TCI News
TCI Recruits Joined Forces with Royal Bermuda Regiment and Honoured for Outstanding Performance
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 22 July 2025: As part of the National Security Council’s commitment to investing in capability building, a contingent of 23 new recruits from the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment joined forces with the Royal Bermuda Regiment for a two-week summer training at Warwick Camp, Bermuda. This marked the first such collaboration between the two island nations, offering recruits a basic introduction to soldiering while strengthening regional defence cooperation. Several recruits from the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment were recognised for exceptional performance during the joint training exercise including, Recruit Olivia Gravely who was named Best Recruit, while Recruit Ashanti Arthur received the award for Best Shot Overall. Recruit Othneil Parrish earned Second Best Shot and Second-Best Recruit.
In addition, Section 1, which included TCI recruits, took home top honours for Best Drill, Best Sports, and Best Overall Section, while
Section 3 was recognised for Best in the Assault Course. These achievements reflect the high calibre and preparedness of TCI’s Regiment’s newest members.
Before departing, the recruits were officially sent off by Her Excellency the Governor Dileeni Daniel- Selvaratnam and Deputy Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams, who both expressed pride in the Regiment’s development and their role in promoting national security.
Corporal Tevar Patrick. These experienced officers were guiding and mentoring the recruits through the intensive training. Additionally, Bermuda’s Minister of National Security the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, and Acting Permanent Secretary Ms. Tarita Cartwright officially welcomed TCI’s Permanent Secretary Mr. Tito Lightbourne and Lt. Col. Ennis Grant, Commanding Officer of the TCI Regiment. The delegation toured Warwick Camp and the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coast Guard explored best practices in disaster response, maritime operations, and capacity building.
The training camp offered rigorous training in military fitness, weapon handling, map reading, first aid, discipline, and leadership. More than just drills, the camp fostered character development, team cohesion, and a shared sense of purpose.
Marine Kanisha Stubbs reflected on the lessons gained, stating: “The last two weeks reaffirmed how important teamwork is, in all its aspects: respect, leveraging strengths, clear communication, and strategic thinking. Strategic thinking and leveraging the strengths of my diverse team members were definitely two skills that I obtained.”
Fellow Marine Karen Barr added, “I’ve learned that real leadership isn’t about giving orders, it’s about setting the example. Whether it’s
pushing through physical exhaustion during morning drills or stayingOFFICIAL – FOR PUBLIC RELEASEfocused when things get chaotic, I’ve realized that calm, consistent actions speak louder than words… Most of all, I’ve gained respect for structure, discipline, and teamwork.”
Recruit Oniel Ingham also noted the broader impact of the experience, saying: “This experience has likely deepened my appreciation for TCI’s regional partnership by highlighting the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving common goals. Through various activities and exercises, I’ve probably gained a better understanding of the strengths and challenges faced by different regions and how they can work together to drive progress.”
These reflections underscore the personal growth and regional unity fostered through the camp.
Captain Francis Glinton concluded, “We’ve had a strong relationship with Bermuda over the past five years, and we’re proud to be building on that. The training here is excellent, and we wanted our new marines to benefit from that standard while creating lasting memories.”
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
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- 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
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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.
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.
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