News
Turks and Caicos Islands Represented at the 27th Caribbean Postal Union Conference
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 5 June 2025: The Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities is pleased to announce the successful participation of the Turks and Caicos Islands in the 27th Annual Caribbean Postal Union (“CPU”) Conference held from 26th to 30th May 2025 at the Cadillac Hotel, South Beach, Miami, Florida.
The Turks and Caicos Islands delegation was led by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Desmond Wilson, and included the Postmaster General, Mrs. Elizabeth James, and Head of Secretariat, Ms. Shanetta Thompson.
This year’s conference, convened under the theme “A Stronger and Safer Union: Designing Solutions through Engagement,” brought
together delegates from twenty-five (25) member states across the Caribbean and beyond, including representation from the United States, Chile, France, and India.
The five-day event featured an extensive agenda covering a wide array of critical developments and challenges in the postal sector, with special focus on modernisation, security, trade compliance, and international cooperation.
Conference Highlights Included:
- Mail Statistics and Trends – A regional update on international mail volumes affirmed continued robust flows across the Caribbean network.
- United States Customs and Tariff Updates – Emphasis was placed on the new US tariff regime and its implications for Caribbean exports and postal logistics.
- Air Security and Prohibited Goods – A comprehensive presentation addressed the transport of dangerous items and enhancements to air mail safety.
- Financial and Operational Modernisation – IRP/IRS remuneration reform, critical for sustainability, was explored alongside CPU’s pilot initiative to implement an International Financial System to enhance cross-border e-commerce transactions.
- Security and Compliance Strategy – The STOP Act and Electronic Advance Data (EAD) were examined in the context of tightening regulatory requirements and enhancing US-Caribbean compliance mechanisms.
- Transportation and Resilience – Updates from the Caribbean Transportation Task Force were shared, along with the UPU’s Disaster Risk Management Certification program to strengthen postal resilience.
- Public-Private Partnerships and E-Commerce – Strategic partnerships with Pakya Mailing Services and Access LLC showcased innovative models for integrating private sector efficiencies into postal operations.
- International Collaboration – India Post proposed expanded training and regional collaboration with CPU members.
A notable aspect of the conference was the official visit to the United States Mail International Service Center (ISC) in Miami, where delegates witnessed firsthand the scale and logistics of global mail processing.
The Minister for Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Otis Morris, extended his appreciation to the delegation and underscored the importance of continuous innovation in public services:
“As Minister, I am proud of the leadership and engagement demonstrated by our delegation at the CPU conference. The lessons and
relationships formed will serve to guide the strategic transformation of our Postal Services. In an era of rapid digitisation and global commerce, the CPU remains a vital platform for cooperation, problem-solving, and future-proofing regional postal systems. We remain committed to ensuring that our postal services evolve to meet the changing needs of the public while continuing to play a central role in connectivity and commerce.”
The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Desmond Wilson, added:
“This year’s CPU Conference reinforced the importance of regional collaboration and innovation in postal services. The discussions on modernisation, security, and cross-border partnerships are vital as we work to enhance efficiency and resilience in the Turks and Caicos Islands’ postal sector. We look forward to implementing key takeaways to better serve our community.”
Finally, the Postmaster General, Mrs. Elizabeth James, commenting on the significance of the event stated:
“The conference was both fruitful and enlightening. It provided a clear lens into the evolving strategies and innovations that are essential to ensuring our postal service remains efficient, competitive, and aligned with the demands of a technology-driven, e-commerce world.”
The Turks and Caicos delegation returned to the islands on Sunday, 1st June 2025, energised with new insights and partnerships that will inform the Department’s modernisation agenda.
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
