of individuals had gathered in the yard to socialize and play music when two armed men approached.  The gathering quickly dispersed, with people fleeing in different directions.  Moments later, gunshots rang out, and Beliard was found fatally wounded.

At this time, investigators have not established a clear motive for the attack and are keeping all possibilities open as they pursue leads.  The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force emphasized that a life was senselessly taken and appealed to the public for assistance in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

“We urge anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward,” a police spokesperson said.  “Your cooperation could be vital in ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.”

Residents with any knowledge related to the incident are encouraged to contact their nearest police station, call 911, reach out directly to the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or report anonymously through Crime Stoppers by dialing 1-800-8477.  Additionally, tips can be submitted via the Crime Stoppers P3 mobile app.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force assured the community that every effort is being made to swiftly solve this case and maintain public safety.

Authorities continue to canvass the area for witnesses and surveillance footage as the investigation remains ongoing.

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Caribbean News

Local Beauty Queen, Activist and Model Selena Grant Graces the May Cover of Vigor Magazine

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Turks & Caicos’ rising star continues to blaze trails on the global stage

Providenciales, TCI – Turks & Caicos native Selena Grant, 24, is making headlines once again—this time as the cover star for the April 2025 issue of Vigor Magazine, an international publication celebrated for spotlighting fashion, culture, and emerging talent from around the world.

Grant, who first captured national attention in May 2024 when she was crowned Miss One Nation TCI, has since built a reputation as one of the country’s most multifaceted young women. In the past year alone, she has claimed 1st Runner-Up titles in both the Miss Universe Turks & Caicos pageant and the international Miss Global International competition. Her success on the runway, however, is only part of her story.

A dedicated community activist, Selena has contributed to humanitarian causes across the Islands, working with organizations such as United Way and Edward C Garland Yoith Centre and other outreach efforts. She also lends her skills to the medical field, currently serving as a lab apprentice at InterHealth Canada Turks and Caicos Islands.

Now, as the face of Turks & Caicos Fashion Week 2025, Selena is once again flying the national flag high. But this cover moment is not hers alone—it’s a shared triumph with the renowned model , runway coach, designer and photographer Kaye Cox, who not only photographed but also styled, directed, and retouched the entire shoot.

“I was incredibly honored to work with Kaye on this project,” Selena shared. “She’s a creative powerhouse and visionary. From concept to execution, every detail was hers—and I’m just so proud we could bring this vision to life together.”

Shot on the iconic shores of Providenciales, the editorial captures the essence of island elegance with a bold, high-fashion twist. The visuals, rich with cultural pride and artistic depth, immediately caught the eye of Vigor editors and landed both women their well-deserved spot on the cover.

This feature is another major milestone in Selena’s journey and a celebration of the brilliant women behind the lens and in front of it.

This marks yet another milestone in Selena’s modeling career and underscores her continued role as a cultural ambassador for the Turks & Caicos Islands.

From the stage to the studio, from the lab to the pages of an international magazine, Selena Grant continues to prove that beauty, brains, and purpose can go hand in hand—with women like Kaye Cox right there capturing it all.

Congratulations, Selena !

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