News
Over 300 Persons Trained Under Successful Innovative Project
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 30th October 2024 – Stakeholders in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) are pleased to announce that the Post Covid-19 Resilient Recovery project in TCI is drawing to a close at the end of this year. This initiative, which launched in 2022, has made strides in empowering local communities through targeted training programs, designed to support long-term sustainable development.
A central highlight of the Resilience, Sustainable Energy and Marine Biodiversity (RESEMBID) Programme supported, European Union financed and Expertise France implemented project which concludes at the end of the year is the Community Hub. The Hub has successfully trained more than 300 individuals in practical skills that are helping improve food security and enhancing economic diversification across TCI. The trainings (delivered by Mario A. M. Smith, a consultant agronomist) in hydroponic crop production and composting gave attendees the tools to expand their skill sets and drive new opportunities for local communities. Two participants have even become certified trainers, marking a significant step toward a self-sustaining, locally-led agricultural sector.
“This initiative has not only been instrumental in driving our recovery from the global pandemic but has also positioned us to thrive in the face of future challenges, bringing tangible benefits to our islands. Our people are more equipped to adapt to a rapidly changing world. This project has fostered collaboration across sectors, showing the power of collective effort in community resilience”, remarked Hon. Josephine Connolly, Minister for Tourism and the Environment, Turks and Caicos Islands.
Michelle Fulford, one of the Community Hub Training Facilitators, said: “The essence of community resilience is the ability to empower
vulnerable groups by building capacity among them. Providing people with the requisite skills to manage and diversify in their operations will help to minimize the impacts of adverse events such as natural disasters, pandemics, economic downturns, and the like.”
In collaboration with the TCI Fishing Cooperative, the Community Hub has also trained over 80 individuals in sustainable fisheries management. By helping local fishers enhance their skills and knowledge, the program is fostering economic growth and promoting responsible environmental stewardship. The project also created ‘Champion Fishers’, individuals who were trained on small scale commercial fisheries management. This team will now lead fisheries training sessions across TCI, with the goal of fostering community-led resilience.
Waste management training held on Provo taught innovative waste reduction strategies. Led by Green VI, the training explored topics such as waste as a resource, creating eco-friendly cleaning products, and how to reduce, reuse, and recycle on island. Participants were also guided in developing social business models that could play a vital role in addressing TCI’s waste management challenges.
The project also developed a Natural Capital Investment Plan (NCIP) that outlines investments which could also benefit TCIs environment. TCIs natural environments include breathtaking coral reefs and expansive mangrove forests which play a critical role in supporting the tourism-focussed economy and provide important services such as storm protection, food provision and carbon sequestration. The plan sets out a pathway to increase future investment to protect TCI’s economy, communities, and natural environments.
The Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) within the TCI Government, in collaboration with the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) worked closely together with key project partners, including the TCI Fishing Co-operative, TCI National Trust, and Invest Turks and Caicos to develop this plan.
Luc Clerveaux, Director of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) said: “By investing in TCI’s natural capital, we are investing in the future of the Turks and Caicos Islands and its communities.”
“This plan lays a sustainable path forward that not only preserves the environment but also bolsters the TCI economy against the challenges of climate change and global economic fluctuations.”
As the project closes the team will be posting final reports and other essential information to the project website and establishing a resource centre for a virtual Community Hub. This will ensure that the training opportunities and knowledge gained over the course of the project will persist far into the future and provide a location for local individuals and business to access practical information on a wide range of relevant topics.
Visit our website here to stay in touch: http://www.jncc.gov.uk/community-resilience-tc
Turks and Caicos, May 20, 2025 – The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF) officially welcomed the deployment of thirty officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) today, 20th May 2025.
The officers took their oaths of office during a formal swearing-in ceremony, marking the beginning of their service in the Turks and Caicos
Islands.
The deployment is part of a strategic initiative to enhance the RT&CIPF’s operational and tactical capabilities as the Force continues its mission to protect and serve the citizens and visitors of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fitz Bailey, addressed the new officers, emphasizing the importance of unity, professionalism, respect for human rights, and upholding human dignity.
The Commissioner pointed out that the officers are now part of a diverse Force comprising officers from over 21 nationalities, including those with Spanish and Creole-speaking backgrounds.
“You are joining a dynamic team with a shared commitment to community safety,” Commissioner Bailey said. “You will work alongside your RT&CIPF counterparts, integrating quickly, transferring your knowledge and experience, and gaining vital local insights. It is essential that you work harmoniously and reassure the communities you serve.”
He further emphasized that the rule of law must be upheld by everyone and reminded the officers to be firm in the execution of their duty,
while in the same breath to uphold human rights while executing their duties: “Respect for human rights must be at the forefront of your service. The safety and dignity of people are paramount.”
Commissioner Bailey also acknowledged the challenges ahead: “There are individuals who seek to instil fear and disrupt our society through criminal activities. But you are here with a mandate—to serve and protect. Your primary objective is to preserve life. In the face of adversity, we must not become victims; we must prevail as victors. Self-preservation, vigilance, and teamwork will be critical as we move forward.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams also addressed the new officers, emphasizing the importance of collaboration: “This is about teamwork—working together to bring stability and safety back to the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Commissioner of Police Warren Clarke, who oversees the Strategic Operations Portfolio within the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF); Acting Deputy Commissioner Kendall Grant; Acting Assistant Commissioner Dwight Gardiner; Superintendent Jason James; and Acting Superintendent Kemron Lowhar.
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