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Department of Special Education Needs Services Commemorates World Autism Awareness Day and Autism Acceptance Month

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 2 April 2025: In recognition of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd and Autism Acceptance Month, the Department of Special Education Needs Services (SENS) of the Ministry of Education is reaffirming its commitment to supporting individuals with autism and their families through enhanced services, awareness campaigns, and inclusive initiatives.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition affecting communication, behaviour, and social interactions. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), as of 2023, approximately 1 in 100 children globally has autism. In the Turks and Caicos Islands, the SENS Department has identified a growing number of individuals diagnosed with autism, with a database now exceeding 300 persons, mostly individuals on the autism spectrum. This underscores the need for continued advocacy, early intervention, and specialised support services.

The Special Education Department has implemented several initiatives to improve access to quality services for individuals with autism. These include:

  • Behavioral Therapy & Speech-Language Services, with Occupational Therapy services to commence in the very new future.
  • Psychoeducational and Neuropsychological Assessments
  • Audiology Assessments

Under the theme, Celebrating Differences, the SENS Department will be hosting a number of events throughout Autism Acceptance Month. The main event is a series of Autism Awareness “Rainbow Walks” that will be held across all islands to raise awareness and foster community inclusion. Additional events include:

  • Church Services to promote faith-based inclusion and support.
  • Educational Workshops for teachers and parents on strategies for working with children with autism.
  • Sports and Social Activities to encourage interaction and acceptance among children with autism and their peers.

Dr. Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, Director of SENS, emphasised the significance of community involvement in autism advocacy. “Our goal is to not only raise awareness but to cultivate an inclusive society where individuals with autism can thrive. Through expanded services, training, and national events, we are working towards a future where all individuals, regardless of ability, have access to the support they need.”

Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to advancing services for individuals with special needs. “We recognise that early intervention and sustained support are key to ensuring that individuals with autism lead fulfilling lives. The Ministry of Education remains committed to strengthening our services, investing in resources, and fostering an environment of acceptance and inclusion for all.”

The Ministry of Education and the SENS Department invite the public to participate in the upcoming Autism Awareness and Acceptance events. By joining hands as a community, we can ensure that individuals with autism are seen, supported, and celebrated.

For more information on events and services, please contact the SENS Department at sens@gov.tc.

Bahamas News

Royal Bahamas Police Force – ARRAIGNMENT NOTICE

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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

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

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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

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Bahamas News

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

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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

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