Connect with us

News

TCI Community College Unveils New Student Lounge at its Grand Turk Campus  

Published

on

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands,  – The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) announces the official opening of its brand-new Student Lounge at the Grand Turk Campus. The event took place on Wednesday, September 26, on the campus grounds and was attended by distinguished guests, staff, students, and community members.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was graced by the Honourable Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, who, in her remarks, applauded the leadership and vision that have been steering the College toward transformative changes. “Leadership makes a difference in any institution,” she stated, alluding to the positive strides TCICC is making toward creating a more engaging and enriching environment for its students.

Other notable attendees included Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chair of the TCICC’s Board of Governors; Dr. Candice Williams, President of TCICC; Dr. Hubert Fulford, Former President of TCICC; Reverend Frednor Toussaint, who dedicated the building; as well as Heath and Tamika Francis, the talented designers of the new lounge. The presence of past and present Guild Presidents, the Guild Vice President, staff, and students further highlighted the significance of this breakthrough in the College’s journey toward enhancing the student experience.

In her inspiring address, Dr. Williams expressed her immense pride in the launch of the Student Lounge, emphasizing its role as a critical element in fostering an inclusive and vibrant student community. “Today marks yet another milestone in our journey toward fulfilling the College’s vision of becoming the first choice for education and training in the Turks and Caicos Islands and beyond,” she remarked. “This lounge is a testament to our commitment to creating an environment where students can not only learn but thrive.”

The new Student Lounge is designed to be more than just a relaxation space; it embodies TCICC’s core values of excellence, inclusion, and collaboration. The facility features a study room, office space for the Student Guild President, a gaming area equipped for dart and pool enthusiasts, a cozy couch area, televisions, a reading nook, collaborative spaces for group work and a kitchenette. The lounge offers students an ideal environment to connect, collaborate, and unwind in between classes.

Ms. Saphina Blaise, Former President of the Guild, shared her heartfelt sentiments about this achievement: “To stand here today and witness that our voices did not fall on deaf ears fills me with gratitude.” Her words captured the spirit of the event, which was a celebration not just of a physical space but of the unity and collaboration that it represents.

As a key highlight of the College’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the student experience, the Student Lounge stands as a symbol of TCICC’s dedication to supporting its students’ academic and personal growth. “The student experience is at the heart of what makes a college valuable,” said Dr. Williams. “We believe that spaces like this lounge are key to creating enriching, empowering, and memorable experiences.”

As the students begin to enjoy their new space, Dr. Williams urged them to take pride in and ownership of the lounge. “May this lounge be a source of inspiration, relaxation, and pride. Enjoy it, cherish it, and let it remind you that TCICC is committed to supporting you in every way as you reach for your dreams.”

Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

Published

on

The Bahamas, August 27, 2026 – The Royal Bahamas Police Force wishes to inform members of the public that several individuals are scheduled to appear before the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 27th August 2026, at 12:00 noon.

The individuals and charges are as follows:

An 18-year-old female is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:

Three (3) counts of Murder
Three (3) counts of Attempted Murder
Three (3) counts of Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life
Three (3) counts of Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm
Two (2) counts of Possession of Ammunition
Armed Robbery
Abetment to Armed Robbery
Stealing
Receiving

The charges stem from three separate shooting incidents and an armed robbery that occurred on Friday, 21st August 2026, and Saturday, 22nd August 2026.

The first shooting occurred in the area of Soldier Road and Baillou Hill Road, resulting in the death of a 51-year-old male.

The second shooting occurred in the area of Joe Farrington Road, resulting in the death of a 52-year-old male.

The third shooting occurred in the area of Gladstone Road, resulting in the death of a 36-year-old male.

The armed robbery occurred at a business establishment in the area of Carmichael Road and Baillou Hill Road.

A 21-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on one charge of:

  • Murder

The charge stems from a shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday, 21st July 2026, in the area of Samson Street, Nassau Village, which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old male.

A 32-year-old male is scheduled to be arraigned on the following charges:

  • Murder
  • Attempted Murder

These charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday, 24th December 2025, in the area of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, which resulted in the death of a 25-year-old male.

 

RBPF, PACD

Continue Reading

News

Saunders Tells Caribbean Media: Be Seen, Be Heard – But What About TCI

Published

on

by Deandrea Hamilton | Editor

 

PROVIDENCIALES, TCI — In a country where government press conferences are virtually non-existent, ministers are often difficult for journalists to access and regular broadcast television news has disappeared, TCI Innovation, Technology and Energy Minister E. Jay Saunders has challenged Caribbean media to become “impossible to ignore.”

Speaking at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union gathering, Saunders argued that the Caribbean does not have a relevance problem but a “discoverability and positioning problem.”

Discoverability is precisely the issue in Saunders’ home country. Even Government’s own attempts at video news broadcasting have struggled against the realities of consistently producing a daily, weekly or even monthly newscast.

The difficulties confronting TCI media extend well beyond algorithms: limited advertising revenue, underfunding, shortages of trained professionals and insufficient human capacity leave newsrooms struggling for both staff and stamina.

Then there is the reality of operating in one of the region’s smallest societies. Politicians, journalists, advertisers, businesses and the subjects of stories often exist within the same tight economic and social circles. A controversial report that might create a ripple elsewhere can produce a tsunami in TCI, intensifying concerns among journalists about commercial and professional victimisation.

Saunders believes AI can help.

He urged Caribbean media to use the technology to transform one original story into television, radio, web, podcast, social and translated content without multiplying newsroom workload.

He also wants regional journalism structured so AI systems can find, understand and trust Caribbean sources, moving media beyond traditional SEO into Answer Engine Optimisation.

His ultimate message was emphatic: “Use AI not to make Caribbean media more artificial — but to make Caribbean voices more visible.”

For Turks and Caicos media, however, becoming visible may require more than technology. It requires an environment in which journalism can survive.

That last sentence is where I think we land the plane. It acknowledges that EJ actually has some us

Continue Reading

Bahamas News

Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday

Published

on

Turks and Caicos, August 20, 2026 – The planned participation of the Bahama Brass Band in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ inaugural Constitutional Holiday celebrations on August 30 has sparked public debate over culture, heritage and the historical contributions of Turks and Caicos Islanders abroad.

Organizers defended the invitation, saying the band’s inclusion is intended to highlight the deep historical ties between the two countries and honor Turks and Caicos men who helped establish and develop the institution in Grand Bahama.

According to the organizers, the Bahama Brass Band began in 1955 in Pine Ridge, Freeport, with Turks and Caicos Islanders, including the late Deacon Reuben Hall Sr. of Middle Caicos and Jenkins Williams and Mervin Hendfield of North Caicos, among those who helped build its foundation. The band eventually grew to more than 50 men.

The organizers also pointed to the participation of Turks and Caicos men in The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations on July 10, 1973, arguing that their contributions became part of Bahamian history while maintaining strong connections to their homeland.

Supporters say bringing the band home represents an opportunity to honor those pioneers, showcase their regional influence and expose younger generations to an important part of Turks and Caicos history.

However, concerns raised publicly described the invitation as potentially disrespectful to local culture and heritage. Organizers acknowledged those concerns, apologizing to anyone who felt overlooked or offended, while maintaining that no disrespect was intended.

The committee said the event should ultimately unite rather than divide, presenting the band’s history as evidence of the reach and resilience of Turks and Caicos heritage.

PHOTO CREDIT: Bahamas Brass Band

Continue Reading

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

TRENDING