Turks and Caicos, June 1, 2026 – The Turks and Caicos Islands has entered a new chapter in its judicial history with the appointment of Hon. Madam Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards as Chief Justice, marking the third consecutive female leader of the nation’s judiciary and continuing more than a decade of women serving in the territory’s highest judicial office.

Justice Cummings-Edwards formally assumed office on May 1, 2026, succeeding former Chief Justice Hon. Justice Mabel Agyemang, whose six-year tenure was credited with significant reforms aimed at strengthening the courts and improving access to justice.

A native of Guyana, Justice Cummings-Edwards brings more than 37 years of legal and judicial experience to the role. Before arriving in the Turks and Caicos Islands, she served in some of the highest judicial offices in Guyana, including Acting Chief Justice and Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary. She also earned recognition for advancing court modernization, digitization, improved case management systems and expanded access to justice.

The appointment, announced by Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam following the advice of the Judicial Services Commission, brings to the Turks and Caicos Islands a jurist widely respected throughout the Caribbean legal community.

In announcing the appointment, the Governor said it followed a rigorous and highly competitive selection process and noted that Justice Cummings-Edwards’ appointment “reaffirms the enduring importance of an independent judiciary in upholding the rule of law, protecting constitutional governance and maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice.”

Accepting the appointment, Justice Cummings-Edwards said: “I am honoured to be appointed Chief Justice of the Turks and Caicos Islands and grateful for the confidence placed in me. I look forward to working collaboratively with my judicial colleagues, the legal profession and justice-sector partners to build on the strong foundation established and to further strengthen the delivery of justice in a manner that is fair, efficient and accessible to all.”

She added: “I remain committed to upholding the rule of law and serving the people of these Islands with integrity and dedication.”

Attorney General Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles welcomed the new Chief Justice at her swearing-in ceremony, describing her as a judicial leader with “extensive judicial experience, a strong commitment to the rule of law, and to strengthening the Turks and Caicos Islands’ Judiciary.”

Justice Cummings-Edwards’ appointment continues a notable trend in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where women have occupied the office of Chief Justice for more than a decade, reinforcing the territory’s reputation for strong female leadership at the highest levels of the judiciary.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

Turks and Caicos, June 1, 2026 – As the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins today, Turks and Caicos Islanders are being encouraged to prepare both practically and spiritually, with national disaster officials launching a series of island-wide prayer services while government agencies finalize readiness plans for the months ahead.

The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) kicked off its annual hurricane season prayer initiative on Sunday, May 31, with a service at Providence Baptist Church in North Caicos. The initiative reflects the country’s longstanding tradition of seeking divine protection at the start of the Atlantic hurricane season.

The prayer circuit will continue on June 7 at Abundant Life Ministries International in Providenciales, June 14 at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in South Caicos, June 21 at the Church of God of Prophecy in Conch Bar, Middle Caicos, and conclude on June 28 at St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral in Grand Turk.

While churches unite in prayer, government agencies are strengthening operational readiness.

On May 28, Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam chaired the first State of Preparedness Meeting for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, bringing together key government officials, emergency responders, utility providers and critical infrastructure partners ahead of the June 1 start of the season.

According to the Governor’s Office, representatives from the DDME, Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment, healthcare and emergency services, along with utility and infrastructure leaders, reviewed national readiness plans, shelter preparedness, continuity of essential services, inter-agency coordination and response strategies.

The Governor emphasized the importance of proactive preparation, coordination and public awareness to ensure the Turks and Caicos Islands remains resilient throughout the hurricane season.

The discussions come as forecasters at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, predict a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season for 2026. NOAA says there is a 55 percent chance of a below-normal season, a 35 percent chance of a near-normal season and a 10 percent chance of an above-normal season. Forecasters are predicting between eight and 14 named storms, including three to six hurricanes and one to three major hurricanes.

Despite the relatively favorable outlook, NOAA officials continue to caution against complacency.

“Although El Niño’s impact in the Atlantic Basin can often suppress hurricane development, there is still uncertainty in how each season will unfold,” said National Weather Service Director Ken Graham. “That is why it’s essential to review your hurricane preparedness plan now. It only takes one storm to make for a very bad season.”

For Turks and Caicos, that message resonates strongly. The islands remain among the Caribbean territories most vulnerable to hurricanes, and memories of major storms such as Hurricanes Ike, Irma and Maria continue to underscore the importance of preparedness.

As hurricane season opens, officials are urging residents to secure emergency supplies, review family preparedness plans, stay informed through official channels and participate in community readiness efforts. And for many across the islands, that preparation begins with prayer.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

By Dreandrea Hamilton

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands — Plenty of grocery bargains can still be found across the Turks and Caicos Islands, with some staple items selling for less than a dollar. But the latest Breadbasket Price Report reveals a persistent reality for consumers: where you live continues to play a major role in what you pay at the checkout counter.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Fair Competition’s May 2026 Breadbasket Report highlights dozens of products surveyed between May 1 and May 13, tracking prices across Providenciales, South Caicos, Grand Turk and North Caicos.

The good news for consumers is that several everyday items remain available at remarkably low prices. The survey found purified water for as little as 60 cents, ramen noodles for 60 cents, Vienna sausage for $1.25, evaporated milk for $1.40, vegetable oil for $3.35 and bananas for $1.10 at some Providenciales retailers.

But when prices rise, they rise dramatically.

The report suggests that the further consumers move from the country’s primary shipping hub at South Dock, Providenciales, the more likely they are to encounter significantly higher grocery prices.

Among the most eye-catching examples was a package of adult diapers selling for $46 at a North Caicos store, one of the highest prices recorded in the entire survey. Baby diapers were also listed at $46 in another North Caicos location.

North Caicos shoppers were additionally paying as much as $25.50 for a 20-pound bag of Riceland long grain rice, $23 for another rice product and $15 for bottled water, all among the highest prices flagged by the Department.

South Caicos showed similar trends. The report found leg quarters selling for $30, drumsticks reaching $30, eggs priced as high as $30 per tray, diapers at $27.50, rice at $26, and bottled water climbing to $27.50.

Meanwhile, Grand Turk residents faced their own premium prices, including shredded cheddar cheese at $27.99, bottled water at $20, cooking oil approaching $10, and rice products exceeding $16 per package.

The Department identifies the two lowest prices for each item in green and the two highest prices in red, making it easier for consumers to compare costs and shop strategically.

Providenciales supermarkets continued to dominate the low-price category, with Graceway Smart, Graceway IGA, GK Retail, GK Wholesale, Sunny Foods and other major retailers frequently appearing among the lowest-cost options.

The findings underscore a challenge long familiar to residents: transportation costs, shipping logistics and island geography continue to influence the price of food and household goods throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.

For consumers, the lesson from May’s report is straightforward. Comparison shopping remains one of the best tools for saving money, but geography still matters — and often determines how much families ultimately spend to fill their grocery carts.