TCI News

TCI Pride

Published

1 year ago

October 10, 2023

Shanieka

TCI, a Prideful nation, but is it helping or hindering?

Whilst it’s great to have self-pride and confident, it’s easy to take it too far.

Is it time to adjust our mindset and behavior so that we can reel in the self-pride and let go of our ego?

The premise of this article is to spark some needed dialogue on how we as a nation can turn our pride into purpose and become a more balanced and understanding society.

It is my belief, this will help to move our country forward, not only for ourselves, but for others as well as the next generation.

There is a good, bad and the ugly side that comes along with self-pride. First, we have got to learn that admitting you’re wrong is not a weakness—it’s simply a part of being human instead of jumping to defensiveness.

Don’t be so quick to follow your instincts, which is to defend. Try taking a few deep breaths, we can Agree—to Disagree. Too often, we fail to take the time to learn from the person we are engaging with, instead, we try to showcase ourselves.

It’s ok to be quiet sometimes and help celebrate the success of others. You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to get your point across. Pride makes you self-conscious, as a result, you’re less likely to say or do anything that will upset your status.

Like many other cultures, some of us struggle with admitting our shortcomings. Oftentimes, we would compare ourselves with others and always searching for ways to rationalize that we are better than others, or, is quick to tout we have been there, done that mentality.

As a prideful person, unconsciously, you may tie your self-worth to what you have or what you’ve done. We should be mindful that the healthiest form of self-worth, is connected to who you are as a person and not reliant on appearances, achievements or belongings.

What’s disheartening at times in our culture, is how difficult it is for us to have a sensible conversation without an argument. We have got to learn how to overcome pride by admitting that we don’t have all the answers, no matter how educated you are.

Author Stephen R Covertly said it best, “The biggest communication problem is we do not listen to understand. We listen to reply”.

Sometimes, it’s okay to say “I don’t know the answer without telling a story. Try having the courage to ask questions to expand our thinking.

From my observation, at times, we could be dying inside or need help, but because of our pride we will refuse to seek help. This is primarily for fear of what our neighbors might think or say, because in our minds, it’s all about outward appearances.

Pride prevents us from acknowledging our human vulnerabilities. We tend to see this behavior more often among some with a higher level of education or in position of authority. If it’s not their idea, it’s tossed aside. This is the sentiment expressed from many bright members on committees assigned by the government and statutory bodies.

It’s time to put pride aside in order for the country to move forward.

This shame-driven pride makes us too uncomfortable to say, “I’m sorry, I was wrong, I made a mistake.” When pride rules, we believe we’re always right. This makes it difficult to maintain and sustain relationships; nobody likes being with or working with a know-it-all, which could also be hindering us as a developing nation.

On the contrary, we seem to have lost our sense of pride and morality when it comes to standing up for the most vulnerable in our communities, our youth. It’s evident with respect to the senseless violence we are experiencing against one another. At what point are we willing to stand on our principles and fight for what we believe in.

In order for TCI to move forward and compete in this ever-changing world, we cannot let self pride affect our attitudes and find ways to build back a nation that is founded on morality and the values we all share.

Ed Forbes

Concerned Citizen

News

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION SUCCESSFULLY EVACUATES TCI STUDENTS AHEAD OF HURRICANE MILTON

Published

1 day ago

October 8, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

YOUTH, SPORTS, AND CULTURE

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 8^th October 2024 – The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture under the leadership of Hon. Rachel Marshall Taylor is pleased to announce the successful evacuation of all Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) students from the Orlando and Tampa area in anticipation of Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm. Protecting the safety and well-being of our students remains our top priority, and swift action was taken to protect them from potential danger.

A total of six (6) students returned to the Turks and Caicos Islands today and two (2) students will return, tomorrow, Wednesday, October 9, 2024, while four (4) students will remain with family members in other states.

The Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of all Turks and Caicos Islanders, particularly our students, both home and abroad. Special thanks is extended to the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) for their support in this endeavour.

On behalf of the Premier, Hon. Charles Washington Misick, we extend our thoughts and prayers for the people of Florida and all other nations impacted by Hurricane Milton, hoping for their safety and swift recovery.

News

Thirty- Two Illegal Migrants intercepted at sea

Published

1 day ago

October 8, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

***MEDIA RELEASE***

Turks and Caicos, October 08^th, 2024 – Marine Branch Officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) responded early today (October 8) to a report from the Radar Station regarding a suspicious vessel near Bird Rock, Leeward Settlement, Providenciales.

At 1:28 a.m., officers aboard the Sea Pursuit intercepted a 34-foot grey Panga fiberglass boat with a 250hp Yamaha engine, transporting THIRTY-TWO (32) illegal migrants—two females and 30 males, suspected to be of Haitian descent.

The illegal migrants were handed over to the Immigration Task Force for processing. Border Force, TCI Regiment, and TCI Customs also participated in the operation.

The RTCIPF can confirm the following statistical data for the year (October 08) thus far:

Number of Interceptions: Fifteen (15)

Number of Males: Nine Hundred and Forty-Seven (947)

Number of Females: One Hundred and Ninety-Five (195)

Total number of Illegal Migrants: One Thousand One Hundred and Forty-Two (1142) Included in the 1142 figure are TWENTY-FOUR CHILDREN.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Mat Newton said, “The number of people interdicted this year is considerably lower than last year when we detained a total of 4016 illegal migrants at sea. In the previous six months, we have seen an expansion of our radar capabilities, and the collaboration and coordination with the Border Force and the TCI Regiment, together with air and marine assets from the United States and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, has never been better. We will continue to work closely with national and international allies to deter people from making these perilous journeys and target the gangs who facilitate the illegal trade. We build our national capability every month and will do whatever it takes to interdict illegal vessels bound for the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

The RTCIPF asks the public to notify the closest police station, contact 911, the Serious Crime Unit at 231-1842, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477 to anonymously provide any information on illegal activities.

Additionally, individuals are encouraged to download the Crime Stoppers P3 app to share information anonymously.

News

Turks & Caicos Police Force New DCP Sworn In

Published

1 day ago

October 8, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, October 8, 2024 – Mr Fitz Bailey was officially sworn in as Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) today, October 7, in a ceremony led by H.E. Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam at Police Headquarters in Providenciales.

His appointment is set for three months to enhance the RTCIPF’s leadership capacity.

Mr Bailey brings extensive experience from his time with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), where he held senior roles in critical areas such as the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), the Intelligence Branch, and the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch. (C-TOC). His accomplishments include reorganizing the JCF’s Crime Reporting and Case Management Policy and establishing a Cold Case Unit.

Mr Bailey holds advanced degrees in Psychology, Criminal Investigation, and National Security and has a background in Accounting. Acting Commissioner Rodney Adams, Assistant Commissioner Kendall Grant, Acting Assistant Commissioner Mat Newton, and HR Consultant Joe Perry were also present at the swearing-in ceremony.