News
Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of HOME AFFAIRS in collaboration with the Economic of Latin America (ECLAC) Completed Phase II of Gender Statistics Training on November 13th – 14th 2024
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation, Broadcasting,
Energy and Utilities and Telecommunications Commission
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 20th November 2024 – The Department of Gender Affairs, within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation and The Tele Communication Commission successfully hosted Phase II of the Gender Statistics Training, on November 13th -14th, 2024. This phase saw the completion of the programme’s final three modules, which focused on using gender statistics to design and inform policies, applying international standards, and building capacity in data collection.
The sessions were facilitated by Statistical expert Mr. Abdullahi Abdulkadri, Coordinator within the Statistics and Social Development Unit of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
The session which was held at the Atrium opened with remarks from the Director of Gender Affairs, Mrs. Carolyn Dickenson. She expressed how timely this training was as the country embarked on implementing gender-responsive budgeting across the government. This will ensure the prioritiation of women’s, men’s, girls’, and boys’ rights throughout the entire budgeting cycle as gender-responsive budgeting aims to influence not only the budgeting process but also the policies that underpin it. This however cannot be achieved without understanding how gender statistics impact the decision process.
Ms. Keisha Taylor, our recently appointed Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Home Affairs brought remarks on behalf of the Honourable Otis Morris, Minister of Home Affairs which highlighted the significance of the Training.
In the spirit of collaboration and progress, the minister expressed his profound gratitude for the two-day training in gender statistics. He affirms “my ministry’s commitment, and that of our government, is to ensure that the knowledge and expertise resulting from the workshop will foster a greater understanding of the importance of desegregated data, the design and development of policies, programs, and procedures to promote gender equality and equity.” He encourages all stakeholders, to continue to work Together, as we bridge gaps and lay the foundation for the future growth and just economic development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Department of Gender Affairs is grateful to all participants who were actively engaged in the in-depth training to enhance their skills in analysing and applying gender statistics to their respective areas of work. These include the Statistics Authority, Department of Trade, Industry and Fair Competition, Ministry of Education, Department of Social Development, Ministry of Health, and the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit of the Police.
The Deputy Attorney General Ms. Khalila Astwood, while representing the Attorney General chambers expressed the need to have follow-up
training for individual departments based on the current directions of the country at this time.
During the sessions, participants were allowed to present on issues relevant to their organizations, addressing key questions to develop gender-sensitive data collection tools. They designed questionnaires targeting specific groups and outlined statistical analyses to uncover gender disparities and provide evidence-based recommendations for policy change.
Looking ahead, the department of Gender Affairs aims to build on the outcomes of this training by planning a practical workshop on Gender Statistics. This multifaced workshop will further assist in embedding gender-responsive strategies and actions within their operational frameworks. This initiative represents a significant step forward in advancing gender equity in the Turks and Caicos Islands, demonstrating the government’s commitment to using evidence-based approaches to create a more inclusive society.
For more information on the work of the Department of Gender Affairs and resources, please contact the Department of Gender Affairs via telephone at 649-338-2681 (Grand Turk), 649-338-2686 (Providenciales). You can also contact the Department via email at genderaffairs@gov.tc. Continue to look out for its various activities on facebook.com/genderaffairstci or Instagram:@genderaffairstci.
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
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
Bahamas News
Bahama Brass Band Invitation Sparks Heritage Debate Ahead of TCI Constitutional Holiday
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
