TCI News

JATAVIA HOWELL APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF YOUTH AFFAIRS

Published

4 months ago

July 1, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR AND HEAD OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 1st July 2025 – The Office of the Deputy Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands proudly announces the appointment of Ms. Jatavia Howell as the Director of Youth Affairs within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture.

Ms. Howell completed her A-Levels at the British West Indies Collegiate, where she excelled as the Top Biology Student. She furthered her studies at Newcastle University in the UK, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology and a Master’s degree in Ecological Consultancy.

Her professional career began with the Turks and Caicos National Trust and continued with volunteering for the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) between 2015 and 2018, during which she developed key skills in environmental monitoring, conservation, and community education.

In 2019, Ms. Howell became an Environment Officer at the DECR in Grand Turk. She refined her skills in scuba diving, environmental monitoring, policy development, and leadership. She organised environmental clean-up campaigns, delivered educational talks to local youth, and created innovative programs to engage young people in environmental conservation.

Ms. Howell’s exemplary performance led to her promotion in 2022 to the role of Assistant Director of Protected Areas and Revenue. Her responsibilities extended to supervising Beach and Coastal Vending activities, managing eight cultural markets, overseeing numerous community parks, and regulating coastal development, mineral exploration and exploitation.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ms. Howell’s unwavering passion for youth development has been a consistent driving force throughout her career. She has actively created opportunities for young people to engage with the environment, including supporting the Junior Park Warden Program, free swimming initiatives, and other youth-centred programs. Her dedication to youth empowerment extended to her involvement with the Rotaract Club of Providenciales, which she joined in 2022. As Treasurer (2023-2024) and Community Service Director (2024-2025), she led numerous community service projects, including environmental clean-ups, climate change education initiatives, recycling programs in schools, and youth empowerment events such as the Girl Empowerment Weekend.

In 2022, Ms. Howell further demonstrated her commitment to youth leadership by joining the Turks and Caicos Islands Youth Parliament.

Reflecting on her new role, Ms. Howell said, “As a dedicated professional and an active member of the Turks and Caicos Islands community, I deeply understand the aspirations, challenges, and opportunities that young people face. Through God’s help, I am committed to implementing initiatives that provide young people with the resources, opportunities, and mentorship they need to excel. Ecclesiastes 11:9: ‘You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment’. I am thankful for the opportunity to grow and use the skills acquired in my previous roles to do extraordinary things in this new role. I am thankful for my family, the best support system, my mentors, and the entire team at the DECR, whose work, late hours, and dedication to the Turks and Caicos Islands often go unnoticed or are often criticised. Thank you for trusting my leadership and know that while the work doesn’t get easier, you get sharper, tougher, and more prepared.”

In congratulatory remarks, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service H.E. Anya Williams said, “It is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest congratulations to Ms. Jatavia Howell on her appointment as the new Director of Youth Affairs within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture. In her previous role with the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources, Ms. Howell consistently demonstrated a high level of technical expertise and professionalism.

In discussing her interest in the Director of Youth Affairs role, she shared that youth affairs is her true passion, a passion she has clearly exhibited through her longstanding dedication to youth development initiatives here in the Turks and Caicos Islands, including her service as a Member of the Rotaract and the Turks and Caicos Islands Youth Parliament.

This appointment is a well-deserved recognition of her hard work, leadership and commitment and I am confident that Ms. Howell’s innovative approach and unwavering dedication will significantly contribute to the advancement and empowerment of the young people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Congratulations on this remarkable achievement and well-deserved promotion Ms. Howell”

Related Topics:#JataviaHowell #magneticmedianews

Up Next

Experience Turks and Caicos Strengthens Reach in UK Luxury Travel Market

Don't Miss

SENS Department Completes Another Successful Multidisciplinary Assessment Visit Across TCI

Deandrea Hamilton

TCI News

HURRICANE MELISSA: NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTIONS

Published

3 days ago

October 28, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, October 28, 2025 – We are closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, and our thoughts and prayers are with our regional neighbours for their safety and well-being

We are now entering a critical period as Hurricane Melissa advances towards the Turks and Caicos Islands. Current projections indicate that Hurricane Melissa will begin to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands around midday tomorrow, Wednesday, 29th October.

This morning, Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier chaired a State of Preparedness Meeting. All Government agencies and critical services are mobilised. The safety and protection of every person across our Islands remains our highest priority. Our emergency response teams are prepared and the TCI Regiment is deployed across each of our Islands to support community readiness and immediate response. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are on active duty, with additional officers in North Caicos, Salt Cay, South Caicos and Grand Turk.

At this time, the hurricane is moving north-northeast. The country is expected to experience tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall and significant storm surge. The storm surge poses a serious concern for low-lying coastal areas especially along our western and southern coastlines, which may result in coastal flooding. Based on the most current weather projections and anticipated impacts for the Turks and Caicos Islands, the National Executive have agreed the following actions:

1. Evacuation Advisories

Residents in specific low-lying and flood-prone coastal areas are likely to experience significant storm surge of 2-4 feet with accompanying rainfall. Strong advice is now place for residents in these areas to relocate to designated shelters which will be open from 4pm this afternoon. These areas include:

Middle Caicos

Conch Bar Nearest Shelter: The Community Centre

North Caicos

Sandy Point Nearest Shelter : Sandy Point Community Centre
Whitby Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
Bottle Creek Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School

Providenciales

- - Chalk Sound Nearest Shelter Enid Capron Primary School
  - Five Cays Nearest Shelter: Enid Capron Primary School
  - Discovery Bay Nearest Shelter: All Saints Church, Leeward Highway
  - Juba Sound Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
  - Long Bay Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School

South Caicos

Cockburn Harbour Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
Old Airport Road Nearest Shelter: Community Centre

Should an evacuation order become necessary, it will be issued following the 6:00 PM Advisory this evening from the TCI National Weather Service.

2. Activation of Emergency Operations Centre

The National Emergency Operations Centre in Providenciales and all Islands Emergency Operations Centres will be activated at 4:00 PM today.

3. Shelters Access
Shelters across all Islands will open today at 4:00 PM to receive members of the public.

4. Shelter-in-Place

A Strong Shelter-in-Place Advisory is in place for all islands, commencing at 10:00 PM tonight. This will be in place until the all clear has been issued.

This means that from 10:00 PM tonight, all residents should be off the road, in a safe location, either at home or a designated shelter.

Please note that this position may be revised following the 6:00 PM Advisory from the TCI National Weather Service, depending on updated storm projections.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has confirmed that all airports remain fully operational for today. They will advise the public about ongoing operations dependent on the weather impacts.

In times such as this, the role of commercial entities extends beyond business – it becomes a vital part of the community’s resilience. All retailers and service providers are urged to uphold their humanitarian responsibilities by maintaining fair pricing and ensuring essential goods and services remain accessible to all.

Residents and visitors are reminded to adhere strictly to all official advisories and evacuation orders as they are issued. Avoid unnecessary movement, secure your property, and ensure that you and your family are prepared with essential supplies. Stay prepared and stay safe.

TCI News

Frontier Airlines’ Arrival to Turks & Caicos Marks a Game-Changing Connection

Published

6 days ago

October 25, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, October 25, 2025 – Budget-friendly skies are opening over the Turks and Caicos Islands as Frontier Airlines prepares to launch its first-ever nonstop flights between Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) — the world’s busiest air hub.

Starting December 20, 2025, the twice-weekly service will offer residents and tourists a direct, affordable gateway to and from the U.S. mainland. The new route marks Frontier’s debut in the Turks and Caicos, part of a major regional expansion that includes 22 new routes across Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.

“We couldn’t be more excited to begin operations in Providenciales,” said Josh Flyr, Frontier’s Vice President of Network and Operations Design. “With our nonstop service to Atlanta, we’re making travel easier, more affordable, and unlocking connections to countless destinations across the U.S. and beyond. It’s not just about tourism — it’s about opportunity.”

Big Win for Providenciales and the Region

The move positions Howard Hamilton International Airport as a growing Caribbean hub. Frontier’s low-fare model is expected to stimulate visitor arrivals, particularly from Atlanta — a key U.S. tourism feeder city — while giving Turks and Caicos residents new, cost-effective travel options for business, education, and leisure.

Industry observers note that the timing couldn’t be better. Turks and Caicos tourism remains on an upward trajectory in 2025, with hotel occupancy and airlift both climbing following the pandemic rebound. Frontier’s entry adds competitive pricing to an air market long dominated by legacy carriers, expanding the reach of the destination to more budget-minded travelers.

A Wider Growth Strategy

The Atlanta–Providenciales launch is part of Frontier’s aggressive Caribbean push this winter, which also includes new flights to Nassau, St. Maarten, Puerto Vallarta, and San José del Cabo. Introductory fares to select destinations are as low as US $69 one-way.

For Turks and Caicos, the connection to Atlanta — one of Frontier’s strategic bases — means instant access to hundreds of onward destinations in North America and beyond.

As Frontier joins the expanding roster of carriers serving the islands, tourism officials are calling it a “win-win for accessibility and affordability.” And for travelers? It’s a golden ticket to paradise — at a fraction of the cost.

TCI News

Turks & Caicos Police Commissioner Urges Students to “Awaken Their Sleeping Giants”

Published

7 days ago

October 24, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, October 24, 2025 – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey delivered an impassioned address to male students at Clement Howell High School, calling on them to recognize their power, seize their potential, and “awaken the sleeping giants” within.

In a message that blended humility, faith, and personal experience, the Commissioner reminded the boys that the decisions they make today will shape their future.“The choices you make today determine who you become tomorrow,” he said.

Bailey, who revealed he was the first in his family to attend high school, urged the students to embrace education and discipline as tools of transformation.“Knowledge is power. If you want to be a real man, you need to read,” he told them. “Remember your potential — if others can do it, so can you. Some of you are sleeping giants waiting to be awakened.”

He emphasized that circumstances of birth do not dictate destiny, challenging the young men to carry self-respect, faith, and moral conviction wherever they go. “Self-respect is key; respect yourself, respect others, and respect God,” he said. “The circumstances you were born into do not define who you are.”

The Commissioner also spoke about resilience, advising that true strength often lies in restraint.

“There will be challenges, and people may try to impede your development — but rise above negativity. Sometimes, strength means walking away,” he said. “Some of you are sleeping lions; it’s time to awaken that instinct and rediscover your true potential.”

In closing, Commissioner Bailey delivered a stirring challenge:

“Each morning, look in the mirror and remind yourself that you were created by God and are capable of great exploits. You are a possibility with potential. Step forward with confidence — this is your country, your islands. Be the best version of yourself.”

Following his speech, the Commissioner engaged the students in open dialogue, answering questions and listening to their perspectives on issues affecting young men in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.