TCI News
The Department of Gender Affairs Leads Critical Training on Domestic Violence Ordinance and Mental Health Response in Turks and Caicos Islands
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands 31 July 2025 — The Department of Gender Affairs within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs and Transportation successfully hosted a comprehensive two-day Multi-Sector Stakeholders Training on the Domestic Violence Ordinance and Mental Health Response, held July 10-11 at the Atrium Conference Room in Providenciales. This all-encompassing initiative brought together key stakeholders from various sectors, including law enforcement, healthcare providers, social workers, and community leaders, to deepen their understanding of the Domestic Violence Ordinance and the critical role they play in addressing the mental health impacts associated with domestic violence. The event also focused on strengthening governance, justice, security, and social welfare frameworks addressing gender-based violence in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
This important training session aimed to support and advance the implementation of the National Domestic Violence Ordinance while
addressing the mental health consequences tied to domestic abuse. Participants included representatives from the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, the Ministry of Border Force, TCI Red Cross, Inter-Health Canada, the Department of Social Development, the Ministry of Education, the Human Rights Commissioner, and the Department of Behavioural Health Services.
The first day was facilitated by the Grace Bay Medical Centre team, led by Medical Director Dr. Sam Slattery and psychologist Ms. Daniela Hernandez. The session covered a range of topics, including trauma and emotional dysregulation, the physical effects of trauma, brain function impact from abuse, stress management in high-pressure environments, and self-care strategies for professionals working with survivors. Day two was presented by the Attorney General’s Chambers with Chief Parliamentary Counsel Dr. Gogontle K. Gatang-McCartney providing an in-depth review of the Domestic Violence Ordinance.
Honourable Shaun Malcolm, Minister of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs, and Transportation, praised the training during his opening remarks, emphasizing the unwavering commitment of the government to tackling domestic violence and supporting victims. He further stated that “Addressing domestic violence and its far-reaching consequences on mental health is a top priority for the government.” This reassurance from the government’s highest levels underscores the seriousness with which this issue is being addressed.
Mrs. Carolyn Dickenson, Director of Gender Affairs, highlighted the session’s significance, stating, “This training is vital to equipping frontline workers with the knowledge and tools they need to support survivors and uphold the National Domestic Violence Ordinance effectively. We are dedicated to providing ongoing resources to those on the front lines of this important work.”
The success of this training session showed the department’s dedication to creating a safer, more equitable society. By equipping frontline
workers with the necessary knowledge and tools, we strengthen stakeholders’ ability to support those affected by domestic violence. The Department encourages all agencies to implement the learned strategies and maintain open communication channels for ongoing support and collaboration. This commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation ensures that future sessions will build upon this foundation, incorporating feedback from participants and adapting to emerging needs within our community.
We are committed to our mandate as the leading agency to promote gender equality, gender equity and gender mainstreaming. Therefore, we will continue to prioritize efforts that strengthen the support framework for gender-based violence, ensuring a coordinated, sensitive, and effective response across all sectors throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
For more information on the Department of Gender Affairs and available resources, please contact us at:
Telephone: 649-338-2681 (Grand Turk), 649-338-2686 (Providenciales)
Email: genderaffairs@gov.tc
Stay connected with us for upcoming activities and initiatives through our social media platforms:
Facebook: facebook.com/genderaffairstci
Instagram: @genderaffairstci
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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