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Transparency, Public Participation as National Physical Development Plan undergoes Modification

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Garfield Ekon

Staff Writer

 

#TurksandCaicos, July 19, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Island (TCI) Government is embarking on a major sustainable policy for the National Physical Development Plan (NPDDP), on urban planning, with input from the public.

Deputy Premier and Minister of Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Jamell Robinson said the administration has accepted that there must be transparency and public participation in the activity, and it is responding to requests being made by citizens across the island.

“We saw it fit given the amount of requests, that we open up the process so we can see what other amendments might be needed,” the Minister said. By opening the plan for public review and seeking feedback, the Government intends to create a development roadmap that reflects the needs and aspirations of its citizens, the Minister outlined.

The administration’s obligation to transparency and public engagement in the NPDP modification process, is a major move in the direction of inclusive urban planning, for the TCI.

By matching the diverse needs with environmental sustainability, and addressing challenging issues like informal settlements, a draft proposal is available for public scrutiny at the Planning Department in Grand Turk and Providenciales. It is also available at all District Commissioners offices (North Caicos, Middle Caicos, South Caicos, Salt Cay), Public Libraries, Post Offices, the National Trust offices, and the Department of Environmental and Coastal Resources offices.

The Minister said designations will be law, and some of the informal settlements are beyond not having planning permission, because of the way they were built beyond the normal high density in some instances, and they are outside of planning permissions, outside of designation,  and the Informal Settlement Unit was set up to bring all of them into hand with regularisation and or demolition.

They will be treated in line with the National Physical Development Plan, he said. Assistant Director of Planning Leonardo Glasgow said, “whether you have ownership of land or not, you may be affected by a change in zoning to an area you live in, or live directly next to,” he told his audience.

He added that after that partnership is established, then “we will get our enforcement notice granted to us, and then we will be able to issue enforcement notice on all the occupants and the owner,” Mr. Glasgow stated.

A comprehensive document guiding the country’s physical development, was revised in 2020, because of the flood of requests for modifications, combined with the Government’s responsibility to inclusive decision-making, a re-visitation became necessary.

Director of Planning, Toriano Williams said the NPDP’s crucial role in shaping the country’s future is important, and people understand that the National Physical Development Plan is a tool that shapes really, when and how development takes place.

Bahamas News

GBPA LAUNCHES TECH EDGE 2.0 – INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR BAHAMIANS

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PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE GRAND BAHAMA PORT AUTHORITY, LIMITED

 

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 – Grand Bahama, The Bahamas – The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) is proud to announce the launch of Tech Edge 2.0, a paid remote internship program, connecting eligible Bahamian candidates—both locally and abroad—with global career-building opportunities in the fields of cybersecurity, mobile app development, data science, and artificial intelligence (AI). According to GBPA executives, this initiative is a significant step in positioning Grand Bahama as a leader in the digital economy while providing Bahamians with valuable experience in high-demand tech fields.

“Tech Edge 2.0 is more than an internship program—it is a pipeline to professional success”, commented Derek Newbold, Chief Investment Officer for GBPA and Invest Grand Bahama. “With nearly 200 Bahamians already registered, including Bahamians residing in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and across the islands of The Bahamas, this program is bridging the gap between education and employment, equipping participants with job-ready skills and fostering a new generation of innovators ready to contribute to the advancement of technology and innovation in The Bahamas.”                                                                                                                                                                                                          Currently, there are 10 internship placements available, with additional spaces being added as more companies join the program. GBPA, through its Tech Edge 2.0 program, has partnered with four leading international technology firms, including Prophaze (California, USA), Cognetik Labs, Cybermindr, and Digital5 Solutions, to provide paid remote internship training and employment opportunities. All are start-up companies and emerging titans across cybersecurity, API security, and AI-driven threat detection fields. They also cover software development, IT infrastructure, and cloud computing.

Pleased with the evolution of the Tech Edge Program, which initially launched in 2023, President of GBPA, Ian Rolle, noted that he is highly optimistic about the program’s success to date and its proven potential to help drive Grand Bahama as the Tech and Innovation Hub of the nation. “These partnerships are unlocking global opportunities for Bahamians and proving that Grand Bahama is serious about technology. Further, it offers Bahamians direct access to the international job market—without having to leave home.” Rolle stated. “This program is about ensuring that our people are equipped with top-tier training to develop the requisite skills and career pathways to thrive in the digital economy,” Rolle continued.

The Tech Edge 2.0 Internship Program is open to eligible Bahamians worldwide who hold a college degree or are currently pursuing one in a technology-related field, have a strong interest in cybersecurity, AI, mobile app development, data science, or IT infrastructure, and are eager to gain real-world experience and work remotely with cutting-edge tech companies.

Ian Rolle

Applications for Tech Edge 2.0 are now open and will close on March 21, 2025. Interested candidates can apply online at www.techedgebahamas.com, where they will find step-by-step guidance on the application process.                                                                                                                                            GBPA’s project coordinator for Tech Edge 2.0, Jecholiah Braynen, described the initiative as a long-term investment in The Bahamas’ tech workforce and economic growth. “Through our partnership with Quess Corp, a multinational business service provider, based in India, GBPA is building the requisite skills within the Bahamian workforce and equipping them with job-ready skills and experience. This program creates opportunities to drive economic growth, establish new career opportunities, and attract tech companies to the Bahamas by creating a sustainable ecosystem where Bahamians can thrive in the tech industry,” she emphasized. “This is just the beginning. As Tech Edge grows, so will the number of available opportunities.”

Bahamians interested in expanding their career opportunities are encouraged to apply today and become part of The Bahamas’ digital transformation.

For more information, visit www.techedgebahamas.com for updates, success stories, and insights into the tech industry.

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Government

Elisann Delancy Appointed Deputy Director of Education

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PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR

AND HEAD OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 18 March 2025: The Office of the Deputy Governor is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Elisann Delancy as the new Deputy Director of Education within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture.

Ms. Delancy began her career as a Graduate Teacher at the Marjorie Basden High School, where she quickly made a significant impact on her students and the community. She progressed through various positions, including Assistant Curriculum Development Officer and Curriculum Development Officer. Throughout her career, she has played a pivotal role in shaping local and regional literacy and numeracy programs, serving as the Turks and Caicos Islands Focal Point for the CARICOM, CDB, and OECS LET’s REAP Initiative.

Ms. Delancy holds: a Teacher’s Diploma (Honours) from Mico University College; a Bachelor of Education in Technical and Vocational Education from the University of Technology, Jamaica, and a Master of Education in Curriculum Development with Distinction from the University of the West Indies. Her award-winning research on the “Impact of Teacher Quality on Students Performance” in the Turks and Caicos Islands has garnered recognition and has been published, further demonstrating her expertise and dedication to the field of education.

In addition to her academic credentials, Ms. Delancy has honed her leadership and management skills through various professional development opportunities, including Organisational Leadership from Harvard Business School and Contemporary Project Management from UWI Cave Hill. She is also a Level 4 Caribbean Vocational Qualifications Assessor and an active member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). Currently, she is pursuing Public Financial Management qualifications through ACCA, London, to enhance her knowledge in this critical area.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Delancy stated, “The responsibility of leadership comes with great expectations, and I embrace this calling with gratitude and humility. Luke 12:48 states, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” I am deeply grateful to God for guiding my path as I continue working to advance education for all. I did not stumble into the path of Educating; I chose this path because I recognised its power as the greatest equaliser, a force that can break cycles of disadvantage and create opportunities for all. The work ahead remains critical, and I am fully committed to working with the new Director of Education and our team at the Department of Education to build a progressive and responsive education system.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service H. E. Anya Williams congratulated Ms. Delancy on her new appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to have Ms. Delancy stepping into this vital position. Her passion for education, proven leadership skills, and commitment to developing our youth will undoubtedly propel our educational system forward. We look forward to the positive impact she will have in this role.

Congratulations, Ms. Delancy, on your well-deserved promotion.”

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News

Malicious Injury Charge

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***MEDIA RELEASE***

 

 

Turks and Caicos, March 17, 2025 – Two counts of MALICIOUS INJURY to PROPERTY have been brought against

HAYWOOD MCINTOSH.

McIntosh, also known as “Woody,” was charged by officers from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) Response and Operations Unit on 13th March 2025.

The accused, 38, of The Bight, is expected to appear before a Magistrate later this week.

The charges arose from an incident on 1st March 2025, when officers received a report regarding damage to a building and a vehicle along Airport Road, Providenciales.

An investigation was initiated, during which Mr McIntosh was arrested and subsequently charged.

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