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Violence against children persists in Latin America and the Caribbean  

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2 weeks ago

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A new report by PAHO and UNICEF warns of the impact of violence from an early age and calls for strengthening prevention, protection and response from health, education and social protection systems to break the cycle of violence and ensure safe environments.

 

PANAMA CITY / WASHINGTON, D.C., 26 January 2026 – In Latin America and the Caribbean, violence continues to be a serious threat to the lives, health and well-being of millions of children, adolescents and young people, warn the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and UNICEF in a new joint publication, Violence against children and adolescents in Latin America and the Caribbean: New data and solutions.

The most serious consequence of violence is the death of thousands of children, adolescents and young people. Between 2015 and 2022, 53,318 children and adolescents were victims of homicide in the region.

The most recent available data, focusing on adolescents aged 15 to 17 years, show contrasting trends by sex. Between 2021 and 2022, the homicide rate among adolescent boys decreased from 17.63 to 10.68 deaths per 100,000 in Latin America and the Caribbean, although it remains high. During the same period, the rate among female adolescents doubled, from 2.13 to 5.1 deaths per 100,000.

Homicides occur in a context of rising armed violence in some areas of the region, associated with organized crime, easy access to firearms, social inequalities and harmful gender norms, which increasingly expose adolescents to situations of lethal violence.

Different forms of violence are interconnected and, in many cases, intensify over time. The report highlights how violence is present from a very early age. In the region, 6 out of 10 children and adolescents under 14 years of age are subject to some type of violent discipline at home, while one in four adolescents aged 13 to 17 experiences bullying at school. Nearly one in five women in Latin America and the Caribbean report having experienced sexual violence before the age of 18. Increasingly, violence manifests itself in digital environments, although available data remains limited.

“Every day, millions of children in Latin America and the Caribbean are exposed to violence – at home, at school and in communities with a gang presence. Multiple places and situations in the region present real risks and dangers for children,” said Roberto Benes, UNICEF Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. “We know how to end the violence. In Latin America and the Caribbean, strong and sustained public policies are required to prevent and respond to violence in all its forms so that every child can grow up in a safe environment.”

“Violence has a profound and lasting impact on the physical and mental health of children and adolescents and violates their right to grow up in safe environments, at home, school and in the community,” said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO. “Health services play a key role in prevention and response: when health workers identify people and groups at risk early and provide timely, quality support, they can make a real difference for survivors, their families and communities.”

In addition to describing the scale of the problem, the report highlights evidence-based solutions that can prevent violence and mitigate its costs.

To advance this agenda and end violence in all its forms, PAHO and UNICEF urge governments in the region to strengthen and enforce child protection laws, ensure effective control of firearms, train police officers, teachers, and health and social workers, support parents and caregivers in respectful parenting practices, invest in safe learning environments, and scale up responsive services to ensure that all children and adolescents grow up protected, have access to justice, and live healthy, violence-free lives.

The report was validated during a regional ministerial consultation held on 23-24 October 2025, which brought together more than 300 participants from across the region, including ministers and senior officials from the health, education, justice and child protection sectors, as well as civil society representatives, youth leaders and international partners, with the aim of agreeing on concrete actions to build safer environments for children and adolescents.

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The Department of Trade, Industry & Fair Competition to Host Export Readiness Workshop Under the theme “Empowering TCI Businesses for Local Growth and Global Markets.”

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6 hours ago

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February 12, 2026

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, February 12, 2026 — The Department of Trade is pleased to announce the launch of its Export Readiness Workshop Series, a key component of its Trade Technical Assistance Programme.

This workshop series will address priority areas critical to small business development in the Turks and Caicos Islands, offering practical guidance and hands-on support in the following areas:

  1. Standards and Quality – Identification of and compliance with regulatory and market requirements
  2. E-Commerce and Digital Trade – Expanding access to regional and international markets

The workshops will be held February 24–27, 2026 and will be delivered in an in-person, interactive format.  Each session is tailored to specific business sectors to ensure targeted support and practical application.

  1.  Workshop 1 – February 24, 2026 | Agricultural Activities and Light Manufacturing (Food & Beverage)
  2.  Workshop 2 – February 25, 2026 | Light Manufacturing (Arts & Crafts)
  3.  Workshop 3 – February 26, 2026 | Light Manufacturing (Clothing, Jewelry & Apparel Accessories)
  4.  Workshop 4 – February 27, 2026 | Light Manufacturing (Cosmetics & Skin Care)

Entrepreneurs and business owners are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their operational capacity, improve export readiness and position their businesses for sustainable growth.

To register, please complete the registration form via the following link Capacity Building & Export Readiness Workshop – Fill out form

For more information, please contact the Department of Trade, Industry and Fair Competition.

☎️Phone: (649) 338-3703

Email: tradetci@gov.tc

Stay updated on announcements by following @tcidepartmentoftrade on Facebook, Instagram, and @MadeInTCI on   TikTok

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Invest TCI Launches Fisheries Pilot to Strengthen the Local Fishing Industry

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3 weeks ago

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January 22, 2026

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 22nd January 2026: Invest Turks and Caicos has officially launched its

A man pulling in a fishing net with a successful catch

Fisheries Pilot Programme, an initiative designed to transform local fishing from a subsistence activity into a sustainable, growth-oriented business sector. The pilot supports 18 fisherfolk across the islands, providing each with funding of up to $50,000 to purchase vessels, engines, fishing gear, and other essential equipment. In addition to financial assistance, each participant receives business coaching and technical support to help them establish recordkeeping systems and strengthen their financial management.

The programme, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Fisheries, and Marine Affairs, was created in

response to the increasing number of fishing-related applications under the MSME Programme. To address this surge and support the development of the sector, in FY 2024/2025 Cabinet approved $1 million in special funding dedicated specifically to commercial fishing activities.

The initiative officially kicked off in South Caicos on the 9th October 2025, where Invest TCI’s VP of SME Development, Alexa Cooper, and Business Advisor/Programme Manager, Lashena Simmons, joined by Director of Fisheries Mr. Ponteen and Dr. Alvarez, engaged participants in a roundtable discussion on progress, challenges, and next steps.

“This Fisheries Pilot is about helping our local fisherfolk move from survival to sustainability. Through our partnership with the Ministry, we are providing not only equipment and funding, but the business support needed to help them grow strong, viable enterprises. The island meetings ensure that participants remain supported and on track as the programme continues.” – Alexa Cooper, VP of SME Development, Invest Turks and Caicos.

“I know firsthand how important this industry is to our future, not only environmentally, but in how it provides for local families and sustains entire communities. This Fisheries Pilot is about giving our fisherfolk the tools to operate more efficiently, earn more from their work, and build businesses that can last. Through this partnership with Invest Turks and Caicos, we are strengthening food security while ensuring the sector grows in a responsible and sustainable way.” – Hon. Zhavargo Jolly- Minister of Tourism, Environment, Fisheries and Marine Affairs.

Meetings will continue across the islands, with upcoming sessions planned for Grand Turk and Providenciales in February. Through this pilot, Invest TCI aims to build a model for future sectoral support, ensuring that local fisherfolk can operate more efficiently, profitably, and sustainably while contributing to national food security and economic resilience.

Yellowtail snapper.

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Invest TCI Warns Public of Fraudsters Impersonating the Agency

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4 weeks ago

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January 19, 2026

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 19th January 2026: Invest Turks and Caicos (Invest TCI) is warning the public about fraudulent social media accounts that are impersonating the agency through the unauthorized use of Invest TCI’s name, images, videos, and branding.

Invest TCI does not endorse, promote, or facilitate trading platforms, cryptocurrency investments, or any scheme promising quick or guaranteed financial returns. Any individual or entity making such claims while purporting to represent Invest TCI is acting fraudulently.

The agency urges the public, investors, and business stakeholders to remain vigilant and exercise caution when engaging with unsolicited communications or online investment opportunities.

What Is Impersonation Fraud?

Impersonation fraud occurs when criminals falsely present themselves as a trusted organization or official to deceive individuals into providing personal information, financial details, or payments. In these cases, fraudsters are deliberately misrepresenting themselves as Invest TCI to create a false sense of legitimacy.

How to Identify Fraudulent Invest TCI Accounts

  • Members of the public are advised to be alert to the following warning signs:
  • Unsolicited messages offering investment opportunities, trading advice, or rapid financial returns
  • Requests for personal, banking, or identification information via social media, messaging apps, or email
  • Accounts using Invest TCI logos, photos, or videos but operating from unofficial profiles or directing users to external websites (eg. Spacexsafe). Invest TCI has only one website:  http://investturksandcaicos.tc
  • Messages that urge immediate action, secrecy, or pressure to transfer funds

Invest TCI communicates only through its official website and social channels and will never request payments or sensitive financial information through social media or messaging platforms.

The agency is only located in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Reporting Suspicious Activity

Anyone who encounters suspected impersonation or fraudulent activity is encouraged to report it immediately to:

The agency continues to work diligently to identify, report, and address impersonation threats and other forms of fraud as they arise.

For verified information about Invest TCI and its services, visit www.investturksandcaicos.tc

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