TCI News
Turks and Caicos Delegation Advances National ICT Agenda at 40th Anniversary CANTO Annual Conference
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 23 July 2025 – The Honourable Otis Morris, Minister for Public Safety and Utilities, led the Turks and Caicos Islands (“TCI”) delegation to the 40th Annual Conference and Trade Exhibition of the Caribbean Association of National Telecommunications Organizations (“CANTO”), held from July 13th to 16th, 2025, in Nassau, The Bahamas. He was accompanied by senior officials of the Turks and Caicos Islands Telecommunications Commission (“TCITC”), the statutory body responsible for regulating and guiding the development of the national telecommunications sector.
The delegation’s participation in this high-level conference reaffirmed the Turks and Caicos Islands’ commitment to regional collaboration and policy leadership in the information and communication technology (“ICT”) space. The Telecommunications Commission, as the primary regulator, plays a critical role in promoting digital transformation, ensuring fair competition, expanding infrastructure, and safeguarding consumer interests. Its presence at the conference underscored the importance of regional engagement in shaping resilient, future-ready telecommunications ecosystems.
At the conference, the delegation engaged in a series of bilateral and multilateral discussions aimed at enhancing TCI’s connectivity and regulatory frameworks. Strategic meetings were held with executives from FLOW and Digicel to discuss network expansion and improved service quality, while a pivotal engagement with Ookla, the global leader in broadband analytics, focused on leveraging network intelligence tools to map service disparities across the Islands.
The delegation also took part in technical forums and working sessions that explored best practices in spectrum management, cybersecurity,
rural broadband access, and the development of smart infrastructure. These sessions provided valuable insight into how similarly positioned small island nations are navigating regulatory innovation, public-private partnerships, and digital inclusion.
This year’s CANTO conference, held under the theme “Towards a Unified and Sustainable Caribbean Gigabit Society, “convened more than 700 delegates from 52 countries. Among the keynote speakers were U.S. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr and ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. They, along with the Hon. Philip “Brave” Davis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas, emphasized the urgency of closing the regional digital divide and the need for harmonized digital policy.
Established in 1985, CANTO is the region’s premier ICT trade association, serving as a forum for governments, regulators, service providers, and innovators to work collaboratively toward a digitally connected Caribbean. The Turks and Caicos Islands, through the Telecommunications Commission, has long maintained an active and respected presence within CANTO, contributing to policy development and supporting efforts to enhance the digital capabilities of small island developing states.
Reflecting on the conference, Minister Morris remarked:
“Attending this milestone event was both an honour and a timely opportunity to collaborate with regional leaders on the future of telecommunications in the Caribbean. The insights gained on digital equity, investment, and innovation will directly support our mission to deliver future-ready, inclusive, and resilient ICT services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
He further praised the Telecommunications Commission for its continued leadership and proactive approach to modernizing TCI’s digital infrastructure. “The Commission has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the advancement of the sector, ensuring that Turks and Caicos remains at the forefront of digital transformation in the region,” Minister Morris stated.
The Turks and Caicos Islands delegation returned from the conference equipped with renewed perspectives, valuable partnerships, and practical tools to support the Government’s broader vision of a connected, competitive, and inclusive digital future.
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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