Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment Sends 23 Recruits to Bermuda For Intensive Training, Bolstering Regional Partnerships

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE NATIONAL SECURITY SECRETARIAT

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 11^th July 2025: The Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment (TCIR) is proud to announce that a contingent of 23 aspiring Marines departed the Islands on Friday, July 4, 2025, for a rigorous two-week recruit training course with the esteemed Royal Bermuda Regiment (RBR) in Bermuda. This marks a significant step in the continuous development and professionalization of the Turks and Caicos Islands’ burgeoning defense force.

Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Her Excellency Anya Williams, Deputy Governor, were present at the send-off to offer their support and well wishes to the departing recruits. In her comments, Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam stated, “This deployment will not only support the training of new recruits but also continue to strengthen the important partnership between the Royal Bermuda Regiment and the TCI Regiment. It is inspiring to see so many new recruits stepping up to serve, reinforcing our commitment to building greater defence capability across our Islands. Together, we are forging stronger ties and preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.”

The intensive recruit training program in Bermuda will provide the new TCIR recruits with foundational military skills and instill the core values essential for a disciplined and effective defense force. The comprehensive curriculum is designed to challenge participants both mentally and physically, preparing them for the diverse roles they will undertake in safeguarding the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Key areas of initial training include:

• Values and Standards – Instilling the core principles of integrity, discipline, selfless commitment, and respect that underpin military service.
• Skill at Arms – Fundamental instruction and practice in weapon handling, marksmanship, and safe operational procedures.
• Fieldcraft – Essential outdoor survival and tactical skills, including camouflage, concealment, and basic field living.
• Physical Fitness – A demanding program to build strength, endurance, and resilience, crucial for all military operations.
• Land Navigation – Training in map reading, compass use, and GPS navigation to ensure proficiency in diverse terrains.
• Foot Drills – Precision marching, parade ground movements, and ceremonial drills to foster discipline and cohesion.
• First Aid – Essential life-saving medical skills for combat and humanitarian scenarios.
• Teamwork and Leadership – Exercises designed to develop cohesion, communication, and leadership qualities from an early stage.

“This collaborative training initiative with the Royal Bermuda Regiment is an invaluable opportunity for our new recruits,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Ennis Grant, Commanding Officer, Turks, and Caicos Islands Regiment. “The RBR’s extensive experience and well-established training programs will provide our future Marines with a robust foundation, ensuring they are well-equipped to uphold the highest standards of defense, border protection, and disaster relief for the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

The Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment remains committed to investing in its personnel, fostering a highly trained and professional force capable of responding to the nation’s security needs and contributing to regional stability. The recruits are expected to return to the Turks and Caicos Islands ready to apply their newfound skills and integrate into the Regiment’s ongoing operations.