Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands – With NOAA predicting a 60% chance of an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season, top leaders in the Turks and Caicos Islands are calling for swift and coordinated action—not only from residents, but also across every arm of government and civil society.

Deputy Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams, who chairs the National Subcommittees on disaster preparedness, has issued a strong national appeal, reminding the public that hurricane readiness must be more than a personal concern—it must be a national priority, urgently embraced by all sectors of society.

“Hurricanes are unlike other disasters in that they occur within a defined season. This gives us a crucial advantage: time to prepare,” said the Deputy Governor. “But time should not be mistaken for safety. We cannot afford complacency. Preparation is not just a precaution—it is a responsibility.”

The 2025 season officially began on June 1 and runs through November 30. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), conditions are favorable for up to 19 named storms, 10 hurricanes, and as many as 5 major hurricanes—Category 3 or higher.

The Deputy Governor outlined several high-level measures now underway to strengthen the Turks and Caicos Islands’ readiness. These include:

• Upgrading hurricane shelters to ensure they are safe, well-stocked, and accessible.
• Investing in flood mitigation infrastructure, particularly in vulnerable areas.
• Improving early warning systems, ensuring alerts are timely and distributed across radio, SMS, and social media.

“These steps are critical,” Williams added, “but they will only be effective if each household also takes responsibility. Community resilience depends on personal action.”

She urged every resident to:

• Create a family emergency plan;
• Assemble a 3–5 day emergency kit;
• Secure property by trimming trees, cleaning drains, and checking insurance;
• Stay informed only through official sources;
• And most importantly, check on vulnerable neighbors.

Premier C. Washington Misick reinforced this message, cautioning that the increasing intensity and unpredictability of storms, as seen in 2024 with hurricanes Beryl and Oscar, leave little room for delay.

“These storms do not always give us the luxury of time,” said the Premier. “We must not delay in taking all necessary precautions to safeguard our families, homes, and communities. Preparation is not just a recommendation—it is a responsibility we all share.”

He called on residents and visitors alike to begin preparations immediately, emphasizing the role of community spirit, foresight, and unity in weathering whatever this season may bring.

Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Arlington Musgrove, who holds responsibility for the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME), described the season as a test of national resilience.

“Preparedness is not just an individual responsibility—it is a national priority,” Musgrove stated. “The growing intensity of storms is a sobering reminder of the impacts of climate change. Last year’s early-season hurricanes showed us how quickly things can escalate. This year, we must act early and act together.”

Musgrove encouraged communities to remain proactive and engaged, citing the importance of staying updated through the TCI Meteorological Office and DDME advisories. He added that protecting lives, livelihoods and infrastructure is a shared effort requiring the vigilance of all—from citizens to government agencies and private sector partners.

The three leaders’ remarks come against the backdrop of major technological advancements by NOAA to enhance early warnings, including improved storm tracking tools and the introduction of the ROARS radar system aboard hurricane hunter aircraft. These tools aim to improve lead time and intensity forecasting, giving Caribbean nations like the TCI a better chance to prepare and respond.

In closing, Deputy Governor Williams reminded all residents that readiness is not a one-time event but an ongoing commitment.

“Whether this season brings major storms or passes quietly, let us not leave our safety to chance. Every step we take today can save lives and reduce hardship tomorrow.”

The 2025 Hurricane Season may yet prove turbulent, but with early action and united resolve, the Turks and Caicos Islands aim to face it fortified, focused, and prepared.

PRESS RELEASE 

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR AND HEAD OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE 

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 4^th June 2025 – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands is excited to announce the appointment of Mr. Clyde Green as the new Deputy Superintendent of the Department of Correctional Services within the Ministry of Public Safety.

Mr. Green’s experience in rehabilitation and corrections began in 2004 in Oakland, California, where he served as a resident counselor and manager at Elaine’s Group Home, a six-bed facility dedicated to supporting young boys facing social challenges. This early experience ignited his passion for making a positive difference in the lives of troubled youth.

In pursuit of furthering his knowledge and skills in the field, Mr. Green earned an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration in 2011, followed by a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, with a concentration in Human Services, from Colorado Technical University in 2013.

In 2014, Mr. Green made history as the first Rehabilitation Manager for the Department of Correctional Services in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where he implemented innovative programs aimed at reducing recidivism and promoting successful reintegration of inmates into society. During this time, he spent a month on secondment in the UK, visiting multiple prisons and youth facilities in Hull and throughout the Northern Yorkshire area.

In 2018, he was promoted to Assistant Superintendent. His dedication and expertise led to a significant opportunity in 2023 when he spent three months in St. Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean on secondment to the Prison Services at HMP Jamestown St. Helena, acting as Principal Officer after the then Superintendent transitioned into another role. In 2024, he received Silver Commander Incident Training in the UK, equipping him with advanced skills for managing critical incidents.

Reflecting on his new role, Mr. Green expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am thankful to God for the opportunity to grow with the Department of Correctional Services. I also want to extend my appreciation to my family and my dedicated team for their unwavering support. The work of Prison Officers is often unseen, yet it has a significant impact on both individuals and society. I am passionate about advancing the department through public safety and rehabilitation efforts for all residents. I look forward to embracing this new role. I am sincerely grateful to the Office of the Deputy Governor, the Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities, and the Office of the Superintendent of Prisons for placing their trust in me.”

In a statement of congratulations, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, H.E. Anya Williams, said, “It gives me great pleasure to officially announce and to congratulate Mr. Clyde Green on his appointment as the new Deputy Superintendent of the Department of Correctional Services. With an educational background in Criminal Justice, extensive experience and a deep passion for rehabilitation, along with numerous completed training and attachment programs in the field of corrections, we are fully confident in Mr. Green’s ability to excel in this new role and have no doubt that he will perform exceptionally well.

Congratulations on your well-deserved promotion, Mr. Green!”

Kingston, Jamaica – The Government is enhancing Jamaica’s cybersecurity resilience through a comprehensive strategy that strengthens prevention, detection, and response capabilities against threats.

Addressing the opening of Guardsman Group of Companies’ Cyber Intelligence Security Operations Centre (SOC) at 14-16 Balmoral Avenue in Kingston on Wednesday (May 14), Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said the Government has made cybersecurity a key initiative in efforts to promote digitalisation and build out digital public infrastructure.

To this end, he said the Government is reviewing and strengthening legislation, including the Cybercrimes Act and the Data Protection Act, to create a legal environment that protects the public and promotes responsible digital innovation.

Additionally, Dr. Holness said investments are being made to train cybersecurity professionals, “because we recognise that technology without talent is ineffective”.

“We understand that digital resilience is national resilience. We are, therefore, very happy to see the opening of the Guardsman Cyber Intelligence Security Operations Centre; it will complement and strengthen the Government’s own framework. Through our National Cybersecurity Strategy and the national Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT), we are building national capacity to prevent, detect and respond to cyberthreats,” he said.

Dr. Holness emphasised that the Centre’s opening signals a transformative shift in the security landscape, strengthening Jamaica’s and the wider region’s resilience against cyberthreats.

“It is a nerve centre that allows for 24/7 monitoring of systems and networks, real-time detection of malicious activity, rapid response to incidents and proactive threat intelligence gathering from across the globe.

“This is about defending ourselves from known risks and also anticipating and neutralising unknown ones. As society becomes more digitalised, we must also develop the culture of digital vigilance where protection is not only reactive, but also strategic,” he stated.

Consequently, Dr. Holness welcomed Guardsman’s focus on cybersecurity awareness training for employees and executives, pointing out that the organisation’s “commitment to education, awareness and workforce development in this field is not only commendable, it’s essential”.

The Prime Minister also highlighted how digital transformation is reshaping every sector, bringing both unparalleled opportunities and significant risks that must be carefully navigated.

“Cyberthreats are growing in scale, frequency and sophistication, targeting everything, from critical infrastructure to privacy. No country is immune, and no sector is untouched. Latin America and the Caribbean has seen the fastest regional growth in reported cyberincidents; about 25 per cent annually since 2013. More than 200 billion attacks or attempts across the region in 2023,” he indicated.

Dr. Holness said Jamaica, like many other countries, has witnessed a rising tide of cyberincidents.

“We recorded 43 million attempted attacks in 2023. We have seen ransomware attacks on businesses, phishing schemes targeting citizens as well as attempted breaches of Government systems,” he informed.

Against this background, Dr. Holness said Guardsman’s Cyber Intelligence Security Operations Centre positions Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, not just as participants in the global digital economy but as front runners in digital security.

“What is particularly impressive is that the SOC is not a replica of a foreign model; it is regionally grounded. Guardsman Cyber Intelligence understands the unique technological, cultural and regulatory conditions of the Caribbean, and it has built a system tailored for those realities,” he stated.

“That localisation, paired with global best practices and enterprise grade tools, makes this facility both exceptional and indispensable. The SOC’s capabilities in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, data protection compliance, forensic analysis and dark web monitoring are world-class,” the Prime Minister added.

Dr. Holness encouraged other private-sector stakeholders to contribute to the continued development of Jamaica’s robust cybersecurity framework, emphasising that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) will play a key role in Guardsman’s cybersecurity operations.

Guardsman Group’s Executive Chairman, Kenneth Benjamin, said the Centre is the first facility of its kind in Jamaica, “and probably the first in the Caribbean”.

“This milestone reflects our commitment to innovative security solutions. As we evolve to address the growing threats of cyberattacks, this SOC will provide real-time monitoring and rapid response to safeguard Jamaica’s digital landscape. We believe in strong partnerships between private sector and the State [security] forces for a safer Jamaica, and we will remain dedicated to anticipating change and embracing innovations,” he added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Executive Chairman, Nick Benjamin, announced that the company will roll out a series of islandwide initiatives, including drone surveillance, drug-detecting dogs at airports, artificial intelligence integration, and advanced camera overlays.

“This Centre… is a symbol of our commitment to keeping Jamaica safe and secure, not just on the ground but in cyberspace as well,” he said.

CONTACT: CHRIS PATTERSON

RELEASE: JIS

PHOTO CAPTIONS

CAPTIONS:

Header: Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (second left), along with Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte (fifth right), and Executive Chairman, Guardsman Group of Companies, Kenneth Benjamin (fourth left), cuts the ribbon to officially open the Guardsman Cyber Intelligence Security Operations Centre (SOC) at 14-16 Balmoral Avenue in Kingston on Wednesday (May 14). They are joined by Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Alando Terrelonge (left), employees of Guardsman Group of Companies, and other guests.

1st insert: Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (right), greets Executive Chairman, Guardsman Group of Companies, Kenneth Benjamin, on arrival for the official opening of Guardsman Cyber Intelligence Security Operations Centre (SOC) at 14-16 Balmoral Avenue in Kingston on Wednesday (May 14).

2nd insert: Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (second left), in discussion with Cybersecurity Analyst, Guardsman Group of Companies, Jacqueline Comrie (seated), during a tour of the company’s security operations centre at 14-16 Balmoral Avenue in Kingston, following the official opening on Wednesday (May 14). Listening (from left) are Executive Chairman, Guardsman Group, Kenneth Benjamin, and Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte.

Photographer: Yhomo Hutchinson