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.”