News
First-Ever Child Safeguarding Intergenerational Quiz Inspires Unity and Action in the Turks and Caicos Islands
PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND WELFARE
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 12 May 2025: On May 8, 2025, the Department of Social Development,
under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs, and Transportation, proudly hosted a Child Safeguarding Intergenerational Quiz at Beaches Turks and Caicos. This groundbreaking event transcended the boundaries of a typical competition, serving as a heartfelt call to action. It encouraged participants to deepen their understanding of child protection systems, principles and practices within the Turks and Caicos Islands while reflecting on their shared responsibility in safeguarding and ensuring the well-being of children.
The quiz brought together a vibrant mix of students, educators, and professionals from diverse backgrounds across the Turks and Caicos Islands. With its blend of education and engagement, the event fostered a greater awareness of child protection principles, teamwork, and community commitment. Seven spirited teams—Protectors United, Champions of Change, Safeguarding Heroes, Awareness Avengers, Hope Defenders, Child Rights Warriors, and Helping Hands Ambassadors—participated, each with four members: one primary school student, one high school student, and two adults representing various sectors.
In a display of knowledge and teamwork, Team Awareness Avengers emerged victorious. Comprising Nurse Geraldine Gomez from the
Department of Behavioural Health Services, Ms. Regena Little, Principal of the SNAP Centre, Eli Adams from Shining Stars Preparatory School, and Jeffica Forbes from Clement Howell School, the team dominated the preliminary, semifinal, and championship, becoming the first champions of this landmark event. The second and third places were claimed by the Hope Defenders and Child Rights Warriors, who represented the islands of North and Middle Caicos.
Director Forbes of the Department of Social Development and Welfare expressed heartfelt pride in the success of the event, emphasising its significance in uniting the community around a vital cause. She announced plans to make the Child Safeguarding Intergenerational Quiz an
annual tradition, envisioning an even broader reach. The future editions will extend invitations to a wider selection of schools, including private institutions, alongside participants from the public and private sectors, NGOs, and community members. “As our devotion to strengthening families and protecting children continues to be realised,” Director Forbes shared, “it is important for me to emphasise that child safeguarding awareness activities and trainings are ongoing efforts throughout the year. This commitment aligns with our mission to foster a zero-tolerance community against child abuse.”
The Department extends its deepest gratitude to all participants, supporters, and stakeholders who made this historic event possible. Together, we have taken a meaningful step forward in creating a brighter, safer future for the children of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
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
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