DDME LAUNCHES 2026 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON WITH CHURCH VISITS

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Tuesday, 16 June 2026: The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) has officially commenced the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season with a series of church visits spanning the length and breadth of the Turks and Caicos Islands, underscoring the department’s commitment to reaching every community through fellowship and preparedness.

The initiative, began on Sunday, 31st May 2026, at Providence Baptist Church on the island of North Caicos. Greetings were brought on behalf of DDME by Ms. Andrea Clare, Community Preparedness Officer for North Caicos.

On Sunday, 7th June 2026, the team worshipped at Abundant Life Ministries Int’l on Providenciales. The Director for DDME, Lt Col (Ret’d) Jason Hills brought greetings on behalf of the department, while Ms. Bernadya Smith, Public Information and Media Manager administered a scripture reading.

Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in South Caicos was the team’s third visit, taking place on Sunday, 14 June 2026. Director Hills brought greetings to the congregation, a scripture reading was read by Ms. Yolande Williams, Community Preparedness Officer for South Caicos and the congregation was ministered through song by Ms. Tamara Hylton, Training and Education Manager.

While addressing the congregations, Director Hills stated, “At DDME we will do our part. We will track the storms, share the alerts and open the shelters when needed. But the truth is the first responders are right here in this room. You are the ones who take food to your neighbours, who pray when the winds rise. You are the ones who help TCI recover every time. So, this season, let us commit together. Let’s be ready for any storm. Not just in June but all season long. Not just with batteries and water but also with faith and community.”

Throughout the month of June, DDME will continue visiting churches across the islands to formally acknowledge the start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season and to engage residents at the community level. These services are more than a formality, they are an opportunity for our communities to come together in faith and to be reminded that preparedness is a shared responsibility that begins long before a storm appears on the horizon.

The public is warmly encouraged to attend upcoming services and DDME Initiatives to take an active role in hurricane awareness and family preparedness. Upcoming event schedule is as follows:

UPCOMING CHURCH SERVICES

Sunday, 21 June 2026 • Church of God of Prophecy, Conch Bar, Middle Caicos | 11:00 AM

Sunday, 28 June 2026 • St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, Grand Turk | 8:30 AM

OTHER UPCOMING HURRICANE SEASON INITIATIVES

Hurricane Preparedness Expo, Grand Turk Dillon Hall – Friday, 19 June 2026| 10:00 am – 2:00

Community Hurricane Scavenger Hunt, Providenciales – 4 July 2026 | Time: TBA

Families are reminded to review their emergency plans, assemble disaster supply kits and stay informed through official channels. For more information on hurricane preparedness and to stay up to date on upcoming events, please follow our official social media pages.

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