The Bahamas, October 6, 2024 – In 1978, I was the Director of News and Public Affairs at the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas. We were looking for talent.  I spotted it.  He was a sports writer at the Nassau Guardian. I agreed to hire him at the station, first in sports and then in news proper.  That was the start of a storied career in broadcast journalism: a charismatic sometimes irascible cross examiner who provided great entertainment and probing inquires for his  radio audience both here and in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

It was helpful that I knew his mother because she was the mother of one of my closest friends and later Permanent Secretary Philip Miller. He came from good stock.

There is no doubt that Darold Miller transformed the era of talk radio in The Bahamas and became its leading star.  We have lost that star in broadcasting today.

I wish on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, the leadership of our party, to extend condolences and that of my own and my family to his brothers Philip and Sammy, his sister Eunice and to Darold’s own family on his passing.  This is very sad indeed. May he rest in peace.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – A delegation from the Department of Rehabilitation and Community Supervision (DRCS) traveled to Barbados to attend the launch of the Caribbean Association of Probation and Parole (CAPP). The event marked a significant step toward regional collaboration in probation and parole efforts, with participation from several Caribbean Islands. The delegation representing the Turks and Caicos Islands included: Mrs. Bridgette Newman (Permanent Secretary), Mr. Jaron Harvey (Director), and Ms. Drexanna Seymour (Probation and Parole Officer).

During the launch, a presentation on the progress of TCI’s rehabilitation and probation sectors was delivered, highlighting both existing and upcoming innovative programs aimed at reducing reoffending and promoting behavioral change among clients. Director Harvey emphasized, “We are committed to creating a system that not only holds individuals accountable but also empowers them with the tools to transform their lives.” He added, “Collaborating with regional partners through CAPP enables us to build on these efforts by sharing our achievements and learning from one another. Our emphasis on rehabilitation, skill development, and behavioral change is already showing positive results, and we are excited for what lies ahead.”

PS Newman asserted “as a region, we face similar challenges, and this organisation allows us to pool our resources and knowledge to develop solutions that work for us. I am proud of the strides we have made in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our partnership with CAPP will further enhance our efforts to reduce re-offending and empower those under our care to make meaningful changes in their lives.”

The launch of CAPP represents a milestone in strengthening collaboration and sharing best practices across the Caribbean to tackle issues related to probation, parole, and reintegration. The association aims to enhance regional cooperation, capacity-building, and policy development to address the needs of individuals within the justice system while promoting rehabilitation and reducing reoffending rates.

The delegation’s participation in this event underscores TCI’s commitment to leading by example in probation and parole services, while the collaborative efforts with CAPP promise a brighter future for rehabilitation and community supervision across the region.

Turks and Caicos, October 6, 2024 – The Department of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) is pleased to update the public on the progress of its Home Improvement Programme, part of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing living conditions for residents.

The programme has been rolled out across several islands, with numerous projects underway aimed at improving housing standards. The Deputy Premier and Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Jamell R. Robinson, commented on the initiative:

“This programme represents our government’s dedication to ensuring that every resident has access to safe and comfortable housing. We are proud of the progress made so far, and we remain focused on completing these projects in a timely manner, while ensuring quality and accountability.”

Island Progress Updates:

Grand Turk:

• A total of 11 projectswere approved in batch one of the programme.
• 6 contractshave been awarded, and work is actively progressing on 4 of these projects:
  • One project is 60% complete.
  • Another is 50% complete.
  • One is at 30% completion.
  • The fourth is 25% complete.

Providenciales:

• 6 projectswere approved in batch one.
• 3 contractshave been awarded, with the following progress:
  • Two projects are 25% complete.
  • The third project has reached 10% completion.

South Caicos and Salt Cay:

• 9 projectshave been approved for South Caicos, and 3 projectsfor Salt Cay.
• In both islands, 2 contractshave been awarded, with mobilisation of works expected to begin shortly.

North Caicos and Middle Caicos:

• The Department is currently awaiting bids from contractors under the Framework Agreement.
• Once received, the bids will be reviewed, and contracts will be awarded as part of the government’s commitment to ensure the housing needs of these islands are met.

Programme Overview and Commitment

The Home Improvement Programme is a key part of the government’s broader efforts to address housing needs across the Turks and Caicos Islands. By targeting homes in need of repair, the initiative aims to improve the living standards of many families. With projects already underway and more set to begin shortly, the DHCR remains committed to the successful and timely completion of all works.

The Department will continue to provide updates on the progress of these critical projects as they move forward.

For further inquiries, residents can contact the Department at 649-338-2220.