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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.

Caribbean News

Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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News

Multi-Agency Enforcement Action Conducted in Five Cays

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20 February 2026 — The Informal Settlements Unit (ISU), in collaboration with key government agencies, coordinated a multi-agency enforcement exercise on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Block and Parcel 60609/33 in the Five Cays area.

The exercise was led by the Crown Land Unit, pursuant to its statutory mandate under the Crown Land Ordinance to prevent squatting and encroachment on Crown land. The ISU coordinated the operation, with support provided by the Planning Department and the Turks and Caicos Islands Border Force, while the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force ensured security throughout the activity.

The enforcement action followed a series of inspections conducted by the Crown Land Unit throughout Five Cays, which identified several illegally constructed buildings made of concrete and timber on sections of the subject parcel. In keeping with the provisions of the Crown Land Ordinance, occupied structures were served Letters of Illegal Occupation, delivered by hand to occupants and posted on structures where individuals were absent. Incomplete and unoccupied structures were served Notices of Unauthorized Occupation pursuant to section 22 of the Ordinance. A total of ten (10) Letters of Illegal Occupation and three (3) Notices of Unauthorized Occupation were issued during the exercise.

The Informal Settlements Unit reiterates that these coordinated enforcement exercises form part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to uphold the law, protect Crown land, and manage informal settlements in a structured and lawful manner. Members of the public are reminded that unauthorised occupation and development on Crown land is unlawful and subject to enforcement action.

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Health

What to Look for with Self-Checks at Home

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February is National Self- Check Month and family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, OH, John Hanicak, MD, highlights why at home self-checks are extremely important when it comes to not just early cancer detection but identifying other illnesses too and offers tips on what to look out for.

“Sometimes Ilook at them as sort of like your check engine light on the car, just like therewould be a red flashing light that tells you that there’s something wrong with acar and prompts you to bring that in and get serviced. Your body does the samething. It gives you warning signs tolook intothat symptom a little bit further,” said Hanicak.

Dr. Hanicak saidself-checks are going to be a little different for everyone. 

However, in general, he recommends looking for anything that may seem abnormal, such asunexplained weight loss,blood in your urine, bumps and bruisesthat won’t heal,and changes in bowel habits. 

For example, if you suddenly start going to the bathroom a lot more than you used to, that could bea signof something more serious. 

He also suggestsdoing regular skin checksanddocumentingany molesor spotsthat start to look different. 

“Realize that you are your own person.There’s nobody else in the world exactly like you.You’ve got your own set ofideas, your own family history and your own genetics.Know what is normal for you, and when that changes, that’s the kind of thing thatwe would be interested in talking about,” said Dr. Hanicak. 

Dr. Hanicaknotes that self-checks are not meant to replace cancer screenings, as those are just as important to keep up with. 

Press Release: Cleveland Clinic

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