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Any of act of aggression by Venezuela will be appropriately addressed — GS Jagdeo
– Says Venezuela’s provocations being monitored at the highest levels
– Slams AFC’s latest attempt to undermine national solidarity
Vice President and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo, has assured the Guyanese populace that any act of physical aggression by Venezuela will be met with the appropriate response.
He was at the time responding to questions fielded by media representatives at his press conference on Thursday (March 20, 2025) at Freedom House Georgetown.
Dr Jagdeo told reporters that the matter is being looked at the highest levels of government, including receiving daily attention from
Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Irfaan Ali and its international allies. “Those matters relating to the Venezuelan aggression against our country and their threat to our territorial integrity and sovereignty are receiving the attention of the entire government the highest level, at the presidential level, on a daily basis….and we’re working with a number of partners around the world to ensure that any Venezuelan aggression that manifests itself in a physical form would be dealt with appropriately,” he said.
Most recently, the foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) nations issued a joint statement on March 14, 2025 in support of Guyana – reiterating their call for the restoration of democracy in Venezuela and condemning actions by President Nicolás Maduro’s government that they say undermine democratic principles and regional stability. The foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the High Representative of the European Union underscored concerns over Venezuela’s internal political situation and they strongly condemned recent actions by Venezuelan naval vessels, which they described as threats to Guyana’s commercial operations. The ministers underscored their commitment to upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, reaffirming these principles as essential to maintaining international order and regional peace. “We reaffirmed respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations as an enduring value,” the officials said.
DIVISIVE STATEMENTS
Meanwhile, the recent Alliance for Change (AFC) statement, in which they said that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government “has proven time and time again that it has no stomach for a fight with Venezuela and instead chooses gimmickry and falsehoods to hide the reality from the Guyanese people,” has drawn sharp criticism from Dr Jagdeo.
He pointed out that such assertions can be viewed as divisive, potentially undermining the unified stance that Guyana has traditionally upheld in the ongoing border controversy.
Dr Jagdeo reminded that Guyana has historically maintained a bipartisan and unified front on this matter, considering it is a sacred issue of national sovereignty.
To this end, he commended Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton’s move to respond in a measured manner, during a recent news conference where he addressed questions from the media relating to his discussion with President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on the border controversy. “I saw someone who understood that sometimes you can’t conduct diplomacy in public, particularly on a sensitive matter like the border issue. It was a very mature position … but you can’t say the same for these lowlifes in the AFC. They will, for anything …destroy the solidarity we have,” he expressed
PLANNED ELECTIONS
Notably, Venezuela has announced that it will soon hold elections in Guyana’s Essequibo region.
When asked about intelligence regarding a Guyanese being appointed governor in the disputed region, the general secretary dismisses it as mere reports from Venezuela, emphasising that Guyana has authority over its own territory. Jagdeo said, “They can call him governor, king, viceroy, monarch, whatever they want to call their people but not in our Essequibo,” he stressed, reminding that any Guyanese who accepts to become governor is a treasonous act.
Jagdeo added, “…these antics by the Venezuelan government… you have to treat it seriously and that is why we took it to the ICJ. We approached the ICJ on the matter of their elections [and] our partners are fully briefed etc. …and Robeson Benn already made it clear – it’s a treason act. Any Guyanese who allows himself to be appointed Governor of Essequibo that includes our territory…it’s a treasonous act.”
Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has since filed a new case at the ICJ, seeking emergency measures to halt Venezuela’s plans to hold an election in Essequibo.
The ICJ is expected to address new requests for provisional measures, given Venezuela’s announcement that it will soon hold elections in Guyana’s Essequibo region. Guyana has argued to the ICJ that the conduct of Venezuelan elections, which are scheduled for 25 May 2025, as well as all preparatory acts in the disputed territory leading to the holding of such elections, would violate “Guyana’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence, as well as the Court’s Order [on the indication of provisional measures] of 1 December 2023”.
INCURSION INTO GUYANA’S WATERS
Venezuela’s recent aggressions occurred on March 1, 2025, around 07:00 hours when Venezuelan Naval Vessel ABV Guaiqueiri sailed approximately 700 metres in Guyana’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), near FPSO PROSPERITY.
The Venezuelan naval vessel communicated threateningly via radio communication that FPSO PROSPERITY was operating in Venezuela’s EEZ before continuing in a Southwestern direction towards other FPSOs, to which it delivered the same message.
The incursion drew swift condemnation from the Guyanese government, CARICOM, the Organization of American States (OAS), the Commonwealth, and key Western nations, including the US, the UK, and France.
ICJ PROCESS
On 29 March 2018, Guyana filed an Application instituting proceedings against Venezuela with respect to a dispute concerning “the legal validity and binding effect of the Award regarding the Boundary between the Colony of British Guiana and the United States of Venezuela, of 3 October 1899”.
As basis for the jurisdiction of the Court, the Applicant invokes Article IV, paragraph 2, of the “Agreement to Resolve the Controversy between Venezuela and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland over the Frontier between Venezuela and British Guiana”, signed at Geneva on 17 February 1966, and the decision of 30 January 2018 by which the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in accordance with that Agreement, chose the Court as the means to be used for the settlement of the controversy.
On 18 June 2018, Venezuela informed the Court that it considered that the Court manifestly lacked jurisdiction to hear the case and that it had decided not to take part in the proceedings. The Court then decided to address first the question of its jurisdiction.
In its Judgment delivered on 18 December 2020, the Court found that it had jurisdiction to entertain the Application filed by Guyana in so far as it concerned the validity of the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 and the related question of the definitive settlement of the land boundary dispute between Guyana and Venezuela.
Further to the filing of preliminary objections by Venezuela on 7 June 2022, the Court, in its Judgment of 6 April 2023, rejected Venezuela’s preliminary objection concerning the exercise of the Court’s jurisdiction and found that it could adjudicate upon the merits of Guyana’s claims, in so far as they fall within the scope of the Court’s jurisdiction as defined in the operative clause of its Judgment of 18 December 2020.
On 30 October 2023, Guyana filed a Request for the indication of provisional measures due to its concern over the Government of Venezuela’s stated intention to hold a so-called “Consultative Referendum” on 3 December 2023 regarding the purported creation of the State of “Guayana Esequiba” within Venezuela, comprising the territory at issue in the current proceedings.
In its Order of 1 December 2023, the Court stated that, in light of the strong tension that characterized the relations between the Parties, it considered that the conduct of Venezuela — in organizing such a referendum and asserting that it would take concrete action on the basis of the results of that referendum — presented a serious risk of Venezuela acquiring and exercising control and administration of the territory in dispute. The Court therefore directed Venezuela to refrain from taking any action, pending a final decision in the case, which would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute, whereby Guyana administers and exercises control over that area.
The Court further instructed both Parties to refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute or make it more difficult to resolve.
Polls open nationwide as rallies, controversy and endorsements close heated campaign season
The Bahamas, May 11, 2026 – Temperatures across The Bahamas on Tuesday, May 12 are forecast to reach a high of 87 degrees Fahrenheit, with “feels like” temperatures expected to climb even higher — but the heat is not expected to disrupt the flow of voters to polling stations which open nationwide at 8 a.m.
More than 209,000 registered voters are expected to cast ballots in the country’s 2026 General Election, which will determine who forms
the next government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
Polling stations across New Providence, Grand Bahama and the Family Islands will remain open until 6 p.m., with all 41 House of Assembly seats being contested in what has become one of the country’s most energetic and closely watched election campaigns in recent years.
The governing Progressive Liberal Party and the opposition Free National Movement are fielding full slates of 41 candidates each, while the Coalition of Independents has emerged as a significant third-force movement with 40 candidates contesting seats nationwide.
Public schools throughout the country are closed Tuesday as many campuses are transformed into polling stations, while ballot boxes have already been dispatched to the Family Islands ahead of voting day.
The Parliamentary Registration Department has meanwhile reminded employers that registered voters are legally entitled to two hours off to vote in addition to their normal lunch break and has also issued guidance aimed at maintaining orderly conduct at polling locations.
The final days of campaigning transformed the country into a sea of rallies, motorcades, town halls and political events stretching from Exuma and Long Island to Abaco, Bimini, Eleuthera, Andros, Inagua and Grand Bahama.
The PLP closed its campaign with the message “Choose Progress,” arguing the Davis administration has strengthened the economy, expanded social support and advanced national development projects.
The FNM campaigned heavily on accountability, affordability and governance reform under the slogan “We Work for You,” while the
Coalition of Independents sought to position itself as the country’s disruptive alternative with the declaration: “Change ain’t coming — change is here.”
The campaign season also drew international attention with former NBA player and businessman Rick Fox attracting celebrity endorsements from basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, actress Vanessa Williams and reggae icon Buju Banton through widely circulated video messages.
Adding further unpredictability to the race are at least 13 independent candidates contesting seats across the country, including former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis in New Providence’s Killarney constituency, former Cabinet Minister Frederick McAlpine in Grand Bahama’s Pineridge constituency and Leroy Major in Southern Shores on New Providence — all seeking to break through the dominance of the country’s traditional party structure.
Meanwhile, election officials faced controversy in the campaign’s final hours after confirming that fewer than 150 voters, around 1 percent of electors had been mistakenly omitted from the register but would still be allowed to vote Tuesday — a decision questioned publicly by FNM Leader Michael Pintard amid broader concerns over voter integrity and election procedures.
Despite the political tensions, election officials say preparations are complete.
By Tuesday night, Bahamians are expected to know whether the PLP secures a second consecutive term, whether the FNM returns to office, or whether independents reshape the country’s political landscape.
Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – 7 May 2026 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) has achieved ISO 9001:2015 Certification, marking a defining and historic milestone for both the institution and the nation.
TCICC is now the first organisation in the Turks and Caicos Islands to be certified to this internationally recognised Quality Management
System (QMS) standard. While three other organisations within the country hold ISO certifications in different standards, TCICC stands as the first and only organisation to achieve ISO 9001:2015 certification, the global benchmark for quality management and continuous improvement.
This achievement positions TCICC not only as a national leader, but as a forward-thinking institution deliberately building a future grounded in excellence, accountability, and global relevance.
A Defining Moment in Institutional and National Transformation
ISO 9001:2015 certification affirms that TCICC operates with structured, measurable, and continuously improving systems that ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality academic and administrative services.
This milestone is the result of a rigorous, institution-wide transformation that has strengthened:
- Consistency and quality of academic and administrative services
- Student and stakeholder satisfaction
- Operational efficiency and transparency
- Risk management and compliance frameworks
- Evidence-based, data-driven decision-making
More than a certification, this achievement reflects a disciplined commitment to excellence and reinforces TCICC’s role as a catalyst for human capital development and national progress.
Excellence in Execution: An Institution-Wide Achievement
The certification was led by the College’s Quality Assurance Unit under the leadership of Mrs. Venessa Buchanan-Williams, whose strategic direction and disciplined execution were instrumental in achieving this milestone.
Supported by a cross-functional team of process owners across all divisions, the initiative represented a truly institution-wide effort. From
academic affairs to student services, human resources, finance, IT, marketing, and operations, every unit contributed to embedding a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Mrs. Buchanan-Williams, Quality Assurance Manager and Project Lead, stated:
“ISO 9001:2015 required more than documentation. It required transformation. It challenged us to examine how we work, how we serve, and how we improve. What we have built is not a system for certification, but a system for sustained excellence.”
Leadership Perspective: Excellence by Design
Dr. Candice Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of TCICC, described the achievement as a transformational milestone:
“This is not simply the attainment of a certification. It is the institutionalisation of excellence. At TCICC, we have made a deliberate decision that quality will not be incidental; it will be engineered, measured, and continuously improved. Achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification signals to our students, partners, and the nation that TCICC is operating at internationally recognised standards, while remaining deeply committed to national development. As we advance our vision of becoming the first choice for education and training in the Turks and Caicos Islands and beyond, this milestone ensures that our foundation is not only strong, but globally competitive.”
Governance Commitment to Quality and Accountability
Chair of the TCICC Board of Governors, Mrs. Sheba Wilson, highlighted the governance perspective:
“The Board remains committed to ensuring that TCICC operates with the highest levels of accountability, transparency, and excellence. Achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification as the first organisation in the Turks and Caicos Islands to do so is a clear demonstration that the College is not only meeting expectations, but setting new benchmarks for institutional quality within the region.”
National Recognition and Government Endorsement
The Honourable Rachel Marshall Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, commended the College:
“This achievement represents a significant step forward for the Turks and Caicos Islands. TCICC has demonstrated that our national institutions can operate at the highest international standards. As the first organisation in the country to achieve ISO 9001:2015 certification, the College is setting a powerful precedent for quality, accountability, and excellence across all sectors. This milestone strengthens confidence in our education system and underscores TCICC’s vital role in developing the human capital needed to drive national growth and competitiveness.”
Embedding a Culture of Continuous Improvement
ISO 9001:2015 is not an endpoint; it is a framework for sustained excellence. Through its Quality Management System, TCICC will continue to:
- Conduct structured internal audits and management reviews
- Proactively identify and mitigate risks
- Enhance stakeholder satisfaction through responsive service delivery
- Strengthen governance and accountability mechanisms
- Drive innovation in teaching, learning, and institutional operations
This ensures the College remains agile, responsive, and future-ready in an evolving global education landscape.
Positioning TCICC for the Future
As the first organisation in the Turks and Caicos Islands to achieve ISO 9001:2015 certification, TCICC is strategically positioned to:
- Expand regional and international partnerships
- Increase student enrolment and stakeholder confidence
- Enhance global competitiveness
- Lead national dialogue on quality assurance and institutional excellence
This milestone demonstrates that TCICC is actively shaping the future of education and institutional excellence in the Turks and Caicos Islands and beyond.
Washington, D.C. – 5 May 2026– The Turks and Caicos Islands continues to strengthen its presence on the international stage through the successful implementation of the Vincula LAC Digital Skills Programme, an initiative led by the Ministry of Innovation, Technology and Energy in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, the World Bank and Coursera.
Representing the Turks and Caicos Islands at the Vincula LAC Graduation Ceremony held at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington,
D.C. were members of the Vincula LAC Turks and Caicos Implementation Team, Dr. Candice Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Ms. Prinicia Miller, Workforce Development Officer of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC). Their attendance reflects the Turks and Caicos Islands’ strategic commitment to equipping its citizens with globally competitive digital skills and strengthening workforce capacity to support economic growth and innovation.
To mark the occasion locally, the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College hosted a live watch event where participants across the Turks and Caicos Islands gathered to view the graduation ceremony and were formally presented with their certificates. The event served as a national celebration of achievement and progress in digital skills development.
In attendance were the Honourable Rachel Marshall Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, and the Honourable Erwin Jay Saunders, Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy, Dr. Delores Stapleton-Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs and Dr. Patroy Montaque, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs. Both ministers delivered remarks congratulating graduates from across the Turks and Caicos Islands and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to expanding access to digital education and workforce opportunities.
Since its launch in the Turks and Caicos Islands in August 2025, the Vincula LAC programme has demonstrated strong national engagement and impact. By the end of the programme, approximately 688 participants across the country had enrolled, collectively expressing interest in over 1,400 courses. Against an allocation of 500 licenses, the Turks and Caicos Islands achieved an exceptional 516 course completions, surpassing The World Bank’s target by 3.2 percent.
This performance reflects not only strong national engagement but also a clear demonstration of the country’s capacity to maximize access and translate opportunity into measurable outcomes.
Available data indicates strong participation across several islands. Among those who reported their location, 155 graduates were from Providenciales, 31 from Grand Turk, 18 from North and Middle Caicos and 8 from South Caicos. While not all participants indicated their island of residence at point of completion, these figures demonstrate broad national engagement and the programme’s reach across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The programme continues to play a critical role in equipping citizens with in-demand digital skills that support national development priorities, economic diversification, and workforce resilience.
Building on this success, the Ministry of Innovation, Technology and Energy and the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture are pleased to announce that funding has been allocated to continue the online Coursera offerings. A total of 200 licenses have been secured for the year and will be strategically rotated to ensure maximum utilisation and national reach. The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College will continue to manage and deliver the programme as part of its online offerings.
Hon. Erwin Jay Saunders, Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy stated:
“This initiative is not simply about course completion. It is about national capacity building. We are deliberately positioning the Turks and
Caicos Islands to compete in a digital global economy by investing in our people, expanding access to technology-driven learning, and creating pathways for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic resilience.”
Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, Culture stated:
“Education must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. The success of the Vincula LAC programme demonstrates what is possible when access, opportunity, and intentional policy align. We are proud of our graduates and remain committed to ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to develop the skills required to thrive in the modern workforce.”
Dr. Candice Williams, President/CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College stated:
“This achievement reflects transformation. It demonstrates our ability as a nation to convert access into achievement and learning into impact. At TCICC, we are committed to ensuring that digital education is not a privilege, but a pathway. A pathway that empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and positions the Turks and Caicos Islands as a leader in workforce development within the region.”
The Turks and Caicos Islands Community College invites residents across the islands to enroll in its online Coursera programmes and gain in-demand digital skills through flexible, self-paced learning and globally recognised certifications.
Whether you are starting your career, advancing professionally, or exploring new opportunities, this is your moment to invest in your future.
Do not wait for opportunity. Prepare for it!
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