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Ministry of Innovation, Technology and Energy attends Prestigious UWI Artificial Intelligence Conference

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 1st July 2025: The newly formed Ministry of Innovation, Technology and Energy (M.I.T.E.) of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with a core mission to accelerate e-governance initiatives, is proud to announce the participation of Honourable E. Jay Saunders, Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Second Annual Artificial Intelligence Research Conference. Held at the UWI Five Islands Campus, Antigua from 23rd – 24th June, 2025, the conference, themed “Bridging Digital Frontiers: AI For Caribbean Sustainability,” served as a pivotal platform for high-level discussions on the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the region. The conference’s agenda, which included critical discussions on AI policy and governance, digital innovation in the public sector, and improved government service delivery, directly aligns with the Ministry’s strategic objectives.

Hon. Saunders’ attendance underscores his commitment to engaging in critical thought leadership and leveraging cutting-edge AI research to advance digital governance within the Turks and Caicos Islands. Joining Hon. Saunders at the prestigious AI Conference were M.I.T.E. Permanent Secretary, Ms. Tamera Howell-Robinson, and Head of Secretariat, Miss Lareesa Robinson. The M.I.T.E. is committed to utilising cutting-edge technology for national development, specifically advancing the initiatives of 24/7 Government and establishing a secure e-government platform.

“Our participation in the UWI Five Islands AI Research Conference was instrumental in deepening our understanding of how AI can be ethically and effectively integrated into public services,” stated Hon. Saunders. “The insights gained, particularly around AI for justice and governance, digital innovation, and citizen engagement, will directly inform our efforts to create a truly 24/7 Government and build an even more robust and secure e-government platform for all citizens,” he further stated.

Key takeaways from the conference highlighted the importance of shaping AI policy to support economic growth, ethical governance, and digital innovation in the public sector, while emphasizing regional cooperation, workforce development, and responsible AI adoption. These discussions are crucial as the M.I.T.E. continues to explore how AI can enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of government services, ensuring they are available around the clock to meet the evolving needs of the populace.

The M.I.T.E. is committed to leading the charge in responsible AI adoption, ensuring that technological advancements translate into tangible benefits for all Turks and Caicos Islanders. By actively engaging in international and regional dialogues such as the UWI Five Islands AI Research Conference, the M.I.T.E. aims to position Turks and Caicos Islands at the forefront of digital transformation in the Caribbean.

For more information on the UWI Five Islands AI Research Conference, please visit their official website: The UWI Five Islands Annual Research Conference – Bridging Digital Frontiers: AI for Caribbean Sustainability

PHOTO CAPTIONS: 

 Header: (L-R) Hon. E. Jay Saunders, Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy; Dr. Curtis Charles, Director of Academic Affairs, UWI Five Islands Campus, Antigua and Barbuda; Hon. Jose Vanterpool, Minister of Infrastructure, Communications, Utilities, Housing, Information Technology and E-Government Services, Anguilla.

 1st insert: Ministry of Innovation, Technology and Energy. (L-R) Permanent Secretary, Tamera Howell-Robinson; Minister, Hon. E. Jay Saunders; Head of Secretariat, Lareesa Robinson.

2nd insert: Hon. E. Jay Saunders and Mr. George Pilgrim, Principal Consultant, Governance and Public Policy Inc.

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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